Replies: 55 Unseemly Comments
BK, your rainstorm is headed our way, and we are anxiously awaiting it.
Posted by Laura @ 02/12/2003 09:10 AM PST
If you think people forget how to drive in the rain...you should have been here yesterday for three inches of snow. I think people just throw their hands in the air, step on the gas pedal AND the brake and go for it. But mostly it's - as my grandfather used to say - "Hold her, Newt, she's headed for the rhubarb!"
My ask BK question...I know that residuals are not paid for film work made prior to 1960 - but in the case of a new CD of a soundtrack (ie your work on THE FIVE PENNIES that wasn't released) were new contracts required for those performers? And would they receive recording royalties if it had been released or would that have been covered under the existing contract? Also - if those recordings of the LP are played on the radio would the performers be due an ASCAP royalty? If so, we should request Miss Susan Gordon's song and earn her some $$$$!!!
I didn't know Douglas Sirk and Ross Hunter shared a house. 8-D
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/12/2003 09:26 AM PST
I am aware that such negotiations wouldn't include session musicians and singers, but the soloists and and musicians who were originally due a royalty payment on the recording. 8-D
ALSO...if movies go to the digital format - will we no longer see the magic changeover marks?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/12/2003 09:34 AM PST
Question answered: Miss Zeta-Jones herself requested she be in the supporting category because she did not want to compete with Miss Zelweger. Of course this probably leaves Ms. Latifa out in the cold, but you can't have everything.
I read today that the revival of FIDDLER next season can't find a director or choreographer (several "names" have turned it down) because the Robbins Estate won't let them do anything but a carbon copy of the Robbins original. In the case of FIDDLER that's not such a bad idea (Note: I did not say for all revivals - only certain shows such as this, ACL, and a few others).
For Ask BK Day: There are still so many Original Cast LPs that have not seen the light of day on CD, why is DRG (and to a certain extent the label that can't be mentioned)reissuing so many Original Cast CDs that were out seven or eight years ago, didn't sell and were taken off the market? Do you think they would be better off with some of the many shows that haven't had a CD release yet?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/12/2003 10:16 AM PST
For Ask BK Day:
Have you ever been very pleasantly surprised by a certain food/dish or combination of foods - things that you didn't think would work together, but ended up being delicious. -I never thought of covering red seedless grapes in chocolate, but after my weekend in Memphis, I'm hooked!
Do you like your BBQ ribs "dry" or "wet"?
Was there a song(s) that you really wanted to put on an album, but wasn't able to due to rights, general unvailability, and/or lack of finding the right singer for the song?
...I feel a nap coming on....
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 02/12/2003 10:28 AM PST
While Catherine Zeta-Jones was great in in "Chicago", I don't feel her performance was any better than Queen Latifa, therefore I feel the award is totally up for grabs.
BK - what was it like working with Florence Lacy and her husband on the cast recording of "Hello, Dolly!" I feel Ms Lacy has been totally overlooked as an exceptional talent, it's rather sad.
Posted by Matthew @ 02/12/2003 10:42 AM PST
As much as I adored CHICAGO and Miss Zeta-Jones' performance in it, it is my humble opinion that Miss Kathy Bates nearly stole ABOUT SCHMIDT and that she is most deserving of the Academy Award for an Actress in a Supporting Role. Probably not a popular opinion on this very popular website, but my opinion nonetheless.
Posted by Jay @ 02/12/2003 10:51 AM PST
I am still bummed out that Dennis Quaid didn't get a nomination for BSA for Far From Heaven.
I am very excited about the "close contests" that seem to be developing. It is always more exciting when there aren't a lot of "shoe-ins."
Maybe they should have pushed for Dennis in the Best Supporting Actress category...as Julianne Moore said: "We girls all have our secrets." 8-D
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/12/2003 10:52 AM PST
Jose: Wow, I didn't know they did that to grapes in the South! I've done that for years. I love it. It kind of takes away the healthy aspect of the grapes but grapes and chocolate - ummm, ummm.
No question yet, mabye later
Posted by Ben @ 02/12/2003 11:03 AM PST
mabye, mabye not.
Posted by Miss Crabtree @ 02/12/2003 11:06 AM PST
Here's a link to Playbill on-line with info about WELs comments on Fiddler and the choreography
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/77845.html
Posted by Ben @ 02/12/2003 11:07 AM PST
Dear BK --
There have been some "unlikely" singers in the past who have tackled songs from the Great American Songbook, some fairly successfully (Linda Ronstadt, kd lang) some not so successfully (Rod Stewart recently). What other "unlikely" singers do you think could tackle the Songbook and, if you are so inspired, what specific composers would you have them sing?
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 02/12/2003 11:08 AM PST
Anybody doing anything special or exciting for Valentine's Day?
Posted by Cupid @ 02/12/2003 11:16 AM PST
I just thought of a question. Here in NYC we have just started to dial (actually press since I haven't seen a dial phone for years) 11 digits to make a phone call, 1 plus the area code plus the number. Is that the case in Southern California also. I know there are lots and lots of area codes out there (I can't keep track of them all) but if you're in 213, do you have to dial 1, 213, XXX-XXXX to complete your call?
Posted by Ben @ 02/12/2003 11:58 AM PST
I thought it was
1-900-XXX-XXXX
Posted by Chris Cannon @ 02/12/2003 11:59 AM PST
BK> What is your favourite season? What are you favourite songs for each season?
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 02/12/2003 12:27 PM PST
As much as one might respect the genius of Jerome Robbins, FIDDLER has been presented on Broadway on at least three occasions, each time using his original choreography. The show has also been staged in countless regional productions, with the original choreography or variations thereof. It would be refreshing to see a new approach to the material. After all, Joseph Stein wrote the book and Bock&Harnick wrote the score. Shouldn't they have a say in how their work is presented to a new audience?
If revivals were forced to be slavish to their original direction, we wouldn't have seen Sam Mendes' brilliant re-imagining of CABARET. Or Nicholas Hytner's production of CAROUSEL. Both of those shows had wonderful original productions, fashioned by very talented directors. To re-imagine them does not reflect badly on the original productions or the original directors' conception. It simply offers us another way of seeing - and thinking about - the material.
Posted by Dave @ 02/12/2003 12:47 PM PST
Question for BK:
What is your favourite year? Not your best year, not the year you had the most success, but your favourite year? And don't say 1954; that's already taken.
Posted by Dave @ 02/12/2003 12:49 PM PST
Another question for BK:
I noticed that ps classics is releasing the "Maury Yeston Songbook" soon. Looking at the assembled talent, it sounds like an album that you would have produced in the old days. If you were to start a new label (hypothetically speaking, of course) and were to produce a similar "songbook", whose work would you like to profile, and which artists would you invite to perform? Specific tracks and artists would be nice, but not necessary.
Posted by Dave @ 02/12/2003 12:57 PM PST
My question for ask BK Day: When will you kick off our next round of Worst Cast Scenario? It's one of my favorite diversions on this site, and was wondering if it might become a regular weekly activity here, as are some of your other familiar discussion starters.
Posted by Jay @ 02/12/2003 12:59 PM PST
BK: Who is your all-time favorite actor, and why? And all-time favorite actress?
Posted by Lulu @ 02/12/2003 01:02 PM PST
...and an answer for BK:
Better late than never, but I would like to offer my contribution to yesterday's discussion. Based on your "Unsung Musicals" series, I would like to hear complete recordings of...
A WONDERFUL LIFE
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Both of these shows might make wonderful fare for the holiday season, and a cast recording would encourage community and even regional theatres to investigate them as potential seasonal properties.
SMILE
I have heard the demo recording, and there is much to enjoy, though a full production (and in some cases, better singers) might showcase the score to better advantage. Again, thinking pragmatically, a strong recording would probably encourage plenty of high school and even university productions of the show.
IN THE BEGINNING
Given Maury Yeston's later success (NINE, TITANIC), there would probably be interest in one of his earlier shows - especially one that features a song as beautiful as "New Words". From my personal point of view, this might be a show that my church would like to produce, if the story/score were suitable.
And a show that I have only heard because of our own Donald Feltham (aka the serial killer):
TIME AND AGAIN
We have all read about this show, and heard about the score. Thanks to Donald, we've even been fortunate enough to hear a bit of the score. It would be wonderful to hear the rest - especially with the original cast, including the lovely Rebecca Luker.
Posted by Dave @ 02/12/2003 01:15 PM PST
Mr Lurie....I received the CD yesterday -- thanks so much and such wonderful packaging too! I will, hopefully, get around to listening to it this weekend.
Taped the next Broadway Radio Show last night -- my usual holiday co-host Michael Betts joined me for our Valentine's Day (2 days late) special -- we had a lot of fun and play some great classic showtunes! The new show will be up on Sunday afternoon.
Posted by Donald @ 02/12/2003 02:06 PM PST
BK:
Whe-e-e-e-ere is love?
Does it fall from skies above?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 02/12/2003 02:42 PM PST
Have you heard the new recording of "Sadie Thompson"? Curious to hear your reaction, if you have. I shall refrain from commenting until then.
Posted by JMK @ 02/12/2003 02:42 PM PST
Dear BK --
Your episode of MASH played last week on a local station. Do you still get paid for rerun episodes?
Posted by Laura @ 02/12/2003 03:40 PM PST
It's pouring in LV too, today...I love it! I don't care what it precipitates, as long as it's not cold!
BK: Have you seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding or Kissing Jessica Stein yet (the latter features a very funny Shabbat dinner and a wonderful turn by Tovah Feldshuh as a Jewish mother, you'd love her performance!)? Both fun, fun movies. My very own daughter forced me to watch Kissing Jessica Stein, and I'm so glad---it was witty and well-done.
All the animals are napping, so I must, too.
Posted by KT @ 02/12/2003 04:36 PM PST
Bruce:
What do you think of productions of plays and musicals that were obviously not what the creators intended, such as modern dress Shakespeare of Mendes' Cabaret?
Is there any CD that you have gotten in the past three months or so that the dear readers MUST own?
It's been a while since I asked this one: What is the most recent piece of theater that you saw, and what did you think?
Will you watch or tape the Oscars?
What is your opinion of Ms. Bernadette Peters?
Is there any current piece of theater that you are dying to see?
Do you speak any other languages?
Do you have any advice about someone who is singing "All of Me" with his high school Jazz band?
Are you a habitué of Sondheim.com? If not, why not? because you did have a column there previously.
Do I have a Craig-like plethora yet?
Posted by Hapgood @ 02/12/2003 04:48 PM PST
Why is it, Mr. Lurie, that you, as the most vocal HHW critic of "the-label-that-must-not-be-named," are the one Hainsie/Kimlet who continues to bring it up??????
It's what gives "the searchers" something to find and ponder, and it keeps old wounds open!
Why should BK give a damn what "they" should be doing?
And what is this obsession you have for commenting upon it when it has been expressly stated it's an unpleasant subject for BK????
Stop being a big old booger!
Posted by Really Curious George @ 02/12/2003 05:01 PM PST
I would just like to say that the previous poster "Really Curious George" and I, "George" (semi-regular poster), are not the same person.
My questions for Bruce:
Nia Vardalos was nominated for best original screenplay for her movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (which I loved). However, every time I read a biography of hers on the Internet, it's always mentioned that she wrote a play called "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" that was based on her life and marriage to a non-Greek and that play became the basis for the movie. How can she be nominated for best original screenplay if it was based on a play?
Also, you've talked about the demo CD of the stage version of "The First Nudie Musical" that has been recorded. Who gets these CDs? Are they only for "industry" people? Is it possible for Donald to play a track or three on his radio show sometime in the (hopefully near) future? Or, do you specifically not want "the general public" to hear a work in progress, because you know that there will always be detractors waiting (and willing) to speak negatively about anything?
Posted by George--Curious (but not that Curious) @ 02/12/2003 05:36 PM PST
Now, now, I don't think Mr. Lurie is being a booger at all. He was asking an Ask BK Day question and invoked the label you speak of, it seems to me, as an afterthought - the main label invoked was DRG. It's a legitimate question and I shall answer it. It is very rainy here, pretty much non-stop all day.
Posted by bk @ 02/12/2003 05:36 PM PST
Who'll stop the rain?
Posted by me @ 02/12/2003 05:39 PM PST
I wish that it were warm enough in Cleveland to rain. As it is, what we get is SNOW. It is simply beautiful when it is coming down, but rather unpleasant to walk through.
Two more questions:
When was the last time it snowed in Southern California?
What is your opinion of Urinetown: the Musical?
I'm curious as to who "Really Curious George" is. The problem with using a pseudonym is that we are always suspicious about who the person is.
This site does seem to slow down in the afternoon (Pacific time.) I wonder why?
Posted by Hapgood @ 02/12/2003 06:37 PM PST
I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain?
Posted by me too @ 02/12/2003 06:38 PM PST
We are in the home stretch now for the website. I have talked with someone connected with about hosting it. I am getting excited here with the outcome finally here after a few unforeseen and unhappy delays.
My questions for BJ are the following
1) The Internet Movie Data Base has been as you mentioned before sadly lacking in up-to-date information. I was surprised to hear that THE SUPER was a television series that you appeared on.
What other acting, writing, directing, composing, producing credits are lacking from this site?
2) Your stage shows are Comedy of Errors, Stages, The Good One and Together Again (?). Anything missing?
3) Other than Lisa Richard’s cd and material that you have recorded have your songs been record by any other singers and if so what songs and who recorded them?
4)Who were the the undcredited singers in The First Nudie Musical. I know (and I may be incorrect her) Debbie Shapiro (now Gravitte) dubbed the Lesbian and one of the hookers. Who else sang for the actors that didn't sing?
And from last week the Vinnie Quotes. I can't post the websites without the Vinnie quotes.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 02/12/2003 07:32 PM PST
Get ready. Get Set. Here are my questions for ASK BK Day.
1. I think one of the worst taste sensations is drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth. What is one of your least favorite taste sensations?
2. Are there any non-musical movies that scream out to be musicalized? Conversely, are there any musicals (stage or screen) that would have been best served as plays or non-musical movies?
3. How many remote controls do you have? Do you have one of those nifty all-in-one super remotes?
4. What's the last thing you bought off ebay?
5. How many and which instruments do you have in your house?
5a. What instruments did you study when you were growing up. Are there any that you gave up that you wish you hadn't?
6. When/How did you first come to meet Guy Haines.
and lucky #7: Who is your favorite magician of all time and what is the best magic trick you have seen?
Posted by Craig @ 02/12/2003 08:01 PM PST
BK-
Now that you've asked us what unproduced musical recording we would like to see produced-which Shows would you record?Did we kimlets and Hainsies leave any of your favourites(British reference)out??
Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 02/12/2003 08:14 PM PST
Michael - if you are looking for a paid host, I can refer you.. if you are looking for a free server, I can help as well..
email me if you need the help
Posted by Michael @ 02/12/2003 08:15 PM PST
I had a really wonderful question which has flown out of my brain. I always think of great questions on non-Ask BK days.
Posted by Kerry @ 02/12/2003 08:55 PM PST
Ask BK....Have you seen the recent DVD "Victim"? If so what did you think of it? Have you ever been to the Oscars and/or Tony's? How does one become a sitter at the Oscars? Not a babysitter I should add. One of the many people who slip into someone's seat when they win, leave when they have lost or are in the restroom?
Posted by Dennis Clancy @ 02/12/2003 09:00 PM PST
Hey, guys. Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days. I've been errant and truant. Oh, and just to squelsh any rumours, I am NOT Curious George.
I don't really have any questions today, but while I was at work I began to obsess (again) about possible casting for a DREAMGIRLS movie. Here is my idea of some pretty good casting.
DREAMGIRLS: THE MOVIE
Effie Melody White: Jennifer Holliday (let's face it, she still looks pretty young)
Deena Jones: Beyonce Knowles
Lorelle Robinson: Kelly (from Destiny’s Child)
Michelle Morris: Michelle (from Destiny’s Child)
C.C. White: Taye Diggs (Alternate: Darius DeHaas)
Curtis Taylor, Jr.: Norm Lewis (Alternate: Taye Diggs [should he be unable to sing C.C.’s part])
Marty: Jesse L. Martin
James ‘Thunder’ Early: Billy Porter
Dave: Jason Graae (or Me)
The Sweethearts: Emily Skinner & Alice Ripley
Anyway, those are just my ideas, for what they're worth, which really is very little since the movie isn't going to happen any time soon, and I certainly won't be the one casting it if and when it does happen.
Oh, how I long for a revival of that show, even though I'm neither black nor am I female. I would just love to see it live on stage. It's such an exciting show.
I had weird dreams about Patti LuPone last night. I dreamt she came over to my apartment for a small party and she just hung out for a while. Is that weird? Yeah, I thought so. She was really great to hang out with, though. Lots of fun.
Well, it's late. I'm off to bed. Goodnight!
Posted by Jason @ 02/12/2003 10:23 PM PST
Why haven't you done of those "If so-and-so had written..."? I know I'm awful, but I can't remember the name of this game. But you know what I mean. If Sondheim had written "Flower Drum Song," then "Sunday Sweet Sunday" might go something like this.... You haven't done one of these in a long time. So, my tow questions are:
Why haven't you?
AND
Would you do one again soon?
There was probably a much simpler way of asking this.
Posted by Kerry @ 02/12/2003 10:35 PM PST
Dear BK,
What is your favorite kind of soup?
Posted by Sandra @ 02/12/2003 10:38 PM PST
Dear Dear Reader me too,
I see a bad moon rising
I see trouble on the way...
Posted by me @ 02/13/2003 12:03 AM PST
I am jiggy with the way that disagreements are handled on this site with "decorum, respect and HUMOR". The sardonic wit that bleeds out from HHW is my fav aspect of this here site! It's simply fab fab fab in a fun fun fun kinda way.
Posted by Sushi, Sarcasm, Cynicism, and Ringo @ 02/13/2003 12:22 AM PST
The question about MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING was discussed on Broadway.com, and it was expressed that the script was FIRST written as a screenplay THEN a play and then back into a Screenplay. So it's first original form WAS screenplay making it eligible for said Academy Award.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/13/2003 02:18 AM PST
Just to set the record straight, "Sushi, Sarcasm, Cynicism, and Ringo" San is neither errant and truant I nor truant and errant I, nor is "Curious George" San truant and errant I nor errant and truant I. I do not hide behind pseudonyms, because I want all of those snotty girls in high school to know it is I. Oh, a Barbra Streisand reference!
Love, love, love,
Your Sushi
Posted by Sushi Tomoto from Kyoto @ 02/13/2003 02:30 AM PST
Whut?
Posted by Li'l Abner @ 02/13/2003 04:38 AM PST
Sushi: Oh, dear girl, it's good to have you back. I thought with all this talk of Code Orange perhaps you had been banned from our country but you have made it back into our little family. Post more often, please!
Lulu: The tape will be in the mail this afternoon and you should get it by early next week I expect. Miriam looks great.
Posted by Ben @ 02/13/2003 04:51 AM PST
Dear me,
Down on the corner, out in the street. . .
Posted by me too @ 02/13/2003 06:04 AM PST
Just lookin' out my backdoor.
Posted by Another me @ 02/13/2003 06:09 AM PST
Hey ME, ME TOO and ANOTHER ME:
Should this usage of my lyrics continue unabated, I shall be forced to consult my lawyer. . .It's nice to be recognized, but, please, after all that went down with my former band, a man's gotta do what he's gotta do.
nice site, btw.
Posted by john fogerty @ 02/13/2003 06:14 AM PST
What a fortunate son.
Posted by Another me @ 02/13/2003 06:24 AM PST
Ben: A million thanks! :)
Posted by Lulu @ 02/13/2003 07:03 AM PST
It ain't me
It ain't me
I ain't no fortunate one
Posted by me @ 02/13/2003 07:06 AM PST
