Posted by Joy @ 09/03/2003 07:35 AM PST

Happy Birthday, Dear Reader Joy!!! My birthday wish for you is lots of your favorite cake!

~~~~~ Good vibes for Dear BK.

Posted by Old Laura @ 09/03/2003 07:36 AM PST

Happy Birthday Joy! Maybe when Jose gets back from his world trips he can make you a virtual cake. He's a good cook. At least that's what I gather from reading things on this here site :-)

Posted by Ben @ 09/03/2003 08:00 AM PST

BK ~~~~~~~~~~~~
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are lots of good vibes for you. How could they not love you? You're the best, everyone knows that!

Posted by Joy @ 09/03/2003 08:01 AM PST

H*A*P*P*Y/ B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y/ J*O*Y

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/03/2003 08:27 AM PST

"Clew" - What an interesting spelling. Actually I have good Clew - It was Professor Plum in the ballroom with a lead pipe.

Something I mentioned in an e-mail to BK that other DRs may be interested in. When ABC/Disney telecasts DROOD, the two items theatre audiences voted for will be combined into one vote which can be done either over the internet or via an 800 number. In addition, it is quite possible that viewers in different time zones will see different endings. This will be quite interesting. I just hope ABC/Disney doesn't screw up the casting. Actually there are several roles Victor Garber could play.

A question for DRs... since the Fall season is upon us, which new movies, Broadway shows and television series are DRs most looking forward to. I'll start:
MOVIE - The Charles Busch film which I think is called "Die Mommy Die"
Broadway - WICKED
TV Series - "The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire", David Kelly's new series

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/03/2003 08:28 AM PST

I hope that Ren and Stimpy aren't too unseemly to quote, but:

HAPPY! HAPPY! JOY! JOY!
HAPPY! HAPPY! JOY! JOY!

Have a great birthday! There can never be enough celebrating here at HHW!

And the best of vibes (and even a marimba or two) to our very own BK!

Posted by George @ 09/03/2003 08:51 AM PST

BK - I enjoyed the Grant Geissman interview immensely. Your interviews, unlike quite a few I've read in my day, zoom in on the -ee rather than focusing on the -er. I just ordered Jeepers Creepers, and am sure I'll enjoy it that much more because of the background GG provided in the interview.

As for DR WEL's query, I'm almost clewless about the upcoming season. But I wish Rosie O'Donnell the greatest success with Taboo. She's done so much good, and deserves a great big hit.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/03/2003 09:00 AM PST

Thanks for all your birthday wishes!

Although I know it's not new, I am looking forward to the new seasons of 24 and The West Wing. I was awoken today by an ad on the radio for Wicked, but since I can't afford to see Broadway shows, I can't possibly look forward to them.

Posted by Joy @ 09/03/2003 09:14 AM PST

Dan---
Obviously you haven't seen the advance publicity on TABOO in which Rosie has already managed to alienate half her potential audience. She has announced at a press conference that "housewives in Iowa" will hate this play and that probably anyone who is not gay will not like it. She is advertising the show with a large poster in Times Square of someone urinating.

I have never seen a celebrity go downhill as fast as Rosie has. Ever since she came out of the closet (which probably only surprised those "housewives in Iowa" she is talking about) she has become a bitter woman with a large chip on her shoulder. I think that TABOO might have had some potential initially, and if Rosie would shut her mouth it still might, but the kind of publicity she is getting for the show will do a lot more to hurt it than to help it. Since it is her own millions that are financing it, at least she will not have any unhappy backers to answer to.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/03/2003 09:14 AM PST

Happy Birthday, Dear Reader Joy!

Posted by Jay @ 09/03/2003 09:15 AM PST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOY!!

BK--don't worry too much about the job. I'm sure you're doing fine, and if they don't like you there as much as they should, then they're a bunch of dumb-butts and don't deserve you on the workforce.

Well, I'm still sick but I think it's getting better. It's probably some virus...if the computer isn't getting one, I am.

As for things I'm looking forward to this year--

New movie: I guess De-Lovely, that is, if they don't screw it up.

Broadway: Wicked, Never Gonna Dance and some of the new revivals

TV series: I guess that one with Harriet Harris and Christopher Sieber...I think it's going to be called "It's All Relative" or something like that

As for Ask BK day, I can't think of a good question right now, but hopefully I will have one later!

Posted by Maya @ 09/03/2003 09:18 AM PST

Hey Happy Birthday DR Joy!

I am not sure yet which new tv shows of the Fall season I am most looking forward to. I like to check out the EW and TV Guide detailed reviews to get a better idea.

Btw, for reality show junkies, apparently the new Survivor Pearl Island will have a new twist. Contestants will not be allowed to take anything with them except the clothes on their back!

Btw2, for the Big Brother 4 gang. Who do you want to win HOH this week? And is Ally stupid for thinking she has a better chance beating Robert, than Jun (Robert has Jee, Justin, Dana in the bag).

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 09:35 AM PST

Shouldn't we already have 100
count them 100 posts?

Sad to see William Roy has
died, but he lived a long and
full life. Mr. Roy was, for many
years, accompanist to Julie
Wilson. But, he was also a
wonderful composer and he
was someone I took note of
early on because of his work
in the Julius Monk revues

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 09:36 AM PST

Happy Birthday to Joy!!

Many things to do at work, and finally a day with sunshine and NOT rain!

My question for ask BK Day:

Which Stephen Sondheim musical would you like to appear in onstage (and as what character)?

And, which SS musical do you think Guy Haines would like to appear in (and as what character)?

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/03/2003 09:55 AM PST

Ask BK:
You have previously mentioned one "beloved" Broadway star as being really the one person who found terrible to work with in recording a CD and with whom you would not want to work with again. Can you give specifics on what this person did to make you feel as you do?

Posted by steveg @ 09/03/2003 10:05 AM PST

Steveg - This person really
didn't do anything to me
personally, but this person
was just unpleasant to be
around, complained about
everything, called Vinnie an
"electrician" and was even
kind of short with the
composer ("I've been dealing
with it for thirty-five years" the
composer said to me). Just
real unnecessary, and I've
worked with some people who
I was warned were holy terrors
- like Bacall and Stritch, and I
had a blast with each and
every one of them.

Sondheim musical - I
suppose it would be fun to
play Pseudolus, I know it
would be grand to play
Sweeney Todd but I'm afraid it
would be beyond me vocally,
and I suppose I'd love to play
Buddy in Follies, if I could
master the dance parts.

As to Guy Haines, I think he
would be a fine off-stage
narrator for Into the Woods.

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 10:11 AM PST

Well, I think it's quite clear that, although it is not a musical, Mr. Guy Haines would be perfect in the title rôle of Harvey.

And, of course,

Happy Birthday, Joy!

And Joyeuse Noel!

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/03/2003 10:17 AM PST

Guy Haines could play Hero in FORUM, young Buddy in FOLLIES, Charlie in MERRILY etc.

I just read that the Fox Movie Channel has agreed to remove the ban on the Charlie Chan films and will start airing them soon. Apparently they will air in conjunction with a panel discussion on Asian stereotpyes in film.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/03/2003 10:18 AM PST

Happy birthday, DR Joy!

To William E. Lurie - Here's a useless fact which might interest you. There is a difference in the spelling of the stage and film titles of DIE MOMMIE DIE. What I just wrote is the movie title with an "ie" ending for Mommy. Don't ask me why! BTW - It opens on Oct. 31, so pick out your costume.

Posted by Panni @ 09/03/2003 10:25 AM PST

I would like to play Bobby in Company, Hysterium in Forum and Ben in Follies.

Posted by Ben @ 09/03/2003 10:43 AM PST

Joy to the World and a big bright Happy Birthday to Joy!

WEL: Brotherhood of Poland looks like a very good show and I will probably watch it. Cold Case also looks good to me.

Jennifer: Yes the Survivor folks jump in fully clothed in their finest...but according to TV guide they don't keep their cloths on long (think Richard from first season)

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/03/2003 11:04 AM PST

Okay, I've thought of an Ask BK question and I'm totally ripping off Jrand here, but here goes...

What do you think are the best roles that Sondheim has written for women?

Off to Western Civ...oh, the joy of ancient Sumerian civilization...WHY???

Posted by Maya @ 09/03/2003 11:11 AM PST

Well, these Sondheim
questions are a bit skewed,
because he didn't really
WRITE the roles, the librettists
did. In Sondheim shows, I like
Sally Durant Plummer, I like
Desiree and Madame
Armfeldt, I like Joanne in
Company. If we're talking
women's songs of Sondheim,
well, then I love In Buddy's
Eyes, Send in the Clowns,
Losing My Mind, the movie
version of The Glamorous Life,
Another Hundred People, and
scads more.

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 11:20 AM PST

Where in tarnation IS
everyone? I do not have nearly
enough posts for my mental
delectation or even my mental
deterioration. Let's get some
postin' goin' on, shall we?

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 11:30 AM PST

I am looking forward (and perhaps froward) to:

Bounce
Wicked

The new season of Enterprise, but with much trepidation, as they seem to be trying to please everyone and add much more Boomboom, hopefully not at the expense of too many brain cells.

Sweeney Todd, produced by Mr. Capshaw and direced by Mr. Mendes, should it ever actually take place.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/03/2003 11:46 AM PST

To those who thought DR Emily was crazy for asking if Walmart sold computers. I don't think the Walmarts in Canada sell computers. At least I have never seen computers here (although I never knew to look so who knows ;)

I did get a wonderful cordless phone at Walmart 2 weeks ago that I am very pleased with.

Btw, Emily CANADIAN IDOL TOTALLY SUCKED LAST NIGHT. Boo hoo Audrey :(

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 12:01 PM PST

Happy birthday, Joy! Also, happy belated birthday, Ron!

Hello to all, and thank you for welcoming me to your board. I feel quite special. Call me Cus, call me Laura II, call me madam, I don't mind!

William, I am also looking forward to Bounce and Wicked. I'll be seeing Bounce in November. So far, I have no plans to see Wicked, which is mildly upsetting, but I should be able to see it and a few others that are on my list (LSOH, Hairspray, and TMM--again) before the end of the year.

Oh, I'm also a BB4 fan. Ally annoys me immensely. I hope her bf breaks up with her when she gets out of the house b/c she broke his trust. I really wish that Robert or Jee would win HOH this week so that they can turn things all topsy-turvy, but will it happen? I think not.

Posted by Laura II/Cus @ 09/03/2003 12:03 PM PST

Happy Birthday to the dearest reader of all.

May you be treated to filet mignon, ma mignonette

What the HELL am I talking about?

Posted by Noel @ 09/03/2003 12:04 PM PST

If BK would most like to be Pseudolus, it would only make sense if Guy Haines wanted to be Psudonymolus, no?

Someone mentioned a once-had-a-career comedienne as helping Broadway. I must say I'm totally unaware of how she's helped Broadway, but, then, I don't watch TV before the sun sets.

My only hope for the fall season is that every single "reality" show be eliminated from television. They ain't reality, they give viewers a false sense of what reality is, and they rob hard-working creative people (such as writers and actors) of the opportunity to work in prime time. I know of no more awful trend on television. Reality, indeed!

I showed up at a meeting today and met the man who's replacing me. Would have loved to have known that fact before the meeting, but you can't have everything.

Ask BK: Do you think Los Angeles, or anyplace other than New York, is a good place to be located if you want to be part of the creation of new musicals? There's been some controversy about this question.

Posted by Noel @ 09/03/2003 12:12 PM PST

*Oh, Joy, Joy! Joyeux Birthday, Joy!**

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/03/2003 12:13 PM PST

Hi Laura II!

Laura II wrote:
Oh, I'm also a BB4 fan. Ally annoys me immensely. I hope her bf breaks up with her when she gets out of the house b/c she broke his trust. I really wish that Robert or Jee would win HOH this week so that they can turn things all topsy-turvy, but will it happen? I think not.

Well I think Jee is history. I wouldn't mind if Robert won HOH, but only if he's gonna keep Erika around. Otherwise I want her to win.

Btw, if you love BB4 you need to check out this site. And click on chat page here:

www.
canoe.ca/JamBigBrother4/home.html

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 12:17 PM PST

Happy Birthday Joy.

Posted by Susan @ 09/03/2003 12:19 PM PST

Jennifer and other BB4 Followers:

I don't know which way the wind is blowing any more as Ali and Jun seem to have an alliance, then Jun and Erika seem to have one, then Erika and Ali seem to have one...and now Robert seems to think he's on the verge of being an ally with Ali and has asked Erika on a date once the show is over!

Sigh!

The jury house has Dana, Justin, Nathan and Jack. None of them would vote for Alison regardless of who she's up against. If it were Jee or Robert, it would be two for and two against. If it were Jun or Erika, I know two votes would go to Erika, but I'm not sure Jun can count on Dana or Justin unless those two are still operating under their previous "us vs. them" mentality.

Of course, it it were Jun vs. Erika at the end, both Jee and Robert and Alison would be in the jury house. The question is actually how much does Robert "hate" Erika and does Jee want Jun to win? I don't have a clue who Alison would vote for despite what she's said about both Jun and Erika.

I think Erika's best shot is if Alison is with her at the end -- she'd win by default because Justin wouldnt' vote for Ali, and Dana wouldn't either.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/03/2003 12:23 PM PST

Am I crazy?

Does Walmart really sell computers? I don't believe it. Surely, TD is mistaken. He WAS in Walmart and then didn't realize that he crossed an imaginary border and entered into an electronics store.

That's the only answer, of course.

Maybe it's only an American thing. I am a bit of a Walmart fan ($2.33 FOR A WASTEBASKET!!! OMG!!!) and I have never seen computers in the store.

When I was visiting my aunt in Mobile, I went to one of those crazy SUPER-WALMARTs where they sell everything - including fresh produce! And pets! And [insert blank consumer good]!

There's a term in political science called the "McWorld" effect (the spread of one dominating culture everywhere) but I think it should be changed to the "Walmart World" :)

Posted by Emily @ 09/03/2003 12:25 PM PST

Thanks for the site, Jennifer! Did you ever hear the rumor about Erika dating Josh from BB1? I heard there was a picture somewhere, but I never saw it. Doesn't he have a fiancée anyway?

Well, I will peruse the boards on and off, but I might not be here to post as I am going out in a bit to search for a job. I should only hope that I may see the headmaster of the new Rising Star Academy in his school so that I may accost him. He never returned my calls or emails about job opportunities. Granted, there were never "Now Hiring" signs, but still.

Posted by Laura II @ 09/03/2003 12:27 PM PST

For all those Hainsies/Kimlets who care:

My interview at the Centaur Theatre went well. The women who interviewed me were both super nice and positive and were clearly impressed with the amount of working experience I have at such a young age.

The only thing that could prove my downfall would be my not so accomadating schedule. School sucks!

If I do get the job I get four free tickets to each monthly show. Yea! Jennifer I can promise you one of those now and then if you want! :)

Posted by Emily @ 09/03/2003 12:27 PM PST

Happy Birthday, Joy!

Maya, I hope you're feeling better soon.

Posted by Lulu @ 09/03/2003 12:32 PM PST

Hey Emily I'm glad to hear your interview went well. The one show at Centaur I really want to see is THE SHAPE OF THINGS.

It's funny but a woman called me 2 days ago wanting me to buy the whole subscription series.

My favorite thing at Centaur used to be the musical each season by Lyric theatre. I don't know why they don't do that any more. But they did an amazing production of EVITA a few years ago.

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 12:35 PM PST

Hey Emily I'm glad to hear your interview went well. The one show at Centaur I really want to see is THE SHAPE OF THINGS.

It's funny but a woman called me 2 days ago wanting me to buy the whole subscription series.

My favorite thing at Centaur used to be the musical each season by Lyric theatre. I don't know why they don't do that any more. But they did an amazing production of EVITA a few years ago.

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 12:36 PM PST

Noel, I am with you when it comes to "reality" TV. Shows like "The Bachelor", "Joe Millionaire", "Big Brother" and the like are a pox on the airwaves. I dont' mean to offend those who are fans of any of these shows, but surely we can all agree that their time slots would all be better used by just about anything else.

As for a show like "American Idol", well...in the absence of any real variety shows, this is probably the best way to fill a void in the programming calendar. I have only seen "Canadian Idol" once, and upon hearing the three finalists sing briefly, I immediately turned it off. It seemed like a group of drunken college kids at a karaoke night. None of the contestants that I saw approached the talents of Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken.

BK has been candid in saying that Carol Channing was less-than-pleasant to work with. I wonder why he didn't name her today? (I guess his post gives enough hints that we could have guessed anyway....)

I've never been a fan of Rosie O'Donnell, but I enjoyed her show when she featured Broadway highlights, so it was somewhat disappointing to see her show come to an end. I agree with WEL about the nosedive her career has taken since then. I can't tell who TABOO is being marketed toward, but it seems like any new Broadway show cannot afford to alienate a potential audience, as Rosie is doing.

In addition to WICKED, I am looking forward to THE BOY FROM OZ, if only to hear Hugh Jackman sing again. And let's face it - he is so damn good-looking that even us straight guys can enjoy looking at him. ;-)

Posted by Dave @ 09/03/2003 12:37 PM PST

Well I guess I'm doubly glad at Emily's good luck :)

My posting would not post and now it decided to post twice :(

Sorry.

Btw, Laura II I have that pic of Erika and Josh. You can decide for yourself if it is her.

I will post it in a minute when I find it.

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 12:40 PM PST

Thanks for the good wishes, Lulu! :) I think I'm on the road to recovery (as opposed to the Road to Morocco).

Emily, that's awesome about your job interview! You must let us know if and when you get the job, with an emphasis on the when!

BK--yes, I should have given some credit to Sondheim's librettists! I love your choices though.

New DR Laura II, i.e. Cus i.e. Madam :)--when are you going to see Bounce? I'll be seeing it October 25th. I so cannot wait!

Posted by Maya @ 09/03/2003 12:47 PM PST

Welcome Laura the Second and glad to have another BB4 fan around. I share your annoyance of Alison as well...never liked her. Actually BB4 is starting to get a bit dull as I don't particularly care a whole lot about those that are left...but if I had to pick one to win I would pick Jun, because she has entertained me the most. Actually as long as Alison doesn't win I will be happy.

Noel, for me some reality shows interest me because I enjoy watching the interaction that these people have with each other such as on Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, etc. while they are all vying for some prize during a lengthy game. I certainly don't think of it as "reality" for the most part, but I do find it interesting on a psychological standpoint...and it sometimes can be heartwarming. There are some reality shows that I do not care for, however...but there really are quite a variety of different programs out there...in fact Game shows are considered reality shows, and so is Candid Camera.

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/03/2003 12:48 PM PST

Here are the pics of Erika and Josh (from Big Brother 1).

Is it her? Click on my name for the best one.

www.
bbchatter.com/message.php?f=3&i=7223&t=7223

www.
bbchatter.com/message.php?f=3&i=7224&t=7224

www.
bbchatter.com/message.php?f=3&i=7227&t=7227

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 12:48 PM PST

Someone mentioned a once-had-a-career comedienne as helping Broadway. I must say I'm totally unaware of how she's helped Broadway, but, then, I don't watch TV before the sun sets.

Rosie O'Donnell tirelessly plugged Broadway - introducing Titanic, Side Show, JRB's Parade and a host of other new musicals to an uninitiated audience; i.e., those who do watch TV before the sun sets.

Posted by Someone @ 09/03/2003 12:49 PM PST

She also had Sherie Rene Scott on singing "Goodbye Until Tomorrow" from a certain show that will remain nameless for fear of bringing back the five point essayist! :)

You have to admit no one got show music out there and into the public eye more than her.

I was put the Titanic cast album on in a friend's cd player and she, who is certainly not a broadway fan, remembered the show from it's spot with Rosie where the cast sang "I Must Get on that Ship".

I was amazed and thrilled that she remembered that.

Posted by Emily @ 09/03/2003 12:54 PM PST

Re: the great interview

I'll find out on Monday. The box office manager assured me she'd phone then whether they had made a decision or not.

Cross your virtual fingers guys and gals! :)

Posted by Emily @ 09/03/2003 12:56 PM PST

Jennifer: Thanks for the links. The girl looks like Erika, but I just don't think that's her.

MBarnum: Hooray! Someone who shares my disdain for Alison. I dislike the way she chooses to play, but I feel that the others are gullible for listening to her lies. In that way, she deserves to win, as she has played well. Still, I'd rather see anyone else win. They're all quite dull. Why did cute David have to go????

Maya: Thank you for your kind welcome. :) Sarah has said many very good things about you! To answer your question, I'm going to see Bounce on Nov. 7. I think I know someone else who is going on Oct. 25--small world, isn't it? :)

Posted by Laura II @ 09/03/2003 12:58 PM PST

I also don't believe that "reality" shows are reality. But I think the reason I tend to enjoy them is because I like familiarity. It is strangely comforting to get to know a group of people and see them every few days. It's light watching and entertaining. That's not to say that I don't enjoy thought provoking programs just as much (I love Alias and the West Wing and 24 too).

Okay let me see if I can make sense of Ron's theory.

RonP wrote:
Jennifer and other BB4 Followers:

I don't know which way the wind is blowing any more as Ali and Jun seem to have an alliance, then Jun and Erika seem to have one, then Erika and Ali seem to have one...and now Robert seems to think he's on the verge of being an ally with Ali and has asked Erika on a date once the show is over!

Right now Jun and Alison have an alliance (that nobody really knows about). None of those others really have an alliance. Although you are right, Alison is considering dumping Jun and going with Robert (because she thinks her chances are better against him.

I think the way to tell what is real is by looking at their diary room entries. That don't usually lie there.

Robert hates Jun and Ally. He is clearly playing up to them. I mean how stupid is Alison. She asks robert who he wants next. What is he gonna say her? :)

I think Robert was serious when he said he would team up with Erika. But that is just because i know he despises Ally and Jun. Although if he thinks he can beat Ally at the end, he may take her. It just depends on who wins HOH this week.

Alison especially is trying to play all sides.

Sigh!

The jury house has Dana, Justin, Nathan and Jack. None of them would vote for Alison regardless of who she's up against. If it were Jee or Robert, it would be two for and two against. If it were Jun or Erika, I know two votes would go to Erika, but I'm not sure Jun can count on Dana or Justin unless those two are still operating under their previous "us vs. them" mentality.

We know Erika has Nathan and Jack. The only vote I think Ally could get is Justin. But not if she is against Jee or Robert. I think Erika could get Robert's vote as well. I think it is safe to say that many people dislike Jun and Ally. So I would want to take them to the finals with me.

Of course, it it were Jun vs. Erika at the end, both Jee and Robert and Alison would be in the jury house. The question is actually how much does Robert "hate" Erika and does Jee want Jun to win? I don't have a clue who Alison would vote for despite what she's said about both Jun and Erika.

I think Robert likes Erika and would want her to win. I am not sure what Jee would do. I think he respects Erika a lot. I'm not sure who Ally would vote for. That would probably depend on who screwed her in the end.

I think that Jun vs Erika (with dana, jack, justin, nathan, robert, jee, ally on the jury) would have erika winning with every vote but maybe not jee.

I think Erika's best shot is if Alison is with her at the end -- she'd win by default because Justin wouldnt' vote for Ali, and Dana wouldn't either.

Yep I think going against Ally would be great for Erika. Although I think Justin might vote for Alison.

All very confusing. We will know more tonight.

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 01:08 PM PST

Laura II - Welcome!

Emily: Crossing fingers and toes.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/03/2003 01:09 PM PST

DR Laura II:

The reason I think that is Erika is because they definitely know each other. She worked on some type of film with him.

Also, if you read that site i linked you too (canoe) Robert and Erika had a conversation where Robert said he had kept her secret. He asked her if this was the same house her boyfriend had lived in. And he also asked how much the 2nd place winner received (Josh won 2nd place in BB1).

Also, apparently Erika has called her boyfriend JA or something like that. ANd Josh's friends call him that as a nickname.

I'm pretty sure the rumors are true.

I think that is her, just with darker hair.

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/03/2003 01:13 PM PST

Jennifer: It could be Erika, but they look like "modelling photos," nothing personal.

Dave: I disagree that time slots would be better used showing something other than reality shows.

We all have freedom of choice -- to watch or not to watch. I prefer "Big Brother" over 85% of most made-for-TV fictional fare, even in first-run.

I can take or leave "Survivor" -- it really depends on the cast. If I'm intrigued right off the bat, then I'll watch it through the end. Has happened twice.

All the other shows, including Joe Millionaire, The Bachelor, The Great Chase (or Race????), Fear Factor, et.al.....they have their fans, I'm sure, but I'm not among them.

The talent shows are pretty lame, I'll admit, but one or two talents have been exposed -- Kelly and Clay, as you've cited. Harlemm Lee, who won the "Fame" competition (audience call-in votes), is a phenomenal talent. Was it worth all the weeks of torment suffering through the other talents winking out around him? Feh!

Does anyone, to this date, think that Justin Guarini is a talent? I know he went to the finals with Kelly, but come on. They've placed him on every show they can and had him plug his album singing some lackluster song or other. Guarini is polyester in a field that's looking for spandex-lycra.

That Clay got an album deal is phenomenal. Like his single, I'm sure it will outself both Ruben and Clarkson. And it's a wholly different kind of music sung in a wholly different kind of way.

What they'll do with Harlemm Lee is anyone's guess. He belongs on Broadway!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/03/2003 01:16 PM PST

Oh my, such mixed emotions. Here it is Joy's birthday, and here is Noel getting the boot. So I must offer commiserations as well as felicitations.

And so we must ask, was this job a part of a career, or a "just a job" job? It will not, I hope, put a damper on the autumnal celebrations. Because you must know that we here at haineshisway have been stockpiling our ham chunks and cheese slices in anticipation of doing the Hully Gully on-line as your nuptials approach.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/03/2003 01:19 PM PST

Just to weigh in on the "Reality Show" debate: I don't like them because (with the exception of Idol, which is a different animal) they are always about people stabbing each other in the back. When I first heard about Survivor, I thought it would be an exciting show about survival skills and man v. nature, and that the hardiest person with the sharpest wits and survival skills would be the winner. Imagine my disappointment when I found out that it was all about a bunch of mean, bitter people stabbing each other in the back, and that the person who should have won lost because of another's personal vendetta. They only went downhill from there.

And they keep getting worse! A show where a guy is supposed to choose someone to fall in love with, only to find out that the person he chose is not gay? What kind of person would agree to be involved in this sort of cruelty? The ones with marriage as the goal are the worst of all. No wonder such a high percentage of marriages fail -- because that's how lightly we take marriage. Oh, we can always get a divorce if, for some strange reason, we realize we can't stand each other after only 90 days of being on TV together! Grr.

Well, that's the end of my rant. All I want for my birthday is for people to be kind to each other.

Posted by Joy @ 09/03/2003 01:22 PM PST

Another Ask BK question:
I finally had the chance to read "Kritzerland" this past weekend during a short get-away vacation, even though I've had it right from your first shipment. As with "Benjamin Kritzer," I enjoyed it thoroughly. My question is, was Paul based on a real friend of yours and did he desert you just before your Bar Mitzvah to join up with a group that wouldn't accept him unless he dumped you, or was that a dramatic fiction you needed for the structure of the novel? Also, you dedicated the book in part to your Aunt Bella. Wasn't this the aunt whose death you were not informed about by your cousin? Have you ever had the chance to confront said cousin about their thoughtlessness?

Posted by steveg @ 09/03/2003 01:25 PM PST

I'm back from the evil that is school, and listening to the copy of Haines His Way that DR Paulie just sent me for my birthday! Guy Haines has a wonderful voice, don't you think?

I cannot stand reality TV. The only thing I liked was American Idol, and even then, the second season was awful. All of these shows like "For Love of Money" make me absolutely crazy. When I want to watch television, I want to watch something with substance, or that will make me laugh, not a "reality" game show. In REAL life, do you have beautiful people lined up wanting to marry you for your money? (That question is directed at everyone but BK, of course, who has 4 SEPARATE lines of women waiting for him.)

BK, question: Is Guy Haines pleasant to work with, unlike Miss Carol Channing?

Posted by Sarah @ 09/03/2003 01:26 PM PST

Oh! Happy Birthday to Joy! (eve though I've already told you that), and condolances to Noel. People are butt cheeks sometimes.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/03/2003 01:29 PM PST

Weighing in on the Rosie O'Donnell controversy: Since her show ended and she whacked off her hair, Rosie looks exactly like Lou Costello. 'nuff said.

Mini-DVD Review: UHF

Yes, I know it's been awhile since this came out on DVD, but I just got around to watching it with the commentary.

Now let's be honest; you've either seen UHF or not, and if you've seen it, you either loved it or hated it. I saw it during its original (very brief) theatrical run and both my date and I laughed our butts off. So I am a fan.

If you're not a fan, you probably won't like the DVD, but if you are, I wholeheartedly recommend you purchase it. Yes, purchase, don't rent - because you'll want the time to savor the commentary, which is by Weird Al and the director (with some special guest commentators popping in occasionally, too).

This is possibly the best, most informative and entertaining commentary I've heard yet. There are no lulls and no rambling - Weird Al must have quite a little work ethic goin' on, because he obviously did tons of research (he knows the full names of some of the bit players, and doesn't hesitate to tell us about them) and he keeps up an informative, funny spiel throughout.

Michael Richards shows up maybe halfway through to offer deadpan observations about his co-stars' acting chops (on Kevin McCarthy: "He's drawing deep from within his personal reserve to play this role") and towards the end, Al apparently phones Victoria Jackson, who confesses to having "a huge crush" on Weird Al during the filming before hurriedly hanging up ("I'm making scalloped potatoes, so I gotta go.")

If you only buy one DVD this year...well, then UHF is probably out of luck because let's face it, it's September, so you've probably already bought the one DVD you're gonna buy this year. But if you find a little extra pocket change and buy two DVDs this year, make one of them UHF.

Posted by Lulu @ 09/03/2003 01:38 PM PST

Thanks again to all those who posted their birthday wishes. You guys are the best.

Guy Haines indeed has a beautiful voice. Like butta. I love his recording of "What Can You Lose" on the Sondheim at the Movies album. So emotionally in touch. mmmmmm.....

Posted by Joy @ 09/03/2003 01:40 PM PST

Lulu, what about the movie? You told us all about the commentary, but what about the movie itself? I know nothing about it. Please share why you think I would like it. Thank you very much (ooh, a Scrooge reference!).

Posted by Joy @ 09/03/2003 01:42 PM PST

For Ask BK Day: Which musical would you like to see on stage that you have never seen a production of?

Posted by Matt H. @ 09/03/2003 01:43 PM PST

A question for DR Susan. You once mentioned that you Scrabble. So do I, but these days I've nobody to Scrabble with. Do you know of an on-line site? I haven't been able to find one. Thanks.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/03/2003 01:44 PM PST

Here's a clue (or clew, if you prefer) that might shed some light regarding to whom the producers of Taboo are marketing the show:

Just a few minutes ago I received an e-mail from PlanetOut (a gay general interest site) containing a "personal invitation" from Rosie O'Donnell to purchase tickets to Taboo before they are made available to the general public.

Posted by Jay @ 09/03/2003 01:48 PM PST

Re Ms. O'Donnell and Broadway: The year she hosted the Tonys she felt it her duty to have all nominated shows on. However it was quite obvious which shows she liked and which she didn't. PARADE got a quick musical number once and she didn't even get the names of the leads right. However her pet TITANIC was on her show numerous times and she pushed it so endlessly that the FORBIDDEN BROADWAY spoof even featured her as a passenger on the boat.

Re Reality Shows: How can these planned situations be called "Reality"? A true Reality show was PBS's AN AMERICAN FAMILY which followed a real situation. It's true the camera work and especially the editing did manipulate it somewhat, but it was real situations of a real family, not a bunch of money-grubbing phonies being put in a situation and seeing what they will do to keep from being voted out.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/03/2003 01:54 PM PST

I had indicated a disinclination to work for this outfit before returning from my honeymoon. The show in question begins rehearsals a little before the wedding, but performs in early December. The last director didn't have any use for me in the first six weeks of rehearsals, but this show is being directed by the previous director. The previous director I did not enjoy working with, but the lack of involvement with the last director made me appreciate him in retrospect. Is anybody following all this? In fact, I told the producer, essentially, not to waste his money hiring me if the show wasn't going to utilize my peculiar talents (and peculiar they are). The biggest surprise is that the previous director is coming back because he, of all people, had a miserable time directing the first time.

OK, I guess it helped Broadway to expose daytime TV viewers to shows like Parade and Side Show... but, wait a minute. Do we really want such viewers to believe that Broadway musicals take seriously the romantic troubles of Siamese Twins? Talk about catching flies with vinegar!

Posted by Noel @ 09/03/2003 01:55 PM PST

Guy Haines is a doll to work
with as long as you know his
limitations and accept them.

I can't honestly think of a show
I'd like to see that I haven't
seen - I mean, I've been lucky
enough to see productions of
one sort or another of even
most of my favorite flops.
Now, what GOOD production
I'd like to see is something
else again.

Paul Daley was indeed based
on a real person, but the
chronology and timeline was
fictionalized for the book. In
reality, the friendship lasted
longer but had a similar end.
Yes, Aunt Bella was the
person whose death I was not
informed of. I did confront the
cousins about it, but they were
really kind of dopey about it,
and I haven't spoken to them
since, although I did send the
book so they could see the
dedication.

Noel, I don't know that it
matters anymore WHERE you
write musicals. Given the
current state of NY re
musicals, it's not the way it
used to be. So, I think LA is a
fine place to write - you'll
eventually hopefully end up
back in NY to produce it, but in
the meantime there are lots of
nice venues here that do
interesting work.

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 01:57 PM PST

Well, that brings up a new Ask BK question: What are "the lots of nice venues here that do interesting work"?

Posted by Noel @ 09/03/2003 02:02 PM PST

I remember another true Reality show on PBS called, I think, Frontier House, that I got addicted to three episodes from the end. grr. It was about three American families who were transplanted to the wilderness of Montana to live as homesteaders of 1883. They had to stick to strict rules about every aspect of their lives. There was no winner -- the idea was to see if they could have survived the winter. It was fascinating, educational, and a real look at human sociology. One of the couples was newlywed (Did I spell that right?) and spent their honeymoon there. Check it out:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/frontierhouse/

Posted by Joy @ 09/03/2003 02:10 PM PST

Joy: As far as UHF goes, it wouldn't help at all to tell you the plot. Suffice to say it's about a rinky-dink UHF station (remember those?) and its weird programming, which lends itself to lots of spoofs of movies and TV (like the game show "Wheel of Fish" and a coming attraction for the action-adventure flick "Gandhi II."

If your sense of humor runs to MAD magazine, The Simpsons, or Weird Al's musical stylings, you'll probably enjoy the film. Its cult status is such that prior to the DVD's release (sometime last year, I believe), the out-of-print rental VHS copies were going for $50 and up on eBay.

Hope this helps!

Posted by Lulu @ 09/03/2003 02:10 PM PST

Lulu: My brother loves UHF! He's a huge Weird Al fan. He bought the dvd of UHF when it first came out, and he listened to the commentary. His comments (he's sitting here as I type this): "Orion is bankrupt now, and Weird Al has a good memory."

Posted by Laura II @ 09/03/2003 02:16 PM PST

Yes, Lulu, that sounds like something I would love! I shall put it on my list of rentals. Did you hear that, DR Noel?

Posted by Joy @ 09/03/2003 02:16 PM PST

There are several Equity
Waiver houses that do
interesting new musicals and
productions of established
musicals. And there's the
Pasadena Playhouse, which
regularly does new and old
musicals, along with the
Globe in San Diego and some
smaller regular Equity houses.

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 02:49 PM PST

My mother, the fine cook that she is, just made me dinner. And do you know what she made? She made Spaghettios. I HATE Spaghettios. They're right up there with Spam on the list of "Foods I Hate". I don't think she's bought a can of those since my youngest sister was 6, so about 5 years ago. She thought it was funny! She expected me to eat them! Of course, I did not, as I don't want to get diseased and grow a third arm overnight. But when I asked to make my own edible dinner, she wouldn't let me, and said I was ungrateful. I told her I'd rather be ungrateful and wait until breakfast than eat them.

So here I sit, hungry, and preparing to go babysit where I shall raid the fridge for something slightly better. Babysitters priveleges are so nice :)

DR Joy: I LOVED Frontier House! I thought it was hilarious how the girls wer smuggling all of their toilet paper and makeup in, like they wouldn't be seen. Very, very good show.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/03/2003 02:49 PM PST

Dear esteemed, macho, graceful, and in-a-working-quandry BK --

This here house sends your there house and you lots of good vibes and energy to straighten out the drek-bosses that you seem to have to deal with.

My question of the day...and I know I'm not the only confused techno-nerd out here, so please Oh wise and noble punem, give us a clear answer to this:

In terms of the traffic to any internet sire, what exactly is a "HIT" and what is a "VISIT?"

Does it have to do with just seeing the opening page (or "home page") of a site, and leaving it..as opposed to actually going several pages into a site??? I really am confused on this one, and I have a feeling I'm not the only one.

Please reveal all, and we will kiss the hem of your raiment.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 09/03/2003 02:55 PM PST

Busy Spring day here. Maybe back before closing time. Have a good day everyone.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/03/2003 03:06 PM PST

"He's drawing deep from within his personal reserve to play this role." LOL!

Thanks, Lulu. That made my day. That is the kind of line that I will quote forever...

As for Rosie, well she always made it clear that her show was all about *her*. So we shouldn't be surprised that her favourite performers were prominently (and repeatedly) featured, and that she raved endlessly about the stars and shows she loved. That is either good or bad, depending upon whether you agree with her. If you don't understand the nature of fan obsession, the episode in which she "stalked" Barbra Streisand was just plain creepy. The fact that Babs was rude and insulting to her on the very next episode only made matters worse...

But, to be fair, she *did* feature just about every major musical on her show - not just TITANIC. I have seen clips of RAGTIME, THE LION KING, SIDE SHOW, PARADE, SEUSSICAL, CABARET, RENT, SCARLET PIMPERNEL, JEKYLL & HYDE, JANE EYRE, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, BRING IN DA NOISE, STOMP, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, CHICAGO, LES MISERABLES, ANNIE, THE LIFE....and many more. In addition, she also featured celebrities who are well-known to Broadway audiences, such as Bernadette Peters, Patti Lupone and Jennifer Holliday, doing what they do best.

Just checked out the "jump the shark" page on the Rosie show, and people obviously have some strong opinions as to what was wrong with that show, and with Rosie herself.

Posted by Dave @ 09/03/2003 03:12 PM PST

I enjoyed Frontier House as well. There was a similar show set in Britain as well. Don't recall the title, but it was very interesting too.

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/03/2003 03:19 PM PST

Mr. Mark Bakalor explained
hits and visits to me and I got
a headache from it. Visits are
people coming to the home
page - or linking to a specific
page - we've been averaging
between nine hundred and a
thousand visits a day.

Hits are page views, I think,
how many items on a page
are viewed how many times.
We've been averaging over
thirty-thousand hits a day, but I
honestly don't know what it
means. I do know when they
try to sell banner ads they
always say "we get such and
such number of hits". Well, if
you add our average daily hits
up we're doing over two million
a year, not bad for a little
upstart website.

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 03:22 PM PST

I enjoyed The 1900 House when it was on PBS a few years ago. It was a short series about a family in Britain trying to live as those in the Victorian Era did. All I really remember about it was the oldest daughter, having gone a long time without a bath and more, said, "I feel dirty and smelly and...skanky." What a way to incorporate the language of today.

Posted by Laura II @ 09/03/2003 03:24 PM PST

Hey all...I wanted to be sure that everyone saw my post that was very late in the list on Monday. If not...

Thanks again for the care packages, brownies, notes, and etc. sent to Jason and/or myself in the Poconos. Things like that make life so much easier in situations like that!

Thanks ESPECIALLY to Tom... what a generous gift, I'd have written sooner and more personally but I lost your e-mail address. Thanks so much.

Starting rehearsals for Phantom tomorrow at 10am. Whoo-hoo?

Posted by Don @ 09/03/2003 03:39 PM PST

Welcome back, DR Jason and Don! The den has not been the same without you.

Posted by The Den Mother @ 09/03/2003 03:57 PM PST

So Den Mother - why wasn't Charity made a regular on GUNSMOKE?

And why didn't they bring her back as a teenager???

So many questions.

DR Jason & MusicGuy - the check is in the mail!

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/03/2003 04:39 PM PST

I'm thinkin' we might just make
eighty-five posts. We need an
afternoon push. So, let's all
pretend we're giving birth -
now, PUSH!!!!!!!!!

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 04:43 PM PST

My $0.02...

Rosie: Ugh
Spaghetti-O's: Ugh
Reality TV: Mostly ugh... but I
will confess a fondness for
The Amazing Race, and I was
a huge fan of The Mole when it
was on.
UHF: Some classic stuff.
Can't see a turtle without
thinking "nature's suction cup."

Posted by Jed @ 09/03/2003 04:44 PM PST

DR Jrand -- yea, yea, ...I've heard that line about the check before...and a few others! (j/k).

I watch the mailbox with frothing anticipation.

DR TomInOz -- A big thank you to you for being sweet and watching over Jose while he was in your area. I hope he didn't get up to too much mischief with the locals; actually, I was hoping he would!!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 09/03/2003 04:47 PM PST

Dear BK -- oh my god, if we all have to PUSH...shouldn't you be boiling water and spreading newspaper on a large table?? That's what they always did in the "B" movies..

I never did know what the boiling water was for? Were they gonna have chicken soup afterwards?

Posted by MusicGuy @ 09/03/2003 04:50 PM PST

I also wanted to send the best afternoon greetings and a great big "Mwwaaahhh!" to DR Susan. I hope you are having a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 09/03/2003 04:52 PM PST

I just have to add one last novelty song - Feudin' & Fightin' (Lane and Dubin). There's a terrific version of it on the superb "Songs of Burton Lane" CD.

And since you all asked:

Feudin' and fussin' and a-fightin,'
Sometimes it gets to be excitin,'
Don't like them ornery neighbors down by the creek,
We'll be plumb out of neighbors next week.
Grandma, poor ol' grandma,
Why'd they have to shoot poor grandma.
She lies 'neath the clover
Someone caught her bending over
Pickin' up a daisy!
Feudin' and fussin' and a-fightin'
This is a wrong that needs a rightin,'
Let's get that funeral service over
So then we can start in a-feudin' again.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/03/2003 05:16 PM PST

DR Laura II--you are very welcome for the welcome! I'm flattered that Sarah has said nice things about me. I have only nice things to say about her in return, and I'm sure the same thing goes for you! :)

Okay...was that too mushy, lol?

Re: Rosie O'Donnell. She's not a saint. She can be obnoxious, yes. But overall, I like her. She did so much to promote Broadway and I also think her coming out was a brave move.

Posted by Maya @ 09/03/2003 05:19 PM PST

MG & Kerry, our visages are on the way. Mailed this afternoon so you should get them sometime soon. Enjoy!

Posted by Ben @ 09/03/2003 05:19 PM PST

PUUUUUUSH!

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 05:20 PM PST

Bruce, Mamma Mia! is but one in a long line of shows that were created around a bunch of songs, i.e., a completely new musical with a new book and a new story, but with old songs. I just made a CD of my vinyl record soundtrack to At Long Last Love written and directed by Peter Bogdanovich with songs by Cole Porter, starring Burt Reynolds, Cybill Shepherd, Madeline Kahn and Duilio Del Prete. (I had never listened to it before.) This is another example of this genre and it got me thinking (a dangerous pastime, I know--a Howard Ashman reference).

Questions: if you've seen A.L.L.L., what do you think of this particular movie? They recorded the singers (and soundtrack) live, as they were filming. Was this a good idea or not? Do you think that this particular movie would be well suited to a stage adaptation or was it such a bad movie (story) that not even good performers could make it worth it without a total rewrite? If you haven't seen the movie, what do you think of these kinds of (movie or stage) shows in general? Do you (or anyone else) know of specific earlier examples of these kinds of shows? (A.L.L.L. was released in 1975.)

Posted by George @ 09/03/2003 05:24 PM PST

Did I push hard enough??

Posted by George @ 09/03/2003 05:26 PM PST

I doan know nuthin' 'bout birthin' babies!

Posted by Prissy @ 09/03/2003 05:27 PM PST

AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!

Gimme the epidural!!!!!

Posted by Jay @ 09/03/2003 05:29 PM PST

Don't be silly...we're not even fully dilated yet, it isn't time to push.

Posted by Lulu @ 09/03/2003 05:35 PM PST

You get to drink...FROM THE FIRE HOSE!!!!!!

Posted by Stanley Spedowski @ 09/03/2003 05:36 PM PST

I don't know nothin' 'bout
birthin' no babies, but puuush,
damn it, push.

I think if we all make a
concerted effort we might just
make it to 100 posts. Of
course, it was a lot easier to
do so in the glory days when
Swishy Sarah was posting
more. I do not like the name
Laura II - I like Laura, The Face
in the Misty Night.

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 05:36 PM PST

Okay - Unless someone just beat me here's #100.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/03/2003 05:39 PM PST

Here's a good reason to NEVER start lying about your age: when Charles Bronson died, it was revealed that he was, in fact, eight years older than he'd been claiming to be.

Which means he was an 89-year-old trying to pass for 81.

(insert eye roll here.)

Posted by Lulu @ 09/03/2003 05:44 PM PST

Maya - If you were surprised that Rosie came out you were the only one. Since everyone knew (just like Ellen) it was more for the publicity than a brave move. It certainly worked with Ellen. Now tell me - did you think Liberace and Rock Hudson were straight? Did you know about Richard Chamberlin (sorry Den Mother)? There are some names that everyone knows no matter how they try to hide it (like by getting married next week).

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/03/2003 05:45 PM PST

BTW, that also means he married a 34-year-old when he was 84. Eeeeeeewwwwww...

Posted by Lulu @ 09/03/2003 05:46 PM PST

Lulu - I read he was in his early 90s.

And then there is the case of Ann Miller. The whole purpose of her autobiography was to mention every 20 pages or so that since she was so young when she started she had to lie about her age and pretend to be older so she is really younger than most sources give. Had she told that story once I might have believed it, but it was repeated to the point of people saying "who does she think she's kidding?".

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/03/2003 05:48 PM PST

So much to discuss, but, first and foremost:
OH, JOY, OH, RAPTURE, 'TIS THE NATAL DAY OF OUR VERY BELOVED JOY!!!!!

Rosie O: She succeeded. She set out to prove something to herself, acheived that goal, and moved on. There's a lot to like there. So, her proving grounds came on national television, on a show which she said she would do as long as she felt the need to. Admirable, in my book. BUT, on a personal level, the truths about Rosie's off-screen persona cannot be denied: brusque, arrogant, bullish (and not in the Wall Street way), pushy, shovey and genuinely obnoxious.
I still peruse my Rosie O videotape library quite often: Betty Buckley performing "Serenity," what other talk show would even think of allowing said performer to sing that particular song? Alice and Emily and SIDE SHOW, twice. RAGTIME, three times. TITANIC, also three. THE LION KING and so on and on down the line. . .her devotion to "Tommy" and "Barbra;, more often than not was frightening to behold.

DR Emily: It wasn't even a super Walmart that sold me my computer. . .

DR Noel: in some parlance, "getting the boot" means taking a trip to Italy.

DR Lulu: You most definitely should look into reviewing dvds online; write to me, and I'll put you in touch with a great guy to write for. . .

DR George: I've loved AT LONG LAST LOVE since its ill-fated opening night. Sure, parts of it are like watching a train wreck, but, there are some truly wonderful moment (mostly in the second half) which make it all worthwhile. I also had my lp transferred to cd about a year or so ago. . .

ASK BK (and all Dear Readers): What about Schlock Cinema? You know, stuff like BLOOD FEAST, 2,000 MANIACS, BASKET CASE, et al? Any particular favorites there? I'd have to say that RE-ANIMATOR does it for me.

Posted by td @ 09/03/2003 05:49 PM PST

Alternate names for Laura II:

Laura II: Electric Bugaloo
or
Oh, Laura! Book II
or
The Other Laura
or
A charming, intelligent girl, who certainly surrounded herself with a remarkable collection of dopes.

Posted by Lulu @ 09/03/2003 05:52 PM PST

Hmmm. At least this dope is a gentleman. (Oh, a Hammerstein and Rodgers reference.)

Posted by Jay @ 09/03/2003 06:06 PM PST

Run Laura! Run while you still can!

:)

Posted by Emily @ 09/03/2003 06:06 PM PST

BK, I think YOU should be the one pushing, as YOU are the one I have apparently tried to impregnate. Don't put the blame on ME, bossy boy, I now have school and endless homework and babysitting to occupy my time. I could just quit altogether. But do I? No! Because I am a loyal Hainsie/Kimlet, and I LOVE bk and his merry troupe.

I think Rosie is cool. She can be a little over the top, but she's an entertainer, that's what she does. If she were just like everyone else, she'd either become extremely popular for unpersonalized reasons, or she'd blend in with the crowd, and in 10 years, people will be asking, "What happened to that Rosie woman? You know, the one with the talk show."

It, again, is thundering and lightning here in Northern Virginia. Does it EVER stop?

I've successfully memorized how to say foot, ankle, knee, thigh, stomach, tummy, back, butt cheeks, chest, arm, hand, finger, shoulder, neck, head, mouth, teeth, nose, ears, eyes, eye, hair, and body in French. Sombody should write a song about that.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/03/2003 06:11 PM PST

DR MBarnum has written several interviews that will be included in the upcoming Scarlet Street!

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/03/2003 06:12 PM PST

Sarah,

Comden and Green sort of wrote a song like that - "The French Lesson," from the movie Good News. But it's not about parts of the anatomy, so why don't you write that song? It could be a hoot.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/03/2003 06:33 PM PST

WEL--I probably should have been more clear about my feelings about her coming out. Sure, no one was surprised. The Tom Cruise schtick was a good cover for a while but then it wore thin. What I meant to say was that it was brave of her to publicly come out, when she knew that her image might have suffered as a result with those much-maligned "housewives in Iowa." Yes, Ellen came out first but I don't believe that when Rosie did it there was such a thing yet as "lesbian chic" in Hollywood. In my opinion, it took cajones.

Sarah--hey, how do you say ankle en Français? It is driving me crazy trying to remember (ooh, a Schmidt and Jones reference!)

Posted by Maya @ 09/03/2003 06:39 PM PST

DR Dan: I think I will write that song. It might take me a hundred years, since my attention span for writing music is thiiiiiis big *shows very tiny space*, but by golly and by gum I'll do it.

DR Maya: Ankle in French is "cheville" :)

Posted by Sarah @ 09/03/2003 06:46 PM PST

Merci, Mademoiselle Swishy! :)

Posted by Maya @ 09/03/2003 06:47 PM PST

TD: Although I generally abhore gory films I do have a special place in my heart for BLOOD FEAST and 2000 MANIACS. I don't know why, but both are sort of fun movies. NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is another.

Thank you JRand53 I do have a couple of articles/interviews that will be in the next issue of Scarlet Street! These will be my first contributions to what I consider to be one of the finest film magazines around. I hope in the future that I will have reason to contribute again. And may I take this time to congratulate DR JRand53 on the fact that he can be read in the DVD review section of this same issue!

TD is also contributing to it (as I believe he often does). So I hope that all DRs will go out and buy 2 copies!

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/03/2003 07:12 PM PST

Well, we just had a blackout here in Northern Virginia, but all is well now. ("All's well that ends well, what more can we say? Bad things will come and then go away, and we will have a happier day. So all's well that ends well, what more can we say?"--from the Tiki Tiki Tembo montage).

Now, Sarah, don't forget your articles! Ankle is "une cheville."--brought to you courtesy of Mlle Talbott heehee

Posted by Laura II b/c I can't think of anything clever yet @ 09/03/2003 08:01 PM PST

In reading Lulu's post, The Other Laura stuck out for my name because I have a close friend named Laura. We babysat at school once, and some children who met her first called her Original Laura, and I became Other Laura. So that's fine and dandy, but since I've been referred to as Laura II quite often, I may keep that? Input? Suggestions? or should I just be quiet? :)

Posted by the indecisive Laura II @ 09/03/2003 08:05 PM PST

NEVER be quiet here at HHW.com, Wauwa. Unless it's early in the morning and BK is still asleep. Then you can tiptoe about the living room, but always wipe your feet at the door, don't pee on the carpet (keep your mouths shut about this topic), and no yelling.

And never quote Mlle Talbott. Never. Please :)

I think you should just post as Laura Cus, simple yet different!

Posted by Sarah @ 09/03/2003 08:15 PM PST

DR MBarnum is correct; if all goes according to plan, my dvd reviews of THE HAUNTING, HOUSE OF WAX and WAIT UNTIL DARK will appear in Issue #49; otherwise, I share credit with the brilliant editor (Richard Valley) on the ANGEL SEASON TOW/BUFFY SEASON FOUR dvd boxes.
I'm looking forward to reading YOUR interviews and JRand's review(s), too!

Posted by td @ 09/03/2003 08:22 PM PST

DR MBarnum, thank you for the DVD! What fond memories are brought to mind watching it.

DR JRand, that episode would have been a perfect lead into a running part for Charity. How I wish it had come about!

DR MusicGuy, thanks for your sweet greetings this afternoon. I so appreciated them.

Posted by Susan @ 09/03/2003 08:39 PM PST

It's just that Bossy Boy misses Swishy's posts when she is off doing far less interesting things than hanging with the likes of the likes of us.

I did see At Long Last Love - or the first half - on its opening day. I walked out, one of the handful of times I have EVER walked out of a movie. I thought it was putrid. I wouldn't mind seeing it again, though. I thought, given its cast, recording the singing live was pretentious and stupid and peculiarly Bogdanovich. The hilarious thing about the ad campaign at the time was upon its opening the ad said something like twelve great Cole Porter songs. A week later it was eight great Cole Porter songs and I think it eventually went down to six when the airlines showed it.

Posted by bk @ 09/03/2003 08:59 PM PST

. . .and the television version has something like TWENTY Cole Porter songs :)

Posted by td @ 09/03/2003 09:04 PM PST

AAAH I just watched BB4 with my mom and brother. I am SO happy that Robert is HOH.

Sawah, I'm going with your name unless anything compels me to do otherwise.

To all, it is late (or early here on the east coast), and I must bid you adieu! Bonsoir, mes amis! A demain!

Posted by Laura Cus @ 09/03/2003 09:05 PM PST

If you doubt that I did a decent job hosting a morning talk show, please watch Caroline Rhea's show to see what a really bad talk show looks like.

Posted by Rosie @ 09/03/2003 09:17 PM PST

The FOX Movie Channel shows AT LONG LAST LOVE fairly frequently, and I recorded it because despite its flaws, I had liked it OK when I first saw it at the theater.

THough the story is wafer-thin, and Burt Reynolds was about the worst musical leading man who could have been found, I did appreciate that the COle Porter songs were sung with all the verses. Recording live was a stupid decision, but there were some good things about it. It wasn't a total loss.

Posted by Matt H. @ 09/03/2003 09:35 PM PST

It's an interesting thing about newfangled directors trying to make old-fashioned musicals. In their supposed zeal to pay homage to everything they love about the good ones, they sometimes wind up aping and magnifying everything that was wrong with the bad ones.

I enjoy watching "At Long Last Love" in bits and pieces, and "Love's Labour's Lost" in microscopic fragments. What strikes me most about them is that for all the lovingly-recreated details in both productions, no one was paying enough attention to the most important detail of all: the book.

If a hundred years of writing musicals for stage and screen have taught anything, isn't the lesson that you MUST have a SOLID book? The musical numbers in an "integrated" musical should move the story forward, but even if they don't, shouldn't a skillfully-told story be top priority? Shouldn't the audience want to see, even NEED to see what happens next?

This is all a broad oversimplification, of course. Still, I remember how "Idols" Kelly and Justin had been describing their recent musical bomb in interviews, and they couldn't come up with a single sentence about the plot which made it sound the least bit compelling. THAT'S how I knew the movie would tank. Not because it was a musical, and not because "they just don't know how to make 'em anymore."

Story must come first. No?

Posted by Sigerson Holmes @ 09/03/2003 10:04 PM PST

Sigerson, Roger Ebert has been saying exactly that for years about movies. It seems like every other week on "Ebert & Roeper" he's saying that. You'd think that for as long as movies and even theater (or "theatre") have been around, the people producing, directing and WRITING shows would know that and spend more time on the scripts/books.

Posted by George @ 09/03/2003 10:18 PM PST

"Beyond The Sea" (the Bobby Darin story) in Pre production. (with Mr Spacey). Any news on that DRs?
I quite like the Robbie Williams version of "Beyond The Sea" ("Swing While You're Winning" and "Fiding Nemo") but the Bobby Darin track is brilliant. I wonder if Mr Spacey will do his own singing - good voice.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/04/2003 12:20 AM PST

Dear DR Lulu: Regarding Mr. Bronson - not everything wrinkles!

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/04/2003 01:13 AM PST

Hits and Visits:

Suppose I decide to take a look at haineshisway. I type double-you double-you double-you haineshisway dot com into my browser (1). I am visiting.

Once there, I click on the handy-dandy link to new sections (2); then on the unseemly interview section (3); thence to unseemly interview archives (4) and on to Kerry Butler (5).

That is one Visit (oh! a Kander and Ebb reference) but five, count'em, five Hits.

Now as to whether The Visit will ever actually be a hit--that's what makes horse races.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/04/2003 02:45 AM PST

So since I have HHW as my "Home Page" this means it is a visit everytime I log on to the internet even if it is to go someplace else?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/04/2003 06:19 AM PST

Unless you hit the NEVER MIND button. 8-)>

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/04/2003 06:56 AM PST