Replies: 30 Unseemly Comments
I was very late in posting this yesterday, so here it is in all it's glory. The subject was interesting celebrities we've met.
I am a shameless autograph hound after shows, so I have a few good autographs. I met, among others, Edie Falco after Side Man. After The Real Thing, Jennifer Ehle and Stephen Dillane were both rather distracted. Gabriel Byrne (A Moon For the Misbegotten) was mostly tired, and said he needed a drink (ironic, that.) Cherry Jones (same show)is a lovely person. She happily talked with us (even though she had another show that evening) and then rode off on her bicycle. I complimented her on her on her performance in Cradle Will Rock, which seemed to really flatter her. Paatrick Stewart was very gracious (bringing his own Sharpie) after the disappointing Ride Down Mount Morgan.
A few summers ago, after a long wait in line, I met Audra McDonald after a concert with the Cleveland Orchestra. She was as lovely in person as on stage. After The Visit I met the cranky John McMartin, and Ms. Chita Rivera, the personification of divahood herself. She came out, after a half an hour, with a small fuzzy dog, who she referred to as "her baby". She was lovely, and seemed thrilled that someone so young was interested in the theatre.
Helen Mirren (Dance of Death) was also thrilled that someone so young was interested in the theatre, particularly such a challenging piece. Ian McKellen, a personal idol of mine, is much shorter than I thought he was, maybe 5'6", and seemed very tired. He was very impressed that I was familiar with his non-Lord of the Rings work (Richard III, Gods and Monsters, etc.) Kate Burton is gorgeuous, and also appealingly genuine. We also heard about her appearance in The Elephant Man before it was announced to the press. In Noises Off: Patti and Faith both ran out of the theatre before anyone could make it to the stage door. (Snooty!) Richard Easton, Katie Finneran, et. al. were all friendly, and Peter Gallagher was friendly beyond the call of duty, posing for many pictures and making sire that everyone was satisfied before leaving. He also took time to promote Adam Sandler's awful Mr. Deeds, in which he had a supporting role. Jeffrey Wright, after Topdog/Underdog, was just tired. After Private Lives, Alan Rickman was a bit rude (Maybe he was annoyed about having lost the Tony), but Lindsay Duncan was lovely. (She really is that beautiful close up.) In a personal thrill, I got to see Annie Golden after The Full Monty, who seemed thrilled that she actually had fans.
Well that was rather exhaustive, and probably boring, and I doubt that anyone will read it, (I imagine that the next notes are up) but what the hell.
Posted by Hapgood @ 09/08/2002 11:03 AM PST
Casting? In New York, New York? Do you have to be Equity?? Cause I know some simply fabulous singer/actors in New York, New York who are non-Equity, so he'll..I mean...um...they'll work cheap! ::ahem::
Sorry I was errant and truant (and truant and errant) yesterday. I moved apartments, so I was pretty darn tired when I got things unpacked last night. I hope you can forgive me.
In reference to yesterday's topic, I really can't say who was the "best" celeb that I've met. Since being in New York, I can honestly and safely say that I've met over 100 of them. Steve Sondheim was probably the most impressive to me...and Kevin Spacey. Emily Skinner was simply lovely--such a doll--and Raul Esparza was VERY easy to talk to. Annie Morrison (the original Mary in Merrily We Roll Along needs to adopt me cause we just clicked like I couldn't believe. Danny Gurwin...well....ME-OW is all I can say about Danny. He's a nice guy and he's eye candy to boot! I have yet to meet the illustrious Bruce Kimmel in person, but I can't wait for it. We need a Hainesie/Kimlet party while you're here, BK!! Get out the pointed party hats!!!
Posted by Jason @ 09/08/2002 11:09 AM PST
Hapgood,
Your post of yesterday was
NOT boring, and some
Kimlets like me do make a
point of checking all the posts
they maight have missed the
previous day....
Ain't we a great and grand and
glorious and generous and
gregarious -- gregarious ? --
family ????
Posted by François @ 09/08/2002 11:25 AM PST
Some of us aren't feeling gregarious or glorious. Some of us are feeling sicky-poo.
The dreaded summer cold is upon me! Gizzafratz and ratzandatz!
Francois, I have no celebrity stories to tell that would interest this bunch. I escorted, amused and berthed various USO entertainers during my Navy years (the nicest of them all was Loretta Lynn; the most frustratingly shy and unapproachable was Clint Black). I spent forty minutes with Frederick Forsyth once, but he didn't wish to discuss anything other than the book he was then researching (my ship was in the Arabian Gulf at the time); I had a face-to-face with Nick Adams when I was 12 during a telethon! And I once got a cup of coffee for that guy who played on "Little House on the Prairie" and later did those FTD commercials (he was a former NFL football player and I can never remember his name).
That said, everyone have a wonderful Sunday! The sun is magnificent here in Oakland CA today..the weather is wonderful and it would be a great day for a walk around Lake Merritt (man made lake in the middle of downtown Oakland) -- 3-plus miles of splendid walking!
But [sniffle] [snort] [blechhh] [achoo] [hackkkkkkkkkkkk], I think I'll stay home and rest.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/08/2002 11:37 AM PST
Ron, I feel your pain, as I too
have a touch of the summer
cold at the moment. Not too
bad at the moment, and hope
to fend it off before it becomes
so.
But thankfully it is the
beginning of football season! I
realize I'm probably in the
minority here at this site, but I
look forward to the next four
months worth of Sundays
watching my Seahawks and
whatever other NFL games
happen to be on. Oops,
halftime's over...back to the
game... :-)
Posted by Jed @ 09/08/2002 11:54 AM PST
Francois: Thanks for your kind words. I sometimes worry if I'm just babbling into a void (how Beckettian!), only assuming that I am being listened to. (Take THAT, preposition police!) And I don't like to waste time.
Jason: Yay! Another fan of the yummy Mr. Gurwin! I saw him in The Full Monty in June, and was most impressed. (He was the only cast member I actually wanted to see without clothing!) I wish that I could have seen his Henrik. I also wish that I could have gotten his autograph post-Monty.
My mother also has a wretched summer cold, which she's had for more than a week. The highlights have been wracking fits of coughing. Which are particularly nice in the middle of Rosh Hashannah services!
Posted by Hapgood @ 09/08/2002 12:04 PM PST
Oh, Ron, forgot to mention, the
name of your football/flower
guy is Merlin Olsen.
Posted by Jed @ 09/08/2002 12:15 PM PST
Ron,
Bless you !
See, for someone who had not
much to say, you said
splendidly....
Hapgood,
But that's ALL we do here at
HHW, blab into a void !!!
Some with talent, you & some
others..., and some without,
little me in particular !!
Ron,
as we say here, you caught a
cold because you slept with
yur socks off !! -- I know, i
know, it's not that funny !!
Could anyone post a picture of
Mr Gurwin ; us hicks don't
know his face !!
Posted by François @ 09/08/2002 02:16 PM PST
Found a Full Monty gallery
through Google !!
We have the play at the
moment in Paris; LADIES'
NIGHT... with our Mr Gurwin -- i
guess -- in the cast !
Posted by François @ 09/08/2002 02:39 PM PST
Meant to type : our OWN Mr
Gurwin......
Posted by François @ 09/08/2002 02:59 PM PST
No problems Hapgood. I check back for what I missed yesterday. Times zones and all that! I even read through BK's notes!! (Just kidding. I would not dare to skim read them).
Congratulations Jason. Do you have someone delightful to keep you company and to change the toilet rolls and make sure they are in good supply?
It is a mild spring day here and Pete Sampras is thudding balls on TV. He has always been popular here in Melbourne.
Interesting to get the viwes of the celebrities - good to know that so often the comments were so reassuring that they truly are nice people. (particularly when they are your favourite performers)
Perhaps some dear readers can suggest some good tried and true remedies for those annoying head colds.
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 09/08/2002 03:28 PM PST
Where is everyone? That is 29 minutes between posts. Has America gone to sleep? and "Hi" to you Francois!
Posted by Tom Guest @ 09/08/2002 03:30 PM PST
Sorry to have been errant and truant lately. Family stuff.
My impressive list of celebrities I've met are: Bruce Kimmel, Jason Graae, and David Engel.
Glad you had a fun weekend in Vegas, BK. Wish I could have been there this weekend!
Posted by Laura @ 09/08/2002 03:54 PM PST
the new Broadway Radio Show is up and running....it's part two of our tribute to New York City.
Enjoy!
Posted by Donald @ 09/08/2002 04:57 PM PST
I am back from Vegas, safe and sound, without much traffic at all - so you must have all been sending my your good vibes and xylophones. Now, let's get some posts going - this is FREE FOR ALL DAY, you must be free and post whatever is on your mind at this very moment.
Posted by bk @ 09/08/2002 05:41 PM PST
Sexe, sexe, sexe, sexe, sexe,
sexe, sexe .......oops, sorry BK!,
That's what is on my mind, at
the moment.... and that's NOT
where I usually put sexe,
honestly !
Welcome back to CA. !
Posted by François @ 09/08/2002 06:16 PM PST
Francois! tu est tres NAUGHTY! I like that in a man! especially one whose mind is on le sexe!
Comment allez-vous au jour-dui?
(My francias c'est tres rusty, ne c'cest-pas?)
Well, at least my "french" is up to date and/or dating.
So, anyway, my dear sister (Violet Hilton) sent me a wonderful cd for my jour du natal (birthday), and since it is not on the label that must not be named, nor is it performed by anyone associatied with the label that must not be named, but rather by a striking young man, in rich tenor tones, by the name of Parker Scott. Now, I have often stated here at haineshisway that I absolutely cherish the songwriting of a certain Miss Janis Ian, well - Parker Scott does a beautiful cover of her ballad, "She Must be Beautiful," which is absolutely breathtaking. I don't know Parker Scott from the man in the moon (and THAT, I'm told is a myth), but I know a good singer when I hear one, and P.S. fits the bill. The cd is entitled COMPANY OF STRANGERS, and only features TWO show tunes; but taking a cue from our own BK, Parker has a hidden track, actually it's not that *hidden,* it's just an unlisted track with an a cappella version of "Amazing Grace," which closes of the set quite nicely.
There. I guess that counts as a free-for-all thought for the day.
Posted by td @ 09/08/2002 06:41 PM PST
td,
According to Jerry Herman, the
man in the moon is a lady !!
Maybe a member of La Cage
but a lady anyhow !!
I hope that ONLY your French
is... rusty... if you "see" what I
mean !! When I see "rusty", I
think of Rin Tin Tin and that
brings back my youth !!
birthday is "anniversaire" in
French;
"aujourd'hui" is very tricky to
write, EVEN for a French
person...
"naughty" could be translated
by "coquin" in that instance !
French class dismissed !!
Now let's talk about sex , let's
talk about love, let's, let's fall in
love, "tomber en amour" as
they in Québec ! Right, Michael
S. ?
So, like our leader would
chant: post away, me pretties !
Posted by François @ 09/08/2002 07:56 PM PST
Celebrities I've met.....first experiences were probably the best.
In my early teens my grandmother was bringing me home from a party and we stopped for gas. At the next pump was a short stocky man in a trenchcoat - Jewrry Stiller, who my grandmother instantly recognized from his appearances with Anne Meara on the Ed Sullivan show. She asked him for his autograph, which he graciously offered to provide if she had a piece of paper.
Reaching into her pocketbook, she ripped something out of a notebook (or so I thought) and handed it to him. He looked at it, smiled, signed, and gave it back to her.
It was after we got home that we realized she had handed him a blank check - which I still have to this day.
A few years later..... I had worked a few Jerry Lewis telethons while in high school, and had a collection of the 4" telethon pins on my backpack.
Went to LaGuardia airport to pick up my grandmother from an LA flight. Who was first off the plane but Mr. Lewis with his entourage. As he walked by I said "Hello Mr. Lewis". His bodyguards tried to hustle him along ("C'mon Jerry, we're late"), but he got a sight of the pins on by backpack, turned around and spent 2-3 minutes chatting (seemed like much longer at the time). He thanked me for helpling "his kids" and wished me well.
And then there's always the time I met Harrison Ford in mid-town Manhattan, but that's a story for another day.
Posted by Phil @ 09/08/2002 08:11 PM PST
Hapgood wrote:
"Yay! Another fan of the yummy Mr. Gurwin! I saw him in The Full Monty in June, and was most impressed. (He was the only cast member I actually wanted to see without clothing!) I wish that I could have seen his Henrik."
But my dear Mr. Hapgood, I thought you did get to see his Henrik in The Full Monty. 8-)>
Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/08/2002 08:39 PM PST
Hello everyone! And a very happy jewish new year to everyone. I just love starting sentences with AND because it makes me smile to think back on all my grade school teachers who told me I should never do that. But I think sometimes you just have to do whatever it is you want and follow the beat of your own drummer. That's right ladies and gents - You Can't Stop The Beat! Oh.. wow.. that's a song from Hairspray. How did that reference just slip in there.. oh yes.. I remember now.. I saw that last weekend and promised to post about it.. but I was errand and truant. I shall post my ramblings tomorrow I promise. In the meantime, you can check out (warning...shill comin' at ya) a backstage at Hairspray video of our own dear Kerry Butler and a lot of her cohorts which has just been uploaded on her website at http://www.kerrybutler.net Just click on the NEWS section and a handy dandy link will take you there. BUT BEFORE YOU GO you must listen to the new radio show Donald has done.. WOOO WOOO.. it's awesome. And you must all read the Jennifer Piech interview, because frankly (and georgely) - I'd like to think that Bruce's hard work in getting and doing these interviews, Mark's hard work of maintaining this website and my work on the Unseemly Interviews is all worth it for all the smiles it brings to everyone's faces. Ok.. now if you have done all the above.. you may go visit Kerry's site and watch the video. Bring along some milk and cookies!
Craig
Posted by Craig @ 09/08/2002 08:50 PM PST
Errand and truant? What was I thinking?? Being truant is NO errand that I need to be running.. no.. ERRANT is surely what I meant.. but you all knew that..
Posted by Craig @ 09/08/2002 08:52 PM PST
Hi Y'all,
Sorry I didn't post yesterday; I just did not have the chance. I am here now.
Although I have not encountered multitudes of celebrities (although it does seem I run into them often), a few very special moments have occurred. I will tell you about one of my favorites.
I have loved Peggy Lee since I was kid. My parents liked her, my aunt liked her. I got to hear plenty of her songs growing up. I had also heard how mesmerizing she was in live performance, and I wanted to see her for YEARS.
One Christmas my parents gave me tickets to see her in WORST possible venue for her. Despite my hatred for the performance hall, I was thrilled-- especially since I had not even heard she was to be in town.
She was wonderful. Half blind due to an eye infection and not in the best health, she truly cast a spell over the entire audience. Mass hypnosis is what it was. I was on Cloud 9 after the concert.
I alwyas try to stick around to see the performers and try to get an autograph if I can. Well, as many true talents will do, Miss Lee greeted us individually in her dressing room. She was as gracious as can be. After visiting with her alone in her dressing room, I asked her to sign an album cover I had brought along. After I spelled my name for (Kerry being spelled SO many ways), I mentioned that it was Kerry as in the song, "The Kerry Dance," she started singing the song to me. Peggy Lee was singing MY NAME! Just to me! To say I was floating after that would be the biggest understatement. That was one of THE most special moments of my entire life and one that still gives me chills to think about.
Posted by Kerry @ 09/08/2002 08:54 PM PST
I did have a wonderful dinner this weekend for the Jewish holidays. I'm not Jewish, but my dog is. So, we ALL had brisket, potato kugle and carrot tzimmes (sp?)
So, as Mazal would say, "Mazeltov!"
Posted by Kerry @ 09/08/2002 08:58 PM PST
I do so love the word "coquin."
Especially when it is said properly with the accent on that second syllable. I know that some Americans have trouble wrapping their li'l tongues around the French language; I'VE NEVER had that problem.
I walk along, clopin, clopon...
Posted by td @ 09/08/2002 09:18 PM PST
Well, the weekend wasn't totally awful. I just got back from seeing Beauty and the Beast with the girls-- one of my favorite shows.
Posted by Laura @ 09/08/2002 10:08 PM PST
I loved the Peggy Lee story Kerry. My favourite Peggy song is "Pieces Of Dreams" which I have on an old 45rpm. I have never found it on CD. Anyone know if it is available. I suspect I like Dusty Springfield because of her Peggy Lee influence. (Well I hear it anyway!).
Posted by Tom Guest (from OZ) @ 09/09/2002 12:01 AM PST
Jason. I have just sent you an email. It is legitimate.(not like me). No virus included. OK!
Ron. Just checking my copy of Forsyth's novel to see if he gives you an acknowledgment for information supplied.
Posted by Tom Guest (from OZ) @ 09/09/2002 12:17 AM PST
Thank you, Tom. I will reply, so don't be scared. It will be legit (unlike me). Haha!
Let me just tell all of you, I saw the lovely Mr. Gurwin in both The Full Monty and Night Music and I saw his very grandiose Henrik in both, if you catch my drift. It was actually the size of his...ehm...role (or roll, if you prefer)...that made me remember his name. All kidding and drooling aside, he truly is a sweet, sweet man with one of the loveliest smiles I've ever seen in my life. He can play my cello anytime he likes. Haha!
I completely forgot yesterday to talk about meeting Ms. Bernadette Peters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Random, right? Well, I met her. She was sick the night of her concert, but like a real trouper, she stuck it out and did a "short" show of only 1 1/2 hours!! She was FABULOUS (I enjoy her soo much more live than I do on recordings) and I hung around in the parking garage afterward to meet her. She was so gracious and lovely, and though she was apparently very ill with a cold or something, she took the time to sign my program.
OH!! And I got to sing for Ms. Kristin Chenoweth, with whom I am totally in love. I got to meet her just a few months after she won her Tony, and she was the first true Broadway "star" that I ever met. I was red as a beet when I got up to sing my song for her ("If I Loved You") and the entire school of music was there to witness her telling me that my voice was "mesmerizing." She said, though, that I was simply singing the notes and not putting enough meaning in the words, so she worked with me for about 10 minutes. By the end of it, she and I were both so into the song that we were in tears. When I was through, she held my hand and we were both speechless. I CRIED WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH!! It was truly one of the best moments of my life. Then it snowed 8 inches (which you wouldn't think happens in Oklahoma City) and classes were cancelled the next day! What a week that was!!
Posted by Jason @ 09/09/2002 06:28 AM PST
Out of the several celebrities I have had the great good fortune to work with one of my favorite memories is of the legendary Alfred Drake, who had sworn off any singing in public, singing a dirty pub song in the green room to the delight of the rest of the cast (in a play he had written, directed and was starring in).
I also have a particular fondness for both Tom Hanks and Hal Holbrook who are among the nicest, smartest, hardest-working and most decent human beings a person will ever want to meet. (Their wives, Ms. Wilson and Ms. Carter are pretty damn swell too.)
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 09/09/2002 07:24 AM PST
