haines his way

02/19/2003:
"THE MIRROR EFFECT"

Well, dear readers, the sun is once again shining here in Los Angeles, California. I am currently choosing selections to read for the book signing tomorrow evening (I wanted different selections than the last signings I’ve done). I do hope some of you Los Angeles dear readers will be there – it’s a Barnes and Noble at The Grove, which is located at the Farmer’s Market on Third and Fairfax. It begins at 7:00 sharp. I’m really looking forward to this particular signing, since it’s located on the site that used to be the Gilmore Drive-In, in which an actual scene in the book takes place. Isn’t that exciting? Isn’t that just too too?
Last night I watched two count them two excellent motion pictures. One, I hadn’t seen since it came out, and one is a new film. The older film is entitled The War Game, a documentary from Peter Watkins that is sadly as devastating and timely today as it was back in 1965. It is only 47 minutes long but it is as harrowing and powerful as any feature-length film. Basically, it’s about what would happen if a nuclear bomb, a weapon of mass destruction, was dropped on a small English town. So, while it is done as a documentary, the action is all “staged” but staged so brilliantly and realistically that you will actually believe you’re watching a real documentary. Unfortunately, it’s only available on a PAL DVD at this time, but hopefully a smart company like Criterion will bring it out here, perhaps coupled with one or more of Mr. Watkins’ other films. Then I watched Mr. Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can, which I found totally delightful in just about every way. The fact that this film is only up for two count them two Academy Awards shows just how bankrupt that esteemed organization has become. I guess Dreamworks didn’t send out enough goodies to the voters. It would be lovely to see Mr. Walken win the award, and Mr. Williams’ score is my favorite this year next to Far From Heaven. At times the film reminded me of one I liked when I was a wee sprig of a twig of a tad of a lad of a youth – The Great Imposter. In any case, I really liked it a lot, although I wish Mr. Spielberg would go back to one of his other cameraman – this current guy loves all that diffusion and smoke and shafts of light and I’m rather bored by it.
What am I, Ebert and Roeper all of a sudden? Oh, let’s all click on the Unseemly Button below, shall we?

I enjoyed all your comments on Overtures yesterday, and it makes me want to go make a third CD to include some of the ones you reminded me of that I didn’t include on the two CDs that I made.
I don’t have much else to report at this time. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, I do not have much else to report at this time, although I may have more to report at another time. But, a this time, I do not have much else to report therefore I cannot report much else at this time.
Has anyone noticed that I just spent an entire paragraph saying that didn’t have much else to report at this time? And now, I’m apparently spending another paragraph mentioning the fact that I spent a paragraph talking about the fact that I didn’t have much else to report at this time.
Has anyone noticed that I just spent an entire paragraph mentioning the fact that I just spent an entire paragraph talking about the fact that I’d just spent an entire paragraph talking about the fact that I didn’t have much else to report at this time? This is like one of those mirror things, where you see into infinity and beyond, not necessarily in that order.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, because frankly I am dizzy from the last three paragraphs and I can write no more. I must do errands and catch up on bill-paying and whatnot, and then I must practice for my reading and signing tomorrow night. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Wednesday, Ask BK Day, the day in which you get to ask me your excellent questions. So, ask away, and discuss whatever else you feel like discussing, and I shall check in often to see whassup.

Replies: 38 Unseemly Comments

HAHA.. Bruce is about to be ERRANDS and Truant ;)
Posted by Craig @ 02/19/2003 09:23 AM PST

For Ask BK Day:
On your 2-CD Irving Berlin collection (IMO --- "in my opinion" in internet talk --- one of the finest of all your excellent discs) you include 3 songs from Mr. Berlin's unproduced musical about the Mizner Brothers, the same topic as Sondheim's next show WISE GUYS BOUNCE GOLD. How many other songs from Berlin's score for this show exist that you did not have room to include? Who was doing the book and does it still exist? Is there enough material for someone to put it together (not supposed to be a Sondheim reference) and produce it? If there could be two WILD PARTIES, why not two Mizner musicals. Also, among other Berlin material were there any shows far enough along to be re-constructed and produced today? And have you ever considered a Berlin revue using the songs from the CD?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/19/2003 09:36 AM PST

Speaking of two versions of the same show, I just found out that there will be a reading of a different Dorian Gray musical than the Rupert Holmes version that I shall be attending next month. Interesting to see which version goes on to future productions or if we will have dueling Dorians next season.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/19/2003 09:41 AM PST

BK - the two CD's that you made of Overtures... did you make them for perosnal use or did you actually produce two CD's with Overtures on them?
Posted by Matthew @ 02/19/2003 10:10 AM PST

Bruce, this is something that has been bugging me for years ... years, I say. And now I've finally remembered to ask it on Ask BK Day! My question is:
In an easy to understand phonetic spelling, what is the correct pronunciation of "Varèse Sarabande." I've heard it pronounced different ways, but none of my friends know what is correct. Thanks.
Posted by George @ 02/19/2003 10:29 AM PST

Sad news for the theatre world from Playbill On-Line, Tanya Moiseiwitsch, scene and costume designer died in London. She designed the famous thrust stage used at Canada's Stratford Festival Theatre. I remember her work at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. She was 88.
On a happier note, also according to Playbill On-Line, Eartha Kitt is planning a stage musical based on her life called "Dare Me". She will work on it in other locations before brining the show to NYC.
Posted by Ben @ 02/19/2003 10:36 AM PST

George--not to steal BK's thunder, but many moons ago I asked him if the Varese part of his label had taken its name from the avant-garde composer Edgard Varese (one of Frank Zappa's major inspirations, I might add), and BK answered affirmatively. So if you want the correct pronunciation of at least that part of the label name, just look up Mr. Varese's name in a dictionary or encyclopedia. Make sure to have "Ameriques" playing as you do.
My Ask BK question is: can you confirm the rumor I emailed you about last night? Some people have already bought tickets (as in plane) and enquiring minds need to know.
Posted by JMK @ 02/19/2003 10:44 AM PST

More entertainment news. According to Reuters News Service, Ashley Judd is making her Broadway debut this fall in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. It's a transfer of producer Bill Kenwright and director Anthony Page's hit London production. They won't be bringing Frances O'Connor and Brendan Fraser with them although Ned Beatty is still supposed to play Big Daddy. Mark Rufalo is the name batted around to play Brick.
Posted by Ben @ 02/19/2003 10:45 AM PST

I just saw the HHW banner ad on WWW.Broadwaystars.Com and it looks great. They alternate between a couple of different banners, so you may have to try a couple of times before you get it but it is worth it. Was this a desing by Bark Makalor?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/19/2003 11:40 AM PST

So....what does Roz bitch about on the GYPSY cd, and will someone send someone my email address so that I can purchase a copy? RE: Yesterday's notes.
Have fun at your reading/signing tonight. What fun! It was probably at the Gilmore Drive-In that Miss Allison Hayes watched herself in some of her famous movies.
My question for Ask BK day - were you ever of a certain mind about a performer and then after meeting said performer realized you were of the wrong mind? And/or....if you knew a performer was best for a project you were in charge of, but you were personally at odds with said person...would you cast instead someone who might not be quite as good, but with whom you could get along during the project?
Watched RULES OF ATTRACTION today - interesting but NO EXTRAS on the DVD. Too bad.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/19/2003 11:56 AM PST

The "Gypsy" CD! Is the one refered to in today and yesterday's posts, the one that includes the song from "Ruggles Of Red Gap"? Can't even remember where I got my copy but it can't be that rare if it made it to OZ.
BK question: Who is the best "Gypsy Rose Lee" you have seen on stage of film etc? Did you ever meet the real Gypsy? Have you read the autobiography?
Do you know of any "Baby Junes" that have gone on to adult stardom? (eg Bonnie Langford in the UK).
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 02/19/2003 12:41 PM PST

My question for Ask BK Day:
What are your thoughts about intermissions? I was reading about the upcoming L.A. production/revisal of ANYONE CAN WHISTLE and the one of the primary objectives of the new creative team was to condense the property's three acts to two. I've noticed, too, at the opera how works that once were presented in four acts are now presented in two. A good trend or not?
Posted by Jay @ 02/19/2003 12:56 PM PST

This was the question I couldn't remember to ask last week. In the song "Everybody Wants to be Sondheim," Mr. Guy Haines does not pronounce the "H" in Sondheim (effectively singing "Son-dime"). Other people pronounce the H. Now we all know that Mr. Haines is not the brightest bulb, but since you are Mr. Sondheim's close personal friend (as well as Mr.Haines') and presumably were overseeing the recording session I would assume you told Mr. Haines to leave the H silent. Is this the correct pronunciation?
Posted by Kerry @ 02/19/2003 02:58 PM PST

Where is everybody today?
Anyway, I just got the new TV Guide (two days late bcause of the storm) and the BK's "Sex Sex Sex" segment of BULLSHIT is scheduled for Friday, February 28 at 11:00 EST on Showtime.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/19/2003 03:37 PM PST

Okay, another question:
On Brent Barrett's first CD, THE KANDER AND EBB ALBUM, the song "Give Me Love" from KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN was paired with "Only Love" from ZORBA. However, "Only Love" is not on the CD track list, just metioned in the liner notes. Was it just an oversight or was there not enough of the song to credit it? On the same CD, "Married" from CABARET and "Marry Me" from THE RINK were put together in a medley and both were listed. Just curious.
Posted by George @ 02/19/2003 04:49 PM PST

One of the promotions for THE GIRL RUSH a musical extravaganza starring Miss Rosalind Russell - newspaper readers were encouraged to send in pictures of their girlfriends' legs if they were prettier than Russell's.
One man sent in a picture of his horse's legs...and Roz insisted he should have one.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/19/2003 05:10 PM PST

...won, that is. THE GIRL RUSH 1955!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/19/2003 05:14 PM PST

One of my favorite songs, "An Occasional Man" was from "The Girl Rush." I prefer Jeri Southern's version of the song though.
Posted by Kerry @ 02/19/2003 05:19 PM PST

Aren't you all glad and your lives richer now that I've shared this with you? Why I felt compelled to post the tidbit about "An Occasional Man," I will never know.
Posted by Kerry @ 02/19/2003 05:21 PM PST

Kerry...you liked 'An Occasional Man' better than 'Hillbilly Heart'?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/19/2003 05:48 PM PST

Boy, what a tough choice!
Posted by Kerry @ 02/19/2003 07:52 PM PST

Dear BK,
A hypothetical question: If you had an essay due tomorrow on the use of symbolism in George Orwell's 1984, what would you say?
Posted by Sandra @ 02/19/2003 07:57 PM PST

Sandra, you crack me up!
Posted by Kerry @ 02/19/2003 08:12 PM PST

Ask BK..You have done a great many things and have enjoyed a very successful career. Is there still something you would love to do but never had the chance? I have not heard hide nor hare of Mr. Jason Graae lately. What is he up to?
Posted by Dennis Clancy @ 02/19/2003 09:04 PM PST

I seem to be a day late and a dollar short, but I was oncall yesterday, and everytime I started to post, I got called back to work.
Darn! I was going to say Promises, Promises/The Apartment, but i didn't know the last answer!
I also love the overture to Gypsy, as well as Chicago, My Fair Lady, and BBB.
To BK: Have you kept up with your tap-dancing since TFNM...I just loved your foot and armwork!
Also: Do you get excited about helping out and encouraging promising young-or-otherwise unknown talent, be it writers, performers, musicians? Do you or would you like to teach or do workshops in comedy, production, music,writing etc?
Posted by KT @ 02/19/2003 09:08 PM PST

I think I would hand in my "Plants In Society" essay by mistake. That way you get some breathing space before the mistake is realised. No wonder I taught Accounting and Business Management. I can't be trusted.
We out here are living an academic life vicariously it seems. Kerry's cooking skills are certainly vicarious living!
"An occasional man" - is that one of the salad ingredients? (OK! Private joke).
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 02/19/2003 09:08 PM PST

This may be of interest to some of you: I clipped an article out of last week's paper about filing a claim online in a CD lawsuit. It says:"...states are promoting a claim of a 4-month old lawsuit settlement w/the music industry. It enables people who feel they have been ripped off when they bought a compact disc recording to receive as much as $20, no strings attached.
No receipt is required. Any person who bought a CD between Jan. 1, 1995 and Dec. 22, 2000, can get money. In September, the 5 largest distributors of CDs and 3 large music retailers agreed to pay $143 million in cash and CDs to settle charges of gouging customers through a price-fixing scheme. Forty-one states joined a lawsuit filed in 2000 by NY and Fla., alleging that the companies' pricing practices violated federal and state antitrust lawa.
The settlement prompted NY Atty. Gen. Eliot Spitzer to embrace legal superlatives: "This is a landmark settlement" providing consumers w/"substantial refunds".
So far, about 900,000 people nationwide have submitted claims. Consumers may apply for a refund on the Internet at
www.musiccdsettlement.com or call 877-347-4782. The deadline for applying is March 3."
Anyone buy any CDs from 1995 to
2000? LOL!
Posted by KT @ 02/19/2003 09:23 PM PST

I am sitting here doing my essay in a not-doing-it kind of way, while my brother is flipping through the channels and watching bits of everything except M*A*S*H just so I can't watch it. As entertaining as watching Alan Alda standing on a table singing You're the Top with his pants down would be, I must say that I'm enjoying watching my brother having to sit through Oprah just so I can't watch my favorite TV show.
Posted by Sandra @ 02/19/2003 11:25 PM PST

Ha! I'm with Kerry... you crack
me up, Sandra!!!
Posted by Jed @ 02/19/2003 11:33 PM PST

Oh... It's late/early... And I haven't posted yet... So...
I don't really have a question for BK this week. Maybe next week something will pop in my head on the appropriate day.
Well, the BIG MELT has started here in Richmond. Not the prettiest site in the world, and I hate trying to navigate the assorted puddles and mini ice-flows. I just hope most of it melts tomorrow, since we're due for some rain this weekend - and possibly flooding.
No HAIR rehearsal today, but I observed for MAMMA MIA! again tonight. Nice to see the cast and crew again. Really great bunch of people. I start playing at tomorrow's matinee. *I'm just glad everyone made it in safe and sound. They came from Des Moines, and a bunch of the crew had to be flown from Chicago to Charlotte, and then bussed up from Charlotte due to the inclement weather.
Well, it's late/early... and I should get to bed... Goodnight.
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 02/20/2003 12:15 AM PST

RULES OF ATTRACTION has 6 commentary tracks, the trailer, Breakdown of a Scene from IFC, and a scene listing. It is in 2.0 Surround. When I said No Extras, I guess I meant no deleted scenes, of which there were plenty.
There, td.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/20/2003 04:42 AM PST

jrand - you crack me up!
Posted by td @ 02/20/2003 06:15 AM PST

Jose - which song in Mamma Mia! is the most fun?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/20/2003 06:36 AM PST

KT,
Iam Imdrina Mbututu, deposed Prince of Kwambaland, at your service, kind sir or madam as the case may be. I am begging to ask a flavor of your regarding one hundrede billion dollars which is residing in a bank account only awaiting a message from me for which I will require the service of a foreigner such as your honorable self to deliver to the bank, whereupon untold riches will be mine and ten percent yours should yu deign to perform this humble service for mine humble self.
Please send all of your bank account number together with PIN numbers to my address, whereupon I shall give to you instructions on how to redeem this fortune beyond imagination. Also your user name and password to all internet sites and pornographic enterprises.
I remain your humble and impoverished, but heir to a vast fortune, servant,
Imdrina Mbututu, deposed Prince of Kwambaland
Posted by Imdrina Mbututu, deposed Prince of Kwambaland @ 02/20/2003 07:04 AM PST

KT - like most class action suits, the record industry settlement is a joke. The $20 refund only applies if relatively few people apply. If enough people join the class action, the settlement falls below $5 and ALL of the money will then go to charity. You get none of it. And since such a settlement is usually tax deductible, the result is that the record companies make a charitible donation (which they usually do anyway) and the public gets zip.
Posted by Legal Loophole @ 02/20/2003 07:32 AM PST

Sir or madam as the case maybe, I am to beg your humble apologies that I am having left off my e-mail to which you are to send your PIN number and password, which now is attached hereto upon clicking upon my name.
Also I add as an extra incentive if you be so kind as to click and send above named PIN and password within the next five minute, as well as wealth beyond your wildest dreams, I am honored to share with your self the secret and heretofor unrevealed Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe of Nieman Marcus, as was discovered by the C.I.A. and only recently delivered into my hands.
Posted by Imdrina Mbututu, deposed Prince of Kwambaland @ 02/20/2003 08:16 AM PST

Dear Reader Imdrina:
Gimme a break. You and your cronies have been cluttering my electronic mailbox and now you show up here? Get a clue. You're just going to have to start over. And the best way to make money? Go into show business, honey. Go into show business.
Posted by Jay @ 02/20/2003 09:08 AM PST

Dear Reader Imdrina:
Gimme a break. You and your cronies have been cluttering my electronic mailbox and now you show up here? Get a clue. You're just going to have to start over. And the best way to make money? Go into show business, honey. Go into show business.
Posted by Jay @ 02/20/2003 09:10 AM PST

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