haines his way

03/13/2003:
"THE DELETE BUTTON"

Well, dear readers, you won’t believe it. I barely believe it myself, but it is true and so I must. I wrote an entire paragraph and just deleted it. Why did I write an entire paragraph and just delete it? Well, I’ll tell you why I wrote an entire paragraph and just deleted it because you have a right to know these things. I wrote an entire paragraph and just deleted it because said paragraph was so boring it almost put me to sleep. And I thought, if it almost put me to sleep it will almost put you dear readers to sleep and we can’t have you reading these here notes whilst sleeping, now can we? So, I deleted the entire paragraph and started over. Isn’t that exciting? Isn’t that just too too?
Yesterday just flew by and before I knew it it was today. I had meetings, I had lunch, I had phone calls, I had e-mails, I had a plethora of stuff and before I knew it it was evening. What does that mean, “before I knew it”? I’ve always known “it”, ever since I was a wee sprig of a twig of a tad of a lad of a youth. “It” sure has been busy – first “it” was today, then “it” was evening. “It” is like a chameleon in that regard. What the hell am I talking about? Perhaps I should delete this whole thing and start over again. Perhaps not.
Last evening I did finally get around to listening to the new CD release of the old Shelly Manne/Andre Previn jazz version of Li’l Abner. It’s a lot of fun, not as good as some of their others, but some really swingin’ versions of certain songs, and a couple of lovely ballads.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below, because don’t I have excellent questions to answer?

Yes, Virginia, I do have some excellent questions to answer, so here are said answers in the form of answers.
William E. Lurie asks if it is generally part of a show leasing contract that if there are program bios, all authors must have a bio. It may be true for stock, but I don’t think it’s true for amateur. William is surprised that in the A Little Night Music revival Mr. Sondheim has a bio but Mr. Hugh Wheeler does not. Well, that seems a rather stupid gaffe, whether it’s contractual or not. I would have to believe that any major revival would need to carry a bio for Mr. Wheeler. William has always assumed that Bay Cities Records was located in San Francisco, since it’s known as the city by the bay. However, according to Michael Shayne’s marvelous ME site and according to Mr. Nick Redman in his Unseemly Interview, the company was located in Los Angeles, California. In that case, how did it get its name? Very simple – One of the other partners and I were big Raymond Chandler fans, and that is what Mr. Chandler used to call Santa Monica in his books. Since we were all living in Santa Monica at the time, we thought it had a nice ring to it as a label name.
Arnold M. Brockman has often wondered why people walk out of stage presentations (if they don’t like them) but sit through the worst movies (even if they don’t like them). Do I have a theory about this strange entertainment phenomena? I have many theories but none on this strange entertainment phenomena. For me, the opposite has been true – I have walked out on many movies, but I can only remember one show where I bailed at intermission – and that show, should you be interested to know, was the recent Madison Square Garden Wizard of Oz with Mickey Rooney. I actually didn’t last until intermission, I left after forty minutes.
Kerry ask what was my loneliest moment. My loneliest moment ever? Well, this is dredging up an old memory, but one New Year’s Eve I’d gone to a party in Beverly Hills, but I’d only stayed until eleven or so. I was not living at home (I was in my first semester of college), and I’d forgotten my key and my parents were going to be out most of the night and I had no way of getting back to the awful apartment I was living in then, nor did I want to go back there. I also did not really want to show up in the middle of the night, as I had no idea when my parents would actually get back. So, on New Year’s Eve I walked the streets of Beverly Hills for eight hours, found a restaurant that was open in the morning, had breakfast, killed some more time, and finally ended up at the Stanley Warner Beverly Hills for their ten o’clock show. The movie was The Slender Thread (I’ve never forgotten that) and I slept through most of it, then went home. But those eight hours were pretty lonesome, let me tell you that.
Sandra asks what is my favorite comic strip? You know, I’ve never really been that big a fan of comic strips. As a kid, I occasionally read Terry and the Pirates, and Dick Tracy, and even Li’l Abner. I did like comic books though, especially Superman and Batman and Robin.
Allan asks of all the albums I’ve produced which is my favorite. It’s an impossible question really – the answer changes all the time. They’re all my babies, so I can’t single just one out, I’m afraid.
S. Woody White asks how many dogs have shared my life? Well, with the exception of Luckie’s brief stay, and Molly’s even briefer stay, just one – Sandy, who we had for five or six years, until my divorce, and Sandy went elsewhere in that settlement.
Jrand52 asks what are my favorite episodes of I Love Lucy, My Little Margie, and I Married Joan. Well, my two favorite episodes of Lucy (for very personal reasons) are the Harpo episode and the Superman (George Reeves) episode. I don’t remember specific episodes of either My Little Margie or I Married Joan, even though I watched them a lot.
Matthew asks why I think composers today don’t write for certain people, in the way they did for Mary Martin and Ethel Merman, with people like Emily Skinner, Alice Ripley, Liz Callaway and even Brent Barrett. Well, part of the problem is, as good as all those people are, there are no producers grooming stars anymore, building them up the way the Mermans and the Martins were. It’s much more about the show now, and I miss those star vehicles. I actually think it would help certain composers to write for specific people, but tell them that.
MattH asks if I have a favorite movie musical and a favorite stage musical. Well, I have many favorites, but I’ll just take the easy way out and say Gypsy for the stage, and Singin’ In The Rain for the movie.
Craig asks if I could ask any person out for a date, living or dead, who would it be and why, and what would I do? Oh, goodness, there are so many. Leslie Parrish, for sure. Veronica Lake. Hayley Mills when she was in her late teens. What would I do? Guess.
William F. Orr asks if the stage version of Nudie Musical will include the classic song So, Touch Me, I’m You, and if so will Alan Abelew at long last receive credit for his immortal lyric. Alan and I spoke about that when we were doing the documentary – he remembers that I gave it to him on the spot, and I simply don’t remember at all. But yes, it’s in the stage version.
Tom from Oz asks if there’s any chance of me going back to producing some more wonderful (thank you) CDs in the near future. Without going into detail, I can tell you with a certainty that the answer is yes.
Hapgood asks if there are any roles in the musical or non-musical theater that I would love to play? I’ve always wanted to play C.C. Baxter in Promises, Promises. And I would love to play the lead in The Prisoner of Second Avenue – Cindy Williams and I were talking about it recently, trying to do it somewhere. What was the best production of 1776 that I’ve ever seen? I’ve only seen two – the original Broadway production and then the Roundabout. I did not care for the Roundabout at all, so the winner would be the original production, which was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had seeing theater. What was my favorite subject in school and my best? Drama. Pretty much hated everything else. What is my favorite Noel Coward play? Private Lives. Do I keep potted plants. I have one that was given to me four years ago by my then assistant Esther. I’m proud to say it is still alive and doing well. When was the last time I got flowers and from whom and why? I know I got some within the last two years or so, but I’ll be horn-swoggled if I can remember from who. I’m quite certain it was during a recording. Are there any theater critics past or present that I love? Hate? Oh, I don’t really pay too much attention. There was a critic out here that I loathed (and he loathed me as well) named Lawrence Christon. He was about as low as they came.
Ray asks if I could only have five CDs to listen to for the rest of my life which would they be and why? These questions are so hard to answer, because the answers change by the hour. Well, let’s see – I would have to say Claus Ogermann’s Gate of Dreams, simply because I find it moves me terrifically and I never ever tire of hearing it. Bill Evans’ Conversations with Myself, again because it moves me, and because it is sheer poetry and can evoke a thousand different moods. Rachmaninov’s Symphony Number Two, because I find it sublimely beautiful and it takes me places, new places, every time I hear it. The soundtrack to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, again for its beauty and it’s bittersweetness. And the soundtrack to A Patch of Blue, probably the soundtrack I have played more than any other.
Sigerson Holmes tells me that his favorite ME song is I Want To Eat Your Face from my film The Creature Wasn’t Nice (aka Spaceship, aka Naked Space). Do I have a favorite BK song of my own? I have a few – I’m quite partial to Chinese Food in Bed and When You’re Waiting For Love, and also a song called It Doesn’t Get Easier from my musical Pals. Is there an officially recognized Hainsian alternative to the ham chunks for those who have dietary restrictions? I believe dear reader Sandra has that alternative and it is called floop. Where do I stand on the issue of Hebrew National cocktail weenies instead of ham chunks? I stand to the left and chuckle whilst trying to imagine the mind that came up with “cocktail weenies” (or franks or frankfurters). Finally, who dubbed for the creature in the song I Want to Eat Your Face? Why, I do believe that I did.
Well, that was exhilaratingly exhilarating. I feel spent. I feel like I’ve given my all and can give no more. I could give more, of course, but there aren’t any more questions.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must keep on top of things, I must look sharp, I must look flat, I must look diminished and augmented, I must look chromatic, I must look twelve-tone, I must look minor and I must look major. I have no idea what any of that means but I enjoyed writing it. Today’s topic of discussion: Continuing our favorite film composers – what are your five (or more) favorite film scores of John Barry? I’ll start – Goldfinger, Robin and Marian, Somewhere in Time, The Ipcress File, and King Kong (I really do love his score for the remake, shoot me). Put I must give special mention to The Knack, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, and The Black Hole. Your turn.

Replies: 81 Unseemly Comments

Lion in Winter. Percy Faith reimagines it in 3/4, incredibly enough.
Posted by JMK @ 03/13/2003 08:58 AM PST

"Put I must." Find this in our new Yoda section in our revised edition, you will.
Posted by Strunk & White @ 03/13/2003 09:04 AM PST

Since I know that our very own BK often writes his answers the night before or so, I will repeat my late question:
Thoughts on Sandy Duncan as a performer? As Peter Pan? Love her or hate her?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/13/2003 09:06 AM PST

OMG - Mr BK I have played the lead in THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE - I will see if I can find a photograph.
It is one of the best roles ever. And just when things get too hot, you get hit in the face with a bucket of water...TWICE!!
The audience response to the play is terrific. Yes, and you know BK as Mel and Cindy Williams as Edna - that would be something to see.
The second act rant about snow is my favorite thing I have EVER done onstage - during a show.
Drunk? Drunk? On what? They stole my liquor....they left me with a pair of khaki pants and golf hat...anybody asks us out to dinner this week you ask 'em if it's okay if I wear khaki pants and a golf hat!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 09:09 AM PST

John Barry - only one for now, FRANCES.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 09:11 AM PST

When it comes to John Barry scores, there's all the music he's written for the Bond films, of course. If I had to single out just one of those films, I'd pick On Her Majesty's Secret Service, simply because of the opening credit music. Those strings rippling up and down, with the brass and the bass guitar, really caught the tone of the film.
But the best score he's ever written, IMO, was for The Lion in Winter. A vocal score in Latin, of all things! Wonderful music, as large as the characters in the film! It's one of the best scores ever written, by anybody.
Posted by S. Woody White @ 03/13/2003 09:23 AM PST

Well, we had another very productive Career Exploration session today. First, the middle-aged hippie who's been out of work for twenty years told us that, before leaving for Ireland with his "mistress of some kind," he plans to learn to play Celtic drums and get an Irish band together. Then the guy who wants to be an actor but who has recently decided to be an inventor instead told us that his friend has a still in his garage. Then our 350-pound psycho-therapist told us many useful things, such as: a small cup of sorbet is usually served after the appetizer and before the entree in order to cleanse the palette, and that the Finnish language is related to Mongolian because Finland was originally populated by Mongolian tribes.
Yes, floop is a very delightful substitute for ham chunks. However, if you are vegan (which I think is the word Sigerson was looking for last night) you would have to eat the floop without the ranch dressing. Or you could try these meat-free soy meatballs made by, I believe, Morningstar Farms. They go great with soy cheese and Cherry Coke.
Posted by Sandra @ 03/13/2003 09:24 AM PST

Well, for all you Trading Spaces fans, The Best of.... will be released on March 18th through www.tlc.com (under buy TS stuff).The DVD even has bloopers. Doug Wilson (is that the Doug you guys always talk about?) will be here at a homeshow, unless that already happened last weekend.
I saw 5 minutes of one episode once, but I still can't imagine letting someone come in to do that to my house.
Posted by Kerry @ 03/13/2003 09:24 AM PST

I'm afraid I don't know much about Mr. Barry's work. I do like the score for The Black Hole -- the best thing in that misbegotten misfire of a movie. The last time I saw it, it just made me sad.
WEL: I checked my music channel listings yesterday evening (after I saw your post about the Broadway music channel) and yes indeedy, right there is something labeled "show tunes." Thanks for mentioning it -- otherwise it probably would've taken me awhile to happen upon it!
Jrand: I forget...did you say you'd actually seen Frances when she had that show on a local channel in Indy? Which channel was it? What was the show...introducing movies or something? (Remember When Movies Were Movies? That guy has his own website. Watching a Loretta Young movie on there late one night was how I found out about the whole gauze-over-the-lens phenomena.)
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 09:28 AM PST

I love so many parts of what John Barry does.
Favorites are "Somewhere in Time" and "Peggy Sue Got Married."
I haven't seen many of the recent films he did, so I can't speak of those, but I also love "Jagged Edge," "Goldfinger" and "You Only Live Twice."
Posted by Kerry @ 03/13/2003 09:35 AM PST

I'm back from the dreaded dance call and I must tell you it was laughable. Well, more specifically, I was laughable. In fact, I guffawed at myself a few times. They wanted us to do this very athletic dance to "Footloose," since that is one of the shows they're casting. Now, I was under the impression that this was a singer's movement call for those that they wanted for TITANIC and PIMPERNEL--not FOOTLOOSE for God's sake! They didn't need to see any of us dance again (I think they'd had enough, even though they tought us the dance and were done with us in literally 15 minutes), but they do want to hear me sing again tomorrow at noon. Here is where I need some Hainesie/Kimlet help.
They want to hear me for LIL' ABNER, and since I don't know that score (I know, mea culpa) he suggested I come in and do "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat" because the role he's considering me for is apparently Nicely-Nicely-esque. Now, I went out and got the ABNER recording post haste, and I'm assuming that he's looking at me for Marryin' Sam (to sing something about a Cornpost?) All I know is that Stubby Kaye did that role (as well as Nicely-Nicely)...can anyone give me MORE info about Marryin' Sam? Please?? Anything you might be able to share with me would be great. Thanks!!
Posted by Jason @ 03/13/2003 09:38 AM PST

"Put I must" is Yoda-like, isn't it, therefore I shall not fix it.
Jason, Marryin' Sam is a great part, has all the best jokes in the show. The three songs to listen to in terms of his character are Jubilation T. Cornpone, I'm Past My Prime, and The Country's in the Very Best of Hands. That should help. Also be sure to listen to his intro in It's a Typical Day, because that's where he tells you exactly who he is.
Posted by bk @ 03/13/2003 10:13 AM PST

I just found this terribly sad news on the Web
Actress Lynne Thigpen Dies in Los Angeles Aged 54
16 minutes ago Add Entertainment - Reuters to My Yahoo!

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Tony-winning actress Lynne Thigpen, a co-star on the CBS drama "The District" and the former host of a popular children's educational program, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 54, the network said on Thursday.
Thigpen died suddenly at her home Wednesday night, CBS said in a statement. No cause of death was immediately announced.
The actress played the role of Ella Farmer on the crime drama, a statistics clerk who aided the chief of police of Washington, D.C. in his work.
Thigpen was also recognizable to younger viewers as the host of the PBS shows "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?" and "Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego?," educational programs based on the popular computer games.
She won a Tony Award for her work in the show "An American Daughter" and was nominated for a Tony for her performance in "Tintypes."
I loved her work. I thought she was WONDERFUL. I still remember her from ThirtySomething and other 80s television shows and her amazing theatre work. What a loss.
Posted by Ben @ 03/13/2003 10:19 AM PST

Jason: This is too too. Marryin' Sam is arguably the real star of the show. He certainly has the chance for the loudest applause at curtain call.
How's your hillbilly accent?
Sandra:
Actually, Finnish is a member of the Finno-Ugric Group of the Uralic Family, which includes Estonian and Hungarian. The Uralic languages are spoken almost exclusively in the far north of Europe and Asia, with 24 million speakers.
Mongol is an entirely separate family, consisting of seven languages, to wit: Buryat, Dongxiang, Kalmyk, Khalkha, Oirat, Ordos, and Tu, all spoken in the Southern part of China. There are approximately 5 million speakers.
Now aren't you glad you know that?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/13/2003 10:45 AM PST

I'm so sad to hear about Ms. Thigpen's passing. She was wonderful and I will always remember her as the Chief from "Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego?"
WFO: I'm from Kentucky. I think I can pull off a pretty good hillbilly accent (it's even listed on my resume under "Special Skills"). I just need to call my mom and listen to her talk to refresh my memory of what it sounds like. ;-)
Now I'm getting excited about singing for them again tomorrow. I won't lie about it, I love the idea of stealing a show every now and then. Haha! Thanks for the help, you guys...keep the info coming!
Posted by Jason @ 03/13/2003 10:51 AM PST

Ben---
Thanks for the Lynne Thigpen info... even though I started to shiver when I read it. I knew Lynne years ago and she was a wonderful person. When I saw her in TINTYPES I told her she would be Tony nominated and she said "From your mouth to God's ear". God was listening.
I will never forget her on ALL MY CHILDREN where she played a character who had kidnapped a baby to replace her son who died. When she sat in a rocking chair with the baby singing "Baby Mine" (from DUMBO) to him it was one of the most powerful moments of television I've ever seen.
Jason---
Good luck with Marryin' Sam. He is really the glue that holds together the whole plot. In addition to the songs BK mentioned, he also leads the finale (Matrimonial Stomp). His character in the show is a lot more prominent than it ever was in the comic strip. The whole key to all the characters in ABNER is to keep them real. The material is outrageous so you don't want to go too overboard with it. That would be like spoofing a spoof.
Lulu---
Glad you found the station. If it's the same one I have you'll love the selection of music, but pay no attention to the on screen info. They frequently get the singers wrong (or more often incomplete) and their Trivia "facts" are often so wrong they are funny.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/13/2003 11:07 AM PST

Oh yes, Marryin' Sam is a great role and his songs are showstoppers. BK is correct in that he describes his role perfectly himself in his first bit of song..."I am known as Marryin' Sam...." LOL
Lulu, I indeed watched Miss Frances Farmer (though not everyday) on Indianapolis WFBM-TV Channel 6 (now WRTV). She always talked a bit about the movie and had guests - whoever was in town doing a show, or a Boy Scout Leader, or charity function hostess...it was wild! She was a lot of fun to watch. Ask WFO...I just sent him a video tape of some of her work on 'Frances Farmer Presents' - what little survives.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 11:15 AM PST

WEL: Ah, you mean trivia questions like, "In what year did Andrew Lloyd Webber write Les Miz?"
I came across this in a book review in Newsday this Sunday: "Well, that may be true for most people, but we are not 'most people' (as Mama Rose in Gypsy would say)."
And speaking of Newsday, they had an interview with Neil Patrick Harris, and he said that Assassins is now planned for 2004.
Sad news. Plan a production of Assassins in New York and there is sure to be an international crisis!
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/13/2003 11:19 AM PST

Jrand: Though Frances Farmer Presents was before my time, I miss the other local shows that had similar formats that used to proliferate in central Indiana. Gil Gerard, Janie, Cowboy Bob, Sammy Terry...all of them were nutty as hell, and I love 'em. :)
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 11:31 AM PST

Not Trivia questions... trivia "facts". They constantly get "Book by" confused with "From the Book by" as in
"BYE BYE BIRDIE is baseed on a book by Michael Stewart".
Jason---
Are you still working at MTI? If so do you know if they gave NYCO special permission to include a Sondheim bio and exclude a Wheeler bio from the NIGHT MUSIC Playbill?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/13/2003 11:32 AM PST

Where is the SPCA when you need them?
WEL, methinks that horse is deceased.
Posted by Dave @ 03/13/2003 11:39 AM PST

Lulu - Jim Gerrard (not Gil), I think you mean...hehehehe.
I was on Popeye and Janie wooooohooooooooooo....what a trip! Sammy Terry was sooooooooo cool. So many films on his show, including dear reader Susan in Attack of the Puppet People!
Who was your favorite newscaster? Did you ever see David Letterman do the weather on WLW-I channel 13?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 11:45 AM PST

Dave---
On the contrary. There are ten performances left for which they could add a program insert. I couldn't have been the only person who noticed this glaring omission.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/13/2003 11:47 AM PST

Then what the heck was my 350-pound psycho-therapist talking about? And how do you know that, William F. Orr? I thought you were a math professor.
Posted by Sandra @ 03/13/2003 12:06 PM PST

Sad news indeed about Lynne Thigpen. Too damn young.
William F. Orr: I have always liked Sandy Duncan and thought she was a brilliant Peter Pan. I only wish I'd been around then to record it.
Posted by bk @ 03/13/2003 12:08 PM PST

Oy. Stephen Sondheim (he's a composer) just received an award from the City Opera, and, according to the Times--oops, sorry, Allan, I mean the New York Times,
"He congratulated Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg for stepping into a dispute where 'both sides are wrong,' and he added: 'I wish he would go to Washington and do the same. It takes a real leader to step into a dispute where both sides are wrong.'"
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/13/2003 12:08 PM PST

Sandra:
I also teach a course in contructed international languages, and it begins with an overview of the world's languages.
But just to check my facts, I did a google search on Finnish Language and Mongol Language.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/13/2003 12:10 PM PST

Let's all join hands and sing "Send In The Clowns."
Posted by Quincy Jones @ 03/13/2003 12:13 PM PST

France here at last on the ground,
Bush in mid-air.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/13/2003 12:18 PM PST

John Barry movie scores:
Out Of Africa
Dances With Wolves
Born Free
Chaplin
Midnight Cowboy
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Somewhere In Time
Good news, and good Vibes to you Jason.
"Footloose" sounds a most appropriate term in some circumstances!
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 03/13/2003 12:24 PM PST

I'm am so sad over the loss of Lynn Thigpen, not only was she THE "Cleaning Woman", the only one that I know that can do justice to that song, but I'm not sure if you all know this, but if you are familiar with Jim Henson's "Bear in the Big Blue House" children's series, you may be interested to know that Lynn provided the voice of "Luna" the moon, Bear's best friend. "Bear" is a big deal in my family because of my 2 year old niece and nephew (who think Uncle Matt IS Bear), we will be sad over the loss.
Posted by Matthew @ 03/13/2003 12:42 PM PST

Congrats,Jason, on your callback. Good luck! I happen to think "Footloose" could be the next "Grease" craze in our middle/high schools. I'm glad to see more high profiled groups mounting it. Let's hope the right people see it.
Posted by Matthew @ 03/13/2003 12:44 PM PST

Jrand: OMG! I can't believe I got Jim Gerard confused with Buck Rogers! LOL!
I appeared on both Cowboy Bob and Janie, too...so there. :) I remember my mom got really mad at Cowboy Bob because I drew a picture of a "cowgirl" on a piece of scrap paper for him and presented it to him LIVE and ON THE AIR. He proceeded to turn it over and read the grocery list that was on the back of it... ;) I wasn't old enough to be mad about it, but Mom sure was.
Sammy Terry is definitely a Cool Ghoul. Check out www.sammyterry.com. There's a guy there who will make and send you old Sammy tapes (circa mid-'80s) for just the cost of shipping - you supply your own blank tape. Sadly, still haven't found any Janie or Sammy Terry, though in a channel 4 commercial on a Sammy movie I've got, Cowboy Bob makes a cameo appearance...in a hottub! "You'll like VanSlyke's!" So The Hubby got to see Cowboy Bob, who he's had to hear about all these years.
Nope, too young to have borne witness to David Letterman doing the weather -- though I remember when I started watching Late Night, my dad telling me about "the guy who used to host The Freeze-Dried Movie."
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 12:54 PM PST

Oh, and favorite newscaster? Gotta be Mike Ahern. Once again, too young to remember Jane Pauley when she was still a local gal with promise...
My cousin, an RN, had a brush with local newscasting fame right after she started nursing. She came home bragging, "I saw Bob Gregory's butt!"
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 12:58 PM PST

And what about Big Jon and Sparky, I ask you! Where, oh, where have they gone? No fifties childhood would be complete without "The Teddy Bears' Picnic" on Saturday morning.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/13/2003 01:05 PM PST

Okay --- while you two are talking about Indiana TV hosts, did anyone grow up in Chicago? Do you remember Natco the Clown? Uncle Johnny Coons? Ned Locke? Angel Casey? Ray Rainer?
A lot of National kid's television was broadcast from Chicago. "Super Circus" with Claude Kirshner and Mary Hartline; "Watch Mr. Wizard" with Don Herbert; and of course "Kukla, Fran and Ollie".
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/13/2003 01:05 PM PST

Heavenly days, McGee!
I just did a google search on "Big Jon and Sparky", and the first thing that turned up was a site selling mp3's of the first 92 episodes for $6.00.
I looove the Internet.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/13/2003 01:07 PM PST

WEL: How could you forget Bozo (who just recently left the airwaves)? Or are you a Bozo-Basher? ;)
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 01:21 PM PST

BTW, I love Mr. Wizard. We watched an episode once where he sent electricity through a dill pickle. Let me tell you, that sucker turned black and for a few tension-filled seconds we were sure it would explode.
Also, he taught me a neat trick. Stand in a door frame, your hands at your side. Lift your arms laterally until the backs of your hands are stopped by the door frame. Continue pressing your arms "up" against the door frame (pretty hard) for...30 seconds? 20 seconds? Then quickly step away from the doorframe.
Your arms rise up like balloons!
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 01:24 PM PST

It is extremely sad about Lynne Thigpen. Does anyone know how she died?
Kerry, I assume when you mention Trading Spaces addicts, you mean me :)
You should watch the show sometime. It is fun to watch. I don't think it would be that hard to let a designer decorate a room in your house. You don't really have anything to lose. If you don't like it you can always change it. Most people have very plain boring rooms. And these designers, for the most part, do interesting designs.
Btw, apparently there is a new Trading Spaces book out. Has anyone seen it?
And yeah the Doug you mentioned is the one we always talk about from the show. I think he's gonna be on this week's episode.
But where is Hildy??? It's been so long since i've seen her. I have nothing to complain about!
Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer @ 03/13/2003 01:27 PM PST

Freeze Dried movies with David Letterman....a 2 a.m. Sunday morning staple on WLW-I.
My sister and I danced on Bandstand 13 - shades of HAIRSPRAY.
It is very sad that a lot of the television stations now don't have local children's programming.
Lulu, I tell you, you have not lived unless you attended a personal appearance at Burger Chef by Cowboy Bob! Pictures $2.00 please.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 01:28 PM PST

And OMG, I remember him reading the grocery list! I have seen you on TV!
Then there was the little boy who won the dog-naming contest sponsored by Choc-Ola and when CB asked him how he liked the drink...the boy said, "I don't like it, I never drink it." And Cowboy Bob said - I swear - "Oi vey."
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 01:29 PM PST

Jennifer - I was hoping you would see Kerry's post about Trading Spaces. To be fair, Kerry, now and then the rooms turn out well.
Jen - I think Hildy is GONE. ON some show she said something about making her last room a good one...or something like that. Check the Trading Spaces board at www.tlc.com and see what's up.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 01:32 PM PST

Jennifer:
Are you really able to just change it? I've heard that sometimes they do some pretty funky, pretty permanent stuff on Trading Spaces and that occasionally, the people cry. :( Didn't somebody wind up with 45s stapled to all of their walls? Pass the spackle and the spatula. :)
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 01:33 PM PST

Jrand:
I guess I haven't lived! Anyway, I don't remember attending a Burger Chef Cowboy Bobo Special Appearance. I'll have to ask Mom about that one (like she'll remember at this point!). Did you get a Top Shef and fries to go with the picture? Oh, no, of course! You were a wee one, so you got a Funmeal.
I should probably explain for the non-Hoosiers that Burger Chef was the best hamburger place in the world - miles better than McDonald's, which copied several key items from its menu (like the Funmeal, which became the Happy Meal). Burger Chef also pioneered soft serve ice cream and the salad bar. Now they're gone, with Hardees in their place. *plays taps* Farewell, good friend Burger Chef (and Jeff).
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 01:36 PM PST

Jrand: Are you funnin' me, about remembering him reading the grocery list? :) Maybe he tortured poor little girls like that every week. Hmmmm...if the girl had pigtails and was wearing overalls with the Hee-Haw donkey on them, it was probably me (I don't know for sure what I was wearing, but many of the pictures of that era strangely show me wearing this hellish outfit. Hey, it wasn't my fault momma dressed me funny!).
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 01:41 PM PST

Lulu---
I didn't forget Bozo, but there was a Bozo in every city. The original was Pinto Clovig, also the voice of Goofy.
Re Lynne's death: Every article I have read said the cause was unknown. Maybe by it will be announced later.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/13/2003 01:45 PM PST

Jason, if you get Marryin' Sam, you will walk off with the show. When I did the show (I was Dr. Finsdale), Sam always got the loudest applause because all of his numbers are showstoppers. Caution: they have MANY verses and also encore verses. Those two songs "Jubilation" and "Country" go on forever. He's also a big part of "The Matrimonial Stomp" at the end of the show.
Sorry about Lynne Thigpen. Always liked her quiet intensity. She's in the GODSPELL film and on the WORKING DVD, too.
Favorite John Barry:
OUT OF AFRICA
GOLDFINGER
SOMEWHERE IN TIME
THE LION IN WINTER
DANCES WITH WOLVES
Posted by Matt H. @ 03/13/2003 01:54 PM PST

No, really, Lulu...I remember it. I don't remember the little girl's reaction or what she was wearing...but I bet it was YOU.
Burger Chef and Jeff...LOL!
And before I forget...click on my name to see me living BK's dream...playing Mel in Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue. Don't stand on the balcony and yell at a neighbor who is already upset with you...and particularly don't say, "Respect? Respect my ass, that's what...respect my ASS!!!"
SPLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 02:01 PM PST

We had Burger Chef here in Phoenix in the early 60's. When he first started out, one of our newscasters was the Burger Chef on some of the commercials (something he wishes people like me didn't remember). Among other things, Burger Chef was a regular sponsor of "Fireball 500" (I think that was the title) one of those shows with a spaceship having adventures each week, but it was all marionettes. It was pretty cheesy (sorry you vegans), but still fun to watch. I remember liking the theme music.
Posted by Kerry @ 03/13/2003 02:09 PM PST

Click on my name, Kerry, to hear the closing theme from FIREBALL XL5!!!
Posted by Gerry Anderson @ 03/13/2003 02:19 PM PST

BK wrote: I miss those star vehicles. I actually think it would help certain composers to write for specific people
I know it's been one of my greatest pleasures to write for specific people: Lisa Erickson in Popsicle Palace; Mary Denmead and Gail Dennison in Area 51; Carissa Diest a year ago in A Time For Heroes and Hoagies.
Which makes it all the sadder I'll never be able to write for one of my favorite actresses, Lynne Thigpen. I fell in love with her when I saw Tintypes.
Good Sondheim quote.
I'll go with On Her Majesty's Secret Service as my favorite Barry; the score's the best thing about the film.
Posted by Noel @ 03/13/2003 02:25 PM PST

Today's Post Scoreboard
9 - Lulu
8 - Jrand52
8 - William F. Orr
Posted by The 7th Inning Stretch @ 03/13/2003 02:26 PM PST

Gerry, That's IT!
Fireball XL5. Of course. What a stupid but cute song, but I know why I liked it. It kind of sounded like James Darren (who I thought was real cute at the time). How funny. Thanks.
Posted by Kerry @ 03/13/2003 02:27 PM PST

Can't comment, I have reached my posting limit for the day.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 02:29 PM PST

LOL! Well, I guess that I can take a hint! ;)
Posted by Lulu @ 03/13/2003 02:39 PM PST

I, being several years younger than Dear Reader Kerry, do not remember Burger Chef or Fireball XL5 in Phoenix.
Posted by Laura @ 03/13/2003 02:40 PM PST

Playbill.com had an interesting article yesterday about an upcoming revisical concert of "What Makes Sammy Run" at Hoftra University in Long Island next week. The book was revised by Budd Schulberg and this site's former member, Mr. Armin, and Irwin Drake has written some new songs. I saw the show back in 1964 and at best thought it mediocre. What was particulary interesting in the article was a link to a What Makes Sammy Run site that had some very interesting information about the book, the musical and the TV production back in 1959 (actually the 2nd TV production). I remember that 1959 presentation vividly, even though I was only 12 at the time. Funny how some TV shows that you have seen in your youth really stick in your memory. Anyway, on the WMSR site there was a link to a Larry Blyden (who starred in that TV production) site. What I particularly found interesting at that latter site was a link to the cut song "When We're 65" sung by Blyden and Barbra in "On A Clear Day." I wound up hearing the catchy tune all night (even through the dreadful "Romeo and Bernadette" at the PaperMill Playhouse last night). Blyden seemed to have a tragic life: his wife (Carol Haney) died young, he died young in an auto accident, and his son recently died young.
Posted by steveg @ 03/13/2003 02:53 PM PST

Jrand52, William F. Orr and Lulu - pay no attention to "seventh inning stretch" - your posts and contributions are wonderful and you can do as many as you like.
As to seventh-inning stretch - you are about to receive a proper and well-deserved bitch-slapping, so beware.
Posted by bk @ 03/13/2003 03:05 PM PST

Thanks, BK. 8-D
Larry Blyden's son was interviewed on I think E! Mysteries and Scandals, and I visited the website he was building about his late father.
Yes, it is all very sad. Blyden hosted a game show called 'Hollywood Stars Game' or some such in the late 1960's. One star and a couple of contestants would try to indentify posters or pictures. Shelley Winters was on one day...and suddenly said, "Oh - you're married to that wonderful girl who danced in 'Pajama Game.'" And Blyden replied: "Was married...I WAS married to her...."
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 03:26 PM PST

Lynne Thigpen was a wonderful actress. Like many of my generation, she was for me the eternal voice of reason as the chief on Carmen Sandiego. I have seen some of her other performances, and she really was a wonderful presence-strong yet warm. I will miss her, and am saddened that I will neither see her live nor work with her. I wonder what the cause of death was. I hope that it was not foul play.
I think that there are some cases where composers write for stars: Marie Christine was certainly written for Audra. And it certainly was a good show for her. Was it good as a show? We could debate that for years.
The Goodman recently announced their 2003-04 season. I have to go to Northwestern, just to see those shows! (I imagine that they have cheap student subscriptions. Anyone know?) It includes the second production of Guettel's newest, "A Light in the Piazza", Shaw's "Heartbreak House", one of my favorite plays ever, the two most recent Albees, simultaneously, "Crowns", "Proof" with an all-black cast, and more. Okay, gushing finished.
I am sending my strongest vibes to you! I'll go to see you if you are anywhere near me!
Posted by Hapgood @ 03/13/2003 04:46 PM PST

Dear Jrand: LOL...I played Edna in Prisoner, a few years back...had a great time, loved the part.
Posted by KT @ 03/13/2003 04:51 PM PST

Favorite John Barry:
"Out of Africa"
"Somewhere in Time"
"The Lion in Winter"
"On Her Majesty's Secret Service"
"Mary, Queen of Scots"
Lynn Thigpen -- talented, warm and memorable performer.
7th Inning Stretch -- They don't come lower than you, do they? What's your damage? Your are so pathetic, you're COUNTING how many posts people are submitting? To what end? One wonders. Not.
JRand52 -- Since you've lived in Indy so long (I was there after Farmer's death), I'm wondering if you remember the dude who used to introduce -- and offer comments during the breaks -- the horror movies that played after midnight on a local independent channel. He was always made up in ghoulish (and terribly funny) costumes. What a riot. I used to stagger in around 1:30 or 2 a.m. on a Saturday after hitting some clubs and I'd have a huge back of White Castles and onion chips and I'd watch the horror flick and giggle at his commentaries.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 03/13/2003 05:46 PM PST

That's a huge "bag" of White Castles. And I guess "stagger" isn't actually the word I ought to use...although I was normally so tired, it was apt.
And this TV guy only did this on the weekends.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 03/13/2003 05:48 PM PST

Ron, that was Sammy Terry - check Lulu's post above for a link. Bob Carter was the owner of a local music store. He did appearances as Sammy into the 1990's, but has since sold his store and retired.
My sister Molly is still scared of his laugh! He showed the Shock Theatre packages of Universal horror flicks, American International teen pics, and wild dubbed Mexican horror films. Perfect late night-early morning entertainment.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 05:53 PM PST

MARIE CHRISTINE may have been written for Audra, but she certainly was not the only one to play the role in the original production. During its brief scheduled run, Sherry Boone played all Wednesday and Saturday matinees and whenever else Audra didn't feel like going on or had other commitments. Since I did not see either of them I can't comment on how good Sherry was although I have heard that she was as good as or better than Audra. Why should a songwritter compose a show for a specific performer if the performer is going to miss so many performances? Martin and Merman never missed performances. Many stars of today do.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 03/13/2003 05:53 PM PST

WOW! THANKS, LULU! That's what happens when you don't read EVERY SINGLE POST -- YOU MISS IMPORTANT STUFF.
Wow! Sammy Terry! That's him, all right!
What a head trip!
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 03/13/2003 06:01 PM PST

I even remember this...
"That's what you get, at Burger Chef
That's what you get, today!"
Posted by Dave @ 03/13/2003 06:21 PM PST

Burger Chef had a great ham and cheese sandwich - but my favorite drive in burger was the Brawny Lad from Frisch's Big Boy. 8-D
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/13/2003 06:24 PM PST

Anyone remember "Wonderama"? I think it was a syndicated show, so it may have been on in areas other than NY. Also, for the n
New Yorkers out there, do you remember the "Uncle Floyd Show"? It was on one of the UHF channels here in the NY area (this was WAY before public access channels on cable). Wasn't he discovered by/a contemporary of Dr. Demento? How many of us remember staying up late to catch Dr. Demento's show on the radio?
Posted by Ray @ 03/13/2003 07:25 PM PST

I remember Wonderama very well. Now, where in tarnation has everyone suddenly disappeared to, that's what I'd like to know. That's what I'M talkin' about. Not that I'm complaing about seventy count them seventy postings, oh, no, I am not complaining, I am dancing the Hora. But one must maintain the flow, mustn't one. If the flow goes so goes the flow don't you know. Let us return to those thrilling days of yesteryear when we had the flow.
Posted by bk @ 03/13/2003 09:42 PM PST

Where in tarnation am I? Well, I was at a community college theater seeing a production of "Lucky Stiff."
Thank you, BK, for recording that cute show for us. It's a lot of fun to listen to!
Posted by Laura @ 03/13/2003 10:23 PM PST

Good morning, Good day! -Ah, a She Loves Me reference...
Or at this time of day for me, Good early morning, Good Day...
I will have to admit up front that I more or less just skimmed over the posts from today and yesterday, but, as I did yesterday, I just wanted to make sure I posted today/yesterday. I'll read them more completely when I get back to Richmond Saturday night.
I had a very nice, full day in New York today. I walked around the Village for a couple of hours - before the rain and wet snow came. Then had a wonderful lunch, and wonderful catch up session with my friend, John - who, as it turns out knows our very own BK from his Bay Cities days (I'll e-mail you the specifics later, BK - it's nothing tawdry ;-) ). Then I finally made it to the new Drama Book Shop location, and spent about an hour there admiring the new space and looking at all the scripts and scores I wanted to buy, but didn't. Then it was time for my usual walk around Times Square, my trip to the bargain table at Patelson's (they had all but three of the volumes of the latest Grove's Dictionary in paperback for only $7.98 each - I was VERY tempted), and finally took my traditional break in the lobby of the Marriott Marquis - how I do miss the revolving bar.
I was toying with seeing Les Miserables all day, and had even printed out some discount vouchers. Funny thing - as soon as I was about to walk into the Imperial, I got "scared". As I walked away, I realized that: (a) I had seen the original cast twice, (b) I had seen the original 3:15 version of the show, (c) I had seen the show with a very special friend, who, unfortunately, is no longer with us, and, most importantly, (d) I didn't want to "ruin" the memories of the show - especially since this is the "new and improved - and shortened" Les Miserables.
Does that seem weird to anyone?
So, I headed back to my friend's place in Brooklyn, grabbed some takeaway at the Chip Shop (and, yes, I finally got my fried Twinkie!!!), and watched Must-See TV for the first time this season. It turned out to be a lovely ending to a perfectly lovely day - and it was lovely despite the weather being so crappy for part of it.
It was one of those "I need to move up here" days, so, who knows... I'll keep you posted, Craig.
-I was in bed, but a police siren woke me up, so now I'm typing this, then heading back to bed...
Tomorrow, I shall be having lunch with our very own Michael Rupert, and then, I believe our very own Jason and I shall be having a late lunch/early dinner before he heads to work, and I head across the plaza to see A Little Night Music.
Oh, and today was my Chocolate Day. I started off with a few pieces from Li-Lac in the Village, and then some from Chocolate Bar in Chelsea, and then a walk-thru of the new Hershey store off of Times Square - fun, well designed place - and some fun, but undoubtedly overpriced, souvenirs. -Oh, and I also for a fried Mars Bar too... Tomorrow will be my Japanese day - and I'll explain that later. I better get back to bed....
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 03/13/2003 11:37 PM PST

"I also for a fried Mars Bar too..."
"for" ????
-Guess it is time for me to go to bed... But first...
Truly sad new about Lynne Thigpen. Such a distinctive actress with a distinctive voice. She will be missed.
Jason - Continued "Break Legs" with your callbacks. We'll talk later.
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 03/13/2003 11:40 PM PST

Steveg (and everyone else):
The What Makes Sammy Run? here is part of a conference here called "The Broadway Musical: 1920-2020:" It runs from March 27 to the 30th.
Ben Brantley is giving the opening address, and Liz Smith (!) is the banquet speaker.
Lots of academic papers, of course, but among the participants listed in my program are Pat Birch, Walter Bobbie, Martin Charnin, Susan Schulman, Sheldon Harnick, Joseph Stein, Edgar Lansbury, Cy Coleman (and his trio will be playing), David Zippel, Wendy Wasserestein, Robert Kimball, Melvin Van Peebles, Leslie Uggams, Ervin Drake, Douglas Watts, Budd Schulberg, ... that's just a few!
I'm all jiggy and am going to cut some of my classes for this.
The Sammy is listed as "in concert" and stars John Gabriel and Barbara Fasano.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/14/2003 06:36 AM PST

Jose,
I have a hundred questions for you to ask our very own Michael Rupert--but they all slipped out of my mind. Well, have fun.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/14/2003 06:38 AM PST

Oh yes, Jose, does he remember the Friday night performance of Pippin when his entrance prompted an audience member (right in front of me, to my chagrin!) to scream, "He's Jewish!!"?
We saw Michael at a bar after the show and asked him to autograph our programs.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 03/14/2003 06:41 AM PST

I'm about to head out for my callback for Bucks Co. Playhouse. I just visited their website, and I found out that Mr. Eddie Mekka (Carmine on Laverne and Shirley) will be playing Tevye in FIDDLER. BK--did you do L&S with Mr. Mekka? Anyway, I'm off to that audition and then Jose and I are planning to sup together (as he posted previously), and then HE'S off to Lincoln Center, as I have tonight off!
Thanks for all of your encouragement and vibes. Please keep those positive vibes comin'! Especially around noon...thanks!
Posted by Jason @ 03/14/2003 07:29 AM PST

What great fun everyone is having.
Bill Orr - what great fun and opportunities for you!
Jason - break legs! And let us know.
Jose what a perfect day you wrote about yesterday...and you should have better weather today!
Eddie Mekka - those dance routines were the coolest. Did Penny Marshall choreograph them? And was the Mike Henry that Penny was married to many years ago - the same Mike Henry that played Tarzan in some movies?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 03/14/2003 07:44 AM PST

Jason: Positive vibes headed your way...although it is only 11:00...
Posted by Lulu @ 03/14/2003 07:46 AM PST

11:22 EST - best of luck, Jason, as you head out to your callback!
Re Lynne Thigpen - remember her first from "Godspell", later in "Working", then "Carmine San Diego" (which I initially watchde to see Rockapella). A shame she didn't do more musicals - what a voice!
Also - a reminder to everyone to check out Ron P's excellent BK web page - tons of great info very well laid out. Kudos to a fellow Kimlet!
And to George - thanks again for the MT CD.
Posted by Phil @ 03/14/2003 08:16 AM PST

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