Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 08/10/2003 09:49 AM PST

So sad to hear about the passing of Gregory Hines. I only met him once when he came to see his brother, Maurice, as Nathan Detroit in Guys & Dolls a few year ago. He was very proud of his brother, and he handled all the "ooh.. that's the guy from Will & Grace" stares and finger pointing with grace. I'm sure his taps will continue to echo for a long time.

In other news...

I just got in from the 20th Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival! I've been in Richmond more or less for about 15 years, and this was the first time I was actually in town and able to go. What fun! Fun, Fun, Fun! in fact. Lots of vendors, food stalls (I even "splurged" on a funnel cake), kiddie rides, and, of course, Watermelons! Watermelon slices and chunks, watermelon lemonade, watermelon cookies, watermelon ice, watermelon daiquiris, watermelon martinis (I did not partake of any of the alcholic beverages since I'm about to hop in my car and head north in a few, but the looked good)... Plus Watermelon jewelry, watermelon t-shirts, watermelon baby clothes, watermelon hats, etc., etc., etc... More Things Watermelon than one could possibly imagine. I also happened to run into two of my college profs while walking around - always nice to see them.

Well, I do need to get ready for my sojourn up north. I'll check in again tonight.

Oh, and, BK, thank you for comments regarding my late posts last night.

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 08/10/2003 09:57 AM PST

With all due respect Dear Reader Donna, I do not think the debacle in California is "kinda neat" at all. The running of the largest state in the Union, which is in dire trouble, has become the grand prize in some absurd real-life version of a "reality" TV program. Like him or not (and I don't particularly, though I have voted for him twice), Gov. Davis was elected my a majority of the voters in a fair election less than one year ago. The mess of a ballot that voters will face in October could lead to the placement in office of a candidate who secures a relatively small plurality of the voters. With no primary, and a very short campaign period, the qualifications and points of view of the candidates will be given short shrift, if any shrift at all. The process has already devolved into a popularity contest, particularly with the entry of Arnold Schwarzenegger into the mix. Mr. Schwarzenegger has quickly shown his skill at refusing to answer even the simplest questions about his proposed policies on some of the key issues facing the state. The L.A. Times has alluded to his avoidance of the political press by hiding "behind the skirts" of the entertainment media. To my mind, it is a very, very sad situation, indeed.

I do agree with you Donna, that Mr. Ueberroth probably is the best equipped to deal with the major problems facing the state. I would much prefer, however, that the opportunity to place him in office would come in the course of a normal--and far more decorous--scenario than what is unfolding in California right now.

My apologies for the length of this post, but obviously, it's one of my "hot button" issues.

Posted by Jay @ 08/10/2003 10:08 AM PST

On a lighter note, here's my contribution to help produce numerous posts on this Sunday.

We've done this before in some form or another, but it's always lots of fun. The other day, a Dear Reader (please identify yourself, as I've forgotten who it was) was talking about some of the structural elements of the classic American Musical Show. So, along those lines, what are your favorite examples of: opening number, "I want" song, 1st act curtain song, and 11 o'clock number? I'll start:

Opening number: "Prologue" from Ragtime

"I want" song: "If I Were a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof

Curtain song: "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls

11 o'clock number: "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy

Your turn.

Posted by Jay @ 08/10/2003 10:15 AM PST

DR Jay - Your points are well-taken. There's no need for me to "defend" my position because I AGREE with you! In fact, I'm one of the "victims" of the poor economy in CA. My initial reaction to the recall was that California is going to be the laughingstock of the country as was Florida in the last election. I was only trying to stress the LIGHTER aspects of this debacle. Believe me, politics is not my bag and if my email sets off any DRs into TOO SERIOUS a tangent, then Mr. Webmaster, please DELETE.

Posted by Donna @ 08/10/2003 11:14 AM PST

No deletion. As long as responses are measured and respectful, that's all I care about.

I'm thinkin' we might reach ten posts today. I'm off to mix, so let's get some action going on here - do not let the flame go out, dear readers. Fan the flame, encourage the flame, keep the flame burning high, so when they talk about haineshisway.com they will say, "That site is flaming." Go to it.

Posted by bk @ 08/10/2003 11:24 AM PST

On the good news front - Rebecca Luker (soon to be on JEEPERS CREEPERS available only via Scarlet Street) is joining the cast of NINE

Posted by Craig @ 08/10/2003 11:43 AM PST

I am flitting and fluttering and flaming away, but alas, I do not have any good answers to DR Jay's excellent questions. :( Sorry!

Happy Sunday,everyone.

Posted by Lulu @ 08/10/2003 11:44 AM PST

I hope everybody gets to read
Jose's last posts for yesterday;
i found them quite moving --
yes, moving! -- and they leave
me speechless!

Me, speechless, can one fancy
that?

I'm also totally shocked by Mr
Hine's death!

If there's an "above" power,
she, he, it is NOT fair!

Donna, your email was quite
fine, IMHO.

... and after all, life is a cabaret,
isn't it?

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 11:58 AM PST

First of all to all DRs who think they have nothing to say and all lurkers: please post something today. Sundays have been the only days we haven't reached at least 100 posts. Most of the week we had 200 and once (or was it twice?) reached 300. Let's go for at least 100 today.

If the very talented Miss Luker is joining NINE does that mean she is out of the runing for PAJAMA GAME where she was first choice?

BK: For us non-techies, what is the difference between IB Technicolor® and regular 3strip Technicolor®?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 08/10/2003 12:01 PM PST

I'm listening to the Broadway Radio Show and I'm quite entertained. I love getting to know people without ever hearing them speak, and then all of the sudden you hear their voice, and your prespective on them changes completely. I think I'll go buy Benjamin Kritzer and Kritzerland. bk, you have excellent consonants when you speak :). I can't stand mumblers.

I have a question: Who here at HHW smokes?

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 12:04 PM PST

perspective*

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 12:05 PM PST

Am I the last reader to know that Jeepers Creepers 2 is a movie that is coming out August 29th?

Posted by TCB @ 08/10/2003 12:09 PM PST

Sarah,

I'm weird; I have never ever
smoked anything in my live --
even not some ham! -- or even
tried...

I'm not proud of it or even
ashamed of it...

;- )

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 12:12 PM PST

... oh... and if you like Bk's
consonants, you would LOVE
Guy Haines'!.....

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 12:15 PM PST

DR Jay's Topic - These aren't necessarily my favorites, just some that I like that come to mind.

Opening Number: "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

"I Want" song: "Boy Wanted" from My One and Only

Curtain song: "You're Nothing Without Me" from City of Angels

11 o'clock number: "(I Shall Marry) The Very Next Man" from Fiorello

Posted by Donna @ 08/10/2003 12:16 PM PST

NO, TCB...... I am!!!

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 12:17 PM PST

Dio mio, how many pretty
women does Mr Banderas
need on stage?!

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 12:19 PM PST

DR François- Be not ashamed of never having smoked! You are saving your own life as well as the lives of everyone who could have been around you at the time. Smoking= absolutely disgusting....plus I'm allergic to the smoke so I'm biased.

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 12:36 PM PST

There's a sad, wonderful article about June Havoc in today's New York Times. As much as I love GYPSY, after reading the article I want to stat a boycott of the musical.

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 12:45 PM PST

TYPO...that's "start" a boycott.

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 12:46 PM PST

Good day, all.

I'm deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Hines' death. It's odd that so many of our finest African-American artists have passed away this year...and all in their mid-fifties. I just saw some TV show last night that featured the recently passed Lyn Thigpen, and just two days ago I saw an episode of Will & Grace featuring Mr. Hines. And I also gave a quick listen-to to AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' the other night, featuring Ms. Nell Carter. Geez...I wonder who's next?

As for DR Jay's topic:

Opening number: "Prologue/The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" from Sweeney Todd

"I Want" Song: "Buenos Aires" from Evita

Act One Curtain Number: "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls

11 O'Clock Number: "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy

Posted by Jason @ 08/10/2003 12:59 PM PST

Oh, Sarah: I've never smoked anything in my life, either. I've put unlit (sp?) cigarettes in my mouth for shows and for Halloween costumes, but I've never smoked one. And as for the *other* kind of smoking, well...forget about it. I have no interest in that.

Posted by Jason @ 08/10/2003 01:00 PM PST

I'm embarrassed not to have commented on Mr. Hines death. What a fine artist and much too young! Thinking about him brought to mind a small incident which I had all but forgotten. Some years ago I was waiting for a plane at some airport (perhaps Vancouver?) and saw him sitting there, waiting to board. A little African-American kid around 8 was staring at him from a distance, his eyes wide. Hines called him over and was so sweet and attentive to him. I'm sure the boy will remember that meeting for the rest of his life.

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 01:25 PM PST

TO: DR William Lurie

I was going to ask the same thing about the IB technicolor. Does it mean that we have not been seeing The Wizard of Oz in the technicolor process all these years? If not what process has it been.

I was also intrigue that BK mentioned that there was 30 minutes of footage from Garland in Annie Get Your Gun. As per the DVD release of said film with Betty Hutton it was stated that Garland only finished two musical numbers before she was let go (Doin' What Comes Naturally & I'm an Indian Too [They also filmed Colonel Buffalo Bill but Frank Morgan died and the recast Dolly Tate])So what was the other footage?

Last night I saw Sordid Lives at Barnes and Noble for $14.99 less 10 % and an additional 10% if you are a member of their "club". I was happy to see it a reasonable price. So I bought it.
But 20th Century Fox (who distributed) originally had it on sale at $34.00 which I thought was too much for a single disc release. As much I like the film I didn't want to pay that much. Even used copies were going for over $20.00. I was wondering if anyone knows why FOX did this in the first place. I am sure they will sell more copies at $14.99 than they will at $34.99

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 08/10/2003 01:26 PM PST

Panni, I felt the same way about the June Havoc article. What a dignified and talented person she is. One of my LP treasures is Mexican Hayride. June Havoc has several great numbers, including the hilarious (thanks to Cole Porter's lyrics and JH's delivery) "There Must Be Someone For Me." (Favorite line: "Ah, la vie, la vie, la vie. You'd be dead without it.")

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 08/10/2003 01:27 PM PST

The movie I most like to see on DVD is the uncut verison of Duck You Sucker (aka Fistful of Dynamite) directed by Sergio Leone and starring Rod Steiger and James Colburn. It played at a small cinema near my home (in Montreal) for over two years. This was the international version unlike the version that played in the USA or on video. It even had an intermission! So many of the memorable moments are not in the cut version. So I am hoping that one day it will make it to DVD. (I understand there is an even longer Italian version)

So my question is what film would you like to see out on DVD?

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 08/10/2003 01:31 PM PST

Dan-in-Toronto, how IS Toronto these days? Is it hot and muggy? I used to live there. Great place. But the summers were sometimes unbearable (as were the winters, come to think of it.)

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 01:32 PM PST

Michael Shayne, I'd like to see MISS ROSE WHITE (none of you have heard of it) out on DVD so that people who refuse to watch films on VHS (there ARE such people!) could see it.

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 01:36 PM PST

Panni

I have heard of it and was a wonderful film. Great cast especially Amanda Pummer

It was also a succesful play called Shaina Madela (or something like that)

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 08/10/2003 01:42 PM PST

For the NYT article -- June
Havoc -- please click on my
name!

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 01:43 PM PST

Movie I'd like to see finally out
on DVD? Bells Are Ringing.
It's long overdue, IMO. I
remember hearing (most likely
from somebody on this very
site) that they were planning a
commentary with Comden &
Green. Does anybody know if
they managed to do one
before Adolph died?

Posted by Jed @ 08/10/2003 01:45 PM PST

Michael S., I'm so glad you liked ROSE WHITE. The play it was based on was A SHAYNA MAIDEL, but it differed enormously from the play. Stage to screen is tricky, trickier than novel to screen, in my opinion. Sometimes if you stick too close it just doesn't work.

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 01:50 PM PST

In answer to the question about the Garland/ANNIE footage, there are starts and stops to both numbers, particularly "Doin' What Comes Nat'rally" where the child with long blonde hair stumbles over her line a couple of times (Garland first snickers at her and then gets peeved) and also to change the position of the camera. What you see on the ANNIE DVD are edited versions of the numbers from the half hour of footage that is still around. Garland also filmed lots of takes of her dialogue with J. Carroll Nash before she starts "I'm An Indian, Too." (I have a videotape I bought years ago that had third generation dubs of this stuff on it.)

Forgetting about political correctness, isn't it funny that Roger Edens (who I assume had the final word on what numbers from the score would be used in the screenplay) chose that weak song and cut out "Moonshine Lullaby" and "I Got Lost in His Arms," both beautiful numbers. Maybe he was simply thinking that the Indian number would feature lots of colorful headdresses and make the Technicolor pop on the screen.

IB Technicolor refers to the imbibition process, the dye transfer method Technicolor uses to get that sharp and totally saturated color look that distinguishes true Technicolor from Eastmancolor and Deluxe Color. It's the process Technicolor used on all of its three strip color movies from 1932-1955.

Posted by Matt H. @ 08/10/2003 01:54 PM PST

DR of HHW: Have been rather ill the past few days....possibly either a really ugly virus or food poisoning. Let's say that Friday was explosive in every conceivable way and yesterday was spent recuperating.

Today, I am congested and can barely talk...yet, there's no head cold, no sinus situation, no fever.

At any rate, I am getting plenty of rest and checking the posts occasionally. Other than wanting to contribute, I have no reason to post anything. Haven't done anything, haven't watched anything and haven't listened to anything.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 08/10/2003 01:55 PM PST

Message to all the new
Kimlets/Hainsies, young and
old;

If you want to know ALL about
the one and only Bruce
Kimmel, please do check the
official site created and
maintained by our own
Michael Shayne

www.brucekimmel.com

AND,

please do sign his guest
book.

Michael, who has NOT asked
me to post that, will be more
than happy if you do!

Thank you.

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 02:03 PM PST

Dr Ron Pulliam, I hope you're feeling better soon! Listen to plenty of good music, it helps...well, I'm not sure if it literally helps, but I like to think so :)

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 02:04 PM PST

Ron,

GET WELL SOON.

Miaow to Miss Vickie!

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 02:06 PM PST

Okay, we're 1/3 of the way there.

When BK started this here site he skipped the first couple of Sundays. People complained and so he has not missed a Sunday (or any day) since. Let's try to keep up the great posting totals on Sunday that we have been having on the other days. If BK posts, we should read and post too.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 08/10/2003 02:09 PM PST

I hope you feel better soon, DR Ron.

Tonight the kids and I are going to see Blue Man Group. Just thought you'd all like to know.

Posted by Laura @ 08/10/2003 02:33 PM PST

Well, I rarely have time lately to post, because I spend so much time reading the Most Popular Site on the Internet. Oy!

Did anyone notice that the Times article has a picture of June Havoc as a child (which I promptly downloaded, of course), and it is labeled "June Havoc as Baby Jane in her vaudeville years"?

Posted by William F. Orr @ 08/10/2003 02:37 PM PST

Yes, I echo other DRs who wish you a speedy recovery, DR Ron.

Posted by Matt H. @ 08/10/2003 02:46 PM PST

Panni,

Hot and muggy are the least of Toronto's woes. It's going to be a long while before the city recovers from the economic aftershocks of SARS. That's a shame. Despite its brief and steamy summers, long and often glum winters, and nonexistent springtimes (and I'm trying to sell the city?), Toronto is livable and thriving - with excellent theatre, public transportation and produce.

I remember seeing Miss Rose White. It may have had even greater poignancy here since Toronto, with its immigration history, is a generation closer to Europe than New York City is.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 08/10/2003 02:58 PM PST

Ron - Be sure to have lots of liquids.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 08/10/2003 02:58 PM PST

I hope to post much later. I must now iwsh Dr Ron a speedy recovery from whatever ails him at present - maybe a reaction to Califonian politics!
My partner colin's mother is Rose White. She does not remember appearing in that film at all.

Hope everone is having a wonderful peaceful Sunday - I hope to have an enjoyable Monday.

Especially good wishes to François I suspect shall be missing from HHW for a few weeks. I think we shall all miss his posts.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 08/10/2003 03:06 PM PST

Hello, all!

The brand spanking new Broadway Radio Show is now available. This week we begin with a look back at those who have passed recently (sadly Mr Hines was still with us when I recorded the show) and we play a nice 4 song tribute to the wonderful Eileen Rodgers. Then, it's a new edition of "At This Theatre" with a whole slew of songs from shows that played at the Imperial Theatre -- from 1926's "Oh, Kay!" up to the upcoming "The Boy From Oz".....don't miss it!

Posted by Donald Feltham @ 08/10/2003 03:46 PM PST

Regarding Toronto: A business conference took me to Toronto for the very first time last year, and I was very impressed! I didn't have much time for sightseeing, but I did make it to Casa Loma (yes, that Casa Loma, of orchestra fame) as I love visiting historic mansions and imagining what it would have been like to live in them. I also made it to the Bata Museum. Now how bad can a city be, Dear Readers, that boasts an entire museum devoted to nothing but shoes?

Posted by Jay @ 08/10/2003 03:51 PM PST

Hello and happy Sunday to all the dear readers --

I would like to add one more word of affirmation and thanks to dear Jose, for his very well thought out and beautifully worded post of very late last evening. It expressed to a tee the same feeling that I had been getting recently, as far as anyone becoming overly serious and dogmatic about a point of view, or an opinion of anything. Opinions and emotional perceptions are 2 of the things that are absolutely real to the person who thinks or feels them. Another person may have 180 degree opposite view of the very same situation or performance or whatever.

The important thing is that this site, its participants, and its topics are usually wrapped in a wonderful blanket of light-hearted humor and good-natured kidding.

I may have a very different view from that of other people regarding the internet and a post site such as this. My view is fairly simple because it is how I was raised: I regard that when I come here, it is no different than if I were invited to Bruce's home. Because I greatly admire Bruce as a creative, intelligent, and warm & funny man, I enter this home with respect, with appreciation, and with the very real feeling that I am a guest here. It is that simple of a premise....he is my host, I am a guest, and in the process he shares a very large, world-wide living room full of some of the most interesting, caring, warm-hearted people that there are, for me to visit with and mostly have a chuckle with.

So, may I second, third, or fourth the suggestion that has been put forth, that anyone who hasn't already done so, go to the archive for Saturday, August 9th, and scroll almost all the way to the very end, and read dear reader Jose's very touching thoughts about not getting too heavy here.

Thanks to all for letting me share that thought.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 08/10/2003 04:17 PM PST

Okay... there is so very much for me to respond to. If I go off on tangents, please forgive me :)

The Elections of the Century(no one seems to care that there are 97 years to go - ooh... RAGTIME reference): As a political science student I will admit I am looking forward to a number of my professors' take on the California Gubernatorial Madness. Personally, I think that the whole situation of the "Recall" is incredibly important for the future of the American electoral process and especially the relationship between the executive and the lower rungs of the power ladder. Typically in the American system, with executives being separate from the legislature both in powers AND in the way in which they are elected, it is possible for Governers, Presidents, etc. to have very different views/platforms from the assemblies and/or congresses that are normally elected far more often and - consequently - are somewhat more reflective of the ever changing public and situations facing the state, nation or country. One of the benefits of the Parliamentary system, where the executive or de facto executive (in Canada for example, the executive is actually the Governor General, the Queen's representative, but the person controlling the powers of the GG is the Prime Minister making him the executive in all but name) is directly responsible to the whole of Parliament including members of both his/her party AS WELL as the opposition parties. Votes of no confidence regarding the ability of the Prime Minister and his/her government are often held a few times over a session. In this way, you might say that the Parliamentary system has representative recall votes engrained into itself. I think that many elected officials in the States get elected and then completely forget WHO elected them and WHY with absolutely no way to get removed until four or five years down the road when, by then, things could become irrepairably damaged. While I cannot agree that such an expensive open referendum on the recall is worthwhile (especially for a bankrupt state) I understand the reason why people may feel it's necessary. It will definitely be interesting what happens AFTER the election to ensure that this doesn't happen ever few months. Perhaps it will be possible to start tying together the state legislature with the responsibility of the Governor. It will certainly be cheaper :)

Let's hope I haven't bored too many people with my political ramblings. Gosh... I adore this stuff :)

Tennis: Ain't it a shame that after such great matches for an entire week, the final between Roddick and What's-his-name-again (sorry.... Nalbandian) was such a sleeper? 50 minutes of one sided play and close to 3 HOURS of rain delays might make DR Jennifer glad she didn't get tickets to the match. :)

Toronto's suffering: Things might bad here too if the F1 Racing people go through with their idea to skip Montreal next year for a Grand Prix. Any one who has ever spent a summer here knows what a HUGE event this is for the city and the money which rolls in from the Eurotrash - oops... European - visitors.

Song Choice: I don't have a definite selection for ever topic but here goes nothing:

OPENING NUMBER: I have to agree with the prologue from Ragtime
I WANT SONG: "Climbing Uphill" from... what else?... The Last Five Years
CURTAIN SONG: "Louder than Words" from Tick... Tick... Boom!

Posted by Emily @ 08/10/2003 04:21 PM PST

Time for some answers to dear readers questions....

DR Sarah -- Well, I have to admit that I smoked like a chimney for 18 years, but also quit 18 years ago! I didn't fall into the peer pressure thing and start smoking as a kid, but waited until in my 20s. Awfully glad I quit....and yes, it was tobacco.

DR Jose -- no answer to a question, but just had to wish you a happy Sunday, and tell you what a remarkable and rare human being you are!

DR Francois -- I tried to click on your link to the NYTimes article, but I just got a page asking me to register and sign up and I don't trust those...I think they are run by The Bad Men.

DR Jrand -- Belated thanks for your very kind offer to put the "My Little Margie" theme on a cassette or CD for me. I would really appreciate it. It is really a piece of quite good and fairly complex instrumental writing.

Someone yesterday asked for a possible "roll-call" from all of us, so as to provide a little bio info for new and old readers alike; so here goes...

Post name is MusicGuy, but there is no deception here, just look at my email link for my full name. Live in Phoenix with DR Kerry, for 30 years. Prof. musician, primarily concert theatre organist...play old theatres and auditoriums all over the US, England, Australia, Canada, Holland, and even Panama years ago. My driver's license says that I'm 58, but they must have made a terrible mistake...I'm sure that I'm 27. I think that Jerry Herman has added a lot of joy and love to the world, I think that "Atlas Shrugged" is a profound book, I think that raisins prove that God can make a mistake, and I think that Bruce Kimmel is a gift that has been added to my life for a reason.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 08/10/2003 04:36 PM PST

I wanted to express an agreement with a comment that was made partway through yesterday. It had to do with a feeling of either a little uneasiness or having trouble giving any credibility to someone such as the "5 on The Last 5 Years" person who went on and on at such negative lengths, but who is unwilling to simply state who they are. I don't care for lurky, faceless, masked strangers standing behind the curtains here in the Big Living Room. If you want to come over to the punch bowl, just be polite enough to introduce yourself honestly.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 08/10/2003 04:45 PM PST

Dear Reader Music Guy--

OK, I clicked on your name to see your full name and I am agog. Let's just say that when KPCC cancelled it's Sunday evening "Gee Dad, It's a Wurlitzer" program, I swore I would never send them another cent.

Attention Dear Readers: In the world of theate organs, Music Guy is a bona fide celebrity!

Posted by Jay @ 08/10/2003 04:47 PM PST

MusicGuy,

It does work when I click for
sure...

I'm going to "cute", "paste" and
email you the article...

How's that?
;- )

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 04:50 PM PST

I usually don't include my e-mail link because I have been inundated in the past with spam, but I shall rise to Dear Reader Music Guy's invitation and show that I'm not hiding anything here, either, just trying to keep my inbox clear of junk. Anytime any Dear Reader wants to send me a private message, you just let me know and I'll provide my e-mail link, as I am doing here.

Posted by Jay @ 08/10/2003 04:52 PM PST

Cute is cute but should have
been "cut".
Duh!

Blame on the heat!

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 04:56 PM PST

DR Jay -- Thanks for the nice words.

DR Francois -- I love your new term...to "cute and paste" . Could you do that to my face please....just a little, here and there. Thanks for sending me the article.

DR Ben -- Well, we are dying to know how the sparkling and vibrant Anthony made out in "Cap'n Gravy's Wavy Navy" as part of the Fringe Festival?? I'll bet he was the best parrot ever seen in Gotham!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 08/10/2003 04:58 PM PST

Dear Dangermouse....watch out you handsome mouse, I'm gonna get you!

Posted by "The Parrot" @ 08/10/2003 05:00 PM PST

Jay,
The story is often told that a cab driver picks up a tourist at the airport. On the way to the hotel, the cabbie says he has to make a quick stop at home - to pick up his lunch. Then he pulls up in front of Casa Loma - 98 palatial rooms; grand gardens; towers galore. As for the neighborhoods: Some of the loveliest are near the heart of the city. I'm not far from a Portuguese area - good coffee houses and restaurants; great fish stores and bakeries; and very close to where Bea Lillie grew up.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 08/10/2003 05:10 PM PST

DR MusicGuy- I LOVE your point of view about being a guest here at HHW. (I also love that you quit smoking before I was born. Thank you, ;) I think that's a fabulous way of thinking. I think we should all write bk a Thank-You note about how nice of a host he is.

"Dear bk- Thank you for being such a wonderful host. The slice of cheese and chunk of ham were delicious, the conversation charming, and the music stunning. And you have wonderful consonants. Sincerely, Sarah"

My family and I have decided that instead of staying home for Christmas and getting the slew of presents we normally get, we are going to go to the island of St. Marteen for a week and bask in the HOT sun. Everyone will be very jealous, which is lovely. :)

Question: Should we stay on the French or Dutch side? If we stay on the French side, I can order food and ask for directions, etc., if we stay on the Dutch side, then it's hopeless.

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 05:35 PM PST

And what weekend would be complete without a BRAND NEW JULIANA'S JOURNAL DOUBLE ENTRY??

Why none of course.. so do check out the Entry #16!

Posted by Craig @ 08/10/2003 05:41 PM PST

Okay - less than 40 to go. Since there is no chat tonight, let's have a plethora of posts instead.

I read that Arnold was running as a Rebuplican. I thought all membes of the Kennedy family were Democrats. Did he change (like Ronald Reagan) so there was an opening for him to run or has he always gone against the family?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 08/10/2003 05:50 PM PST

Hummm... fiscal paradise,
Sarah!

If you stay on the French side,
then it's St Martin...

Can't influence you; I'm
biased... even though i've
never been there.
But money is the main
language there!
;- )

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 05:51 PM PST

Ahhh-nold has always been a Republican. Maria, a scion of the Kennedy family, has always been a Democrat. It's a mixed marriage.

Posted by Jay @ 08/10/2003 05:53 PM PST

Craig,

"Double entry" sounds dirty to
me!

Frisky François!

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 05:53 PM PST

Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew.

Brother's girlfriend is here. I hate her I hate her I hate her. I wish they would just break up already, seriously, she's the spawn of Satan....

Thanks for the info François, c'est tres...comment dit-on "helpful" en francais?

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 06:15 PM PST

I have been out most of the day and must go back out. I was ushering for a drag show at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts (in Olympia) that was imported from Portland, Oregon. It was fun. I find it difficult to get used to the fact they're just lip-syncing. Not "they're so absolutely fabulous and I absolutely believe that they're singing" but...lip-syncing is the entertainment? The costumes are very good and the staging was appropriate for the songs chosen, but they were just lip-syncing. Although I do have a few suggestions (as, I'm sure most would) about the order of the songs. They didn't flow, and songs that I thought would have been better at the end of the show were near the beginning and vice versa.

Anyway, I'm also ushering for the 2nd show (tonight at 8...a "She Loves Me" reference!) so I don't have time to answer the questions so far, but I've taken notes and will report back later tonight.

So let me ask, how many of you (if any) have seen a drag show? Did you like it? Have you only seen one? Has anyone ever performed in a drag show? I have performed a drag number in a local AIDS benefit revue and we did our own singing ("Beauty That Drives a Man Mad"). The accompaniment was transcribed from version on the London cast recording of SOME LIKE IT HOT: The Musical. I had a blast (I've actually sung it in several productions) and the one thing that I've learned is that audiences love a man in a dress singing funny songs!

Posted by George @ 08/10/2003 06:18 PM PST

How come there is not a VHS or DVD of a wonderful western called YELLOW SKY. Black and White starring Gregory Peck,Anne Baxter and Richard Widmark? As I recall it also had a wonderful musical score.

Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 08/10/2003 06:25 PM PST

And in other news.. JOEL GREY has joined the cast of WICKED!

Posted by Craig @ 08/10/2003 06:43 PM PST

DR George -- I personally have never performed "en travesti" as the latino crowd calls it. But as those who have seen me over the years can attest to, when performing I have absolutely no fear of sequins, rhinestones, etc....I've had them all the way from my bowtie down to the back of the heels of my shoes. As the wonderful Lee Roy Reams says in his cabaret act, "it takes a real man to wear a boa !"

The weirdest costume I ever wore was for a TV special that I hosted, in 1970, in Melbourne, OZ....it was a very heavy and ornate dark green brocade material/thing/creation that made me look rather like a piece of animated broccoli.

Well, I told you it was 1970!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 08/10/2003 06:46 PM PST

For those of you who may (or may NOT) be watching the PBS show, "Broadway's Lost Treasures," they are getting ready to show Ms. Jennifer Holliday singing "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." They just showed the CATS clip a moment ago. I got choked up at Betty Buckley's "Memory," and the cast of EVITA doing "A New Argentina" gave me chills. And then there was Carol Channing and Zero Mostel and Chita Rivera and Gwen Verdon and the cast of 42nd STREET... Wow. It really makes you appreciate everything you get to see.

Posted by Jason @ 08/10/2003 06:51 PM PST

Oh, my God! They didn't show her!! I can't believe it!! They didn't show Ms. Jennifer Holliday in DREAMGIRLS! My heart is broken. I guess I'll just have to wait for it on DVD... :-(

Posted by Jason @ 08/10/2003 06:55 PM PST

I'm here, and I'm posting. I'm toasting too, since it's something like 116 outside at the moment.
I'll be back to tell you what is in my Cd player, etc. Better late than never, right?

Posted by Kerry @ 08/10/2003 06:57 PM PST

I'm here, and I'm posting. I'm toasting too, since it's something like 116 outside at the moment.
I'll be back to tell you what is in my Cd player, etc. Better late than never, right?

Posted by Kerry @ 08/10/2003 06:58 PM PST

I didn't mean to post twice, but the first time I tried, mr/ computer told me that this page was inaccessible or some sort of thing.

Posted by Kerry @ 08/10/2003 07:00 PM PST

Since it is Free-for-Sunday, and we are minus a chat:

"It's a popular Honda," Tom said accordingly.

"The paper turned red," said Tom acidly.

"Joseph brought Mary to Bethlehem," Tom said acidly.

"I'll permit it this one time," Tom allowed.

"This will moisturize and sooth your skin, Vera" Tom allowed.

"It's the past tense greeting in Cockney," Tom allowed.

"The current Pope is John somebody," said Tom appallingly.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings," Tom said appallingly.

"Linus somebody won a Nobel Prize," Tom said appallingly.

"Hand me that thing to prepare this carrot," Tom said appealingly.

"I'll take this decision to the Supreme Court," said Tom appealingly.

"It's the other name for the Big Dipper," said Tom barely.

"That Lady Godiva can sure ride," Tom said barely.

"That Lady Godiva can sure ride, and she makes great chocolate, too," Tom
said barely but sweetly.

"I have no way to turn the paper blue," lamented Tom without any basis.

"This is hard to chew," said Tom bitingly.

"This lemon tonic is made by Schwepps," said Tom bitterly.

"I hate Shelly Winters," Tom said broadly.

"What kind of cloth is that?" asked Tom broadly.

"She has ten children," Tom said broodingly.

"That part is electroplated," Tom said caddishly.

"That is part of a Jewish sacrament," Tom said caddishly.

"The food is vacuum packed in that container," Tom said candidly.

"The Chevy people have lost almost all of the police car business now," said
Tom capriciously.

"Freon 12 does not deplete the ozone layer," said Tom catastrophically.

"There is a layer of the atmosphere composed of felines," Tom said
catastrophically.

"This should cure your feline," said Tom catatonically.

"They are diary cows," Tom said cattily.

"Julie Newmar is my favorite actress," said Tom cattily.

"It will dissolve the metal," Tom said caustically.

"It is what created that effect," said Tom caustically.

"LuAnn drives a small Chevrolet," said Tom cavalierly.

"Freon 12 does not deplete the ozone layer," said Tom chillingly.

"I want a sporty Cadillac with four doors," said Tom civilly.

"It is a high quality diamond," Tom said clearly.

"I'm progressing well in Scientology," said Tom clearly.

"I use it to cut meat," Tom said cleverly.

"It's liquid helium," Tom said coldly.

"I drive a Geo Prizm," said Tom colorfully.

"I'm going to have a prison inmate locate the crease in my fender," Tom said
confidently.

"This is a school book used by prison inmates," Tom said contextually.

"It's liquid nitrogen," Tom said coolly.

"The Chinese built much of the early railroads in the west," said Tom
coolly.

"I got a charge out of seeing the movie with Spenser Tracy as Thomas Edison
just now," Tom said currently.

"That Colbain idiot killed himself," Tom said curtly.

"He's a dowdy fellow," said Tom curtly.

"I fancy an Oldsmobile F-85," Tom cut loose.

"Perhaps I'll just curse the fact that I have no candle," Tom said darkly.

"That was before we called them Afro-Americans," said Tom darkly.

"Don't let Dr. Christian Barnaard near an injured relative," said Tom
disheartenedly.

"There is a male bee," Tom droned.

"It is a pilotless craft used for bomb target practice," Tom droned.

"It's an Olds 88," Tom said dynamically.

"You have gone beyond the study of statics," said Tom dynamically.

"I'll be working on my art," said Tom easily.

"Will you marry me?" asked George engagingly.

"I'm going to play with my dog," Tom said fetchingly.

"I'm studying for a big examination," Tom said finally.

"It's the RF output tube," said Tom finally.

"If you park there, it may cost you," Tom said finally.

"I hear the grand endowment does him no good," Tom said flaccidly.

"It's in the key of B," Tom said flatly.

"She's built like Twiggy," said Tom flatly.

"She is not wearing pumps," Tom said flatly.

"I have an apartment in London," said Tom flatly.

"We can meet at the airport," said Tom flightily.

"The formula is mass times acceleration," Tom said forcefully.

"It concerns the conflict betwixt Darth Vadar and Luke Skywalker," said Tom
forcefully.

"It is how ferns reproduce," said Tom frondly.

"Who was that lady I saw you with last night," Tom gagged.

"It's a bunch of geese," Tom gagged.

"I need a new garden tractor," Tom said gravely.

"This carpal tunnel syndrome won't get me," Tom said handily.

"Magma is molten lava," Tom said hotly.

"My shoulder is sore," said Tom humorously.

"That is a small, rear engined Sunbeam automobile," said Tom impishly.

"Remove the drape, and let me have a view through the window," Tom said
insightfully.

"Hope that remark does not incur your ire." said Tom insightfully.

"I'm camping out, and this is where I'll be sleeping," Tom said intently.

"There are nine besides mine," said Tom intently.

"The element symbol is Fe," Tom said ironically.

"Tungsten is used as a filament material," Tom said lightly.

"After contemplating the answer all night, finally it dawned on him," said
Tom lightly.

"The whole brigade charged poetically," Tom said lightly.

"I hear he is very well endowed," said Tom longingly.

"Send me some additional flowers," said Tom morosely.

"Phillip something is a brand of cigarettes," Tom said morosely.

"I wish I knew the code," said Tom morosely.

"There goes a bunch of crows," said Tom murderously.

"The crows are being chased by Angela Landsbury," Tom wrote murderously.

"Who cried 96 Tears?" Tom questioned mysteriously.

"What's your angle?" Tom asked obliquely.

"Mushrooms have no chlorophyll," Tom said parasitically.

"I love the sound of a big church organ," Tom piped.

"He charmed the rats out of the village," Tom piped.

"The MD-80 is made by McDonald-Douglas," said Tom plainly.

"It's where the rain in Spain mainly falls," Tom said plainly.

"I'm doing finish work on bricks," Tom said pointedly.

"Some group of sisters performed this disco record," said Tom pointedly.

"He's a hunting dog," Tom said pointedly.

"I drive an AMC Javelin," said Tom pointedly.

"I think I know what holds up the fence rails," Tom postulated.

"Allegro!" Tom said quickly.

"I've painfully broken a nail," said Tom quickly.

"He is mired in sand," Tom said quickly.

"I just had the other sex West Virginia has to offer," Tom related.

"Let's repeat the period before Easter," Tom said relentlessly.

"I need my pipewrench," said Tom rigidly.

"Some guy named Vallee sang that," said Tom rudely.

"We are missing an Old Testament story," said Tom ruthlessly.

"It's a Clipper ship," said Tom saliently.

"I can buy it on special this week," Tom said saliently.

"That is the dog star," said Tom seriously.

"It's the longest running show on television," Tom said seriously.

"I've cut off my finger," Tom said severely.

"It's in the key of G," said Tom sharply.

"I like strong cheddar cheese," Tom said sharply.

"I just had the best sex West Virginia has to offer," said Tom sheepishly.

"Mutton doin'," Tom said sheepishly.

"Is that Toulous-Latrec?" Tom said shortly.

"It's an ideal garment for hot weather," Tom said shortly.

"Barb is my other," said George significantly.

"Feel this talc," said Tom softly.

"Pianissimo," said Tom softly.

"I like the conditioned water," Tom said softly.

"He killed a bunch of nurses," said Tom speculatively.

"Ben Franklin invented bifocals," Tom said speculatively.

"Canton, Ohio is in that county," said Tom starkly.

"She is absolutely naked," said Tom starkly.

"I'll be at the back of the ship," Tom said sternly.

"He's been dead for some time," said Tom stiffly.

"You used too much starch," Tom said stiffly.

"This is where the uninvited traveller hid," Tom said stoically.

"It's the philosophy of Sparta," said Tom stoically.

"He is off skiing in Vermont," Tom said stoically.

"I hear he is not well endowed," said Tom stubbornly.

"It has an underwire," Tom said supportively.

"The ship has gone down," Tom said succinctly.

"They make meats, mostly pork products," said Tom swiftly.

"It's a kind of small bird," said Tom swiftly.

"It's a Madonna video," Tom said tartly.

"This tastes bitter," said Tom tartly.

"It's an old Pontiac compact," said Tom tempestuously.

"I love Shakespear," said Tom tempestuously.

"I think that it is the base of the Metric System," Tom said tentatively.

"I hope we can go to the circus," Tom said tentatively.

"That talk show has a host named Alan," Tom said thickly.

"All the dimensions are plus or minus one-tenth inch," said Tom tolerantly.

"That Heisingberg was a very principled fellow," Tom said uncertainly.

"The wind is from the southwest," said Tom vainly.

"I need extra room in this sportcoat," Tom vented.

"We Ford people are getting almost all of the police car business now," said
Tom victoriously.

"It's a new form of reality," Tom virtually said.

"I'm going to Florida," Tom said warmly.

"I've just poured carnauba all over Emmanual Kant," Tom waxed
philosophically.

"It happens every seven days," Tom said weakly.

"That's a pretty small coffer dam," Tom said wearily

"Freon 12 does not deplete the ozone layer," said Tom wholly.

"I found a string in the center of the candle," said Tom wickedly.

"His name is Lupo," Tom said wolfishly.

"These puns are the absolute worst," Tom said swiftly.

Posted by Tom Swift @ 08/10/2003 07:00 PM PST

Oh good..Kerry and Sybil are both home!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 08/10/2003 07:00 PM PST

RE George's questions: Yes, I've seen drag shows. Yes, I've liked them. What's not to like? As for being in one...(for those who didn't see my answer the other day - I am woman hear me roar)... When I was a young, totally naive teenage actress - and I am no longer an actress, nor am I any of the other things - I appeared in an very-avant garde play ("Lovers of the Subway," I think) which was performed on weekends in a club which during the week was a drag club. I remember being fascinated by the gorgeous costumes hanging backstage and wanting so to try them on - but of course they were twice as big as I was. Oh the sequins, the boas...

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 07:01 PM PST

232 outside!!!!

Boy, Kerry, you really are
brown toasting!
;- )

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 07:06 PM PST

Tom Swift, I am proud to say I read every single one of those. And it took forever.

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 07:13 PM PST

Well, as someone who has seen every Tony telecast and who has many of them on tape (or at least excerpts from them), BROADWAY'S LOST TREASURES didn't hold any surprises, but it was nice to see them looking probably as good as the technology will allow them to look. That was the original opening number to CABARET with everything but the tilted mirror at the back of the stage. Clearly lots of stars lip synched their performances back in those days. I remembered Lansbury's less-than-sterling job mouthing her number, but I had forgotten how off Robert Preston was and even Patti Lupone got off in her solo moments. She's so much better in "Buenos Aires" which she did the following year on the Tony broadcast.

The show lacked a boffo finish. It just sort of stopped. I wish they had used the closing number from A CHORUS LINE which closed out the 1976 Tonys. (I understand "I Hope I Get It" will be on the commercial DVD), but a WOW finish would have made this really nice.

Don't mean to sound like I'm bitching too much. I'm grateful they showed what they did. But, oh, what a show they could have had with some of OUR suggestions!

Posted by Matt H. @ 08/10/2003 07:31 PM PST

And new to the cast of "Wicked" is MR. JOEL GREY AS ???

Replacing someone??????

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 08/10/2003 07:44 PM PST

I must agree with some of the other song choices...

Opening..."Comedy Tonight" from Forum

Want song... "Some People" from Gypsy

First act curtain .. "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" Cabaret

Eleven o'clock song .. "Rose's Turn" Gypsy

MG I will get on the MARGIE cassette this week and let you know when it's finished. But if you click on my name you can learn a bit about the history of the music used in the show. Interesting.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 08/10/2003 07:51 PM PST

The PBS special is being delayed by one week in my area...we are enjoying a Jim Brickman special.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 08/10/2003 07:51 PM PST

Joel Grey is replacing Robert Morse as the Wizard in WICKED....actually I had heard this on Friday evening, but was sworn to secrecy.....I also understand more changes are coming (onstage and off).....there is much more turmoil going on than has been previously reported

Posted by Donald Feltham @ 08/10/2003 07:51 PM PST

just finished watching the best of the tony award show. Disappointed that the Dreamgirls wasn't there even though the publicity releases said it would be.

I have it on video tape somewhere and it is still staggering to watch. I saw Dreamgirls a few weeks after it opened and it wasn't selling out at that time, but the act one finally and I am Changing from Act two are two numbers I will never forget.

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 08/10/2003 08:03 PM PST

I hope Norbert Leo Butz is kept in... I've heard only so-so reviews of his performance (mainly due to a crummy entrace song) but I am DYING to see him when I'm in New York this Christmas.

He outranks Rainer Schuettler AND Rocco diSpirito on my "sigh..." list :)

Posted by Emily @ 08/10/2003 08:14 PM PST

Thank you again to all you Dear Dear Readers for your kind words regarding my posts from last night. I can truly say that it has been a true pleasure catching up on all of today's posts just now - well, for the past 10-15 minutes. -Thank you, DR Tom from OZ. ;-)

Again, I think I'm actually going to leave my laptop at home this week while I'm in New York, and just check in from a cyber cafe at dinner each night. So, please excuse my errant-and-truantness over the next few days. I shall do my best to keep up with HHW whilst I am in the Big Apple. -Of course, we'll see how batty I get after playing "Camelot," "If Ever I Would Leave You," "Before I Gave At You Again," "How To Handle A Woman", etc., over and over again come Friday. Actually, it will most likely be the opening march music which will be living in my brain since we'll be using it for the dance call. But, all in all, I've always loved playing auditions. It's always so much fun - and educational - to see how different people approach the same song.

And besides I'm going to Australia in 10 days! :-P

If any DRs in NYC would like to grab a bite to eat this week, please feel to e-mail me - and, hopefully, I'll be able to get back to you tomorrow evening. *I'm planning on playing catch up on a lot of the shows I have yet to see - and some of the new cast members I want to see - especially Ms. Barbara Walsh in Hairspray (I've worked with her husband a few times - love them both!) - so I'm not sure exactly how much free time I'll have, but there's always time for coffee and knosh!

Well, my train leaves in 6 hours, so...

DR Ron - Continue to feel better.

DR Anna - *Are you still here? I finally got the "stuff" in the mail for you. You should have it no later than Wednesday - maybe even on Tuesday. Of course, I could have just delivered it in person by this point, especially since I'll be staying in your neighborhood - well, at least your borough.

DR Music Guy - I also bet you don't forget to put a coaster down before you place your glass. :-)

Bonne nuit!

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 08/10/2003 08:25 PM PST

I love Joel Grey...but I love Bobby Morse, too.

I'm so fortunate to have seen his rendition of the Wizard, although I'd much rather have his "Wonderful" on a recording as it will never be heard again.

I hope the show that opens will bear "some" resemblance to the one that we fell in love with here in the Bay Area!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 08/10/2003 08:31 PM PST

I, too, think DR Jose made some excellent posts, and others have too.

I consider myself relatively new here, and the plight of the newbie is to be unsure of what sort of discourse is welcome on the board. There's bound to be a few foot faults. Sometimes it seems that anything goes because there's an obvious zeal for reaching certain quantities of posts. I think this is a particularly nice place because the DRs generally don't go around criticizing each other. And it's a great analogy to think of this as a party at Bruce's house.

People have different obsessions: I'm not into E-bay, but I am into serious and intricate discussions of why musicals work or don't work. It's hard to tell if this is the place for that, or if, elsewhere on the internet, there's ANY place for that. There are distinctions between catty hypercriticism and the kind of analysis musical theatre fans like myself enjoy. But, as a warm and furry woman sings in the great new musical comedy Avenue Q, it's a fine, fine, line. This line differs from poster to poster, and from board to board.

Posted by Noel @ 08/10/2003 08:33 PM PST

DR Jose- I didn't comment on the comments you made yesterday because I wasn't sure what my opinion on it all was. But I thought your posts were very nicely written, and you spoke eloquently. Let's all just get along here at HHW. ANd Jose, have fun in NYC!

I'm listening to the nicest song. It's rap, but it's more inspirational-rap. It's called "Where is the Love?", and it's all about the dilemmas in the world today. It pretty much just states the obvious, but in a way that no one else has. Plus, it has a catchy chorus. Only problem: I don't know who it's by! Anyone, anyone? (Bueller? Bueller?)

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 08:47 PM PST

No rap for me, baby!
I'm too square for rap!

Wasn't there already a pop
song with that title???

Too square; I tell you, too
square!

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 08:50 PM PST

Sarah!

Could that be "your" song?

-- click on name! --

Posted by François the King of Rap @ 08/10/2003 08:54 PM PST

We're almost there and by tomorrow morning we should reach 100.

Why does Bobby Morse get kicked out of shows between the out-of-town engagements and the Broadway run? This happened in SHOW BOAT too.

Jose--- Who is Barbra Walsh's husband? I've seen her a number of times but didn't know she was married to someone who was also a performer.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 08/10/2003 09:01 PM PST

Francois, you ARE the King of Rap. Thank you for finding it! As mes copains qui habitons dans la ghetto say, "That was off the heezy. You all up in the Kool-Aid dawg. Fo sheezy." (I am SO white, it's really sad.)

It's annoying though, because in the version I was listening to, some of the lyrics are changed so a certain word that begins with an N isn't used, and I'd much rather have that version. I can't find it anwhere though.

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 09:02 PM PST

As a new HHW-er (what do you call yourselves??) I really have to say that I'm just so impressed by Sarah. You give me hope for the human race. girl! It's lovely to see a 16-year-old (okay, ALMOST 16-year-old) who is funny, articulate, curious and even speaks French.

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 09:15 PM PST

Panni,

I printed it earlier today;

thanks to Mr Tony Walton, we
are Kimlets or Hainsies...

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 09:25 PM PST

Thanks, François. Is there a male-female differentiation? How do you decide if you are a Kimlet or a Hainsie?

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 09:32 PM PST

I was saddened to hear of the death
of Mr/ Gregory Hines. Too, too
young, and to talented to go so very
soon. He had so much good stuff
left, I just know.

I saw Bat Boy tonight. It was no
Urinetown, but it was still great
fun. Just really stupid and obvious.

Posted by Hapgood @ 08/10/2003 09:35 PM PST

Donald! When are you next in NYC? And you never answered why Susan Egan wasn't one of the radio choices ;)

Posted by Craig @ 08/10/2003 09:43 PM PST

Oh my.. 100th post... woohoo

Forgot to mention something - Donald.. you have HAVE have to come and see Susan as Sally and make good on your promise!

Posted by Craig @ 08/10/2003 09:44 PM PST

Good question, Panni, good
question...

I don't think there is any
distinction; one can be both, I
believe...;

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 09:47 PM PST

DR WEL: Barbara Walsh's husband is director, Jack Cummings, III. He's from Richmond, and I've done She Loves Me and Violet with him. He used to do a lot of stuff with the Lark Theatre in NYC - still does - but he also recently started his own company, The Transport Group. They did a reverse age Our Town, and Requiem for William where different composers wrote new material for some of Inge's shorter works - among other things. So, that's Jack in brief... There was an interview with him on one of the theatre sites around the time Requiem was going up last season - I'm sure if you searched and/or Googled, you could come up with more information on him.

Well... I really need to get to bed now!

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 08/10/2003 09:48 PM PST

Has anybody seen our Host
tonight?

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 09:49 PM PST

DR Panni- That is so incredibly sweet of you! I love the treatment I get here at HHW. I'm not treated like a kid (except during Unseemly chats where I am repeatedly told not to wear low jeans and/or thongs), even though I act like it sometimes (i.e., the ghetto in my previous post). People respect the fact that I am slightly less seasoned than they are, and gladly leap at giving me a lesson in the days topic. In the few short weeks I've been here, I have learned tons! Since this is already turning into a sobfest-post, I feel that I should go on to say that I deeply respect everyone on this board. You are the kind of adults I want to be when I get older. When some adults meet a teenager, their first response is "Oh kids these days...Stop dreaming, be realistic, get a real job, theater isn't dependable, singing isn't a good choice, etc.", and they don't even give kids like me a chance to move up even the slightest bit in the world. But I was instantly welcomed here at HHW and I'm very grateful to you all for being so supportive and giving me advice, all the while having fun too. Imagine: if BK had never answered my email I sent him, I never would have come here! *tear*

And that was officially the sappiest thing I've ever written.

Posted by Sarah @ 08/10/2003 09:54 PM PST

Panni,

i think there's a slight
distinction:

Kimlet are more supportive of
Bruce, and Hainsies tend to
worship Guy Haines..

But, all in all, we live in perfect
harmony!

Only once there was this
Kimlet who sold a cd to this
Hainsie and pretented it was
an OBC but was an OLC!

OBC!
OLC!
OBC!
OLCI

Sorry, the heat gets me carried
away!
;- )

Posted by François @ 08/10/2003 10:04 PM PST

Well, they're through the divas and leading men...and except for the scenes from "Evita" and "Sweeney Todd" -- which were true production numbers done for the Tony show -- the rest of the numbers have been mildly entertaining to genuinely disappointing. I don't know when it was they did all those numbers in front of that tacky blue curtain, but judging from John Raitt's tie, it was in the 1970s.

I won't go into detail, but I was expecting something MUCH BETTER than I am seeing.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 08/10/2003 10:05 PM PST

Hey, Sarah, no need to apologize for being emotional. It's not sappy. It's nice to hear that you want to be the kind of adults we Hainsies and Kimlets are (I learn fast) -- Ironically, I think that what makes this group more accepting and open is that people in the arts tend to retain a childlike (okay, sometimes childish) curiosity and wonder. What makes us good adults worth emulating is that we are more like children than other adults. BTW - I realize that it is presumptuous of me to speak for a group that I have so very recently joined, so feel free to disagree one and all. I personally am going to bed where several good books await.

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 10:09 PM PST

Hey, Sarah, no need to apologize for being emotional. It's not sappy. It's nice to hear that you want to be the kind of adults we Hainsies and Kimlets are (I learn fast) -- Ironically, I think that what makes this group more accepting and open is that people in the arts tend to retain a childlike (okay, sometimes childish) curiosity and wonder. What makes us good adults worth emulating is that we are more like children than other adults. BTW - I realize that it is presumptuous of me to speak for a group that I have so very recently joined, so feel free to disagree one and all. I personally am going to bed where several good books await.

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 10:09 PM PST

I don't know why I posted twice. Sorry!

Posted by Panni @ 08/10/2003 10:10 PM PST

You know why I like this site? 'Cause there's no shortage of that one thing that means so much to me:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Posted by Aretha Franklin @ 08/10/2003 10:12 PM PST

How unseemly for me to have been errant and truant, and truant and errant this weekend! Unfortunately, I was quite out of sorts for the past week, suffering from some chronic and some not-so-chronic pain in my left arm, shoulder, and neck. Believe me, it was not a pleasant sight (nor a pleasant site) to see me without sorts. If anyone has some spare sorts they can send me, please do. I'd hate to be out of sorts again. (It is so unseemly!)

Posted by Susan @ 08/10/2003 10:26 PM PST

Just catching up on the weekend's posts. Read Jose's post with some interest. It's a difficult thing, having such a public discourse with faceless (sometimes nameless) strangers. One doesn't always know what kind of conversation people are seeking. Some people enjoy sharing open discussion of issues, even with those whose opinions differ. Some people don't.

In the case of this site, I think the host should set the tone. BK is quite open in sharing not only the details of his daily life in his blog, but also his opinions on matters related to music, theatre, film, food, literature, etc. All the DRs who post here feel free to do the same thing. And just as BK expects that not everyone will agree with him, each of us can expect that sometimes people will disagree with us - sometimes even quite strongly.

I think the thing that sets this board apart from the others can be summed up in a word: maturity. Each of us is mature enough to accept difference of opinion, and articulate enough to defend our own points of view. The nonsense at some of the other boards reeks of a pre-adolescent "am not/are too" sort of dialogue. We are grateful to be free from that around here.

I am a bit troubled, however, by BKs remark toward the end of yesterday's posts, in which he describes someone who enjoys pushing his buttons. I only hope he is not referring to me, as this is not true. Bruce and I have had our disagreements on this board, but it would be an unfair characterization to suggest that I disagree with BK just to get a rise out of him. I may have at one time gently ribbed BK by pointing out the hypocrisy in one of his postings, but generally I post what I feel for the sake of contributing to the discussion at hand. I have even made it a point lately to enter several posts in which I agree wholeheartedly with what BK has written, just to show that I hold no animosity.

The "party at BK's house" is a good analogy. And like any party, there are bound to be several conversations going on at the same time. Some won't hold your interest, so you wander over to the bar, where some other friends are holding forth on a more appealling topic. One guy spouts off with a viewpoint that can't be left unchallenged, and someone calls him on it. Turns out to be the host, and a lively debate ensues. By night's end, everyone has had a good laugh, because we know it is all for fun. In the cab on the way home, someone turns to his wife and says, 'Did I really call him an a**hole? Remind me to call him tomorrow...' The phone call never gets made, because by morning everyone has forgotten all about it. And life goes on...

Still stunned by the death of Gregory Hines. A tragic loss of a great talent.

I find the election news from California to be hilarious, but I suppose this is the kind of humour one can only appreciate from a distance. ;-)

Not being a New Yorker, I can only speak of such shows as THE LAST FIVE YEARS, URINETOWN and BAT BOY from the cast recordings. I think that L5Y is brilliant, despite it's flaws. I find URINETOWN is more cute than clever, more smart-ass than smart. BAT BOY is just trashy fun, with some really strong moments.

And it is now officially way too late for me to be up. G'night, folks.

Posted by Dave @ 08/10/2003 10:26 PM PST

Wow is all I can say so I will say "wow". I just got home (after eleven) from a very long day of mixing, about which more tomorrow.

MusicGuy - you are the best.

Sarah, everyone here adores you and we all look forward to your posts. Just don't be wearin' them low jeans and thongs. I do not smoke - I have never smoked - I have never taken a drug and I do not drink, except for my addiction to Diet Coke.

Now I have to go back and read all these lovely posts, and then get some shut-eye.

Posted by bk @ 08/10/2003 11:16 PM PST

A lull.

Posted by George @ 08/11/2003 01:07 AM PST

Favorite opening numbers: RAGTIME, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, LUCKY STIFF, MY FAVORITE YEAR (all four by Ahrens & Flaherty) and "Comedy Tonight" from Sondheim's ...FORUM

Favorite I Want Song: "Man Wanted" from Barry Manilow's COPACABANA (definitely after ushering a drag show!)

Favorite 1st Act Curtain song: "Everything's Coming Up Roses" from GYPSY

Favorite 11 o'clock numbers: "Fifty Percent" from BALLROOM and you really can't beat "Rose's Turn" (another song from GYPSY)

I quit smoking when I was seven years old. Okay, I only smoked one ciggie (one of my dad's More Menthols) with a friend named Sandra, but I quit and have never regretted it for a moment.

Yes, there is nothing like respect and maturity. It is in abundance here at HHW!

About Gregory Hines. He performed here in Olympia just this past January. I ushered for his show. He was phenomenal. Very, very, very (that's three verys) personable and the audience ate him up. He invited ANYONE who was a tap dancer to come up on stage (with or without tap shoes--and most had brought theirs) and show a little bit of what they can do. He gave each person (and there was a good dozen people of all ages who went up on stage) a minute or so to tap for the sold out audience. He danced with a few individually, then everybody danced together. It was a wonderful evening that every one of those dancers will remember for a long time, and many of the audience will as well.

Posted by George @ 08/11/2003 01:14 AM PST

I took some Aleve and now I have heartburn. I don't know why, but any time I take a pain reliever with ibuprofen in it, I always end up with this burning, and it makes me wonder, is the pain in my chest worth getting rid of the headache? Part of me wants to say yes, but the other part of me...the part that feels like a horse is sitting on my sternum...says, "no! This is not a viable way of getting rid of a headache!" Normally I would take Tylenol, which doesn't give me any sort of heartburn, but I can't find it, hence I had to take the Aleve. Just thought you might be interested.

I have some very good news... My friend who thinks she's a legit soprano but she's really a belter has a callback for ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE this week. She does a mean Patsy, and I think this would be perfect for her, so send out your good vibes to Jenn. She doesn't know you guys, but I'm sure that doesn't matter. She hasn't had any work since she moved here (before I did), so I think it would be really good for her to get this job. Keep her in your thoughts if you get a chance.

Anywho...I need to get to bed. I must, must, must do laundry tomorrow so I can pack and get my butt-cheeks to the Poconos on Tuesday. Goodnight!

Posted by Jason @ 08/11/2003 01:28 AM PST

~~~~~~~~Good vibes to Jenn

Posted by Jrand52 @ 08/11/2003 03:31 AM PST

Ron, as I mentioned when this show was first announced, many of the numbers with the biggest stars were pulled from the 1971 Tonys, the 25th Anniversary retrospective, so that's why Mostel, Channing, Preston, Brynner/Morison, Blaine, and Raitt were all in front of that blue curtain with the year of their Tony-winning show in the background.

I much preferred the numbers from shows currently playing at the time of the Tonys so the original cast could appear in their original costumes (42ND STREET, EVITA, SWEENEY, CABARET)and sometimes (as with the CATS number) taped on the original sets.

As I said earlier (and someone also said), this show was not as much for the theater aficianado who knows all the star turns from memory but for the general theatergoer who would get a kick seeing those stars singing their signature tunes. I would rather have seen the clips from PURLIE, COCO, I DO! I DO!, THE APPLE TREE, APPLAUSE, A CHORUS LINE, and PACIFIC OVERTURES (just to name a few).

Posted by Matt H. @ 08/11/2003 04:50 AM PST

My, My, My (that's 3 mys). Two weekend days w/posts of more than 100! How exciting. I was errant and truant all day yesterday and most of Saturday. Sorry bout that.

MG and Kerry: Anthony's opening came off beautifully. And there was a very nice moment at the end vis a vis his parrot identity that evoked sweet emotion from the audience. I'm seeing the show 3 more times (this Friday and Saturday and on closing night) and I expect the show will get better as the performances go on. There are little technical things to work out (they never fully ran the show in the theatre due to time and space constraints). It's technically a "family", i.e. children's or Fringe Junior show but the Fringe has not made much out of the fact that there is even a Fringe Junior division so some of the shows will, I'm sure be very sparsely attended (like the 10:30PM Saturday show) but all in all, I think it will be a good six performance and we cross our fingers that someone will see it with the ability to bring it to the next level.

Never smoked, never had the desire to, never will. My father smoked from the time he was 14 (I think) until he was 63 when his doctor finally convinced him to quit (one of those Quit or Die speeches). I heard the coughing and hacking and smelled the smell and never could understand why people would want to do that. I certainly agree that people have the right to smoke if they so choose, and I think our Mayor, Mr. Bloomberg, as a former smoker, is a bit over the top in his zealousness to make people stop smoking, but, boy I gotta tell you, it sure is nice to go into an establishment and not worry about smoke and my nose and my eyes, etc.

I've been to E-Bay perhaps 3 or 4 times in my entire life and then only when directed by friends or acquaintances to look at a particularly odd or interesting piece of something or other.

Spent most of yesterday sleeping late w/my "parrot" since we've both been busy. Ant w/rehearsal and me w/overtime at work. It was great to sleep until noon (something I rarely do). Then we went out for dinner later to celebrate our 8 year anniversary (it was this past Thursday, August 7th) and walked around the Village eating soft serve ice cream afterwards.

My name is Ben McLaughlin. I live in NYC (for 23 years), originally from Minnesota. Used to be an actor, now work as an editor in a nonprofit philanthropic resource center and I'm very happy to be part of the HHW family.

That's it for my early (8am) morning post. Glad we made over 100 both days.

Posted by Ben @ 08/11/2003 05:07 AM PST

We did it. I don't know if my prodding had anything to do with it or not, but we have gone way over 100 for a Sunday. Thanks to all.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 08/11/2003 06:00 AM PST

Dave,

You are wasting your efforts by posting here. Please realize that this site is a propaganda board, created by Bruce for Bruce's benefit, to which his dozen fans can come each day to kiss up to him and agree with all of his opinions. Anyone who doesn't kiss up, beware his true nature.

Posted by OM Time @ 08/11/2003 06:36 AM PST

Yes, beware my true nature everyone, all dozen of you. After all, this site is a propaganda board and there are only a dozen of you, so one wonders why Mr. OM Time (like we all don't know who you are) would take the time to come here at all. It seems rather silly to me. And this is just the sort of thing dear reader Jose was talking about - but that doesn't matter to those who are bent on causing problems for whatever reasons they may have.

As to my dozen fans - you should only have this kind of dozen fans, Mr. A, oops, sorry Mr. OM. You should only have such sweet, warm wonderful folks as these dozen. Beware of my true nature, dear readers, for no matter how hard we try we may not change our natures. And if this is a propaganda site for me, I just wonder, oh, yes, I just wonder what we could say about you, old stick.

Posted by bk @ 08/11/2003 07:56 AM PST