See what The Love Boat cast looks like now as they enjoy a mini-reunion in New York City

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The Love Boat cast members enjoyed a mini-reunion on Tuesday in New York City. 

The team preparing for another cruise in November gathered for a unique event – the off-Broadway premiere of Lady Patriot, penned by actor Ted Lange himself.

77-year-old Lange, known for his role as Isaac the bartender from 1977-1987, penned and staged a drama centered around the pursuit of a spy in the Confederate White House during the U.S. Civil War.

As a devoted follower, I find myself proudly stepping into the shoes of Jill Whelan, a 58-year-old actress who portrayed Vicki Stubing, the daughter of the legendary Captain Stubing played by Gavin MacLeod. In this captivating production, I stand alongside Fred Grandy, an equally iconic figure at 77 years old, who brought the beloved character, the ship’s purser, to life on screen, and the ever-popular Burl “Gopher” Smith.

In the audience was Bernie Koppel, 92, who starred as Dr. Adam Bricker. 

As a devoted fan, I gleefully posted a group photo of our Loveboat cast on my Instagram Stories, proudly acknowledging that Bernie Koppel graced us with his presence, having flown in to support his fellow actors! I was thrilled to tag some esteemed members of the Lady Patriot cast: Josie DiVincenzo, Count Stovall, Derek Emerson Powell, Gordon Goodman, and Chrystee Pharris.

In “Lady Patriot”, events unfold during a period where clandestine information from the heart of the Confederacy is being exposed to the Union, causing them to hunt down the culprit behind these leaks.

The narrative centers around three notable figures of that era: Varina Davis, who was married to the Confederate president Jefferson Davis; Union supporter Elizabeth Van Lew; and the emancipated Mary Bowser.

Lange said he was inspired to write the play after reading a book about Van Lew. 

He shared that he discovered the tale of Mary Bowser, a Black slave who spied for the Union, and also delved into the struggles of Varina Davis, the Confederate first lady. In this blending of narratives, he came to understand that he was crafting a story about the patriotism of three distinct perspectives.

In a conversation, Lange shared that he enjoys collaborating with his fellow Love Boat cast members, Jill and Fred. He mentioned they share a creative spark, making it delightful to witness their passion for theater unfold on stage.

In May, Whelan told People that it’s particularly meaningful for him because he’s collaborating with them as a grown-up instead of when he was just a child.

We truly cherish being around one another, appreciating not just our companionship, but also our intellectual exchanges – whether naturally gifted or learned along the way. What binds us most, though, is our shared humor, something we all appreciate deeply. We’ve grown to know each other exceptionally well, and when we collaborate, there’s a unique understanding that feels incredibly fulfilling.

Fans can see Lady Patriot in Theater Five at Off-Broadway’s Theater Row through September 20. 

After the end of “The Love Boat,” Lange has penned over two dozen plays, one of which is “Four Queens – No Trump” that clinched the NAACP’s Best Play award.

He scripted and starred in the 2008 television series Players at the Poker Palace. 

Lady Patriot concludes his historical trilogy, comprising George Washington’s Boy, a fact-based story about an enslaved valet to the first American President, and The Journals of Osborne P. Anderson, which tells the tale of the sole survivor of the notorious Harper’s Ferry raid.

The Love Boat embarked on its maiden voyage in 1977, captivating audiences for ten years with romantic journeys across the ocean.

The show received five Emmy nominations and eight Golden Globe nominations.

It won a People’s Choice award in 1978. 

Lange, along with his fellow actors, are scheduled to reunite in November for the Princess Cruises’ Love Boat Reunion Celebration.

During a week-long voyage, the ship sets sail from Galveston, Texas, making multiple stops at different Mexican ports along the way.

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2025-09-12 20:18