Well, dear readers, I had a fun evening last night seeing a screening of Bye Bye Birdie at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. First I supped with Mr. David Wechter, his son Zach, and friend Steve. We went to Kate Mantilini’s where we had some very ordinary food. I was a good boy and had the double chicken breast (actually very small) and a salad. Then we walked to the Academy and entered the building, where we were promptly greeted by a sign that said “No firearms allowed.” Say what? They’re really concerned that people are bringing firearms to a screening of Bye Bye Birdie? We were all then asked to empty our pockets into a plastic thing like at the airport. I was actually quite irked by this and especially when some little twerp actually picked up my keys and examined the little thing that is my car key (you know, the electronic thing). I looked at him in disbelief and said, “Excuse me for living, but why are you looking at that like that? Do you think it’s a bomb or a detonator? Do you see the word INFINITI on it? Get real.” He didn’t respond, and I took my stuff and put it in my pocket, but it’s the last time I’m going to anything there, because I just have a little problem with people behaving like we’re in a police state.
We then entered the theater and found good center seats. I was instantly disappointed to find we would be viewing a digital copy of the film, digitally projected. I don’t care what people tell me, how much they try to make me believe that digital projection is every bit as good or better than film. The problem with that theory is that I, you know, have eyes. I see great FILM projection at the DGA all the time. I know what it looks like. Then I see digital projection and it’s dim, weird looking, and I don’t like it. We had an hour to show time, and while we sat there they were showing costume tests and rehearsal footage from the film, and that was fun. Then critic Stephen Farber introduced the film. Why anyone would have this guy introduce anything is anyone’s guess. He is a terrible speaker, he had nothing really interesting to say and said it poorly. And he would be the moderator of the discussion after the film. The place was completely sold out.
The film began and while I think it will make a splendidly splendid Blu and Ray, it did not look so hot in digital projection – too dim, too contrasty, and too lifeless. The audience applauded for every musical number. The film, which is often maligned because it veers so far from the stage show, actually is a good deal of fun. I loved it when it first came out, even though I knew parts of it were a bit lacking, even back then. But what fun to see it with a full house – every line Paul Lynde spoke got a huge laugh. And the slapstick at the end with the ballet has always worked with an audience and so it did last night. And I must say from the very first shot of Miss Ann-Margret, you know you are watching a star. She is iconic in this film. Maureen Stapleton is a hoot and I, for one, think Jesse Pearson is a GREAT Birdie (he did the national tour). Those who’ve read Kritzer Time know that I knew three gals in the ensemble (two were in my high school drama class and one was in the acting class I attended just before starting high school). So, I always enjoy seeing them. And as many times as I’ve seen this film, it’s the first time I realized that Harvey Johnson is played by Pete Menefee, a wonderful dancer (he’s all over Got A Lot Of Livin’ To Do – also the first time I realized THAT), who was also a chimney sweep in Mary Poppins. He eventually changed careers and became a costume designer, and those who’ve read my memoir know he did the costumes for the play I did at the Mark Taper Forum. I see him all the time (his partner is Tom Hatten), and we always have a nice chat.
After the film, Mr. Farber introduced Miss Ann-Margret and Mr. Bobby Rydell. Miss Ann-Margret looks amazing at seventy. Mr. Rydell is a little worse for wear but still looks okay. But Mr. Farber was a horrible moderator, asked really basic questions, didn’t do his homework, and thank goodness both Ann-Margret and Bobby Rydell could hold their own without him. After that, I ran into Richard Sherman and his ever-lovin’ wife in the lobby and we had a really nice chat. I saw a few other folks I knew, including our very own Mr. Nick Redman and his beautiful daughter Rebecca, who will soon be going off to college, which is just unbelievable.
Prior to all that, I’d gotten a very good night’s sleep. I then got word that the tapes to The Fantasticks were ready for pickup. I had to put two very heavy boxes of tapes into the car to return, and I almost completely threw my back out lifting the first of them, which must have weighed over seventy pounds. I drove to the vault and thankfully the nice fellow there retrieved the boxes from my car. And thankfully it was much easier dealing with the much lighter Fantasticks tapes. I then came home and looked through the tapes, and I’m afraid they’re not what I was hoping for. That said, I’m going to take three reels in to hear, and maybe somehow those reels have something I can use on them. We shall see. I’ve also asked Harvey Schmidt if he was ever sent a mixdown on CD – if he was, I could conceivably use that.
I then did a mile and a half jog, picked up a package and a bill, did errands and whatnot, and did some work on the computer, after which it was time to be on my way to the Hills of Beverly. The rest you know.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because I must take my aching back and try to get some beauty sleep.
Today, I have some errands and whatnot to do, some liner notes to begin, a show order to figure out, some packages to hopefully pick up, a jog to be done, some food to be eaten, and then I’m seeing God Of Carnage with its rather stellar cast of players. I will, of course, have a full report.
Tomorrow, I’m not quite sure what’s going on yet, but whatever it is, I shall finish liner notes, I shall finish doing the show order, and then we have our second rehearsal for the Gardenia show, which will go until about seven. Saturday I’m supping at Ruth’s Chris steakhouse and really looking forward to it. Something is going on on Sunday but I can’t really remember what it is.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, jog, do errands and whatnot, hopefully pick up packages, begin liner notes, figure out a show order, eat, and see a play. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your all-time favorite Ann-Margret films? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland.