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12/16/2002:
"THESE ARE THE EGG NOTES"

Photo of Bruce Kimmel

bk's notes II

Well, dear readers, it is a gray Monday and I do not have to keep these here notes short because I do not have to go to Woodland Hills to work on a crazy television show. Yesterday, I had a long talk with Miss Luckie the Dog and I instructed her to not lick my face at seven in the morning as she has done for the past two days. I told her not to awaken me before nine and do you know what? She came in at nine on the nose and licked my face. Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t that just too too?

We had a splendidly splendid Unseemly Live Chat last night and it was quite a sparkling affair with our special guests who dropped in. If you don’t know who they were, just check out the posts in yesterday’s notes and you will be both surprised and amazed and amazed and surprised. Simply use the Unseemly Archive Button above to check out any of the weekend festivities the errant and truant amongst you might have missed. Let me just say this: We were a happenin’ place over the weekend, we were the ginchiest, we were cool, man, cool, and even though we were cool, man, cool we were also hot as a rocket in our pocket – oh, a Bernstein/Sondheim reference.

The question is do I want eggs. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, do I, BK, want eggs. No. However, I feel these here notes lack a theme today (it was going to be the theme from Rocky, but I forgot about it), so I hereby decree that the theme of today’s notes is eggs. So, should these here notes be sunny side up? No, no, that will simply not to as it is gray outside. Perhaps they should be gray side up? Or perhaps these here notes should be scrambled. No, that would be unseemly and they would drift and shift if they were scrambled and I cannot stand notes that drift and shift and I always give them short shrift, whatever the hell that is. No, perhaps these here notes should be coddled. But why should we coddle these here notes? Can’t they stand on their own two feet and get by by themselves? Why should we coddle these damn notes. Damn them, damn them all to hell. Of course, we could poach these here notes but then they wouldn’t be here, they would be poached, stolen by a poacher, and we can’t have that, now can we? Perhaps these here notes should be fried, but then wouldn’t they be tired and lifeless or, on the other hand, angry and full of pith and vinegar? Maybe they should be hard-boiled. Yes, Film Noir notes, Humphrey Bogart notes, Raymond Chandler notes – that might just be the ticket. Then again, it might not. How about one-minute notes? No, too short. How about notes Benedict or notes Florentine? I feel we are beginning to stretch a point here, and frankly or even barryly why would we stretch a point – does the point appreciate being stretched. Doesn’t that hurt the point? What the hell am I talking about?

Well, that was a spirited beginning, don’t you think? I can’t follow that, so why don’t we just move on. By the way (BTW, in Internet lingo) have you ever tried following “that”? “That” is very elusive and I can never stay on the trail of “that”. Why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below before I come up with more ways to write these here egg notes.

Have I mentioned that these are the egg notes? Have I mentioned that I am the egg man? Well, we have hit the dregs regarding eggs. Comments regarding eggs don’t have legs, they peter out completely, don’t they?

Today I will be writing all the livelong day – several hours for each of the various and sundried projects I am in the midst of. Tonight I shall finish watching the new DVD of Back to the Future, which I started last night. What a wonderful film that is. Even though it isn’t even twenty years old yet one realizes they simply don’t know how to write or make films like this anymore. Oh, they think they do, but they don’t. Everything today is standard issue, screenwriting 101 baloney. The script of Back to the Future is a role model in clever writing. Everything that is set up pays off somehow. There’s comedy, there’s tension, there’s depth and feeling, it really does have it all. I’ll have more to say after I’ve finished it. The DVD I did finish, Minority Report, has a whole second disc of extras, which I watched the majority of last night. They are dry and lifeless, but informative. Yes, Virginia, I watched the majority of the Minority Report extras and they were dry and lifeless, but informative. I still enjoyed the movie, and in fact it plays better than it did in the theater where you don’t have smart-ass know-it-alls giggling because they feel superior to the film.

What am I, Ebert and Roeper all of a sudden? Don’t I have writing to do? Don’t I have a dog to walk?

Well, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must write, and then write some more, and then, when I’m done writing and writing some more, I must write some more. Today’s topic of discussion: topic one – what are your favorite kind of eggs? Topic two – someone asked me this on one of the Ask BK Days, but I thought we all should discuss it – what do you think of these made-for-television musicals they’ve been doing? It started with Gypsy, then Bye Bye Birdie, then South Pacific and Annie, and now The Music Man, and I think there will be quite a few more to come. I’ll start – I haven’t liked any of them. They all have a summer stock feel to them, they don’t seem quite right, and they’re dull and lifeless and the ones the rewrite or change I really hate. Your turn.

- Bruce Kimmel



Replies: 44 Unseemly Comments


Koo Koo Ka Choo!

I like my eggs scrambled with a little formaggo.

Posted by Angela D. @ 12/16/2002 10:06 AM PST


The worst part about BK not working in Woodland Hills is that once again those of us on the East Coast have to wait until 1:00 for the new notes. But if this gives him more time for the "Benjamin Kritzer" sequel, the stage version of TFNM and the movie, then it is worth the wait. I think he's had enough Bullshit by now.

Eggs: Scrambled Eggs with Lox and Onions (and a bagel with cream cheese on the side)

TV Musicals: I enjoyed "Gypsy" because it followed the libretto of the play and I did enjoy Bette. "Birdie" was better than the awful movie version (A-M may have been wonderful but she was all wrong for the part; if Chira didn't do it they could have had Rita who was hot at the time; and what were those dancers on the Sullivan show for?) but not as good as the play. I hated "South Pacific", and "Annie has never been a favorite of mine with any cast. At least with "Music Man" Matthew Broderick could not take off during filming as he did in his two Broadway shows disappointing people who paid to see him. I think "Drood" is not a good choice (if it is actually going to happen) because they would have to film too many different combinations of endings to make it financially viable, and what happens if people in different time zones vote for different endings? Will I see not see the same ending that BK sees?

Since many people don't bother to check the prior day's postings the following morning, I want to repeat what I said. As a person who will not let anything from AOL poison my computer I feel that HHW should have a dedicated chat room like so many other sites have. If enough people click the "Unsightly Donation Button" could this happen?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/16/2002 10:14 AM PST


Just read yesterday's posts about the chat (which I, sadly, cannot attend as it's in the middle of the night, my time) - I'd love to hear the goss on the Brent Barrett album (which, by the way, has not left my CD player since it arrived - definitely one of your best, BK). Can anyone send me the chat? (I seem to remember Michael logging the first one?)

Oh, eggs - Eggs Benedict - yum!

Topic 2 - I think anything is better than nothing. Even if the TV versions aren't particularly good, they at least give you a flavour of the original.

Posted by Allan @ 12/16/2002 10:18 AM PST


I think Drood would be excellent if they orchestrated the last segment as LIVE! How fun would that be - a real live musical ending?!

As for eggs - scrambled for me thanks - and if they are from LA's "The Pantry" - even better!

Posted by Craig @ 12/16/2002 10:26 AM PST


William E. Lurie - we are looking into having our very own chat room - but there are things we must check on first. I don't want it to replace posting, so I have to find out if it can only be open the one day a week. Also, I want to make certain that no uncouth interlopers can take part - as you know, that would be very important.

I forgot we supposed to start our Christmas celebration today, so instead we will start it tomorrow.

Posted by bk @ 12/16/2002 10:27 AM PST


Our own private personal chat room? Super! I hope the plans work out.

I will have a Mexican omelette, por favor, with tomato slices.
8-D

I don't like the TV versions either, although GYPSY probably came closest to being interesting. They just aren't big enough. And the horrible re-writing they do to give us little high points before the commercial breaks are distracting and do a great deal of harm to the story.
The natural progression of the stage story is destroyed and we given chain-link-fence scenes.

I don't remember this being a problem so much in film versions of the musicals. GYPSY and WEST SIDE STORY flow along okay with the alterations they made. BYE BYE BIRDIE the tv show (and the film) were messed up. I am afraid they will do the same with MM - so I may skip it.

Anyway - enjoy your day, BK, and congratulate your alarm clock doggie!

Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/16/2002 10:41 AM PST


I like my eggs fried hard with nothing squishing. There is nothing more unseemly, in my opinion (IMO, in Internet lingo), than eggs that squish and bleed. So, since restaurants never cook them enough, I order scrambled. And since I am watching my cholesterol, I order the imitation processed egg food substitute. So I guess preferring hard-fried eggs is a moot point anyway. My, that was a long and pointless answer, wasn't it?

Posted by Laura @ 12/16/2002 10:44 AM PST


Koo Koo Ka Choo, Mrs. Robingson. Who is more hard-boiled, Humphrey Bogart or Humphrey Dumphry? I supposed we should have asked Betty last night.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/16/2002 10:50 AM PST


8-(

I missed chatting with the Woman of the Year and the beautiful Cactus Flower. 8..(

Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/16/2002 10:55 AM PST


Well, I just took my history final. There were many people there I haven't seen since the first week of class. Next I have my English final. The Poe paper is due today. I got it finished last night, thanks to BK.

Posted by Sandra @ 12/16/2002 11:11 AM PST


And speaking of eggs, I just went to the cafeteria to get my usual frozen egg salad sandwich, and they didn't have any. Isn't that unseemly? So lunch today is a bag of chips and a bottle of water. :-(

Posted by Sandra @ 12/16/2002 11:26 AM PST


Sandra---
The Poe paper is finished? Nevermore.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/16/2002 11:28 AM PST


Brent Barrett and Bacall
In an unseemly chat room?
Little wonder HHW is so
Loved and adored.

Merry searchers must be quite
Envious that, though they
Advertise and shill, they still
Don't attract the
Erudite net traffic HHW does!

Posted by JMK @ 12/16/2002 11:57 AM PST


Okay. The truth please. Were Brent Barrett and Betty Bacall really in the chat room or was that something cooked up by those who were to make those of us who weren't sorry they couldn't join in?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/16/2002 12:17 PM PST


My favorite eggs are those that come from chickens.

I enjoyed Gypsy as it was truthful to the book. I the only scene that they deleted I believe was the infront of scene where Rose picks up the kids who become the newsboys.

The TV South Pacific was better than the film version but still not good enough.

Bye Bye Birdie was a lot of fun and closer to the original and the revial tour with Tommy Tune and Anne Reinking/Lenora Nemetz. But was the hell was the musical recap of the show after the final number and before the credits? It seemed to be a time filler.

Music Man.......bad choice. The film was so good. You had Preston in it and Shirley Jones was not a bad choice for Marian even though she was pregnant during the filming.

Annie was a lot better. But made two mistakes. Cutting out almost half the story to fit into 90 minutes and making Miss Hannigan go to the mansion instead of Lillie. Didn't they think Annie would have recognized her.

The best thing about the TV version was Matt Zarley who played one of Warbucks' servants. :-)

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 12/16/2002 12:57 PM PST


Well, I just finished my final in
my Musical Theater class.
What fun that class has been,
and the final..well...here are
some actual questions -
1. Compare the similarities
and differences in My Fair Lady
and Kiss me, Kate as
adaptions of famous plays.
2. Compare and contrast the
musical techniques used in
West Side Story and Guys and
Dolls...
boy did my hand hurt after
writing out six long essay
questions. But now it is done!
One down, three to go...bring
on the philosophy final.
Very sorry I missed the chat
last night...I was on a rainy
road at the time. Might have
been wiser to use a
canoe...standing water
everywhere.
Ah well, back to studying

Posted by Ann @ 12/16/2002 01:23 PM PST


It is pouring rain here and has been since ten. Luckily, I took Luckie out at nine, but I hope her bladder is strong and mighty, because this doesn't look like it's going to stop soon.

Posted by bk @ 12/16/2002 01:35 PM PST


Eggs - egg salad

TV musicals, Gypsy was disappointing since it should have been great and was just flat. I actually like the movie version even if Russell didn't do most of her own singing. If they weren't going to put Merman in it, which of course they should have, Russell was a good second choice. Natalie Wood also gave a credible performance.

Bye, Bye Birdie, was dull, dull, dull. The movie, although drastically changing the show, had life to it.

Annie - the TV version tried to stay closer to the show, but cut too much. The movie version was just awful.

I just watched the TV version of South Pacific. Poorly cast, Close looked the same age as Debeque. No one could sing. Tried too hard to be a more realistic "war movie." Even with its shortcomings, and idiotic color transitions, I preferred the movie.

The best TV versions of Broadway musicals were in the 50's and 60's. The first version of Kiss Me, Kate, with the original cast was terrific; as was the classic Peter Pan with Mary Martin. I remember in the late 50's a TV version of Roberta that starred Bob Hope, who had co-starred in the original Broadway production. There were TV versions of Carousel, and I think Brigadoon, both with Robert Goulet, that were good. There was a TV version of Damn Yankees with Gwen Verdon that was bad. Applause with Bacall (in the 70's) was an accurate reproduction of the show. Then, there were the filmed/taped productions on Public TV of Sondheim's Sunday, Woods, and Passion, all good preservations of the shows. PBS also broadcast taped versions of Crazy For You and Show Boat, recorded at the Papermill Theater in NJ.

I'm going to reserve judgment on Music Man, as well as future talked-about productions of Fiddler and Drood. The movie of MM was perfect so anything else has to pale in comparison. Depending upon whom they cast in Fiddler, it could go either way. I personally very much liked the movie, although I know some others who didn't. I was moved by it (although would have preferred a different Golde) and felt it to be a good adaptation of the show. I can't imagine that a TV version would have the budget to do it properly.

Posted by steveg @ 12/16/2002 01:44 PM PST


BK - Try walking Luckie in the rain. He might like it. My dog does and so did most of the dogs I had in the past. If he doesn't like it, chances are he'll do what he has to right away and want to go right back in. At least you won't have to contend with snow (which my dog also loves).

P.S. Keep a big towel by the door.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/16/2002 01:45 PM PST


First, the chat...

When the notion of a chat was first introduced here at HHW, there was some concern that it would affect the posts. Well, might I suggest that it has done just that. On chat day, traffic is significant lower, and those few posts that do show up are of the "Hurry, it's lovely up here" variety. In other words, those who are in the chat just dangle the cheese in front of our faces. As another who would prefer never to have any AOL software installed on my PC, I am unable to join in, and feel that there is precious little that a chat room can offer that our cozy spot at HHW cannot.

Now, to TV movie/musicals...

GYPSY was not bad. One has to endure Bette Midler, which is a challenge on the best of days, but at least we are watching a reasonably faithful adaptation of a classic musical on national television, and there is much to be said for that.

SOUTH PACIFIC was unspeakably dreary. I must be too young to appreciate this show, as no production I have seen (including both films) has allowed it to live up to its legendary status. Wonderful score, trapped in a tepid libretto. Sad, really...

What can one say about ANNIE? Given the horrific nature of the original movie, the television version *had* to be an improvement. Personally, I found much to enjoy in this production - especially Audra MacDonald and Andrea McArdle. Perhaps the best thing about it is watching my young son enjoy the show so much. Anything that can introduce our children to musical theatre is welcome, indeed.

MUSIC MAN has been so bizarrely cast that one can hardly believe it. The film is just about a perfect rendition of the show; why tamper with it? When so many other musicals were given such shoddy treatment by Hollywood, wouldn't it have been a better idea to revisit some of those shows? (CAMELOT, MAN OF LA MANCHA, etc.)

As for DROOD, I can't believe that no one has suggested what should be obvious to this group: put the show on DVD, and the let the viewer select the optional ending of his/her choice! If we are going to use technology, then let's use it!

And the less said about Cher in MAME, the better...!

Posted by Dave @ 12/16/2002 01:49 PM PST


I love my eggs over easy. I think it's just fantastic when I can slosh my egg white in the egg yolk...it's so tasty.

I have not enjoyed many of the Made for TV Musicals...though I loved ANNIE (cause of Kristi Chenoweth and Audra McDonald) and I've been hearing very good things about THE MUSIC MAN. We'll see.

Forbidden B'way update: I emailed Mr. Batt last night to get the contact info (where to send my headshot & resume, etc.) and he emailed me back today saying that he'd called the PRODUCER OF THE SHOW(!!!) and that I should send my pic & resume cause the guy wants to check me out. How exciting is that? Isn't it just too too?? I'm sure that the producer is simply doing a favor for Bryan, but I think it's very, VERY (that's two very's) cool that Bryan even called the guy. Who knows...maybe I'll be doing the DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES parody. I do one heck of a Michael Crawford impression. Heehee!!

Oh! I might get to see a reading of a show called DINER STORIES tomorrow featuring our very own Kerry Butler, Christianne Noll, and Ms. Betty Buckley. Craig: What do you know about this show? I want the scoop! ;-)

I think it is appropriate to let you guys know that Ms. Maria Bjornson (the scenic and costume designer for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as well as the Met's upcoming production of LES TROYENS) passed away Friday at the age of 53. She was an incredibly talented lady. Her presence in the theatre community will be sorely missed.

Posted by Jason @ 12/16/2002 01:50 PM PST


Wow! Someone gets to "check out" Jason. Those were the days.
I too gave Milder a pass mark for Gypsy. I realised how much I liked the movie. Annie - had moments and McArdle. South Pacific. I didn't mind the TV - even given Nellie's age. At least they didn't pretend she was a youngster though the lyrics of Some Enchanted Evening etc sounded somewhat silly as a result. At least we got to paly "spot the Oz actors". I find the movie of SP unwatchable these days and I loved John Kerr.
Bye Bye Birdie did not work for me. I love Vanessa (KOFTSW) but found who TV performance totally cold and lifeless.
Eggs: If not scrambled a like them "dead". No runny eggs for me. Best omlettes in the world are in France - Normandy region. Wish I knew the secret. I suspect the egg whites must be whipped first.

Posted by Tom from OZ @ 12/16/2002 02:09 PM PST


Jason-

I actually know very little about Diner Stories, other than I believe it's 3 different "vignettes" strung together. Each of the "stories" has rehearsed individually (one reason is Ms. Buckley has been here and there doing concerts). If you go, you must must must (that's three musts) post about the show..

Posted by Craig @ 12/16/2002 02:13 PM PST


Craig: Will do. Now I'm off to the Met. Ciao!

Posted by Jason @ 12/16/2002 02:26 PM PST


Another vote for the hard-scrambled w/lox and onions; runner-up would be a spinach, mushroom and provolone omelet.

I rarely turn on TV, except to watch the news or a DVD. I did see BBB, as I love the musical, Rosie being one of the most fun parts I ever played (was bruised for 3 months after we closed, from the "Shriners' Ballet" number, but it was worth every "ow-ie"). The only plus was seeing it staged like the play.
The film was far more colorful and lively.
I did enjoy seeing GYPSY too; every Mama Rose brings something slightly different to the part.
That was the first musical I ever performed in, as Miss Electra, and I had a blast doing the number that brought the house down. Instant gratification.
Only 11 more days til CHICAGO
opens--my most favorite show. Fosse rules!
It's almost raining here..thanks, LA, we are one day behind you in the weather department. Goldie won't go outside.

Posted by KT @ 12/16/2002 03:48 PM PST


Scrambled eggs for me. A nice All-American with chunks of cheese whisked through the eggs.

I'm probably the only person who actually LIKES the tv film of ANNIE. Didn't like the others though.

But speaking of made-for-television: we all remember that tv movie of CARRIE, don't we? Well it seems that the young lady who portrayed Margaret White, Patricia Clarkson has just won the N Y Film Critics' Award as Best Supporting Actress for her work in Todd Haynes' FAR FROM HEAVEN.

Finally, about that chat last night - does this mean that since I was there, I have had the immense pleasure of "meeting" the classical, classy lady, Miss Lauren Bacall (aren't you glad nobody brought up THE FAN?) and that peach of a guy, Mr. Barrett? I love those chats, that's why I keep coming back for more. Also, wasn't something mentioned about a new album????

Posted by td @ 12/16/2002 04:21 PM PST


I am so jiggy, jiggy, jiggy. After work today, I went to a much larger Borders to look for the Brent Barrett CD. Well, I eventually found his "Kander and Ebb" album--one copy--under B in "Easy Listening" (dontcha hate that name? "Pardon me, where do you keep the Difficul Listening?").

The computer listed the Lerner album and said it should be in the same place, but finally a very helpful employee found it under Shows (B)--again one copy. But now it's mine, mine, mine, mine, mine. And I am going to put it on right now while I pay bills.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/16/2002 05:23 PM PST


FAVORITE EGGS: I like two eggs poached in a small amount of water topped with powdered thyme and eaten with chopped tomatoes (salt and peppered) and buttered sourdough french bread toast. When I'm on the road, my favorite breakfast is Carl's Jr. Sunrise Sandwich (buttered scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon on an English muffin).

MADE-FOR-TV MUSICALS: I'm with BK on this. I didn't (and don't) like any of them. One other TV version that wasn't mentioned was CINDERELLA. Oy! I remember reading an L.A. Times review of GYPSY with Bette Midler. Obviously, the reviewer hadn't seen Ethel Merman in the role as he wrote that Midler was the "definitive" Rose. Oy! I think her vocal performance in Gypsy demonstrates the price one pays when one decides to please the current pop vocal market.

ANNIE, no matter what version, is a medicore show and why it gets so many revivals beats me. IMHO, the show was originally conceived for the wrong reasons--commercial over artistic.

I tuned into the TV version of SOUTH PACIFIC just to support the making of musical films but it was flat, I tell you! Flat as a pancake! I remember the movie version of SOUTH PACIFIC as being breathtaking. One scene that has always stayed with me is the one where Nellie learns of Emile's true background.

I think those producing these films have their hearts in the right places--wanting to introduce younger audiences to musicals but, IMHO, they do more harm than good. Audiences are more likely to come away thinking that was the STANDARD by which all others should be compared. In reality, all it does is LOWER THE BAR and then we have to wait for another generation to grow up into quality. Young people today don't want to know the history of ANYthing. Their memories are in the here and now. Which reminds me of story a vocal coach told me. When he suggested to one of his students that he might sing a Gershwin song, the student remarked, "Oh, you mean the piano player?"

The filmed, original cast shows mentioned above by SteveG are far more superior. One of the reasons, I think, is because the creators, casts and crews have been living the development and execution of the shows from their inception. These shows, however flawed, have SUBSTANCE ("meat on the bones") that I think the hurried schedules of TV filmmaking cannot match.

Posted by Donna-Cabaret West @ 12/16/2002 05:26 PM PST


I actually quite enjoy the Midler
GYPSY. Of course she's not
Merman... couldn't be, and I
wouldn't want her to try to be.
Very faithful to the stage show,
which I really appreciate, and I
thought the supporting
performances were just fine.

Despised the SOUTH PACIFIC
and CINDERELLA remakes.
did not see BIRDIE.

As for ANNIE, it was nice that
they were a bit closer to the
original (including NYC and
all), but as said before, the
cuts were just too much. And
as much as I like Victor
Garber, I just didn't think his
Warbucks was very good. For
the rest of the cast, ok but
nothing great IMO. As many
problems as the first movie
version may have, I don't think
you could ask for a greater trio
of performers for "Easy Street"
than Burnett, Peters, & Curry.

A bit wary of the upcoming MM,
due to both the track record of
these recent remakes, plus
I'm really not sold on the idea
of Matthew Broderick as
Harold Hill. And looking
farther ahead, if FIDDLER
happens, I hope it's without
Garber... would be even more
miscast there than his
Warbucks.

Posted by Jed @ 12/16/2002 05:48 PM PST


Oh my, forgot about the eggs!
I'll take mine scrambled,
preferably with all sorts of fun
stuff like cheese, mushrooms,
onions, etc. Or, this month,
perhaps in the lovely form of
nog.

Posted by Jed @ 12/16/2002 06:10 PM PST


Eggs. I'm not REAL keen on eggs, but when I do have them, I like them scrambled---DRY. I also like deviled eggs.

I do not like runny eggs. I do not like them in a boat. I do not like them with a goat. I did eat runny fried eggs once and smiled. I didn't care for the eggs, but I was madly in love with the person who made them for me for breakfast. First loves can do that to a person.

Posted by Kerry @ 12/16/2002 06:29 PM PST


Well... I wanted to comment about last nights chat and say this. I love that we can all be interactive and talk with each other and the celeb guests in an open forum - it's too too cool!

Posted by Craig @ 12/16/2002 07:14 PM PST


Dear Reader Michael Shayne:

I tried responding to your e-mail, and my response bounced back. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for your advice.

Everybody:

And I sit here listening to Brent and Betty remembering it well, and I realize I forgot to ask her my Betty Bacall Question last night. (Don't we all have one question we want to ask each celebrity when we meet them? Invariably I forget mine when the opportunity arises.)

My BB question:

Did you ever play Trivial Pursuit (the Original Edition), and your question was "Who is Leslie Bogart's mother?" and all the other players cried, "No fair!"?

So if you talk to her soon, BK, can you pass that on?

Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/16/2002 07:18 PM PST


and Jason:

My Joe and I saw Bryan Batt in Forbidden Broadway, and he was hilarious. So he must be a good judge of hilarity (Isn't she a Senator?), as we all know you are hilarious.

Let's hope we can look forward to a Batt and Bratton duet.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/16/2002 07:22 PM PST


William: That Bratton/Batt duet is coming sooner than you might think! I found out that we will, indeed, be recording MOBY DICK the week after we do the second reading. I'm sure I would be happy to send you all copies once they're released.

Posted by Jason @ 12/16/2002 09:33 PM PST


Eggs: scrambled with salsa.

Made for TV movies: I think musicals are best when they are seen in their natural environment: a theatre. Musicals on film (or TV) are totally unbelievable and lack the energy of a theatrical production.
IMHO I feel that film should have a degree of realism. If that realism is lacking it doesn't "work" for me. Sitting in a theatre with 1,000 other people watching people sing and dance is within the context of fantasy. That's what its all about.
I know a lot of people who don't agree, but if we all agreed it would be a dull world.
With all of that said I will watch "The Music Man" to see Matthew Broderick. I can't fathom Kristin Chenowith as Marian. We'll see.

Posted by Dennis Clancy @ 12/16/2002 10:28 PM PST


Jason -- I want one, please!! :-)

Posted by Laura @ 12/16/2002 10:31 PM PST


I saw/liked the tv versions of Bye Bye Birdie and Gypsy.

I saw/didn't like the tv version of Annie. Seemed to me that a lot was cut out and the wrong people were singing some of the songs.

Didn't see/know that South Pacific/Music Man/Fiddler on the Roof were made into tv versions.

Posted by Laura @ 12/16/2002 10:40 PM PST


I loved the TV "Annie" -- what numbers were retained were lively, extremely energetic and beautifully performed (my only point of comparison is the leaden film version inexplicably directed by John Huston).

As wrongheaded as Josh Logan's directorial choices were in his film musicals -- and "South Pacific" is full of lost opportunities -- the score in the film is incomparably performed.

The TV version is ludicrous. The score treated with disrespect. Harry Connick's Lt. Cable was the one "good" thing about it, IMO...but even he needs directions.

: )

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 12/16/2002 10:44 PM PST


Good evening/early morning!

Well, I had a wonderful day off. I actually slept in to about 4:00pm-ish!!! *I did get up for a moment around 7:30, but I was quickly back in bed. And then I treated myself to a wonderful dinner/late lunch at my favorite place in town - and the kitchen sent out some humongous portions for me and my friend. And the owner/chef also gave me a loaf of her most-wonderful Apple-Walnut Streusel "Bread" - it's amazing stuff! Hardly any "filler", just packed with apples and black walnuts, and topped with about a half-inch of cinnamon-sugar streusel! The loaf weighs about four pounds. I guess Chet and Eileen will just have to look the other way. *I had asked our waitress if there were any loaves for sale, and she had said that they were out until next week. Then a few minutes later, out comes Stella bearing a foil-wrapped loaf. It pays to be a loyal customer.

And I'm currently finishing off my day off by watching some BBC America - Graham Norton in Dollywood, and some FoodTV. All in all a perfectly lazy day.

As for eggs, I actually like sunny-side eggs - I don't mind the runny stuff. But I also like "hard fried" eggs - especially when they're paired with great tomatoes, Duke's mayonnaise (sp?), a few grinds of black pepper between two pieces of white toast!

But my favorite way to prepare eggs is in a souffle - cheese, chocolate, etc. Oh, and Popovers in NYC makes "Cappucino Eggs"!

As for TV versions of musicals... I can take them or leave them. I usually just end up watching so I can spot all the New York actors - or the the "Oz actors" - just like when I watch "Law & Order". It's good to know that companies are still willing to take a chance on producing them, now if they can just take the chance of NOT rewriting them.

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 12/16/2002 10:56 PM PST


Jose, you have been working so hard lately, I'm very glad that you enjoyed a day off today!

And I still say that squishy eggs yolks are unseemly!

Posted by Laura @ 12/16/2002 11:29 PM PST


Sorry, Laura, I had some over-easy eggs this morning. All this talk about them made me remember that I like them - with bacon!

Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/17/2002 06:16 AM PST


I had a bacon & egg sandwich for breakfast this morning, plus a V8.

I'm guessing BK is still in bed and Luckie is patiently awaiting the passase of 40-plus minutes so she can go lick him in the face and get his sluggardly bod into the kitchen and get her some food.

: )

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 12/17/2002 08:13 AM PST


She's looking at the clock....she's looking at the door... she's looking at the clock...she's looking at the door.

_\ tick tick _/

Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/17/2002 08:20 AM PST





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