haines his way

07/22/2002:
"A HERMAPHRODITE WITH A CLUB FOOT"

Well, dear readers, last night I went to Islands with the entire Wechter clan. Everywhere I looked there was a Wechter. Here a Wechter, there a Wechter, everywhere a Wechter Wechter. Since I like the Wechter clan it was fine and dandy and also dandy and fine. What was not fine and dandy was our waitress. It takes a lot for me to become bored and annoyed with a waitress. The first thing that always puts me onto the bored and annoyed road is when the waitress (or waiter, but last night it was a waitress) has no sense of humor. I happen to think I have my amusing moments and most waitpersons I get sense it and are grateful to have a table of nice people who are fun. Not this girl. I said something witty as she was taking the drink order and she stared at me as if I was a hermaphrodite with a club foot. Not that there’s anything wrong with a hermaphrodite with a club foot, some of my best friends are hermaphrodites with club feet. In any case, she just didn’t get it, even though the rest of the table laughed and laughed. Anyway, when that happens, I just tune the waitperson out, they are no longer in my field of radar unless I need to order something or have a food-related question. So, we order and our food comes. I have ordered what I always order – the Big Wave with cheese and bacon. What she brings me is a Big Wave with no cheese and no bacon. What am I, a hermaphrodite with a club foot? I notice this and I point it out to her. She apologizes, and takes it back to the kitchen where some chef slaps a piece of cold cheese on it with some undercooked bacon. It is then brought back to me. I ate it, like a good soldier, but I will not be returning to Islands, at least not that Islands. Also, the hamburgers were noticeably smaller than in past visits, more a medium to small wave rather than a Big Wave. So, I gave a Big Wave Islands – I bid a fond farewell to Islands and the young sourpuss of a waitperson.
I then watched two episodes of an HBO show called Curb Your Enthusiasm. It’s occasionally very funny – it stars Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, who plays a character named Larry David. It’s really just a collection of little scenes – there’s always some vague theme for each show, but things are rarely resolved by the end of an episode – things just happen and then there’s another episode. I then watched the rest of City of Lost Children, un film de Jeunet and Caro. It’s a quite weird affair, but I ultimately liked it very much. I am quite partial to films about and with children, especially when the children are as good as they are in this film. The lead girl, Judith Vittet, is wonderful, and so are all the other kids. Ron Perlman does a very good job as One (yes, Virginia, he plays a character named One), and the rest of the characters are portrayed by some of the strangest looking people you will ever see on the screen (the way they’re photographed makes them even stranger) – especially the two twin sisters who play the evil Siamese twins (they are the stuff of nightmares – be warned). The score, which I mentioned yesterday, is by David Lynch regular, Angelo Badalamente, and it is great.
The response to our brand spanking new handy-dandy The Unseemly Interview Section has been wonderful. We’ve got some great ones planned for upcoming weeks – we’re just trying to figure out how long to leave each one up for. You can look forward to interviews with some pretty great and some pretty eclectic folks from all walks of show business life. Not just performers, but writers, directors, arrangers and orchestrators, too.
Well, shall we all click on the Unseemly Button below? When in doubt, this is always the best thing to do. I know this section may seem undone and I know that we should think about sending it back, but all I’ll do is slap a piece of cheese on it with some undercooked bacon and then where will we be? Then it will be The Big Wave that’s where we’ll be. The Big Wave. That sounds like a Raymond Chandler novel, doesn’t it?

By the way (BTW, in Internet lingo), if you missed any of this weekend’s babble be sure to catch up, otherwise you will feel like a hermaphrodite with a club foot and you will feel out of sorts. Of course, if you feel out of sorts you can do what I did and go buy some sorts. I bought some sorts and now I’m not out of them and the world is a better and finer place, frankly or even williamly. What the hell am I talking about?
Those of you who are waiting on your sparkling prizes, I have not forgotten about you and I’m going to try to get them out in the next day or so. When I do, I’m going to double check right here in these here notes to make sure I’ve sent everyone who needs to be sent, so if you don’t see your name here when I do said double checking, just drop me a note to say I have inadvertently given you The Big Wave.
There is a very exciting event coming next Saturday, here in Los Angeles, at the Alex Theater. They are showing Bye Bye Birdie on the big screen and then they are showing home movies taken by the mother of one of the young kids in the film – these movies have never been seen before, and include visits to the set by Gregory Peck and Alfred Hitchcock, as well as Ann-Margret’s 21st birthday party. I shall be there with bells on. Also, in attendance will be some of the dancers in the film. Isn’t that exciting? Isn’t that just too too?
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must give these here notes The Big Wave for today. After all, I must get in my automobile and drive up and down the streets of this fair city, giving The Big Wave to passersby. I must see people, do things, eat foodstuffs and work, work, work (that is three works – I am really worked up). But I shall return to see what you dear readers are posting on today’s topic of discussion, which is: We haven’t done this in a while, and it’s always illuminating and fun – what CDs are currently in your handy-dandy CD player, and what do you like and what don’t you like that you are currently listening to. I’ll start – I am listening to my very own show, Together Again, which dear reader, Mr. Robert Armin, was kind enough to put on CD for me. I haven’t heard this thing in years – I hate the sound of it, that’s for starters. It sounds like it was recorded in a toilet bowl. If I were to ever think about issuing this on CD I would have our beloved Vinnie do a little work on it. The multi-track masters have gone missing, but I could still shape the sound and add a bit of well-needed reverb to the whole thing. That would help it immeasurably. As to the score, it has some cute stuff in it, and a couple of things I could live without. Also listening to the soundtrack to Point Blank by Johnny Mandel (great music – disappointing album), and my Big Box of Kurosawa soundtracks (I have played the soundtrack to High and Low about twenty times already). Your turn.

Replies: 72 Unseemly Comments

Is it always fair Wechter?
CD in my CD player? Why Guy Haines’ A Wonderful Guy! [Honest.] Thank you!
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 09:44 AM PST

Currently in my handy-dandy portable CD player is PROMISES, PROMISES. On the turntable, as it were, in my non-portable CD player at home is nothing, because one should always remove your CDs one they have finished playing.
However, recently in my CD was WALKING HAPPY, which a friend of mine was gong to be throwing out. After listening to this score, I perfectly understand his propensity to toss it.
Posted by Stuart @ 07/22/2002 10:03 AM PST

Back after a relaxing weekend on Long Island. I missed a power blackout in lower Manhattan by two blocks!
In my CD player at work is something I like very much, a recording from PolyChrome called A Wrinkle in Swingtime. swing and big band and the like sung by Elena Bennet with an orchestra conducted by the every lovely Fred Barton of Miss Gulch Returns fame.
In my CD player at home is the Trotter Trio playing Company in Jazz and (I feel so bitchy and witchy and manic when I listen to this) the OCR of Applause.
And now back to work
Posted by Ben @ 07/22/2002 10:17 AM PST

Pity poor, poor me. My cd player is in Kansas with Dear Reader Sandra. So I have no idea what's in it. But knowing her probably something either produced by Bruce Kimmel or something with Jason Graae on it.
Posted by Laura @ 07/22/2002 10:42 AM PST

I always thought a Trotter trio was three dishes from Charlie—preferably cake cake cake—or chocolate chocolate chocolate.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 11:06 AM PST

I have just been listening to the remastered OBC of BELLS ARE RINGING (gad, she's good, that Judy Holliday) and an old LP I just found, Polly Bergen MY HEART SINGS. Gad, she's good too. And last night during drinks the 5-CD changer was "random"-ing through an all Bette Midler program. Last week the "random" program was a bit more eclectic -- Cleo Laine, Christine Andreas, Linda Purl, and the late and truly great Rosie Clooney.
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 07/22/2002 11:16 AM PST

Although right now I feel calm and collected, no sign of panic. Does that mean I'm Alive?
Posted by Ben @ 07/22/2002 11:21 AM PST

In the car today, I have the JAY records studio cast recording of 110 IN THE SHADE. I keep coming back to this show, and marvelling at how lovely the score is. Why can't all the Jones/Schmidt scores be as good as this one?
Posted by Dave @ 07/22/2002 11:22 AM PST

Philip Crosby: Judy Holliday was fabulous! Great recording. Polly Bergen is wonderful, too, but I did not know that until Follies. She was directed terribly, but still wonderful herself. I must buy her recordings.
Ben: The doctor is in. Do you feel twitchy, bitchy, or manic?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 11:29 AM PST

Freedunit: Funny how these feelings come and go. I feel fine now, especially since you corrected my glaring lyric error.
Yes, Judy Holliday was so GOOD. Trouble is a Man, what an album.
Dave: 110 is full of gems. Some of my favorite songs are in that show, A Man and a Woman, Simple Little Things. I'll have to go home tonight and play it
Posted by Ben @ 07/22/2002 11:59 AM PST

Ben: I did no such thing, and you made no such error. I was just playing along with additional lyrics. If the feelings come and go, you may be suffering temporary Harringtonitis. There is a cure for it: Trip a star.
Trouble Is a Man is a really good album. I am glad it was released on compact disc.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 12:15 PM PST

Well I for one find something to love in every Schmidt/Jones score. My eldest sister was lucky enough to see the OBC of 110 in the Shade (I think maybe Inga Swenson was in a cast, but I could be imagining that).
In my CD player right now is Brasilian guitarist Baden Powell's seminal work "Os Afro-Sambas", which is a truly incredible disc, with absolutely lovely vocals by the Brasilian sister act Quarteto em Cy (think of the Lennon Sisters on LOTS of LSD--there, you feel better already, don't you?).
Posted by JMK @ 07/22/2002 12:19 PM PST

Is it Witchy? I'm so tired today that the rhyme sounded right but the word sounded wrong. Too much swimming in the pool. My brain is waterlogged.
Posted by Ben @ 07/22/2002 12:26 PM PST

well, Bruce and I have finally picked the two radio show listeners to be featured with their 12 favorite showtunes....they are (drum roll, please)...."Ron Pulliam" and "Craig"....I need both of you to email me with your home phone numbers so we can set up your phone interviews....Thanks and congrats!
Posted by Donald @ 07/22/2002 12:54 PM PST

Who are you people and why haven't I found you until now??? You're cracking me up! I will definitely have to come back here more often. Who mentioned Rosie Clooney earlier? It was Phillip. I have her CD with me here at work today...and I'm currently listening to MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Anyway...I'm glad to have found this site! I'll be back. :-)
Posted by Jason @ 07/22/2002 01:02 PM PST

Ben: Oh, now I see. I had missed your first post until just now. I am sorry about that. I saw only the calm and collected part, and jumped in with more. Now I understand why you thought it was a correction. Certainly not a witting one, that is for sure. I believe the lyric is twitchy, but we should check the libretto.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 01:06 PM PST

Congratulations, Ron Pulliam and Craig!
Jason: Who are we? Well, some of us ask ourselves that unseemly question each and every day, and in case you had not noticed anything unseemly is entirely appropriate here. If I may be allowed to quote the brilliant-mad Mister Mark Bakalor, we are all crazy, which is what he tells us just before I bitch-slap. I have a feeling BK will be welcoming you here shortly. By the way (BTW), the original Broadway cast of Merrily We Roll Along is one of my most favorite cast recordings. It is a wonderful, wonderful CD.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 01:11 PM PST

Thanks for the hearty welcome, freedunit. I actually know a couple of folks who were IN the original cast of MERRILY, so I've become hooked. I can't wait to see it in DC. And believe THIS or not, I believe that Mr. BK has actually heard me sing! A friend of mine sent in a demo recording of POOP: THE MUSICAL! (which I am on) to Mr. K. He turned it down. Ha! (I'm sure it was only due to tacky subject matter and not my voice...ahem). Anyway, it's a thrill to be a part of a crazy bunch of folks. It's like being at home!
Posted by Jason @ 07/22/2002 01:16 PM PST

Not to be annoying, but have any of you heard Jessica Molaskey's solo album, "Pentimento?" It's fabulous! I highly recommend it.
Posted by Jason @ 07/22/2002 01:19 PM PST

Welcome to Jason. If he was on the CD of Poop, The Musical, I did indeed hear him. You'll be happy to know that I turned down Jessica Molaskey, too, but only because things had gotten to the point where I was pretty much having to turn everything down.
Posted by bk @ 07/22/2002 01:28 PM PST

Jason: I knew you would be welcomed. I did not know anybody in the original Broadway cast of Merrily We Roll Along, but Liz Callaway and I went to the same high school, and I grew up not far from James Weissenbach, who was replaced infamously, but successfully, by Jim Walton. I am also looking forward to the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration Merrily We Roll Along, which I will see next month, but more than that I am eagerly anticipating the reunion concert by the original Broadway cast in New York. For that I cannot wait!
Ben: I knew this would happen. It is hot and humid here in New York. No sooner did I go outside then the feeling hit me: half Tijuana, half Boston. I hate when I feel half Tijuana, half Boston. Feeling Tijuana is fine, and feeling Boston is fine, but six of one and a half dozen of the other does not work for me. I hope I shake this feeling soon. It is most unseemly. There is not even one single cake suitable for such a feeling. It requires a minimum of two—two because to have two halves would be unseemly.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 02:03 PM PST

Yes it is indeed hot and humid here in New York. And yes, you may feel half Tijuana and half Boston. But I just checked weather.com and it is foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, and filthy in Philadelphia.
Posted by Stuart @ 07/22/2002 02:12 PM PST

Hello One and All and also All and One. I have been absent and I am ashamed.
This past week I was in NYC on a playwrighting retreat run by Stephen Sondheim's very own Young Playwrights Inc. Although We the Retreaters wrote several threatening notes to various and sundried people requesting to meet Mr. Sondheim (an example: We Your Son, Bring Us To Sondheim), our attempts proved futile.
If anyone knows anyone who is young and interested in playwrighting, tell them to go to the young playwrights website (youngplaywrights.org.) and see if any programs interested them. I just did the Urban Retreat and it is wonderful and fabulous.
Whilst in NYC I saw the following: Shoppers Carried by Escalators Into Flames, Twelfth Night (Shakespeare in the Park), Metamorphases, The Goat, Oklahoma, Into the Woods, Underneath the Lintel, and Thunder Knocking at the Door.
Let me just say: Horrifying, Lovely, Overrated, Faaaabulous, Wonderful show despite the direction, Used to be a wonderful show BEFORE the currect direction and revision, Long but moving, and Gross, Gross, Gross.
Anyway, I still have MORE to say. Here are my responses to all of the unseemly topics that I missed because we all know that certain people get grumpy when we do not read the notes and we want to make it up to certain people.
Favorite donut or danish: I have no idea what they're called, but they are spirally, fluffy donuts covered in chocolate.
Favorite French Films: I don't know French cinema that well, but I have to say Murmer of the Heart and Goodbye, My Children, both by Louis Malle.
Favorite Italian Films: (WOO HOO FELLINI!!!) The White Sheik, of course, Variety Lights, and La Strada.
British Musicals: I think I only know Oliver, really. And I do enjoy Camelot and My Fair Lady despite myself.
British Films (did I miss the geography lesson?): Remains of the Day, Shadowlands, Sense and Sensibility, Howards End...
Restaraunt that I remember: I really have no idea. I remember a Mexican restaurant where my grandparents used to take me all the time... I always ordered the same thing, which was two hard tacos and rice (from the kid menue) and a strawberry drink.
And finally, what's in my cd player right now? Rebecca Luker's Anything Goes, just because I felt like listening to it again.
All right, who do I think I am? What am I babbling about? I hope this makes up for my week in the city (where my computer AND the subways didn't work, which resulted in me carrying a broken computer twenty blocks at one point...)
Thanks for indulging me.
PS I love Judy Holliday, too, just for the record. ;)
Posted by Lolita, the absent. @ 07/22/2002 02:16 PM PST

Jerry Herman's "Every score revisited" aka"Miss Spectacular". is close to the Cd player. The Best Of Simply Red is actually in the player. I do still like a lot of pop music. I played the Johnny Mathis Bergman album yesterday. Delightful recording of wonderful songs.
I'm now off to work. 4 days to go and then I am retired again!
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 07/22/2002 02:19 PM PST

Hail the returning Lolita, long the absent.
It is so nice to have you back where you belong.
I do not know the name of the donut you have described, but it sounds delicious.
I believe I share somewhat your reaction to Oklahoma!—Trevor, it is called subtext for a reason—but what was that again about The Goat? [Warning: Spoiler: I saw The Goat. It is about a goat.]
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 02:22 PM PST

Currently in my CD player are Into the Woods (Original Cast), March of the Falsettos, (Which makes me want to send our newest dear reader Jason to a psychiatrist), and Falsettoland (currently playing, with the not very good song "Holding to the Ground" blasting annoyingly from the speakers at the moment.)
I am sure that the other slots will soon be filled.
Welcome back to Lolita, everyone's love. I in fact do have several highly talented playwright friends, to whom I will send the address of youngplaywrights.org.
The weather is also quite disgusting in Cleveland. The humidity is unbearable, though there were a few nice rain showers, which I wish would return.
I have been rambling in a most unseemly manner, haven't I? Oh well, a cake-filled and cool day to all!
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/22/2002 02:42 PM PST

Freedunit: The Goat was faaaabulous. Or baaaabulous, whichever you prefer.
;)
Posted by Lolita @ 07/22/2002 02:57 PM PST

Tom from OZ: have you heard the hilarious error on "Ziegfeld Girl" on "Miss Spectacular"? Listen closely, and you will hear one of the men make a false entrance, then another start laughing as he sings. Kind of surprised they didn't edit that for the official release.
Posted by JMK @ 07/22/2002 02:59 PM PST

Most recent CD listening:
Urinetown
TFNM movie/documentary CD
Gypsy (OBC)
Chicago (revival cast)
Lost in Boston III
Posted by Jed @ 07/22/2002 03:11 PM PST

In my CD player in the bedroom, I have Dino (the pianist) and in the computer I have the Royal National Theatre production of "South Pacific" In the living room there are 5 on the player, 4 of which aren't mine, but the other is the Carpenters, and in the car, the soundtrack to "About a Boy". That should add some vareity. Today, I just received in the mail an LP of "My Fair Lady" with Christine Andreas, I'm very excited.
Posted by Matthew @ 07/22/2002 03:46 PM PST

The most recent cd we've been listening to is a very strange disc called "Heigh-Ho! Mozart," with arrangements by Donald Fraser and on the Delos International label, circa 1995. It's a collection of various Disney songs, as they would have been instrumentally written by various classical composers. Very uneven, of course, but some of it works as well as other parts don't. "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf," for example, as a Johann Strauss pizzicato polka, works very well, as do "Under the Sea" a la Scott Joplin and "When You Wish Upon a Star" along the lines of Richard Strauss doing "Der Rosenkavalier". "With a Smile and a Song" tries to patch into one of Chopin's Preludes and ends up neither/nor, however, and the Bartok-ization of "Prince Ali" doesn't even register.
It's nice to listen to, however, while I'm cooking. What with the heat, I thought it would be good weather for some vichyssoise, but since I like to leave some texture in the dish and don't puree it all the way, it's more of a vichysorta. I've made enough for two night's dinners, first course, so on the second night I'm planning on cooking up some carrots with lots of ginger, adding that, and making a whole new dish that way!
Sorry, BK, I'm getting your stomach growling again, aren't I? My bad!
Posted by S. Woody White @ 07/22/2002 03:54 PM PST

Tom From Oz: Good point. I did not think to include discs that are near my CD player. In that case, right now, Li’l Abner and Miss Spectacular are nearby, and Gypsy, Funny Girl, and A Chorus Line, original Broadway casts, of course, are never really far away.
Judy Kuhn, glamour girl, left; Michael Cervis, but for the goatee, as bald as he was during Tommy, right.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 04:03 PM PST

Oh the horrors of today. I am VERY excited about my new job. Yes you heard that correctly dear fellow readers, my new job is most exciting. And I am not just talking about my contribution to maintaing the new unseemly interview section. That is truly exciting. No, I am referring to my new fulltime job in corporate america. Yes, virginia (and bruce, freedunit, et al) I am now employed by a corporation...one that after signing about 20 pages of confidentiality agreements, I shudder to even name the company for fear of dismissal. So one might ask.. what could possibly make a day filled with horror when one is so excited about ones new job... I'll let you think a moment about that one
Posted by Craig @ 07/22/2002 04:16 PM PST

Still thinking? OK... I'll give you another minute
Posted by Craig @ 07/22/2002 04:16 PM PST

I'm afraid my CD carousel is about half full (100 CDs), but recent "additions" include a CD featuring a thunderstorm and heavy rainfall (we don't get that kind of weather here in the Bay Area exceptin the winter), "Love Me or Leave Me" (OST), "Bells Are Ringing" (OST), Guy Haines' "Haines His Way," "Broadway Bound," "Kean", "Dance A Little Closer," "Benjamin Kritzer" and Merman's "Gypsy."
Interspersed are such tiles as "March of the "Falsettos, Falsettoland," the Dench "A Little Night Music", "The Sondheim Album," "Sondheim at the Movies," and "On the Beach", Ernest Gold's gorgeously tragic score to the 1959 Stanley Kramer film.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/22/2002 04:17 PM PST

Craig: Are you going to work for Enron?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/22/2002 04:18 PM PST

Dino? At the piano? The infamous Dino of Kathryn Kuhlman fame??? "And now... Dino at the piano."
Posted by bk @ 07/22/2002 04:19 PM PST

OK.. the horror is thus:
This corporation, like many today does not permit, allow, grant access to the freedoms of visiting any ole site on the web. Yes KIMLETS you hear that correctly as heinous and vile as it sounds... They do not permit one to visit a site such of this from their computers. Is that just wrong? Should I march into the CEO's office with my ham chunks, cheese slices and dance a hora until he caves? I think I may have to, but not on the first day...
Anyway... that being said, the cd's in my car right now are: the Hairspray Demo, Li'l Abner, a BRAND NEW CD THAT YOU ALL SHOULD BUY entitled SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD by a new jazz vocalist MICHELLE PIRRET...
more later,
Posted by Craig @ 07/22/2002 04:20 PM PST

Woo-hoo! My first post.
CD's? I am listening to "Urinetown" and "Reefer Madness". If I play them simutaneously it's a whole new musical called "Urinetest."
Hapgood, are you from Cleveland? Yes, the weather here is oppressive.
There...post done. I am no longer a virgin here. Off to change the sheets.
Posted by Rachel Sp. @ 07/22/2002 04:39 PM PST

In my cd player(s):
Car:
Janis Ian's NIGHT RAINS and RESTLESS EYES (from a very kind friend who burned them for me), Jennifer Warnes' SHOT THROUGH THE HEART, PRIME TIME MUSICALS, Bruce Springsteen's CHIMES OF FREEDOM (cd single), and a cd of my own cabaret, DREAMERS, which I am in the process of trying to listen to...
Home Office:
Ann-Margret's BACHELOR'S PARADISE, TFNM, Bruce Springsteen's THE RISING (cd single), LI'L ABNER, SHOUT! (Australian Cast Recording w/David Campbell), Nancy LaMott's LISTEN TO MY HEART, The Goblins' SUSPIRIA (OSR), Alison Moyet's SINGLES, Jason Graae's NEVER FULLY DRESSED, HAINES HIS WAY, TRIO (Ronstadt, Parton and Harris), NASHVILLE (OSR), The Band's GREATEST HITS, Chicago's GREATEST HITS and Human League's GREATEST HITS.
Posted by td @ 07/22/2002 04:40 PM PST

Welcome, Jason and Rachel. Who are we? Well, I can only speak for myself. I am a nobody. But there are some actual somebodies here.
So grab some ham chunks and cheese slices and a diet coke and join in!! Oh -- and be sure to stop by on Wednesday. That's Ask BK Anything Day.
Posted by Laura @ 07/22/2002 05:22 PM PST

Here at work (because I can), I listened to the Broadway THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Bruce & Guy's 5-track "Benjamin Kritzer" CD, Betty Buckley's "Stars and the Moon: Live at the Donmar" and A NEW BRAIN. And I really like them all. Now, I'm off to my group voice workshop where I'll sing "In Whatever Time We Have" from CHILDREN OF EDEN as a solo, "What More Can I Say" from FALSETTOLAND and Stephen Schwartz's "Crowded Island."
Posted by George @ 07/22/2002 05:22 PM PST

Right now I'm listening to Alfred Drake in KEAN. In spite of the annoying "Fog and the Grog" (which indulged in all that "piddle/puddle/muddle" fiddle-faddle long before Sondheim sank to it in SITPWG), it's a great listen, for the cast, many of the songs, and the chunks of dialogue included (for once) by Mr. Goddard Lieberson.
Amazingly, I too have been listening to WALKING HAPPY, and I too was hugely unimpressed. I never liked Sammy Cahn much -- too bad Van Heusen broke up with Johnny Burke.
Posted by Jaime Weinman @ 07/22/2002 05:37 PM PST

I am home after wilting in the Chicago heat AND humidity. Yes, it is hot here in Phoenix, and there is no denying it, but it's not nearly as bad without all the humidity. Enough complaining.
Lolita brought up the favorite films. I don't know if it would qualify as French or British (or both) but I loved "The Tango Lesson." You must all see it.
I still need to read everything from the last four days and see what I've missed.
Polly Bergen's "My Heart Sings" and "All Alone" have been released on one CD. "Bergen Sings Morgan" and "The Party's Over" have been released together on another. I have them all on LP's, but it's great to have them on CD's. freedunit, you must buy them from amazon. Soon.
CD's in the players (car and home) all left from last week:
"Haines His Way" (I had to listen to "Terminal" about 10 times), "Inside Out" (OC) (a friend had done a production and wanted me to hear the songs), "Club Verboten" (a wonderful 3-CD set) and John Pizzarelli ("Kisses in the Rain" I believe or one of the others.) Blossom Dearie's "Once Upon A Summertime" is also there.
I missed you all.
Jason, Welcome to the website! My dear, you'll love it so!
Posted by Kerry @ 07/22/2002 05:49 PM PST

Rachel Sp.: Although no power or authority is vested in me, welcome.
Laura: You are somebody!
Kerry: How was Chicago? Thank you for the Polly Bergen recommendations! I will buy them!
Warning! Spoiler: Long, boring Polly Bergen story that has everything to do with my mother and almost nothing to do with Polly Bergen:
My fershluganah mother—you will soon read why—and my father were here over the Independence Day weekend. My father picked one show, Ricky Jay: On the Stem, because he really, really wanted to see Ricky Jay. Because my mother does not know from shows—and demurred on the many suggestions I made—The Lion King, The Full Monty, Cabaret, Morning’s at Seven—she insisted that my father and I together decide upon another show to see. We picked the excellent revival of Noel Coward’s Private Lives. When the heat proves taxing, my parents decide they prefer to take in a movie or play, rather than sight-see. My mother says she really wants to see the Capitol Steps: When Bush Comes to Shove. Neither my father nor I has the least bit of interest in the Capitol Steps, Bushing or shoving or otherwise, but we stay silent because almost never does she name a show she would like to see. Hoping against hope that we will not have to see the Capitol Steps, my father gets my mother to agree to Anne Heche and Len Cariou in Proof if there are no half-price Capitol Steps tickets available. If only! So, there we are suffering through the insufferable Capitol Steps, me constantly having to stop my feet from walking out the door. It would have been most unseemly if my feet had left without me. Finally, it is intermission and much needed relief from the Capitol Steps arrives. My mother asks me whether or not I am enjoying it. I cannot lie—she would know—so I muster weakly, Not really, and I hope she will change the subject. She asks my father and I if we would like to leave. We both lie and say, No. Then my mother reads her Playbill. Suddenly she announces, “Polly Bergen is in Cabaret! I would have loved to have seen her.” I reply, “Mom, you mean we could have been seeing Cabaret instead of this?” She nods in affirmation, and I hit my head repeatedly with my Playbill. I do not even like Sam Mendes’ production of Cabaret, but I would definitely have sat through it to see Polly Bergen and Hal Linden—and I would have done nearly anything to leave the Capitol Steps! Even the Capitol steps are more interesting to watch for two hours than the Capitol Steps.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/22/2002 06:42 PM PST

Craig does not work for Enron Corp. As before, almost no one does.
Posted by Kenneth Laid-off, uncertified by Arthur Andersen @ 07/22/2002 06:48 PM PST

In my car I'm alternating between Chicago (both original and revival), and the newly acquired for me Bells Are Ringing (revival) Tick, Tick, Boom and Bat Boy. I really wanted to like the last two more than I do; perhaps if I would have seen them, it would have helped. Regarding Bells - I wish I would have gotten it sooner. Regarding Chicago, I enjoy both and am just listening to both right now at the same time in preparation for an up-coming gig.
In my home cd player is Allegro, which I don't really like, but in that cd player I listen to my cd's in alphabetical order most of the time and I happen to be back on the A's.
Posted by Mark L. @ 07/22/2002 06:50 PM PST

Jason and Rachel: Our World and Welcome to It! We're always glad to welcome new voices.
Kerry: Welcome back from Chicago. Hope it was a successful event.
Lolita the Absent (sounds like Royalty): Welcome back from NYC (although I'm still here). In the mid-80s my partner was a dramaturg to one of the young playwrights. It was a great time for him and her (she was a high school junior from California if I remember correctly).
Freedunit: Yes, the lyric is Twitchy. Half Tijuana, half Boston Yikes, you're right, no cake can help with that (not even Boston Creme Pie - I know it's not cake ;-), although it's probably better than feeling partly Jane Fonda and partly Jane Austen. There are so many Jane Fondas to feel, sex kitten Jane, anti-war Jane, exercise Jane, Ted Turner Jane or newly single Jane. Which one to choose.
It seems to be a Falsettos kind of day. I listened to 110 in the Shade as I was repairing the plumbing in the bathtub (it's easier than calling the super) and now that the shower works again, I listened to Falsettoland. What one has to do with the other I have no idea.
Oh, Abigal, Abigal, I have such a desire to knock heads together.
Posted by Ben @ 07/22/2002 07:09 PM PST

I received two cds in the mail today and had to listen to them right away and did so right away. They were both disappointing for a variety of reason.
In Nobody's Shadow: Songs for the Theater by Babbie Green. She was the 1992 Winner of the Johnny Mercer Songwriting award and the cd was released on the now defunt Lockett-Palmer label. Despite having a stellar collection of singers on this album including Michael Feinstein, Margaret Whiting, Vivki Lewis, DC Anderson, Wayne Moore, Ken Page and others. I most most of the songs depressing and downbeat. What a strange collection to listen while driving on the I95 during rush hour traffic. I did get through the album, but just barely. It will go into my collection, but I doubt if I will ever listen to the album in its entirity again.
The second CD is Ann Jillian: In the Middle of Love (The Songs of Steve Allen) and that's where her mistake was. Dispite writing thousands of songs, I don't think Steve Allen ever wrote an outstanding one. To record a collection of his songs was a mistake. After listening to two or three of them they begin to sound alike. There is no real substance to them They are like cotton candy after a few seconds the wonderful taste is all but forgotten. The other problem is the overbearing and over done orchestrations. Ann Jillian is a very good singer and I think she did herself a diservice by recording an entire album of Steve Allen songs. Jillian is a Broadway baby and she might have chosen more songs in that field.
I never regret trying new singers and new composers or I would nver have discovered people like Lee Lessack, Nancy LaMott, Liz Callaway, Jason Graae, Laurie Beechman, Kevin Koelbl and so many others that are part of my collection. I continue to seek out new singers and have fun doing it.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/22/2002 07:22 PM PST

Re: Merrily reunion concert. I'm very much looking forward to that. We know someone from the original cast, though we met him years after the show. He's no longer in "the business" but they have asked him back and he'll be doing the show. As problematic as the show is (I saw the original and the York Theatre production here in NYC and I'm looking forward to DC) there is something about the score that I love. I remember feeling all dewy-eyed and happy when I first moved here and thinking Sondheim had written "Our Time" just for my group of friends. What a time! I don't know if I would want to go back to that time, but it was beautiful while it was happening.
Posted by Ben @ 07/22/2002 07:26 PM PST

By any chance does anyone have the following Ben Bagley Painted Smiles release. #114 and #123 on CD? One of the is Marshall Baer and I don't remember who the other one was.
They were pulled from distribution by the composers. I do have Mostly Mercer and The Grass Harp that were later pulled from Painted Smiles label. (BK released Grass Harp) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/22/2002 07:39 PM PST

Wow. So many things I wanted to comment on and now I can't remember. OH! It's all coming back to me now, much like that spoiled cheese and ham did.
Lolita: I believe the donut you're referring to is a CRULLER. Sad that I know that, isn't it? Let's just say Krispy Kreme is my friend. Also, while OLIVER! is indeed a British show, CAMELOT and MY FAIR LADY are actually American shows...well...they were written by Americans, we'll put it that way. And if you were out to see truly horrendous productions of good shows, you should have seen John Stamos and Jane Leeves in CABARET while you were here. Frightening. In all fairness, I saw them in their first week, but still...doesn't it seem a bit unseemly for Uncle Jesse to flash a swastika on his rump and for people (of both genders) to whistle and cat-call? Polly Bergen, however, was the true highlight of the evening. She made it worth seeing.
Ben, Laura, et al: Thank you so much for the endearing welcomes. I look forward to the countless hours I shall spend posting commentary when I should really spend my time doing more productive things like working. Maybe my place of employ should block this site, too...they'd get more out of me.
Ben and freedunit: Isn't the reunion going to be exciting? Unfortunately neither of my friends from the cast are going to get me a ticket and, being a broke thespian/chanteur in New York, I can't afford to buy myself one. ...Alms...Alms...for a pitiful actor...!
And finally: What's in my CD player now? Jessica Molaskey's "Pentimento" (still), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, DREAMGIRLS (the concert), and More ABBA Gold. Hey, it's better than the actual cast recording of MAMMA MIA!, right?
Posted by Jason @ 07/22/2002 08:39 PM PST

Laura:
I'm nobody. Who are you? Are you nobody too? How dreary to be somebody, how public like a frog, to tell your name the live-long day to an admiring bog.
Posted by Emily Dickinson @ 07/22/2002 08:46 PM PST

Jason: Well, after Urinetown there's hope for Poop. By the way, you should go to the Unseemly Search Button and search for "coprophiliac". You will be well rewarded.
In my CD player right now, Emily Skinner. Earlier today, we had a Bock and Harnick festival with She Loves Me (Boyd Gaines), Tenderloin (OBC), and The Apple Tree.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 07/22/2002 08:52 PM PST

We're all nobody. We're all crazy.
Do we ever wonder if we're real? No, we know we're not!
Posted by George? Hapgood? @ 07/22/2002 09:12 PM PST

William...
That is, indeed, quite unseemly. Haha! Thanks for the tip.
Posted by Jason @ 07/22/2002 10:28 PM PST

Make that:
I'm nobody. Who are you? Are you nobody too?
Then there's a pair of us. Don't tell. They'll banish us, you know.
How dreary to be somebody, how public like a frog, to tell your name the live-long day to an admiring bog.
Posted by Emily Dickinson @ 07/23/2002 02:28 AM PST

When I got home I started to listen to Bill McKinley who has a wonderful CD called "Everything is Possible".
Some of the highlights is a medly of Chilren will listen and Everything is Possible the latter is written by Fred Small and was first recorded by The Flirtations (great acapella quintet)What I really like about this medly is that they are two great songs written by different composers and they really work together.Alot of times you will hear songs put together as medly and they don't work. This one does.
He records several songs that were originally sung on stage by the female gender. He does a wonderful jobs with Lion Tamer (Magic Show), Hold On (One of my favorites from The Secret Garden. Alison Fraser is terffific on the OC recording), and does an outstanding version of Disneyland (Smile).
Bill doesn't just do Broadway songs. He does a beautiful take on David Friedman's Listen to My Heart (Although I don't think anyone will beat Nancy La Mott's version IMHO) Duke Ellington's Hit Me With a Hot Note, Billy Joel's So It Goes, Woody Guthrie's This Land Is Your Land, Love Don't Need a Reason amd The Ones Who Aren't There.
Another highlight is Danny Boy. It is sung very quietly almost like a lullabye. Most version I hear the singers tend to do it "loud" and showy. He does the first accapella and then as he starts the second one, a flute (I think) sneaks in for a short time and ends with his pure voice.
Highly recommend this album. I can listen to this album over and over again. 50 minutes of pure enjoyment.
So If You ever come across his album or see him in concert near you grab the chance. You won't be disappointed.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/23/2002 04:33 AM PST

Now I am listening to Anthony Warlow's Midnight Dancing. A great collection of songs. All the Things You Are, She was Beautiful/cavantina, That's All, What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life, Anyone Can Whistle, Who Can I Turn To? Unexpected Song, Moon River, Losing My Mind, Smilin' Through, If I lvoe You, I'll Be Seeing You.
Great voice. Great Diction. Great feeling for the material.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/23/2002 05:53 AM PST

Continuing the thread on this hot New York morning, right now I'm listening to the 1975 recording of Boy Meets Boy by Bill Solly and Donald Ward. The transfer is not great but it's still a cute listen. I've also brought the OBC of Pajama Game, the London cast of They're Playing Our Song (guilty pleasure), the 1994 Lincoln Center Carousel and the London recording of Blues in the Night which I saw in many incarnations, the original on Broadway in 1982 w/Leslie Uggams, Jean DuShon and Debbie Shapiro (before she became Gravitte). It got mixed reviews but I loved it. Saw it more than once thanks to Equity freebie tix. Saw it on the road in the mid-80s (I knew the Director and Creator) w/Della Reese and then Ertha Kitt, saw it in London (in 1988) w/Carol Woods, Debby Bishop, Maria Friedman and Clarke Peters. It transferred back to NYC for a short off-Broadway run at the Minetta Lane but was not successful.
Posted by Ben @ 07/23/2002 06:18 AM PST

As I past the time leading up to my surgery this afternoon, I am listening to variety of CDs. I am now listening to the amusing cabaret act Leading Men Don't Dance with Ron Raines, Scott Holmes, Richard Muenz, George Dvorsky and Byrin Nease. The amusing self-spoofing title song was written by Mark Woldrop and David Friedman. Each leading man has an opportunity to sing songs that they have performed on stage. As group they sing a haunting One More Walk Around the Garden. The inbetween patter is amusing and funny and was written by director Scott Barnes and performer Nease. Alex Rybeck is the director and his arrangements are perfect for the show. The show has a special guest star with kate Willinger. She sings Sensative New Age Guys. Recommend it. On the Jay label.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/23/2002 06:40 AM PST

Ben: I hear you on that unseemingly hot and sticky New York morning. It's miserable in the subway. I'm sitting here at work enjoying BAT BOY and getting very excited for this evening. Apparently some friends met Kaitlin Hopkins last night at a preview of HAIRSPRAY(!) (Does that show title have the now-obligatory exclamation point?). Anyway, they met Kaitlin and were gushing over her performance in BAT BOY and she was so flattered that she offered up her 4 comp tix for tonight's performance of NOISES OFF!, so I was invited to tag along. If I'd known that flattery was all you needed to get free tickets to Broadway shows, I'd have been standing at stage doors months ago. I have to admit, though, I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get to see La LuPone in the show. Say what you will about her and her tantrums, I've been hooked since EVITA.
Also Ben: So you're AEA? Would I recognize you from anything? Are you Ben Wright or Ben Brantley? And, let's be honest, has anything ever had a successful run at the Minetta Lane? I think nothing lasts there because it's so damned hard to find! Maybe I'm just bitter 'cause LAST FIVE YEARS got the boot.
I'm eagerly awaiting BK's thoughts for the day. Talk to you soon!
Posted by Jason @ 07/23/2002 06:58 AM PST

Noises Off is like a whole new show (a funny one, actually) with the recent cast changes. Sorry, Jason, but La Lupone's performance was perhaps the least amusing stage performance since Bill Sykes in the original Oliver.
It's impossible for me to list all of the recent CDs I've listened to because, as you all know, I am in the midst of transferring my lp collection to CDs (over sixty so far). I've also been copying some composer demos and "unauthorized" recordings of such delights as Marty, Wise Guys, Smile, Carrie, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and more. While I generally frown on "bootleg" recordings, the passing of the years makes one grateful for the fact that the soundman (or someone) was smart enough to preserve Barbara Streisand's last performance of Funny Girl on Broadway.
I recently acquired an extraordinary, complete recording of Lolita, My Love which far surpasses the horrible live lp version. And since there is virtually no chance of that show ever seeing another full professional production in this morally hypocritical country, this is the only souvenir of a terrific lost Alan Jay Lerner - John Barry score.
When I was in the American premiere of Gone With The Wind in 1973, I was clever enough to sneak a recording of the performance at which Udana Power (usually Melanie) stepped in for Leslie Ann Warren as Scarlet. Unfortunately, an overzealous Assistant Stage Manager found the recorder and confiscated it for the rest of the show, but no less than the head of the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera later thanked me for preserving at least a few songs from the performance. In other words, what may be a "crime" at the time, may seem a blessing many years later.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/23/2002 07:41 AM PST

As the hour draws near I have put on one of BK rep singers: Ron Raines solo album. Broadway Passion. What a joy to listen to his wonderful voice. I remember seeing him as Gaylord in the early 1980's revival of Show Boat. He did something as an actor I thought I would never see. Through vanity to the wind. He portrayed Gaylord minus some hair! He had removed his toupee to reveal his own balding head.
This record has songs from mack and Mabel, Pajam Game, man of La Mancha, Oklahoma!, On the Town, Unsinkable Molly Brown (he did a tour with Debbie Reynolds), Annie Get Your Fun, South Pacific, My Fair Lady. Do re Mi, Knickebocker Holiday and ends his set with a knock version of Soliloquy from Carousel.
Another cd to recommend.
Posted by Michel Shayne @ 07/23/2002 07:57 AM PST

Jason: Nope, I’m neither. I’m just a guy from the Midwest who came to New York with a dream (the violins enter here in prep for the flashback sequence). It was my dream from the time I was 14 to join Equity. I got my card 22 years ago (I remember walking around the Notre Dame campus the day I signed my contract, we were performing there at the time, with my head in the clouds) but I haven’t done anything for about 10 years. I had some decent success over the years but then the work stopped coming and I made the choice to step away. I had enough success to keep from thinking “What if…” so I’m happy with my choice.
I keep my card current because it was such a dream for me to join and I don’t mind the twice a year dues assessment to keep me going. And hey, just cause I’m not doing anything now doesn’t mean I won’t ever do something again.
Posted by Ben @ 07/23/2002 08:06 AM PST

Robert: I'm glad to hear you say that the new cast of NOISES is worth seeing. I've heard from several reputable sources that La LuPone was less than rainbow high in her role as Dottie. That seems unfortunate to me. Perhaps it's a blessing that I didn't see her in that show. I wouldn't want to lose respect for her. Oh, wait...I did that when I saw her bare breasts in the movie "Summer of Sam." I'm still trying to pay off my therapist over that one.
Being the "newbie" of the group, I've been going through some of the archives just to get a feel for the place. Wow! I thought I knew a lot about cast recordings. You guys are the masters!! I hope to sit at your feet and learn...just make sure to wash up first.
It amuses me to hear you all speak of Ron Raines and Mason Williams and Kristi Chenoweth...they all attended my Alma Mater. Granted, they all went to OCU LONG before I got my masters degree there (I am, after all, only a babe of 25 years), but it's nice to know that they're as well-known in "the biz" as the school claims they are. You never know what kind of bull-hockey they might be pushing on you, ya know?
Posted by Jason @ 07/23/2002 08:18 AM PST

My thoughts will be with you today, Michael, as you undergo surgery.
Posted by Laura @ 07/23/2002 08:43 AM PST

I just stopped by to bitch-slap those who malign Patti LuPone. [Bitch-slap!] There is no question but that the original Broadway production of Noises Off was better than the revival. Those critical of LuPone should realize in the case of the revival it is most assuredly the director who is to blame, not the leading lady. Brian Murray’s direction of the Paper Mill Playhouse revival two years ago, which hewed closely to the original, was vastly superior to the current Broadway revival’s. The original Broadway revival cast were capable of delivering even more than the director allowed.
Patti LuPone was phenomenal in Evita, and no less stellar in The Cradle Will Rock, Master Class, Pal Joey, Annie Get Your Gun, Matters of the Heart, and Sweeney Todd—The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. She was also excellent in Anything Goes; Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda; The Old Neighborhood; and Accidental Death of an Anarchist. Her recording of the so-called musical adaptation of that Billy Wilder motion picture remains the best of the several. I cannot wait to see her as Desiree in A Little Night Music.
Posted by freedunit, unabashed LuPonephile @ 07/23/2002 09:57 AM PST

I just stopped by to bitch-slap those who malign Patti LuPone. [Bitch-slap!] There is no question but that the original Broadway production of Noises Off was better than the revival. Those critical of LuPone should realize in the case of the revival it is most assuredly the director who is to blame, not the leading lady. Brian Murray’s direction of the Paper Mill Playhouse revival two years ago, which hewed closely to the original, was vastly superior to the current Broadway revival’s. The original Broadway revival cast were capable of delivering even more than the director allowed.
Patti LuPone was phenomenal in Evita, and no less stellar in The Cradle Will Rock, Master Class, Pal Joey, Annie Get Your Gun, Matters of the Heart, and Sweeney Todd—The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. She was also excellent in Anything Goes; Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda; The Old Neighborhood; and Accidental Death of an Anarchist. Her recording of the so-called musical adaptation of that Billy Wilder motion picture remains the best of the several. I cannot wait to see her as Desiree in A Little Night Music.
Posted by freedunit, unabashed LuPonephile @ 07/23/2002 09:58 AM PST

Blame Mame, the bossa nova, the web server, or my computer. I did not press the fershluganah Post-This-Comment button twice! Honest! The computer was slow and I waited and waited and waited and touched nothing, and then there it is twice, and I never do anything twice. Wait… No, I never do anything twice.
Posted by freedunit, unabashed LuPonephile @ 07/23/2002 10:02 AM PST

JEAN DuSHON ...
I was interested in the post concerning "Blues in the Night," since I am a personal friend of one of its stars, the fabulous Jean DuShon. As you probably know, Miss DuShon was called in to replace the ailing legend Ruth Brown in the show, and opened three weeks later on Broadway starring with Leslie Uggams.
Miss DuShon is still very active - working, singing great and looking good. I have convinced her to market some "live" recordings she made in numerous nightclubs throughout the world. These are some great recordings. She needs a good engineer to revamp them into a quality, professional-sounding product. I'm hoping we can get this done by the beginning of 2004. This will, at least, put some much needed product in the record stores. Her fans, world-wide, are contantly looking for new material by this great singer.
Jean did a concert at Billie Holiday's old haunt in Harlem, the Lenox Lounge, for Black History Month. She packed the place and received standing ovations.
DuShon co-starred in an up-till-now, unrealeased film called "Can't Buy Love" playing a rich bitch. She's hoping that will come out next year, too.
Also, she's shopping for a new record deal, hopefully with a blues label. DuShon is working on a one-woman blues show for the stage which she hopes to take on tour ending up in New York.
Personally, I'm wondering why MCA, who owns all three of DuShon's Chess Record albums, haven't released them on CD. What they've done is released cuts for compilations. Jean's records are all over the place! Her fans would love the entire albums on CD, so would Jean.
To contact Jean DuShon, you may e-mail me and I will see that she gets your message. Especially record companies!
Posted by Oliver Penn @ 03/20/2003 10:00 AM PST

Jeux sans frontieres
Posted by . @ 04/05/2003 04:31 AM PST

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