Replies: 84 Unseemly Comments
Don't think my response made it to yesterday's notes, so I'm adding it here:
Laura, we don't begin rehearsals until Tuesday, at which time we will be told which roles we will be playing. I've been told that I will either be Sparky or Smudge, but the director is leaning toward Smudge. I'll let you know next week.
Meanwhile, I also have to start getting ready for auditions for RAGTIME (a week from Monday)!!
Posted by Dave @ 05/02/2003 08:49 AM PST
And if you can't get to Broadway - you can always see GYPSY at the Putnam County Playhouse in Greencastle, Indiana, in August!
In my CD player: Welcome to Woop Woop soundtrack which I discovered here on HHW. Peggy Wood's disco "Climb Every Mountain" is tres jolie, tres tres jolie.
In my DVD player SKI PARTY/MUSCLE BEACH PARTY, a double bill that is exactly what it says it is.
In my VHS, THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE, Roadshow version. Very enjoyable! Yes, I am watching it again.
Such posts yesterday...such information...so much reading. What a lot of posts (a sort of Leslie Bricusse reference.).
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 08:51 AM PST
I'll list CD's later, but I wanted to add an additional crush from yesterday. In addition to all those men and Kim Novak, I forgot to mention one of my alltime favorites--- Doris Day. Quite an ecclectic collection, isn't it?!
Posted by Kerry @ 05/02/2003 08:56 AM PST
Click on my name for some terrific photos from GYPSY's opening night!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 09:10 AM PST
Hayley Mills fans who might be on the cape this summer rejoice..
"Cape Playhouse has announced a summer season heavy on musicals and comedy, with Oscar winner Hayley Mills as the newcomer among several of last year's stars returning in different roles.
Mills will make her playhouse debut in "Wait Until Dark," Frederick Knott's thriller about a blind woman who must dodge con men trying to find a mysterious toy in her apartment. Mills' son, Jonathan Lawson, will play one of the thieves, and John Rubinstein, best known for acting on Broadway and TV, will make his directing debut at the playhouse with that show. "Wait Until Dark" runs June 30-July 12."
http://www.capeweek.com/capeplayhouse1.htm
Posted by Craig @ 05/02/2003 09:12 AM PST
When I wrote today's notes I hadn't seen some of the less than positive reviews - although the major ones do all seem to be raves and/or at least like the production.
I also hadn't seen quite how far we'd gotten in our posts yesterday - amazing, say I.
WEL and Craig - I didn't really find WEL's comments as "snarky" as Craig did, and it's okay to be opinionated as long as it's not negative to a dear reader in any unseemly way. Considering what goes on elsewhere, we are postively a model of decorum here at haineshisway.com.
Now, where in tarnation IS everyone? We must not let our Maytime posts dwindle to a precious few.
Posted by bk @ 05/02/2003 09:12 AM PST
Hello All! With all the talk of Friends yesterday, I have tha Best of Friends in my DVD player. I haven't had regular TV or Cable/Satellite for 3 years now. So I missed several seasons of Friends. But I must say that I think it's pretty funny. In my CD player are 2 Acoustic Alchemy CDs, The Early Years and Art. Also, Stacy Pullen, DJ Kicks, which is a very good techno CD. I don't usually like techno music, but this CD is great!
Posted by JB aka JK @ 05/02/2003 09:52 AM PST
Ooops - tha=the. I guess I am feeling a bit Rastafarian today. Jah Love, Bra!
Posted by JB aka JK @ 05/02/2003 09:54 AM PST
JB aja JK - also a fan of acoustic alchemy. Interesting to note the similarities between you and pops - both of you have been cable/satellite free for quite some time.
Nothing in my dvd player and in my CD player, PRODIGAL and Jerome Kern's "Life Upon The Wicked S.T.A.G.E. live concert CD"
Posted by Craig @ 05/02/2003 09:59 AM PST
that should be JB aKa JK.. clearly I am also being rastafarian lol
Posted by craig @ 05/02/2003 10:00 AM PST
UP AND COMING IN MY VCR ...
Good News
Summer Stock
The Court Jester
This Could Be the Night
DID YOU ALL KNOW THIS ABOUT BK?
I was leafing through some of my back issues of Cabaret Scenes magazine and, lo and behold, there was an article about BK. The most surprising thing I read was that he had a cabaret act he performed for quite a spell at the Gardenia. 'Fess up, BK! Tell us more!
Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 05/02/2003 10:02 AM PST
For the record, the four NY papers all seemed to be reviewing a different production of GYPSY. The Times gave it a rave, Newsday and the Daily News hated it and the Post was positive but not a total rave. I also read that it depends on what night you see the show... that Bernadette has been brilliant one night and then very off the next. I think DR Jason confirmed this when he described how different she was on the two nights he saw her. I'd be curious who other DRs think is the best Rose they ever saw. Even though I saw Ethel, I would have to say Angela was my favorite Rose. Not that there was anything wrong with Ethel, Tyne, or any of the others, it's just that Angela's performance --- and I saw her twice a couple of years apart --- was the strongest. The second time I saw her was in a stock tour and I have never seen a (well deserved) standing ovation that stopped the show for as long as "Rose's Turn".
CD - Still listening to the 8 WOMEN soundtrack; also the OBC of "Earnest in Love".
VHS - Again last night's ER. If you recorded it with a timer you will miss the last 20 minutes since Barbara Bush's son caused is not content in just screwing up the country, he wants to screw up primetime television as well.
DVD - I'll probbly start the new Cole Porter releases if we have time.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/02/2003 10:04 AM PST
In my CD player at work: I just made CD copies of my vinyl (yes, vinyl!) albums to the musicals "The Hired Man" (original London cast) and "Yours, Anne" (the original Off-Broadway cast). After that, I'm going to start my "Forbidden Broadway (and Hollywood) Marathon!" I have all of the FB discs (as far as I know), as well as the BK produced FH starring Jason Graae. I'll listen to them all the way through and in order.
In my DVD player: Disc 3 (of 6) of "Sports Night." I LOVE this show!
In my VCR: nothing.
In my turntable: nothing, yet. I'm waiting to get my copy of the BK produced and composed "Together Again" that I won off of eBay. It's supposed to be in "Mint Factory Sealed Condition" (according to the eBay listing). That will make one fine CD copy.
Posted by George @ 05/02/2003 10:07 AM PST
It's good to feel Rastafarian every now and again! Donna - you are correct - BK did play the Gardenia, but I will let him give the details.
Posted by JB aka JK @ 05/02/2003 10:09 AM PST
I must say that Fridays topics are always my favourite because it's something nearly everyone can contribute to. We all have a CD player or VCR or DVD or some other entertainment media format... So here goes.
On my portable CD player, Saint Etienne album Tiger Bay. On my home CD player, I've got one of those CD changer/jukebox things and I've just added an Andrew Lloyd Weber section with many original cast albums and tributes including the BK produced Laurie Beechman album.
In the DVD player, the Planet of the Apes documentary that came with the box set for the original films.
On the record player, the GE produced album 'Go Fly a Kite' with songs by Kander and Ebb.
Posted by Wee Stevie @ 05/02/2003 10:16 AM PST
Bill - I talked about it a couple of days ago...and I didn't see Merman or Lansbury, BUT my favorite Rose ever was Your Hit Parade's Giselle MacKenzie!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 10:23 AM PST
In the CD: Mondo Exotica, a compilation of tiki/lounge music, featuring the likes of Martin Denny, Yma Sumac, etc.
In the VCR: Columbo: Lovely but Lethal (taping even as we speak).
In the DVD player: Disc 3 of the Mary Tyler Moore Show box set.
JB/JK: Just curious - how did you land in Iowa?
Posted by Lulu @ 05/02/2003 10:31 AM PST
In my CD player-John Pizzarelli Live at Birdland(really good-Ray Kennedy on piano is just the greatest).Music from the Motion Picture FRIDA.I believe that Elliot Goldenthal's score was worthy of The Oscar.
In the DVD player-THE WHITE SHEIK,THE SINGING DETECTIVE and BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940
Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 05/02/2003 10:32 AM PST
Wee Stevie - Who is GE?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/02/2003 10:45 AM PST
In the car CD player: "A Grand Night for Singing."
In the VCR: No idea, because it's now in Dear Reader Sandra's room, since the tv in the living room is non-functional.
Posted by Laura @ 05/02/2003 10:45 AM PST
Lulu - I ended up in Iowa because my hubby's job brought him here. He was here for 3 months while I was still in Seattle. He asked me to move and I did - this was before we were married. The town we live in only has 25,000 people. Imagine the culture shock! The things we do for love!
Posted by JB aka JK @ 05/02/2003 10:45 AM PST
Re: Hayley Mills. I'm a big fan of her movies, and even enjoyed her in the old Saved By the Bell shows (yes, I'm dating myself here) But then saw her as Desiree in A Little Night Music here in seattle a few years ago, and was profoundly disapointed. I'm sure she was cast for the name, to bring in the crowds, but it was a sad miscasting, IMHO.
In my CD player - a burned CD of songs that I must sing for my jury in two weeks. Mainly Bach and Samuel Barber stuff. FYI a jury is sort of a final exam for singers
In my DVD player - The Emperor's New Groove
In my VHS - Bill Cosby, Himself. I needed something to make me laugh last night
Posted by Ann @ 05/02/2003 10:45 AM PST
Hayley Mills is one of those people who has a certain amount of appeal, but is quite limited as a performer. (IMO, of course.) And hey...I'm the proud owner of The Parent Trap and That Darn Cat, and I've always really enjoyed The Trouble with Angels. It's not that she's a *bad* performer, it's just that she has a limited repertoire. Again...IMO! I can feel all the Hayley Defenders (who all had crushes on her, no doubt) champing at the bit to put me straight! :)
Posted by Lulu @ 05/02/2003 11:20 AM PST
JB/JK: I moved to South Florida for similar reasons. Of course, moving to South Florida from Indiana is not really the same as moving from Seattle to a small town in Iowa! :)
Posted by Lulu @ 05/02/2003 11:23 AM PST
Not saying it to put you straight, lulu - but I saw Hayley as Mrs. Anna in THE KING AND I and thought she did fine. Not a full, rich singing voice...but then neither was Gertrude Lawrence's, they say.
I guess charming would be the word. And I am sure part of it was seeing HAYLEY MILLS!!!!!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 11:29 AM PST
I think Haley was a wonderful child actress whose talent didn't grow when she did. As good as she was in the Disney films, her two best performances as a child were in two classic British films: "Whistle Down The Wind" and "Tiger Bay". She was special in those films and I think the way to describe her adult work was ordinary. Haley's sister Juliet has become the "camp queen of daytime" with her roll as a witch on "Passions" and Haley's brother-in-law, Maxwell Caulfield will forever be remembered as co-starring with Michelle Pfiefer and Lorna Luft in GREASE 2.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/02/2003 11:30 AM PST
Lulu - The funny thing is that I thought Seattle was a small place when I first moved there. There were as many people in the San Fernando Valley as there were in the entire state of Washington. Just goes to show what growing up in a huge place like Los Angeles does to one's perception.
Posted by JB aka JK @ 05/02/2003 11:35 AM PST
Work: London recording of Blues in the Night w/Carol Woods
Home: Dames at Sea
Home VCR: Tape of last Sunday's Six Feet Under and some episodes of Surprise by Design
Posted by Ben @ 05/02/2003 11:45 AM PST
WEL, several months ago I happened upon Passions while channel-surfing. I thought maybe I was experiencing an aneurysm! How else to explain a little person dressed up like a doll and "Nanny" with caked on makeup and the latest in gypsy-wear? My jaw hit the floor.
I'm a bit surprised to hear she's still on there, now that "Timmy" has left this plane. Is her character just as wacky as ever?
What a strange, strange show.
Posted by Lulu @ 05/02/2003 11:45 AM PST
Was it the Harmonia Gardenia that BK played with his Cabaret Act? Was there a big staircase...did the waiters always welcome him back...oh nevermind.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 12:00 PM PST
Brilliant in "Pollyanna" and very good in "The Family Way."
I thought she was very, very convincing in "Endless Night", the Hitchcockian thriller she made opposite Hywel Bennett in the early 70s.
I think what she requires is a strong director...not one who defers to her celebrity, which is probably what happens in some of her theatrical appearances.
We could do with a Hayley Mills film...possibly with Mia Farrow, as well...something brilliant with a brilliant director to wring out gutwrenching performances from both of them. I think them more than capable.
Posted by Hayley Mills @ 05/02/2003 12:01 PM PST
Lulu---
I have only watched a couple of episodes, but I know she has a new doll named "Cracked Connie" and also that someone is having an affair with a monkey! I don't want to know anything more.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/02/2003 12:05 PM PST
Just to change the subject...
Allan, oh Allan across the pond. I have just read a review of the Royal National Theatre's latest production and wondered if you had heard any word of mouth about Jerry Springer: the Opera.
If so, please share it with us.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 05/02/2003 12:08 PM PST
My sister Molly loves PASSIONS and watches everyday. If there is anything specific you want to know...ask..and I will ask Molly.
ENDLESS NIGHT was known as TWISTED NERVE over here, and I have it on video. Yup...pretty scary stuff.
And where is Hywel Bennett today?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 12:10 PM PST
Oh, goodness me, I wouldn't know what to ask. I've never watched one single episode of Passions. Just saw the bit with Witch Juliet and Timmy. It took me a good 30 seconds to recover, but I did, and switched the channel. I do remember hearing awhile later that the actor who portrayed Timmy had died. I guess I figured that Juliet's character would wind up being phased out because of that. Silly me. :)
Posted by Lulu @ 05/02/2003 12:27 PM PST
LOL - oh no. From what I gather, she has a new "little person."
Uh-oh...South Pacific, Act One runthru tonight. Yes, the show with the curse upon it is braving it out and rehearsing as if nothing has happened. Pray for Rosemary's Baby.
There are three questions that I will hear MANY times tonight:
1. Which way do I come in?
2. Is that where he/she is supposed to be?
3. Did we block it that way?
Why can performers remember the WRONG blocking that they did once, and yet the correct blocking that has been rehearsed several times, eludes them?
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 12:36 PM PST
Re Hayley - as Hayley herself just mentioned, she is wonderful in The Family Way, a very underrated film with a terrific score by Mr. Paul McCartney. She's also very good in The Chalk Garden and the Noel Coward thing, The Truth about Spring (Pretty Polly in the UK, I think).
Posted by bk @ 05/02/2003 01:03 PM PST
And of course the play THE CHALK GARDEN, marked the return to the stage of Miss Frances Farmer at the Bucks County Playhouse in June, 1957.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 01:04 PM PST
For those who think I actually took the veil - THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS was just a movie!
Posted by Hayley Mills @ 05/02/2003 01:07 PM PST
Yes, Virginia (and Donna) I used to do a club act regularly at the Gardenia, four times a year - I started doing it in 1986 or 1987, and continued doing it in various incarnations up until around 1992. The act consisted of me performing my own songs. The first few times I did it, I was too nervous to do it alone so I had female guest stars - then I got the nerve and began doing it myself. I was still so damn nervous in the first number that I finally wrote myself a number called Opening Numbers, which was all about being too nervous to do an opening number. From then on, it all went swimmingly. Occasionally I would also do my three impressions - Don Knotts playing Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, and Anthony Newley and Joel Grey both singing What Kind of Fool Am I, Duelling Fools.
If I were to do it again at some point, I'd make it much less "my" songs and much more about the material on the albums I've produced.
Posted by bk @ 05/02/2003 01:13 PM PST
RE: Gypsy
We saw it last Friday night. I have to say that I went with some trepidation based on all the negative Internet chatter that went on since the first preview, but which was swinging to a more positive vein as the previews progressed. Firstly, let me say that Gypsy is my all time favorite show (Fiddler, a close second). I saw it with Merman in 1960 (when I was 13), with Lansbury, Daly, Buckley (at NJ PaperMill), on screen, and on TV. I also want to say that whereas I thought Peters was great in SITPWG, Mack & Mabel, Dames at Sea, and in concert, I didn't like her performance in AGYG. Thus, I didn't go in thinking she was butter. Also, I was initially of the opinion, shared by many when they announced this production, that she was all wrong for the part. All that being said, I have to say that my wife and I were definitely wowed by her and the production. I found her totally believable in the part, being heartbreaking, seductive and monsterous all wrapped together in one package. The supporting cast was terrific, especially John Dossett. I read many posts commenting on almost every aspect of Mendes,' direction, but I have to say overall the production ran smoothly. I only question one directorial choice made at the very end that I thought could have been done better. One TV critic commented that the first act seemed like it was 2 hours long. We thought the opposite, commenting on that at the end of Act I, and never saw time fly by so fast in the theater. I recommend it highly and will definitely see it again, but won't pay the $100 + per ticket it cost this first time and will next get standing room. It was worth the money we paid, however. We originally had seats off the center section on the aisle in the 10th row. As we handed our tickets to the ticket-taker, he indicated that they were filming the show that night (for publicity purposes they said) and a camera was setup in our seats, and that we would get better seats and directed us to the ticket window. We wound up in the 4th row dead center. Nothing to complain about there. Everyone I've seen has brought something different to the part. In summary, Peters' performance certainly ranks with the best, which in my opinion were Merman's, Lansbury's, and Daly's, and is way above Buckley's, Russell's and Midler's.
Posted by steveg @ 05/02/2003 01:36 PM PST
Nothing in my CD player at the moment. I've been very busy watching the other media.
DVD - NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA
laserdisc - CABIN IN THE SKY
VCR - THIS WOMAN IN DANGEROUS
I keep meaning to pull SPORTS NIGHT back out and re-watch, but I keep finding other thigns I want to see as much or more. I've got MULHOLLAND DRIVE coming up on DVD, for example.
Posted by Matt H. @ 05/02/2003 02:23 PM PST
Jennifer B aka Jennifer K-
Just curious- What town in IOWA?
Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 05/02/2003 02:40 PM PST
River City!
Next stop, River City!
Posted by Wizened, Folksy Train Conductor @ 05/02/2003 02:41 PM PST
Just returned from a
company-sponsored trip to
see X-2. . .a little sappy, but fun
and the correlation between
mutant and gay cannot be
dismissed.
CD: the remastered Gypsy and
Judy Kuhn: The Jule Styne
Album. Also Michael Bublé's
debut album - simply terrific
and wonderful.
Posted by Kurt @ 05/02/2003 02:56 PM PST
VCR: Murphy's Laws of Golf co-written by the guys who wrote the original story for The Faculty.
DVD: Season 2 of Babylon 5
Compact Disc in Car: Lee Lessack, Kevin Koelbl,Jason Graae, Sam Harris, Brent Barrett and Grant Geissman (Rustic Technology)
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 05/02/2003 02:56 PM PST
I say congrats to the cast and crew of GYPSY. In a season where we've had very few successes, its nice to read a good review or two. The production is FAR better than it was two weeks ago, and the second night I saw it, Ms. Peters was at the top of her game. I don't know how she'll be in six months, but I say congrats to her and everyone else involved.
In my CD player: "Everything's Coming Up Rose" (a compilation of every version of "Rose's Turn" that I could find. I think Ms. Lansbury's is simply thrilling...THRILLING I tell you!...and Ms. Buckley's isn't anything to turn your nose up to, either. Now I need to get a copy of the Tyne Daly recording, even though I've heard she's just a step above Ms. Rosalind Russell in the singing department.)
DVD Player: "Me and My Shadows: My Life With Judy Garland." I'm not a huge Judy fan, but I AM becoming obsessed with Ms. Tammy Blanchard (the Louise in this revival of GYPSY). I think it can be said that I have a crush on her...and its scary how much she looks like Ms. Garland in her youth. SCARY! I've also rented "Airplane!," which I haven't seen in ages, "The Remains of the Day," and "Elizabeth." Should be a fun night of video-viewing.
VCR: It doesn't work anymore, so there's nothing in it.
Posted by Jason @ 05/02/2003 03:05 PM PST
Oh, my goodness! I just realized...I haven't introduced myself to JB aka JK. JB aka JK, I'm Jason. Its nice to meet you! Welcome to the site... :-)
Hapgood: Don't think I didn't see your post yesterday about your crushes. ;-) I'm flattered, even though I know you're just B.S.-ing me.
BK: Would it still be possible for me to come shadow in the studio while you're in town? I really have been giving this whole learning-about-the-recording-industry thing a great deal of thought. I'm quite interested in it, and I'd be eternally grateful if you'd let me come check it out...and I'd finally get to meet you!
Posted by Jason @ 05/02/2003 03:10 PM PST
Of course, Jason, you would be most welcome at the studio, and maybe we'll even draft you to sing with some other folks on Judy Kaye's number.
Posted by bk @ 05/02/2003 03:23 PM PST
DVD - maybe Harry Potter (2) tonight.
Cd. Paint Your Wagon -film
Turntable: The Nun's Chorus - played two versions yesterday - Luton Girls Choir & Anni Frind.
(There was a reason - I make tapes or Cds for radio listeners who have a yearning for the past. Last week I taped Presley's version of "Such A Night" - the lady requesting the songs wants it to be on hand for her funeral!)
Ms Mills was so enchanting in Tiger Bay & Whistle Down The Wind. My favourite child performer.
Re Seusical. We loved it in NY (Cathy Rigby version). It did not seem to get across to the children in the audience no matter how hard the performers work. Finding an audience who want to be children again must be the secret. I did not grow up with the source books and did not know anything about Cats In Hats etc. I play the Cd frequently.
Gypsy: I saw Angela's Gypsy (in London) - loved the warmth and love that seemed to be under the hard exterior. A talented actress in a wonderful role. I don't think the Midler performances really worked - the production values were great but I still prefer to watch the Russell film version.
Kurt (& other DRs) - Judy Kuhn's album has to be one of the greatest of the BK productions. Certainly in my top 3 played.
Lulu: Mr Irwin is not really a household name here. Cultural cringe. Stereotypical of the 1940's/50's Australian.(as perceived by the world thanks to Chips Rafferty. Dame Edna knows far more!
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/02/2003 03:37 PM PST
Does Miss Kaye give autographs? I know a French guy who thinks she is the greatest singer either side of the pond or anywhere. Good to have you back Jason. How is our Dad?
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/02/2003 03:40 PM PST
Tom, I was just kidding about the Crocodile Hunter. I didn't really think that all Australians roamed the bush, wrestling crocs and poking snakes with sticks while exclaiming, "ISN'T she a BEAAAAUUUUD-DAY!"
(you're all too busy slipping another shrimp on the barbie. ;) )
Posted by Lulu @ 05/02/2003 03:47 PM PST
Oh, wow! In this case, BK, I would most definitely love to be drafted. Are you kidding me? The chance to maybe sing with Ms. Judy Kaye?? ACK!! I'm all giddy inside. :-D
Tom from Oz: Thanks for asking about my dad. I don't know the latest yet...I haven't had the nerve/heart to call and ask about it for fear of upsetting him. I know that today was his last day on the job, so I'll give them a call tonight and assess the damage.
Here's some fun news: A friend of mine has a weekly cable access program in Manhattan called "That's Kentertainment." Its an absolutely absurd show, and that's totally intentional, but the thing has been picked up by cable access channels in L.A. and Chicago now... Anyway, his sidekick is quitting for personal reasons, and Ken is thinking about having me replace Sal! Can you imagine? Me--a sidekick on a goofy cable access show?!?! How much fun would that be? I could sing, dance, interview celebs (he's done shows with Carol Channing, Charo, the cast of DOTV on opening night, Betty Bacall and many, many others...) and I could be right there in the middle of it all!! How much fun would that be? Anyway, I don't know if it'll happen, but I do know that Monday I'm going to be one of his back-up singers/dancers for his URBAN COWBOY episode.
...Me...singing with Judy Kaye and others...bestill my heart!
Posted by Jason @ 05/02/2003 04:17 PM PST
Quick, Watson, only 150 posts to go.
Posted by bk @ 05/02/2003 04:25 PM PST
Speaking of Judy Kaye, she is
the one Mama Rose that I
have seen live, and I found her
quite wonderful. Will certainly
try to see the current
production when I make my
first NYC voyage in a month or
two.
Posted by Jed @ 05/02/2003 04:49 PM PST
Oh, and as for today's topic...
DVD and VCR both sitting
empty at the moment. Will
certainly rectify that this
weekend, perhaps tonight.
CDs: Shenandoah OBC
Jesus Christ Superstar OBC
Posted by Jed @ 05/02/2003 04:52 PM PST
Just looking at the GYPSY pics
that Jrand provided a link to
this morning. Is it just me, or
does the beard on Matthew
Broderick give him a sort of
Sondheim thing going on?
Posted by Jed @ 05/02/2003 04:56 PM PST
Still positive vibes on their way to DR Jason and his family.
Maybe your dad could take the Tv job Jason and you get to go on tour or whatever. Whence came your interest and talent? (At least DR Kerry and I are aware that the "From" would be redundant).
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/02/2003 05:02 PM PST
Haha! I don't think my dad would be too interested in this particular TV show. Its entirely too goofy for him. I just spoke with him and my mom a few moments ago, and lo and behold--he's already had two, count them TWO, "meetings" as he called them. My mom called them interviews. I don't know who to believe, but they both sound like they're in good spirits (perhaps the Paxil is kicking in). They're going on a weekend getaway tomorrow with his brother's family, so hopefully that'll get his mind off of things of the negative sort.
Now, in reference to where my so-called "talent" comes from...I really don't know. I feel a bit icky when I refer to my "talent," because I know that someday, someone is going to realize that I don't have any! Hehe... Neither of my parents or their parents, for that matter, have shown any great flair for the arts, though I've been told that my great-great grandfather on my dad's side was one of the top minstrel singers of his time. My mom LOVES "old" rock and roll (she hates the stuff my brother now listens to) and had dreams of being the next Karen Carpenter, and my dad has sung with barbershop choirs and leads the congregational singing at church and such, but neither of them have pursued a career in the arts. Ever since I can remember, though, I've had a love of singing and acting. The deal was cinched when they took me to see BUGSY MALONE (starring a 14-year old Catherine Zeta-Jones) in London for my seventh birthday. We also saw Mr. Richard Harris in CAMELOT and Topol in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. I slept through those two, I think, but I remember soaking in every single minute of BUGSY. Oh, how I longed to be up there, throwing cream pies and shooting eggs. I was also obsessed with "Star Wars" and "Mary Poppins." I remember wanting to be R2-D2. I also remember pretending that I could fly with an umbrella. I did a lot of pretending growing up.
My parents weren't necessarily supportive of my choice to become a professional "artiste." In fact, it wasn't until I got a scholarship to study music (without consulting them about it) that they agreed to pay the rest of my tuition. They're finally coming around...warming up to the idea that I might actually be able to get a job someday...and from time to time the words "We're proud of you" have actually fallen from their lips. Seriously, though, I know they're proud of me, if for nothing else, having the chutzpah to give this a try. I just hope I can follow through with it!
Wow...I feel like I've written the first chapter to my memoirs or something. Hope I didn't take up too much of your time (oh! a CHICAGO reference!)
Posted by Jason @ 05/02/2003 05:28 PM PST
Jrand52..."Twisted Nerve" is a totally different film from "Endless Night" which got only a marginal (same name) release in the U.S. The latter is based on an Agatha Christie story.
Of course, Hayley and Hywel are together "again" in this one...but "Twisted Nerve" was released in 1968 and "Endless Night" in 1972.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 05/02/2003 06:05 PM PST
Not only do Hywel and Hayley appear together in Twisted Nerve and Endless Night, both films have scores by Bernard Herrmann.
Posted by bk @ 05/02/2003 06:22 PM PST
Since a couple of people have mentioned the Roz Russell GYPSY I have just one question... if Ms. Russell needed to be dubbed (and apparently she did) why didn't they use someone who imitated her voice instead of using a voice as recognizable as Lisa Kirk? Since Ms. Kirk got no publicity or billing I was quite surprised the first time I saw the film (in it's initial run) to have Roz open her mouth and have Lisa's voice come out. I knew who it was instantly. Say what you will about the need to dub Audrey, Deborah or Natalie, in each case the voice could have belonged to the actress if the actress could sing better. That was Marni Nixon's specialty. Using a well known voice for Roz spoiled any illusion that she was actually singing herself.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/02/2003 06:34 PM PST
Jason: We non musical talents and non theatrical talents are in awe of people who really can dance, sing, act but I guess you need an audience. We all have out part to play.
Our newspaper today printed an article from "The Observer" - an interview with the "Artistic" director for the Old Vic - Kevin Spacey. The Bobby Darin movie is still being talked about.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/02/2003 06:38 PM PST
WEL: Most of the movie going public would not know of Lisa Kirk or have been familiar with her voice.
I suspect most movie going people "back then" probably thought Ros was singing and that Natalie sang in WSS.
Next there'll be a sugggestion that Anna was dubbed in "The King & I". I am shocked. Worse was Jody Foster not singing in "Bugsy Malone"?I still prefer the film of Gypsy to the TV version. To be honest I am not a fan of the Midler voice.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/02/2003 06:45 PM PST
Woohoo! Bugsy Malone
references!!! What a happy
Kimlet am I.
Posted by Jed @ 05/02/2003 07:19 PM PST
Nothing in my players. I turned in my
gigantic English paper this morning:
12 pages about antiheores in
musical theater (Billy Bigelow,
Momma Rose, Sweeney and Mrs.
Lovett.) I'm so glad that it's done.
Jason: You know that you'll always
be my studmuffin.
I'm glad that Gypsy was good. I've
just decided to pay attention to the
good reviews and ignore the bad
ones. I want Bernadette to be good,
and many think that she is, and that's
enough for me. (Oh! A William Finn
reference!)
I can't think of much else to say.
I saw a reference somewhere to
"Spin and Marty," and thought of all
the crushes on this site. Made me
want to search the TV show out.
Oh, wanna hear something that
really had me skeeved? Here goes:
My mom is on the board of the local
League of Women Voters. Another
member of the board was putting
together a video in which she
interviewed students, parents and
teachers about our school system. I
was one of the students interviewed.
One thing that we talked about was
the extracurricular actvities at the
school. Since I am the president of
the Gay-Straight Alliance, I talked
about the group and our activities.
As it turned out, friends of mine, who
are twins and also involved in the
GSA were interviewed as well. A few
nights ago, I saw the finished
product, and I was not shown talking
about the GSA, although the twins
were. I was a little confused by this,
and asked the woman who put it
together why the president of the
GSA was not talking about his own
group. Her basic response was that
in my version, it was too obviously a
gay rights group, and I was too
obviously gay, and if they put it in I
would be exposed to extreme
unpleasantness. Apparently, I am
too gay even for Cleveland Heights,
a very liberal city. This has me
pissed off because 1) The fact that
people would be shocked to see that
there were actually gay people at my
school, and that they would need to
harass people about it, and 2) that
the editors decided to leave me out,
so that I wouldn't have to deal with
idiots. I deal with idiots every day!
That comes with the job description
of being an openly gay high-
schooler! It just has me feeling
royally pissed. I think that I'll write a
letter to the paper in protest.
Thank you all for reading my little
rant. Just wanted to get it off my
chest. Hope I didn't take up too much
of your time. ;)
Posted by Hapgood @ 05/02/2003 07:25 PM PST
In the vcr: THE LITTLE PRINCE, yes, the Lerner, Loewe and Donen collaboration. . .
In the dvd player: ATLANTIS, BABES IN TOYLAND, TREASURE ISLAND, PAINT YOUR WAGON and SUPERMAN.
In the cd player: only two discs, but, both are new: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - Original London Cast (Yeah, I'm another Michael Ball freak) and thanks to Dear Reader Tom from Oz: NINE - Original Australian Cast! A very nice performance of Yeston's masterpiece; it has taken a couple of listens for me to appreciate John Diedrich's "Guido," but I immediately fell in love with Nancey Hayes (No relation to Allison) as Liliane.
And that's all for now. Maybe on Free-for-All Sunday, I might just be talking about another Aussie - Hugh Jackman and his Wolverine portrayal.
Posted by td @ 05/02/2003 08:00 PM PST
I must humbly differ with you, WEL, about the use of Marni Nixon. She does indeed sound close to Deborah Kerr, and it's pretty seemless between the two of them talking and singing. But I think she makes a hideous vocal double for Natalie Wood and Audrey Hepburn. Neither of those women were obviously sopranos, so I couldn't believe anyone was fooled into thinking Natalie and Audrey were singing for themselves with that voice.
Now, I'm not being critical of Marni Nixon who's an excellent singer, but just that I don't think the matching was particularly apt with those two ladies. And I don't blame the producers for choosing Marni. Those two parts required soprano voices; yet, Audrey and Natalie were cast for their box-office appeal rather than their singing ability. Perhaps they shoudn't have been cast in the first place.
I really don't think most people knew it was Lisa Kirk. I don't remember a single review of GYPSY at the time catching that it wasn't Russell singing most the time.
Posted by Matt H. @ 05/02/2003 08:52 PM PST
just won an original "First Nudie Musical" movie poster on EBAY!! It is the one with the yellow background and the Judith Christ review quote
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 05/02/2003 09:04 PM PST
I didn't see Sarah in the picture with Matthew.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 09:50 PM PST
Ron and BK - thanks for clearing up my ENDLESS NIGHT and TWISTED NERVE confusion.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/02/2003 09:52 PM PST
td: Miss Hayes from "Nine" was Australia's "Charity" way back when and was also Roxie in the first Oz production of that recently filmed show about some American city - forever ago too!
The woman singing "My husband Makes Movies" is Maria Mercedes who was the understudy to Debbie Byrne in Sunset B. here in Oz. Thus she got to play opposite Mr Jackman.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/02/2003 10:19 PM PST
Jed: The first movie my partner Colin and I saw together (for his birthday) just before we started sharing dinners and breakfasts, was "Bugsy Malone". Our first two dogs (Keeshonds) were Bugsy and Tallulah.
1976 does not seem that far away but we now have our third duo. Bugsy & Tallulah were followed by Roxie & Sweeney (aka Boofa). Now we have Fosca and Magnus. They have already had their eighth birthdays. Given the 7 = 1 year theory, I am just a little older but next year they will jump right ahead.
I always wondered why no song from "Bugsy Malone" was nominated for an Oscar. I think the title song may have won a Golden Globe.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/02/2003 10:44 PM PST
Tom - Starting off a
relationship with Bugsy
Malone... there's no way you
could go wrong!!!
As for awards, the title song
was nominated for the Golden
Globe, but did not win. Paul
Williams lost to himself with
Evergreen from A Star Is Born.
Also GG nominations for Best
Score (also A Star Is Born),
and even Best Picture
Comedy/Musical (yet again, A
Star Is Born). Did get an
Oscar nomination for the
ridiculously overworded
category of "Best Music,
Original Song Score and Its
Adaptation or Best Adaptation
Score" (lost to Bound For
Glory).
Posted by Jed @ 05/02/2003 11:01 PM PST
Alright, undeniably the oddest
bit of awards info regarding
Bugsy Malone. It WON the
British Academy Award for
Best Screenplay, defeating All
the President's Men, One Flew
Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and
The Sunshine Boys.
Posted by Jed @ 05/02/2003 11:09 PM PST
Sorry to have been errant and truant today... But I have a good excuse, and a note from my doctor! ...Well, maybe my casting directors... Well...
I'll comment about yesterday's and today's posts on Sunday probably... Because...
As of now, I've almost been up 24 hours. I woke up at 3:20am. Started driving to NYC (from Fairfax) at 4:00am. Got into NYC at 8:00am - well, hit the Lincoln Tunnel at 8:00am, was on the Upper West Side by 8:30am. Lucked out on a street space too!!! Started playing auditions at 9:30am. Finished playing at 5:40pm. Hung out for a little while in the Marriott Marquis lobby. Then... after a stop at H&H for some "supplies", I started driving back to Fairfax at 8:00pm, and made it back here just after Midnight. *Thank you traffic and parking gods!
So.. But it was a nice day of auditions (about 160 of them), and the rain held off in NYC until dinner time - so I was able to get outside during the lunch break - lunch at the Edison Cafe.
During the final two hours, everyone would come in, "Hey, you guys have had a long day, huh?" We would answer, "No, not really..." - and it wasn't a long day... But as more and more people kept telling us we had a long day... Ah, well...
Well, I just didn't want to be errant and truant... I did read ALL the posts from yesterday and today... Will most likely read them again tomorrow, or whenever I wake up.
Goodnight.
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 05/02/2003 11:47 PM PST
The ever lovin' der Brucer and I have returned from the cinema, where we saw A Mighty Wind. We were among a handfull of people in to see the film, which was only showing on one screen where we saw it. X2, meanwhile, is playing on oompityfratz screens.
We enjoyed AMW, which was quite funny in a sly way, but der Brucer was not happy with Eugene Levy's character, who was clearly mentally ill and not funny at all. Personally, I wasn't as bothered by the character of Mitch, because I could understand how the character couldn't possibly be funny. How could he be, since he didn't know how to laugh at himself. And that being the case, director Guest and Levy showed guts to not have anyone else laugh at him. Still, the balance of the film is off.
Right now, in our DVD player sits Treasure Planet, half-watched. It isn't exactly wretched, and would probably be better if it were. It's just misconcieved. Pity.
Posted by S. Woody White @ 05/03/2003 12:19 AM PST
Thanks Jed. I have never understood the praise that went to "Evergreen" or anything about that dreadful movie and I like Streisand.
I would rather have had KK being a C & W singer and using his own song writing talent.. The film was so so unsubtle in its message re women's rights etc.
One of the schools at which I taught did "Bugsy Malone" and the cast had such a good time. One of my favourite School produced musicals. (It was the only School where teachers (drama and music) taught kids to project and not to use microphones. I loathe the "rent" approach to the use of audio.
At my last school the kids had mikes and the hall (theatre) would not have held more than 130 people.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/03/2003 12:55 AM PST
Haven't had time to get onto HHW in the past three days because of WORK. When I read the number of posts that come in during what is obviously the working day for some of you, I feel I should write to your bosses!
William F. - re Jerry Springer, The Opera, a friend of mine saw it many moons ago when it was off-off-West End and absolutely loved it. It sounds hilarious and is definitely on my list of 'Things to Make and Do', so I'll let you know when I've seen it.
Kurt, if you're reading late posts, a couple of suggestions for shows - 'Eleanor - An American Love Story', so long as you have two actors who can 'do' Eleanor and Franklin well enough. If you like 'em dark, 'Lizzie Borden' is very good. I saw a production in London of a cut-down version of 'Rags' which worked really well. Only 4 musicians and a cast of about 10.
And to the subject in hand - playing in my CD player right now '...e meno male che c'e Maria' - an Italian musical version of Mrs Doubtfire - grazzie Giorgio (going to Italy next week, so gotta practice!).
Posted by Allan @ 05/03/2003 02:29 AM PST
Hapgood: Comfort yourself by knowing that things are getting better. When I was in high school more than 10 years ago, there were *no* openly gay people at my school (this goes for the teachers as well). Even the guys who were heavily involved in drama, proclaiming Cybill Shepherd and her polished style "fabulous," listening endlessly to Judy Garland cassettes in their car took girls to the school dances. They knew what would happen if they ever came out. Nothing good, I can assure you.
Gay-Straight Alliance? If anyone had even dared to suggest my school should have such an organization, they would have been tarred and feathered for wanting to "corrupt children."
So even though you're justified in being angered, I hope it makes you feel better to know that some things are improving.
Of course, for all I know, things are *still* the way I just described in Indiana. I suppose we could find out from some of the DRs still in the heartland just what the atmosphere is like now.
Posted by Lulu @ 05/03/2003 03:13 AM PST
ATTENTION DVD LOVERS:
We just got back from our weekly trip to Wal-Mart (I know, they drive independent businesses into the ground but what can I do...they have cheap milk) and they have a BUNCH of movies on DVD available for $5.88 apiece!
These aren't public domain titles or old TV shows, either. We just picked up Towering Inferno and Poseidon Adventure, amongst others, for less than $6 per disc! Some of the discs they have are bare bones (some are even full-screen pan and scans) but others have all the bells and whistles: anamorphic widescreen, original trailer(s), commentary, etc.
I urge you go check out your local Wal-Mart electronics section this weekend to try and snap some of these bargains up before they're gone!
Posted by Lulu @ 05/03/2003 06:27 AM PST
Good morning...
I'm going back to bed...
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 05/03/2003 07:41 AM PST
Gypsy the film - I didn't knwo when I first saw it that it wasw Lisa Kirk. I have cDRs of Rozs tracks and shes really terrible. BTW, Lisa was the second dubber for Roz.
According to the Warner records kept at USC, The film was shot with Eileen Wilsons voice. However, Miss Wilson had a contract with a small record label who thought they could strongarm Warners into letting them release the soundtrack to Gypsy on their little label. Jack warner said "No way. Replace the dubber" Ros then stepped in and said "I can do it. I can do it." and she dubbed in her singing to the already filmed image. this was ok until the first test showings when the audience did not like Ros singing voice. Then Lisa Kirk came in to dub her voice onto the already filmed image.
The story still gets around that part of Natalies singin in this film was dubbed by Marni Nixon which is absurd. Natalie has little to sing and none of it sounds like Marni. I asked Marni about this and she says no and so do theproduction records at the Warner archive. In fact, Warner records was so impressed with Natalies singing, they offered her a recording contract!!
Posted by Joseph Caporiccio @ 05/04/2003 04:44 AM PST
Gypsy the film - I didn't knwo when I first saw it that it wasw Lisa Kirk. I have cDRs of Rozs tracks and shes really terrible. BTW, Lisa was the second dubber for Roz.
According to the Warner records kept at USC, The film was shot with Eileen Wilsons voice. However, Miss Wilson had a contract with a small record label who thought they could strongarm Warners into letting them release the soundtrack to Gypsy on their little label. Jack warner said "No way. Replace the dubber" Ros then stepped in and said "I can do it. I can do it." and she dubbed in her singing to the already filmed image. this was ok until the first test showings when the audience did not like Ros singing voice. Then Lisa Kirk came in to dub her voice onto the already filmed image.
The story still gets around that part of Natalies singin in this film was dubbed by Marni Nixon which is absurd. Natalie has little to sing and none of it sounds like Marni. I asked Marni about this and she says no and so do theproduction records at the Warner archive. In fact, Warner records was so impressed with Natalies singing, they offered her a recording contract!!
Posted by Joseph Caporiccio @ 05/04/2003 04:45 AM PST
