haines his way
 
Donate Column Archives live chat ask bruce
the broadway radio show juliana's journal interview section
first nudie musical stuff the unseemly photo album the kritzer novels
 
  even more unseemly linkage  
hijinks design  
 

03/19/2002:
"FACTUAL INFORMATION"

Photo of Bruce Kimmel

bk's notes II

Well, dear readers, it is Tuesday. This is the kind of factual information you find here at haineshisway.com that makes this site indespensible. I'm very proud of the factual information we dispense here at haineshisway.com. For example, did you know it was Tuesday? I feel it's very important, ultra-important to dispense factual information because people do use our handy-dandy Unseemly Search Button and it would be unseemly if we didn't have factual information on the topics that people are searching. Why, just yesterday, someone came to this here site and searched for car dealerships. They got very frustrated because there was no factual information on car dealerships. Then they searched "Oldsmobile". And wouldn't you know, there was no factual information on Oldsmobiles here. Well, that is wholly unacceptable on the face of it. It is also wholly unacceptable on the arm of it, and perhaps even on the butt cheek of it. I feel I have been derelict in my duty in terms of writing about car dealerships, don't you, dear readers? Oh, yes, I have been derelict and there are no two or even three ways about it. So, to make up for that, I will this very day tell you that the car dealership that I go to to have my car serviced is located in Van Nuys. Now that is the kind of factual information that we need on this here site and I am glad to have provided it. I do hope that everyone who is searching, searching, searching (that is three searchings) for factual information, will find just what they are looking for, if you get my drift. I hope you get my drift because, frankly, my drift can be obtuse at times. My drift can be oblique and outre.

My goodness, that was a long paragraph about absolutely nothing whatsoever. However, it is chockful of factual information, so there you are.

My goodness, that was a short paragraph about absolutely nothing whatsoever, which just goes to show that there is a certain consistency here at haineshisway.com.

Well, I feel it is time to impart some factual information, don't you, dear readers? I feel it is time to click on that idiotic Unseemly Button below. How is that for factual information?

There is a wonderful new magazine devoted strictly to illustration art (the type of art I collect), called Illustration. They have many lovely photographs of illustration art (the type of art I collect) and do articles on the masters of the form. Thus far there have been two issues and they have both been superb. Issue One had a large article about James Avati, who painted some of the most memorable classic paperback covers ever. The second issue had a nice article about Norman Saunders, who did many covers for the pulps and paperbacks. I mention this because I had a call from the editor of the magazine. It seems that in the upcoming issue three they are doing an article on the great Robert Maguire, who also created many memorable paperback covers from the fifties and sixties. The editor had heard that I had a great Maguire painting used on the cover of a 1960 Dell paperback. He has asked me to get a transparency shot of it and it is going to appear in the magazine. Isn't that exciting? And it will say "From the collection of ME". Now I shall be famous in art circles. Perhaps I will also be famous in art squares and rectangles, as well. I will be admired and thought a person of taste, Robert Maguire-wise, and people will ooh and aah and eat cheese slices and ham chunks. If you're at all interested in illustration art, pick up a copy of the magazine - I know they carry it at Tower, and I'm sure most of the major newstands.

Well, it is time to reveal the answer to our handy-dandy trivia contest question, and to reveal our Highest Winner. Several people got half the question right, but only one dear reader got both parts correct. The question was:

When I was in high school I saw a musical entitled Stop the World, I Want to Get Off here in Los Angeles, at the Huntington Hartford Theater on Vine St. I loved it so much, that I went back again and again. On the road, the show starred Mr. Joel Grey and Miss Julie Newmar, who were both wonderful in it. On Broadway, of course (and in its original London production), it starred Mr. Anthony Newley and Miss Anna Quayle. Two rather interesting people were stand-bys to Mr. Newley on Broadway and Mr. Grey on the road. Mr. Newley's stand-by had already played a starring role in a classic musical, would go on to do several other musicals, and also create what would be his most well-known role, which was, ironically, not in a musical. Mr. Grey's stand-by would go on to have another connection to Mr. Grey, as well as appearing in another incredibly successful show. Name the two stand-bys.

Arnold M. Brockman, Jeff Kauffman and Hapgood all got half the answer correct. But only William E. Lurie got the entire answer correct and therefore William E. Lurie is our Highest Winner and will be receiving a handy-dandy prize of great importance. And the answer is:

The standby to Mr. Newley was Mr. Kenneth Nelson, who had already starred in the original cast of The Fantasticks, and who would go on to star in the flop musical, Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentleman and who would then go on to create the leading role in both stage and film versions of The Boys in the Band.
The standby to Mr. Grey was Mr. Barry Dennen. His other connection to Mr. Grey is that Mr. Dennen would create the role of the Emcee in Cabaret in London. Mr. Dennen also appeared in Jesus Christ, Superstar.

I'm still not finished watching the very long Me and My Shadows: The Story of Judy Garland, but I can tell you that Miss Judy Davis is extraordinary as Miss Judy Garland. She is uncanny in her ability to capture the essence of Judy Garland, and at times it is downright frightening how she looks and sounds like her. The film continues to use the Reader's Digest approach to biography - everything in big, broad strokes. Then, weirdly, they will suddenly stop everything and recreate something like The Man That Got Away almost in its entirety. I wish there were less of that and more story.

My goodness, these notes are filled with factual information. Have I mentioned, for example, that I have a knot in my neck? I have had said knot in my neck for over two weeks and I think it's time to have my handy-dandy masseusse come over her, because I do not want this knot in my neck anymore. Or should that be I do knot want this not in my kneck anymore? Why do some "nots" have an "n" and some "knots" have a "k"? Why do some necks have knots and some necks not have knots? In any case, my neck has a knot and said knot is bugging me.

Well, dear readers, I feel we have all had enough factual information for one day. I feel I must go do the things that I must do. Last week I totally forgot to have an Ask Bruce day (which we'd established the week before as a once-a-week affair). So, that will be today's topic of discussion: Ask Bruce anything you like about anything and Bruce will answer said questions honestly and in a forthright (or, perhaps even forthleft) manner. Now is your chance to ask those questions you've always wanted to ask. No holds barred. No barred holds. Barred holds no. Ask away, and tomorrow I shall provide the answers.

- Bruce Kimmel



Replies: 13 Unseemly Comments


Donald, this week's radio show is FABULOUS. There is, of course, the thrill of hearing Bruce clear his throat, and be witty, and clear his throat some more. And Lisa Richard is charming and has a lovely singing voice. Her speaking voice sounds just like Marcia Strassman (Mrs. Kotter). Just an observation. I always kind of liked Mrs. Kotter, and wondered how on earth a yutz like Mr. Kotter snared her. Perhaps some sort of potion was involved.

Anyway, it was loads of fun and I wanted to say kudos! Kudos to you, sir, though I admit I am shocked and dismayed to learn that you once had the temerity to spill red punch all over your hosts' nice white carpet. Twice! I hope you understand now why all good society shuns you. Guess that's why you're stuck with us. Ham chunks and cheese slices don't make quite such a mess, though Diet Coke can be quite nasty, especially on a Berber.

Posted by Lulu @ 03/19/2002 09:35 AM PST


All right. Continuing right along with the car/car dealership/oldsmobile topic of discussion, What Kind of Car DO You Drive, Mr. Kimmel?

Now let's just see if there will be any questions that even approach THAT ONE as the Most Interesting.

;)

Posted by Lolita @ 03/19/2002 09:57 AM PST


And it was just on the tip of my tongue.

Oh yes, my question for Bruce. I pored over the guest list of Liza's wedding and didn't see you anywhere in amongst the Liz's and Michaels (name two of each, please).

Now there are only two possibilities. Either you are snubbing Liza--which is hardly the sort of rudeness I would expect from you (I expect a much more creative type of rudeness); or else Liza is snubbing you.

I suggest that, the next time she comes on bended knee to ask you to produce her new album, you simply laugh in her face with an arch gesture.

Now that I got that off my chest, I am going to check the tip of my tongue to see what else got stuck there.

I guess I'd better check my chest, too.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/19/2002 11:02 AM PST


William, do you think that Liza failed to invite him because he put up a fuss at the idea of schlepping all the way to Tiffany's to get her a wedding present?

Not that I know for a *fact* that Bruce balked at this, but you know, for a flighty artistic type, he can be downright prosaic sometimes. Who knows? Maybe he felt funny purchasing crystal goblets or diamond and platinum telephone dialers to be tucked into the Hope Chest of these two crazy kids in love. And please feel free to insert your own amusing comment about Liza Minnelli's Hope Chest here:

Then again, maybe Liz insisted that if Bruce was on the wedding list, she wouldn't come. After all, he might have brought Guy along, and Liz has been trying to forget what happened between them for simply decades, now.

Anyway, I think it's a real shame, and just hope that there's no brooding going on because of it.

Posted by Lulu @ 03/19/2002 11:28 AM PST


Oh you people, you people--didn't you read Bruce's notes yesterday? The reason for Liza snubbing him is all too clear--he and Lorna were an "item," and you know there's nothing uglier than sibling rivalry of the female persuasion. In fact, it's patently (or maybe leatherly) obvious to me that Liza's frequent trips down the aisle have simply been her lame attempt to get Bruce's attention--how passive aggressive, or even aggressive passive, can you get?

So my question for Bruce is--did you ever go "over the rainbow" with Lorna? Get your minds out of the gutter and/or downspout people--I mean, did you ever sing showtunes with her? (Whew, got out of that one handily, eh?)

Posted by JMK @ 03/19/2002 12:11 PM PST


bk-
In all of the history of recorded Broadway or Off-Broadway Musicals which show would you have hotly desired to have produced? And what are your reasons for this desire?

Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 03/19/2002 12:29 PM PST


Bruce.. you will probably use my name as a curse for asking this..but here goes..

You get to produce your dream cd. The CD is 15 tracks. You can pick any song from any show and have anyone (or duet, trio, etc) record each track. What are your 15 tracks and who are the artists. And what would you call this Dream project..

oh.. that and since we can ask any question.. what is your favorite variety of M&M... not color.. but "flavor"...

Posted by Craig @ 03/19/2002 01:10 PM PST


By gosh and by gum, JMK! You're right! I'd forgotten about that sly reference to Lorna in yesterday's notes. This makes perfect sense! Liza's rocky romantic life, Lorna's inability to step out from beneath Mom's long shadow...it's all due to Bruce "Love 'em and Leave 'em" Kimmel!

We all know that without Bruce's love, it's a honky tonk parade. Without his love, it's a melody played in a penny arcade. And yet these two brave ladies struggle on, trying to rebuild their lives that must now seem so empty and bleak. And all this time I've been smugly derisive of these stalwart survivors, never guessing the truth. All I can say is, keep fighting the good fight, L & L. I'm behind you all the way.

Posted by Lulu @ 03/19/2002 01:20 PM PST


A few questions:
What is your age?
Are you ever planning to direct another movie?
What is our opinion of Grease (both musical and movie)?
What is your opinion of this year's theatre season?
How and why are you so multitalented?
At long last, sir, have you no decency? (Oh, I'm sorry, that's my question for Joseph McCarthy.)

Posted by Hapgood @ 03/19/2002 01:38 PM PST


Here's my question for Bruce. Why is it that old fat women are so fond of wearing leopard spots?

Posted by Sandra @ 03/19/2002 02:01 PM PST


Here's my question: What musical instruments do you play?

Posted by Laura @ 03/19/2002 09:58 PM PST


Well, I have to admit that as a youngster I always thought Mrs. Kotter was pretty darn cool, so I am infinitely flattered. But please, Lulu, keep in mind that we are trying to dispel the rumor that it was Donald with the punch.

Wait. Better idea. Let's continue to foster the story that it WAS Donald. It can be the first HainesHisWay urban legend.

Posted by Lisa Richard @ 03/20/2002 12:13 AM PST


An article in the Press Telegram of Long Beach announced today that Jason Graae will be appearing at Cal State Long Beach's Club Carpenter, with dinner and show in an intimate and swank setting, for just $40. Sounds good to me. I've always liked having my tummy sated along with my ears. (Although, I'm wondering if a swank setting is designed by Hillary S. or someone else.) The article also claims that Graae has recorded more than 25 records. So, out of curiosity, Bruce, which of Jason's records have you produced, and which not?

Oh, almost forgot. The two shows are this Wednesday and Thursday, with the buffet at 6 o'clock, followed by the show starting at 7. Cabaret seating at the Carpenter Center on the CSULB campus. For tickets and more info call (562) 985-7000.

Posted by SWoodyWhite @ 03/20/2002 12:49 AM PST





Ask BK: Got a question? Ask Bruce Kimmel...


   © Copyright 2001-2003 Bruce Kimmel.
All Rights Reserved. Site design by hijinks design.