Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 08:54 AM PST

Hmmm... This sounds like fun! I'll have to join in later as I'm running late myself...

Topics? Theatre... Movies... Plays... Books... TV... FOOD!!!

:-)

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 04/23/2003 09:04 AM PST

I believe our first color TV was a Zenith.. but I can't recall what show was the first I saw in color...

More later..

Posted by Craig @ 04/23/2003 09:10 AM PST

Okay, Craig. 8-D

I would like to see a revival (not a revisal) of THE PAJAMA GAME.

My dream cast would include:

Babe (Janis Paige OBC) Alice Ripley
Sid (John Raitt OBC) Brent Barrett
Gladys (Carol Haney OBC) Sutton Foster
Hines (Eddie Foy Jr OBC) Victor Garber
Mabel (Reta Shaw OBC) Emily Skinner
Prez (Stanley Prager OBC) Hunter Foster

My Nightmare Cast:

Babe - Melanie Griffith
Sid - Peter Gallagher
Gladys - Sarah Jessica Parker
Hines - Fyvesh Finkel
Mabel - Harvey Fierstein
Prez - Jack Noseworthy

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 09:12 AM PST

Show to be revived: "Fiorello" or "Most Happy Fella" -- as for cast, I'd rather be surprised than to try to cast roles from the performers I'm familiar with.

My family got its first "color TV" in 1966. I don't remember what show I first saw in color, but I do remember the first time I saw the NBC peacock in living color..and I made sure we watched "Disney's Wonderful World of Color" the first Sunday after the set arrived.

What was odd was my parents' reaction when I wanted to see "The Wizard of Oz" -- they couldn't figure out why I'd want to see it "again" until it aired, and then they were as mesmerized as I was since they had no memory of the film's Oz sequences being in color.

What I'd like to ask of our Dear Readers is this:

What is your favorite vocal by your favorite theatrical artist?

Mine is "Anyone Can Whistle" as sung by Anthony Warlow.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/23/2003 09:16 AM PST

P.S. The first color TV in my home was an RCA.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/23/2003 09:17 AM PST

If I remember my History of English correctly, "short" and "shrift" are actually from the same root and became different words when one of those Grimm vowel shifts took place. Therefore, you are actually saying you are giving something/someone "short short", which I believe is extremely unseemly.

My question: I asked BK a little while ago about tunes ghostwritten by others for musicals. I put the question out to all dear readers who may know of such things--what specific tunes in which specific shows were ghostwritten by others?

Posted by JMK @ 04/23/2003 09:19 AM PST

I don't remember the make of our first color TV, I just remember that it was one of those LARGE thing. We got it in 1962. Probably the first thing we watched in color was Wonderful World of Disney.

I'll have to think about and come back for the question about show and dream/nightmare casts. I'll also have to come up with a question myself.

Posted by Ben @ 04/23/2003 09:30 AM PST

I don't know if I have an absolute all time number 1 favorite. It changes like my list of 10 favorite show tunes. Some that leap to mind are

Barbara Cook-Losing My Mind

Judy Garland-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (the sequence from the film, not just a concert performance)

Elaine Stritch-The Ladies Who Lunch

Patti LuPone-Meadowlark

Noel Coward-Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington

Posted by Ben @ 04/23/2003 09:36 AM PST

First of all, BK, we probably won't be able to make it Saturday. I thought the site was easily reachable by New Jersey Transit, but it's not. There is a bus that goes partially there but then it's still a cab ride after that. However we hope to see you when you are in town recording next month.

If there is any Dear Reader in the NYC area going to see BK and Aura in Jersey Saturday and has room in his/her car for two more, please click on my name.

My question for other Dear Readers:

How did you first discover HHW?

My answers to the above questions:

I would love to see Karen Ziemba in a revival of IRMA LA DOUCE, an all-star cast in a revival of PROMENADE and a fully staged HUMAN COMEDY. However I may be the only one.

I got my first color tv when I was already living on my own in the late 60s. However my parent's neighbors had one years earlier and we would occasionally go next door when something special like "Color Me Barbra" was on.

Favorite vocal by a theatrical artist: Anything on the BB AJL CD.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/23/2003 09:37 AM PST

Oh and one other that I didn't answer. The "ghost written" songs I know of were already mentioned the last time that topic was brought up. However I don't think anyone mentioned that Neil Simon ghosted some of the dialogue for A CHORUS LINE.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/23/2003 09:40 AM PST

Tough question - I also like EVERYTHING on the BB AJL CD.

And I don't know if she qualifies as a theatrical performer - but I really like to hear Betty Hutton sing "I Wish I Didn't Love You So."

And Polly Bergen's "Something Wonderful" is also very good.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 09:47 AM PST

I have my ticket -- orchestra seat, matinee performance, May 31 -- to see -- (TA-DA!)

WICKED

At San Francisco's Curran Theater!

Hooray!

The poster art is superb!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/23/2003 09:59 AM PST

That's interesting about the lines at your post office. I wonder if many places in the US have the same problem. I know of someone else in CA whose post office lines experiences sound just as bad.

Here in the suburbia of Montreal we have post offices in the drug stores at the malls. And you never have to wait more than 5 minutes. I'm not sure what I'd do if i had to deal with packed crowds. I don't think i would like it very much.

Jennifer

Posted by Jennifer @ 04/23/2003 10:05 AM PST

The post office here in my hometown is crowded now and then. There are not many parking spaces.

I don't know why the people with PO Boxes decide to come and get their mail during the busiest times of day. I don't know why people who want to mail packages don't have them ready.

One day when I was waiting to mail one package - to dear reader JMK, I think - a lady and her daughter had about a dozen BIG boxes. She had written the wrong zip code on some of them, so that took time. Then she wanted some of them to go priority and some not. And then she sent her daughter out to the van to get the rest of them. When I asked her what they were, she said they sending out Quilts for Christ. I asked if he couldn't do that himself, and was given a very straight forward answer. It was in essence, no.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 10:12 AM PST

And when I remembered this story, I just realized that the lady who damned me to hell for not casting her 13 year old daughter as Nellie Forbush last week was wasting her time. It was a duplication of effort!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 10:23 AM PST

The Post Offices in NYC are nightmares... both near the office and near home. They have enough windows, but most of them are closed (especially around the lunch hour). Also people wait in line without their forms filled out correctly so they go to fill them out and are allowed to automatically go to the front of the line instead of waiting again making the rest of us wait longer.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/23/2003 10:59 AM PST

First, my dumb question...what is the "BB AJL" CD ?

Second, to answer some of the already posted questions.....
my 2 revival choices -- "Li'l Abner" or "Mack & Mabel."

Color TV was a luxury that waited quite awhile...first set I think was an RCA or a Zenith.

And finally my own questions to some specific dear readers...these are just to satisfy my own curiousity as a short-time reader and poster here at HHW -- inquiring minds want to know;

DR Jrand52 -- in what city are you, what type of production or occupation are or were you involved in, and what is your age now?

DR Jose -- being a musician also, I'm curious as to what all is included in your work life, your experience and background, and also your city and age.

DR Lulu -- is your name really Lulu? I actually had a friend once with that name, and it was on her birth certificate.

DR Jason -- what is the latest on all of your auditions, do you live right in Manhattan, where were you from originally, and what is your current age?

DR WEL -- it sounds like you live in Manhattan...what was your background and training, what type of production or occupation are or were you involved in, and what is your age now?

DRs Matt and Hapgood -- it sounds like you are both fairly young and getting started. Where do you live, what are you studying or planning to work in, and where do you live?

I apologize for asking about ages, if it bothers anyone, but it helps to put a mental idea of the person with a name. By the way, I'm 58, live in Phoenix, been a musician for almost 40 years, had the fun of playing a concert in Radio City Music Hall once and also got to play the "live to air" music a couple of times for "General Hospital" back in the 60s, have gotten to eat dinner with dear reader Kerry for 30 of those years, love theatre, music, production, and performance in many forms as long as it is well done, good quality, and can touch my insides.

Thanks all so much...I think the posts and ideas from everyone here at HHW are lively, informed, and often wonderfully amusing. Cheers to esteemed BK for being a unique catalyst.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 04/23/2003 11:02 AM PST

BB AJL == Brent Barrett's Alan Jay Lerner album.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/23/2003 11:12 AM PST

Music Guy -
Thanks for your questions. I'm 60 and live in Queens which is part of NYC even if most people don't consider it so. Although I've done various summer stock in my youth and directed a few shows years ago (not in NYC) my main involvement in theatre is as a member of the audience. I work as controller for a candy manufacturer/importer, not in any show biz job although I was business manager of a regional theatre in the 60s/70s.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/23/2003 11:28 AM PST

Music Guy - I am 52 years old. I know I started out as Jrand55, but that was an MSN assignment.

I am currently directing a community theatre production of SOUTH PACIFIC. Details of my home theatre can be found at http://pcpbarn.tripod.com
with LOTS of popups. Not much news since it is early in the season.

Some of us have photos in the Rogues Gallery that can be found by clicking on 'Photos' on the HHW mainpage. I am there visiting the lovely Frances Farmer, or what's left of her. I live in Mooresville, Indiana, which is about 15 minutes southwest of Indianapolis.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 11:31 AM PST

MusicGuy - you worked on General Hospital? During the early 1960's? OMG...then maybe you remember the actress who played the lovely Priscilla Longworth?

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 11:34 AM PST

I just checked Footlights.Com and discovered they are advertising The Sherman Bros. Album. I urge you all if you are going to buy it get it there or at Amazon or see if your local store has it. Do not order it from the distributor for obvious reasons.

However the big news is some small label I have never heard of has just released for the first time on CD a cast album I have been waiting for ever since shows started being reissued on CD: NEW FACES OF 1952. Can 56 be far behind? Also does this mean that some of the previously unreleased RCA OC albums will be released on this label?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/23/2003 11:35 AM PST

I expect the first show I watched in color was The Wonderful World of Disney on our family TV. I believe my first color set was an RCA in 1967. I was 18 and living on my own with only an old black and white set. My husband, then my finance, insisted we get me a color TV. I just didn't understand the need for such an expensive purchase. How quickly one gets spoiled

Posted by Jane @ 04/23/2003 11:55 AM PST

My very first computer was a Timex 1000 with a membrane keyboard and the monitor hooked up to an old black & white television set. It had a whopping 1K of memory. It was good for playing some games and learning a little bit of BASIC, the programming language. We then moved up to an Atari 800XL. We considered an Amiga but thought Atari would be around for the long haul (ha, ha). We upgraded to another Atari after that, can't remember the model but it was a top of the line then finally broke down and bought a series of PCs. I just got my newest computer 2 months ago and I'm very happy with it.

Posted by Ben @ 04/23/2003 12:06 PM PST

What simply loverly posts. I'll say it again - this is the most civilized and sparkling place on all the Internet.

MusicGuy: I have always wanted to be a catalyst and now I am. Now that I am a catalyst should I speak Catalan? Should I make lysts of cats? Should I find a catalyst on a hot tin roof? Should I let the catalyst out of the bag? Should I wear the catalyst's pajamas? We don't allow groaning here at haineshisway.com

Posted by bk @ 04/23/2003 12:10 PM PST

Back from recent errancy and truancy:

DR WEL: The "New Faces of 1952" is being released in the UK where the copyright laws are different and that has passed into Public Domain there. They won't have access to the master tapes so I wouldn't bet in the sound quality.

First TV was an RCA, and I LOVED watching BATMAN (the original series) each Wednesday and Thursday evening.

Posted by Philip Crosby @ 04/23/2003 12:12 PM PST

He should also travel by catamaran.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 12:12 PM PST

The writing on the RCA Victor albums was so hard to read.

Silver writing on a black label.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 01:04 PM PST

Dear erudite and esteemed BK -- I knew you would make the most (and then more) out of catalyst :) Have a very safe and prosperous trip, but come back soon (how very Fagin), for there will be nothing but a black hole in Studio City while you are away. More importantly, they do not know how to make pounded steak in New Jersey!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 04/23/2003 01:05 PM PST

Taps foot.

Music Guy - Priscilla Longworth..General Hospital..1960's...what do you know?

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 01:07 PM PST

DR Jrand52,
Playing the music (as a substitute...a friend of mine was the music director) for General Hospital was more fun than I can tell you. The cast was relatively small, the plots were fairly believable, and even though it went on tape for a one week delay (as a safety for a possible car accident or somethin to one of the leads), the director insisted that it be done straight through, no cuts, no re-takes, just as if it were live to air.
I'm afraid I don't remember the actress for the character that you asked about; the main people then were Dr. Hardy (John Beradino), the lovely and long-suffering nurse Audrey (Rachel Ames) and her older sister nurse Lucille (Lucille Wall). I will always be grateful for how kind and friendly both Rachel and Lucille were to me, and how much fun it was to get Lucille to tell all about her days in radio starring on both "Portia Faces Life" and "Lorenzo Jones and His Wife Belle."

Also, thanks so much to all who have answered my nosy questions of earlier today.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 04/23/2003 01:14 PM PST

DR Jrand52,

By the way, my GH days were around 1967 to 1969.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 04/23/2003 01:16 PM PST

In answer to Ron's question about my favorite vocal by a theatrical artist...

Hard to pin down but one that always gets to me is Ethel Merman's rendition of "Rose's Turn." The moment in the song when she realizes she did it all for herself, just tears me up.

I also love ALL THE SONGS from the album A CHRISTMAS TREASURE by Julie Andrews. Andre Previn did all of the arrangements (superbly!) and everytime I listen to it the combination of these two talents makes me swoon. And to think I bought it for all of one dollar from a gas station in my neighborhood many moons ago!

You can bet there are more that I'll post later.

QUESTION TO DEAR READER FRANCOIS -- Are you really French? Do you live there? If so, what city? What kind of work do you do? Have you ever visited America? Do the French, as a whole, really hate us that much?

Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 04/23/2003 01:19 PM PST

Our first color television set was a Heathkit. Yes, my father built it himself, and I helped him. It worked so well that he built one for HIS father (and again, I helped).

Is Heathkit still in business?

Posted by S. Woody White @ 04/23/2003 01:19 PM PST

Dear Reader Music Guy: Well, now, I was born to a middle-class suburban couple in Indianapolis in the '70s, so what do you suppose the odds are regarding my name? ;)

Our "first color TV" (purchased before I was born) was an RCA. The little bulb that allowed us to see which channel was on was perpetually burned out (there was a short or something; we'd replace the bulb and it would immediately go out), but other than that it gave us faithful service for more than 15 years. Needless to say it was one of those huge, wooden cabinet consoles that are no longer made.

Musical I'd most like to see revived...hmmmm, how about Flahooley (sp?)? I've no idea who I would cast, but if anyone has any suggestions, by all means pitch 'em up here. :)

Posted by Lulu @ 04/23/2003 01:41 PM PST

Despite what one think's about Bernadette Peters as Mama Rose, I feel that Michael Riedel went too far in his column today (NY Post):

"Only two weeks into previews and Bernadette Peters is starting to miss performances. She was out Monday and Tuesday... Funny how a person can develop a cold from being passed over by the Outer Critics Circle Award nominators."

Does anyone know if it is true that in all her Broadway contracts there is a clause that if Ms. Peters does not win the Tony she can leave earlier than the contracted date and if she is not even nominated she can leave even earlier? I read this about an earlier show and wonder if it is the truth or a rumor someone was trying to spread.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/23/2003 01:42 PM PST

I just realized that I was spreading this by posting it here, but it has been posted in several places and I wonder if anyone else heard it?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/23/2003 01:44 PM PST

I had heard various reports that Bernadette had been sick during her last few performances, and was struggling to keep her voice throughout the show. So I think it is fair to say she is legitimately ill, and owes it to herself and her fans to rest and recover, so she can be there for opening night.

Posted by Dave @ 04/23/2003 01:47 PM PST

Ahhh...okay, MusicGuy. Allison Hayes played Priscilla Longworth 63-64. 8-D

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 01:49 PM PST

I just remembered my favorite vocal performance (although I saw her do it later on a TV special).... Miss Ethel Waters singing "Suppertime" - talk about the most heart crushing performance!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 04/23/2003 02:13 PM PST

Was that NEW FACES CD on the Flare label? I ask because I got the Dinah Shore/CALL ME MADAM cast album (except for Shore, of course) on this London import label. NEW FACES is certainly highly sought after by collectors, but I'd think Bette Davis' TWO'S COMPANY would be even more prized.

Oh, my age is showing, too, but our first color TV was an Admiral, and my dad bought it so he could see BONANZA and we could see BATMAN. What a BIG moment it was in our house when that TV was installed. We got a new rotor antenna for the roof, too, so we thought we had died and gone to heaven. It was SO great seeing the three networks have the "color" logos run before the actual show, kind of like how they advertise shows in high definition now except it was done before the show even started.

As for a show I'd most like to see revived, my pick would be PROMISES PROMISES. Such a big hit in its day, and it seems to have been totally forgotten.

Posted by Matt H. @ 04/23/2003 02:20 PM PST

Woody - wowow! I always looked at the HeathKit ads in Popular Science and Popular Mechanics. I am fascinated that you built your own color television....just like it said you could. WOW!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 02:26 PM PST

You have colored TV? What next? Colored telephones.
(Just keep walking).
Is there anyone old enough to remember Linda Laurie?

Posted by Ambrose @ 04/23/2003 02:44 PM PST

I forgot to comment on my ghostwriting gossip. I friend on the inside whispered to me some years ago that Richard Rodgers did not write either "Something Good" or "I Have Confidence" for the film of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, though he gets credit for both. They were supposedly ghostwritten by associate producer Saul Chaplin.

Posted by Matt H. @ 04/23/2003 02:46 PM PST

DR Donna. François will be no doubt be back tomorrow to answer your questions. He needs to be at work for access to HHW. He works and lives in Paris (not Texas).

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 04/23/2003 02:47 PM PST

That's right...Paris...in France, Europe (oh! A Lorelei Lee reference!)

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/23/2003 02:54 PM PST

I am amazed that people remember which color tv set they had first. We had B & W for the longest time. My grandparents had a color tv set and I used to go visit them on friday night stay over and watch cartoons in color.

If I had to gues which tv set we first got it would have to be a Sony or Sanyo as they were clients of my father's law firm.

Musical Revival and Dreamcast: Merrily We Roll Along...Brent Barrett as Frank, Jason Graae as Charlie, Liz Callaway (against type) as Gussie, Sally Mayes as Mary, Gregory Jbara as Joe, Debbie Gravitte as Beth

Favorite musical vocal currently is Old Friend by Ann Hampton Callaway

Ghost written songs: Bob Merrill, Charles Strouse/lee Adamas for Hello Dolly; Jerry Herman for Ben Franklin in Paris; Bock and Harnick for Baker Street, Stephen Sondheim for The Mad Show and Illya Darling: Charnin and Lawrence the majority of the score for La Strada, The Red Shoes lyrics by Bob Merrill for some reason credited himself as Paul Stryker. Also Michael Stewart wrote the book for Seesaw, Neil Simon did rewrites. Stewart wanted his name off the credits, Simon didn't want his on. So Michael Bennett took credit.

BTW Saul Chaplin did write a lot of both songs for The Sound of Music. Maybe this is why neither song was nominated for an oscar. (The Winner was The Shadow of Your Smile and the nominees were: The Ballad of Cat Ballou, The Sweetheart Tree, I'll Wait For You and What's New Pussycat)
How did I find HHW? I think I asked Bruce to let me know if he started something new after I found out what happened at FA.

My 6 cd player in my car is on the fritz!! They have to order a new one. Damn them. Damn them all to hell.

My question: What was your most memorable theatrical experience?

Mine was the entire day in the Plymouth Theater seeing the RSC production of Nicholas Nickleby (Roger Rees and companty) October 1981. It was worth the $100.

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 04/23/2003 03:05 PM PST

My first color TV was also a Heathkit, which I built for my parents in 1966 or '67. It was a big 25" model, the biggest of its time and had a great picture. One of the benefits of making it oneself was that if anything went wrong, I was able to fix it myself. It had a built-in converger so that was periodically able to optimize the picture for color clarity. My parents had a cabinet maker build a big cabinet for it for our living room, which also enclosed our stereo's speakers. They had the TV for many, many years. I later build a smaller one for myself, which I took when I got married.

I'm hoping that Bernadette is back by tomorrow or Friday at the latest, since we have tickets for that night. You can't blame anyone for being sick and reports were that she was really not well. If she's not there, however, I won't see it regardless of how good her US is.

I also would like to see "Promises, Promises" again, as well as "Li'l Abner". I saw the latter back in '57, at age 10 on B'way at the St. James. It was one of my first shows and remember getting Edie Adams', Charlette Ray's, and Peter Palmer's autographs on the Playbill, which I know I still have.

Favorite vocal by theatrical performer, there are too many but they would have to include Merman's "Everything's Coming Up Roses", Barbra's "I'm The Greatest Star", Holliday's "The Party's Over", Mostel's "If I Were A Rich Man", Kiley's "The Impossible Dream" (although that's not the original title), Raitt's "Soliloquy" and "Hey There", Crawford's "Music of the Night", Wilcomson's "Bring Him Home", Pinza's "Some Enchanted Evening", Martin's "A Wonderful Guy", Reardon's and Dussalt's "Make Someone Happy", Goulet's "If Ever I would Leave You", Andrew's "I Could Have Danced All Night" and others I'm too tired to remember.

Posted by steveg @ 04/23/2003 03:10 PM PST

Ambrose: I remember Linda *Lavin*...is that close enough for me to win a prize?

Posted by Lulu @ 04/23/2003 03:12 PM PST

Another question did anyone ever see the 4 hour version of the Greatest Story Ever Told? The DVD release runs at 199 minutes

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 04/23/2003 03:20 PM PST

I just got a call from my agent with some of the best news I've gotten in a long time! For more information, read this...

:)

Mr. Mark Bakalor

Posted by Mr. Mark Bakalor @ 04/23/2003 03:24 PM PST

Mark! That's fabulous! Congratulations. :)

And don't you think it's fitting that it's for "BK"...? ;)

Posted by Lulu @ 04/23/2003 03:32 PM PST

CONGRATS! MARK!

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 04/23/2003 03:35 PM PST

call me crazy, but the shows that I'd like to see revived were all flops:
CARRIE
WHOOP-UP!
OH, CAPTAIN
ANGEL
DONNYBROOK
let's not even REVISE them, just get a good director and a great cast going. . .

first color tv was a Magnavox, and the first show i remember watching at home in color was BEWITCHED. (I had previously ventured to relatives' homes to watch THE WIZARD OF OZ, a yearly pilgramage).

favorite vocal(s):
"Who Will Love Me as I Am?" - Alice and Ems
"All the Wasted Time" - Carolee & Brent
"The Day After That" - Brian Stokes Mitchell
"Back to Before" - Marin Mazzie; with Deliah Hannah's running it a close second.
"Not While I'm Around" - Angela
"Alice Blue Gown" - Debbie Reynolds
"Bus From Amarillo" - Ann-Margret
"Old Friend" - Betty Buckley; quite possibly my favorite theater song as well.

my vital stats:
47 years old, Pittsburgher, cabaret-er, dvd reviewer, playwright and all around nice guy. . .anyone who needs my phone number, well, it was NEARLY posted over on RATM by a certain Mr. Newport. . .THE NERVE!

Posted by td @ 04/23/2003 05:30 PM PST

For DR Mark Bakalor -- congratulations on double good fortune...let us know when to watch for your Burger King spot. My one commercial spot was in 1968, Melbourne, Oz, and was for a cigarette company called Viscount....how uncorrect politically was that!?

Posted by MusicGuy @ 04/23/2003 06:21 PM PST

Dear Jrand: Building the Heathkit set was quite the experience. I got to learn all about how to properly solder electric pieces together (and not get burned in the process), the difference between capacitors and diodes (does anyone still use a diode, he asked in an Elaine Strich tone of voice), and how tolerant Mom could be when the project took up the entire dining room table and used every one of her muffin tins for sorting the various doodads. The only one in the family who didn't get involved was my sister, I think because she thought the cabinet the set eventually sat in was ugly.

Apparently Heathkit now specializes in training people in computer repair. Their website didn't say anything about the old kits, that I could find. Too bad; it would have been fun to try building a plasma-screen TV for my ever-lovin' der Brucer (and, if it worked, one for my Dad).

Posted by S. Woody White @ 04/23/2003 06:26 PM PST

Congratulations, Dear Reader Mr. Mark Bakalor!! I'll look for the commercial -- that is if Sandra will let me watch her tv.

Posted by Laura @ 04/23/2003 06:34 PM PST

I clicked on the link Mr Bakalor and the page came up - but where do we read the news?

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/23/2003 07:37 PM PST

How in the world could you miss the news if you clicked on the link? It's there in black and white! :)

I quote:

I just booked a national commercial for Burger King, shooting tomorrow. Apparently, I play a father washing his car with his son. Why in the period of two days I've gotten a beer commercial audition and a national commercial playing a father is beyond me. But I'm back in the saddle again, apparently. Fitting sometime today.

Updated Note: I am now under the impression that I will not be washing a car with my son. Instead, as I originally auditioned last week, I will be washing a car with my girlfriend. I'm not too young for a girlfriend. I've done that one a few times before. :)

The spot apparently starts shooting tomorrow directed by prolific commercial director Joe Pytka (Space Jam, Super Bowl commercial for Pepsi with Britney Spears,music videos for The Beatles and Michael Jackson, etc).

Phew. It's nice to be back! :)

Posted by Mr. Mark Bakalor @ 04/23/2003 07:45 PM PST

Congratulations Mark! I love hearing
about actors getting work, it gives
me hope for the future.
To answer MusicGuy's question: I
am a 17 year old high school senior
in Cleveland Heights, Ohio (regulars
probably know this). Theater is my
love and passion, and I will study it
at Northwestern in the fall. I have
fewer than four weeks until I go on
senior project, and in between I
have 2 major papers and 4 (!) AP
tests. (Which are tests for possible
college credit if you do well.)

My question to all (will there be a
way to put these up on the site
tomorrow, Bruce?): What was the
last theatrical production you saw,
where did you see it, and what did
you think of it?
I'll go first. I most recently saw "La
Cage Aux Folles" at the Beck
Center, which is a semi-professional
theater in Lakewood. While the play
has flaws, namely a faulty book
(some of the characters, such as the
son and the in-laws, are
undeveloped, the end is confusing,
the characters are overexaggerated,
etc.) and too many production
numbers that go on way to long and
hurt the narrative drive, it was
impossible not to have fun at this
production. Much of the score is
wonderful, the performances were
excellent (Particularly Albin and
Georges, who made you believe that
they had lived together for twenty
years.) and the design was stunning:
it was the most expensive show
Beck had ever done, and it showed-
a relatively elaborate set and literally
hundreds of costumes. All in all, it
was a highly satisfying night in the
theater, if not quite worth the
standing ovation that most of the rest
of the audience gave it.
Now to the dear readers.......

Posted by Hapgood @ 04/23/2003 07:50 PM PST

Joe Pytka, eh? Award-winning commercial director and screwball. I worked with him once on an airline commercial and he was mistreating some extras so badly that I yelled at him. He never bothered me, but boy was he an sob. Hopefully, he's calmed down now that he's older.

Posted by bk @ 04/23/2003 08:16 PM PST

Jason - What's the word on the
audition?

Mr. Bakalor - hoo hah hooray. . .
congratulations! I'll be enjoying my
Adkins lunch of a double whopper
without the bun even more now!

jrand - First program in Living Color I
believe was Disney, at a friend's
house, Dumbo. I wept at Baby Mine.

Craig - I'm with jrand on Pajama
Game. I wouldn't venture to suggest
a cast.

Ron - I think Bette Midler's take on
Millworker from Working is tops on
my list.
Judy Kaye singing the At the Movies
from Trouble in Tahiti.
Michael Feinstein's You and I.
Bonnie Raitt's Baby Mine.
Judy Kuhn singing darn near
anything.

WEL - DR jrand had repeatedly told
me how much I would enjoy HHW
and now that I am on my new
computer at home I can just luxuriate
in all this. All the postings are so
interesting.

Michael - My first trip to NYC with the
Indiana University tour. . . The Ritz,
Shenandoah, Chicago (damn,
Verdon was out, Minnelli was in), A
Chorus Line a week after it opened
uptown, The Wiz, Equus, Absurd
Person Singular. . . what a time!

My question to you all: What was
your most memorable brush with
greatness. . . mine was being
invited to study in Stephen
Sondheim's library while writing my
thesis in 1979 about his work with
rhyme and character. He even
answered the door when I arrived!

Back to you. . .

Posted by Kurt @ 04/23/2003 08:37 PM PST

Well, I was taken to THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD in Philadelphia the summer it was in release, but I honestly slept through a good portion of it. It was SO long, and we went to an evening showing. The were maybe four other people in this large theater that rainy night. I had wanted to see THE SOUND OF MUSIC again, but my aunt and uncle had seen it twice already and wanted to see something new. Ugh!

Most exciting theater experience: the original FOLLIES - bar none.

Posted by Matt H. @ 04/23/2003 08:59 PM PST

Questions, Questions, Questions...

Answers, Answers, Answers...

DR MusicGuy - Working backwards: I am 34 years old, and I currently live in Richmond, VA. -As does DR Phil Crosby. I hold a Bachelor's of Music in Piano Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University - also here in Richmond - with "unofficial minors" (long story) in Vocal Performance (tenor) and Vocal Coaching. I started playing piano when I was 9 (ah, a Maury Yeston reference), and have only studied with four teachers since then. I have been working professionally as a musician in one form or another since I was 16. -Actually, I did play the reception for my high school's art auction fundraiser when I was a sophomore. I used to do almost an equal amount of classical and show work, but lately, it's been mainly show work. *I LOVE accompanying voice recitals, and I've been fortunate to accompany a couple of Met Council winners in my day. And I try my best to keep my fingers "honest" by going back to my classical repertoire every now and then.

I am a freelance musician. Although I do love the prestige - and pay - that goes with being a conductor and/or musical director - I am most happy when I'm playing a piano/keyboard/synth. I still get a charge out of making music.

I work here and there, and in all sorts of venues. As many HHW regulars know, I had a very good 2002 - The Sondheim Celebration at the Kennedy Center (Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music - rehearsal pianist); Elton John's and Tim Rice's Aida (the two month tour stop at the Kennedy Center - keyboards); The Human Comedy for The Wayside Theatre (MD); Carmen Jones with Vanessa Williams, conducted by Maestro Domingo (rehearsal pianist); and South Pacific at Arena Stage (Assistant Conductor and keyboards). I just recently finished MDing a production of Hair for my alma mater, VCU, as well as doing some sub keyboard work for the Third National Tour of Beauty & The Beast. Whew!

-And I now have about four weeks off before finishing out the run of 1776 at Ford's Theatre. BUT I did just get a call this afternoon, and I'll be playing for the EPAs for Arena Stage's 2003-4 season next Friday in NYC! See you at the Equity Building!

So... I'm busy. Knock wood. -After 1776, I'm heading back out to Wayside for I Love You're Perfect, Now Change, and then... who knows... Although is that sweet smell in the wind I'm smelling freshly rained upon wheat? Hmmm... Or could it be the salty Grecian air? ;-)

I also get on these late night baking binges making treats for my casts. My current specialties: cheesecakes and poundcakes. YUM!

-Did that answer your question?

DR steveg: I'd actually like to see Bernadette's standby, Maureen Moore, more than I'd like to see Bernadette. Maureen is truly a force of nature on stage, and I have heard many good stories concerning how she prepares for auditions and roles, and the work shows. She was fantastic as Elaine Paige's standby in Sunset Boulevard. And she broke my heart in the current revival of Cabaret. She's an actress I'd like to see get some credit for originating a role, rather than standing-by for one. -And she was Ms. Peter's stand-by for Song & Dance. If I could get up to NYC tomorrow, I'd take your ticket if it was available. Btw, the pic of her on Playbill.com is not that flattering.

DR Jrand: I'm not sure what brand of color TV we first got. I just remember that we got it. Of course, by the mid-70's color TVs were starting to become standard home appliances, and I think I remember watching color TVs at friends' houses before we got out our own. BUT I did love our big ole black and white console. I still have images of that dappled sunlight through the trees bumper from CBS' "Guiding Light". -It was on when I got home from school.

-Oh, I do remember having to go to Radio Shack every once and while with my father to test all the tubes/fuses out on that big console.

DR Craig: Dream revival and dream cast? Too many possibilities... I'd have to think about it for a while. And as for nightmare casting? Waaay too many possibilities. Although Yoko Ono does come to mind. OH, but I would love to see Merrily We Roll Along with the original book and songs.

DR Mark: Congrats on the news! So, I can say I know the cute guy on the commercial now! ;-)

DR Ron: Favorites vocals - way too many to sort through, but:
"The Ladies Who Lunch" - Elaine Stritch
"My Brother Lived in San Francisco" - Emily Skinner
My former student, Dominic, singing "Gethsemane". WOW!

DR Hapgood: Hmmm... I think the last thing I saw was the City Opera production of A Little Night Music. Didn't hate it, didn't love it. Liked it. Before that, Sunday in the Park with George at the Kennedy Center last summer. Never have I been more moved by a show and a production... and it's a show I know by heart! -We'll see what happens in a few weeks at the Helen Hayes Awards!

Oh, and I guess, DR Michael, that last part would answer your question too.

DR WEL: I first discovered HHW by clicking on a link on Sondheim.com... and I've been here every since.

Did that cover (almost) everyone?

-Boy was/is this a long post.

-And I hate this "cold snap", it's making my body feel tired and achy... then again, that could be caused by not sleeping too well last night. -I need to buy my parents a new mattress for the guest room.

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 04/23/2003 09:10 PM PST

Oh... DR Kurt: My most memorable experience was also with Sondheim. During the Equity meeting last summer for Sweeney, the conductor, his assistant and myself went to the rehearsal room next door. And Mr. Sondheim joined us. Lots of great chat and gossip - no one can deliver a cuss work like he can - and we even helped him fix his new iMac. -or it may have been a PowerBook - it was one of those silver and white ones.

Oh, and coming in very close seconds - also from the Kennedy Center last year... Starting my day with a half hour as "repetiteur" for Christine Baranski. What a classy lady! And then playing AND singing through the Carmen Jones with Vanessa Williams when she came in for an extra rehearsal. I almost changed teams! ;-)

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 04/23/2003 09:17 PM PST

Hello, everyone! Here's an update...

I got to the audition studio about 10 minutes early (I prefer to be there at least 20 minutes early, and for just this very reason...) When I arrived, the casting director, Bob Cline, herded us all into the holding room and told us that the creative team (director, choreographer, etc.) were in the audition studio and that they didn't want to hear what Bob had given us to prepare. They wanted to hear a song NOT from the show that reflected the character that we were auditioning for. Well, Jud is a bass-baritone role, and I have mostly bari-tenor music in my audition folder, but I pulled out "Where's the Girl?" (from SCARLET PIMPERNEL) from the vaults and gave it the old college try. I haven't sung the piece in nearly 2 years and the darn thing is written in the key of Q-flat, but I did it. I only flubbed up words and a couple of pitches a few times and afterward they asked me for a monologue! I didn't have one prepared that was Jud-like, so I just told them I didn't have one, so they asked for another song (!), so I sang "Johanna" from SWEENEY TODD. Again, my apologies to the accompanist. They apparently liked what I did because I got a call tonight saying that they want to see me AGAIN on Friday at 1pm!

I swear, its the Hainesie/Kimlet vibes that are keeping me in the running for this show. I've never made it to the fourth cut of an audition process, so this is getting to be a bit unnerving. I'm trying not to let myself get emotionally involved in getting this job, but its getting harder with every callback. So, that's the scoop. I thank you, thank you, thank you all for your wonderful support and I hope that you will continue to send your postive vibes this way. Here's the schedule (haha):

Friday 1pm EST: OKLAHOMA! callback

Saturday 1pm EST: MUSIC MAN callback

Keep 'em coming...and BK, have a safe trip tomorrow!!

Posted by Jason @ 04/23/2003 09:54 PM PST

OK, I had to do it...I'm #69!!

Posted by Jason @ 04/23/2003 09:55 PM PST

Hey, Jason! Congrats! (again)

As for "Johanna" - It's not hard. Well, it's one of those so simple it's hard pieces. Those little eighth note figures in the inner voices always make me think twice - c-flats?

As for the song from Pimpernel... It takes all kinds... and all keys.

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 04/23/2003 10:15 PM PST

Travel safely, BK! Call us when you get there! Oh, sorry. Mom reflex.

Posted by Laura @ 04/23/2003 11:49 PM PST

Jason, you're doing what I've always fantasized about doing. I know I'm a little better than adequate in community theater stuff, but to actually be doing it and getting paid for it is only a dream for me. Congratulations and Good Luck and all that!!

Questions, questions, questions (and answers):

What musical would I most like to see revived? I absolutely second Michael Shayne's suggestion of "Merrily We Roll Along!" Also, I'd love to see a (revisal?) production of "Nick and Nora." I would love to have seen the Japanese production of "Pacific Overtures."

What brand of color television did you first have and what is the first show you watched in Living Color? We've always had color television. We'd gotten black and white TVs, but as additional sets. My dad tells the story that when his family first got a TV (in the 50s) his dad would put food coloring on the screen. Blue on top for the sky, yellow in the middle for…some reason and green on the bottom for grass. He said that that was the coolest thing and people would come over to their house to see their "color" TV!

What is your favorite vocal by your favorite theatrical artist? Way too many to pick even just a few.

How did you first discover HHW? I have answered this question before and I now can't remember how. I somehow found it months after it started. I know that I haven't been reading it from the beginning.

What was your most memorable theatrical experience? Seeing a final dress rehearsal of Benjamin Britten's "Turn of the Screw" at Vancouver Opera. It was one of the most incredible theatrical experiences I've had. I was also totally bowled over by Avery Brooks in "Robeson" that I saw on Broadway. Both were just riveting! I also remember a high school production of "Quilters" that was the absolute best high school production of anything that I had ever seen.

Mr. Mark Bakalor, your website doesn't seem to work in Netscape. There is no problem when one uses Internet Explorer.

What was the last theatrical production you saw, where did you see it, and what did you think of it? I saw a locally (Olympia, Washington) produced production of The Who's "Tommy" and it wasn't too bad. They had good voices, good staging, adequate set, but the show just doesn't do anything for me.

What was your most memorable brush with greatness? Bernadette Peters did a concert here in Olympia. For Christmas, my niece and I were given tickets to the after-show "reception" where she was brought in and introduced to people that I assume paid a lot of money to get her there. The rest of us had to try and work our way towards her. My niece got her autograph and I took a picture of the two of them together. I still have it in my office at work. I told Bernadette that a friend of mine was the stage manager of the 10th anniversary, first nation tour of "Sunday In the Park With George" (she was) and they used the original Broadway costumes in the first act. Since my friend was the stage manager, she let us come backstage after the show and I got to touch her hat!

Posted by George @ 04/24/2003 12:53 AM PST

Okay, I should have checked both versions of Netscape that I have installed on my computer. Mr. Mark Bakalor's website seems to work fine in Netscape 7 (I don't know about Netscape 6) but not in Netscape 4...unless there is supposed to be some kind of browser plug-in that I don't have installed in Netscape 4.

Posted by George @ 04/24/2003 01:05 AM PST

OK. I am so late reading so much.
Congratulations to both Mark and Jason.
Favourite performance: Judy Kuhn singing "Rags", (I only saw on the Tony Awards show).
Revivals: "Merrily" deserves to have a successful life on Broadway. The score is perfect.
With Baghdad back in fashion (!) maybe a revival of "Kismet" would be in order. There is certainly enough talent out there to stage it.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 04/24/2003 01:29 AM PST

Such great stuff! BK is on his way EAST. Wave as you fly over Indiana.

Break a leg in your auditions, Jason and Mark.

George is correct, when I checked Mr Bakalor's site I was using Netscape and the large area came up GREY, but in Explorer the news was there. Depends on the browser.

Everyone leads such interesting lives. And I love the stories about tvs and shows! Hehehehehe.

A brush with greatness? Well...I was running down a hallway of some hotel where a trade show was going on wearing my red t-shirt, black jazz pants, and tap shoes - running to be on time for a cue - and ran into Bob Knight. He was not happy about the whole thing, after all it WAS his hallway.

And when I ran down four flights of steps at the old Starlight Musicals to get Jane Powell's autograph before a production of 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, and as she signed, her dog tied my legs up with its leash and peed on my shoe. She was so very apologetic.

I was at the State Fair Grounds for the Auto Show when a great crowd gathered so I ran over to see what it was. I got pushed by the crowd as a couple got out of a limo....and stepped on Cher's toe. She looked at me and said, "Damn!"

Never met Sondheim, he has probably heard about me from Cher, Jane, and Bobby, and is avoiding me. - like the stars tried to avoid Lucy Ricardo after she dumped a tray of desserts on William Holden.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 03:17 AM PST

Oh, and you can blame DR JMK for pointing me to HHW.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 03:19 AM PST