Replies: 48 Unseemly Comments
Hainsies/Kimlet Smoochies?
These exist?
I think you ought to invite Ms. Spence to become a regular here so she can be indoctrinated into the joy that is bitch-slapping!!
That should take her children's theater lingo to a new level!!!
: )
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/10/2002 09:45 AM PST
What a charming and wonderful letter! Congrats Mr. BK on being such a positive influence on someone. Your mother would be proud.
Ugh, it's a long, difficult day at work. Vacations spoil you for the real world because you have to come back to work after you're done! Even if you like your job (which I do), the re-adjustment can be trying.
So, since it's Ask BK day, my question is short and simple. Mr. BK, any more information on your impending publicity trip to Footlight Records in New York? We East Coast New York Hainsies/Kimlets must be prepared to greet and pay homage to our fearless leader. My pen is ready and my calendar awaits the date.
Posted by Ben @ 07/10/2002 10:56 AM PST
QUESTION TO MR. BK: To quote Ms. Rosalind Russell in "Wonderful Town"...What do you think of the USA, NRA, TVA? What do you think of our Mother's Day? (More to come in future Ask BK days).
COMMENT: I'm assuming you got some expert advice before you chose AOL. My ISP is Earthlink. There's really been only one time that I needed some help and they stuck with me until it was solved. I'm certainly no expert, but from my limited experience, I'd recommend them. Also, I believe somewhere on the web there's a site that allows people to post their comments about the different services and that can be helpful when making "techie" decisions.
RACHEL'S LETTER: Lovely letter. Since joining the Hainsies and Kimlets, I've also found myself recalling my past. I know it's a result of your daily posts that awakens these memories in me and I understand her sentiments exactly. So...another THANK YOU from the bottom (also the top) of my heart!
Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 07/10/2002 11:26 AM PST
Question for either BK or whomever... I can't find the CD of YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT listed at Footlight.Com. Is the one mentioned yesterday an import? What label is it on? Who is selling it?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 07/10/2002 12:40 PM PST
There's no whomever. All questions are for ME and I will answer all questions because I am ME and I will answer them all in my fashion (calypso pants and a tye-died shirt).
Now, what is this four posts stuff?
Posted by bk @ 07/10/2002 12:47 PM PST
For once I have a real live question prepared and ready to go.
What exactly is the page limit for a novella?
Okay, now I'll be winging it, as they say.
If you did write that mystery novel, what would it be about?
What are your favorite kinds of M&Ms?
What time period would you live in other than now?
What color are your suitcases?
Well, I think that's really all that I need to know for today (or tomorrow, rather)
By the way, welcome, welcome, Rachel Spence!
Posted by Lolita @ 07/10/2002 12:56 PM PST
Well, I've snooped around various sites -- both here and in the UK -- and the only hits that "Young Girls of Rochefort" gets are for video.
On the other hand, there are hits for a 2-CD "Umbrellas of Cherbourg", but that's not what you're after.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/10/2002 12:57 PM PST
P.S. I think Mr. Kaufman may have received an advance copy of an upcoming release? Please, Mr. K, put us out of our misery...who has remastered "Young Girls of Rochefort" and do you know when it might be released?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/10/2002 01:03 PM PST
Okay, fine, I will answer this ONE question in advance - the Young Girls two CD set came out in 1998 when the film had a limited rerelease. It was an import on Philips from France. The reason you aren't finding it is because you are searching the English title - search Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. I'm not certain it's still in print, but you'll probably be able to find a copy at one of the specialty shops. It's glorious, complete, plus has bonus tracks including one from the English language soundtrack, and several from Legrand's UA instrumental album. Now, go find it!
Posted by bk @ 07/10/2002 01:11 PM PST
To BK:
I didn't mean to offend you with my question to you or whomever. It was not an ask BK Day question, but a request for info on something that another reader posted yesterday.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 07/10/2002 01:14 PM PST
You did not offend me, Mr. William E. Lurie. Not one or even two whits.
Posted by bk @ 07/10/2002 01:19 PM PST
In other words BK you couldn't give two whits.
Posted by MDS @ 07/10/2002 02:25 PM PST
Both Amazon.com and Footlight have "Young Girls" -- both only under the French title.
"Umbrellas..." is listed in English and French on Amazon. It's also in English on Footlight, but I didn't check for the French spelling.....
Prices are comparable. The OOP "Les Demoiselles.../Young Girls..." is approximately $40. The 2-CD "Les Parapluies.../Umbrellas..." is less than half that amount.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/10/2002 02:25 PM PST
http://www.footlight.com/product.cfm?product_id=7622
Footlight records has it. Click on the link for the Les Demoiselles de Rochefort aka YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT
Posted by MDS @ 07/10/2002 02:28 PM PST
I see very few excellent questions - I have been listening to Les Demoiselles de Rochefort and let me tell you it will be the best thirty-six bucks you'll spend - what great sound and what great music. Superb in every way.
Posted by bk @ 07/10/2002 02:50 PM PST
What was your favorite studio lot to work at and what was your fondest memory or sight working at that studio?
What is the difference amoung these color processes and waht is your prefrence to use as a filmmaker and why?: Technicolor, DeLuxe, Metrocolor, Eastmancolor, Pathecolor....
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/10/2002 03:08 PM PST
Sorry to have missed the earlier question--this is literally the first time in months I've had a day off (and I actually have FOUR--count 'em, FOUR--before my next gig), so I have been spending some time with my kids.
Anyways, (and not to jump in to Ask BK land), I believe you will find Footlight is out of stock of Rochefort (at least they have been since the DVD came out and I started trying them for the CD release). I got mine from Tower, and I think it was only $24. I've found Tower to be consistently cheaper when it comes to imports, for some reason. They also have the rare UK Sony pressing of Percy Faith's 2-fer Kismet/Sound of Music for only $12 or so. The UK pressing of Kismet is quite a bit better than last year's Collectables, which is one of the few times Collectables has done a lousy job remastering.
Posted by JMK @ 07/10/2002 03:15 PM PST
Something totally different, but found something very interesting.
This one character (portrayed by 4 different people) has appeared in over 2,500 films starting in 1924 usually appearing no less than 60 seconds. The character went on hiatus for 14 years from 1975 to 1989. The character still appears in films today,
Posted by MDS @ 07/10/2002 03:29 PM PST
Does Footlight have Gorgonzola?
I will have more questions later…
Posted by freedunit @ 07/10/2002 03:29 PM PST
http://www.dvdreview.com/html/hidden_features.shtml
First Nudie Musical on this site called Hidden Features. It tells where the easter eggs are. It is the one of two featured films.
So if you want to look for them don't click on the link, If you already know where they are click.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/10/2002 03:30 PM PST
Hello everyone. I am back from the place that I was that prevented me from posting the questions I want to question on this ASK BK day.. so.. without further ado (poor ado.. never gets invited anywhere):
1. One of my pet peeves on dvds (and former laserdiscs) are spoiler chapter stops. Now if I have seen the movie before.. then I don't care of course, but many times I haven't, and I know I could easily avoid looking at the chapter index when I open my dvd, but sometimes like a dear caught in the headlights (or footlights) I just do. How do YOU, Mr. Kimmel, feel about these spoilers? Certainly they can rename a chapter index title to be a little more vague. For example: In MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, there is a chapter stop called "John Saves Connie". Certainly they could have chosen "Connie in Peril" or something that didn't give away that a rescue was made....
2. And while we are on the topic of chapter stops. How did you decide on where to place them on TFNM. Did YOU get to "name" the index entries?
3. Can you delve more into the creation of your dvd? More specifically.. for example.. the opening menu, rolling donuts, the insert, etc. Did you tell whoever that you had an idea for a skittering dildo to run across the screen? Were there other animations shown to you? Did you get to decide how much "stuff" would be in the opening sequence of the dvd? Did you work with a designer for the inside literature, the dvd "face", etc?
3. Since you love time travel (and I just ordered my Back to the Future Trilogy on DVD) - what was your take on the first movie (no need to go into the other movies I think, as the 1st one in my opinion was the most superior). What are your thoughts on the movie Time After Time? Were you a fan of Quantum Leap? How about the campy show before that "voyagers"?
4. What did you do as a child that got you the worst punishment? What in your youth are you most proud of having accomplished?
5. Do you like carnivals? Street Fairs? Do you attend the fringe festivals at all? What was one of the best performances you saw at one (if you have been). What was the worst?
6. You have been on both sides of the infamous artistic vs. business battle in the arts. Can you tell us an instance of when you had to sacrifice the business side for artistic. How about sacrficing artistic for the business side?
7. What is one thing that we probably don't know about you that might surprise us to know?
8. If you were a superhero, what would be your special super power. Please note.. you may NOT choose: Flying, Strength or invisabilty
9. Since it appear that Guy Haines "stole" your style, can you tell us if that is the reason that you no longer sing? Have you and Guy ever thought of duing a duet?
10. What "fad" items did/do you own (pet rock, slinky, hoola-hoop, etc)
Well.. there is my usual plethora of questions. Whewww my fingers are tired...
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 03:39 PM PST
Good to see you survived the day "by the skin of your teeth". My question: What happened to the Kander/Ebb musical of "The Skin.." Was it shelved forever? I have played the Brent Barrett CD over and over. Surely the score is worth preserving if not the musical.
Posted by Tom Guest (from OZ) @ 07/10/2002 03:39 PM PST
Ok.. thought of one more questions. You keep talking about these so called interviews that you are doing (or have done?) So.. when the heck do we get to read them? Or is this your version of an internet scam and to get to the interviews I need to enter my username and password??
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 04:00 PM PST
Question, not questions of course. And it's DEER, not DEAR in my previous posts.... oh my fingers...
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 04:01 PM PST
Incidently.. one of the best desserts I have ever eaten was called "Chocolate Corruption" -- so not ALL corruptions are bad...
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 04:19 PM PST
Welcome George (from yesterday) and Rachel (from today). I would give you cake if you were here. (Not to be confused with "If I Knew You Were Coming, I'd Have Baked A Cake.")
First question, dearest Bruce:
One of the CD's you produced (and I don't remember which one) was a joint production between Varese Sarabande and Fynsworth Alley. What was the reason for that, and how does such a collaboration work?
Nex: Last week, I typed a rather lengthy post after receiving my copy of TFNM. I had forgotten to put my name in the little box, so the post was kicked back to me. Unfortunately it started from scratch and wiped out everything I wrote. By then I was tired and didn't feel like typing it all over again. Although I usually type my name first thing, sometimes I ge so excited to share something that I start the message first. Does this message rejection have to wipe out out the whole message? Can we bitch-slap someone for this? Can we all sing, "If I 'd Known You Were Coming, I'd Have Slapped A Bitch." Sorry, that IS unseemly. (And I look at us ALL as bitches waiting to be slapped, so this not meant as demeaning to women.) OK, so bitch-slap me for even writing this. And then can we bitch-slap the new people (kind of like an inititation)?
Posted by Kerry @ 07/10/2002 04:25 PM PST
Re: Bitchslapping (I think I can respond to this because it doesn't really seem like an ASK BK question... and since I am the official bitchslapper.. I am giving myself this lattitude). We must all remember that bitchslapping is reserved for unseemly things.. and to frivolously throw around bitchslaps like they are candy and rewards would be even MORE unseemly...
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 04:45 PM PST
Craig,
You have my deepest apologies. I did not mean to minimize the importance and gravity of bitch-slapping. I stand (or sit, as the case may be) ready for my punishment.
Posted by Kerry @ 07/10/2002 05:03 PM PST
Dear BK: I'm going to have to ask you to put on your "Dear Abby" wig here, because this is the sort of question she is likely to find in her mail. It it on yet? Part in it's proper place? Good!
What is the proper response one should give when finding out about the passing away of a person one really didn't like at all? I'm asking because I have just recently found out that a person who tried to get between myself and my ever-lovin' der Brucer has died of natural causes, and I have a hunch that my initial urge to blow a long, wet raspberry isn't appropriate.
Thank-you.
Posted by S. Woody White @ 07/10/2002 05:04 PM PST
Welcome back, Ben. Perhaps we can give you a little levity as you get re-immersed in the real world.
Posted by Kerry @ 07/10/2002 05:04 PM PST
Kerry..
no need to apologize.. I was merely reiterating my own beliefs on the subject.. we are all family here at HHW..so.. here is your punishment.
You must think of 3 more questions to ask Bruce and you must use the the following words in any of those questions: "quirky" "cake" "pithy"
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 05:07 PM PST
I, for one, would love to hear an album of duets with BK and GH. I am reminded of an album by Ron Husmann from the early 60s in which he sang duets with himself. Of course, that wouldn't be the case here, but BK and GH do have a very similar vocal quality. Maybe we should start a list of duets appropriate to male singers (as opposed to the excellent albums by Alice and Emily).
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/10/2002 05:19 PM PST
Make that Ron Hussman.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/10/2002 05:34 PM PST
Robert:
to start, one cannot record such an album without considering "You're Nothing Without Me" from City of Angels (very fitting, dontcha think?) and "Impossible" from AFTHOTWTTF
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 05:46 PM PST
I'm not sure that BK would be "nothing" without GH but it's certainly worth considering. And which one would sing the older part on "Impossible?" The same question applies to "You're Just In Love," another classic duet.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/10/2002 06:07 PM PST
Ahh but perhaps Guy might think that he would be nothing without Bruce... let that thought lie there like so much fish...
Lili's Eyes from The Secret Garden is another great male duet...as is Brush Up Your Shakespeare from KMK. Pretty Women would HAVE to be on that CD! And a fun one would also be "What Causes That" used in Crazy for You
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 06:31 PM PST
Bruce,
If your Zip drive is an Iomega, check around on your hard drive for an Iomega folder. It should contain a program called Quik Sync, which you can set to automatically back up your files to the zip drive every time you same them. I do this at home so I can have another set of backups at work and vice versa.
If you can't find the software, it is probably available on Iomega's web site.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 07/10/2002 06:52 PM PST
More duets....
Agony (into the woods)
Our Time (Merrily We Roll Along)
We Can Do It (The Producers)
One More Walk Around the Garden (Carmelina)
Ballad of Booth (Assassins)
I Need a Life (No Way To Treat a Lady)
Dear Old Syracuse (Boys From Syracuse)
Turket Lurkey Time (Promise Promises)
and something different
Country House (London Follies)
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/10/2002 07:21 PM PST
For that matter - Good Thing Going is a sweet duet too...
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 07:45 PM PST
Craig,
Three questions is certainly easier than 10 Hail Mary's (I think).
1. Who came up with the QUIRKY little logo for Varese Sarabande? Is it someone playing a grand piano?
What does it all mean?
2. What lyrics do you consider to be the heighth of PITHY?
3. Did you and your brother have one specific argument or fight (or thing that would drive you nuts) that finally put you over the edge...something that really took the CAKE?
One more just for good measure:
Are you sure we didn't have the same brother?
Posted by Kerry @ 07/10/2002 08:00 PM PST
Dear BK,
In the musical you are writing, will you name a character after me?
Posted by Sandra @ 07/10/2002 08:04 PM PST
Kerry-
You are hereby completely forgiven and have a credit of 1 question should you ever falter again :)
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 08:10 PM PST
More Duets Part 2: Different Choices
You and I (Victor/Victoria)
My Superman (The Gay 90's)
What Would I Do (Falsettos)
You Gotta Have a Gimmick (Gypsy)
I Got It All (On the 20th Century)
Hakuna Matta (Lion King)
Moses Supposes (Singing in the Rain)
I Don't Need Anything But You (Annie)
Together Where We Go (Gypsy)
One of a Kind (Applause)
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/10/2002 08:28 PM PST
Even more duets:
Fit as a Fiddle
The Country's in the Very Best of Hands
Muddy Water
Never Say No/Plant A Radish
Elegance
Be a Performer
On the Right Track
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 08:40 PM PST
and from woman of the year: So What Else Is New?
Posted by Craig @ 07/10/2002 08:47 PM PST
"Bossom Buddies"
Erratum: in my last post "same your files" --> "save your files".
Welcome, Rachel Spence! And Bruce, no, printing her letter is not a matter of ego. I think any artist rightly deserves to be proud that he has affected people's lives in a positive way. That is one of the goals of life, is it not? I think I speak for many here in saying that it is not just a matter of "we like your music". Through many of the CD's you have produced I have developed a deeper understanding of musical theatre and the creative process. I have learned.
Etc. I had hoped to write a long post on FNM, but it is late, and so that must wait until tomorrow, but I cannot dash off without at least one...
Question: Who sang "Where Is a Man?" for Eunice?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 07/10/2002 09:25 PM PST
Perhaps a good duet would be "Hey, There" from "The Pajama Game."
And there's "Let's Get Together" from "The Parent Trap."
What fun!
BK: My question -- How do you manage to get DVDs in advance of their release dates? I recall your talking about "Gosford Park" a full week before it was even released to schmoes like me.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/10/2002 11:27 PM PST
1. By what means did you write Benjamin Kritzer—long-hand, typewriter, Microsoft Word, WordPad, QuarkXpress, or other means? Did you create the portable document file or did 1stBooks Library?
2. Thank you for the limited edition Benjamin Kritzer compact disc. I have enjoyed listening to it, and I am looking forward to starting the novel soon. The compact disc is a CD-R, yet it has a nifty title (the “Benjamin Kritzer” logo) emblazoned on its face. How was the labeling achieved? At what quantity would it become cost-effective to have discs factory-produced? Might you have any information or an opinion on the durability of CD-R's versus those that are mass-produced?
3. Have you ever contemplated producing a pop album completely distinct and apart from a theatrical milieu, as opposed to one that is a cross-over album or one featuring a theatre talent? Rock-and-roll? Blues?
4. Have you ever worked with Phoebe Snow? Would you consider working with her?
5. What about Tovah Feldshuh?
6. What is your vocal range?
7. What is the longest you can hold a note?
8. Why do you suppose Guy Haines and Donna Murphy, both of whom are fine vocalists, do not know from whistling? Have you ever heard Murphy whistle or attempt to whistle? Do you suppose the 1996 Broadway cast recording of The King and I is the first to feature transgender whistling?
9. Would it be unseemly and therefore acceptable to ask Guy Haines questions on Ask-BK Day?
10. Has there ever been an Ask-Guy-Haines Day or might there be?
11. What is Guy Haines’s vocal range?
12. What is the longest note Guy Haines ever held?
13. Was the note ever released?
14. How much did it cost?
15. We know you like Parisienne cake and have eaten M&M’s. Do you like chocolate? Love it? Do you have a favorite chocolate?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/10/2002 11:56 PM PST