Aww, that's a cute story, Uncle Woody! Poor Kelsey.Cute? Have you ever tried to dry off an old, wet daschund at four in the morning? :-\
DinTO's quote made me think.... Outside of her cast albums, did Ethel Merman have a BIG recording career? I can only think of her "disco" album, but did she record for someone else when she was on Broadway?
Should we look on EBAY for "Ethel Merman Swings Fats Domino" and "Ethel Merman Meets the Beatles"......or maybe her album with Prez Prado.... "Simplemente Ethel."
From Ethel Merman's autobiography:
When I Love My Wife opened, I was approached to record "Everyone Today Is Turning On." I might have done it. It has an attractive melody, but Irving [her accountant] pointed out that it promoted all the permissiveness I'm against."
Never saw Welcome to the Club, but I agree about City of Angels. I LOVE this show. The duet, You're Nothing Without Me is so wonderful.
Is that the only Broadway song, ever, that includes the word "bubkes" in its lyrics?
Ask TD about Heidelberg's Uncertainty Principle.
DR Emily, LOL! If you had not had your hat on, you might have ended up with that new hairstyle you have been wanting...plus some slight scalp problems!
DinTO's quote made me think.... Outside of her cast albums, did Ethel Merman have a BIG recording career? I can only think of her "disco" album, but did she record for someone else when she was on Broadway?
Should we look on EBAY for "Ethel Merman Swings Fats Domino" and "Ethel Merman Meets the Beatles"......or maybe her album with Prez Prado.... "Simplemente Ethel."
Here it is (I hope it's big enough to see clearly). Remember, I warned you!
Oh, my favourite Cy Coleman song is so easy and I don't think anyone else has yet mentioned it.
It's: YOU FASCINATE ME SO
Actually, Bobby Short is the only person I have ever heard sing this song. Does anyone know of anyone else who has recorded it. it's a great, great tune. One of my all-time favs.
Can we expect to see a picture of Ant eating Benjy's spotted dick?
What a sensational sendoff that was. And it seems like you've inherited your mother's panache.That's high praise, indeed, DR Dan-in-TO! Thank you.
I believe the album you are looking for is:
Ethel Merman's "Sweating To The Oldies"
Quote from TCB Posted on: Today at 01:27:29pm
"Can we expect to see a picture of Ant eating Benjy's spotted dick?"
DR TCB: I am shocked, do you hear, shocked, that you would ask such a question. This is, after all, a family site. ;)
As I typed this little rejoinder to DR TCB, a Freudian slip slipped in to the message but I corrected it. It has to do with the word between "ask" and "a" I leave it to your imaginations, DRs
My favourite Merman story. She was starring in a new muscial with a young starlet who was just thrilled to see her dressing-room on opening night, enthusing: "Oh, at last, I'm a star on Broadway!"
At which point Merman disabused her of this notion, snapping: "There are only two stars on Broadway, honey, me and Gertie Lawrence. And Gertie's dead!"
... Ah, "The stuff that dreams are made of", indeed. And if you've not seen the classic MALTESE FALCON, you'll not get the reference.Actually, having confessed to not having seen The Maltese Falcon (or, I think that's one of the films I've confessed to), I can say that the quote and the circumstances surrounding it are sufficiently known. Good story, if sad.
Pogue: I did a Randy Graff sings Cy Coleman album, some of which is terrific, some not so (Miss Graff, however, is always great)...It's still a good album, sometimes a great album, but it could have been a great album all the way.BK, I've always been a little afraid of saying what you've just said, but I'm very much in agreement with you. She was and is the perfect choice to sing his songs, however.
...I always loved the play TWO FOR THE SEESAW and I thought the musical version, SEESAW, was almost as good. I was disappointed that the show was not more successful. I finally decided that by the 70s, the whole married man / single woman affair idea was a little dated. To think that the lawyer would have to drop the girlfriend or sacrifice his career was not the hot subject matter in 1973 that it had once been. It is a shame, since it is such a nice show, and seeing Tommy Tune dancing "on point" while wearing clogs, is still one of my favorite theater memories. Perhaps, if the producers and the creative team had really wanted to be daring, they would have changed the role of Gittel to Gil and thus made the show not only topical again, but perhaps even more powerful.1973 would have been too early for Gittel to be Gil for most audiences. Heck, for almost all audiences. As for the single woman/married man plotline, let's not forget that he's a man from the midwest, where things change m-u-c-h m-o-r-e s-l-o-w-l-y.
Um, Mr. Pogue was ASKED to recount the story, so he did. I see no problem with that whatsoever.
Strong words from DRPanni.
I can't agree with DR Panni on the Astor story. For one thing, we've been sharing all sorts of stories about Ethel all day (well, so far), stories that may or may not be true. Aren't these stories robbing her of her dignity just as much?.
Okay you "American Idol" fans---
I have never seen (or had any desire to see) this show, but I've seen so much hype recently for a new series starring "American Idol's Ryan Seacreast" I have a couple of questions. I know that a woman named Kelly and a brillo pad named Justin won the first season; and a Teddybear named Rueben and a restyled nerd named Clay won the second... so which season was this Ryan in and was he third or further down the list. What kind of music does he sing? Is he any good and if he is why do you think he was not one of the winners?
Not in my opinion. The stories about Ethel are funny tales about a balsy woman who didn't give a shit about what people thought of her. They took place in public situations, not in her home as she was in her final years, close to death.Then as what point do we draw the line, between what is acceptable and what counts as trespassing?
It IS more about you, I'm afraid. Just as you can have an opinion on Mr. Pogue's story, so we can have an opinion on your opinion. Perhaps later I will recount the story of The Randy Vicar and Dirty Spigot. We'll see what you have to say about THAT one.
Well, I would like to say that ALL of my favorite Cy songs can be heard in the terrific score for ON THE 20TH CENTURY. Where to begin with that stunning piece of work? It is indeed the ONE SHOW ALBUM which new friends are garunteed to receive as a gift from me! I must've bought at least thirty cds of it whenever a new friend came my way. I've yet to hear any disparging remarks from them about THAT score.
Jennifer and Ron, have you seen the list of contestants for the Survivor All-Stars that begins in a couple of weeks? Looks like a fun one!
1973 would have been too early for Gittel to be Gil for most audiences. Heck, for almost all audiences. As for the single woman/married man plotline, let's not forget that he's a man from the midwest, where things change m-u-c-h m-o-r-e s-l-o-w-l-y.
Jennifer---
I thought the host was some obnoxious Englishman named Simon assisted by former Laker girl Paula Abdul.
I think Ryan Seacrest was one of the hosts of AI rather than a contestant, DRWEL. He is a close personal friend of Mr Merv Griffin.
WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING
Ethel Merman story coming up....younger and more sensitive HHW'ers beware!
Robert Alton was at 20 Century Fox working on the dances for "There's No Business Like Show Business." It involved all kinds of Irving Berlin music - and steps.
During one duet, Alton decided that Merman and her partner Dan Dailey would do a bit of a minuet. He knew Ethel could do it having worked with her on Broadway.
"And this will be like in 'DuBarry Was A Lady'," Alton said. "Ethel, do you remember the minuet?"
Ethel never missed a pop of her gum and replied, "Honey, I don't even remember the men I f*&ked!"
Panni, I am so sorry about the anniversary of your mother's death. My mother was killed ten years ago, this Friday.
Jennifer and Ron, have you seen the list of contestants for the Survivor All-Stars that begins in a couple of weeks? Looks like a fun one!
Thanks DR Charles, I thought you told the Mary Astor story with respect and it was obvious that you did and still do admire her...now, with that said, I want to hear stories about Nancy Kulp and Yvonne DeCarlo! Love 'em both!
But while I was recounting the tale, I did think of how interesting it would be if some enterprising soul did a book or documentary about all those people living out there. What fabulous stories they all must have and how wonderful it would to have them archived. And from so many different points of views...actors, writers, technicians...It would have great historical importance. Bruce? What say?
Regards whether the anecdotes about Mermo are true or not, my theory as always been, it doesn't matter whether a story is true or not, only how well it's told.
Case in point, Maya's story about the swear box, I've heard about Loretta Young, a devout Catholic, who always put up a swear-box on her sets and it was Tracy who plunked it several fivers or tens and said, "Go fuck yourself, Loretta."
But it's a good story whoever it's about. It's the raconteurism that counts. Not the true. All good stories are embellished. I believe in the adage from THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, "When the legend become truth, print the legend."
Great pic of Mary Astor. Mary in Barrymore's Don Juan...for which I have an original programme...is perhaps one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
Case in point, Maya's story about the swear box, I've heard about Loretta Young, a devout Catholic, who always put up a swear-box on her sets and it was Tracy who plunked it several fivers or tens and said, "Go fuck yourself, Loretta."
DR MBarnum, are you starting to feel a god-like tingle in your toes? The gods of Valhalla are calling you . . . .
Your cloud is ready . . . .
I don't think Simon Cowell is nasty at all. I think he just doesn't coddle these kids and tells it like it is. He's judging people who want a professional career by professional standards. He's not there to puff up their delicate, fragile egos. He's there to dispense his honest professional opinion which he does with blunt matter-of-factness and no mincing of words. It's refreshing...particularly when you see Paula always hedging to nice when you know what she really thinks. I've notice that even Randy's getting more blunt these days, taking a page from Simon's book.
DR TCB - On the Hallmark Channel you can see two episodes of THE VIRGINIAN each Saturday!
Jennifer---
I thought the host was some obnoxious Englishman named Simon assisted by former Laker girl Paula Abdul.
DR Jennifer,
My favorites will likely be Ethan, Colby, and Tina...Rudy will be entertaining!
The ones who won previously start at a disadvantage, I think, because other tribe members who didn't win will be gunning for them. When SURVIVOR players appeared on THE WEAKEST LINK, Richard was the first one voted off, even though he BY FAR answered the most questions correct, because they didn't want to see him win again.
I have a fun second-hand story about Ms. Carol Channing...
During the '94 tour of DOLLY, apparently Ms. Channing had difficulty controlling her aging bladder. Each night when she was lifted up on the shoulders of two of the dancing waiters, she apparently peed, not only bleaching out a huge spot on the back of her red velvet gown, but also leaving a damp sensation on the shoulders of her boys. One of those boys apparently complained to stage management, and when the SM spoke to Ms. Channing about possibly wearing some sort of bladder control device, Ms. Channing had the young complaintant removed from the show! Yes, she pissed on him and then had him fired for complaining about it! Can you imagine??
Speaking of faded beauties....
I was made aware of this upcoming production of Follies at the Irvine Barclay Theatre earlier today and have purchased tickets. Not sure who is playing what parts. I'm guessing that John Raitt would be Ben, Betty Garrett would be Phyllis, Teri Ralston would be Sally and Julie Wilson would be Carlotta. This production could be interesting and well done. Or it could be a complete trainwreck. In any event, it will be fun to see some of these folks live on stage in this show.
***********************************************
Stephen Sondheim's "Follies"
Presented by the California Conservatory of the Arts
Thursday, January 29th, 2004 -
Saturday, January 31st, 2004
Follies has long been considered Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece, and this staged concert musical stars some of the most celebrated Broadway veterans in musical theatre history, including John Raitt, Harvey Evans, Betty Garrett, Stephanie Zimbalist, Kurt Peterson, Teri Ralston, Jonelle Allen, Gloria Allen, and Julie Wilson--along with a cast of thirty talented young people fron the California Conservatory of the Arts, Orange County's most comprehensive training ground for young performers and artists from throughout Southern California. This fully staged and costumed production is directed by award-winning Broadway actress Teri Ralston. Follies pays tribute to the women who became the Ziegfeld Follies singers and dancers, recreating the theatrical milieu of these magnificently costumed vaudeville performers who made up the "follies" shows between the two world wars. The story centers around two couples, Phyllis and Ben, and Sally and Buddy (and the ghosts of their former selves). As they reunite at the old majestic, yet crumbling, Weismann Theatre, they reflect on their lives and reminisce about their legendary past.
Speaking of faded beauties....
I was made aware of this upcoming production of Follies at the Irvine Barclay Theatre earlier today and have purchased tickets. Not sure who is playing what parts. I'm guessing that John Raitt would be Ben, Betty Garrett would be Phyllis, Teri Ralston would be Sally and Julie Wilson would be Carlotta. This production could be interesting and well done. Or it could be a complete trainwreck. In any event, it will be fun to see some of these folks live on stage in this show.
I have to agree with Matt H. though--Betty Garrett was a good Hattie, but there's really not much of a chance for Phyllis. Even though it's probably Sally that's the more vocally demanding role.
Ahh, my dear new friend, td!
...upcoming production of Follies at the Irvine Barclay Theatre...fully staged and costumed production is directed by award-winning Broadway actress Teri Ralston...Since Ralston is directing, I doubt she'll be in the show as well. It's a complex script, and not one I'd want to see anyone tackle while wearing two hats.
It's probably true that Panni and I would come up with very different stories elaborating my encounter at the old movie folks home into a film. She'd come up with something touching and sensitive, whereas I'd end up with a bitter black comedy.Hey, Mr. Pogue, it's okay if the network execs put me in a certain "sensitive" box, but I didn't think YOU would! Actually, I have a very black comedy type sensibility. And, believe it or not, I've written my share of that kind of material (in Canada, primarily). For example, there was a very hard-hitting Canadian Broadcasting Corporation docudrama anthology series called FOR THE RECORD for which, I believe, I wrote the only comedy. And it was blacker than coal. One of the climactic moments had the sweet mother of our hero, who all her life had been trying to hit it big in Bingo, finally - FINALLY - in a very tense scene, winning the thousand dollar jackpot - and two seconds later dropping dead from just too much darn happiness. Sensitive? I think not. I much prefer SUNSET BOULEVARD to some kind of saccharine homage to the days of yore.
Dear Readers Panni and TCB: May your (respective) mothers' memory be a blessing to you both.
Panni, I am so sorry about the anniversary of your mother's death. My mother was killed ten years ago, this Friday.
Quote from: td on Yesterday at 11:36:32pm
Personal question time:
I know that a while ago, BK tried out an online dating service.
Well, over the weekend, I too, "joined" a couple of online "personals," (which is dating, without dinner).
So, have any other DRs tried the internet for meeting, greeting, dating and possibly mating? ? ?
Would any DRs try online ads or dating services?
Share your experiences.
Matt H said:
Yes, my pic and info are still at one or two places, the places where you can have your info placed there for free but if you want to contact someone you see in their listings, it costs. The only communications I had were from people who were just too far away from me; I knew it wouldn't work out.
I also have my profile and pics at gay.com but most people only check them out if you go sit in one of the chat rooms, and then their curiosity causes them to pull down your profile and read it. I've been contacted some and had a few dates, but they didn't turn into anything lasting or meaningful.
I have heard that Michael Ball does it well - and often!If only we could get him to do it here in the States! Sigh! :D
Flattery, as you know TCB, will get you . . .
Danise, if the TMM commercial was for the tour, then yes, Juliana is a part of it!
Just put up a new column at The DVD Place - check it out - it's all about other region DVDs and players. Be sure to post comments and/or questions.
Just put up a new column at The DVD Place - check it out - it's all about other region DVDs and players. Be sure to post comments and/or questions.
Panni, I have a deal with the lovely wife that goes: If I get to diapers and drooling, please shoot me!"My ex-husband, who was from Newfoundland and knew of such things, told me that if he ever got that way I should put him on an iceberg and simply let him float away.
My ex-husband, who was from Newfoundland and knew of such things, told me that if he ever got that way I should put him on an iceberg and simply let him float away.
Where in tarnation IS everyone? I am here. Just finished watching It Should Happen to You about which more in tomorrow's notes.
Are we on a dinner break?
A pair of tickets to a show? Eggs and bacon? Pancakes? A winning lotto ticket?
The mind boggles......
As someone who adores Broadway musicals, I must admit that reading about the subject matter of the show and its look as seen in internet photos did not impel me to make a trip to NYC to see it.
RE: Online personal stuff- I'm kind of wary about giving personal information out online. It's not that I have people singled out as dangerous, but overall, you really never know who's behind that name/face. Who knows? BK could really be some killer who got plastic surgery to resemble star Bruce Kimmel. All of the people in his pictures could be cardboard cutouts! Jason could really be a married woman living in New Jersey with 6 healthy Irish kids and a very UNhealthy obsession with Bruce Springsteen!
Panni is, as always, BUSY.