haines his way

03/06/2003:
"THE NEW WEBSITE OF ME"

Well, dear readers, you won’t believe it. I could barely believe it myself but then I saw it with my very own two eyes. Dear reader, Mr. Michael Shayne, is finally ready to unveil the rather amazing project he’s been working on for quite some time – a website of me. Yes, Virginia, Michael Shayne has created a website of me. When he contacted me and told me he wanted to do it, I thought, fine, why not. I thought it would just be a list of my recordings and such, with details about each. What he has, in fact, done, is so much more than that it is simply mind-boggling. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, it is simply mind-boggling. He has uncovered things about me even I’d forgotten. There are things about the recordings, about my film and television work, about my theater work, there are testimonials, there are photos (some which I’ve never even seen), it is simply chockfull of me. There are still some gaps in various sections, given the vagaries of my memory, but he’ll add things as they come back to me. In any case, I invite each and every one of you to visit this mind-boggling site he’s created at www.brucekimmel.com. Congratulations, Michael, on a job more than well done.
Yesterday, I attended a play reading of a musical which was done in the 70s and which was not successful. It has been revamped with a mostly-new book by its original author. The show as called Act II and is based on The Act by George Furth and Kander and Ebb. Most of the songs are still there, although The Money Tree isn’t. I saw The Act here in Los Angeles, at the Music Center. It starred, Miss Liza Minelli, and was directed by Mr. Martin Scorsese. At some point, Mr. Scorsese realized he was in over his head, and Mr. Gower Champion took over the show (sans credit, if I remember correctly). I thought then that it was a pretty interesting concept for a musical, but it just didn’t work. In this new version, the heroine seems to be a bit older, but the idea is basically the same: She’s doing her first “Act” and it’s very autobiographical. Then, the action goes back and forth between the actual act and her memories. It’s still an interesting concept and it still doesn’t quite work yet. I’m sure they’ll be fine-tuning and smoothing and it’s way too early to “review” it. The performers were an interesting bunch – Miss Gloria Loring, who I’ve always enjoyed, played the leading lady, Peter Strauss played her husband, and singing backup was our very own wonderful Tammi Tappan. Tammi came up to me in the lobby before the show and said “hi” and I must tell you I didn’t even know who she was. She’s always had really short hair, like Peter Pan, ever since I’ve known her. Well it’s grown out and straight and she looks amazing but totally different. The show was directed and choreographed by Walter Painter, who’s done many variety shows on television. Considering he probably had three days to put this thing up, he did a very good job. I saw lots of people I knew, including director John Bowab, who told me all about the upcoming workshop of The Night of the Hunter in New York. They’ve assembled a rather amazing cast (including several but not all people from the album) and I’m very excited that I will most likely be there to see it.
Well, dear readers, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below, because don’t I have excellent questions to answer and don’t you have a website of me to go visit?

Has anyone noticed that my mind is currently boggled? Before it gets any more boggled, here are the answers to your excellent questions.
Jrand52 asks what automobile of the 50s, brand, model and year, do I think had the best design. Well, I did love the ’56 and ’57 Thunderbirds, and I really liked the ’58 Austin Healy (I think it was an Austin Healy), but I must say I was very partial to the Edsel, personally.
Steveg asks when the next trivia question will be. Perhaps in the next couple of weeks.
Pam asks if the prospect of an abrasive, edgy Guys and Dolls with a new script and score, starring Vin Diesel and Nicole Kidman scare me. No, because it’s all a load of hooey. Vin Diesel and Kidman were a press agent’s doing and have no basis in reality. The Loesser estate would not allow any new songs by anyone in Guys and Dolls. I did have to laugh when the comedy team of Zadan and Meron said that Guys and Dolls was a good followup to Chicago because it was set in New York long ago and was tough and gritty. That does not bode well for one of our greatest musicals.
Sandra has to pick a film and write a paper on symbolism and all that. She then gave a list which includes many of my favorite films. I don’t know from symbolism with a few of these, but you can’t go wrong with Citizen Kane, The Best Years of Our Lives (out of fashion now, for reasons which make no sense to me – it’s brilliant, but I don’t know if it has “symbolism”), Touch of Evil, Vertigo, Once Upon a Time in America, Casablanca, It’s a Wonderful Life (probably a good bet, actually), Laura, The Maltese Falcon or The Great Dictator. I’m sorry I cannot narrow it down any further – she’ll simply have to watch all of them.
Matt H., a new Hainsie/Kimlet asks if I have a single favorite song sung by Guy Haines (he likes What Can You Lose?). I like mostly everything he’s sung because I mostly choose the material, but I do have a very special place in my heart for You Must Believe in Spring from Haines His Way.
Laura asks what one should do with a Chia Pet after it has grown its full coat of sprouts? Well, one could light it on fire, one could hurl it against one’s wall, one could speak to it as one might speak to the elderly, or one could simply ignore it.
William E. Lurie asks with the recent closing of Oklahoma and Flower Drum Song, both with shorter runs than anticipated, if that bodes well for future Rodgers and Hammerstein revivals. And, do I think these revivals would have done better if Oklahoma hadn’t dumped the Agnes de Mille dances and Flower Drum Song hadn’t jettisoned the entire libretto. Or, do I think these shows are so out of date today that they cannot be revived. First off, I think there will always be Rodgers and Hammerstein revivals because their shows are solid and well-built, with good stories and scores. I had and have no problem whatsoever with dumping the Agnes de Mille dances – I think there is always room for new and interesting takes on choreography. I’ve only seen the London DVD, and it is so badly shot I wouldn’t be able to tell you if Stroman’s work is really good or not. I do think Flower Drum Song was and is perfectly revivable without its original book. It just needs to stay set in its proper period. I’m not saying it would have been a hit, but I’m saying it would have had an equal shot. I don’t think either show is out of date, even though I’ve never been all that partial to Oklahoma!
Ron Pulliam asks if I have my crystal ball ready and if I can predict who will win the Academy Award for Best Score. Well, yes, I predict it will be a win for Elmer Bernstein.
Lulu asks if this tastes funny to me. This never tastes funny to me. That sometimes tastes funny to me, but this never does. Funny that.
Jay asks when I travel for pleasure what kinds of places do I like to go and what sorts of things do I like to do. I hate to admit this, but I have never really traveled for pleasure, not real pleasure. Work yes, visits yes, but never really just pleasure pleasure. I intend to rectify that situation in the next few years.
Hapgood asks if my dentist is a nice person. Yes, Dr. Chew (I kid you not) is a very nice person. What was the first album on which Guy Haines sung? Unsung Musicals. What is my opinion of Kevin Kline. I’ve always liked him. Who is the best cook that I personally know. My friend Margaret. Do I still own a record player? I do, although it just stopped working, so I will have to replace it. Do I still own a VHS player? Yes, and a Beta, too. Are there any political causes to which I regularly give money? No. Did I do anything for today’s nation-wide anti-war protest? No. What was the last novel I read? Well, as I’ve said, I haven’t read any fiction since I began Benjamin Kritzer almost two years ago. The last novel I read was Dreamcatcher by Stephen King. I liked it okay, but didn’t feel it was up there with his greats. Is there any kind of flower that I particularly love? Roses, always.
George asks if I’ve ever seen Hal Holbrook perform Mark Twain Tonight live or if I’ve ever met him or his wife, Miss Dixie Carter. Sadly, no to all questions, although I have seen him many times in the parking lot at Gelson’s.
Sigerson Holmes asks if there’s any way of posting an audio recording or transcript of the radio interview I did yesterday. I’m sure there is if I’d bothered to record it, but that would require Mr. Mark Bakalor to do it, and he’s so busy being a young auditioning actor that it would take forever.
Donna notes that when I describe films it’s apparent from a technical standpoint that I know whereof I speak. How did I acquire this knowledge? Basically from making The First Nudie Musical, which was a crash course in filmmaking for me. And I’ve read a lot of film books over the years.
Jose asks if there’s any songs that I’m tired of hearing at auditions? Well, I suppose I’ll have to deal with that whenever we begin casting Nudie, but in the days when I was auditioning I couldn’t stand it if anyone started singing a Rodgers and Hammerstein warhorse. And I think On My Own has been done to death. Are there any songs I’d like to hear more at auditions? I like material that isn’t necessarily well-known to me. Is there a song out of the standard canon that I have yet to grow tired of hearing at auditions? Quite a few I should think. Is there a song that I heard for the first time during an audition that I fell in love with? Just a Housewife. Have I ever been so impressed with an audition that I’ve asked the person to sing the same song again? I’ve been impressed, but never done that. What is the most number of people I’ve heard in one day. Probably fifty, maybe more. Will I need an audition pianist for The First Nudie Musical? No doubt.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must work, I must eat, I must drive about the city known as Los Angeles and I must do stuff. Don’t forget to visit Mr. Shayne’s brand spanking new website of me. Today’s topic of discussion: How do you like Mr. Michael Shayne’s website of me? What were your favorite things, what would you like more of (the guestbook feature will be working soon, if it isn’t already), etc. He deserves many kudos so please, kudo away.

Replies: 52 Unseemly Comments

We had another productive Career Exploration session today. Our 350-pound psycho-therapist told us that he has bad credit. Around that time was when the guy who missed the first few classes because he got arrested got up and walked out. While he was gone, we discussed his strange behavior patterns. Then we got down to the nitty gritty and had a discussion that really reminded me of Company Way from How to Succeed...
I think what we'll probably end up doing with the Chia Pet is hiding it from the cats. Sasha will try to mother it, Billy will drool on it, and Tumblebrutus will run away from it.
Posted by Sandra @ 03/06/2003 09:17 AM PST

This morning I posted at the end of the Wednesday notes that a very negative post by an unnamed outsider and BK's response which were both here last night had been removed by this morning. This has me worried that this here site is now being censored. This matter was not addressed after I posted nor was it addressed in today's Notes. I would like to know why these posts were deleted and what this means for future censorship on this here site.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/06/2003 09:23 AM PST

Correction:
The (unkind) anecdotes I related yesterday about Mrs. Frank Loesser were in fact about the first Mrs. Loesser (Lynn) and not his widow (Jo.) My apologies to Ms. Jo Loesser and thanks to Dear Reader Sigerson Holmes, who called me on my factual error.
Posted by Jay @ 03/06/2003 09:25 AM PST

The web site design was visually too mind-boggling for me, but I give thanks for bringing out the Bruce Kimmel story!
Posted by Kit Lo @ 03/06/2003 09:26 AM PST

WEL: I didn't see your post until after I'd written today's notes. There is no "censorship" on this site. There have been a few times when I've wanted to remove stuff, but I've let it go no matter what it was. In fact, I have only removed two posts during the entire time we've been up and running - one was toward the beginning and I felt it could impact me legally, and one was last night (including, of course, my response). I removed it for these reasons: It was directed at me and designed to get me angry and riled up. I don't really get angry and riled up, but I certainly got annoyed. I responded. I then discussed with a dear reader who has some involvement with this situation, and that dear reader suggested I remove the posts, which I then did. The thought being that why should we feed this sort of thing? It's what they want. However, after giving it some thought last night, I decided I would not do it again, I'll just address them as we go and that will be that. Unfortunately once deleted they cannot be retrieved.
Posted by bk @ 03/06/2003 09:50 AM PST

Thanks for your prompt reply, BK. I thought you read the last minute posts before doing the notes for the new day. Some days there are almost none but other days there are a lot.
I'm glad you explained why you deleted this. The person who posted was an #$%*&@ and your excellent reply made sense. Just know that the person who posted that does not reflect 99% of your dear readers and we understand when a post like that appears it's Bullshit (oh - a Penn & Teller reference) and we just ignore it anyway.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/06/2003 10:02 AM PST

Well Mr Michael Shayne - congratulations and cocoanuts to you on the opening of the New BRUCE KIMMEL website. So much vital information...so much interesting information PLUS pictures.
Now - if we have a question for BK, we can check the website first...it MAY be answered there.
AND IT IS EASY TO NAVIGATE!!
Happy Birthday today to Miss Allison Hayes (March 6, 1930 - February 27, 1977). Click on my name for a nice photo of Allison standing by the car that gets MY vote for the best design of the 1950's, a Chrysler Imperial!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/06/2003 10:04 AM PST

As I was coming back into the library, some guy decided to go out the "in" door and I almost walked into him. That really boils my noodles. Why do people do that?
You know what else really fries my potatoes? These people who hang around the school and try to sell you stuff. What's up with that?
Posted by Sandra @ 03/06/2003 10:04 AM PST

Thanks, Sandra, now I'm hungry.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/06/2003 10:06 AM PST

They sell you fried potatoes at school Sandra? An in addition to going out the in door do they go up the down staircase?
I briefly checked out the website and will spend a lot of time on it later. It really looks great.
Any word on when the unscheduled chat with Ms. Errico will be?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/06/2003 10:37 AM PST

I actually was sidetracked from reading the notes for quite awhile, as I hit the link to the website and read all about BK's various and sundried career high points before finally finding my way back here. Very enjoyable. I remember seeing "Spaceship" (back when that was what it was called) and thinking "that one guy looks really familiar," and now I know why. I watched Partridge Family, Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Donny & Marie, Alice...I even watched Angie. So Bruce made several appearances in our living room while I was growing up.
Jrand: I have a question for you. Who are you most "into"...Allison Hayes or Frances Farmer? :)
Posted by Lulu @ 03/06/2003 10:54 AM PST

It's a toss up Lulu. Used to watch Frances everyday when she had her movie program on television here...but Allison was just something special.
Frances was the better actress, I think, but Allison had her moments as well...LOL.
Don't make me choose....
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/06/2003 11:18 AM PST

BK - I saw Liza in "The Act" too! I remember there was some mention in the press (negative) about the fact that she lip sang some of the songs (especially those with a lot of dance movement). The plot didn't much matter to me at the time. I thought she was wonderful--triple-threat wonderful! I also remember Barry Nelson with his red hair.
Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 03/06/2003 11:24 AM PST

Donna-
Liza usually lip syncs at least part of all her "live" appearances.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/06/2003 11:42 AM PST

Maybe now Michael will have the time to produce a website for Dear Reader Sandra who adds much to the lives of we older readers. I shall now investigate the BK site.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 03/06/2003 01:12 PM PST

My school doesn't have any staircases, which is probably a good thing because then people would go up the down stairs, and that would really bake my brownies.
Posted by Sandra @ 03/06/2003 01:42 PM PST

Hey, one of my classmates from my high school Theatre class made the news!
Um, well, he got arrested for hiding a video camera in the dressing room bathroom at a children's theatre.
Now that really toasts my... well, toast.
Posted by Sandra @ 03/06/2003 01:57 PM PST

Sandra, you truly do know the most INNNNNNNN-ter-es-ting people!
Posted by Lulu @ 03/06/2003 02:15 PM PST

I haven't been to the website yet, but I'll get there sometime today.
I saw Liza in concert in the early 1980s, and she was fantastic, every bit the show(wo)man that her mother was (whom I also saw when she made a return visit here in 1965). Wasn't aware that she was lip synching anything, but I guess she could have been. Maybe I was too mesmerized to notice. Saw her in THE RINK, too, one of the unforgettable theater experiences with those two mind blowing performances from her and Chita.
Posted by Matt H. @ 03/06/2003 03:29 PM PST

Wasn't it during THE ACT when Liza'a tape broke one night? Or is that an urban myth?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/06/2003 04:41 PM PST

I saw The Act also on Broadway and despite Liza in it I thought it was one of the biggest pieces of crap I had seen up to that time.
It was in my opinion nothing more than a glorified Liza concert wrapped in a book format. She was the only major character to sing.
When the show was out of town and was called SHINE IT ON. There was more plot and I think some of the other characters sang as well.
In order to have this show a life outside Liza it will have to be totally rethought, reconceptualized. Which I hope is what they did last night.
Maybe they will put back a couple of songs that they cut
The Only Game In Town which Bruce recorded for Lost in Boston II sung by Karen Mason
This song was also recorded by Ben Bagley and he also recorded Please, Sir for Contemporary Broadway Revisited.
Also an interesting side note. Two songs that were written for this show turned up elsewhere.
Isn't This Better popped up in Funny Lady and There Goes the Ballgame appeared in New York, New York
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 03/06/2003 05:04 PM PST

Potatoes? Brownies? Toast? Dear reader Sandra, do you have a food fetish that we don't know about?
As for Michael Shayne's Bruce Kimmel web site, WOW! What a plethora of interesting and fun info!
And Bruce, you didn't answer my "Ask BK" question.
Posted by Ray @ 03/06/2003 05:41 PM PST

Ray: I think I got it too late. Please ask it again next week.
Now, where in tarnation IS everyone? I mean, we have had two pretty spectacular days here, and now we can't even eke out thirty posts. I feel we must eke out thirty posts, minimum, or I shall have to say "eek".
Posted by bk @ 03/06/2003 08:25 PM PST

No more "eeking!"
I have seen Michael's wonderful handiwork. . .it's faboo! Absolutely faboo! Great work, great guy honoring another great guy - - -what more do you need??!?!?!
Well, I'm gonna tell you all what I need, or rather what the Gemini Theater (where I'm currently cabareting) needs:
We need more seating for the people who have made reservations for the last two performances of my cabaret, LIVE AND LEARN; that's what we need!
We're putting in two more tables of four each for the next two night. . .not to mention the tiered seating which is a constant! Isn't that just too too?
I think that two certain local critics' reports on the show have made this weekend a "sell out!"
Posted by td @ 03/06/2003 08:36 PM PST

The website of YOU, Bruce Kimmel, is wonderful.
You did a great job, Michael.
Posted by Kerry @ 03/06/2003 08:48 PM PST

Just thought I would pop in this evening. Michael, loved the BK website!
Posted by Angela @ 03/06/2003 08:53 PM PST

Only 24 posts? This is most unseemly! We must be jiggy and post, or post and be jiggy, either one.
My thoughts on the bk website - Wow, for starters...a wonderful place for any dear reader to learn more about bk (perhaps even more than he knows!)
Sandra - I agree whole-heartedly and also whole-spleenly on the selling things on campus issue. My pet peeve is the lady who comes around every so often selling masses of cheap videos and DVD's. For some reason she has the nerve to tempt me with these well, tempting purchases when I really barely can afford food at the moment. Unseemly, I say. Ah well, back to homework I go.
Posted by Ann @ 03/06/2003 08:57 PM PST

What a day this has been! (Ah, a Brigadoon reference - and I played that song a few times today too.)
Well, I survived. What a truly long day. About 280 auditionees, and about 240 of them sang. It was nice doing all that playing, but I was getting a little catatonic by the end of the day - just all that time sitting. We started at 10:00, and finished at 6:30 - with an hour for lunch in there.
The talent level was pretty good. Not too many crash and burns, and just a few "who told you should/could sing?" people. Alas, due to a strange rattle in the piano at the start of the day, I started off a little annoyed, but soon got the smile back on my face - and fixed the rattle. -And I guess that "Kiss Me, Kate" broadcast had a big influence... -Although, "Always True To You..." started making a big comeback last year... as well as "So In Love".
Thankfully, I was able to escape from the hotel for dinner with my friend, Michael, and we had some wonderful sushi. -The green tea helped to calm me too. Then it was back for some callbacks for Disney and Universal. Short, but sweet. We'll have to see what the remaining two days bring. -Today was supposed to be the "long day" - I hope.
As for brucekimmel.com, I'm gonna wait to check it out when I'm back on a regular - faster - connection, and when I'm not so tired to be able to enjoy and explore it fully.
Jason: I'm gonna try to make it up to the Exhibit Hall tomorrow during my lunch break - Gotta get my annual stock of play catalogs and free stuff!
And Judy Kuhn was truly stunning as Fosca. I wanted sooo bad to be a flea on the wall when Donna Murphy came to see the production, and then spoke to her backstage after the show - I did see Ms. Murphy come backstage that day, but I didn't hang around. -And apparently, Ms. Kuhn did speak with Ms. Murphy about the role before starting rehearsals. For me, it's an honest toss up. -And that's after seeing Ms. Murphy five times live in the role!
Well, time to rest up for tomorrow...
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 03/06/2003 08:58 PM PST

And, YEAH, where in tarnation is everyone today?
-Could they all be checking out brucekimmel.com? ;-)
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 03/06/2003 08:59 PM PST

This makes 30.
Eek!
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/06/2003 09:34 PM PST

Are you sure you really want me to post? Something has been bothering me all day.
Posted by Laura @ 03/06/2003 09:41 PM PST

Laura, do tell us what it is. Of course we want you to post!
Posted by Kerry @ 03/06/2003 09:48 PM PST

Yes, Laura, post and tell us what has been bothering you all day.
Posted by bk @ 03/06/2003 09:51 PM PST

Well, I was watching the news early this morning, the guest was someone who was sponsoring an artist in an art show (or something like that).
So... the probing interview question was this: "How excited are you about having this artist's work?"
What a dumb question. What other answer is there than: "I'm very excited..." And I've heard this "How important/excited/etc" type question asked a lot lately by various and sundried newscasters. What a waste of airtime. I honestly wish the guy had responded: "Frankly, I couldn't care less."So that's what has been burning my biscuits all day. I bet you are sorry you asked.
Posted by Laura @ 03/06/2003 10:03 PM PST

Jeux sans frontieres
Posted by . @ 03/06/2003 10:56 PM PST

Not that this should come as any surprise, but the members of NY Local 802 Musician's Union are on strike. Playbill just posted about it.
Posted by Jason @ 03/06/2003 11:14 PM PST

Jose - I was in Crystal City for a convention of the Society of Professional Journalists. The hotel was great - each floor had meeting rooms that were aptly named. The basement was named for plants trees or flowers, the main floor rooms were named for oceans or lakes, and the top floor was named for air or atmosphere elements. Hmmmm....might have been the Hilton, but I am not sure!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/07/2003 02:17 AM PST

Just gotta weigh in on the whole "strike" issue....
So the Local 802 is so committed to "live" music that they are going on strike to preserve it??! Does this not seem contradictory to anyone else?
I'm sorry, I'm as committed to having real, live musicians in the pit as much as anyone, but I feel that the Local 802 has been completely disingenuous throughout their whole propaganda play in the media. If press reports are to be believed, the single issue of contention is house minimums, which do nothing but ensure the use of "walkers" for many shows. This does not ensure live musicians in the pit, but it certainly does plenty to drive up costs of producing shows. The net effect of which is to drive up theatre tickets, and reduce the number of shows that can be produced, which in turn ensures that fewer actors and musicians are employed. It's unfathomable that there are musicians who are so short-sighted that they cannot see this very simple fact.
Posted by Dave @ 03/07/2003 05:49 AM PST

Bravo Dave. The only thing wrong with this strike is that the Producers have done nothing to air their side of the whole mess and let the musician's propaganda get most people thinking that it was a matter of live versus canned music. How about eliminating minimums for all shows that use only actual instruments and only impose minimums if a show chooses to use a synthasizer or other electronic instrument as part of an orchestra.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/07/2003 06:03 AM PST

The first time I heard the term "walker" was in the (still) terrific book THE SEASON by William Goldman, that discussed the 1968 Broadway season show by show.
I am not sure of all the issues involved here - and I can't take sides. I know there is an emergency AEA meeting this morning to decide if its members will honor the strike and stay out as well.
The way I understand it - someone help me out - is that theatres have a certain minimum number of musicians that must be paid for a performance regardless of how many are needed in the pit. Therefore if you are doing a show at Theatre X that requires a pit of 6, but Theatre X has a minimum of 8, you have to pay two people NOT to play. Is this the way it works? Is this what it's about? I don't quite understand, and I don't want to agree or disagree until I understand exactly what's going on.
Goldman said (in years past) that if a theatre was a musical house, walkers had to be paid even during runs of straight plays. I don't know if this is still the case, I doubt it, but it is a strange practice.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/07/2003 06:07 AM PST

Where the heck is Francois?
I don't think he's posted here since he wrote something in praise of Michael Moore's speech at Cannes. Is he upset that a few people (myself included) expressed their view that Mr. Moore's speech was perhaps less than wonderful? Has he joined the rest of Europe in revilement of all Americans (anyway, that's what they're saying in the news)?
Francois, if you're out there, let us hear from you!
Posted by Lulu @ 03/07/2003 06:12 AM PST

La mem chose.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/07/2003 06:22 AM PST

Jrand: Huh?
I took Spanish in high school, not French.
Posted by Lulu @ 03/07/2003 06:35 AM PST

François does not have computer access every day. I'm sure he will post again this weekend.
And yes, Jrand, that's exactally how it works. If a theatre has a minimum of 8 musicians and a show is orchestrated for 6 it has to pay 2 musicians who play nothing but poker with the stagehands. I'm not sure if a theatre still has to pay musicians even if there is a non-musical playing, but they used to. I remember going to a non-musical and hearing a string combo in the lobby since the producers had to pay the musicians anyway.
The whole strike is based on the union insisting that they decide how many musicians have to be hired, not the orchestrators or musical directors. In other words, using your example, if a theatre won't pay 2 extra musicians for not playing than they are putting the other 6 out of work as well.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/07/2003 06:59 AM PST

I prize my copy of THE SEASON and return to it often with pleasure. What an eye-opening book that was, totally unique in its day and still a valuable (irreplaceable) record not only of that particular season (lame from a musical standpoint though I liked THE HAPPY TIME more than most) but of the Broadway times so fondly remembered by me.
Posted by Matt H. @ 03/07/2003 07:45 AM PST

I don't know what it means either, Lulu.
Matt - lots of great stories in THE SEASON. If anyone hasn't read it, it is a lot of fun. And some great Steve and Eydie stories as well. It was the season of GOLDEN RAINBOW!
One of my favorite stories concerned his trip to the Judy Garland Concert at the Palace. He overhear two businessmen who had brought their wives talking as they were walking out.
Man # 1: I don't know - is it theater?
Man # 2: It's gotta be.
Man # 1: Why?
Man # 2: It sure as hell ain't singing.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/07/2003 07:59 AM PST

Games/Play without borders/boundaries?
Posted by Kerry @ 03/07/2003 08:16 AM PST

"La meme chose" means "the same thing." I don't know what "jeux sans frontieres" means. I think it means "play without boundaries," just like Kerry said. :-)
Posted by Jason @ 03/07/2003 08:30 AM PST

Thanks, Jason. I just remembered la meme chose as fractured French for "your fly is open." 8-D
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/07/2003 08:33 AM PST

Ha!!
Posted by Jason @ 03/07/2003 09:05 AM PST

Ha!!
Posted by Jason @ 03/07/2003 09:06 AM PST

Ha!
Posted by Jason @ 03/07/2003 09:10 AM PST

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