haines his way

11/17/2002:
"SUNDAY, BLESSED SUNDAY"

Well, dear readers, I had a lovely night of blessed rest, and Luckie and I have already had our morning constitutional, at which she did both the first and second amendment. Today I shall do nothing but write and relax and relax and write, and then tonight I shall watch one or two brand spanking new DVDs. Isn’t that exciting? Isn’t that just too too?
Last night I attended the 50th birthday party for my friend, Gary Stockdale. Gary is a composer and arranger, and I am happy to say that when I first met him in college (he wanted to be an actor) I made him the musical director of my version of The Comedy of Errors by Mr. William Shakespeare. Since that time, he has never looked back, and he’s quite successful now. The party was held at Maggio’s which is located in The Grove. This was the first time I’d seen what they’d done next to the Farmer’s Market. Everyone seems to love it, but I immediately missed all the quaint buildings and shops. Additionally, the parking is horrid, even using the valet took fifteen minutes. In any case, as soon as I walked into the private banquet room I knew I needed to leave as quickly as possible (I went with Cissy, David and Barbara Wechter) – there were just too too many people there and I just don’t love affairs of this nature at which there are too too many people. It was quite loud and I didn’t know most of the attendees. I did know a few and I did say “hey” to those people. They had “family” style platters of food at each table – as I am currently on the Eileen and Chet Atkins diet, I was able to eat salmon (on a bed of spinach), and Chicken Piccata. They were both okay, but one couldn’t have more than one helping on account of there were many other people at the table (two more than there should have been, because Cissy Wechter insisted on squeezing two extra people in). We stayed a little over two hours and then left. First of all, I had to get home to poor Luckie, who was in the bathroom (normally I will leave her in the yard, but someone is coming to make absolutely certain that there is no way for her to dig out or jump over anywhere or anything). I did that last week and while she was unhappy, she behaved well and just slept. This week I was not so lucky with Luckie. Even though I thought I’d removed everything she could get at, and put the lid down on the toilete, she apparently went a little insane. She overturned both bowls of food and water. She chewed up the towel I’d put down for her, and then, when she’d tired of that, she got hold of the hand towels (she hadn’t gotten far on those, though, thank goodness). When I let her out, she took one look at my face (reacting to the mess), knew she’d been bad, and promptly peed on the floor. I took her in the yard and we had some words about her behavior, and then I let her back in. She stood and watched as I cleaned up the mess, and she felt very contrite. I know you’re all wondering what words we had – I simply told her if she did that sort of thing again I would kick her in the eyeball and throw her from the highest turret. She seemed to understand.
Tonight is our Unseemly Live Chat, so if you’d like to partake, please send me your AIM names once again. I promise this will be the last time, as we will file them this time. Oh, what fun we shall have on our live chat, but prior to that you must post many posts so that our handy-dandy website doesn’t feel lonely. The live chat will begin promptly at six o’clock pacific mean time. If you have friends and neighbors that you think would have a good time, ask them to join us. And you never know who is going to drop in (last week, we had the delightful Leslie Kritzer). Don’t wait until the last minute to send me your AIM names, sooner is better.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below, because the Sunday notes are supposed to be short and they have turned long without me even noticing it.

Have I mentioned that Luckie and I had our morning constitutional and that she did both the first and second amendment? I feel it is important for you, dear readers, to know these things.
The wonderful Eddie Bracken has passed away, but what a full and lovely life he had. I saw him just a year ago at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Carousel. I also saw him as Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly, plus he starred in a couple of classic Preston Sturges films, Hail, the Conquering Hero and The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must write words, words, and more words, I must take Luckie on more walks, I must eat foodstuffs, and I must relax. I do hope that I will see many of you at our live chat this evening. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s free-for-all day, so they sky’s the limit. I want to see some interesting posts today, so that I can participate in your topics for a change. Post away, my pretties, and I’ll see you later at our live chat.

Replies: 40 Unseemly Comments

I hired Eddie Bracken to appear as a guest on one of my many unheralded sitcoms, "Busting Loose". He was wonderful in it,and ,as an aside, was quite an adept pickpocket.
Posted by mark rothman @ 11/17/2002 10:29 AM PST

I am struggling with a piece of the trivia ?? arrghhh.
I too saw Clark and Cassidy bois in BLOOD BROTHERS and enjoyed it greatly at the lovely Music Box Theatre in NYC. The London cast recording of said show is still my favorite with the Clark/Cassidy CD being a bit electronic for me. I like all the songs but Shaun's 'I'm Not Saying a Word' is very nice. The dramatic quality Clark had is NOT on the CD. Her 'Light Romance' was electric and her final song was overpowering.
Early in the show, I saw her standing stage left holding something in her arms. Moments later she came out, rolled out a rug, and sang a song. Bravo, Clark!
Chat time chat time chat time is approaching!
Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/17/2002 10:30 AM PST

I have two friends who saw "Blood Brothers" in New York. One of them loved the CD (It was the Kiki Dee recording) and hated the show, the other one hated the CD and loved the show. I never saw the show, but I like the CDs that I have (I have more than one).
Alas and alak I shall not be able to chat tonight. I'm in the process of moving and cannot spend the time necessary using my sister's computer because mine has been disconnected and won't be back up and running until Tuesday (hopefully). Have a good chat!
Posted by George @ 11/17/2002 10:44 AM PST

I saw Eddie Bracken at Papermill as Weisman in the Ann Miller FOLLIES. He was quite good. He was Captain Andy there in SHOW BOAT which was taped and shown on PBS.
Luckie---
I warned you to behave. Phoebe
P.S. Sometimes I'm just as bad.
I didn't get a chance to get back on the computer yesterday, so herewith my thoughts on Mufti's NEW GIRL IN TOWN.
I have always loved the score since I first heard the LP (for those you younger Hainsies and Kimlets, that's what came between the gramaphone and the CD) and ANNA CHRISTIE is a great play which was adapted well for the libretto. Unfortunately two rights don't make another right, as the book and the score seem to be different shows. The book is all dark as one expects from most O'Neill plays and the score is typical '50s musical comedy so you alternate scenes of prostitutes and drunks with happy songs about "Sunshine Girls" and Check Apron Balls". Had this been musicalized AST (after SWEENEY TODD) the score would probably been more in keeping with the book. Still it's like getting two - two -two shows in one, and both were quite good. Since this was a concert version, most of the dancing was eliminated which made the casting of dancer Mary Ann Lamb as Anna puzzling (especially since she admited in the discussion group that after twenty years in the business and ten Broadway shows she had never sung solo or had dialogue). While I can't report that a star was born, at least she gave a decent performance. Had she been allowed to dance more, she would have been better but there is only so much you can do in 30 hours of rehearsal. The rest of the cast was up to Mufti's usual standards including Kathleen Doyle in the Thelma Ritter role (although she did not imitate Ritter, she could have been her voice double - it was her real voice as proved in the discussion group). Steve Wilson as Anna's boyfriend Matt was perfect. I had not heard of him before but I think we may all be hearing from him in the future. So although this was the weakest of the 3 shows in the Fall Mufti series, it was still a joy to see another previously "lost" show. This would be a wonderful way for young people to see the wonders of musical comedy, but alas as is usually the case with Mufti's audiences I felt like I was at an AARP meeting. At least it was totally sold out. The next Mufti series begins in January with THE GRASS HARP. Meanwhile next week is CHEE CHEE at Musicals Tonight and Encores Concert of Highlights from the first nine seasons.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/17/2002 11:13 AM PST

Aww, poor Miss Luckie. Perhaps she was unhappy because there were no gourmet treats this week.
Posted by Laura @ 11/17/2002 11:21 AM PST

Mark Rothman,
Your post of yesterday -- re
Giorgio Tozzi -- REALLY
cracked me up !!!
What a laugh !
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 11:45 AM PST

Jrand55, the only thing I know about Blood Brothers is what I've heard on Forbidden Broadway. Please explain the thing about Marilyn Monroe and the shoes on the piano. I feel I must know these things for my life to be complete.
Meanwhile, I have a three to four page paper about what King Lear says about the role of old people in society due tomorrow. I'd better start reading it.
Posted by Sandra @ 11/17/2002 11:55 AM PST

A "Blood Brothers" day it seems!
One of my least liked musicals on cd or on stage. I thought the plot was "Mills And Boon", the lyrics trite and music very ordinary. Always appeal to lost common denominator they say. (whoever they are). Put a "name" in the production and the bus tours will come. What do I know? The show is still running.
I have hears so quite good versions of "Easy Terms" but that does not change my view of the show. It is up there with "High Society" as the worst show I have seen staged. At least HS has good songs.
Michael S. I am in a state of shock and wonder.
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 11/17/2002 12:06 PM PST

William -- We looked for you yesterday at New Girl in Town but didn't recognize you from our one brief meeting. We couldn't stay for the discussion, so thanks for the notes on Mary Ann. She did an admirable job, although, unfortunately, miscast.
I'm off to performance three of my Ira Gershwin show. It came together quite spectacularly, I'm delighted to say. More info on my website for anyone who's interested.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 11/17/2002 01:16 PM PST

All seems very quiet this Sunday (Monday).
Fosca & Magus wanted me to check on Luckie's state of health and happiness.
Posted by Tom Guest @ 11/17/2002 01:21 PM PST

Sorry that Tom doesn't like BB - but though in some cases I consider myself in the lowest common denominator category, I think he might be being a BIT rough on the show.
Sandra - early in the show, the mother of the boys is married to a man who says she "looks like Marilyn Monroe" and as her own life goes on and falls apart she makes short comparisons to her predicaments and those of MM. The shoes on the piano are an omen of tragedy in some superstition - and it comes to pass in BB.
I don't think anyone ever said it was the BEST SHOW EVER - but it was no HIGH SOCIETY that's for sure. 8-D
Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/17/2002 01:28 PM PST

If we already have your AIM names from last Monday's chat, then you don't need to send them to me. If you're new, or have invited anyone, then please do. Now, let's post more posts, we need more posts, and that is all there is to it because the post number is skimpy and we don't want to be wimpy or I will have to eat a Blimpie.
Posted by bk @ 11/17/2002 01:47 PM PST

Was listening to BK's
produced cd of Peter Pan
today again, and it occured to
me that Marsha Kramer's
voice is so close to Angela
Lansbury's: sweet and
motherly......
That selection of Peter Pan
songs and music definitely is
one of my favorite BK's
endeavours !
Poor Luckie left alone in a
bathroom; I - woof ! -- would
have done the same!
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 02:04 PM PST

Sandra: The "curse" has something to do with shoes upon the table...but due to a lack of props and scenery Forbidden Broadway simply used the piano. The Marilyn references are scattered throughout BLOOD BROTHERS...mainly the mother (played by Petula Clark) comparing her pre-maternal self to Ms. Monroe. In other words...she was a hottie and then she had babies. And a lot of them at that! (And don't forget--our very own Ms. Kerry Butler was also in the B'way company of that show.)
I "experienced" the Dance of the Vampires again last night. It was every so slightly better than it was two weeks ago...but I think that was soley due to repetition and getting used to the material. No change of direction or choreography yet...but the new "finale" was put in. Basically that means it was the same choreography (including previously cut material) performed with a new backdrop (which thankfully was distracting enough to keep one's eyes off the "dancing" going on in front of it.)
And I just got home from seeing CHICAGO at the Shubert. Billy Zane was actually a very good Billy Flynn and WOW! Caroline O'Connor and Charlotte d'Amboise were fabulous. I still get a kick out of the audience's response when Mary Sunshine is "revealed"...especially since I know the...um...person...playing her. What a hoot.
Now I think I will rest. I have a horrible cold or allergy attack or something happening to my head right now. So...if you don't see me in the chat this evening you'll know why. I'll try to be awake for it. Happy chatting!!
Posted by Jason @ 11/17/2002 02:20 PM PST

King Lear is driving me crazy.
Posted by Sandra @ 11/17/2002 04:26 PM PST

I've been listning to the BBC radio version of A Chorus Line. The only complete recording of the show I have although there are two places where I am missing a few seconds. I replaced them with the original cast recording. Like Dreamgirls did it really does deserve a complete recording
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/17/2002 05:25 PM PST

The new Broadway Radio Show is up and running. It's your chance to hear what Mark Bakalor sounds like and to find out what his 12 favorite showtunes are. Plus we have a little surprise halfway through and we announce the winner of the 4 Decca Broadway CDs right at the top of the show. Enjoy!
Posted by Donald @ 11/17/2002 06:18 PM PST

It sounded as if David Mamet was writing the chat room dialogue tonight!!
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/17/2002 06:40 PM PST

Great Sunday Night Chat - if you were there you know....if you missed it.... it will be forever a Mystery!!!!
Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/17/2002 07:11 PM PST

Life is full of.....mysteries!.......
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 07:33 PM PST

Well, another live chat and I missed most of it. Luckily, Dear Reader Sandra was there to let me know how things went.
Posted by Laura @ 11/17/2002 08:01 PM PST

I thought Sandra was chatting
with King Lear ????
What's the matter with kids
today ???
Oh! a BBB reference!
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 08:22 PM PST

Ciao, Francois! Come sta?
Bene?
Buono!
I've spent most of this weekend with my LOTR 5-DVD expanded edition and have barely even made a dent in the special features. For one thing, the 2 appendices (DVDs 3 and 4) have not been played. I've been too busy "trying" to watch the movie with the commentaries (there are FOUR count 'em FOUR separate commentaries WITH a complete run of the expanded film).
Odd thing is, every time I get to a section I love (and there are many) I have to change the audio so I can watch it without commentary, then switch back.
Sigh! This DVD set could take weeks to get through!
At least I found the easter egg with the preview of "The Two Towers"!!!
Otherwise, it has been a rather low-keyed weekend. I'm sniffling again, only I think it's allergies rather than a cold. My condo seems to attract dust in volume!
BK: Hang in there with Luckie. You sussed out correctly that she freaked over your reaction and that's why she peed on the floor. Pets who are new to an environment are very wary about reactions to them. I recommend that if you are leery about leaving her alone, put some papers down for her. She's pretty much housebroken already, yes? She'll hold it and wait until you come home if she can at all control herself. Otherwise, I think she'll avail herself of the papers. Of course, you have her current host family to rely upon for that sort of information.
I hope everything works out well for both of you and that you can be together.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 11/17/2002 08:42 PM PST

Senor Ron,
Soy muy bien, pero no hablo
Italiano, solamente un poquito
de Espanol...
Esta noche, este sitio tenia
un... chatto!....
Posted by Francisco @ 11/17/2002 09:00 PM PST

I am sure Luckie kows how lucky she is to have such a carer - not that I would care too much for a day in the bathroom myself.
A BBB reference Francois. I have just today compiled a collection of the "pop" versions released on the Colpix label. I suspect it will be mailed "Somewhere" (a WSS reference.
We must all keep international mail services (and male services!) alive and well.
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 11/17/2002 09:08 PM PST

What a lovely and lively chat it was tonight, and quite exhausting, too! I had such a time keeping up with all the chatter! LOL But it was fun! fun! fun! (That's three fun's, Virginia!) If you were there, you know what I'm talking about. If you missed it, shame on you! But it's never too late to join the in crowd. Next week's chat is on Monday night, 25 November. Don't miss out!
HHW Chat Room: It's THE place to be on the web!
Posted by Susan Gordon @ 11/17/2002 09:13 PM PST

Is this just a chance for William to practise is Esperanto again? (Orr is that some sort of coffee?)
Still, it beats the hell out of King Lear.
Jason. Thanks for the O'Connor review. She was great here in the role and was also a wonderful Mabel. I saw her in Funny Girl two years ago. Wonderful and so suited. (Man Of La Mancha was not)
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 11/17/2002 09:14 PM PST

OK, OK, I'm posting. For those who missed it, the chat was a laugh riot tonight. Oh, the secrest we told, the dirt we dished.
Since I didn't get to post yesterday, I'll discuss the Beatles tonight.
Other people's version of Beatles' songs I like:
Sergio Mendez' version of "Fool On the HIll"
Petula Clark's version of "We Can Work It Out"
Favorite Beatles' songs:
"I Will" and "Julia" from the White Album
"For the Benefit of Mr. Kite" and "She's Leaving Home" From Sgt. Pepper
most of "Rubber Soul"
"And I Love Her"
Posted by Kerry @ 11/17/2002 09:25 PM PST

Here, here, Tom from Oz. But then again, everything beats the heck out of King Lear.
My, that was a lively chat, was it not? I do not believe I have ever seen thirteen people make so many references to finger bowls before.
Posted by Sandra @ 11/17/2002 09:29 PM PST

Thanks for the "shame", but I
refuse to have shame on me!
Well, if I'm not IN then ....too
bad!
Next time, I'll go and mess the
bathroom and feel PROUD !
I am VER ignorant tho: what
does that LOL I keep seeing
so often means; something
happy, I presume, but what ?
Please, put me wise !
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 09:30 PM PST

Could LOL be : lots of laughs
or lots of love ?
All We Need Is Love !
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 09:34 PM PST

Don't know why you want to put
papers on the floor, for Luckie !
That won't keep her busy: that
poor thing can't read ! :- )
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 09:43 PM PST

LOL=Laughing Out Loud
ROFLOL=Rolling on the Floor Laughing Out Loud
ROFLMAO=Rolling on the Floor Laughing My Ass Off
Posted by Internet Translator @ 11/17/2002 09:58 PM PST

Thanks Internet Translator:
I got more than what I was
wishing for!
IGMTWIWWF.
MAO ? No, no; it's still here
were it should be !
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 10:03 PM PST

LOL, in French, would be
ASFP: à se fendre la poire !
En Espanol: OLE. olé!
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 10:06 PM PST

So, pretty much, everyone dies in King Lear, except that one guy. But that's only because there's no one left to kill him.
Posted by Sandra @ 11/17/2002 10:18 PM PST

Someone had to stay alive to
be able to relate what
happened !!
Posted by François @ 11/17/2002 10:31 PM PST

Blood Brothers:
The shoes on the table thing is a British superstition. The show is jerry-built, and creaks at the seams, but it has some good songs in it - and (trust me on this one) it works better if you're British, since there are class resonances in it that don't apply in quite the same way if you grew up somewhere else.
As for which recording - Barbara Dickson beats them all.
Posted by Stephen Farrow @ 11/17/2002 10:35 PM PST

Sandra - What did you expect from a Shakesperean tragedy?
Sorry I missed out on what sounds to have been a wonderful chat. Will try to attend next Monday!
Posted by Jed @ 11/17/2002 11:16 PM PST

Sorry I missed the chat tonight. I was actually going to head home after rehearsal, and get all cozy with my computer and get ready for the chat. BUT... As I was about to leave, Baayork Lee informed me that she had arranged a ticket for me for tonight's final performance of Carmen Jones at the Kennedy Center. I had more or less given up hope of seeing it - even though I had played the rehearsals - especially since even the producer's office was scrambling for seats.
Well, what a wonderful evening! Domingo's conducting was expressive and passionate as ever - and you can tell it's a score he knows by heart (well, at least in the original French). Vanessa Williams proved should could play with the "big guys" on stage with her, all the singers from the opera world. Harolyn Blackwell was exquisite - and she truly has the most amazing breath control I've ever witnessed in person. The final note of her second act aria seemed to go on forever, while at the same time being shaped beautifully. The "noise" after she finished was spectacular, even got the symphony musicians stomping their feet and clapping. And the men were wonderful too, Tom Randle as Joe and Gregg Baker as Husky Miller.
After the performance we all met backstage, and all the artists were very gracious and accomodating to all the requests for pictures and autographs. We then headed across the street to the Watergate for a nice post-show dinner. *Which was accompanied by the ever-flashing fire alarm signals - ?????
-And both Baayork and Larry Marshall did a wonderful job with staging the 10 leads, the 12 members of the ensemble, the 30 members of the Boys Choir of Harlem, the 80+ members of the Howard University Chorus, two dancers AND working around the 60 members of the National Symphony.
A long day, but a good one. Good rehearsal. Great performance. And I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow, and then having a few hours to myself before I go into auditions for my next show tomorrow night.
-And I just realized that since we have orchestra rehearsal next Monday, I will be missing yet one more chat. -And then I'll be in tech the week after that. Just please promise me you won't share all the gossip and dirt - trust me, I have a couple of bits and pieces I can trade too.
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 11/17/2002 11:29 PM PST

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