Posted by S. Woody White @ 06/11/2003 06:04 AM PST

Drum roll please! FIRST POST!!! (No, no, that's a dinner roll, I want a drum roll. Sheesh.)

Posted by S. Woody White @ 06/11/2003 06:05 AM PST

For Ask BK Day---
What exactly is "Def" Poetry? At first I thought is was another spelling of "Deaf" but during those two endless segments on Sunday there was nobody signing and it looked like the participants could hear each other. Based on comments Monday on this here site, I'm not the only one who did not appreciate the two segments of what appeared to be cleaned up rap lyrics, yet this show actually won the Tony for special event. Am I missing something?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 06/11/2003 06:34 AM PST

Mr BK - a friend tells me that your singing bird friend might be doing so around midnight because he is attracted to a particular artificial light in the area.

Is there a street light or porch light nearby? Can you dim said light?

The bird sees the light come on or brighten and assumes it is daylight. If this doesn't work, he suggests the garden hose treatment.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/11/2003 06:37 AM PST

I was away all day yesterday, having brunch at our local diner then going to the Central Park Zoo where we watched the penguins get there tasty lunch of fish (a sort of Benjamin Kritzer reference). We attended a polar bear chat and saw the monkeys on Monkey Island. All in celebration of Anthony's birthday. We then had dinner and after that went to see Finding Nemo. It's a cute movie. Not as good as Toy Story I or II or Monsters Inc. but a fun diversion after a nice day outside (one of the few in the past weeks which was not rainy and grey). Ellen Degeneres does a nice job as one of the lead "fishes"

Currently, I am wearing blue jeans, a khaki colored pullover shirt, a black web belt, white socks and blue slip-on tennis shoes. My unmentionables are of the tighty whitey variety.

Too bad about your sleep problems BK. I can, as I've been told, sleep through a tornado while Anthony would be much like you. He can be awakened by any noise and though he's been living in the city for quite a while now, still has problems sleeping through the night if there is much street noise. I guess after 23 years I've tuned it out.

Posted by Ben @ 06/11/2003 06:39 AM PST

I would rather have your bird who sing pretty songs than the bullfrog we had one year. He just croaked the same flat tune over and over and over.......again. Not that I would want you to send your bird my way. They coyotes have a great sound and it's amazingly easy to go back to sleep when they are singing. We missed them last summer and hope they return this year.

Posted by Jane @ 06/11/2003 07:02 AM PST

I think it's probably safe to offer an answer to WEL's question.

"Def" is a slang expression, that has been around since the 70's. It is generally used to connote that something is very good. Other similar terms might be "fresh" or "dope". As in, "Man, that's def!" Most sources suggest that it is an abbreviation for "definite", though others suggest "definition".

Def Jam Records has been a major label for a couple of decades now, featuring rap recordings by some of the major players in that genre. Russell Simmons is the co-founder of the label.

Def Comedy Jam was a comedy series on HBO for some time.

Now that "spoken word" is developing a following, it was inevitable that Simmons would branch out into the new genre. For some reason, he felt that Broadway was the natural venue for such a project. Go figure.

Posted by Dave @ 06/11/2003 07:14 AM PST

I'm a little jazz bird and I'm hoping you will be one too.
'Cause a little jazz bird is in heaven when he's singing blue.

BK - Perhaps you better check into a hotel for a couple of nights so you can get some rest. Or, since you're up, why don't you put the tape recorder on. This could be your next hit CD!

Posted by Donna @ 06/11/2003 07:24 AM PST

Tweedley deedley dee
dee dee
Tweedley deedley dee
dee dee

I can outbop the buzzards and the orioles.

Posted by Rockin' Robin @ 06/11/2003 07:39 AM PST

Dave---
Thanks for your answer. Even though it was a question for Ask BK Day I'm sure you defined it better than he could have. I'd still like BK's opinion of all this too.

What surprised me was that the group that "performed" this poetry was racially mixed. I had thought that this was a strictly Black type of entertainment. I didn't realize it had branched out. [This was not meant as a predjudice statement in any way, just a statement of fact.]

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 06/11/2003 07:43 AM PST

I will have to check out last night's posts so that I know what you're talking about when you say fashion.

BK, that is too bad that the birds are keeping you awake. Have you tried taking a nap during the day to catch up on your sleep? I still think ear plugs would help. What about a sleeping pill? I think the interesting thing is why the birds are only singing now? You have nice weather year round in LA. Why did the birds choose to come now?

Anyhow let us know how it goes.

Posted by Jennifer @ 06/11/2003 07:57 AM PST

BK, I'm sorry to hear about your troubles with the bird. Two suggestions: 1)Ear plugs and 2) White noise.

Foam ear plugs are not at all uncomfortable, cheap and plentiful (and pretty effective).

White noise could be as fancy as those Sharper Image things or as simple as a fan or a radio tuned to a dead station.

Either of these suggestions should allow you to sleep without shooting The Bird Who Wouldn't Leave.

Posted by Lulu @ 06/11/2003 08:24 AM PST

I am still wearing the black jeans, black/green checked shirt and black shoes I was wearing this morning. And will be wearing them when I give the curtain speech tonight at South Pacific.

My question for ASK BK day: If you could add a category to the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, and/or the Tony Awards - what category would it be? And who would you choose to win this year in said NEW categories?

I guess I would have enjoyed the DEF POETRY JAM more if I had thought any of the performers really wrote what they were saying. As I posted Monday, their readings seemed to be on the level of grade school poetry readers - with more feel for the "form" than the content.

And remember BLAST won in the category last year - and I can honestly think of nothing that is much less entertaining than drum and bugle corps - in a theatre no less. And yes I know it originated in my home state, and yes I know it takes hours of practice.

So - if BLAST can win, DEF POETRY JAM can win. My only hope is that we don't see a baton-twirling Broadway special event!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/11/2003 08:28 AM PST

Elaine Stritch won in that category last year although her acceptance speech was so short you may not remember.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 06/11/2003 08:51 AM PST

I just hope they don't add it to my season tickets to the tour. I have no choice whether to buy the individual shows or not. It's all or nothin. (An Oklahoma reference.)

Posted by Laura @ 06/11/2003 08:56 AM PST

Too funny, WEL!

Isn't it odd that they gave SO MUCH TIME to the Def Poetry folks, yet could not spare an extra minute for Elaine Stritch to express her feelings!!!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/11/2003 09:01 AM PST

BLAST! got a Tony for something...maybe it was most noise.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/11/2003 09:09 AM PST

LOL - Bill....remember when sometime back in the 1970's Walter Pidgeon and Greer Garson were on some television awards program. Garson started to talk and Pidgeon said: "Now you're gonna hear something." And I laughed because I thought he was referencing her EXTRA LONG Academy Award acceptance speech which went on for awhile - I have read different timings from 8 minutes to 45 minutes.

Garson just looked at him. And he said: "Hurry up, I have a job in the morning." She looked him up and down again and said: "Humphhhhhhhhh!! Television!"

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/11/2003 09:12 AM PST

Well, I have been away for a very long time, as I've moved and my internet connection has been sadly down, but now it is up, up, up and I've spent the last while reviewing all that I missed. Which is quite an all.

As to sleeping patterns, I too have very odd ones, although mine are self-imposed odd and for no real good reason -- I've just recently discovered this wonderful television show, "once and Again" that only airs in reruns at 2 am. So this means, since i MUST watch it daily, that I'm up till at least 3 every night. I think this is no good. But the show itself is definitely some good, in fact quite a lot of good. I'm extremely impressed with the acting quality -- a rare thing for tv. Anyhow.

If this is Ask BK day, my question is one that has probably been asked umpteen times -- when you go about producing a cd of "unsung" songs, how do you discover all these unsung gems? Do you know them all already (and if so, how?) and if not, how do you go about seeking them out?

-Anna

Posted by Anna @ 06/11/2003 09:29 AM PST

I managed to get three more hours of sleep, so I feel a bit better now. Unfortunately, I now think I've done one of those mind things, where if I hear the bird I think I can't fall asleep. Ear plugs would probably bother me (just knowing they were there would probably make me think about them). I may finally have to get satellite so I can fall asleep to the TV like I used to.

Posted by bk @ 06/11/2003 09:44 AM PST

I asked this question a week or so ago, but not on Ask BK day, so I'll ask it again. You mentioned that you're including "I've Written a Letter to Daddy" in your new CD (I almost said "album", showing my age) and that Katherine Helmond, whom you're going to see today, is going to sing it. Do you also find it very similar in melody to "The Man in the Moon Is a Lady" from "Mame"? A few years ago while we were on a cruise there was a Broadway musical song contest and this was one of the songs that you had to guess the title (they only played the music) of and the show it was from and for some reason my mind clicked to the "Daddy" song (which I knew was from WHTBJ and not from a show) and it wouldn't budge off it, so I missed the question.

Posted by steveg @ 06/11/2003 09:57 AM PST

Satellite tv may also let you watch network televsion on EST!

I love satellite tv!

And eventually - even now, but not me - your internet connection can be via satellite.

INVADERS FROM MARS, indeed!

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/11/2003 09:59 AM PST

Fashion Check: Same as last night, minus my cross trainers and socks. -Ah, the joys of "vacation" - of course, when I start rehearsals next week at 10:00AM, won't that come as quite a shock! -as usual...

As for sleeping patterns, mine are always wacked out for some reason or another - life in the theatre, I guess. If I'm having trouble falling asleep, I take one of two courses: 1) Read some technical type text - I pull down my orchestration book from college usually - if anything, it makes me eyes tired; or 2) Just stay up. -And I think I've documented my all-nighters here in HHW a few times. -And those usually happen when I'm baking.

As for the white noise remedy - I would use that on tour, since I always have trouble adjusting to new beds no matter how comfortable. I would just turn the TV to some blank, static-y channel, turn the sound down to a low drone, then throw a towel over the screen to block the light. Usually did the trick.

As for Ask BK Day...

Have you ever had tickets for a show that ended up closing before you got a chance to see it? -And did you request a refund? or just write the whole thing off? -Can you do that with closed shows? hmmm...

Has there ever been a calendar date for an event/birthday/holiday that you swore was on one day, but turned out to be on another? Something you were so sure of, that you didn't believe your friends who told you otherwise; and when the real day came up, you still didn't believe it? -I only ask, because I remember there was one year when I was a wee lad - of course, I was never that "wee" - where I KNEW that Christmas was on December 26th, not the 25th, the 26th! I have no idea how it got planted in my head that way, but I remember thinking the calendars were printed wrong. -And don't even ask me about the dates of my parents' birthdays...

And to bring both questions together: Have you ever had tickets for a show, but once you got to the theatre you realized you were there at either the wrong time or on the wrong date?

Sending good vibes to you and Ms. Helmond.

DR Ron: Did you catch my late post about the Barbara Cook DVD?

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 06/11/2003 10:16 AM PST

It happened to me, Jose. We had tickets for THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, and my husband Ricky and I were going with our friends, the Mertzes.

We were going to a Wednesday evening performance, and turns out the tickets were for the matinee. It was a mess!

The show was sold out, Ethel and I saw the first act and then tried to sneak back in the see the second act with Ricky and Fred. Ethel lost her purse with all the rent money in it, the Box Office manager finally sorted it all out - just in time for the show to end.

Believe me - it was a mess! Even worse than when we went to see OVER THE TEACUPS.

Posted by Lucy Ricardo @ 06/11/2003 10:22 AM PST

Luuuuuuuuuu-cyyyyyyyyyyyy...

Stop essasserating!

Posted by Ricky Ricardo @ 06/11/2003 10:37 AM PST

ROTFLMAO!

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 06/11/2003 10:44 AM PST

BK - in the past few weeks while readying your new CD, you have shared your "process" with us on how you create a BK CD. Recording the orchestra, than the singers. It has often be said that your solo CD's have often sounded disconnected. Having recorded the music and the vocals on different coasts. My question is, has there been recordings (not Cast recordings) where you have had the luxory of having both the singer and the orchestra at one sitting? And have you ever recorded a duet where the two people never met to rehearse or record together.

Posted by Matthew @ 06/11/2003 10:44 AM PST

Blast won for Best Theatrical Event in 2001. As earlier stated, Ms. Stritch won in 2002.

From the Tony Website

Page 1 of 1 (1 matches found)

2001
Special Theatrical Event Winner - Blast! Produced by Cook Group Inc. and Star of Indiana

Posted by Tony, the Tony Detail Man @ 06/11/2003 10:48 AM PST

BK, if you don't have tv, why not try falling asleep to the radio for now.

Also, I agree ear plugs aren't the greatest, but they will probably get the job done. I would at least try them (i like the yellow foamy ones). It can't hurt to at least see if you can sleep with them on.

And for Anna, I loved Once and Again. Very very good show.

Posted by Jennifer @ 06/11/2003 10:54 AM PST

But the year BLAST won it was a Special Award with no other nominees. STRITCH and DEF won the awards in that category where there was actually competition. One of the two years they got it right, although each of the other nominees in 2002 could have easily beat any of the 2003 nominees. That's one of the problems with awards like the Tony, Oscar, et. al. It's as much a matter of timing as anything.

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

As I mentioned on my post on Monday, I agree with most dear readers here that the DEF POETRY JAM segments on the Tonys were the low points of the show, especially the second segment. That said, if a show like DPJ attracts an audience into a Broadway theater that might not otherwise attend live theater, I say hooray. If but a very small percent of the audience is enchanted enough by the magic of live performance to be moved to see some other live play or musical (even if it's something like CATS or AIDA), then there is hope that the magnficent invalid will continue to survive into the future.

Beside which, I'd much rather see a show like DPJ win the Tony than Bill Maher or, heaven forbid, Jackie Mason. I know that does not appease the fans of THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE, but there you have my two cents.

Now, my question for Ask BK Day:

Should the current leads of HAIRSPRAY decline to do the national tour (which is what I believe to be the case), and you were handed the reigns for casting of the upcoming national tour (which will be making a stop in Los Angeles next summer), whom would you cast as the Turnblads three (Edna, Tracy and Wilbur)?

Oh yes, the fashion report: white cotton tee shirt and boxers. (Will be donning corporate drag in a few minutes as I have a lunchtime networking meeting.)

Posted by Jay @ 06/11/2003 11:12 AM PST

Jay, I agree with you that even though DPJ is not my kind of theatre, I would much rather see it win the Tony than Jackie Mason. He is one comedian I don't "get". I think when he began his current kind of show in the 80s, I found some of what he did and said funny. Now, IMHO, he seems bitter, arrogant, mean and most important, NOT FUNNY!

Re Play What I Wrote, I think it's one of those cultural things that might not completely transfer across the pond. I saw it and though there are some funny moments, it wears thin (at least for me) after a while, especially when stretched to 90 minutes. It was a very big hit in London but after the mixed reviews here in NYC, even with the prospect of "mystery guests" it just never took off the way the producers thought it would. I think that's one of the reasons it didn't win the Tony for Best Event.

Posted by Ben @ 06/11/2003 11:41 AM PST

Thanks Tony of the Tony Awards.

Gee, Jay, I liked AIDA. 8-D

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/11/2003 11:48 AM PST

Well, my question for ASK BK DAY was posted (damn them! damn them all to hell!) on the illustrious Scarlet Street Forums earler today (I could just plotz!); but, I shall indeed still ask that question.

BK: Other than sharing credit on JEEPERS CREEPERS, two of the female vocalists have something sinister in common; who are those two singers, and what is the tie that binds them together?

Dear Readers One and All, should you be curious about the answer to this question, please feel free to email me privately; I will happily share the answer.

Oh, The Fashion Report: I'm still in my work clothes; khaki shorts, baby blue Budweiser Clydesdale Horses tee-shirt. . .but, later, I'll be back to beige boxer briefs.

Posted by td @ 06/11/2003 01:07 PM PST

I have debated, for the past three days, whether or not I wanted to share this with the group, but here goes. I really didn’t mind Def Poetry Jam that much Sunday night, at least the first segment. It isn’t my cup of tea, and I would never sit through a performance of it, even if given the ticket for free, but I thought it was interesting. Basically, I could say the same about Kenny G.’s music. I don’t dislike his music, but I would prefer the bamboo under the fingernails to sitting through a two-hour concert of his stuff. And yet, Kenny G. sells out concerts everywhere he goes. Go figure! As we learned Monday in our discussion of Bernadette Peters, one man's ambrosia, is another man's poison.

I still remember when “Hair” opened on Broadway. A lot of people argued that it had no place in a Broadway theatre. And yet, that show introduced a whole generation of young people to the world of theater. Now the show is experiencing revivals all over the world. Looking at it today, “Hair” is really rather quaint. Or, there is the case of “Rent”, a show that I didn’t particularly enjoy, but that is loved by millions of people who have never bought another OCR CD, or bought a ticket to see another musical. Def Poetry Jam is not in the same league with “Hair” or “Rent”, but it could be the starting point for a whole new type of theater experience.

Now, having said that (for which I am sure I will be punished) I still saw no reason to have a second selection from the show on the telecast; especially when there was no scene from Amour, or from Bill Maher’s nominated show, or from Prune Danish, or, for that matter, The Play What I Wrote.

Posted by TCB @ 06/11/2003 01:14 PM PST

I'm with you, TCB. New audiences need to come from somewhere. And without experimentation in the theatrical experience, the invalid would have died long, long ago.

Confidential to Jrand52: did not mean to impugn your taste in musicals. My apologies.

Posted by Jay @ 06/11/2003 02:16 PM PST

Yes, but "The Play What I Wrote," "Prune Danish" and "Bill Maher" did not feature virtually every ethnic and social minority possible in one segment - blacks, Asians, gays/lesbians, hispanic, overweight, anorexic, etc. Nor did "Amour," for the matter.

Posted by PC Police @ 06/11/2003 02:20 PM PST

I do love these people on other boards. They are actually trying to put a positive spin on the Tony ratings. One person said that the Tonys actually won the first hour. I think not and if they did (I think not) then it was by so small a margin as to be insignificant. Nor do they provide a source for what they are saying, but everyone just assumes they're right. The fact is, the Tony Awards had the lowest ratings they've ever had since they debuted in 1967. I don't see how you can put a positive spin on it. Then someone said, "eight million viewers is nothing to sneeze at" - which of course made me sneeze immediately. In the world of television ratings it is indeed a number to sneeze at - it is, in fact, disasterous for such a heavily promoted awards show on a major network in a three hour time slot. And, of course, what these spinners fail to mention is that the ratings plummeted during each hour.

Posted by bk @ 06/11/2003 02:28 PM PST

Ask BK Question:

I find myself pulling out CDs by various artists from time to time on which each artist has sung the same song. I do a little comparison and make mental notations as to my initial feelings about the song when I heard them sing it and how I feel about it (by them) now.

Thus, I was wondering if you've ever thought about the conceit of doing an album with a bunch of singers and giving each of them the same two or three songs to sing -- each with his or her special interpretation????

Hmmmmm??????

DR Jose Simbulan: THANKS! Even searching her site I got the wrong info...obviously it was the Master Class that was being done at the Kennedy Center celebration. Thank you for sharing the Playbill.com info.

Fashion: dark grey Italian trousers; black Italian belt; yellow oxford cloth shirt w/banded collar; black Rockport shoes and black/grey striped socks (grey CK boxer briefs).

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/11/2003 02:33 PM PST

Frankly, I think the Tony committee had THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE and GOOD NIGHT GRACIE in the wrong categories. PLAY should have been in the Best Play category. GOOD NIGHT GRACIE might have had a better chance of winning in the Special Theatrical Event category. Of course, GRACIE is a one man play much the same way TRU is, so maybe that one was placed correctly.

For Ask BK Day: You watch so many movies and are so knowledgeable about them, I was wondering if you've ever written film criticism professionally. If so, where? If not, would you be interested?

Posted by Matt H. @ 06/11/2003 02:37 PM PST

Thanks for the prompt, Ron. I still have the white cotton tee shirt and boxers on, but have added a starched white 100% cotton pointed collar long sleeved dress shirt, geometric patterned necktie with a black ground (imported silk fashioned in the U. S. of A.) gray nailhead dress slacks, black (lycra and cotton) socks and black dress loafers. A solid black sport coat (which I wore during my lunch meeting) now hangs on the door.

Posted by Jay @ 06/11/2003 02:41 PM PST

BK...were you just on All That Chat? I read those posts too. It does appear however that Tony ratings are up among the under-30 demographic, so that is a good thing, even if the overall ratings were not. And I'm sorry to hear about the birdies--can't think of a better suggestion than ear plugs either unfortunately.

OK, here's my question (my first one!)--

What Broadway musical would you most like to see revived right now, and who would you cast?

To the Dear Readers who posted about Def Comedy Jam--I agree that this show is overrated, and had too much time on the Tony's which should have been devoted to Amour or to an Adolph Green tribute. I didn't think the "poetry" was all that horrible--but it all seemed to be about making political statements rather than celebrating the power of words to move and enlighten he human spirit (Ohmygod, I just sounded like one of my old English teachers)! That said, I think opera and poetry have a place on Broadway, as do legit musicals and revivals and rock musicals and Shakespeare and God knows what else. We need to get audiences into the theatres, even if the shows that draw them in aren't always to our liking.

I am still in my nighties! I really should have gotten dressed by now, but I had nothing to do today other than lounge about, so what's the point? I am wearing my "Producers" t-shirt and grey pajama pants (another Pajama Game reference?) with a pink floral pattern.

Posted by Maya @ 06/11/2003 02:51 PM PST

Oops...I meant Def Poetry Jam.

Posted by Maya @ 06/11/2003 02:52 PM PST

Yes, that's the board I was cruising - oh, an Al Pacino reference. I'm not sure I believe that the demographic is correct either - I think they thought the show would go through the roof because I think they thought that Chicago had made all things musicals popular again. It just shows that the bulk of the American public could not care less - sad, but true.

Posted by bk @ 06/11/2003 02:59 PM PST

Fashion: white socks, grey BB's, black shorts, and a sweatshirt that says "When the Going gets tough, big dogs go shopping!" I don't care if it's freezing outside and the wind is blowing, it's summer, I'm wearing shorts!

Posted by Matthew @ 06/11/2003 03:20 PM PST

A Kritzerland question:
I was unaware that the Fleetwoods recorded "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" (I know the Paul Anka song from 1959). Was it the "B" side of one of their first two singles ("Come Softly To Me" or " Graduation's Here". I can't find a lising for the song.
I am enjoying "Kritzerland" - the songs put everything so neatly into an historical nostalgic context for me as do many of the TV shows which made the journey across the Pacific.
It would be interesting to have a reader demographic of both novels - those of us born in the late 40's certainly relate to so many of Benjamin's adventures.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/11/2003 03:25 PM PST

You're welcome, Ron. -It's kind of funny that the venue info isn't listed somewhere in/on the packaging. -Again, I don't have my copy yet, so it may very well be buried somewhere. -Maybe in the final credits in some really small print.

It would have been nice to have the show recorded at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre, but it's not a recording friendly space. They would have inconvenienced many a patron with the camera equipment. *They did shoot some footage for the ABC Nightline interview there, and, even though it was just a one camera job, it really was not flattering to Ms. Cook, Mr. Harper nor to Mr. Burr - who I don't even think made it on the tape.

Clothes check: One of my many Disney t-shirts - this one has Pooh on it. (*Hmmm, interesting turn of phrase.), black running shorts, etc., etc... my driving clothes since I had to head up to Fairfax today for a meeting, and now I'm back home in Richmond. Ain't transportation a blast!?!?

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 06/11/2003 03:37 PM PST

Now that you are back in the recording business. Back in Business! (A Sondheim reference) Who is the topic of the question.

Since Sondheim is a pal would you approach him about recording his new musical "Bounce"? Afterall you recording 9 albums (Unsung Sondheim, Sondheim at The Movies, Merrily We Roll Along and the Trotter Jazz Albums)

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 06/11/2003 04:01 PM PST

BK: You need a cat! Then the warbler could be renamed "Breakfast", "Lunch", or "Dinner".

Fashion Report: Just home from work, wearing black spandex bike shorts w/2 white stripes down each side, white canvas tennies, and my CHICAGO black-and-white tee shirt (with photos of the revival cast) and lettering in red. I am soon to change into a tiny black thong, toting a pink and green beach towel, and jump into the pool.

Posted by KT @ 06/11/2003 04:04 PM PST

Ron - I once made a CD of 16 different artists singing "With One Look" from "Sunset Blvd." it's a rather interesting concept. And in my case, obcession for the song!!!

Posted by Matthew @ 06/11/2003 04:11 PM PST

BK:

What news on the movie?
What news on the musical?
What news on the new record label?
What news on the Kritzerland CD? (I believe there was going to be one--yes? no? maybe? [oh, a Bye Bye Birdie reference])

I for one am dying to hear what Guy Haines makes of "I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way."

Posted by William F. Orr @ 06/11/2003 04:11 PM PST

Oops - we had one other problem like that, song-wise, but my brother caught it just before we went to press. One of two things happened - either I originally had a Fleetwoods song there and then changed it but forgot to change the singer, or in searching it the song was listed in such a way, right behind Come Softly to Me, and I might have just put in the wrong name. I'm not sure whether I'll fix it or not for subsequent print runs.

Posted by bk @ 06/11/2003 04:26 PM PST

Ahh, WFO beat me to the
punch, question-wise. I, too,
wanted to ask what the latest
was on the movie project and
the TFNM stage project.

Fashion-wise: jean shorts,
white briefs, and a white t-shirt

Posted by Jed @ 06/11/2003 04:37 PM PST

Here's a "job idea" for those with time on their hands and a creative bent:

Hire yourself out as "professional bitch-slapper"!

You would market yourself in the same arenas as those folks who hire protestors to walk picket lines with signs.

Only difference -- and a big one -- is that you will learn who the "antagonists" are and greet them as they enter "town hall" meetings by bitch-slapping them and telling them they're getting what they deserve for being whiners.

I know I'd contribute to such a worthy cause! These would be hit-and-run operations in disguise -- and folks would be on hand to make sure you get away!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/11/2003 04:38 PM PST

Dear Reader Matthew:

That's funny. Just a couple of weeks ago I visited my brother in Rochester, New York. Like me, he is a showtune queen, ah, hmmm, better make that "musical theatre enthusiast." Anyway, one evening, he played for me about twelve different artists singing "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from SUNSET BOULEVARD. It was a hoot. He even has gone so far as to determine, for those recordings that included the spoken lead-in, whether the Norma in question genuinely remembered Hawkeye (the grip who shines the spotlight on her) or whether she is merely being polite and pretending that she remembers him. For the record, Miss Diahann Carroll came off as the best of all the divas.

BTW, RCA once had a recording (long out of print, I am certain) of something like 16 different tenors singing "Di Quella Pira" from IL TROVATORE.

Posted by Jay @ 06/11/2003 04:39 PM PST

DR Jay - For the record, IMHO (that's internet for In My Humble Opinion) Patti LuPone is the best of the Norma's when it comes to "With One Look" even though she's not my favorite actress in the role, her singing of the song was/is the best. However, for the best "new interpretation" of the song, the award goes to Laurie Beechman with her BK produced rendtion of "With One Look".

Posted by Matthew @ 06/11/2003 04:44 PM PST

Ron - Sign me up! Sounds
like a great summer job for us
teacher types!

Posted by Jed @ 06/11/2003 04:45 PM PST

let me clear up some of the confusion about the ratings for this year's Tony Awards -- this information comes from the Nielsen ratings as reported by several entertainment new sources

2003 Tonys
5.5 rating
9 share (9% of viewers)
approx 7.95 million viewers
2002 Tonys
5.6 rating
9 share
approx 7.98 million viewers

as for this year:

2003 Tonys won the first hour (8 to 9 pm) with a 6.2 rating/11 share. NBC with a Law & Order repeat was 2nd and ABC with basketball was 3rd.

During the 2nd hour (9 to 10 pm), NBC with another Law & Order repeat was first with a 8.7 rating/15 share, basketball on ABC was 2nd and the Tonys were 3rd with a 5.5 rating/9 share.

During the 3rd hour, ABC's basketball was 1st, followed by NBC's Crime & Punishment and the Tonys remained in 3rd with a 5.1 rating/8 share.

Now, the ratings did go down from last year, but not by much. If there is any good news, it is that this year's show did better with the desirable 25 to 54 age demographic. Last year, the ratings for adults age 25-54 was a 2.0 rating/5 share. This year, it was a 2.6 rating/6 share, an increase of 30%.

So, were the ratings wonderful? No, of course not, but it doesn't really matter. CBS actually likes the show, because it draws a very specific audience that is attractive to advertisers. CBS had no trouble selling advertising time this year and I don't suspect the show is in any danger of being dropped by CBS.

Posted by Donald @ 06/11/2003 04:56 PM PST

Thanks for the quick response BK re The Fleetwoods. I would have been searching for another of their singles. The first of theirs I bought as a youngster was "Mr Blue". I've always liked their "The Great Imposter" which came out about the same time as the movie but I gather was not written for it.
Summer jobs for Teachers is a frightening idea. In OZ teachers are paid an annual salary. ie 52 weeks pay. There are about 10 weeks of not teaching in the School year and these are paid as usual. There is also a two week "holiday loading". Maybe that's why I could afford to retire at 55. Teachers are still not paid anywhere near their worth. Many of us have as many years education as Doctors and Lawyers (at least 5) but nowhere near the pay level - particularly if you choose to stay in the classroom and not administration. An undervalued occupation in this country and in many other "western" countries I suspect. In my last year of teaching one of our students was being paid by a football club, more than his teachers at School. The student was not even playing in the Senior professional team at that stage!

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/11/2003 05:06 PM PST

Forgot to mention how much I enjoyed reading BK's interview with The Elephant Man.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/11/2003 05:09 PM PST

I retuned late this afternoon from my great hike along the river. Still trying to catch up on all the posts today. While doing so I noticed all the errors in my very rushed post this morning before I left. Now I'm showered and wearing my pink cotton Mini Mouse night shirt which was a gift from Euro Disney. I am not a fan of Mini and would never have purchased this myself. However, it is soft and comfortable.

Ron, sounds as if you looked sharp today.

Posted by Jane @ 06/11/2003 05:50 PM PST

Dear BK:

Whatever happened to the staged reading of "Drat the Cat!" with Susan Egan and Jason Graae?

Posted by Laura @ 06/11/2003 05:53 PM PST

Just got the DVD of Sondheims Passion today. Have not had time to listen to the commentary track but they have an audio only outtake of a longer version of No One has Ever Loved Me. it vertainly is longer but is seems to be a versin thats placed a little bit earlier in the play. It's interesting but I'm glad they finaly put it wherethey did. Any thoughts from others?

Posted by Joe Caporiccio @ 06/11/2003 06:05 PM PST

Jane: Thanks! Just in case anyone is worried, I do keep a dress pair of shoes in a desk drawer for "formal" appearances. But Rockports are comfy and comfort is where it's at!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/11/2003 06:07 PM PST

Hope my "Passion" arrives in the next week. I shall be interested in the commentary.Thanks for the info Joe. I had not read of the audio track.

Good to know there is someone out there other than Jose and myself who like "Passion". Let's home "Sweeney" will get a DVD release in the near future.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/11/2003 06:37 PM PST

Fashion: Black jeans, charcoal grey T-shirt with no picture, no logo, no artwork on it of any kind (I only wear solid-colour, unpatterned T-shirts), navy blue socks, charcoal grey Salomon lightweight walking shoes, clean underwear (of course!), my Dad's watch (he doesn't mind, he's dead), and oval wire-rimmed glasses (which basically only come off when I'm asleep or in the shower - I have a pair of black metal-rimmed glasses as well, but they look severe and rather scary so I reserve them for days I'm teaching). I usually don't look *quite* as gloomy as I seem to today (at least, the T-shirt is usually some kind of colour rather than charcoal grey).

Sleep: Not enough, usually. My sleep pattern is *horrible*. Particularly this time of year, when I often find myself waking up more or less at first light, which does not sit well with working a lot of evenings.

Question: Have you bought season 4 of "Buffy" on DVD?

Posted by Stephen Farrow @ 06/11/2003 07:12 PM PST

I do so love an Al Pacino CRUISING reference! Thanks, BK.
Now, if I could only figure out just where to hang those CRUISING lobby cards. . .

Posted by td @ 06/11/2003 07:33 PM PST

I've been waiting for my passion to arrive for years.

Ask BK questions are now closed, so save any further ones for next week.

Posted by bk @ 06/11/2003 08:49 PM PST

So, you CRUISING experts. The guy Al kills near the end of CRUISING was the killer, but with the death of Pacino's neighbor, are we to understand that he's now begun his own murder spree due to his extreme involvement with the rough trade investigation?

The movie never did quite make sense to me.

Posted by Matt H. @ 06/11/2003 08:56 PM PST

I should go to sleep right now, because there is blessed silence outside. However, I know there will be a big rush of posts, and I want to read each and every one of them.

Posted by bk @ 06/11/2003 09:02 PM PST

Oh, television alert! We've been watching "The Crocodile Hunter Live" all week. Actually, although it is on satelite from Oz to the U.S., a lot of the show is still taped footage. And worst of all, Steve's little girl Bindy is not there--she and her mother are in Oregon with the grandparents.

But I digress... oh, a Max Schulman reference.

Tomorrow night, live, Steve Erwin is facing the most dangerous beast of his career. His special guest is Bruce's close personal friend Dame Edna. I understand that Barry Humphreys may also be there. My VCR is set.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 06/11/2003 09:15 PM PST

I like the movie "Cruising" (I almost said enjoy, but that might sound really weird). I know I am supposed to be shocked and offended by the blatant stereotypes and the negative portrayal of gays, but I can't help it. I think it is an interesting film. Besides, I have met hundreds of gay men in those same bars back in the 70s and 80s that were just as stereotypical. And let's not get started on movies that portray straight men and women in a negative light.

My only regret about the film is that we don't get to find out where Pacino's character is, both physically and emotionally, in the weeks and months that follow the investigation. Personally, I think the girlfriend is out and multiple boyfriends are in.

Posted by TCB @ 06/11/2003 09:57 PM PST

G'nite, everyone!

Posted by Susan @ 06/11/2003 10:03 PM PST

G'nite, Susan.

Posted by Laura @ 06/11/2003 10:35 PM PST

I suppose "Cruising" is a guilty pleasure. (Read whatever you like in to that). I found the end too confusing and Pacino's character at best ambiguous. Were supposed to think he changed sides completely for the excitement? I like the soundtrack.
I despair of you William Orr. Steve who? I do agree that Dame Edna could be scarier. I don't think anyone here in Oz is particularly interested in live Steve or any other kind. Guess I shouldn't knock international success. Australians watch Springer and Americans watch Erwin. It's all the same ("Man Of La Mancha" reference). All the best for Friday 13th.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/11/2003 11:03 PM PST

I really like CRUISING...I definitely agree that Al Pacino's character committed the last murder...and that he got dragged into that world, first with reluctant morbid curiosity, then got completely submerged.

Posted by KT @ 06/11/2003 11:45 PM PST

DR Maya: The FRIDA DVD is superb, gorgeous, the colors are as brilliant as in the film...and there is a whole extra disc with supplimental material, really good. You will love it!

Posted by KT @ 06/11/2003 11:47 PM PST

oops: supplemental, scuse me.

Posted by KT @ 06/11/2003 11:48 PM PST

There was one absolutely disgusting bit I witnessed during the Tonys, which I was reminded of because of DR Donald's listing of the Nielson Ratings. He listed the final hour of the Tony telecast (on CBS) as running against a basketball game (on ABC). Unfortunately, this was not the case.

The final hour of the Tonycast was countered (on ABC) by an interview with Mrs. Clinton, who was promoting her new book. The interviewer in said interview was none other than Barbara Walters, the very same Barbara Walters whom so many people found so funny when she presented a Tony. Personally, I thought Walters was a total hypocrite, to appear on the Tonys when she had very actively promoted her interview with Mrs. Clinton in order to get as many viewers as possible. Ms. Walters had so actively promoted that interview that she even appeared on Bill O'Reilly's No-Spin Zone to make sure everyone watched her publicize Mrs. Clinton's book. THAT, to my mind, made her appearance on the Tony Awards totally hypocritical, a back-handed favor if there ever was one. If Ms. Walters ever asks me what kind of tree I am, I'm likely to swing that tree right in her elm, I'm so angry with her.

Barbara Walters, blech!

By the way, my ever-lovin' der Brucer and I both enjoyed the first Def Poetry Jam segment. He remembers seeing "When Colored Girls..." live on Broadway some time ago, and he enjoyed that, too. As for non-blacks being part of the DPJ cast, he points out that the biggest rapper in the business right now is M&M.

Fashion report: I'm wearing sweatpants and a flesh-colored t-shirt from Rehoboth Beach, DE. Der Brucer is wearing black slacks and a maroon t-shirt that says USA on the front. The dogs are wearing nothing but their collars, and look quite comfortable. Lucky dogs.

Posted by S. Woody White @ 06/12/2003 12:09 AM PST

S. Woody - While the Clinton/
Walters interview was
opposite the final hour of the
Tonys for us out west, the
basketball was on at that time
back east, thus Donald's
report.

Tom from Oz - I agree that
summer jobs for teachers is a
most unseemly concept, but
not at all an uncommon one
around here. In most areas,
US teachers have the option of
having our yearly salary paid to
us over 12 months or over the
10 months of the school year,
receiving no July and August
checks. The yearly salary
varies from state to state, and
of course raises some with
years of experience and higher
degrees earned, but going into
my first year of teaching next
year, I will have an annual
salary right around $28,000.

Posted by Jed @ 06/12/2003 12:42 AM PST

DR Jed: I may have retired but I left still believing that Teaching is the best job in the world. Have a wonderful career.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/12/2003 01:22 AM PST

I'm still up - the birds are louder than ever. I tried the toilet paper in the ear routine, I tried putting on a DVD and the TV timer and it probably would have worked but for the fact that I think I also have food poisoning or I'm dying. I'm totally wacked out nauseous and I fear if I don't sleep I will become a mass murderer. I fear if I get up from this chair that I will throw up on the ground. I'll tell you one thing - if I cannot sleep enough hours, I will cancel all appointments tomorrow and just stay in bed all day. If anyone is in my neighborhood and would like to come over and nurse me, please do. Who am I talking to? Everyone's asleep in Tarnation. I could try writing the notes, but that would probably make me more nauseous than I already am.

Posted by bk @ 06/12/2003 01:54 AM PST

Those of us in way down south Tarnation are not asleep. A glass of Port would seem the best idea. Hot chocolate is a worthwhile option. Maybe listen to "Aspects Of Love". Could send you to sleep if it does not make you worse.
It would be most unseemly to die - especially before answering today's questions.
There are 2 new Rhinohandmade releases to check out.
How about the new French musical "Gone With The Wind"? (I am not kidding).

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/12/2003 02:27 AM PST

La Boheme on Broadway will close on June 29 according to news reports.

Go to Playbill.com for one of the full stories

http://www.playbill.com/

Posted by Ben @ 06/12/2003 04:49 AM PST

BK, do you have any Emetrol lying around the house? It's great for knocking out nausea. If not (and probably you don't), then drink a non-caffeinated beverage, like Sprite or 7-Up. Even Diet Coke would do if that's all you have, though, it's not ideal. Basically, syrupy sweet gunk somehow coats your tum-tum and helps nausea.

I got food poisoning when we went to Disney World earlier this year. I know, great timing! And the things described above really do help. Hope you feel better soon!

Posted by Lulu @ 06/12/2003 05:24 AM PST

Susan, I know you probably won't even see this, but I had to applaud your Donny and Marie reference. Glad to know I'm not the only person in the world who remembers their sign-off!

"May tomoooooorrow be a puuuuuuuurfect daaaaaaayyyyyy...g'nite, everybody!"

Posted by Lulu @ 06/12/2003 05:25 AM PST

Two comments on the Tony ratings.

On the West Coast the Tonys were opposite the Clinton interview but on the East Coast they were opposite basketball (how about that) which was shown live in all time zones (Hiliary preceeded it here).

And if such a young demographic is desired. why was every other ad for perscription drugs? Do they feel the younger generation is a nation of hypercondriacs?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 06/12/2003 06:15 AM PST

TO: Judy Garland

FROM: James T. Aubrey, CBS President

RE: The Judy Garland Show

March 8, 1964

We love you. You're great. You're through.

Posted by James T Aubrey @ 06/12/2003 06:32 AM PST

Dear Mr. Aubrey:

You made me hate you. I didn't wanna do it.

I didn't wanna do it.

Posted by Judy Garland @ 06/12/2003 07:20 AM PST