Posted by Susan @ 05/28/2003 08:53 AM PST

I wish I could be there, dear reader Susan. 8-(

But I will be thinking about the fun you are having.

I think I would like to ask all the DR today, what was your first "must see" television show that you HAD to see!

I will start by saying 'The Mickey Mouse Club' (original) and 'Rocky Jones Space Ranger' with 'I Love Lucy' and 'My Little Margie' close behind.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/28/2003 08:58 AM PST

There are a few people I wish I could take to see the film at The Egyptian.

You haven't been to the movies until you've heard Cindy Williams calling for the stunt cock.

Or watched the Dancing Dildoes production number.

Sadly, the best song on the DVD didn't make the final cut (Bruce, you ARE rectifying that for the stage presentation, right????).

Three more days plus a few hours until I see the curtain go up on "Wicked."

I'm almost electrified by the prospect!

Quick! Somebody hand me a light bulb!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 09:05 AM PST

Bruce - the weather has been very fickle in NY these days. One day it's 70, the other it's in the low 50s. I would make sure you had a jacket, a hat perhaps, umbrella.. but also some lighter stuff.

Posted by Craig @ 05/28/2003 09:06 AM PST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DEAR READER ARNOLD M. BROCKMAN

Break out the cheese slices and ham chunks - and let's fiesta until the cows come home!!!

Posted by Craig @ 05/28/2003 09:07 AM PST

Dear Reader Tom from Oz:

With Aussie winter fast approaching, may I ask on this forum just how cold it gets where you live?

Does it even get cold where you live?

How often do Magnus and Fosca receive a good brushing?

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 09:09 AM PST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARNOLD BROCKMAN!!

Craig, I just sent Susan an email confirming that I will be a the Hainesie/Kimlet gathering. I trust that you have done the same per our conversation yesterday. :-)

Posted by Jason @ 05/28/2003 09:13 AM PST

My, that was very business-like of me, wasn't it? It was almost scary! Oh, well...off to the Met for a 2-show day. Ciao!

Posted by Jason @ 05/28/2003 09:14 AM PST

-10 degrees or colder during the winter.

101 or 102 during the hottest summer.

Indiana...and those two extremes could happen in one day it almost seems at times.

Happy Birthday, DR Arnold! Here's your hat, here's your ears, you're an honorary Mousketeer!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/28/2003 09:24 AM PST

Dear Jason,

I have R.S.V.P'd as required for said event.

Respectfully,
Craig

Posted by Craig @ 05/28/2003 09:24 AM PST

You people are supposed to let me know about birthdays! Well, a big haineshisway.com birthday wish to Mr. Arnold M. Brockman. We must all put on our pointy party hats and colored tights and pantaloons and we must dance the Hora and we must Twist away like we did last summer.

Posted by bk @ 05/28/2003 09:26 AM PST

Thank you one and all and all and one. I am dancing,wearing my pointy hat and pantaloons and munching my Birthday cake. Just came back from the city that never sleeps and will report later on my frolics and follies.

Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 05/28/2003 09:49 AM PST

BK - Bring an umbrella. They are predicting rain off and on this weekend. The weather has changed from day to day... it's nice today but could change later. No matter what, it will be better than it was the last time you were here.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/28/2003 10:08 AM PST

We simply MUST have more posts.. if only to wish DR AMB a happy birthday!

Posted by The Birthday Fairy @ 05/28/2003 10:45 AM PST

My question is: Did you all have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend? :)

Jrand: 1st Must-See TV: All of the weird Sid and Marty Krofft shows that ran perpetually on Saturday mornings throughout the '70s (but especially HR Pufnstuf, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, Land of the Lost, and The Krofft SuperShow, featuring Kaptain Kool and the Kongs, Wonderbug, Dr. Shrinker, and Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, amongst others). Also Donny and Marie. I can remember racing home from a family get-together so I could watch Marie's 18th birthday party LIVE! On the air! Runners-up: Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley.

Posted by Lulu @ 05/28/2003 10:45 AM PST

...ooops! Forgot. Happy birthday, Arnold!

Posted by Lulu @ 05/28/2003 10:46 AM PST

Ron: It doesn't get terribly cold here. I think around 25 years ago it snowed lightly in Miami, and I'm sure a state of emergency was probably declared. :) Typically people bundle up here if it plunges into the 40s overnight (in January or February). It can reach up to 100 in the summer, but it's so humid in southeast Florida that even 80 degrees feels oppressive.

Posted by Lulu @ 05/28/2003 10:49 AM PST

Happy birthday Dear Reader Arnold M. Brockman! *Throws confetti*

Dear Reader TCB, to answer your question from last night (about whether or not there is a recipe for slog or if I just throw it together on a platter): Throwing it all together on a platter IS the recipe. :-)
Welcome, TCB, by the way, because I don't think I said it earlier.

Posted by Sandra @ 05/28/2003 10:59 AM PST

Bruce: I REALLY wish you hadn't said Lida Rose. I am as susceptible as the quartet in "Music Man," and now the song will be plaguing me until the cows come home. And you know how late they can be!

Posted by Kerry @ 05/28/2003 11:02 AM PST

Lets see...thinking back about 30 years or so I can remember that I wouldn't dare to miss an episode of THE WACKY RACERS on Saturdays. I don't know if I really had any "must see, can't miss, won't even answer the telephone" shows until MELROSE PLACE ! LOL!

Posted by MBarnum @ 05/28/2003 11:06 AM PST

Actually there was a blizzard in Miami.

I remember an episode of Oh Susanna! with Gale Storm - she was mixed up somehow with gangsters and the rackets and it seems Miami didn't pay it's protection - Susanna put the whammy on them and the next cut was a stock shot of taxi cabs driving through four feet of snow! And forty years later, I remember it.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/28/2003 12:08 PM PST

*DR Sandra - Okay, I am going to throw all four ingredients on a platter, serve it to my guests, and give YOU the credit. So, you have until Friday to come clean with that recipe.

*Happy Birthday to Arnold.

Just out of curiosity,is Jason doing a show at the Met?

Today's question - The original "Mickey Mouse Club," along with "Fury."

When I got older my tastes didn't change too much. I was devoted to "The Rifleman" with Chuck Conners and "Flipper with Brian Kelly.

Now days, I do too much theater to get hooked on very many programs, and if I do find one I like, they cancel it (i.e. "Firefly" and "John Doe")

*BK - I will be thinking of you tonight. I will never forget the first time I saw "The First Nudie Musical."

Posted by tcb @ 05/28/2003 12:18 PM PST

TCB-
As an adult (meaning last time it was airing on Animal Planet) I too was totally addicted to Flipper w/Brian Kelly!! And if I could find it on some channel somewhere I would be taping it every day!!

Posted by MBarnum @ 05/28/2003 12:26 PM PST

MBarnum-
Well, if you find it, either on TV or on DVD let me know.

Posted by TCB @ 05/28/2003 12:40 PM PST

And of course, MB - Brian Kelly was cast as the lead in the film version of Jacqueline Susann's THE LOVE MACHINE aka Robin Stone, until he wrecked his motorcycle. John Phillip Law stepped in and Brian's clothes didn't fit him very well.

And MB - don't you have an interview published in the current FILMFAX?

Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/28/2003 12:40 PM PST

Happy Birthday Pere Brockman.

DR Lulu, having just returned from a perfectly marvelous 5 days in Key West, I will have to agree that it can be hot in Florida! We had a grand time but we did make sure to be inside around noon, or in the pool at the guest house. I'm not sure I could live through a Florida summer, even in Key West. I admit it, I'm a wimp when it comes to heat, though a little more pleasant summer weather would be nice here in NYC.

I hope to be at the Sunday get-together. I have tickets for I Am My Own Wife at Playwrights Horizons at 7:30 so I wouldn't be there until around 9 probably.

Posted by Ben @ 05/28/2003 12:53 PM PST

OK, the slog recipe:

Throw all four ingredients together and stir. Serve.

Posted by Sandra @ 05/28/2003 01:10 PM PST

Birdy Num Nums

Posted by Hrundi V. Bakshi @ 05/28/2003 01:15 PM PST

First "Must-see" series:
"Surfside 6"
"Hawaiian Eye"
"Dobie Gillis"
"Wallace and Ladmo" (a local kids' show)
"Dr. Kildare"

Later there were others:
"Gidget"
"The Patty Duke Show"
"Gilligan's Island"
"Addams Family"

Since I STILL don't have any of the snack foods I've been craving all day (see yesterday's notes), and LIDA ROSE is still going through my head, I think maybe I'll go rassle me up a big ol' heap of floop and slog.

Posted by Kerry @ 05/28/2003 01:21 PM PST

Happy Birthday, Arnold Brockman.

Be sure and let us know what kind of cake you have. :>)

And Bruce: Good luck at the screening tonight.

Posted by Kerry @ 05/28/2003 01:22 PM PST

1st must see. I remember watching Johnny Jellybean a live kids show in Montreal from CFCF studios. Many years later I had the opportunity to meet him when my friend was taping her tv variety series there.

Susan I will be in NYC and looking forward to the get together.

Happy B-Day Mr. B!

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 05/28/2003 01:27 PM PST

1st must see. I remember watching Johnny Jellybean a live kids show in Montreal from CFCF studios. Many years later I had the opportunity to meet him when my friend was taping her tv variety series there.

Susan I will be in NYC and looking forward to the get together.

Happy B-Day Mr. B!

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 05/28/2003 01:28 PM PST

We love parties we will be there with bells on. (Have you ever rang the bells?) Of course Liza will be in cast after that nasty fall. We'll see if Soon-Yi and the Woodman want to tag alone. This will be so exiting!

Posted by Liza and David G. @ 05/28/2003 01:34 PM PST

Arnold, hope you are having a very happy birthday.

Must see shows included just about any western. "Rin-Tin-Tin" and "Fury". I still recall the thrill of meeting Fury and getting his autograph. Really!. I watched him sign it. Unfortunately it has since been lost along with my postcard from Davy Crocket, also a must see show. "77 Sunset Strip"-didn't want to miss Kookie. The original "Mickey Mouse Club," "The Danny Thomas Show". Almost forgot Sky King.

Posted by Jane @ 05/28/2003 01:37 PM PST

I will do my best to make it to the screening tonight....I've been spending most of my time at home nursing my sick dog Jack, but he now seems to be on the mend -- depending on how he is when I get home from work tonight, I will attempt to get across the hill to Hollywood.

So, how long is Bruce in NYC? I will be there June 5th thru June 8th and I am seeing Nine, Frog & Toad, Enchanted April and Hairspray (2nd time).

Happy Bday Mr Brockman!

Posted by Donald Feltham @ 05/28/2003 01:40 PM PST

Happy day, Arnold Brockman!

Must-see tv? Oh, I'd guess
that Scooby Doo was probably
in that category when I was but
a wee sprig of a twig of a lad.
When "Quantum Leap" was
on, that was most definitely a
must-see for me. As for
current shows, only CSI falls in
that category.

Sandra - Slog sounds better to
me than floop (no floop for me
because I've never been a fan
of beets nor baby corn). May
just have to give this slog a try.
Oh, and I do have the makings
for some chips and frosting in
my kitchen... What a grand
feast it shall be!

Posted by Jed @ 05/28/2003 01:43 PM PST

Must-see TV in the late 1950s - early 1960s:

"The Roaring 20's" -- loved Dorothy Provine as Pinky Pinkham and her production numbers! (23-Skidoo! Wahoo!)

Great STUFF!

And "Route 66", and "Wagon Train" and "Lassie" and "Wonderful World of Disney."

Anyone remember the TV series of "National Velvet"? It starred Lori Martin as Velvet Brown. I always wondered what happened to her (she played Gregory Peck's daughter in "Cape Fear"); I've often wondered if LoriMar was named after her!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 02:26 PM PST

Happy Birthday, DR Arnold!

Today's questions: Must see daytime: SUPERMAN

must-see nighttime - TWILIGHT ZONE comes to mind first.

must see Saturday - ROCKY AND HIS FRIENDS.

Posted by Matt H. @ 05/28/2003 02:33 PM PST

It is HOT. Books arrived, and I just got back from the post office and they are ALL on their way to you dear readers. Whew!

Posted by bk @ 05/28/2003 02:34 PM PST

How many of your remember how The Danny Thomas Show seemed to seque right into Make Room For Daddy.

The original had the wonderful Jean Hagen as the wife, with Rusty Hamer as his son and Sherry Jackson as his teenaged daughter.

Then things changed. His first wife died (and I don't recall if that coincided with Jean Hagen's untimely death or if it was because she'd been diagnosed with cancer and had to leave the show. The show was renamed Make Room for Daddy. I know there was an episode that introduced Marjorie Lord in some capacity; they fell in love and were married and started a new family with Jackson, Hamer and Marjorie's small daughter played by Angela Cartwright who went through many shows in a heavily starched dress with tons of petticoats yelling, "What'd I say? What'd I say?" as Danny would be on a rampage for which she always seemed to feel responsible. Jackson's character went off to school and it became a family of four (primarily). Chaos always ensued, and you could bet on at least three shows a season in which Uncle Tonoose (Hans Conried) would visit.

Ah, those were the days.......

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 02:37 PM PST

First "must see" series was the original run of "I Love Lucy." Saturday mornings it was "Sky King", "Fury", "Circus Boy", "Roy Rodgers".

Posted by steveg @ 05/28/2003 02:41 PM PST

Ron: Just FYI, Jean Hagen left Make Room for Daddy in 1956, and died of throat cancer in 1977. The two events were not at all connected.

Posted by Lulu @ 05/28/2003 03:11 PM PST

Oh my gosh, I forgot all about "Superman." I still can remember where I was when they came on the radio and said that Superman had committed suicide. One of the worst days of my childhood.

"Rocky and Bullwinkle" - Now that was great television. I saw Edward Everett Horton do the King in "Once Upon a Mattress" on tour and met him, King Donovan, and Imogene Coca back stage. As I remember, neither Miss Coca or her giant French poodles were very fond of little boys.

Posted by TCB @ 05/28/2003 03:13 PM PST

Happy birthday indeed to Mr Brockman senior.

I have to think in degrees F I guess. I sometimes have seen snow here - once every decade and quite light but enough for a ground cover. We have about ten days over 100F in January/ February. Today is our second coldest day for the year so far - just above freezing. Where I live we get a few frosts each winter but not enough for that pool to freeze - just the water on the bird baths.
Australia does not have a permanent snow line. Skiing season in Australia starts in two weeks but there is not snow at present.

The important question is of course left until last. Not often enough! Fosca hates being brushed and Magnus expects a biscuit every three seconds or so. Despite the long hair the dogs don't really get that mattered but they do shed a lot.
For those who care, our dogs are Keeshonds (Keeshonden) - not treated well in the script for "Best In Show".
TV Shows. MMC, 77 Sunset Strip (Kookie - lend me your comb) Wagon Train (for Robert Horton) and the Perry Como Show. (DR MusicGuy - In Melbourne Tonight was essential viewing.) For Kerry and MusicGuy - Coldstream in the Yarra Valley is -1 this morning.
Ron: Hope to have my Cd copier back tomorrow. I have not forgotten Gale Storm.
td: I tracked down the Lawrence Hamilton Cd (A & F songs) from Allan in the UK.

A special TV mention to "Tom Terrific and Manfred the Wonder Dog" - a cult classic for teenagers when I was at school.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/28/2003 03:16 PM PST

Dear esteemed, lithe, and twice-literary BK .....

What WONDERFUL news about Kritzerland being actually on the move through the pony express...having just had a terrific re-read of the original Benjamin K., it just whetted my appetite all the more to read the new book. Of course, being proper Hainsie/Kimlets we ordered the required two copies. Can't wait for its arrival.

Secondly, all the very best wishes and thoughts go out to you, for your upcoming New York trip. It would sure be a treat sometime to observe you at work....doing that voodoo that you do so well!

Also, the Phoenix chapter of HHW is very much with you in spirit tonight at the screening at the Egyptian. I would love to see FNM on a big screen sometime.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 05/28/2003 03:18 PM PST

Thanks, Lulu.

I hadn't heard that Ms. Hagen had lived as late as '77. That means she got to experience some of the nostalgia craze that swept the country in the 70s which included "Singin' in the Rain" being acclaimed as (probably) the best movie musical ever.

One thing's for sure...there's no way she didn't deserve the Supporting Actress Oscar for her Lina Lamont.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 03:19 PM PST

oh, in other interesting news, Mr Mark Bakalor and I will be going head to head with our Tony Award predictions over at www.goldderby.com.....just check out the FoolsGoldDerby section!

Posted by Donald Feltham @ 05/28/2003 03:28 PM PST

here's the exact link

http://www.goldderby.com/fools.asp

Posted by Donald Feltham @ 05/28/2003 03:29 PM PST

The problem with posting earliest "must-see" TV shows, is that it makes me feel positively Pre-Jurassic compared to a lot of folks on here. Because of growing up in southern Calif., we had some TV earlier than other parts of the country.

One of my earliest daily favorites was a locally produced, live-to-air (obviously black & white) show called "Time For Beanie." A little while later, it got picked up and carried in other markets and was called "The Beanie & Cecil Show." The show was perfomed by puppets, and it was created and performed by a bunch of young unknowns (to me) at the time....people like Stan Freeberg and Daws Butler! The show was very funny on a lot of different levels -- depending on your age you would laugh at different things. A big pointy hat bonus to anyone who can tell me what Capt. Huff'nPuff used a a motor for his little rowboat???

I was also a very big fan of My Little Margie (loved the penthouse and the fabulous rich lifestyle, and Vern always saying "Mahgie"), Private Secretary with Ann Southern (who I got to know a little years later), and Space Patrol starring Commander Buzz Corey and his trusty young sidekick, Happy (There was a part for you Hapgood!)!!

DR Kerry has actually tracked down and bought me copies of both Space Patrol and Time For Beanie........what a guy!!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 05/28/2003 03:38 PM PST

AND, a Big happy birthday to DR Arnold Brockman.....may you be festooned with ham chunks and cheese slices, and above all else, CAKE !!!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 05/28/2003 03:39 PM PST

DR Jason -- My my, I was certainly impressed with your very decorous and business-like post to DR Craig earlier today. I could just see you writing up memos for some dapper Wall Street tycoon......then you would start getting pressure to sit on the Boss's lap, and you'd have to use that experience in a performance piece that you were asked to do outside at Washington Square...and then the Boss would be walking by and see you, and it would turn into a messy harassment suit.......

Wait a minute ; I think I just wrote you a new, original soap opera. Our very own Jason, looking dashingly handsome on Daytime!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 05/28/2003 03:44 PM PST

I forgot Rocky and Bullwinkle, Jonny Quest, Beany and Cecil.

Posted by Kerry @ 05/28/2003 03:50 PM PST

TCB - if that day was devastating for you you will definitely want to read Kritzerland. But first you must read Benjamin Kritzer.

Posted by bk @ 05/28/2003 03:52 PM PST

Such wonderful news that
Kritzerland is on its merry way!
This makes me a happy
Hainsie, indeed!

And a side note to Dear
Reader Sandra...
Thanks for the slog recipe. I'm
partaking of some right this
very moment, and I must say
it's rather yummy.

Posted by Jed @ 05/28/2003 03:55 PM PST

The original title was "Make Room For Daddy". It was based on a real life incident in Danny Thomas' life. He was on the road so often that whenever he would come home the kids alweays saidthey had to make room for daddy.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/28/2003 03:56 PM PST

Sorry Ron, you have it reversed. Make Room for Daddy first aired Sept. 29, 1953. In 1956 Jean Hagen quit the show. At that time is was renamed The Danny Thomas Show. Reruns aired from 1960-1965 as Make Room for Daddy. For more on Jean Hagen check out this site http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hc&id=1800029302&cf=biog&intl=us.

In the early 70's we went to a showing of Singing in the Rain at Academy Awards Theater. Jean Hagen and Gene Kelly were there. I was absolutely thrilled to shake hand with Gene Kelly. Even better would have been to fulfill my dream of dancing with him.

Posted by Jane @ 05/28/2003 04:08 PM PST

If the cake fits, wear it--Happy Birthday, Arnold!
It's 107 in LV today.

Posted by KT @ 05/28/2003 04:25 PM PST

BK - I am indeed looking forward to reading both books.

To clarify one thing I said the other day: The Robert Ballard epilogue I mentioned regarding the Titanic was in the Broadway musical, by that name, not in the James Cameron movie. The epilogue was fortuantely cut during the previews. I did not want to confuse anyone into thinking that they might have missed a scene in the film where Dr. Ballard runs off with Gloria Suart, while clutching that damn Heart of the Ocean necklace

Posted by TCB @ 05/28/2003 04:32 PM PST

Wow, Jed. You're pretty brave. No one else I know would ever come near slog, much less eat it. Would you mind telling my mom that it's good?

Posted by Sandra @ 05/28/2003 04:43 PM PST

Happy Birthday to Arnold M.
Brockman! You have given us both
your own presence and that of your
sparkling son Craig, and for that we
are all grateful. Let us all throw
handsful of confetti. I will eat somme
cake, or some other wonderful
dessert, in celebration.
I never really had a must-see TV
show, though we did love
"Remember WENN" on AMC.
Anyone else remember that show?
Such fun. And they canceled it after
a cliffhanger, without resolving it!
What a shame.

May I take a moment to say one of
my pet peeves? People who tell
other people how to react to things,
like saying "calm down" incessantly
rather than actually dealing with the
problem. If I want to be angry, or
uncalm, then I will, damn it! And
telling someone who is agitated to
calm down is about the worst way to
get them to calm down. It is so
insulting to me that people feel that
they have any right to dictate how I
can react to something. That is
taking from me my control over my
own emotions and behavior.
Thank you all for listening. End of
rant.

Posted by Hapgood @ 05/28/2003 04:51 PM PST

There's a story over at Playbill.com that has me feeling glum. Yes, I'm feeling glum indeed, because it looks like the Tony Awards are once again going to be as unthrilling as they have been for several years running.

I've long held the belief that the best part of the Tonys is when they show parts of the nominated shows live onstage, particularly when they focus on people generally unknown to the American public. Sadly, that's not happening this year. Once again this year we're getting either established stars everyone already knows, or chorus numbers where no one will be able to grab the focus of the camera and proclaim "Here I Am, World!"

Case in point: From Gypsy, Bernadette will be singing "Rose's Turn." Bernadette is already known world-wide. Case in point: Stokes, Mastrantonio, and Sabella will sing "The Impossible Dream." It could be argued that some people don't know Stokes, I suppose. He'd have a hard time passing muster on American Idol. But he's already a star. Case in point: Banderas, Krakowski, Rivera, & Masterson will perform "Guido's Song" from Nine. If there's a surprise there, it's that Krakowski can sing. She's never appeared on American Idol, either. (Although I've got to let my best friend Antonio know about that lineup, because he's got the hots for Krakowski. Antonio already knows Krakowski can sing, however, because I played for him some of the tracks she recorded with our own BK, which got him even hotter for the lady.)

They've got the cast of La Boheme lining up across the stage, and the cast of Movin' Out lining up across the stage, and the cast of The Play What I Wrote lining up across the stage. There's a chance that Winokur might be discovered by the American public at large when the cast of Hairspray lines up across the stage, but odds are the cameras will focus on Harvey and not on her.

The only two segments that sound even the slightest bit promising are two poems from Def Poetry Jam, and Mark Linn-Baker and Joe Goede doing a number from A Year With Frog and Toad. Linn-Baker has been out of the general public eye for some time now, and Goede is an unknown from that public eye's point of view. That performance could count as discovery time.

Other than that, it's the blur of the chorus and what's already been established for the entire show. I'm not impressed.

Posted by A rather disgruntled S. Woody White @ 05/28/2003 05:35 PM PST

Oh yes, My Little Marjie and Superman, two must see shows.

Gosh Hapgood, WENN wasn't that long ago. I agree with everything you said about the show.

Posted by Jane @ 05/28/2003 05:50 PM PST

Let's have a great big, bubbly birthday bash for Mr. Brockman! Here's looking at you, kid!

DRs one and all: Have you been snatching up the newly remastered (how many times can they remaster these things) Columbia Masterworks Broadway cds?
I picked up NINE, because of my affinity towards the score, and am not disappointed in the least. It's fun to have new words (Oh, a little maury yeston reference) to familiar themes eminate from the speakers. This recording takes me back in time to seeing NINE in previews. . .ah, such memories. . .

as for early *must-see teevee,* start me off with THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, and if my grades were above average, I got to stay up late for PEYTON PLACE and THE FUGITIVE.

Posted by td @ 05/28/2003 05:55 PM PST

Some (yes, only some) of my "must sees" were whatever current Star Trek series that was on: The Next Generation, then Deep Space Nine, then Voyager and now Enterprise. Also I loved Remember WENN (I can't wait for the stage version!), The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Star Blazers (before school started), The X-Files, Futurama (which was just cancelled--I'm sad), and currently Life With Bonnie (it's coming back next season !!), the afore mentioned Enterprise, Less Than Perfect and John Corbett's new show Lucky. I also used to watch a show called These Friends of Mine, but another show that started at the same time was called Friends so the other show was renamed Ellen (after its star) to avoid confusion. I never missed that show! Those are all that I can think of right now.

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DEAR READER ARNOLD M. BROCKMAN!

Posted by George @ 05/28/2003 06:09 PM PST

Otanjobi omedeto gozaimasu, Arnold Brockman-san!

Posted by Susan-san @ 05/28/2003 06:42 PM PST

DR Laura - Sandra's quite
right, slog is actually quite
edible foodstuff. Floop...well...
I'm not quite THAT brave! :-)

Posted by Jed @ 05/28/2003 06:58 PM PST

Another sign of the apocalypse: Lord of the Rings, the Musical.

Think I am kidding?

http://www.lordoftheringsmusical.com

OY!

Posted by Craig @ 05/28/2003 07:23 PM PST

KT -- I feel your pain. It's 105 here in the Central Valley of California. Thank God it's a dry heat -- or so they say.

Posted by Angela @ 05/28/2003 07:35 PM PST

DRs Kerry, Music Guy and Tom from Oz: I know I'm fifty now because you have all mentioned two shows which I loved as a child, Time for Beanie-AKA Beanie and Cecil and Tom Terrific and Manfred the Wonder Dog. Prophetic that we should mention Tom Terrific because Lionel Wilson, the man who did the voices (Tom, Manfred, Crabby Appleton, the Meanest Man in the World), just passed away in April. He lived in New York and he was 79.

I loved Beanie and Cecil. I even had a Beanie Copter, a hat with a string and a plastic piece which fit on top. You wound the plastic piece, put the Beanie on your head, pulled the string and Voila, it flew off into the air. If only I had that hat now.

Growing up in Minnesota, I had a particular fondness for the Mary Tyler Moore show. I still love it. I think it holds up very well, unlike some other 70s television showing on Nick at Nite and TV Land.

Just got back from The Look of Love. Liz Callaway is so talented and they used her so poorly in this show. Oh, well, another Roundabout misfire. They keep adding up.

Posted by Ben @ 05/28/2003 07:52 PM PST

ERRANT, TRUANT, TRUANT, ERRANT--GUILTY! GUILTY! GUILTY!

But, as you may remember, my Joe and I are going through some "Unpleasant Business", all of which is crashing down during the next week. Aaaaargh!

So please be patient, I lurk, I skulk, and I have one request of all my dear HK friends here. Positive vibes... please, whatever you can spare in the coming week... we really need them...

Sorry that the UB (Internet slang for "Unpleasant Business") entails my not talking about it. Wait for the musical.

Love all of y'all,

Bill

Posted by William F. Orr @ 05/28/2003 08:17 PM PST

~~~~~Postive vibes to Dear Reader Bill Orr~~~~~ I hope everything is OK.

Dear Reader TCB (Everytime I see/write your initials it makes me think of Elvis' television room in Graceland with his trademark TCB with the lightning bolt painted on the wall): I do, indeed, work at the Metropolitan Opera House, but I am not a performer there. If you saw my dance skills, you would know why I'm not a company member of the American Ballet Theatre, and, while I'm stocky, I'm not "grand" enough to be in the Met chorus.

DR MusicGuy: Many thanks for your prior correspondence of 3:44 p.m. PST this afternoon. I will strive to maintain a high standard of communication. ;-)

DR Craig: See you Sunday.

Posted by Jason @ 05/28/2003 08:40 PM PST

Anyone wanna place bets on whether or not Ms. Peters will do the Saturday performances prior to the Tonys since she's gotta sing on the broadcast? Count me OUT of that pool!

Posted by Jason @ 05/28/2003 08:47 PM PST

I'm back!! Did you all miss me? Of course you did.

Posted by Laura @ 05/28/2003 09:02 PM PST

Actually.. everytime I READ TCB, I always wanna add a WHY to it..

Get it.. TCBY.... ok.. I'm done..

Posted by Craig @ 05/28/2003 09:02 PM PST

DR Angela: So much for "dry heat"...we went from very pleasant 75-80s last week to 107. I must admit, the evenings are lovely and perfect for swimming. I do like the desert heat, but I was forced to turn on my AC today, despite my own budgetary cautions.

Posted by KT @ 05/28/2003 09:37 PM PST

Yay, Chita is going to perform on the Tonys?!
Image Entertainment is filming the current B'way production of NINE for DVD.

Posted by KT @ 05/28/2003 09:43 PM PST

Craig, last year (I think) I came across a website for...get this (and I think it beats The Lord of the Rings for hearalding the apocalypse): STAR WARS: THE MUSICAL! I kid you not! Click on my name and be taken to the site with what looks like a full score available for your MP3 downloading or listening pleasure!

Posted by George @ 05/28/2003 10:20 PM PST

I'm trying to catch up on the posts I missed while I was gone.

Snack food: Well, there are times that I really crave some yummy chocolate-covered bacon.

Posted by Laura @ 05/28/2003 11:10 PM PST

DR Ben -- How Wonderful that you remember Time For Beanie...remember DJ (dishonest John) and can you remember the name of Captain Huff'npuff's boat??

DR Bill Orr -- we send you our very strongest and warmest vibes and positive thoughts from way out here in the desert.

DR Laura -- WELCOME back woman!! You won't believe it, but in the fairly short time that you've been gone, DR Sandra has half of this esteemed group making up their own batches of Slog and Floop !! I told you that she was quiet....but a torrent underneath.

DR KT -- I know what you're facing, as far as weather; we get handed that crap about "it's a dry heat" here also. But you know what, 112 IS 112, and that is one hot tamale!

DR Jason -- If you have Craig's email (and he doesn't mind) could you send it to me please? And congratulations on those impeccable grammar and form skills today...soon, you'll be able to replace Della Street!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 05/28/2003 11:10 PM PST

Why, thank you, MusicGuy.

We had a lovely time. We ate at the one and only Wok-O Taco -- it was an all you can eat Chinese-Mexican buffet. The stir-fried jalapenos were wonderful! I also had some sweet and sour tamales. Mmmmm.

Posted by Laura @ 05/28/2003 11:14 PM PST

DR Laura: Is that milk or dark chocolate-covered bacon?

DR MusicGuy: Yes, of course! I just remembered Phoenix is 10 degrees hotter then LV..I don't think it gets unbearable until around 114 or so, or when i get my Nevada Power bill, or whichever comes first.

Slog, Floop, Schlock...but does anyone have the recipe for FLUBBER??

Posted by KT @ 05/28/2003 11:23 PM PST

DR KT: I have the recipe for Flubber; email me at chocfac.com

Posted by Willy Wonka @ 05/28/2003 11:27 PM PST

Yes, I've been E&T and T&E today... But I have good reasons...

BK - I'll be e-mailing you some info very shortly that should make you - and Grant very happy.

As for weather - All I care to say on that subject, is that the sun did make a nice appearance here in the DC metropolitan area this afternoon. It was beautiful! And the evening air is nice too.

As for TV shows... Hmmm...
Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Donna & Marie (oh, and what could those shows possibly have in common, I ask you DRs - see we were fated from my single digit years!), Love Boat, Fantasy Island (love the ham and cheese)....

Later on: thirtysomething, Quantum Leap, Seinfeld, Cheers, ER (during it's first three seasons)...

Now: Six Feet Under, Queer As Folk, So Graham Norton, Trading Spaces, What Not To Wear, House Invaders (BBCAmerica - love that Phil T.!), Food 911 (Tyler Florence can cook for me anytime!)...

I also used to catch all the Great Performance broadcasts on PBS, but since I started working regularly - and in the evening - it's been harder to keep up with them - and they don't as many theatrical presentations as they used to anyway.

Oh, and Must See - well, Must Listen - Prairie Home Companion - and I love that most stations broadcast it twice - live on Saturdays, and then sometime on Sunday again.

WFO - Lots of GOOD VIBES to you, Sir.

-And why is it that when a high school group goes to see a show, the teachers/chaperones put the "boys" - who undoubtedly just came along for the "fun" aspect of the field trip - right in the front row. And then they make absolutely NO effort at all to hide their boredom. None. Even going as far to standing up halfway to stretch!!! -Meanwhile, one of the chaperones is sooo into the show - she cried twice(!) - that she doesn't take notice of the atrocious manners of the students.

-And could the actors on stage - not 15 feet away from them - see these young gentlemen - a.k.a. boys - from the stage... -guess? ;-)

OK. Bed time for me - two shows tomorrow.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Mr. Brockman!

And welcome to TCB!

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 05/28/2003 11:33 PM PST

Oh - And as for unlikely musicals... When I was on tour and we stopped in this town in New Mexico, we came across....

ROSWELL: THE MUSICAL

-Quite the read(!). And the commemorative script came complete with pictures from the original production! YIKES!

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 05/28/2003 11:49 PM PST

Yes, Elvis was very big with on TCB, which, of course, stands for Taking Care of Business -- in addition to being my initials. All of his entourage wore rings designed by Elvis with TCB and the lightning bolt. It was also the name of a TV special starring Diana Ross and the Supremes, and The Temptations. I think it was broadcast in '68. I wore out my vinyl album playing the opening TCB number over and over; and later used it as the theme of a radio program I used to have in Ellensburg - Yes, that's right Ann, Ellensburg.

DR Jason, sorry for being so nosy but I just love the Met. I have always dreamed of standing on the stage, and no I don't dance ballet, or sing opera, so I guess I am kind of out of luck. But sense I have an inquiring (or enquiring if you happen to like the magazine) mind, are you an actor or singer? I have seen references in the archives here that made me think you were.

And Craig, I have no problem with TCBY either. In fact, it could be a new nickname. Are the TCBY stores still around? I don’t think I have seen one in years. Of course, you realize that this could start a whole new discussion about snack foods. And while we are on the subject of food, do any of you New Yorkers know if there is still a Nathan’s Famous near Times Square? I used to love this one particular location. I had some friends go back to The City last summer, and I told them they had to go to this Nathan’s. I thought it used to be just off Sixth Avenue on either West 43rd or 44th. Well, I gave them instructions on how to find it, but they never did, and they were afraid to ask anyone for directions. It is probably long gone by now…. like my mind.

Well, it’s late, and I had a long rehearsal tonight so I better get to bed.

Posted by TCB (Y) @ 05/29/2003 12:04 AM PST

What wonderful shows.

I remember reading Danny Thomas' autobiography and he wrote that Jean Hagen felt completely tied down playing a "wife" - after all she was an "Academy Award nominated" actress, and this attitude led to some friction between them.

He also said her politics were somewhat more to the left than his (she was a great Adlai Stevenson supporter) and it was to their great mutual relief that she left the show.

The writers did such a great job (I think Danny spent at least one season maybe two as a widower) that people thought that Jean Hagen had actually died and her career never really recovered.

Yes, Lina Lamont is "shimmering glimmering star in the cinema firmament" - and Hagen's performance is GOLDEN. I mostly also remember her from a small film with Ray Milland from the early 1960's "Panic In the Year Zero."

Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/29/2003 06:01 AM PST

This note refers to the posting by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 02:26 PM PST

Lori Martin still lives in California and occasionally attends the autograph collector shows. I had the same question about two years ago, so I decided that I would research her whereabouts. It took me over a year to locate her, while banding together with others that I met on the internet to pool our resources. Finally, I came up with a married last name and called her. We talk every so often on the phone.

Posted by James Downer @ 08/11/2003 03:19 PM PST

This note refers to the posting by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 02:26 PM PST

Lori Martin still lives in California and occasionally attends the autograph collector shows. I had the same question about two years ago, so I decided that I would research her whereabouts. It took me over a year to locate her, while banding together with others that I met on the internet to pool our resources. Finally, I came up with a married last name and called her. We talk every so often on the phone.

Posted by James Downer @ 08/11/2003 03:21 PM PST

This note refers to the posting by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 02:26 PM PST

Lori Martin still lives in California and occasionally attends the autograph collector shows. I had the same question about two years ago, so I decided that I would research her whereabouts. It took me over a year to locate her, while banding together with others that I met on the internet to pool our resources. Finally, I came up with a married last name and called her. We talk every so often on the phone.

Posted by James Downer @ 08/11/2003 03:25 PM PST

This note refers to the posting by Ron Pulliam @ 05/28/2003 02:26 PM PST

Lori Martin still lives in California and occasionally attends the autograph collector shows. I had the same question about two years ago, so I decided that I would research her whereabouts. It took me over a year to locate her, while banding together with others that I met on the internet to pool our resources. Finally, I came up with a married last name and called her. We talk every so often on the phone.

Posted by James Downer @ 08/11/2003 03:28 PM PST