Well, dear readers, I must write these here notes in a hurry for she of the Evil Eye will be here both bright and early and early and bright and it’s already after one in the morning and I can barely keep my eyes open. So, let me just say that yesterday was a rather nice day. Like Old Man River, it just kept rolling along. I got up rather late, because apparently I needed a great night’s sleep. I then did work on the computer, answered e-mails, did some errands and whatnot, picked up one package and no important envelope, did a mile and a half jog, and a few more things on the computer. Then it was time to mosey on out to Cabrillo Music Theater’s production of Happy Days, The Musical. There was a pre-show partay and that was a lot of fun. Sam Bobrick and his ever-lovin’ Julie were there, and it’s always fun to see them. Also at our table was Arnold Margolin, who actually worked on the original Happy Days episode that aired on Love, American Style. Garry Marshall, his sister, wife, daughter, and several other relatives were there, as was composer/lyricist Paul Williams. Scott Baio was also there, as was Cathy Silvers (Phil’s daughter). So, there were three people in the room that had actually done episodes of the show, although only two were pointed out, if you get my meaning and I know you do. Garry had some lovely things to say about Tom Bosley, which was very nice. The room (upstairs in the theater) was decorated like a malt shop, and they had nice foodstuffs, although I ate very little. Barry Pearl (who associate-produced the show) was there with his ever-lovin’ Cindy, and his good friend Kenny Morse. Fred Willard and his lovely wife were also there. I just sort of hung close to the table and didn’t really mingle, as I don’t mingle all that well. The partay lasted about two hours, and then we all moseyed down to our seats. There was a pre-show speech before the show, and Garry once again said a few words. And then it was show time.
I last saw this show when Mr. Barry Pearl was playing Arnold at the La Mirada Theater, which is where the kick-off of the tour played. I found it an odd show then – it seemed not to be about the right things and, for me, the biggest problem was Richie Cunningham – in the TV show, Ron Howard was the heart and soul of the show. In the musical, it’s the Fonzie show. One can understand why they went that route, but keeping Richie in the background is a mistake. He should, in fact, be driving the show. They don’t have to change the plot or anything, they just need Richie to be the driver. He opens the show with some narration, then immediately fades into the background and is not seen again for quite some time, and when he is seen he’s never the driver and always in the background. Well, nothing has changed – it’s the exact same show with, again for me, the exact same problems. And here, Richie is literally kept upstage for almost the whole show. I will say that Garry Marshall is a very funny man – he could be funny reading the phone book – he could be funny in his sleep – so it’s more than a little surprising how unfunny this show is. Few of the jokes really land and it’s just so odd. Even in his little speech, Garry was hilarious. Just telling the story of why he called Paul Williams to do the score (I’ve always had good luck with Williams – Anson Williams, Cindy Williams, Robin Williams”). But none of it really matters – the audience had a very good time, the cast worked hard, and the choreography in this production was far superior to the tour choreography. The Ralph Malph and Joanie were terrific, as was the gal who played Richie’s girlfriend (although until the very end of the show she literally has nothing to do – but she gets one great moment at the end and this actress made the most out of it). In fact, she reminded me very much of Alet Taylor when Alet Taylor was Alet Oury and I first discovered her. I may invite this gal to come audition for one of our Gardenia shows. Derrick Keeling made a good Fonz, and Misty Cotton was her usual talented self. The guy who played Mr. C was also very good. The set, I think, was the tour set.
After the show, I got dragged back to the green room. After forty years in the business I still find going backstage to be so awkward – I just get weird about it and end up standing by myself, not talking to anyone unless someone introduces me to someone. Then I went to the after-party at Brent’s. I was starving, so it was good to eat a turkey sandwich, some cole slaw and a pickle. I met a few of the cast, chatted with Derrick and his ever-lovin’ Brandi Burkhart, Misty, and a few others. All in all, it was a fun evening.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because I really must try and get some beauty sleep.
Today, she of the Evil Eye will be here, so I have to leave and do things, after which I will hopefully pick up a few more packages and hopefully the important envelope. Then I’ll be supping with friend Debby and her daughter Olivia. The latter will be unveiling her new painting, which I’m very anxious to see – this kid is a major talent.
Tomorrow, I think is completely free, so other than maybe starting some liner notes, I’ll just relax and watch motion pictures all the livelong day and evening. I need to relax, because the upcoming week is really busy with stuff to do every day and every night.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, leave, do errands and whatnot, pick up packages and mail, do a jog, and then sup and see a new painting. Today’s topic of discussion: Deli food – what are your favorite deli foods? What’s the best deli you’ve ever eaten and what did you have and why was it so good? I’ll start – Langer’s – the best pastrami anywhere – extra lean, hot, tantalizingly tantalizing flavor, melt-in-your-mouth amazing pastrami. I have it with cole slaw and Russian dressing. Also, Langers has the best potato pancakes anywhere, along with decent kishka (best kiska is Nate ‘n’ Al’s) and great chopped liver. I must go soon. Your turn. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, as I hit the road to dreamland.