PartyLines- photographs by Patrick McMullan

In the play, someone receives a shot seagull as a gift. What’s the weirdest gift you’ve ever received? “Somebody’s toenail when I was a teenager. In an envelope!” —Kristin Scott Thomas (GETTY IMAGES)

—Sam Rockwell

The vice-presidential debate coincides with opening night. You missed Palin vs. Biden! “I had a dream last night that my friend was moderating the debate and that he declared Sarah Palin the winner. I was so angry with him.” —Zoe Kazan (GETTY IMAGES)

—Maggie Gyllenhaal

What’s the strangest gift you’ve ever received? “A Ping-Pong robot. You hit the ball to it. It hits a ball to you. I gave it to myself.” —Peter Sarsgaard (GETTY IMAGES)

—Maureen Van Zandt

Are you excited to play the Super Bowl with Bruce Springsteen? “It's probably almost as good as the Stone Pony.” —Steve Van Zandt

—Forbes March

What’s the strangest gift you’ve given or received? “I don't think I get a lot of gifts. People don't like me much.” —Paul Dano (GETTY IMAGES)

The Seagull is three hours long. Is it tough to get through? “I did a play last year that was nine hours long! If people are going to watch me in that, I think I can handle three hours.” —David Harbour

—Harvey Weinstein

Has anyone given you strange gifts? “I got a cannonball once, from my sister, when I was doing Pirates of the Caribbean.” —Mackenzie Crook (GETTY IMAGES)

—Christopher Hampton

What do you think about Sarah Palin? “It's like she's a kid, they gave her skates, put her on the ice, and she didn't know anything.” —Olympia Dukakis

—Josh Hamilton

You’re working on an opera about Walt Disney. Will you reference any of the Disney scores? “I don't think the Disney people will let me do anything. They might not be so happy.” —Philip Glass

—Rob Ashford

What’s the strangest gift you’ve ever received? “Somebody gave me a rifle once. I gave it to the continuity lady who was eight months pregnant. She was very happy to have it. So that was a little terrifying.” —Julian Gamble (GETTY IMAGES)