Replies: 52 Unseemly Comments
Isn't KING OF KINGS the film where the late Miss Brigid Bazlen played Salome? Miss Bazlen was best known for playing "The Blue Fairy" on a Chicago children's television show for years. I worked with her in stock and her wonderful personality made up for her lack of talent. Her mother was a local gossip columnist for the Chicago Herald-American (once a Hearst paper).
Regarding the Preminger documentary, the Gershwin estate will not permit PORGY AND BESS to be shown.
For Ask BK Day:
When you hear an original cast album for a show you have never seen, do you imagine how the numbers were staged? If you later saw the show, did the actual staging exceed what you had pictured or were you disappointed? What numbers from shows that you have never seen would you most like to see?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/26/2003 09:36 AM PST
I like both films The Cardinal and King of Kings, so perhaps I will also make an investment in these DVD's.
I was watching VIOLENT SATURDAY last Saturday on FMC, and I have a question. First of all in addition to its leading lady (Virginia Leith), VIOLENT SATURDAY seemed to share a lot of the same locations as A KISS BEFORE DYING which was made the next year 1956. Interesting.....
ANYWAY, my question for ask BK DAY.....if a movie has a credit for Costumes and a credit for Wardrobe Supervisor.... in the case of VIOLENT SATURDAY the Costumes were by Kay Nelson and Wardrobe Supervision by Charles LeMaire. I thought maybe in some films I had seen that meant COSTUMES worn by the characters in musical numbers...but no such numbers were in VS? Did Kay design the women's clothes and LeMaire pull the rest of the costumes from stock or buy them off the rack?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/26/2003 10:20 AM PST
Hey everyone. Just a question here for EVERYONE, (BK question shall come later) Just out of curiosity, is anyone attending the Religous Education Congress in Anaheim this weekend? I am, it's a wonderful thing, if anyone is going, it would be good to know!
Posted by Matthew @ 02/26/2003 10:20 AM PST
Dear BK,
Please explain to me why the following people are in show biz:
a) Charo
b) Roseanne
c) Fabio
Posted by Laura @ 02/26/2003 10:32 AM PST
My VCR is primed and oiled and greased for Kiss Me, Kate! with the Sexiest Man Alive tonight (or any other night), as I presume are all VCR's in this country, excepting those belonging to benighted individuals. The posters on this site being bedayed individuals, I expect a lot of lively discussion tomorrow on the show, even though I will not be able to see it until tomorrow evening.
BK:
Do you have plans to see Anyone Can Whistle? If so, when? If not, why not?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 02/26/2003 10:56 AM PST
BK-
What Popular Song best represents, in your opinion, the following decades:
The 20's?
The 30's?
The 40's?
The 50's?
The 60's?
The 70's?
The 80's?
The 90's?
Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 02/26/2003 11:07 AM PST
I just looked at yesterday's stats and as I suspected it was the lowest traffic day we've had in ages. Today is also not starting off promisingly, with only six count them six posts. This is an end-of-month push? I don't want to say there are way too many errant and truant people around here but there are way too many errant and truant people around here. Is everyone on vacation? Is everyone eating blueberry pie? What in tarnation is going on here, that's what I'd like to know? There shall be no further cheese slices or ham chunks until we reverse this trend.
Posted by bk @ 02/26/2003 11:19 AM PST
I shall post my questions later as a plethora is not easy to find all at once...
It's a beautiful day here in Florida and I have been enjoying running around listening to the DUETS album and doing varied and sundried things - like a haircut. Come to think of it. My hair was wet when I left the shop and now it is SUNDRIED!
Posted by Craig @ 02/26/2003 11:24 AM PST
Hey stop yelling at us!
Here's my post for today. Although if it doesn't make any sense then it's not my fault. Blame it on my sinus medication. I've been feeling dizzy the past few days and my ears and sinuses hurt. So i made the trek to the medical clinic to have it checked out. And low and behold I have a sinus infection. And now have three lovely medications. And they cause drowsiness. So i'm a bit out of it.
As someone else mentioned Kiss Me Kate is on tonight! Yeah. I cannot wait to see this. I hope it's great. I look forward to seeing Brent Barrett and Rachel York (I only got through half of Brent's interview so far. But i will definitely finish it).
Hey, is anybody else a reality show nut? I saw on Caroline Rhea yesterday that Zora and Evan (Joe Millionaire) are not even a couple anymore. Does anyone else feel cheated? Fox didn't let them see each other for the 3 months since the show was filmed. And then we see the show and they were never even a couple. I hate that! Not that I thought they would last. But at least let them have a week of couplehood!
Anyhow, I do hope that made sense. I"m off to bed now.
Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer @ 02/26/2003 11:43 AM PST
My life is so completely crazy I have actually missed reading your notes for several days, and have been catching up.
Re: The Cardinal. You may be interested to know (but then again, maybe not) that The Cardinal's producer Harrison Starr rented from and was a good friend of my late Uncles in NYC. When I was back there as a young teen (14?) and was thinking of either acting or writing for a living, my Uncle took me out to lunch with Harrison, who very kindly told me to concentrate on writing (I was not the most attractive or slender of youths, if you catch my drift). I still remember his very large and curly hair. He even invited me to be a gofer on a movie of the week he was producing which was on location in Central Park that week, but, incredibly, I decided not to do it.
My Ask BK question is: when a Broadway show hires a well-known team to ghost write tunes for a show in trouble, how do the royalty and licensing fees get worked out? I've often wondered about this, as I've been told that at least one of the chart hits from "Dolly" was written by (I could be remembering this incorrectly) Bock and Harnick. I can't believe that writers would want another person's name to be on their work, and find it even harder to believe that they would forego monies due to them.
Posted by JMK @ 02/26/2003 11:51 AM PST
Jenniffer---
How can you call that show "reality"? It is just as phony as all the so-called "reality" shows. The last actual "reality" was "An American Family" in the early 70s and even that was highly edited.
It's the 21st Century versions of "the Dating Game" and "The Original Amateur Hour" that have made primetime network television so unwatchable.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/26/2003 11:51 AM PST
I actually posted my Ask BK question yesterday....which should tell you the kind of week I'm having! (How soon is Friday????)
So here it is again: BK,do you plan on coming to Chicago to see BOUNCE (or whatever they're calling it then)? And if so, will there be a Hainsies/Kimlets get-together? (And even if YOU are not coming, are any other H/Ks?)
Posted by Pam @ 02/26/2003 12:07 PM PST
Rhino Handmade has just issued two new MGM soundtracks from the 1940s: The first-ever recording of the movie score for "Best Foot Forward" (with Nancy Walker shining every inch of the way, especially in "The Three B's" and "Alive and Kicking" -- it's her dancing in the latter that's the real treat) and a "much-expanded "Good News" with a terrific, lively, the-joint-is-jumpin' score enhanced with "Pass That Peace Pipe" (Roger Edens) and some Kay Thompson lyrical flourishes for "The Varsity Drag" and don't forget "The French Lesson". Both films are swell entertainments and they'll make fabulous additions to all libraries!
They are available ONLY at the website www.rhinohandmade.com at $19.99 a piece!
(The preceding was an upaid testimonial on behalf of the fantastic legacy that was MGM's musicals and The Freed Unit, in particular).
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 02/26/2003 12:57 PM PST
I have been laying low this week suffering from a bout of pneumonia. However, I am on the mend and will be returning to the daily grind soon. I had a ticket to the touring production of "The Producers" last night but didn't make it. I saw the show in New York and it will come to town again. But I ate $60...Yipes.
The downtime gave me the chance to read "Benjamin Kritzer". My only regret is that I did not read it sooner. It was a lot of fun. I could relate to Benjamin and his family on many levels.
I'm looking forward to the sequel.
My ASK BK question: There is a lot of speculation on where the music industry is headed. With brick and mortar stores either closing or precariously close to bankruptcy there is a lot of rumor that in the next few years, the only way a buyer can purchase a CD is to pay a fee and download it onto a disc on their computer.
Do you think 6 to 10 years down the road this is the way most music will be purchased? What is your thought on the future of brick and mortar stores?
Posted by Dennis Clancy @ 02/26/2003 01:19 PM PST
OK, OK already! I'm posting.
Posted by kerry @ 02/26/2003 01:25 PM PST
$60 for THE PRODUCERS? The road is a lot cheaper than Broadway. Is this the company with Lewis J. Stadlen? At least I assume on the road you won't be playing "Star Roulette" like with the Broadway company initially when you never knew if you would see Matthew, Nathan or both. Supposedly that is not happening with their replacements.
Ron---Thanks for letting me know that GOOD NEWS and BEST FOOT FORWARD were finally released since Rhino Handmade does not announce release dates in advance (their only fault). You didn't mention that GOOD NEWS also features cuts from the early talkie version of the film as well as the complete late 40s or that BEST FOOT FORWARD also has 4 Martin/Blaine numbers from ABBOTT AND COSTELLO IN HOLLYWOOD. I know that there are several more soundtracks coming soon from this label. Now if someone would only put the THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT films on DVD (with lots of extras) MGMusical fans would really have something to cheer about (oh - 20th Century Fox reference).
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/26/2003 01:28 PM PST
May we all answer Arnold's question at some later date?
Ask BK. My favourite BK CD is probably the Stephen Schwartz album. Do you remember if there were any songs for which you did not have room for on the Cd or that were eventually discarded before recording? If so what were they and do you have any favourites by Mr Schwartz that you did not record.
Open question: I think we have been done this road before but wasn't there a site mentioned that had a list of those ghost written songs as mentioned above by JMK? I know of a few songs but would like a list of the better known efforts.Anyone??
Another question for BK:
Have you ever seen a satisfying and successful version of "The Baker's Wife"?
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 02/26/2003 01:30 PM PST
Tom---
I don't know of an internet site with those songs listed but Stephen Suskin's book SHOW TUNES lists songs under the correct composers/lyricists even if they got no billing and didn't write the rest of the score.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/26/2003 01:33 PM PST
Hi! I'm on my dinner break right now between shows - and rehearsal. I'll try to think of some good questions during my scene breaks tonight.... Later...
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 02/26/2003 02:29 PM PST
A Bock and Harnick song in "Hello Dolly"? That sounds a little fishy to me.
However, I think that Jerry Herman did contribute a song to "Ben Franklin in Paris." Is that correct?
Are there any other famous examples of big-time songwriters adding a song to a show in trouble?
William -- I've gotten on Rhino Handmade's e-mailing list. They send me an announcement about their upcoming soundtrack releases in advance. Then, of course, I use the convenient link in the message, to order them all, like one of Pavlov's pups.
Visit their site! Maybe you too can be conditioned to salivate-on-command over these CD treasures.
Posted by Sigerson Holmes @ 02/26/2003 03:43 PM PST
Dear BK,
What exactly is a sieve tube member? My Plants in Society teacher seems to think I should know. She just keeps talking and talking about them and she just won't shut up.
Posted by Sandra @ 02/26/2003 03:47 PM PST
My question for ask BK Day:
How exactly do book signings work? (If this is too sore a subject for you to respond to, I understand.) Do you get a fee for doing the signing? Or just the proceeds you would normally get from the sale of the books that are sold at these events? Do you chat with the people getting your autograph? Do you enjoy these events? What's your favorite memory of a book signing? Least favorite?
Posted by Jay @ 02/26/2003 04:07 PM PST
Hiya, everyone....
Dear BK: Do you want to borrow a copy I have of Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (1969)? I taped it many years ago, and I have never seen a copy of it anywhere, commercially. I would be very happy to mail it to you.
It's an odd awkward movie, also starring Ken Howard, James Coco, Kay Thompson (Liza's real-life godmother, who wrote the "Eloise" books), Leonard Frey, Robert Moore, and Fred Williamson. I remember reading somewhere that there was extreme hatred between Preminger and Minnelli, during it's filming.
BK also: What was it about Exodus, that you mentioned--shoddy treatment? I have always loved that movie and the sensational cast. I just got it on DVD, but haven't watched it yet. I bet it's beautiful.
Posted by KT @ 02/26/2003 04:19 PM PST
"Exodus" is one of those films that really needs a remastering/restoration.
It ought to be released in its original ratio with stereophonic sound.
RCA issued the soundtrack back in the early 90s and it was atrocious. One of the great RCA LP recordings and the sound was an abomination of noise reduction and missing highs/lows and hiss. I have LPs that sound far superior to it.
I understand they've remastered it again (???) and that it's somewhat better????
Ernest Gold's score is the heart and soul of that movie!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 02/26/2003 04:35 PM PST
The $60 top for the road production here in Portland is Orchestra. I believe Dress Circle is $69. This is about average for a road show here. It may vary from city to city though. I paid $105 to see it on Broadway, alas Nathan was out with throat problems. Brad Oscar and Matthew Broderick were on that night.
This is the tour with Lewis J Stadlen and Don Stephenson. I know several people who have seen this production and both Stadlen and Stephenson were on.
Posted by Dennis Clancy @ 02/26/2003 05:14 PM PST
Both Stadlen and Stephenson are very good. It is cheaper in Portland than in Cleveland. THere, the top seats were $82.50. We payed $52.50 and sat way in the back of the balcony. And a normal tour price is closer to $50.
My BK questions:
Are there any names, male or female, that you particularly love? Particularly hate?
What are the most memorable real names of people you knew?
What is your opinion on Ms. Barbra Streisand?
Where did you go to college?
Posted by Hapgood @ 02/26/2003 05:25 PM PST
I'm here, I'm here. Have been
reading faithfully, just not
posting much, but will attempt
to rectify that! Last night I was
playing piano for a high school
vocal jazz solo night... rather
interesting since I'm really not
a piano player, but it worked
out just fine and/or dandy.
Same gig tomorrow night.
My mind is blank when it
comes to BK questions at the
moment... will post later if
anything comes to me!
Posted by Jed @ 02/26/2003 05:25 PM PST
Kiss Me Kate is just about to start. I have my chips and frosting and Cherry Coke.
Posted by Sandra @ 02/26/2003 06:45 PM PST
I am on Rhino's e-mail list but I haven't yet received notice of this reissue... not that it matters in this case because I ordered them this afternoon.
Per the Suskin book, Bob Merrill co-wrote "Elegance" and "Motherhood" with Herman. Adams and Strouse were called in to help but nothing was used although it is rumored they helped with "Before the Parade Passes By". There is no mention of Boch and Harnick in connection with DOLLY.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/26/2003 07:10 PM PST
I'm pretty sure that Bock and Harnick contributed to BAKER STREET, including the famous line "When the stately Holmes of England is no more."
And Sondheim contributed a song to ILYA, DARLING.
Posted by Hapgood @ 02/26/2003 07:24 PM PST
Very, very sad news. Playbill has announced the death of the dear Susan Johnson.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/78119.html
or just click on "td"
Posted by td @ 02/26/2003 07:59 PM PST
My plethora is not so much a plethora today.. sorry everyone..
Bruce -
We have played "what if's" before.. so let me ask you.. What If you could team any composer and lyricist together that you wanted.. who would you team?
Part II - What shows do you think would have been better served by a different composer and lyricist And who would those teams be.
Part III - What style of song is your favorite. The overture? the patter song? the 11 o'clock #, the I WANT #, etc... and who do you think writes the best for those categories?
Posted by Craig @ 02/26/2003 08:31 PM PST
And not to be the bearer of more sad news... -This may have been posted yesterday... But casting director Vincent "Vinnie" Liff died yesterday. He was the co-founder of Johnson-Liff, and was personally responsible for casting many of the blockbuster musicals of the 80's and 90's. He was known for his generosity and general friendly attitude towards actors - especially in auditions. And although Johnson-Liff closed up shop at the end of last year, he will still be missed.
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 02/26/2003 08:33 PM PST
Sandra, chips and frosting?? Sounds like an interesting combination. I've got oreos and a glass of milk -- yummy!
Bruce are you (or anyone else) going to the STAGE Benefit? Thank the Heavens -- Michelle Nicastro will once again be singing. I'll be there Sunday with bells on and perhaps a Ball Gown. And if you believe that, I have some swamp land for sale in Mojave.....
Posted by Angela @ 02/26/2003 10:32 PM PST
I just finished watching Kiss Me Kate on PBS...I thought it was wonderful!!! I have never seen BB before, but he was adorable and what a voice!
The credits rolled by in a split second; can anyone tell me who played the principles (principals?), other than
Lili and Fred?
The blurb on the back of the EXODUS DVD box says it is widescreen 2,35:1, theatrical release format, in stereo surround. There's also an interesting "Fact From The Vault" that says: "At the old prison in Acre, 250 extras were hired to play escaping prisoners, but 253 people were counted as fleeing. The three extra "escapees" were inmates from a mental ward near the set." Oops...
Posted by KT @ 02/26/2003 11:51 PM PST
Correction: That's widescreen 2.35:1...not 2,35:1...tired fingers...'nite all.
Posted by KT @ 02/27/2003 12:02 AM PST
I watched "Kiss Me, Kate" also and it brought back so many memories. I saw this very production in London, but earlier in the run (in December 2001) with Marin Mazzie! After the show, I got her autograph and picture, and Michael (Bill Calhoun) Berresse and Nancy (Lois Lane) Anderson's autographs and pictures, also. Sadly, Brent either didn't leave by the stage door, or left before I got there, so I didn't get his. However, it was the highlight of my trip (that, and actually walking the length of Fleet Street - a Stephen Sondheim reference)! We (my sister, my niece and I) bought the tickets the afternoon of the show at the London TKTS booth and only paid 20 British pounds (about $35) and we had great seats. Off to the side, but on the main floor. When the DVD is released, I will definitely be buying this.
The one time I went to New York (December 1995), I saw "Victor/Victoria" with Julie Andrews and Rachel (Lili Vanessi) York. Rachel was fabulous as Norma and I was shocked (shocked, do you hear?) that she wasn't nominated for a Tony award.
If it's not too late, questions for Bruce: have you ever been to London? If you have, have you been many times? When you go (if you've gone) do you specifically try to see shows or do you see shows only if you can squeeze them in? Did you see this "Kiss Me, Kate" on Broadway with Brian Stokes Mitchell? In general, what do you think of him and Marin Mazzie?
Posted by George @ 02/27/2003 12:25 AM PST
NOTE TO BEN: In yesterday's notes, I said my husband was thrifty. He winced when I told him about your reference to "Chuck's 95er" -- he knew it well. He ate there all the time before he met me. Luckily, he never took ME there.
Posted by Laura @ 02/27/2003 01:52 AM PST
Well I too enjoyed KMK. Having done the show a couple of times, I heard the script changes and liked most of them.
I am still not too sure about the song for Harrison...the song I like...for the character...I am unsure.
It was especially nice to see some pretty good dancing by people who have obviously had some training.
Of course BB was excellent! At the end of the run they gave an 800 number to order a DVD or VHS of the production, but I think my copy will do just fine.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/27/2003 01:58 AM PST
Well, I watched the first act of KISS ME KATE last night. (Fell asleep at the beginning of Act II. Not a reflection on the production, which was quite good, but I was just really tired...) Luckily, I taped it, so I will be watching the rest soon.
I had seen the Broadway revival production, with all the original principals (Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marin Mazzie, Michael Berresse, Amy Spanger, et al) and can say that Stokes and Mazzie were far superior to either Rachel York or Brent Barrett - and I *love* Rachel York.
Barrett doesn't have the right vocal type to carry off Fred effectively, and it especially shows during his "on-stage" numbers.
And is it just me, or does Rachel York just look too young to be playing Lili Vanessi?
Posted by Dave @ 02/27/2003 06:17 AM PST
Rachel York is 32. Patricia Morison was 33 when she opened in Kiss Me, Kate in 1948. I guess the concept of an aging female star has changed a bit since the 40s. Betty Davis was only 41 when she played Margo Channing.
Posted by Old Man Time @ 02/27/2003 06:47 AM PST
Definite typo there -- I know it's Bette Davis!
Posted by Old Man Time @ 02/27/2003 07:08 AM PST
I seem to remember a TV version of KMK with Robert Goulet and Carol Lawrence....drastically cut.
It was on something like the Armstrong Circle Theater and you could get a TV soundtrack album at the Armstrong Floor dealer for $1.98. I used to have mine....along with one from Brigadoon. Hmmmm...maybe I need to find it. I think they cut at least TOO DARN HOT...and several other songs.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 02/27/2003 07:13 AM PST
More sad news: Mr. Fred Rogers has passed away. Mr. Rogers and his Neighborhood were a huge part of my childhood and it makes me sad to hear that he is no longer with us.
It also saddens me a great deal to hear of the passing of Mr. Liff, even though everyone knew it was coming. He'd been sick for a long time.
I don't really know Ms. Johnson's work, but I've seen her CD a couple of times at Virgin and Tower Records, and I'm sure hers is a great loss as well.
Someone once told me that death comes in threes--that if you hear of one person dying, expect to hear of two more relatively soon. I guess its true in this case, huh?
Well, I'm off to work. Au revoir!
Posted by Jason @ 02/27/2003 07:47 AM PST
Rachel York may be 32, but she looks considerably younger. And even if she looked her age, we are supposed to accept that she married young, has been through Europe with her husband, then divorced, become a star in Hollywood, then fall out of favour in film, to make her return to the stage (while engaged to her second husband) all by the age of 32? This is possible, I suppose, but it seems easier to accept from a woman who looks closer to 40.
And speaking of women looking their age, did Bette Davis *ever* look young?!
Posted by Dave @ 02/27/2003 07:49 AM PST
Not wishing to be argumentative at all, but to further my original point -- by the time Kate Hepburn was 31 she had starred in 15 films and was now considered box office poison. She went back to Broadway in The Philadelphia Story and return to Hollywood triumphant in the film version at the age of 32. And she had also been married and divorced. By today's standards, Rachel York is young. But the show takes place in the 40s and at the time there were many, many examples similar to Hepburn.
Posted by Old Man Time @ 02/27/2003 08:01 AM PST
I thought the show was wonderful. I'm so glad that it was filmed so that it can be enjoyed by all who weren't able to see it live.
Posted by Laura @ 02/27/2003 08:17 AM PST
Dave? Is that you, Dave?
Brent Barrett doesn't have the right vocal instrument to carry off Fred?????????????
Are you kidding?
I thought he was brilliant. Far better than Keel was in the film. I've seen critical praise indicating he is probably the best "Fred" the show has ever had.
So...anyone else? Chime in on either side.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 02/27/2003 08:23 AM PST
I agree with Ron. Incidentally, Brent Barrett is roughly a decade older than Alfred Drake was when he created the role at the age of 34!!!!
Posted by Old Man Time @ 02/27/2003 08:28 AM PST
I didn't watch yet... I taped it for a more convenient time. However I was under the impression that this was a videotape, not a film. Am I wrong?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 02/27/2003 09:04 AM PST
Not to belabor the point (which I'm doing anyway), Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel were roughly 31 and 34 when they starred in the movie and Carol Lawrence and Robert Goulet were roughly 36 and 35 went they did the TV version. Which demonstrates my original point --the Baby Boomer concept of "age" has changed a lot.
Posted by Old Man Time @ 02/27/2003 09:23 AM PST
Old Man Time - if that is indeed his real name - has confused the point of my original post. I suggested that Rachel York "looked" too young for the part, not that she "was" too young for the part. Rachel York may be 32, but she looks about 25, which seems a tad young for the role.
And in my second post, I suggested that it is easier to accept the story if Lili appears to be nearing forty. That doesn't mean that she is too young at 32 to have been through that much life experience; only that it seems more likely if she has a few more years on her.
On another topic, every Fred has his admirers - whether it is Howard Keel or Alfred Drake or Robert Goulet or Brian Stokes Mitchell or Burke Moses or even Brent Barrett - I have heard them all hailed as the "best ever" by someone or other. I just personally feel that Fred is best suited to true baritone, with rich lower tones that Barrett doesn't seem to possess.
NOTE: This is not an insult to his voice, only an opinion about the role. If I were insulting his voice, we'd be talking about his vibrato, but that's another story...
Posted by Dave @ 02/27/2003 09:36 AM PST
