Replies: 204 Unseemly Comments
Don't they also call it a riff? Speaking of Riff, one of my favorites riffs/vamps is from "West Side Story." It starts the opening of the show and "The Jets Song." I am not a Huge WSS fan-- it has less to do with the show than people who had never seen a play or musical in their life tellimg me how wonderful it is (the also raved about "Love Story"-- you know how it is).
Posted by Kerry @ 07/29/2002 08:21 AM PST
First post? Yippee! I think Ernest and Meltz (or at the very least our own BK) should write a song about the first post.
Posted by Kerry @ 07/29/2002 08:22 AM PST
Favorite vamps, huh? Hmm...
I think "All That Jazz" has a splendiforous one...it makes me want to Fosse all over the room. I also enjoy the little vamp, albeit very simple, in "Fugue for Tinhorns." (I was Benny, you see, and Guys and Dolls was my first musical, so it holds a special place in my heart.) The vamp for "Your Fault" makes me dizzy. I hate to admit this (no, I really don't, but I'm just trying to be polite) but I can't remember many vamps off the top of my head! Oh! The horror! I'm sure I'll think of more later.
OH!! I just remembered one...well, two...
Nothing was more thrilling than listening to that vamp right as Christine Baranksi burst through the pie shop doors. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for her to start "The Worst Pies In London."
And, as a performer, I must say I completely loved "my" vamp at the top of "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir" and "God That's Good!" I felt like the stage was mine for those whole 4 measures.
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 08:40 AM PST
The first few notes that start "110 in the Shade." It's also what was used for "Evening Star." But I guess that doesn't qualify as a vamp-- just as the first few notes of the show. Nevermind.
Posted by Kerry @ 07/29/2002 08:57 AM PST
I've always foud the vamp in and around "Another Hundred People" to be pretty exciting.
Posted by Stuart @ 07/29/2002 09:08 AM PST
Roger Edens' vamp to "Singin' in the Rain" is probably one of the most recognizable and he doesn't even get credit for it.
John Kander may be the king of vamps (i.e. New York, New York). On his demo for Curtains he does a vamp that sounds like the beginning of "The Happy Time." At least he borrows from himself.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 09:27 AM PST
My favorite all-time vamp is the Roger Edens one for "Singin' in the Rain" from movie of same name (all the doo-de-doo-doos).
Brass Tacks: It seems to me that the phrase "getting down to brass tacks" has to do with tackling detail no matter how tiresome it might become. If you have ever noticed brass tacks on chairs, you'll have noted that they are very close together and there are many, many tacks that have to be tapped in individually. Imagine, if you will, a frustrated chairmaker who has just discovered that his upholsterer has not applied the brass tacks, but has formulated some alternative way for the fabric or leather to be fastened. The chairmaker stomps and swears and kvetches and finally explods, "Just get down to the brass tacks!"
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 09:27 AM PST
Ron - great minds think alike.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 09:28 AM PST
Robert and I posted at almost the exact same moment -- how glad I am someone else would mention Eden's "Singin in the Rain"!
As for intros to songs that might not be considered "vamps", per se, I love the entrance to "Welcome to the Theater" from "Applause." It sends chills up and down my spine.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 09:29 AM PST
Now cut that out!
We keep doing this!
You're right, of course!
: )
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 09:30 AM PST
How could I forget?! All those banjos leading into MAME!
Posted by Stuart @ 07/29/2002 09:37 AM PST
One of the most recognizable to me is all the "Bobby Baby" vamps that precede everything in "Company."
A favorite is the vamp the starts Beautiful Girls" in "Follies."
Posted by Kerry @ 07/29/2002 09:45 AM PST
One of my favorites, I think it's a vamp, anyway, is the intro to Everybody Ought to Have A Maid, from Forum. I did that show many years ago when I was a mere sprig of a twig of a lad. I played Erronius and understudied Hysterium. Even then in my youth I was playing character roles. Ah, the dilemma of a short, deep-voiced youth who sounds older than he looks. What's a casting director to do with him? I always wanted to do that number but Hysterium was a trooper and never missed a performance (it was only a six week run after all).
Posted by Ben @ 07/29/2002 09:52 AM PST
As Mr. BK said, Mr. Sondheim can certainly write a vamp. Many of the posts are mentioning Sondheim shows.
Jason: Yes, Ms. Baranski was so wonderfull as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney. I loved that production. She and Brian Stokes-Mitchell brought a whole new level to Sweeney and Mrs. L. I saw the wonderful Ms. Lansbury in the original and Beth Fowler in the late 80s revival at Circle in the Square and Baranski & Mitchell were both just as wonderful!
Posted by Ben @ 07/29/2002 09:57 AM PST
And you're right, Ron and Robert, the vamp for Singin' in the Rain is delightful. In fact it's now in my head and won't leave. I'm going to have to listen to Dawn Upshaw (I Wish it So) to get it out.
Posted by Ben @ 07/29/2002 09:59 AM PST
I was so busy vamping this morning that I totally forgot we have a birthday to celebrate here. Yes, it is time to put on our pointy party hats, don our colored tights and pantaloons, get out our cheese slices and ham chunks and dance the Hora, or even the Hully Gully. For it is the 17th birthday of dear reader Hapgood. Let us all wish Hapgood a very special haineshisway.com birthday!!!
Posted by bk @ 07/29/2002 10:04 AM PST
If a vamp is a riff, is a riff really an arvin? Just asking.
And, speaking of the vamp for "Beautiful Girls", how about that vamp for "Bring on the Girls"? Uh...
And, BK, now that July is almost gone, what has happened to Footlight? Don't you want to join all us Nyorkers in the sweltering heat?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 07/29/2002 10:07 AM PST
JASON: By the way, there is a Target on Queens Boulevard. You can take the R, V or G to Grand Avenue. I am lucky enough to be able to walk to it from Forest Hills, but the subway from the city (where I assume you live) is just as easy.
Any company that employs Morgan Fairchild can't be all bad, no?
Posted by Stuart @ 07/29/2002 10:15 AM PST
Happy Day Hapgood. Enjoy 17 and every year after. Speaking of Hapgood, everyone who hasn't yet should mosey on over (it's too hot to run, just mosey) to the Broadway Radio Show featuring Craig Brockman's favorite show tunes. There's a little bit of Hapgood for everyone today
Posted by Ben @ 07/29/2002 10:17 AM PST
Let me say right here and now that my favorite vamp is Hard Hearted Hannah, the Vamp of Savannah, the Meanest Gal in Town.
Other than Hard Hearted Hannah, the Vamp of Savannah, the Meanest Gal in Town, I also love All That Jazz (And I really love the overture which leads into the vamping- cast album heaven, if you ask me).
Like Jason, I really can't think of many vamps off the top of my head. (Vamps on the top of my head, there are aplenty, but no one is interested in those).
I think I shall listen to every cd I own and report back later...
Posted by Dolores, formerly Lolita @ 07/29/2002 10:17 AM PST
Stuart:
Thank you so much! I live in Greenpoint (B'klyn), so I can take the G right there to Target!! How exciting! I think I'll go as soon as the weather cools down.
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 10:26 AM PST
Happy Birthday, Dear Hapgood!!! We'll be expecting a cake report later in the day!
Posted by Laura @ 07/29/2002 10:33 AM PST
Oh, my...how rude of me. I got so excited about Target that I completely forgot to wish Dear Reader Hapgood a Happy Birthday. I do hope you'll forgive the oversight, Hap...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 10:37 AM PST
Oh, yes:
HAPGOOD BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Posted by William F. Orr @ 07/29/2002 11:13 AM PST
Does anyone...still wear...a hap?
I'll drink to that! (Where's the Kool-Aid?)
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 11:17 AM PST
"HAP-py days are here again...."
Best wishes to Hapgood on his sweet seventeen!
Posted by Phil @ 07/29/2002 11:22 AM PST
Happy Birthday, Hapgood. Many happy returns of the day.
I have CLOTHES older than you!
Posted by Stuart @ 07/29/2002 11:39 AM PST
Happy Birthday to Hapgood, my fellow Leo-ian! May you always have the lion's share of good health, happiness and prosperity.
Posted by Susan Gordon @ 07/29/2002 12:50 PM PST
I have been a beat behind for two days now. Whatsa matter me?
Great Vamps:
Count Dracula;
Carol Channing;
“Something’s Coming” (Bernstein, West Side Story);
“Meadowlark” (Schwartz, The Baker’s Wife);
“Take Off With Us” (Burns, All That Jazz).
What about “Smile” and “A Beat Behind”?
My other favorite great vamps were named previously: “Singin’ in the Rain” (Brown); “Together (Wherever We Go)” (Styne, Gypsy); “Mame” (Herman); “Big Spender” (Coleman, Sweet Charity); “Another Hundred People” (Sondheim, Company); “One” (Hamlisch, A Chorus Line); “All That Jazz” (Kander, Chicago); “The Theme From New York, New York” (Kander).
It looks as though EFX is to be the attraction of choice in Las Vegas. Can it really be that I am headed to see Rick Springfield in a musical special-effects extravaganza? Oy.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 01:16 PM PST
Hap-hap-HAP-py Birthday!
Enjoy being 17! It's quite wonderful! (I know, having had three birthdays that could each be called a 17th!)
R
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 01:19 PM PST
I thought of another vamp while bemoaning the fact that "Everybody Ought to Have A Maid's" vamp was running ceaseless in my brain....
...it's the vamp for "Soon It's Gonna Rain" -- The Fantasticks!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 01:20 PM PST
freedunit, as pointed out above by Ron and someone else, the vamp to "Singing' In The Rain" was actually written by Roger Edens and not by your namesake & Brown.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 01:21 PM PST
Michael Crawford and Tommy Tune replaced by Rick Springfield in EFX. Who comes up with these ideas?
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 01:23 PM PST
Many, many thanks to for the happy birthday wishes.
Cake report: I had a small party last night, and I was at one point planning to have chocolate cake, but I suddenly realized: my mother makes the best cheesecake in the world (or at least the tri-state area) so I decided that we must have that at the party. It was, as usual, a virtual orgasm on a plate. There is still some left, so I will probably have some more tonight. There is some chance that I will have real cake tonight: a local charity is doing a benefit performance of Falsettos, which may have a cake-filled reception. I will give a full report later.
I received the CD's: Elaine Stritch at Liberty (to which I am currently listening), The Last 5 Years, Songs for a New World, Rosemary Clooney sings Rodgers & Hart & Hammerstein, and The Great Ladies Sing Gershwin. And the Books: Me Talk Pretty One Day, The Dubliners, Stupid White Guys, and James Agee on Film.
Are you all jealous of my youth? Don't be. It's overrated.
I'll report back later.
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/29/2002 01:24 PM PST
Hapgood -- I wouldn't be 17 again for anything. Ugh! Great set of CDs. You definitely sound like me at that age.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 01:26 PM PST
I intended that as a compliment!
[Lots of posts to boost the July numbers]
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 01:27 PM PST
Hapgood birthday, Hapgood! Expanding on the theme, I have CD’s older than you.
Like the coprophiliac, I have never shopped at a Wal-Mart—and I would not—but I did once—how can I put this?—use the Urine Good Company-like facilities of one once. It is bad enough that there is a Kmart in the East Village. Whether pronounced American or Gallic, we do not need a Target. Some restaurants need targets for their urinals, because studies show that targets placed strategically elevate the sanitary conditions of the facilities. Make it business as usual, it’s a mess; make it a game, and all the boys play along.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 01:28 PM PST
Robert Armin: Yes, Roger Edens. I should not have just pulled official credits. If only I could keep all of Kay Thompson’s contributions straight, too! Who thinks of following Michael Crawford and Tommy Tune with Rick Springfield? That is easy: very bad people.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 01:32 PM PST
Has anyone noticed in the articles about Tommy Tune possibly taking on the direction and choreography of MISS SPECTACULAR that they refer to the fact that Jerry Herman and Tommy Tune have never worked together? Now that may be true if one considers TT in only a D/C capacity, but he did play Ambrose Kemper in the film version of HELLO, DOLLY! after all ("Ambrose do a turn, let me see/Mr. Hackl, Mr. Tucker, don't forget Irene and Minnie...."). I realize that Herman had less to do on the film than he did on the stage version, but still....let's get our facts straight.
Posted by Stuart @ 07/29/2002 01:50 PM PST
Jerry Herman also wrote much of the score of the American version of A Day in Hollywood (but not A Night in the Ukraine) which Tommy Tune directed on Broadway. Facts are facts.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 02:13 PM PST
I totally forgot that fact, Robert. You are so right.
Posted by Stuart @ 07/29/2002 02:22 PM PST
Who would report such nonsense that would state or suggest that Jerry Herman and Tommy Tune have never worked together? Was it Playbill Online? If so, figures. Thank goodness the facts have been set properly gay. It could only be the facts having been gotten erroneously straight that resulted in such heinous error. These are gay facts, after all—and facts are facts—and now the facts that are facts have been set the way they belong. As Stuart stated, Tune was a mighty tall Mister Kemper in the motion picture Hello, Dolly!; and as Mister Armin stated, Herman wrote much of what is memorable of the score of A Day in Hollywood. If that is not working together twice, I do not know what is.
Speaking of ghost-writing scores, what about Herman’s assist with Hello, Dolly!?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 02:47 PM PST
What about Herman writing the only memorable song from Ben Franklin in Paris? Herman has actually written more for others than others have for him. And Motherhood ain't that great a song (although I do like Elegance).
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 03:01 PM PST
But I heard Herman and Tune Never Do Anything Twice. And let's not forget that Tommy Tune once did a show with Twiggy and that Twiggy MET Jerry Herman, so there is yet another unreported connection. It is also well-known among those who know-well that Jerry Herman ghost wrote all the songs in My One and Only.
Posted by bk @ 07/29/2002 03:03 PM PST
Well, well, well (that is three wells) I suspected that this week our handy-dandy search box would be used quite a bit and guess what? My, my, my (that is three mys) some searchers are working overtime. I do hope they are finding what they're looking for - they could always simply come on and ask, but some people like searching better than asking - except for that darned Baron Wasteland from last week. That darned Baron Wasteland just came right on here and tried to provoke, didn't he? Oh, yes, there was provoking going on and I'm so proud of all of you for not rising to the bait. I have my suspicions that it may happen again, so beware - and remember, we take the high road here at haineshisway.com. We do not get down in the mud or the swamp or the freeway or the parking garage. No, we will ignore all provocations and go about our merry business.
Posted by bk @ 07/29/2002 03:10 PM PST
I did not realize Herman contributed to Ben Franklin in Paris. By the way (BTW), my vaguely phrased question about Herman was just that—honestly a question. Was it Strouse who contributed to Dolly!? What other uncredited contributions has Herman made? And why has it been so long since he has written a score? Mrs. Santa Clause sounded mostly recycled.
There is still another connection: Georgia Engel’s two Broadway credits. She was a replacement Minnie Fay in the original production of Hello, Dolly!, and a replacement Mickey in My One And Only. I loved Denny Dillon in My One and Only, but Engel was also terrific.
It may be well-known among those who know-well that Herman ghost wrote all the songs of My One and Only, but what about those who do not know-well but snack well? What about Peter Sellars?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 03:13 PM PST
Oh, great, there is an erroneous e at the end of Claus. What is it—another Jerry Herman drag musical for Tim Allen?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 03:14 PM PST
It is the good humor and cleverness of it all and the not getting down in the mud or the swamp or the freeway or the parking garage, but always going about our merry business that makes this like a permanent, floating party. Thank you for hosting and not charging a thousand dollars for the night. Cake anyone?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 03:16 PM PST
Just for the record, I have shopped at Wal-Marts...many, many times. I'm from the midwest, for God's sake! Wal-Mart is to the midwest what Duane Reade is to Manhattan! And I used to work for a Target store. Store #1077 to be specific--Springhurst Store, Louisville, Kentucky. Sad that I remember that from 5 years ago. It was at that Target store that I made my debut as Chester the Cheetah. It was a hot, humid day, much like today, and I nearly sweat myself to death. It was also, by the way (BTW), my closing performance as Chester the Cheetah. Does that make me THE RED SHOES of costumed characters?
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 03:18 PM PST
As a musician, a pit musician at that, vamps are dangerous and while very necessary, are really annoying. However, pointy hats off to Mr Sondheim because all his vamps are written with the singer AND the musicians in mind. Always allowing the vocal to get us out of the vamp. As I said, vamps are necessary, but the truly annoying part is when an MD (that's musical director) uses a vamp of 1 measure to cover a scene change and as audience members, I'm sure you notice when that happens. I would rather her an instrumental of a song or whatever during a scene change. Anyway, that's my thought on vamps!!
Posted by Matthew @ 07/29/2002 03:26 PM PST
Jason: To me Wal-Mart is like UGC, so please don’t be pissed off at me. ;-) I still cannot figure out the difference between Kmart and Target. How about this?: To me, Footlight Records is Mount Olympus. You are from the South, if I recall correctly (IIRC), aren’t you? Did you spend much time in the Midwest? In what part of NYC do you live now?
Matthew: Amen to your thoughts on vamps and scene changes. Would you expand on your thoughts about Sondheim’s vamps, written with the singer and the musicians in mind, versus vamps by others? I think I understand what you mean, but it would be interesting to read more.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 03:37 PM PST
You know what I really hate? (This is kinda along the lines of what dear reader Matthew was saying)...I hate when MDs (Musical Directors) decide to play an instrumental version of a song, but when the scene change is done, they just cut the song off in the middle of the phrase. I HATE that!
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 03:38 PM PST
Freedunit: Yes, I am from the South. You did remember correctly (YDRC). I am originally from Kentucky, but I spent two years in Oklahoma City getting my Masters degree, and since two years in Oklahoma is like an eternity anywhere else, I'd say that yes, I did spend a lot of time in the midwest.
Now I live in Greenpoint (Brooklyn) but I work in the Times Square area, which basically is the bane of my existence. Unless I'm in a theatre, I have no desire to be in Times Square with the tourists and shysters. Anyway, I moved here in January and I am just about to celebrate my 7th month in the City. I feel a cake would be in order. What do you think? :-)
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 03:41 PM PST
I'm going into sketchy memory time here, but I seem to recall that Bob Merrill wrote the two extra songs (named above) for Hello, Dolly. But I bow to anyone else's (possibly) more accurate information.
Herman wrote To Be Alone With You for Ben Franklin. Incidentally, Bock and Harnick wrote three or four numbers for Baker Street. Frank Loesser supposedly wrote My White Knight for The Music Man, which explains why Willson chose to replace it with his own song (Being In Love) for the movie version. Most of Broadway's ghost-written songs are kept very hush-hush and some of the rumors going about are simply inaccurate or outright wrong.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 03:41 PM PST
Jason -- Don't you come a-knockin' on my door.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 03:44 PM PST
What.rumors.where?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 03:46 PM PST
Do you live in Greenpoint, Robert?
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 03:48 PM PST
Jason: Cake is always in order, so, of course! There is very good cake not far from Times Square. I have never been to Greenpoint. Do trains run there? Is it easy to get from there to Long Island City or D.U.M.B.O.? Dumbo could probably travel faster than NYCTA…
Robert Armin: Thank you. Bob Merrill’s name sounds right. Why was I thinking Strouse? I think Strouse is said to have made contributions to a big show in Detroit, and I don’t think it was an auto show. Are there any inaccurate authorship rumors you would like to dispel?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 04:03 PM PST
Yes, Freedunit...you take the G train from either Bedford Ave. (transfer from the L) or you can take the G from Long Island City (Transfers to/from the E, V, and 7 trains.) I would agree with you that Dumbo would be faster than NYCTA.
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 04:07 PM PST
And more fun, too, right?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 04:14 PM PST
Cold, Jason.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 04:16 PM PST
Mr. Armin: I LOVE "Motherhood" from "Hello, Dolly!" It's energetic and clever and just one heck of a great number -- a fun march with great silliness and mirth in its lyrics!
Alas, alack, allegra! And Allegro!
And Freedunit: I totally blanked on your comment about Herman ghostwriting for "Hello, Dolly!" Was it a yoke?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 04:24 PM PST
Times Square??
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 04:36 PM PST
Ron - I agree that it's a fun number. I just think it tries too hard for that moment in the show. Let's put it this way - I didn't miss it in the movie version and I usually scream whenever anything is cut.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 04:37 PM PST
HOT
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 04:37 PM PST
Put another way, Ron, "Motherhood" makes all of the characters look pretty stupid, and they're not.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 04:39 PM PST
So sorry, Robert...but good for you for being able to afford rent there!! I just wouldn't want to have to deal with all the touristy types.
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 04:41 PM PST
To expand on vamps (which if I could take a moment and say that vamps that are more than one measure are rather useless, unless of course they are musical phrases!) Anyhoo... in regards to Sondheim and vamps, like I said before, he uses the vocal to get the musician out of the vamp. However there are some vamps where the music and the vocal continue together (say in the next measure of music) which can be deadly if the singer and the conductor do not connect or have not connected as to how they will get out of a vamp. With Sondheim, the singer can just sing whenever in mid-vamp and everything comes out fine. I hope that clears things up. :)
Posted by Matthew @ 07/29/2002 05:16 PM PST
In regards to ghost writting. I have one question... Who really did write all the music for "The Producers"??? Think about that one...
Posted by Matthew @ 07/29/2002 05:21 PM PST
All vamped out after that reading. It is of course tomorrow here so happy birthday for yesterday Hapgood from Down under in Oz. Rick Springfield. So that's where old Australian pop stars go out to pasture - Las Vegas. I was never a fan but did like his duet with Randy Crawford.
What I now need is a list of all Those "ghost" written songs for musicals. I am so confused. When I was 17 I had never heard of Sondheim. (But I had learned the truth well before 17 and not the same truth as Janis Ian).
Posted by Tom Guest (from OZ) @ 07/29/2002 05:37 PM PST
Even before Rick Springfield, there was David Cassidy in EFX. Perhaps they should attempt to find Bobby Sherman....
Posted by Angela D @ 07/29/2002 05:47 PM PST
These ghostwriting allusions are heinous do you hear heinous!
Someone please make some sense of them for the rest of us!
Tom and I are getting headaches already and we're not even on the same side of the equator!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 06:19 PM PST
Sometimes when shows are in trouble on the road, people are brought in to try to fix. This can include directors, choreographers, librettists and composer/lyricists. Jerry Herman, for example, was brought in to write a song or two for Ben Franklin in Paris. Stephen Sondheim contributed one song, I believe, to Ilya Darling. And Bob Merrill was brought in to help Dolly and wrote Motherhood and Elegance (I'm actually not at all certain that he wrote Motherhood in its entirety). Strouse and Adams were also brought in to help with the end of Act One, and I believe they wrote Before the Parade Passes By, but that Jerry rewrote it keeping only their title. Others might have more information, but those are the things I've heard about. Frank Loesser is widely reputed to have written My White Knight and I know there are other instances of this sort of thing happening.
Posted by bk @ 07/29/2002 06:28 PM PST
Happy B-day Hapgood. You couldn't pay me to be 17 again. But it was a monumental year with some of the worst things and some of the best things happening to me.
Posted by kerry @ 07/29/2002 06:33 PM PST
Regarding the ghost written songs from Hello, Dolly!
According to the official ASCAP composer credits, Jerry Herman, Charles Strouse and Lee Adams are credited for Before The Parade Passes By from Hello Dolly.
Also Bob Merrill is the only credited writer for Elegance and Motherhood March.
It should aslo be noted that composer Mack David successfully sued Jerry Herman for "borrrowing" the main four bar theme was the same as his song "Sunflower" he wrote in 1948. (The song had been recorded by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby and others.) The case was settled out of court for $250,000.
Also did anyone see Hello, Dolly when it first opened? Instead of the Polka Contest there was a musical number called Come and Be My Butterfly. (A picture from the number can be seen on the original release jacket of the cast recording)
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/29/2002 06:41 PM PST
The difference between Target and K-Mart is that K-Mart is usually a dump (go into a store and you'll see why they are in Chapter 11) and Target is a well run store with pleasant clerks, generally well stocked, decent prices and a history of giving back to the community in which they operate.
I would elaborate further but I don't want to bore you all with my perspective on the historical importance of corporate responsibility when this blog is about theatre and music and other things far more important. Like Cake - especially the kind with chocolate butter cream frosting :-)
Posted by Ben @ 07/29/2002 06:43 PM PST
The song from Illya Darling is reputed to be I Think She Needs Me.
There is much discussion on Frank Loesser's contribution to Music Man. I had always heard that he did write My White Knight. They had a falling out by the time the film was being made and he would not allow the song to be used so this is why Wilson wrote Being In Love for the film. If this was the case Loesser could have also pulled the song from any future production of Music Man and Being In Love would have been used in it stead. This was not the case.
Possibilities might have been that he wanted to write a new song for Shirley Jones or that he just wanted to write a new song for the film hoping it would get an Academy Award nomination.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/29/2002 06:50 PM PST
BTW thanks to those who had inquired about my condition. I am up and moving around. A little bit slower for the time being. But am able to sit at the computer and type.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/29/2002 06:52 PM PST
Probably the most heavily uncredited ghost written score was for the 1 performance flop La Strada with Larry Kert and Bernadette Peters. Of the 14 musical numbers credited in the opening night (and closing night) program only four were actually written by creditted composer Lionel Bart. The other ten were written by Elliot Mawrence and Martin Charnin!
A interesting side note that some of the songs by Bart were later used in the Peter Sellar's movie The Optimists (Of Nine Elm)
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/29/2002 07:01 PM PST
Welcome back, Michael - and glad to hear you're up and about (sort of). Look at all these posts - We. We are family.
Posted by bk @ 07/29/2002 07:18 PM PST
Ah, me! Almost all of my books are still in boxes, where they are likely to remain untill we install shelves in the library of our new house.
In Jerry's autobiography Show Tune he addresses the question of ghosts, and says, as I recall that he and Merrill collaborated on "Elegance", but seems to indicate that Merrill's contribution was minimal. I wish I remembered the details. He also insists that his Tony speech for La Cage aux folles was in no way meant to insult Sondheim.
Anyone have the book at their fingertips? If not, have a piece of cake instead.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 07/29/2002 07:27 PM PST
Michael Shayne, get well soon.
WFO, I have an autographed copy that I have yet to read. I saw the Tony Awards in question and, as you undoubtedly know, Mister Herman meant Sondheim and the critical success of Sunday in the Park With George; he just did not like the back-lash from Sondheim supporters. My problem with Herman is that I do not believe his memory or spin, and I think he actually does believe his own P.R.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 07:37 PM PST
Michael
So glad you're back. We missed you. You'll much to read from the last few days to keep you occpied while you recover. I don't really know anyone in Florida who I could ask to take cake to you. Just know that we WISH you cake.
Posted by Kerry @ 07/29/2002 07:44 PM PST
Wow! Thanks for the clarification and continuation.
Was Herman the "original" composer for "Hello, Dolly!"?
This is just as fascinating as the film score ghostwriting -- who wrote what using whose themes in whose styles -- did not, did, too -- only in the film music groups, you get cursed at for suggesting such things if the credit isn't on the record or CD. I've had suspicions about a number of things over the years and they've not been allayed just because someone suggests I bring more proof than "this composer never before, or since, wrote anything of this caliber."
Still, keep going.
Now, what was it Herman said in his acceptance speech for "La Cage" that someone might have thought was a slam against Sondheim. I saw that presentation...and vaguely remember feeling a bit odd about his speech, but I don't remember why.
Michael: Welcome back to the Unseemliness of it all! You were missed. And our thoughts were with you.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 07:44 PM PST
Happy Birthday Hapgood...I'm with the rest of you. I wouldn't want to be that age either. "Where are the joys of yesterday..we used to be quite bright and gay"..Whoopee!
Dennis
Posted by Dennis Clancy @ 07/29/2002 07:46 PM PST
Glad to see you back, Michael.
Posted by Laura @ 07/29/2002 07:54 PM PST
"Where are the boys of yesterday..we used to be quite bright and gay"... What are you implying? Haha!
All this talk of ghost writers is making my head spin. It's spinning, I tell you! All I know is, if I were Frank Loesser, I wouldn't have taken credit for writing "My White Knight," either. I personally find it to be one of the least pleasing melodies I've ever had to listen to knight after knight after knight. I've probably just nailed myself to my own crucifix with that statement, but so be it. So...fire away. I'm ready.
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 08:03 PM PST
No, Jason...no public executions are in store for you.
Yet, I came to the OBC of "The Music Man" years after I fell in love with the movie and its score.
How marvellous (and mysterious until right now) that there was a different song - "My White Knight" -- with a different singer, Barbara Cook -- and I found I much preferred that to "Being in Love." But, I was used to Hollywood futzing around with scores, dropping songs, replacing them. I didn't always like it, but there it was.
I'm still waiting for someone to do "Annie" correctly -- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE "We're Getting a New Deal for Christmas"!!!!! Both movies have avoided it like the plague. I thought the Disney version quite bright and inventive for what it was -- at least the tunes were given more joy than they had in John Huston's funereal version. I loved seeing Andrea McArdle do the NYC number (inexplicaly left out of the Huston movie). Of course, the movie that would do it justice would have to be much longer than either of the two we've gotten, thus far.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 08:22 PM PST
Happy birthday, Hapgood! Welcome back, Michael S.!
Now to the matter of vamps...
Here's my top-o'-the-head list, very likely to be added to when I get home after work and peruse my CD's to jog my memory:
Marian the Librarian (Music Man)
All That Jazz (Chicago)
I'm Only Thinking of Him (Man of La Mancha)
Soon It's Gonna Rain (Fantasticks)
Another Hundred People (Company)
Little Things You Do Together (Company)
Country House (Follies, 1987)
At the Ballet (A Chorus Line)
I Am My Own Best Friend (Chicago)
Worst Pies in London (Sweeney Todd)
Everybody Ought to Have a Maid (...Forum)
Me and My Town (Anyone Can Whistle)
All I Need Is the Girl (Gypsy)
Buenos Aires (Evita)
Road You Didn't Take (Follies)
Beautiful Girls (Follies)
Forbidden Fruit (The Apple Tree)
Posted by Jed @ 07/29/2002 08:26 PM PST
Jed: Your list is excellent. “Buenos Aires” (Lloyd Webber, Evita) was the one I knew I was missing! “The Little Things You Do Together” (Company) is a great example of a great vamp by Sondheim.
Jason: So many knights!
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 08:47 PM PST
So many knights...so little time. I mean...um...yeah. So...
I agree that "Buenos Aires" is one of the best vamps that Lloyd Webber has written. Quite possibly the ONLY vamp he's ever written, besides Norma Desmond. Oh, that's VAMP...not VAMPIRE. Another one that he's written which I particularly enjoy, though I don't think it's technically a vamp, is the music heard as the Phantom comes down the stairs just before "Why so silent, good Messieurs?" I dunno why, but I love that. I guess it's cause I keep waiting for the poor schmuck in the Red Death costume to go tumbling down the steps one night. Isn't that horrible? I'd hate if something bad happened to Howard McGillin. He's cute for a man his age...and extremely talented in my humble opinion (IMHO).
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 08:53 PM PST
I think we may break 100 tonight!!!
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 08:56 PM PST
Jason, if you break even ONE, you're going to have to pay for it.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 08:58 PM PST
And I mean it!
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 08:59 PM PST
As they say in Chinatown, "You blake, you buy!! I give you good plice...onry foh dorrah!"
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 08:59 PM PST
I thought that was South Pacific?
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 09:01 PM PST
Wow...did I just get unseemingly politically incorrect, or did I just get marginally politically incorrect? Sorry about that, guys. I dunno what came over me.
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 09:02 PM PST
I think 100 is a foregone conclusion for tonight. Now I'm just wondering if the overnight crowd and East Coast morning folk will come close to last Thursday's 140!
Yes, loathe as I usually am to praise Lloyd Webber, he does have his moments, and the "Buenos Aires" vamp is one of them.
Posted by Jed @ 07/29/2002 09:02 PM PST
To quote Noel Coward -- "Well don't do it again!"
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/29/2002 09:02 PM PST
I think it was the talk of Howard McGillin...I lost control of my senses there for a moment. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but I really do think he's just dreamy!
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 09:03 PM PST
My goodness, the 100-post barrier is mentioned and it takes only 7 more minutes to hit it! Well done, one and all, all and one! 140, ho!!!
Posted by Jed @ 07/29/2002 09:05 PM PST
Oh, my...I posted number 100! I feel like Dolly Levi coming down the staircase. I feel like Auntie Mame coming down the staircase. I feel like someone needs to tell Jerry Herman enough with the staircases already!
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 09:07 PM PST
Come on, folks! Let's all do our bit for a hundred-post day!
Posted by William F. Orr @ 07/29/2002 09:07 PM PST
Jason: You get initiated by bitch-slap for that “He’s cute for a man his age…” remark about Howard McGillin! [Bitch-slap!] Look at me when I’m bitch-slapping you!
Open Letter to Jerry Herman: Please bring us more Broadway staircases! Please!
Andrew Lloyd Webber is a pasty-faced worm—thank you, Fred Ebb—but Evita is fun and I do like the instantly recognizable “Buenos Aires” vamp. Patti LuPone, the one true Eva, was brilliant in Evita.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 09:23 PM PST
Why do I get bitch-slapped for that comment? He IS cute for a man his age...
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 09:24 PM PST
Jason: For the prepositional phrase “for his age”! [Bitch-slap!]
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 09:27 PM PST
Freedunit: Is someone feeling a bit self-conscious about their age? And don't think I won't bitch-slap you back, either...shoo...I been knowed to pull out weaves and snatch off wigs in a terse situation. :-)
What was that? Ricki Lake does Showtime at the Apollo?
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 09:29 PM PST
Jason: Self-conscious, not at the moment. Just seemed the thing to do. Howard McGillin is attractive. Period. Besides, it is well-known that I get in the mood to bitch-slap, and it had been a while and it had never before been your turn. And there was the Chinatown thing and now the Ricki Lake thing. So… [Bitch-slap!]
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 09:35 PM PST
OK...now, that's been three bitch-slaps in a row. I think you need to check yo'self. [Bitch-slaps FREEDUNIT]
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 09:36 PM PST
Are you telling me to check my personality? How thoroughly modern of you!
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 09:42 PM PST
Okay, I think Howard McGillin is pretty cute at any age. Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how old he really is?? I haven't taken the time to look it up.
Also, all the vamps mentioned are very good examples. I just wish I could think of one that hasn't been. I like them all!
Posted by George @ 07/29/2002 09:56 PM PST
I shall now attempt to take this back to the subject of vamps.
Of course "The Little Things You Do Together" and "Marian the Librarian"!!!! Those are perfect... and favorites.
I think we should all have a bitch-slap fest (maybe in Central Park). A Slp-o-Rama. Kind of like a Hainsie/Kimmlet version of a giant pillow fight. Or start a "Bitch Slap Across America"
Posted by Kerry @ 07/29/2002 09:57 PM PST
Kerry: That is why some time ago I proposed a Hainsie-Kimmlet Bitch-slap room. However, I would prefer to bitch-slap a happy America, rather than a cross one.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/29/2002 09:59 PM PST
Jason: Do you see yourself in a Herman number???
Somehow the ceiling
Seems a little higher
From the very moment I see Jason come in the room
It feels like someone
Lit a roaring fire
But it's just the glow I get when Jason comes in the room
The faded sofa
Stands a little prouder
That bunch of artificial flowers might even bloom
I can feel my heartbeat
Beat a little louder
The very moment I see Jason come in the room
There...did that mark the moment?
If you and Freedunit have bitch-slapped one another into a double coma, I wouldn't be a bit surprised.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/29/2002 10:02 PM PST
I prefer to see myself in a Merman number...loud and sassy. Haha. Actually, I'm not so brassy and sassy in real life as I am in here. Maybe I should be...then I might actually have friends! Kidding...
I have to agree that the Marion the Librarian vamp is stupendously fun.
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 10:23 PM PST
Howard McGillian will be 49 years old next november 5th. By the end of august he will have played the phantom of the opera for three years
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 07/29/2002 10:31 PM PST
More vamps...
Have I Got a Girl for You
(Company)
Funny (City of Angels)
Meilinki Meilchik (Stop the
World - I Want to Get Off)
Posted by Jed @ 07/29/2002 10:37 PM PST
Ooh...Howard's only 23 years and 15 days older than me! Haha! He still looks at least 35. And the man has a voice! Wow! Rumour has it that he'll leave PHANTOM at the end of August. Say it isn't so! (Unless they give me the role when he leaves, which is highly unlikely). Oh, well.
Oh, Freedunit: Thanks for the bitch-slap email. It made me laugh. :-)
OK...It's past 2 here and I'm listening to MILLIE way too loudly and I really need to go to bed before I open the Haagen Dazs. Bonne nuit, tout le monde! Au demain!
Posted by Jason @ 07/29/2002 11:11 PM PST
All those hours and posts have passed and I am still reeling from the Ghosts mentioned above. I did not think that much of the Sixth Sense.Blithe Spirit was more fun. I will now have to dig out my Ilya Darling record. Yesterday I was searching for Destry. Probably the only exercise I get. Should I now find my dictionary to check on the spelling of Blythe/Blithe. I'm too much of a Coward to not check. I was right.I think I just split an infinative.
Big welcome back to the fold Michael. You have been missed.
I don't think I even want to be 50 again let alone 17. I am definitely in my appreciate Kevin Spacey phase this week.
I remember that award night with the Herman comment and I was outraged. Some sort of irony that had Sondheim writing a song for The Bird Cage.
Listened to Into The Woods today - I expected worse. Millie was OK too.
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 07/30/2002 04:42 AM PST
At 7:41am NYC time we are up to 118 and I'll make it 119. Only 21 to go for 140 and one more to go over that.
Already it's over 80 today and I'm older than Howard McGillin by 10 months! Oy (and I'm not even Jewish)!
Posted by Ben @ 07/30/2002 04:56 AM PST
I guess I've reached the page quite late in the day, but reading through the posts I'm reminded that Tommy Tune performed 'Tap Your Troubles Away' at the concert version of Mack and Mable that Jerry Herman helped put together (available on CD). So that's another connection, albeit not a directorial one.
I know it's cheating, but can my favourite vamp be 'The Vamp' starring Carol Channing... I mean, you can't talk about Jerry Herman without mentioned Carol in the same breath!
Posted by Stephen @ 07/30/2002 05:49 AM PST
I can!
Jerry Channing. Um, Carol Herman. DAMN! OK, fine...Jerry Herman.
Carol Channing.
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 05:54 AM PST
Stephen: I responded with Count Dracula and Carol Channing as my top two favortie vamps early on—see above—but it elicited not one response. At least someone else knows of The Vamp.
Tom: You are in a Kevin Spacey phase this week? Does it involve a shower?
Posted by freedunit @ 07/30/2002 06:09 AM PST
Freedunit: Are you referring to the shower scene in "American Beauty?" Tsk, tsk... haha!
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 06:20 AM PST
I hope it's not too late to get in to the fray and add to the unseemly number of posts. Hoping to break the record today, are we? (Does anyone still play records?)
Posted by Dave @ 07/30/2002 06:29 AM PST
Come on, boys and girls...we're sooo close!!!
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 06:33 AM PST
Vamps, vamps and more vamps...
Here are a few no one has mentioned yet:
"Where I Want to Be" from CHESS
"This Is Not Over Yet" from PARADE
"At the Fountain" from SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
Posted by Dave @ 07/30/2002 06:37 AM PST
On the subject of ghost writing, what about Jule Styne? Can anyone list some scores that he had an uncredited hand in writing?
And, on a similar note, would anyone like to speculate as to who wrote what for WEST SIDE STORY?
Posted by Dave @ 07/30/2002 06:51 AM PST
On age and beauty:
My Joe would say, "Jason is attractive for a child. Wait till he grows up."
Posted by William F. Orr @ 07/30/2002 07:10 AM PST
There's a bit of a vamp before "Move! You're Steppin' On My Heart" in Dreamgirls.
Does this break 130??
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 07:16 AM PST
Yes, Jason, you broke it. What's the record on here for a single day? Now, if BK will hold off posting today's column a little longer... (Of course, that means today's responses may be a record low!)
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:18 AM PST
Again...not sure whether to be flattered or offended by William's last post...
I'm sure he means that if I'm this attractive at 25 that I will be VERY attractive when I'm older. Right? Haha...
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 07:20 AM PST
We're so close...only 9 more to break the record from last week! Well, 8 after this one...
Gird your loins, fellas...we got some postin' to do!!
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 07:24 AM PST
Jason, it really
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:33 AM PST
doesn't count if
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:34 AM PST
you pad things out.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:34 AM PST
That isn't
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:35 AM PST
fair.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:35 AM PST
Now is it?
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:35 AM PST
Duh-dummmmm (drum roll)
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:36 AM PST
Can't answer the question about what Styne contributed to that he did not receive credit for. However, I can say that THE RED SHOES was an abortion. Having said that, I will also say that I had a ticket for ONE NIGHT STAND, but it closed the day I had my ticket for it. All those years later, I bought the CD, and I have to say it is not at all hateful. The melodies have that same Styne drive, and are actually quite pleasant to listen to, if marred somewhat by less than sterling vocals.
And thank you to whoever brought up the vamp to MY OWN BEST FRIEND. It's terrific.
I did not see "Come and Be My Butterfly," but I did see Georgia Engel as Minnie Fay. Does that mean I know Tommy Tune and Jerry Herman too?
Posted by Stuart @ 07/30/2002 07:36 AM PST
YAY!!! We did it, boys and girls! Break out the cake!!!
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 07:36 AM PST
And the pantaloons and party hats!
Posted by Stuart @ 07/30/2002 07:39 AM PST
Robert and Jason,
This is like having to write a 50 word essay in grade school and saying something like, "My summer vacation was really, really, really really fun. We went to many, many, many, many, many places.
Posted by Kerry @ 07/30/2002 07:43 AM PST
Gee, what did we do?
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:43 AM PST
I
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:44 AM PST
would
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:44 AM PST
never
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:44 AM PST
never
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:44 AM PST
do
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:45 AM PST
that!
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:45 AM PST
!
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:45 AM PST
Not to mention the chesse and ham chunks!
How about a chesse and ham chunks cake????? Or is that too unseemly???
BTW bk - had to go over the archives from last week to get the lowdown on Baron Wasteland (sorry - was on vacation in Torinto). Any more news on this fershlugener lurker?
Posted by Phil @ 07/30/2002 07:45 AM PST
Never!
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:46 AM PST
Re: the Baron -- Interestingly enough, the site that will not be mentioned does NOT link to this one but it does still credit BK with producing many of the albums. Of course, Guy Haines' album still is not available. Obviously, the still respect BK but can't stand the other guy.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:48 AM PST
Ooops -- they
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:48 AM PST
Chesse and Torinto? I'm not sure I follow. Hmmm...
Hey, Kerry...are you familiar with "The Book Report" from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown?
"The very, very, veeeerrryy...end!"
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 07:49 AM PST
This would be a very, very, very good time for Bruce to post today's column.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 07:51 AM PST
I'm posting at 11am in New York and we've hit 158 (it may be more, I'll find out when I post).
I can't dance till I get home. My pointy hat and pantaloons are not allowed at the office. Jealousy, methinks
Posted by Ben @ 07/30/2002 07:55 AM PST
160
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 07:59 AM PST
Jason:
It's a well known fact that a man is more attractive the older that he grows. He's like a late October rose. He's noticed everywhere he goes.
Posted by Williamly Frankly Orr @ 07/30/2002 08:12 AM PST
And the girls react! It's a well known fact. (If only it were true...)
Posted by Robert @ 07/30/2002 08:14 AM PST
William:
Point taken. Here's to getting older and more handsome. :-)
Now, where's the cake?
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 08:15 AM PST
Thank you, Jason. Very nice of you.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 08:19 AM PST
As my namesake says "You are all mad." You are so obsessed with a large number of posts that you post without a good reason. But you're all good looking, so it's okay.
I actually have high hopes for 17, it's 13 that you couldn't pay me to relive!
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/30/2002 08:24 AM PST
Hap:
You couldn't pay me to go back and relive any of my teenage years. Well...maybe my senior year, which I thought was just going to suck cause my family moved to a new city right before classes started. But it turned out to be fabulous and I got my start as a performer at that school. ::sigh:: Those were the days...
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 08:26 AM PST
I'm pretty sure that this is a record: 166.
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/30/2002 08:26 AM PST
I love it -- looking back on the lost days of youth from the age of 17!
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 08:27 AM PST
This isn't to say that I'm planning to linger at 17. I'll be happy to get to the rest of my life, too. Although I know some people who seemed to stop at 6.
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/30/2002 08:28 AM PST
I know, Robert, I've often remarked that I'm to young to be feeling really old, which I do sometimes. I recently visited my old camp recently, and realized that some of the campers who were younger than me are now campers. I think I'm starting to become neurotic!
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/30/2002 08:32 AM PST
Hap: Wait til your baby brother is about to turn 19 and you're only 4 years and 4 months from turning 30...then you'll feel old.
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 08:34 AM PST
Anyone who would hang out here (and listen to show music) has got to be a little neurotic!
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 08:36 AM PST
You
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:45 AM PST
people
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:45 AM PST
are
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:45 AM PST
having
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:45 AM PST
way
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:46 AM PST
too
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:46 AM PST
much
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:46 AM PST
fun
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:47 AM PST
Fun? I'm a work.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 08:47 AM PST
for
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:47 AM PST
so
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:48 AM PST
early
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:48 AM PST
in
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:48 AM PST
the
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:49 AM PST
morning!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:49 AM PST
What kind of idiot would write one word per posting?
...oh... never mind...
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 08:49 AM PST
Thanks, Robert, for commentus interruptus!
: )
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:50 AM PST
Or should it have been called premature expostulation?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:52 AM PST
Bruce? Bruce? Are you awake yet?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/30/2002 08:54 AM PST
OK...I think we've outdone ourselves...we've surpassed the 140 record and we're inching toward 200. Can we do it? I think we can!
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 08:58 AM PST
Has anyone ever heard of the term "hollow victory"? ;-)
Posted by Dave @ 07/30/2002 09:01 AM PST
Hey, stop already. Bruce has posted today's column!
Posted by Robert Armin @ 07/30/2002 09:07 AM PST
We're SOOO CLOSE to 200!!!! Don't stop yet!
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 09:08 AM PST
Jason
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/30/2002 09:18 AM PST
the
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/30/2002 09:21 AM PST
next
Posted by Hapgood @ 07/30/2002 09:22 AM PST
Hell...I'm just going to
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 09:26 AM PST
Finish it.
Posted by Jason @ 07/30/2002 09:27 AM PST
Of course, I refer to American Beauty.
Of course, single-word posts shouldn’t count, but clearly, looking at the total, they do count. Single-word posts are extraordinarily unseemly, so they must be especially welcome here.
Why I am I blabbering?—why so much ado?—when all I really came to do is pass out cake? There is plenty for everyone, and in your favorite flavors—even—bear with me as I steady myself—raspberry and strawberry. Help yourself.
Posted by freedunit @ 07/30/2002 11:33 AM PST
I knew we'd convert you!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 07/31/2002 10:39 AM PST
TOO FREAKING LONG moron
Posted by Jack Mehoff @ 10/31/2002 02:26 PM PST
TOO FREAKING LONG moron
Posted by Jack Mehoff @ 10/31/2002 02:27 PM PST
