Replies: 53 Unseemly Comments
First post! Bruce, I love the Watson reference. Keep up all the great work you do.
Posted by Acting Inspector Purefoy @ 02/05/2003 08:32 AM PST
Yes it is Wednesday - and I will be teaching some Irish step dancing to two actors in a production of Stones In His Pockets. One actor can dance, one actor can't dance - so do the math.
My question for ask BK day:
Which organization do you think will come to its senses first and honor Miss Doris Day for her body...uh...that is body of work?
American Film Institute
OR
Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/05/2003 08:46 AM PST
Amazing! (A Drat! the Cat reference)
Posted by Dr. Watson @ 02/05/2003 08:48 AM PST
From what I've read, Miss Day has refused all offers to be honored by the Academy or others and prefers to remain at home tending to her animals.
Posted by steveg @ 02/05/2003 09:25 AM PST
oh. Hmmmmmmmm....I didn't realize it had been offered.
I know she attended the Golden Globes when she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989 and I think she was given some kind of comedy award along with Jack Lemmon in 1991 or so, forget the exact circumstances of that or even the name of the Award...but I think they should keep offering until she shows up.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/05/2003 09:33 AM PST
Ah, yes. Bob Crane. Why, I do believe that part of that movie was set in my lovely town, as it was here that he met his end.
Posted by Laura @ 02/05/2003 09:53 AM PST
My Ask BK question:
Is the Leona Helmsley trial getting as much coverage on the West Coast as it's getting here in NYC? It's knocked the space shuttle off the front pages. Do you think the jury was right in finding her guilty and do you think the eleven million dollars they awarded the man she fired was justified? What older actress should play Leona in the inevitable movie-of-the-week about the trial?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/05/2003 09:57 AM PST
I always think of Bea Arthur when I see Leona on the news.
Posted by steveg @ 02/05/2003 10:04 AM PST
I haven't asked a question in weeks! But now I have one (or a two part question anyway).
Have you ever had a surprise birthday party and if so were you surprised?
Part two, since we know how old you are (you told us in an old Notes, I believe), did you do anything special for your 50th birthday, like jump out of a plane or take a getaway vacation or something else?
Posted by Ben @ 02/05/2003 10:11 AM PST
Just have to share...
Several weeks ago, I entered the trivia contest on "the label"'s web site, and won. Today, I received my prize, which included a copy of a CD called "A Cabaret Cocktail", a compilation of several previously-released tracks. Six of the tracks (and from what I can tell, the best ones) were produced by the esteemed Bruce Kimmel, and they are denoted as such. The remaining tracks are produced by various producers.
Of the non-BK tracks, most are surprisingly weak, given that this is supposed to be a promotional CD. One in particular - a rendition of "Wheels of a Dream" by (I kid you not) Frankie Laine - is absolutely dreadful.
I only just received the CD and, well...I thought that you should know.
Posted by Dave @ 02/05/2003 10:23 AM PST
When I think of sparkling cabaret performances, the first name that always jumps to mind is Frankie Laine. His poignant rendition of "Rawhide" as he nurses a vodka martini always brings a tear to my eye.
Posted by JMK @ 02/05/2003 11:37 AM PST
It's 'Mule Train' that does it for me, JMK.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/05/2003 11:46 AM PST
I didn't even realize Frankie Laine was still alive, let alone recording. I don't think he's had a hit since the early 50s. My favorite was "That Lucky Old Sun". He made one or two quickie musical films and then seemed to totally drop out of site (except for the "Rawhide" and "Blazing Saddle" themes). Interesting what current stars are now recording for that label.
Posted by William E Lurie @ 02/05/2003 11:48 AM PST
Hey, td, I posted on the SS Forums.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/05/2003 11:55 AM PST
2 items of interest I just read on Broadwaystars.Com:
GOLD which was once WISE GUYS is now called BOUNCE.
The Kander/Ebb THE VISIT with Chita Rivera and John McMartin will be have its New York premiere at the Public Thatre in January, 2004.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/05/2003 11:58 AM PST
Re The Visit finally coming to NY - isn't it amazing what a hit film will do for its composer/lyricist team. The Visit was a non-issue until Chicago came out. I'm thrilled to see a new Kander and Ebb show. They're the berries.
Re Bounce. That is just about the worst title I've ever heard. In fact, every title this show has had has been awful. I would be happy to offer some alternatives, should they care to call. I know the story, I've recorded songs from the OTHER musical about the boys - written by I. Berlin. Bounce??? That's what I use when I dry my clothes.
Posted by bk @ 02/05/2003 12:06 PM PST
Here is the link to the "Bounce" Story...
http://web.playbill.com/news/article/77711.html
"Bounce" is the title of the opening number.
The songs from the Berlin version that you recorded are excellent and as much as I usually like Sondheim he will have his job cut out trying to top them
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/05/2003 12:18 PM PST
BK- I agree... Although I did think the title WISEGUYS was the best of the lot. I wonder what the heck BOUNCE has to do with anything.
And heaven forbid the musical is not well received, I can just imagine the field day the reviewers will have playing off of BOUNCE...
Posted by Craig @ 02/05/2003 12:33 PM PST
I saw "Unfaithful" with members of the faculty at one of the Catholic Schools I teach at (where I am the ONLY male on the faculty) and it was during the time when I had a habit of sleeping through movies, and I missed the first big sex scene. One of the teachers said to me, "I was going to wake you during the steamy scene, but I decided against it". So, after BK's review, I guess I'd better check it out. AFTER I've seen "Chicago".
Question for BK - Have you seen a production of the musical "Sunset Blvd"? If so, who did you see as Norma Desmond. There has been talk of an Andrew Lloyd Webber remake of the movie in musical form, do you think this is necessary? If so, who would you like to see play Norma Desmond, and even if you don't, who would you like to see play Norma Desmond. (And let's all hope to God that the gossip is false and Liza isn't cast as Norma D!!)
Posted by Matthew @ 02/05/2003 12:49 PM PST
Count me in as one who feels that SUNSET BOULEVARD has potential to be a good "noirish" film musical. As for the casting, I second your emotion that Liza would be all wrong for the part. Given that it would have to be a "name" star in the role, my vote would be to cast an well-known Hollywood actress, but have her dubbed by a Broadway actress.
So I open the question to the floor:
i) Who would be the Hollywood actress?
ii) Who would be the Broadway "voice"?
Posted by Dave @ 02/05/2003 12:58 PM PST
"Wheels of a Dream" by Frankie Laine is one of my favorite recordings. He is one of the great stylists. If you don't like his style, it's certainly easy to take a crap on him.
When I was among those putting together "Laverne and Shirley", I was the major voice in support of casting Phil Foster as Laverne's father. And he was very effective. But about a week after he was cast, I saw Frankie Laine on an old rerun of "Make Room for Daddy" on TV.
He was wonderful. My immediate reaction was "Why hadn't I thought of him? He'd be great."
Timing can be everything.
Posted by mark rothman @ 02/05/2003 01:27 PM PST
i) Hollywood actress -- Glenn Close
ii) Broadway "voice" -- Patti LuPone
Posted by Troublemaker @ 02/05/2003 01:29 PM PST
In the movie for "Sunset Boulevard," how about Meryl Streep? She can sing and wouldn't need to be dubbed. Then again, Glenn Close is a Hollywood actress and was given the Tony for the role (even though the only other nominee that year was Rebecca Luker in "Show Boat"). I'd kill to see Patti do it, but I'm sure there's no way in hell that she would even if offered the roll. It was announced on Playbill.com that Patti is going to do "Passion" at Chicago's Ravinia Festival in August. Her third Sondheim there in three years! I wish I lived there!
Posted by George @ 02/05/2003 01:31 PM PST
Meryl Streep might not be a bad idea.
Given that Patti Lupone has already recorded the score to SUNSET BOULEVARD, I would rather hear someone else take on the duties for the movie.
How about Judy Kaye? Dee Hoty?
Dare I suggest that this might be the role that Ms. Streisand was born to play?
Posted by Dave @ 02/05/2003 01:37 PM PST
If Patti were offered the roll she would probably butter it and eat it. If she were offered the role she would probably laugh and dive into the Andrew Lloyd Weber swimming pool in her backyard.
Posted by The spelling teacher @ 02/05/2003 01:40 PM PST
Why are people other than BK answering questions that were asked for "Ask BK day"?
Posted by The internet patrol @ 02/05/2003 01:41 PM PST
I don't think there is much chance of Ms. Lupone being offered either the roll or the role, so it may be a moot point.
Other suggestions for the voice of Norma Desmond:
Maureen McGovern
Michelle Pawk
Christine Ebersole
Carolee Carmello
Marin Mazzie
And how about the voices of Joe Gillis and Betty Schafer?
Posted by Dave @ 02/05/2003 01:51 PM PST
Gee Internet Patrol, maybe because the question was prefaced with "So I open the question to the floor."
Posted by Troublemaker @ 02/05/2003 02:44 PM PST
I have noticed of late a certain tone creeping into certain posts and I must say I'm beginning to not like it - we have worked too hard to make this site different from others - so, please, differing opinions are fine and dandy, but I would appreciate it if we watched the nasty stuff that's been creeping into some of the posts. Thank you.
Posted by bk @ 02/05/2003 03:06 PM PST
Roll vs. role. OOPS! My spellcheck checks spelling, not grammar and I am just not observant today.
Barbra definitely would be the name draw, but I would hope that she doesn't direct it...only because I would someday like to see the right side of her face. She never films herself from that side and all of her interviews also show her from her left side only. Otherwise I do like her as a director.
Posted by George @ 02/05/2003 04:04 PM PST
Maybe Babs would like to play Erik in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA?
Well, it isn't any more preposterous than Antonio Banderas...
Posted by Dave @ 02/05/2003 04:32 PM PST
Going back to a previous topic, I also thought that WISE GUYS was a good title for a musical, but it led me to believe that it would be a musical about the mob. (Goodfellas = Wise Guys)
Posted by Dave @ 02/05/2003 04:35 PM PST
Since I don't own a handful and a half of BK varese sarabande albums.....
What are the Vinnie quotes for the follwoing albums:
1) Das Barbecue
2) The King and I
3) I Love You, You're Perfect Now Change
4)Cole Porter: A Musical Toast
5) Play On!
6) The Paul Simon Album
7) The Irish & How They Got That Way
8)Superman: The Ultimate Collection
9)If Love Were All
and some from FA
10) Copenhagen
11) You Never Know
12) Godspell
13) Elegies For Angels, Punks & Raging Queens
14) Bells Are Ringing
15) Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
and what would be the Vinnie name if you were allowed to do your thank you notes for Beyond Therapy? (You already posted Brent Barrett's Alan Jay Lerner thank yous)
and where does The Instrumental Side of Burt Bacharach fall into your producing cycle. One of the few I am not familiar with and does it have a Vinnie quote
also I have The Burt Bacharach Album but I misplaced the booklet.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 02/05/2003 04:38 PM PST
Dear BK: Of the films you have seen in the last year, are there any you think could be made into interesting musicals? If so, who would you want to write them? (And by all means, if you want to write it yourself, say so!)
Posted by S. Woody White @ 02/05/2003 05:49 PM PST
I haven't read any of the posts, but I wanted to get my Ask BK question in before I become a "late poster" (as opposed to errant and truant, which would be unseemly, and also truant and errant).
How's your new bi--er, canine female?
And speaking of which, are Lucky and Molly adept at bitch-slapping?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 02/05/2003 06:58 PM PST
Hey, y'all. Guess what? I'm not at the Met tonight! Someone asked if I would switch shifts with them, so I jumped at the opportunity to have a night off. I will be going to bed early tonight at all costs.
I just finished making my first MP3 CD, and I'm so very, very (that's two very's) excited because now I can fit something like 8 of my favorite cast recordings (in their entirety--sorry if I spelled that wrong) onto one disc! It only took a couple of hours to convert them from audio tracks on the CD to MP3 files, and now I can travel without having to carry a thousand CDs with me!! For the curious, I will post my CD choices for this, the first of many MP3 discs.
CHICAGO: The Musical (1996 B'way recording)
DREAMGIRLS: The Concert (both discs)
EVITA: Premiere American Cast (both discs. Viva La LuPone!)
PHANTOM: Both discs.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS
PARADE (Jason Robert Brown's...not Jerry Herman's)
WEST SIDE STORY
HAIRSPRAY and
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
Wow! That's twelve entire discs compressed into one--more than I thought! I love this whole technology "thing!"
My question for BK is one I asked the other night. If you were to hear auditions for CHICAGO, what would you like to hear your potential Mary Sunshines singing? (Yes, I'm shamelessly trying to get audition ideas, but I figured since you know practically every song ever written for the stage, you would be the best source to go to.)
Anyway, I'm gonna take a shower and relax for a bit. I might even make another CD! You kids play nice, now...
Posted by Jason @ 02/05/2003 07:06 PM PST
Oh, Dave! I'm glad you got your package!!
Posted by Jason @ 02/05/2003 07:17 PM PST
Troublemaker---
I am not trying to be rude, but a previous Ask BK question today was also answered in part by a Dear Reader. At one point several months ago BK himself mentioned it when readers began answering questions to him. I'd like to suggest that after BK answers the questions readers can then pipe in with their own answers if they feel like it.
Posted by Internet Patrol @ 02/05/2003 07:20 PM PST
Interesting that the new Sondheim WiseGuys/Gold title is now Bounce. Is it common for a show to change it's name so many times??? It seems so odd. Search for a good name. But once you start with a title KEEP IT. I agree with the others who have said that Bounce seems like the worst choice of the lot. But I guess nobody is asking us.
Hey BK, I am jealous that you are getting to see so many movies (at home) that are currently playing at the theatres. Who do I need to know to get copies? :)
Does anybody here watch The Bachelorette or American Idol. I guess it hasn't aired yet on the West Coast. So I won't post the results. But if anybody has any thoughts post them.
Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer @ 02/05/2003 07:24 PM PST
Ask BK Question:
And ANYONE can pipe right in on this one, got that?*
What magazines do you read on a regular basis in addition to the aforementioned SCARLET STREET?
*This is of course, in addition to a previous question I have asked, one that admittedly requires a great amount of thought. I'm in no hurry for that particular question to be answered, and Mr. Kimmel may take his time in coming up with his response.
In the meantime (oh! A Bert Williams reference!), any one or all of the Hainsies and Kimlet MAY announce which magazines they read on a regular basis.
JRand - - Where did you post? What folder, what thread?
Posted by td @ 02/05/2003 07:42 PM PST
Dear Internet Patrol (if that is in fact your *real* name...)
I don't want to speak for Mr. Kimmel, but I would be very surprised if he would actually discourage discussion on his site - especially discussion of a music/theatre nature. Our discourse on the subject does not prevent or preclude him from offering his own contributions to the topic at hand.
So, rather than trying to censor (censure?) those of use engaging in the discussion, why not join us? We'd love to hear from you.
Posted by Dave @ 02/05/2003 08:41 PM PST
Questions for BK:
Do you watch late-night talk shows? If so, who do you prefer? Leno, Letterman, or ???? Or who did you prefer? Carson, Parr, Arsenio ;-) ?
What TV show from the past or present would you have like/d to be/have been a regular? Or a guest star?
-Excuse my fractured grammar - I think you know what I mean.
Do you have a lucky number(s)?
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 02/05/2003 08:54 PM PST
Dear BK: When will you tell us about your upcoming film project? Is it a musical, since you hired a choreographer? Is it for TV, video, theatres? Are you the writer and/or director?
What is your favorite color: #1--to wear, and #2-- to look at (i.e. on walls or decor).
Reading on in Benjamin Kritzer: omigod, I think I have a Chop-o-Matic! Is it a glass jar, with a cap screwed on, with a criss-cross blade in it, attached to a springed hand plunger inserted through the cap?? I've had one for decades and so did my mother, sort of a prehistoric Cuisinart...
Posted by KT @ 02/05/2003 09:47 PM PST
I saw "Chicago"!! Didn't drive me crazy like "Moulon Rouue" (yeah, it's spelled wrong) did, in fact, I liked it very very much.
Posted by Matthew @ 02/05/2003 09:55 PM PST
Yes, KT, you have a Chop-o-Matic!
I think the misunderstanding today stems from the fact that on Ask BK Day I ask that no one answer questions directed to me. I think things got misunderstood. I do, of course, encourage grand discourse, but as I said earlier, with respect and kindness always.
Posted by bk @ 02/05/2003 10:08 PM PST
No questions but I don't like to just lurk!
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 02/05/2003 10:32 PM PST
Yippie Bow Wow Yippie
Yippie Yay Yippie Yay
Yippie Bow Wow Yippie
Yippie Yay!
Posted by Molly's Fan Club @ 02/05/2003 11:49 PM PST
LOL! A Chop-O-Matic...well, I can't relinquish it to The Jewish Smithsonian yet, as I still use it to make perfect egg salad, with just the right size chunks. it's also good for chopped liver, because I hate the pureed paste they call chopped liver, these days.
It's a small world, after all...(and I hear a song coming on). Nite, all.
Posted by KT @ 02/06/2003 12:30 AM PST
Every week I tell myself I'll ask a question on Ask BK day. Every week I come up with some good ones, then the days comes and I forget them all! I must write them down in the future.
So instead, I'll go for some off-the-cuff questions that hopefully haven't been asked too many times before.
How did you choose the songs for the Sherman Bros album? Did you review all of their output, or just stick to the ones you were familiar with? Did the Shermans themselves have any part in the prep work for the album?
Never had a chopomatic... deprived childhood I guess!
Posted by Stephen @ 02/06/2003 03:05 AM PST
I think we called them "Veg-O-Matics" and it was one of the first tv commercials I remember selling a product directly to the consumer. I think you could get a set of Ginsu knives as a bonus....and it really, really works!
OMG - Jose just asked the most wonderful question, and I can hardly wait for BK's answer.
And of course, my mind is whirling with possibilities: What tv show would you want to have been a regular on? OMG...the fun, the fun, the drama, the music.
You know, a producer, and I don't recall his name once wrote in TV GUIDE that he went home on a Friday with the Dinah Shore Chevy show set and blocked. She called him on Saturday and told him she wanted to sing "Shrimp Boats" instead. So bring in the orchestra, conductor, choreographer, dancers, and floor manager, set designer, overtime work work work....but Dinah sang "Shrimp Boats."
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/06/2003 04:38 AM PST
Oh, td, in the Latest Issue #47 thread...I expressed myself (slightly) about not being represented in this issue. Hmmmmmmmmm....
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/06/2003 04:41 AM PST
Oh, Jrand, sorry that you're not in The Latest Issue (#47); but it is still one of the best issues ever of Scarlet Street.
And while we're on the subject, does anyone other than me think that the magazine pairing of Richard Valley (Scarlet Street) and Max Preeo (Show Music) would be almost paradise?
Posted by td @ 02/06/2003 06:18 AM PST
It CANNOT be one of the best without me.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/06/2003 07:48 AM PST
