Posted by Ben @ 04/24/2003 05:02 AM PST

Oh, yes, I found HHW because I was at the other site (not knowing about this one) and listened to all of Donald's archived radio shows (they are no longer available). When I ran out of those shows I began to troll the Internet looking for more show music on-line and I found this here site. That was around a year ago and I've been here ever since (with a few days of errant truancy here and there).

Posted by Ben @ 04/24/2003 05:06 AM PST

BK will be flying over Indiana sometime soon. It is wonderful to think of all those celebrities packing their bags in anticipation of meeting their fans - and collecting $20 each from them!

I wonder if any of the other CHILLER participants will be on the flight with BK?

Hobbies? Collecting books and photos of a certain couple of actresses whose names need not be mentioned again because it seems to irritate some DRs.

I also like music (don't we all) with many Cast Albums and Soundtracks in my collection from when I was a small DR.

My hobby is working in theater, although I sometimes get paid for it.

Still early..... But at least I didn't have to fly.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 05:29 AM PST

Jrand, if some DRs get irritated upon hearing (or reading) the names Allison Hayes and Frances Farmer, they will just have to have a stiff upper lip about it. I love hearing about them. I think they add decided oomph to this here site.

Hobbies: Reading, playing with dolls (yes, really - fashion dolls like Gene and Madra, Daisy and Willow, etc. Like anybody here will recognize those names! :) ), and (though I haven't done this for quite a long time) needlework and crochet. Back when I was really into crocheting I made a couple of afghans, things for babies (baby afghans and bonnets, a little jacket) and even DOILIES.

My theory is that I'm now getting more creative fulfillment out of my job, which is why I don't have the drive to create afghans, et. al anymore. Anyway, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 05:53 AM PST

Oomph!!!!

Again I'll ask that if anyone is driving from NYC to see BK at the Chiller Convention Saturday and has room for two passengers please click on my name.

Hobbies: Reading, cooking, cross stitch.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/24/2003 06:06 AM PST

Gee, Bill, from the response you're getting, I guess I may as well ask if anyone is driving from Indianapolis on Saturday to see Susan and BK at CHILLER.

If they are, we can pick you up on the way! 8-D

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 06:21 AM PST

Lulu, I know those dolls. My partner doesn't collect dolls but he does work in minatures. He built a doll house and decorated it (all 9 rooms). We have spent many hours in Doll stores looking for materials for the doll house. It's a 9 room mansion that we couldn't afford to build in real life, let alone live in :-) I have pictures of the palace. If you would like, I can send a few of them so you can see his work.

Posted by Ben @ 04/24/2003 06:26 AM PST

Oh, and thanks, Lulu! Click on my name for something that irritates some people. LOL

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 06:29 AM PST

Ben: Miniatures are so cool! I have been tempted a few times to take up that hobby, but always in the nick of time I realize that I could go seriously broke pursuing it. I would love to see pictures of your partner's work; if they're digital you can click on my name to send 'em. :)

Glad to know that someone here knows who I'm talking about when I say Gene or Madra. An acquaintance once surprised me with an impromptu Christmas gift - the daughter of her friend had received two Barbies for Xmas, and she said, "I know someone who likes dolls!" so they gave it to her and she brought it to me. It was sweet of her to think of me, so how could I tell her that I have NO interest in kiddie Barbies with some weird band built into her waist that rotates like a helicopter so she can fly through the air? LOL! Nor do I have an interest in baby dolls, etc. I just like the fashion dolls that I can dress up the way I would if I could become Gene Tierney (or Miriam Hopkins or Carole Lombard, etc.) for a day.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 06:35 AM PST

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh....aside from movie and theatre stuff, what are your hobbies. That is the topic. Grrrrrrrrrr....well of course, reading is an optional course here in Indiana.

I don't have any. Can work count as a hobby? I like writing and reading.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 06:38 AM PST

Jrand: Why would pictures of Allison Hayes in her oh-so-fifties undies irritate anyone? Some people are so silly...

WEL: I LOVE that you enjoy cross-stitch. I used to be really into that. Now I have half a dozen (or more) unfinished projects lying around waiting for me to "discover" them again. My MIL does wonderful, big projects that take her months to complete - but the results are SO worth it. She really likes medieval ones (especially Teresa Wentzler's stuff...we gave her The Big Book of TW Designs for Xmas one year). What types of projects do you go for? Do you X-stitch pictures to be framed and put up, or do your projects wind up being used in other ways (finger towels, etc.)?

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 06:39 AM PST

Jrand: Surely you must enjoy

*shucking corn

*whittling and/or spitting

*playing the fiddle at the barn dance

*settin' a spell

*smoking your corncob pipe

*hoeing a particularly tough row

(put a checkmark next to each hobby you enjoy.)

;)

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 06:42 AM PST

George,

Where did you see TOMMY? I saw it recently, and had the exact same comments afterwards. Well-executed, but left me cold.

Posted by Dave @ 04/24/2003 06:48 AM PST

Way to go, Jason!

Mo' good vibes comin' at 'cha!

Posted by Dave @ 04/24/2003 06:49 AM PST

Dave - I guess my less than positive reaction to TOMMY was because I had listened to the LP for so many years - and the ending was changed for the show.

Didn't have the same impact on me.

Oh yes, Lulu, all that AND more.

I like to eat an apple, go down to the gas station and buy a soda pop, check the locks on the door at the hardware store, and then go over to Thelma Lou's and watch some TV.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 07:08 AM PST

WEL, I used to do cross-stitch too. Now it's very rare I do it any more. I cleared through my stuff a while back and I have several skeins of thread. I hate to throw it away, so if you'd like it, I can send it to you.

Posted by Laura @ 04/24/2003 07:22 AM PST

Jrand: You do all that in the same day????

You're a wild man!

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 07:24 AM PST

I say any production of "Tommy" that doesn't feature Ann-Margret rolling around in a mess of baked beans ain't worth a hill of said beans.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 07:27 AM PST

Lulu, a small packet of visuals is winging its way to you. Enjoy!

Posted by Ben @ 04/24/2003 07:31 AM PST

RE: Hobbies

Ben and Lulu, I have actually built miniatures and would love to have the time and money to pursue it. One of the most amazing miniature mansions (outside of museum collections) was at a friend's in Philadelphia. He was told at one time he would lose his vision and he devoted himself to making this mansion as therapy. His vision returned and he is now a celebrated faux-painter.

Posted by Philip Crosby @ 04/24/2003 07:31 AM PST

Also DR Ben:

Please let me know what you think of Enchanted April. I directed Jayne Atkinson in my senior thesis show at college (Northwestern) -- Michael (Rent) Grief was also in the cast -- and she was a luminous actress then who just keeps getting better. I regret not beling able to get a ticket to see her in Newman's Our Town, and I hope to get to NYC to see her (and the starry diva cast) in April.

Posted by Philip Crosby @ 04/24/2003 07:34 AM PST

Well since I was the one who began mentioning Frances Farmer long before JR showed up, any annoyance should be aimed at me. Allison Hayes is another matter entirely. :)

To all DRs who responded to my ghostwriting question yesterday, thanks--but you missed the actual brunt of my question: I am wondering what specific songs were written by which specific ghostwriters for various shows. F'rinstance, what songs did Merrill and Strouse/Adams write for Dolly, etc.?

Posted by JMK @ 04/24/2003 07:51 AM PST

G'day (as they say in Oz)...

Hobbies: well, spread out over the years (and not all current) I got a great kick and a big dose of oomph out of learning how to fly a small plane, including passing the FAA written test and soloing the plane....I learned the techniques and art of making some pretty nice panels of stained glass...lots of wonderful travel with DR Kerry over the years to wonderful and faraway locales, of course sampling terrific foods everywhere -- baguettes in Paris, pizza margarite in Nice, lobster in Melbourne, crabcakes in Tarzana......

Most recent production attended: Elaine Stritch at Liberty, Ahmonson Theatre, Los Angeles. This show/evening ranks as 1 of maybe 4 or 5 that I have been to over 40 years, where the elements of magic and emotion go so far beyond just professional, expensive, and well-crafted theatre. The words and notes from Miss Stritch go way past just the ears, to imbed themselves into the pores of your skin and the center of your heart.

Brush with greatness; (sounds like a great name for an old soap opera)...going backstage (with DR Kerry) to visit one on one with Miss Peggy Lee after a concert appearance - what a gentle and sweet lady.....having Rhonda Fleming hold her hands over my hands around a cup of warm coffee to warm my poor fingers up before playing, at 5:45 in the morning at the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise service....

Finally, to the suave, erudite, and esteemed BK; just remember the immortal words of Willy Clark.. "you know, people don't go to New Jersey unless they have to..." Travel safely.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 04/24/2003 07:55 AM PST

Phil - I have been a fan of Ms. Atkinson since the mini-series (and subsequent series) she did with Richard Kiley. It was called something like "A Year In The Life". Be glad you missed OUR TOWN. Although Ms. Atkinson was fine, the whole thing was very poorly done - like the cast knew it was a classic and treated it like a museum piece and nothing really came to life. It was neither good nor bad - just there. I have seen better productions of OUR TOWN done by high schools.

Lulu - I have been doing cross stitch for about 30 years. I do special projects for gifts. Any time someone I know has a baby I do a bib with a picture and the baby's name. I have done pairs of towels for wedding gifts with the couple's names on them (I was once told that of all the gifts a couple got mine was the only one personalized) and I do pictures which I then get framed. I have dozens of books of patterns and I used to subscribe to several cross stitch magazines which I stopped getting because I have more patterns than I will ever have time to do. I find it very relaxing and a perfect companion for watching most television shows that don't demand my full attention.

JRand - The reason I am looking for a ride to Chiller is that even though it is in the NYC area, it's not easily accesible by public transportation. I assumed that other Hainsies and Kimlets from the area would be attending to show support for BK and Aura, but I guess not.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/24/2003 07:57 AM PST

Yup - read that yesterday, Bill. Hmmmmmmmm...I am like you though, a bit astounded no one is driving over...but maybe they are using Public Transit and taxis. Too bad the Hotel doesn't have a shuttle service. Even the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood offers that service.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 08:09 AM PST

Ben: I got the pictures. Thank you, they're wonderful! Anthony's really talented (not to mention cute...well done!). ;)

WEL: Believe it or not, I've been doing cross-stitch almost as long as you! My first project was a little stamped X-stitch design of balloons (it was never finished). I think I was all of 5 when my mom gave it to me. Years went by before I did another project -- I think I was around 11 when I inadvertently picked up a fairly complex counted cross-stitch project at a craft store. I was shocked when I opened it to discover that the design wasn't stamped on the fabric!

In my family, sewing was just something that women were supposed to know how to do, period. Everytime I see Blue Hawaii, I think of the little red felt skirt with velcro closure that I sewed while watching that Elvis movie on TV (I was 7). No, I never wore it out of the house! My sartorial sense has improved slightly since then. ;)

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 08:16 AM PST

Yes, JMK, you are the official HHW Franatic!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 08:21 AM PST

Lulu, we must be soulmates. I'm also a crocheter. I do afghans as wedding/baby gifts (but only for special people). I mostly do thread crochet of Judaica (challah covers, matzo covers, tallitot and kippot for women) which I sell to feed my habit.

Of course I collect cast and theatre-related recordings, books, sheet music, etc. But that's not a hobby--that's a vocation and a calling, as we all know.

Posted by Pam @ 04/24/2003 08:39 AM PST

So true, Pam, so true.

MusicGuy held hands with Rhonda Fleming? Oh my!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 08:54 AM PST

I had a productive lunch hour. I just got Guy Haines, Haines His Way, the CD for $5 at The Wiz. They are going out of business and all CDs in the store are marked down to clear out. Nothing else in the store worth the time. No other BK produced albums but this special one. I have my listening for this afternoon :-)

Posted by Ben @ 04/24/2003 09:17 AM PST

Ben- you are the luckiest boy in the world.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 09:24 AM PST

Huh? Wha...?

Hey! It's way TOO EARLY for there to be THIS MANY posts.

We're gonna peak, I tell ya!

And then there'll be heck to pay!

Oh! Yes! There'll be heck!

Heck, yes!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/24/2003 09:40 AM PST

The reason there are so many posts is that BK posted his notes early. A lot of people don't usually post in the morning because they will be at the end of the previous day's notes and most people won't see them.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/24/2003 09:54 AM PST

Ron: BK posted the notes super-early this morning...around 8 am EST, I'm thinking.

And of course, I've been doing my part to fill the board with posts. ;) It'll make BK feel loved when he checks in on us from his hotel room tonight.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 09:55 AM PST

Pam: I know exactly what you mean. Only special people get handmade gifts. They take a LOT of time and not many people really appreciate them. I think most folks think "handmade gift...what, are they too cheap to get a REAL gift?" Not really the reaction you want after putting in 80+ hours on a project. :)

I love the intricacy of thread crochet, but also the relative speed (not to mention useability) of yarn crochet. If I'm going to put the same number of stitches into an afghan as I would put into a table-topper, I'll usually go for the afghan.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 10:03 AM PST

Good morning - well, it still feels like morning to me. I'm all achy (still), and, of course, I just realized that I have yet to have my major "Spring allergy" days, so... And since I'm now "on vacation", and all the major work is done, of course, what does my body do...?!?!? Oh, and since I spent quite a bit of time outside yesterday in the Baltimore Museum of Art's Sculpture Garden... -At least the sun is shining today!

-Otherwise, I'm feeling pretty good...

What was today's topic? Oh... that's right... Where was I?...

Hobbies: I used to crochet too - mainly just scarves, nothing too fancy - or requiring too many stitch variations. Of course, I picked up that hobby while working on a show - everyone seemed to be crocheting - or knitting - it was/is a great way to pass the time during the book scenes. When I would do shows at the Olney Theatre in Maryland, there was this great yarn shop down the street. Amazing stuff.

I also do a lot of "origami" - Japanese paper folding. I've been folding since I was about nine years old. *And when I went to Epcot a few years ago, I stocked up on some wonderful papers in the Japanese store. I usually fold while I'm doing a show... and then I'll give the "folds" away to people in the audience - mainly kids in the front row. Christmas time is particularly productive - I once did a whole tree of four and eight pointed stars out of silver and gold foil papers. And I still remember doing a whole Halloween bulletin board when I was in fifth grade - complete with witches on broomsticks!

Oh, and, of course, I like to cook... And it's almost time for my annual Coconut Cake for my now-ex. And since I have a food processor now, I won't have to bust my knuckles shredding the fresh coconut. Yes, there is NO bagged, flaked coconut in this cake!

WEL: I, too, loved "A Year in the Life" - I remember is would still pop up on Lifetime every now and then. -Oooh, especially the actor playing the son, the newlywed(?) - hubba-hubba! ;-)

Oh, and, Lulu, yes, Anthony is cute. You should see him in person! ;-)

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 04/24/2003 10:05 AM PST

Ben- you could share the pictures so that all of us could see. 8-D

Oh dear my irritating post from above has disappeared - so here is Miss Allison Hayes. This photo appeared with an article in which Miss Hayes declared that she would like to tackle George Bernard Shaw's St. Joan onstage. My $$ are on Allison.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 10:14 AM PST

The picture from earlier disappeared, the post did NOT!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 10:15 AM PST

Yikes! Wrong picture.

Here is St Joan's nemesis. (I hope)

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 10:18 AM PST

Same picture. yikes...nevermind, now I am irritating myself.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 10:18 AM PST

Ben -- I also design and build
scale miniature rooms and
vignettes. . . I am a board
member of the Museum of
Miniature Houses in Carmel
(uh. . . Indiana. . .) just north of
Indy, and like most
miniaturists, I have several
projects in varying degrees of
completion.

Howdydo. . .nice ta meetcha

Posted by Kurt @ 04/24/2003 10:23 AM PST

As we yokels say in Indiana. . .

Posted by Kurt @ 04/24/2003 10:27 AM PST

Wow, whodathunk that Miniatures would bring such a response? If anyone would like to see some pictures of a 9 room Victorian doll house built, furnished and decorated by my Anthony (his house appeared on the cover of a couple of Doll House Magazines last year), just click on my name and send me e-mail with your address, or say something here and I will send you pictures. I may even send you a picture of MOI as the World Famous DangerMouse (my e-mail name).

Jose, you're too kind (he is cute, though :-)

Posted by Ben @ 04/24/2003 10:29 AM PST

I just came across the best-ever summary of the film "Rebel Without a Cause":

An alienated teenager tries to handle life's troubles and an apron-wearing dad.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 10:37 AM PST

Kurt: WOW! Another Hoosier...who'd a thunk it? I'm in Florida now, but spent my first 20 years in Indy. And Jrand, of course, is in Mooresville. Hope you weren't around for the Carmel jokes of a couple weeks ago... ;)

Did you by any chance have any miniatures at the Children's Museum back in May of '96? We were up there and saw an exhibit there that was fantastic. I miss the Children's Museum...

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 10:44 AM PST

Lulu --

The Children's Museum
exhibit is very nice. If poorly lit.
But no, none of my work is
included. My best pieces are in
collections elsewhere and I
tend to prefer early/mid-20th
Century designs and
environments.

I was, in fact, reading the
Carmel jokes and told jrand
my favorite: Is it true that on
February 2nd, a Greenwood
housewife will toss her
shotgun out the kitchen
window of the mobile home,
and if it fires there will be
another six weeks of winter
bowling leagues?

All youse others: e-mail for
explanations and apologies

Posted by Kurt @ 04/24/2003 10:52 AM PST

Jose - The "Year in the Life" actor you are referring to is the late David Oliver who died of AIDS a few yers ago.

For those of you into minitures, have you ever seen the collection of miniture rooms at Chicago's Art Institute? They are wonderful.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/24/2003 10:58 AM PST

Kurt: LOL! Greenwood Mall was my high school hangout. My first job was at the Showbiz Pizza Place on County Line Road, near the mall.

Yes, I wore the Chuck E. Cheese costume. :)

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 11:06 AM PST

OMG, a complete stranger in the office across from mine just mentioned the fact that he's from Indiana, too (the person in the office across from me has a Larry Bird fixation, and has pictures of him all over, which is how the matter came up). Naturally, I had to pop my head in and introduce myself as a fellow Hoosier. He's from Fort Wayne.

Hoosiers, Hoosiers, everywhere...and not a drop (of Big K) to drink...

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 11:10 AM PST

Yes, WEL, we have seen the Thorne Rooms at the Chicago Institute of Art. You're right, they are wonderful. The attention to detail is amazing, down to the worn spots on certain pieces to indicate they have been used.

Lulu: I'm sure if pictures exist of you in the Chuck E Cheese costume they could bring big bucks somewhere :-0

Posted by Ben @ 04/24/2003 11:15 AM PST

WEL: Sad to hear about the death of David Oliver.

And I meant to mention the miniatures collection at the AIC. Everytime I visit, I spend at least a good hour in there, bending down and looking in at the rooms in awe. That and the Seurat painting...

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 04/24/2003 11:17 AM PST

Lulu: A Larry Bird "fixation"?

That's not only scare, it's in excruciatingly bad taste! This person must be very "special."

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/24/2003 11:42 AM PST

About "miniatures":

You are totally not going to believe this, but I did "copy" for the video sleeves of a number of "how-to's" on miniatures produced locally by a husband-and-wife team. It didn't last beyond a dozen or so sleeves because they wanted their sleeves to look like/read like "other sleeves" of other "how-to's" and didn't think I knew what I was talking about when I suggested they be different and bolder in graphic design...to not get lost in the wasteland of "how-to" videos.

Oh, well. I didn't seek them out...they sought me out. But I got to keep all the videos that I wrote copy for (obviously, I had to watch them to write the copy). It was fascinating stuff.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/24/2003 11:50 AM PST

Here's a movie description for you:

"Bald alien turns woman into giantess; giantess finds husband in bar with floozy."

And they only gave it one star!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 11:50 AM PST

DRs WEL and Jose,
I too think that the Chicago Thorne Room miniatures are a wonderful work of art. I'm sure that Kerry is glad that I never got interested in making miniatures, as a lot of my other oddball interests have tried his poor patient soul.
We have a nice little bonus in our art museum here in Phoenix; some additional Thorne rooms that were given for permanent display. It seems that Narcissa Thorne used to winter here in Phx, and wanted to leave her mark on the community. They are as lovely as the Chicago ones.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 04/24/2003 12:02 PM PST

I also collect dolls. I still have my Ginny Alexander doll from when I was young. I also definitely do not collect Barbie dolls. I have always hated them so had a good laugh at your Barbie Doll story Lulu. My passions are hiking and reading. I love to travel when I can. My obsessions are my Bernese Mountain Dog Echo and my two cats. Just over a year ago I still had four cats. I'm sure by my postings you can tell I also obsess about food. I wish I had the talent and patience to crochet, needle-point, sew, etc-all those wonderful crafty things. I love doll houses but have resisted the temptation to have one. When my children were young I made wonderful cakes for their birthdays and sports events. I started simple with Cookie Monster moving on to a Care Bear (which was an ice cream cake) R2D2, base ball gloves and soccer fields, just to name a few. The easiest cake was Pac Man.

Posted by Jane @ 04/24/2003 12:21 PM PST

Jane: I remember being in Boy Scouts and we had to bake cakes for a contest, and I made an R2-D2 cake! It was the ugliest thing you've ever seen (cause I was only 10 and I decorated it) but I remember my grandfather helped me bake it, so it holds a special place in my heart. He's still alive, but its still a nice memory. :-)

And I have to agree, Ben's Anthony is a cutie. Ben--can I see you dressed as Danger Mouse?? You know I grew up with that cartoon over in England!

Posted by Jason @ 04/24/2003 12:26 PM PST

I always knew Pac Man was easy!

Posted by Ms. Pac Man @ 04/24/2003 12:55 PM PST

Ben --

I'd love to see the pictures of the miniature. Just click on my name to send. (And of course, would love to see you as DangerMouse as well!)

And to our own BK:

I was just listening again to Liz Callaway's "The Beat Goes On" and the arrangements to "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" and "Here There and Everywhere" are simply exceptional. Needless to say, the whole album is one of my faves ....

Posted by Philip Crosby @ 04/24/2003 12:59 PM PST

Ms. Pac Man. Thanks for the laugh.

Posted by Jane @ 04/24/2003 01:03 PM PST

Love those short reviews. Try this one:

"Garland 'chases rainbows'; Lamarr pouts beautifully; Turner descends staircase into superstardom."

A very young Dan Dailey had a featured role and his best line was "You seen me when I done it!"

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 04/24/2003 01:37 PM PST

G'Day from OZ to MusicMan and all. I was visiting my Niece and her partner in the Yarra Valley last Monday. They live in a delightful restored farm house surrounded by vinyards. (The partner is the manager of the vinyards.) I think Kerry mentioned that you guys had friends in the area. My niece lives at Coldstream. My sister used to live at Yarra Glen.

After music and reading is there any time for hobby. I still play and collect the pop music from approx 1955 - 1965. I love to travel. Europe three times plus additional trips to the British Isles and NZ. I have visited Canada and USA as well.
Reading is a must and an important part of my life. I am reading "Kiss Of The Spider Woman" at present. I find it fascinating and quite sensational how the source material developed into the movie and the musical.
Lulu: At least you tried. Linda Laurie was a true "one hit wonder" from 1959 when she had a #52 hit with "Ambrose (Part Five)". She toured here with a few other like stars (maybe Chan Romero) later that year and her hit! made the the top 40 here in Melbourne. I know you needed all that information. About as interesting as Frances or Allison! (I don't have a problem with such posts. It is very easy to "skip" them).

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 04/24/2003 01:50 PM PST

And I must add that Mrs.
Thorne was originally from
Vincennes, IN! You know, Red
Skelton's hometown.

The Kansas City museum of
toys, dolls and miniatures is a
terrific entertainment.

Posted by Kurt @ 04/24/2003 01:58 PM PST

What Fun!

Everyone needs to go to:

http://www.ymdb.com/home.asp

And enter their top 20 movies and then either post the link to their personal webpage or list the movies here.

It's a very interesting site, because it will show you who matches your list the most, rankings of where each movie is on peoples list, etc..

I'm working on my list...

Posted by Craig @ 04/24/2003 02:02 PM PST

So much to read...and Craig can hardly wait to visit that site.

Off to rehearsal! Bali Hai is calling me.

Tom! You skip the Allison and Frances posts? I am crushed...do you hear? Crushed!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 02:16 PM PST

Ben: Well, since the Chuck E. Cheese costume was one of those full-body dealies (think Mickey Mouse at Disney World) complete with giant head, it would be very difficult to discern whether it had the one, the only Lulu! inside of it.

In other words...blackmail is SUCH an ugly word.

Ron: I agree that a Larry Bird fixation is odd, but the fixator in question isn't "special" so much as quirky, if you know what I mean.

Jrand: It's OK...I read those posts twice to make up for Tom's inattention.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/24/2003 02:24 PM PST

Hope the East Coast excursion is successful and rewarding for BK et al.

Biggest passion after movies and theater is reading, and usually what I'm reading about is movies, TV, and theater! Right now I'm reading ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET, the biography of Dorothy Fields. I'll occasionally read some fiction (big mystery buff here), but nonfiction is really of more interest.

Posted by Matt H. @ 04/24/2003 02:27 PM PST

YOW! Visited Half Price books
during lunch and found an
UN-opened copy of At This
Theater!
I am feeling quite smug at the
moment. And, not incidentally,
$17.50 richer!

Posted by Kurt @ 04/24/2003 03:09 PM PST

Well, I am in New Jersy. Is there an Old Jersey? Is there a Jersey Cow and if so are they coming home? The flight was very pleasant, I did quite a bit of writing, and I've already supped with Richard Valley. So many lovely posts to read now.

Posted by bk @ 04/24/2003 03:43 PM PST

What a lot of oomph you've all added today.

Now, I arrive and suddenly everyone clams up, or, at the very least, shrimps up?

Posted by bk @ 04/24/2003 04:43 PM PST

Truth be known I know not who Allison and Frances are.
Thanks Lulu for "doing my time".
Larry Bird means just as much. Who? I do know of Big Bird.
Now to find François. I do know who he is.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 04/24/2003 04:51 PM PST

Hello to Bruce in New Jersey! I hope
that your flight was pleasant and that
your hotel is swanky and luxurious.

Outside of theater and school, my
main hobby is reed instruments. My
main instruments are Clarinet and
Tenor Saxophone, but I have also
played Bass Clarinet, and am
currently learning Flute. That is the
wonderful thing about being a reed
player in a Jazz Ensemble, you
learn so many new things, and
expand your horizons.
I also read lots, though many of the
books are plays or theater books.
Now, I'm reading "Orlando" by
Virginia Woolf, which is a fascinating
and delightfully bizarre story. I'm
enjoying it, and feeling my mind
beings stretched as I read it. It has
some fascinating things to say about
gender, society, and poetry.

I am at the moment in the early
stages of planning something very
interesting indeed. I'll let you know if
it comes to any sort of fruition.
Exciting things indeed.

To answer questions from yesterday:
I found out about HHW from
Sondheim.com. I have too many
memorable theater experiences to
mention, but the most recent truly
extraordinary piece of theater that I
saw was Suzan Lori-Parks' "In the
Blood". It was completely shattering.

I recommend that everyone buy
"Infinite Joy," a CD of William Finn's
music. It has many extraordinary
songs, beautiful or hilarious,
particularly "All Fall Down," Stephen
DeRosa's one man version of "The
Baseball Game" from Falsettos, and
a hysterical rant called
"Republicans," guaranteed to make
angry any of the "People who are
running the whole world/People who
are ruining the world" who hear it.
Oh well, what a shame for them.

Posted by Hapgood @ 04/24/2003 04:54 PM PST

As to hobbies - I'm a certifiably insane collectaholic. I collect illustration art, I collect books, and then I collect whatever my current new "thing" is - for example, I'm now very enamored of Hayao Miyazaki and his types of anime films, so I'm trying to get all the soundtracks I can, all the DVDs I can, and I also got an original production cel from Kiki's Delivery Service dirt cheap.

Posted by bk @ 04/24/2003 04:59 PM PST

I got some disappointing news today. Borders after two and half months of trying could not get me a copy of The Music of Bruce Kimmel. Does anyone know where I can find a copy? Maybe at a local store? In an country other than United States? (Canada, France, Australia etc)

Thank you.

Michael

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 04/24/2003 05:00 PM PST

Shall try a few contacts for you Michael but chances are not good for such treasures on this side of the rainbow. This is Warlowe country. Who could ask for anthing more?

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 04/24/2003 05:04 PM PST

As a little kid in Phoenix, I would visit the room devoted to the Thorne rooms many times and standd there for hours looking at each room and pretending I lived in them-- what the birds would sound like, how the sun would feel. That and "moving in" to some of the paintings probably is why I'm still around today.

Current hobbbies include collecting--WAY too much of everything--- mainly art, crystal, books, and music (LP's, CD's, 78's, 45's, and yes, even a few wax cylinders). My life seems to be getting way too encumbered, but what can one do?

Posted by Kerry @ 04/24/2003 05:27 PM PST

Michael, have you tried Footlight in NY? They've always had them, and certainly had one the last time I was there a few months ago. Otherwise, I'll be happy to burn you one.

Posted by bk @ 04/24/2003 05:33 PM PST

I just did a search for Bruce Kimmel on Footlight's website and the only item it listed was TFNM CD.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 04/24/2003 06:12 PM PST

WEL and Michael: What they're listing as TFNM CD is The Music of BK CD - it's the one Michael is looking for.

Posted by bk @ 04/24/2003 06:15 PM PST

Of course you don't know, Tom - you don't read the posts. 8-D

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 07:34 PM PST

Oh hmmmmm....Richard Valley...hmmm....the man who DOESN'T publish my DVD reviews. Hmmmm....

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/24/2003 07:35 PM PST

Thanks all. I went back to Footlights and all they had was the First Nudie DVD. I will call them tomorrow and see if they have it.

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 04/24/2003 07:57 PM PST

Answers to Dear reader
Donna --

I loved your yesterday post
because you were addressing
ME ( wink ) and you did
mention my favorite Dame....

The Xmas Album by
Julie/André was first released
as a Firestone premium that
was later released by RCA ,
that has made it into the cd
format twice, the last time in
September of 2000 under the
title of Greatest Christmas
Songs.....

Yes, Donna, I am really French
-- was born in the Cognac
region -- but I live in Paris and
work the nightshift of a three
star hotel.......

13 years ago I was a Floridian
for six years -- worked for the
Big Cheese of Central Florida
-- and , over 25 years , I lived in
Montréal, Canada for three
years.... I have visited L.A.
twice in the past, and stayed at
the Rossevelt Hotel -- home to
the Cinegrill -- on my first visit.

NO, the French -- THEY told
ME ! -- "don't really hate you
that much".... just a little less...
Just kidding.... Our "rednecks"
might "hate" you, but the more
civilized part of the French
KNOW BETTER and make
quite a distinction between the
American people and the
Bush administration......

Next time you get to meet
Karen Morrow, my pet, can you
tell her she should make more
recordings and should check
back with BK who might be
back into the swing of things
soon, WE HOPE ?!!

Posted by François @ 04/24/2003 08:35 PM PST

Well, I'm very down today.
NK - I hope that you've had a chance to read RATM before reading what I am about to write here at HHW. . .

A dearly beloved friend of mine passed away sometime between Friday morning and this morning, a frequent poster at RATM (as a matter of fact, one of the first RATM-ites): Michael Callery.
Mike was only in his early 50s, and the news has certainly put a damper on my day, but it's nice to come over to HHW and read about Alison, Francis; read what Francois has to say and to know that BK has safely made it to Jersey and is spending time with Richard Valley, DR Aura and all the other CHILLER folk.
More in regard to Mike Callery: he and I frequently went to the theater here in the burgh together (ANNIE GET YOUR GUN with Marilu, JECKYLL & HYDE directed by Bob Cuccioli, the CMU student cabarets) and Callery also attended THREE of my own cabarets, and posted positively of LIVE AND LEARN on RATM - causing another outburst from everyone's mutual nemesis, Steve Newport.
Mike and I were currently collaborating on the stage version of the Canadian film musical ZERO PATIENCE; and Mike was very proud of the work that HE was doing with it, and the fact that I performed one of the songs from it in LIVE AND LEARN.
I'll miss Mike. . .thank God for good friends at Haineshisway.com!

Posted by td @ 04/24/2003 09:20 PM PST

OO LA LA FRANCOIS!
Thank you for answering my questions! Yes, the Julie Andrews/Andre Previn album I got was the Firestone edition! What a gem. I'm glad to hear the French like us more than a little. The Cinegrill has been completely remodeled and relocated in the Roosevelt Hotel and is now known as [Michael] Feinstein's at the Cinegrill. It was unveiled in March to great reviews but, oh my, is it expensive! $50 cover with $30 minimum! Cabaret West had a big open mic there on April 7 and Michael stayed around for the first half. Yes, I will tell Karen when I see her to get hoppin' on a new CD! Do you know she has a website? Here 'tis http://www.karenmorrow.com/

HOBBIES
I'm getting back to one of my favorite hobbies - READING. Many years ago my father introduced me to the racing (not racy!) novels of DICK FRANCIS. For this spring and summer, I've decided to read ALL of his books. I just finished the second one titled FIELD OF THIRTEEN. I heartily recommend it - especially as an introduction to his writing. It's a group of (13 natch) short stories, nine that appeared in various publications and four new ones. What I love about his writing is his command of the English language, his well-defined characters and his plots. Without fail, he manages to grab my attention with the first paragraph. I once met him. It was at a book signing in the the San Fernando Valley. This bookstore sold only mystery and detective books. He was seated at a large table with a red tablecloth (I think he was sitting on several pillows as he is a short man). His wife, who helped him with his research, sat in a chair next to the table. He was very polite with alert eyes and a open manner. His wife wore a simple housedress and a pleasant smile. Both unmistakenly British but down to earth. I liked them immediately.

One thing I collect is MARTHA STEWART LIVING magazines. I have them almost back to the beginning. I may have to stop collecting them though because I'm rapidly running out of room. A few years ago, they finally came out with an index to the articles and recipes which is a big help when you're looking for something. Even though I collect them, I am by no means a Domestic Goddess. I love beautifully published magazines and I'm in love with the gracious living that the magazine portrays. I used to collect VICTORIA magazine for the same reason.

Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 04/24/2003 09:37 PM PST

td,

we're sorry ; be confident that
our thoughts and sympathy
are with you...

Posted by François @ 04/24/2003 09:39 PM PST

My thoughts are with you at this sad time td.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 04/24/2003 10:08 PM PST

td,

I think you should go to the
Chiller event as planned......

Posted by François @ 04/24/2003 10:11 PM PST

OH, td, you know how especially sorry I am for you. Even though you know we love you, I know that is not consolation enough. Let me know if I can do anything, OK?

Posted by Kerry @ 04/24/2003 10:45 PM PST

So, am I to believe that the CD that came with the DVD is "The Music of Bruce Kimmel" CD? If not, I bet a lot of us would love to have that in our collection.

Posted by Matthew @ 04/24/2003 10:52 PM PST

Dave, "Tommy" was presented here in Olympia, WA. Where did you see it? You're not in Oly, too?

What are my hobbies? Reading and posting at HHW. :-) I also collect keychains (or keyrings). Any time friends or coworkers go on vacation, they always bring me one from where they've gone. Since keychains tend to be really cheap, most people don't mind getting me one every time. (And usually they get nothing for anyone else!) I probably have over 600. None of them are what anyone would call "collectible" and I personally have never paid more than $10 for one...ever...so far. I've even made a few of them.

Other than that, it's recordings of musicals for me and I enjoy reading (usually fiction, and nothing recently at all). I do have a tendency to buy a book and then not read it. Oh well. At least I know I have it and can read it anytime I want.

Posted by George @ 04/25/2003 12:58 AM PST

Good thoughts to td.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/25/2003 03:25 AM PST

My toughts are with you Tony at this sad time. Too young.

Posted by Michael @ 04/25/2003 03:39 AM PST

td, I'm so sorry.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/25/2003 04:56 AM PST

TD: My thoughts are with you at this sad time in your life. Your post was a very nice tribute to Michael.

To those who responded that they would like to see the doll house pictures, I will send them out tomorrow (Saturday) when I have more time.

Posted by Ben @ 04/25/2003 05:44 AM PST

BK - It's time to get up! It's after 8 am. I know it's only 5 am PMT - but you are in Joisey.

People are lining up to talk to you. Get a table near June Wilkinson.

I remember her ads in the 1960's movie magazines:

June Wilkinson
Actress 44D
Star of Macumba Love & Twist All Night
You, too, can have a lovely bust!

Woooooohooooooooooooooo! I watched Twist All Night a couple of months ago - that girl can dance!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/25/2003 06:00 AM PST

TD - I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.

Posted by Laura @ 04/25/2003 06:00 AM PST

Oh - and could you please find out what Macumba Love is - exactly....never got to see the movie.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/25/2003 06:01 AM PST

Thanks for all the good thoughts, you wonderful people, you!
I had actually put off the CHILLER event a few weeks ago when I was in the midst of remodlling, repainting and generally repairing this old house (ah! a Bob Vila reference!)

Posted by td @ 04/25/2003 06:01 AM PST

The skinny on Macumba Love:

"Macumba Love was the embodiment of men's magazines of the period, featuring exotic lands, a little danger, skulls, voodoo rites, and oh yeah, buxom Brit June Wilkinson.

"Nicknamed "the Bosom" by Hugh Hefner (who knew a thing or two about bosoms), Wilkinson's 43 inch breasts are used like a Chinese yo-yo in a 3D movie.

"The film's ambiguity is fairly respectful to voodoo, and the cinematography makes the jungles and beaches look exotic and magical, like a place where anything is possible, even a woman transforming into a snake."

Sounds like a must-see!

Posted by Lulu @ 04/25/2003 06:08 AM PST

I see we broke the 100 posts today!

For you Karen Morrow fans (count me among them) - I HAD A BALL is being released on CD Tuesday.

Per today's NY TIMES there will be a $10,000,000 revival (or revisal - it didn't indicate which) of DREAMGIRLS on Broadway next season. No director or casting announced yet.

Posted by William E Lurie @ 04/25/2003 06:11 AM PST

Que es "a Chinese yo-yo"?

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/25/2003 06:14 AM PST

Sorry to hear about your loss, Tony.

In brighter news, I thought I would share this article about our beloved Kerry Butler:

http://www.tvguide.com/newsgossip/insider/030424c.asp

George, the TOMMY I saw was not the Olympia production.

Posted by Dave @ 04/25/2003 06:21 AM PST

While I am on the subject of the local company who produced TOMMY, I thought I would share this news that I received this week.

Some of you may know that I had proposed to direct CHICAGO at my community theatre in the Spring of next year. I was approved by the Board, and was set to proceed, when we discovered, upon calling Samuel French, that the rights had been restricted. This was not surprising, but I asked the Board to send in an application anyway, given that our production isn't scheduled until April of 2004. The Board - or at least the member of the Board who is responsible for such things - decided it was not worth the trouble, since the clerk on the phone had told him the rights were restricted. (No sense getting it in writing, after all...)

Well, the other night, another local community theatre company (the same one that produced TOMMY) announced they had obtained the rights, and would be staging CHICAGO in March of next year.

Needless to say, I was furious at the incompetence of said Board member, and I intend to make it my mission to let everyone know exactly why another company is doing CHICAGO and not us. Board elections are coming up in a couple of months, and this will be useful information for those unsure of how to cast their ballots. ;-)

In the meantime, I am looking for another show to direct. Believe me, it ain't easy...

Posted by Dave @ 04/25/2003 06:27 AM PST

I feel your pain, Dave. Things change so quickly in the "rights" domain that you were correct in wanting to go ahead and make a written request.

Really difficult to suggest something if you really wanted CHICAGO because there is nothing else like it. I don't know if FOLLIES is available. But - to go in another direction, have you ever thought about THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD? Interesting score and setup - the audience decides the outcome.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/25/2003 06:34 AM PST

And Lulu thanks for the information RE: Macumba Love. The video is currently selling for $49.99 on EBAY, so I doubt that I will be viewing it in the near future.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/25/2003 06:36 AM PST

For info re: Chinese yo-yo, click on my name.

Methinks the guy who wrote the Macumba Love review doesn't know what a Chinese yo-yo is...

Posted by Lulu @ 04/25/2003 06:42 AM PST

$18.49 Buy It Now price, Jrand. :)

Posted by Lulu @ 04/25/2003 06:50 AM PST

Oops, forgot to mention...click on my name in the post above for the link to Macumba Love for $18.49.

Posted by Lulu @ 04/25/2003 06:51 AM PST

Thanks, Lulu.

Holy Merde - if that guy is right that movie is worth MORE than $49.95!!

No wonder June never made another movie. And she would have had a heck of a lawsuit. I am just not sure if it would be under Worker's Compensation or repetitive motion.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/25/2003 06:52 AM PST

Thanks for the sympathy, Jrand52.

I love FOLLIES, but it seems to be hard sell getting my company to do it. Which is surprising, since it seems to be a perfect fit for our group.

The Board wants to do a show that has some "hit" potential - which is why I proposed CHICAGO in the first place - so I need to choose a name that will sell.

I have seen DROOD before and it was enjoyable. I think it would play best in a smaller venue than we are performing in. (House seats ~1100.)

I even - God help me - listened to FOOTLOOSE yesterday, for consideration. Anybody see this on Broadway? or the Tour?

Posted by Dave @ 04/25/2003 06:57 AM PST

Big house, Dave. Mine is 220 seats...LOL.

FOOTLOOSE - with a young energetic cast and the right choreographer, it's okay. I just don't like the story, and the new songs for the "grown-ups" are not so hot.

Hey, Lulu, click the link you gave me. I am the proud owner of Macumba Love!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 04/25/2003 06:59 AM PST

I'm inclined to agree with you, Jrand52. There's a pretty high "cheese" factor here. Could be a nice 'fluff' piece, and we'd have fun with the kids. I'll at least have a look at the script before I dismiss it.

Posted by Dave @ 04/25/2003 07:13 AM PST