Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 2 => Topic started by: bk on June 02, 2004, 12:02:44 AM

Title: THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 12:02:44 AM
Well, you've read the notes, you are totally in the loop, notes-wise, and therefore you are ready to make with the postings.  I, for one, cannot wait to read them.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Joey on June 02, 2004, 12:17:05 AM
"It’s Ask BK Day, the day in which you get to ask me or any dear reader whatever’s on your various and sundried minds"

I would just like to say sundried is a fun word. Reminds me of sun dried which reminds me of sun dried tomatoes. Mmmmm I love tomatoes! On that note what is your favorite food or meal that has tomatoes in some form as an ingredient? (Or if you despise tomatoes you can say that too.)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 12:25:52 AM
Well, I like pizza (tomato sauce and cheese and pepperoni), I like most tomato-based pasta sauces, and I love a good BLT.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: S. Woody White on June 02, 2004, 12:27:06 AM
Sun dried can also mean we're all getting out in the sun.  That being the case, a question for all: What sports did you play when you were in school, if any?

As for Joey's question, I like tomatoes in all sorts of ways.  I like them as part of a sauce.  I like them stuffed and baked.  Good fresh tomatoes are wonderful all in themselves (and since der Brucer has about a dozen tomato plants taking over the front yard, we should have plenty later in the year).

For my own question: I sucked at sports when I was in school.  My body grew long at an unapologetic rate, and I never found my coordination.  Such is life.  In a way, I guess it was all for the best (a Stephen Schwartz ref), since I've never found basketball that thrilling a game.

How I ever got into scorekeeping for softball, well, that's a totally different story.  Maybe I'll tell it someday.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 12:27:26 AM
Welcome eight GUESTS.  
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Joey on June 02, 2004, 12:34:07 AM
I played baseball for several years in gradeschool, and basketball for two years in middle school. No sports for me eighth grade through high school. Let's say I wasn't any good at either. (Am getting better at basketball now, though its a little late) As for my question I can't pick just one. Just about anything with tomatoes is a-ok with me.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Laura II on June 02, 2004, 12:40:29 AM
GAAAAH I hit "post," and the topic was locked. Boo to that! I decided to give up on the madness. The madness does not exist here! No siree, Bob! Let sleeping dogs lie, but don't let madness lie. HMM I almost got mad a second ago at a boy, but I will not let him get to me. This madness will not stay with me. I'm sounding like BK!

First off:

Yay, it's Joey--I know him!!! Haha, I sound like Buddy the Elf from, well, Elf. "Santa? I know him!!"


Happy belated anniversary to Jane and Keith!!!


I have more to say, but I'll say it later.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 02, 2004, 02:28:48 AM
Good Morning!

-And, yes, it's 5:16AM here on the East Coast as I'm typing this... Another wired night for me.

I guess I'm still winding down from the delicious post-show tapas and sangria I had with my friend Leigh, and her new beau.  We had a splendid time, and I heartily approve of her new beau should she wish to continue with him.  -Sheesh, that sounds so clinical... In any case...  We had a great time, and the food was incredible as always.  -And I finally saved room for dessert this time - a chocolate-hazelnut torte.  Sooo good.  Rich, but not too rich.  Sweet, but not too sweet.  And the candied hazelnuts that were sprinkled on top and around the plate were addictive - well, could be addictive.  They were toasted just right, and the crunchy, sugary coating actually made them taste like Sugar Pops - or is that Sugar Smacks?  -The yellow cereal, corn based, sweet.. had the bear for it's mascot.  In any case, they were sooo good - and a new decoration to the dessert since the last time I had had it.

-And maybe if DRs SWW and DerB would like some sangria tomorrow night.... OH!  And we had the special white sangria tonight - champagne (well, Spanish cava), cognac, triple sec, fruit, etc..).  I may have to try to duplicate it for a party or two.  Or just make a small pitcher for myself sometime.  ;)

-Why do I always end up talking about food...

DR Joey - If you want to start some serious discussions on here, just ask about food.  And from your tomato question, it looks like you've already gotten a head start. ;)

As for my favorite food with tomatos - or tomatoEs, if you prefer:
Raw - A fried egg sandwich, with a thick slice of sun-ripened tomato, mayo (has to be Duke's), salt and a few grinds of pepper on white sandwich loaf bread (toasting is optional).  And since tomatoes are about to come into season here in Virginia...-the Hanover tomatos are really good and flavorful.
Cooked - Tie between pizza and pasta - almost any variety/type/style/etc.

OK - Time to try to go bed...  At least I have nothing to do until show time... :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 02, 2004, 02:32:29 AM
Oh, as for sports, I never played on a team in school, but I did play soccer (was pretty good), and baseball (totally sucked since I was too scared to catch fly balls - I lost many a game for my team).  *And one time I did try to catch a fly ball... it grazed the top of my glove and landed right in my right eye.  Thankfully, I just ended up with a black eye, but if you thought I was scared to catch fly balls before that... WHOA! ;)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 02, 2004, 02:46:28 AM
OH!  And as for the fried egg and tomato sandwich... Just a tomato sandwich can be wonderful if the tomato is wonderful.  (And even a fried egg sandwich can be wonderful too.)

-Oh, and the big Greek Festival is this weekend in Richmond and I'll be home for it!!!! Yippee!!!!  Gyros, souvlaki, leg of lamb, yanni, spanakopita, tiropita, the other "-pitas", keftedes, saganaki, moussaka, kalamaria, hummous, dolmades, taramosalata, avgolemono soup, loukamides, koubarides, baklava (of all types), galaktaburiko (hmmm, the custard!), etc.  -And since I'll be home on Saturday afternoon, that means I can go Saturday afternoon/evening, and on Sunday too!!!  *I can't wait to have one or two batches of the loukamides (I think that's the name), the fried balls of dough, that are then drenched in honey and cinnamon.  HHmmm....  And those almond crescent cookies...  -And, yes, I will be walking to it, since it's only a mile from my apartment, so that should "help". :)  Don't worry, I'll be pacing myself.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jed on June 02, 2004, 02:46:31 AM
Oh, as for sports, I never played on a team in school, but I did play soccer (was pretty good), and baseball (totally sucked since I was too scared to catch fly balls - I lost many a game for my team).  *And one time I did try to catch a fly ball... it grazed the top of my glove and landed right in my right eye.  Thankfully, I just ended up with a black eye, but if you thought I was scared to catch fly balls before that... WHOA! ;)

My dear friend Briar also has a fear of balls coming towards her face.  
Yes, you can all rest assured we've made many a joke out of this over the years! :D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 05:18:31 AM
Yep food is a good topic! :)

Btw, since pizza was mentioned it reminds me that I tried something very interesting this weekend.  Smoked meat pizza.  A friend ordered it, and there was way too much.  So I took it home and it was simply delicious.  It is not something I would have ever ordered.  But it had smoked meat on the top and a lot layered under the cheese.  
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 05:23:16 AM
DR Danise: Re: what you said about the Milford and how you would never stay there again.

Now I'm not sure what size room you got.  There are some smaller rooms. And it sounds like that is what you had at first.  Although the room you ended up with (that fit two twin beds) does still not sound like a regular room.

You just have to be forceful until you are happy.  I always make sure to get two double/queen size beds.  Because in order to have them, the room has to be big enough to fit them both. :)

Most NYC hotel rooms that I've seen are similar size (that fit the 2 double beds).

I
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 05:27:06 AM
Comments on MAMMA MIA. Yeah!

Okay I love that show!  I think if you like ABBA's music you will like it.  However, you also have to realize what it is.  It's one of those shows that has pre-existing songs woven into it.  Now MANY theatre types will not like that.  But I will say this, the songs DO fit, and quite well.

Also, there is not a hugely detailed story.  There is a plot  (it's the wedding of the heroine Sophie and she tries to find out which of 3 men is her father).  Just realize the plot is not extremely complex.

That said, if what I described sounds appealing, then I think you would enjoy the show.

It is extremely fun, a feel-good show.  It makes people very happy.

I've seen it twice and would go again in a second.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ben on June 02, 2004, 05:33:04 AM
Welcome, Joey.

I said it last night but I'll say it again. What a wonderful night we had last evening, Elmore, Penny, Jason and I.

No questions at this point.

Mamma Mia. I agreee, if you are familiar with and enjoy ABBA, and go into it expecting nothing more than a night of popular music woven into a story, you will probably enjoy the show. When I saw it, the best thing in the show (at the Cadillac Wintergarden Theatre) was the lovely Judy Kaye.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ben on June 02, 2004, 05:37:37 AM
I mostly sucked at sports, especially things like basketball (it's not my fault I'm short and I'm forced to play that stupid game in high school gym!!! Do you think I like it you stupid jocks who can't even spell your name without a cheat sheet - OK, rant over;-) though now I'm a decent bowler. I can't say I enjoy many sports but I don't loathe them the way I used to when they were forced on me.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 02, 2004, 05:42:31 AM
Uh-oh!  The only other DRs that are logged in at the moment are Ben and Jennifer.

Bennifer is Back, and HHW's got 'em!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ben on June 02, 2004, 05:54:00 AM
Right now it looks like Bemily and Dan-Dan are here :-)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Emily on June 02, 2004, 05:56:38 AM
DR Jose, the only time I have ever gotten even remotely close to being pukey-why's-the-world-spinning-oops-there's-the-floor drunk it was on sangria.

Thanks for the memory :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Emily on June 02, 2004, 05:57:13 AM
Bemily?  I like it! :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 02, 2004, 06:15:22 AM
Welcome to brand spanking-new DR Joey!

My family has grown our own backyard tomatoes as far back as I can remember.  Plus, I buy farm fresh Jersey Tomatoes from the road-side stands while I'm waiting for the home-growns to ripen.  My favorite uses for them depended on the type of tomato.  Anything of the bell or Roma variety are smashed and mashed and reduced into zesty, garlicy tomato sauce.  The larger Big Boy or Big Girls are great on sandwiches or hamburgers.  The medium Rutgers (Go Scarlett Knights!) or Supersonics are delicious in salads, soups and are sometimes sweet enough to eat whole.  And my dad made us fried green tomatoes years before Mary Stuart Masterson was even born.  Yummmmm...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on June 02, 2004, 06:16:29 AM
Since I like tomatoes in season, crusty Italian bread, garlic, olive oil and basil, I'd have to say bruschetta is favorite tomato dish. Eggplant parmesan in a traditional tomato sauce is also a winner.

Sports? Thanks for ranting for the both of us, Ben. I didn't reply to the height TOD, but you and I could exchange clothes, and our sports-related experiences seem similar too. I was okay at individual sports/exercises - swimming, chinups, rope-climbing. But forget about teams. A few months ago a friend got me started on a weight-lifting program. I'm enjoying it, but the only drawback is that (TOO-MUCH-INFORMATION ALERT) I seem to be growing breasts.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 06:16:31 AM
LauraII, I saw that you were replying at about ten to twelve -which is why I kept posting warnings because I didn't want you to lose your reply.  Of course, since you replying you couldn't see the warnings.  And, of course, this way madness lies.  I did leave it unlocked five more minutes more than usual, though, if that counts for anything.  Actually, I happen to know "that" counts for "anything" because when I woke up this morning I heard "that" counting for "anything".  It was very sweet to hear "that" counting "one, two, seven, twelve".  I liked it.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 06:26:21 AM
Welcome, new DR Joey. I'm sure you will enjoy your time spent at HHW.

Thanks to all the DRs who responded about MAMMA MIA. It pretty much echoed what most people have told me about it. I bought the cast album in a used rack for $7 and have never played it, but I will before I go to the show. My only familiarity with ABBA is from the PRISCILLA movie.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 06:29:14 AM
As for the tomoto question, my favorite food with tomatoes is ketchup. No, I don't eat it raw, but I have loved it ever since I was tiny whereas I wouldn't eat a raw tomato when I was growing up to save my life.

With age comes wisdom and now I love tomatoes on just about everything.

I'm going out tonight with an ex- and his new lover, and I suspect I'll have a club sandwich at the sports bar we're going to. So, I'll get my tomatoes today for sure.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: William E. Lurie on June 02, 2004, 06:29:29 AM
For Ask BK - When will the next interview be posted to this here site and with whom?

I saw CAROLINE OR CHANGE last night.  Sorry Idina, Kristen, Donna and Stephanie, but it will probably be (and should be) Tonya getting the prize with the plastic base.  This was one of the most powerful performances I have ever seen and is everything it is cracked up to be.  In fact the whole cast is excellent and makes the material seem better than it is.  (I never thought I'd see the day when  Alice Playten played a grandmother).  As for the show itself, there are some problems.  First of all, the realistic story of a Black maid working for a Jewish family in 1963 Louisiana is a good idea and much of the ideas involved are very powerful.  However it doesn't need singing appliances, a women in the moon who comments on the action or a Motown-style girl trio (there are now 3 musicals on Broadway with Supreme clones).  They totally distract from the reality of the situation.  However this comes from the same man who had angels crashing through glass ceilings in a PWAs bedroom, so I guess it can be expected.  The score is sung through, and the connecting material is not nearly as good as the major arias, duets, and ensemble numbers.  But when Tonya sings you forget everything else.  The number she will be doing Sunday night is her 11:00 number.  It (or rather her performance of it) is powerful, but I'm afraid it is not the kind of number that can stand on its own without the previous two hour setup.  By the way, the house was full with standing room on a Tuesday night.  And if the show itself is less than one might hope for, the audience saw a performance they will remember the rest of their lives.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 06:29:50 AM
Whilst I didn't care for Mamma Mia all that much (it was so overamplified that it literally gave me a bad headache here at the Shubert Theater), I do really enjoy ABBA and I also enjoy Abba Zabbas.  It's not unenjoyable, though, but it does boast one of the ugliest sets I've ever seen, right up there with Aspects of Love in that regard.  Thoroughly Modern Millie also boasts sets that are not very attractive.  Maybe it's a trend.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 06:31:36 AM
I'm not sure about the next interview.  I have to take the blame somewhat because it takes me a long time to do the questions, and then it takes a long time to edit them.  I used to have help with the latter, but that isn't the case so much anymore.  We will have more, I do promise you that.  And we do have some interesting things planned for the near future.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 06:31:58 AM
Welcome to DRJOEY.

I like tomatoes on my cheeseburgers and in my salads!  We used to go into my grandmother's garden in the summer time with a small shaker of Morton's salt and eat a tomato or two warm from the vine.  Deeee-licious.  There are now six houses built where the garden used to be.  8-(

I have my fingers crossed for the Calgary Flames over the TB Lightning in the Stanley Cup playoffs - it's a toss up right now.  And my Pacers got eliminated from the NBA playoffs last night.  I enjoy watching Hockey on television, and sometimes tennis, but other than that....but in the morning...NO.  (A Cole Porter reference.)

I have never seen MAMMA MIA - although I liked a lot of ABBA songs, and I enjoy the soundtrack to Muriel's Wedding - I think I might like the show, but I HATE audiences that dance in the aisles and sing along, and I have heard that that happens at MM to some extent.

PHANTOM....still like it...listen to the CD often, and hope to see it again when it comes through town in the fall.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 06:33:44 AM
That article Jennifer provided the addy for yesterday seemed fairly certain that the Tony would go to either Tonya or Idina.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 06:45:51 AM
What no questions today?  Surely there must be questions.  Or, maybe there won't be questions.  Or trumpets.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 06:49:53 AM
I'm late for work. I don't really care. Oh, well. Yesterday was my last day having to be there at nine, so I'll just mosey on in when I choose to today. :P

Has anyone noticed that I'm teetering on the brink of diety? Well, I am.

Tomato(e)s: No, thanks. My family seems to be able to just bite into one and be happy. I like tomato-based sauces (marinara, carbonara, pizza, etc.), but I hate actual tomatoes themselves. Don't like the texture, and as I've said before, I'm a texture-eater. I think that's why I don't like meat that's not well-done. If it's too squishy I don't want it. But that's getting into meat and poultry, and that wasn't DR Joey's question, so I'll not go there.

Perhaps I should get some breakfast before I go into work? Nah, I'll order some toast and juice when I get there. I'm not at the front desk this morning, so I won't have access to a computer until about 2:00 EST. Try not to miss me too much...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 02, 2004, 06:54:53 AM
As for the tomoto question, my favorite food with tomatoes is ketchup. No, I don't eat it raw, but I have loved it ever since I was tiny whereas I wouldn't eat a raw tomato when I was growing up to save my life.

Has anyone ever attempted making home-made ketchup?  I never have and I've never liked any that I've tasted--either too bitter or too salty.  Pass me the bottle of Heinz, please.

When I was in high school, I played football and baseball.  I wasn't a total jock--it was more along the lines of my playing the chameleon--a method I used in those days in order to fit in with everyone.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 06:55:28 AM
DRPANNI - you have a CD of special music on the way to your mailbox.

Hope you enjoy it!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 06:57:54 AM
MR BK is up early!

My question for ASK BK day - did you ever encounter a project early on - previews or readings - that you knew instantly would be a hit?  What made you think so?  And did you ever encounter another project that you knew would NEVER make it, even though others were enthusiastic?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 07:04:39 AM
MR BK is up early!

My question for ASK BK day - did you ever encounter a project early on - previews or readings - that you knew instantly would be a hit?  What made you think so?  And did you ever encounter another project that you knew would NEVER make it, even though others were enthusiastic?

A Chorus Line in previews at the Shubert in NY - knew instantly that it would run forever.  It just touched a chord and you could feel it in the theater - electric.  Jane Eyre had its rather vocal enthusiasts - I was asked to record it, but I knew it had no chance and I passed.  I've seen a lot of workshops and readings of new musicals and I'd say the bulk of them have enthusiastic watchers even though it's clear that the material is just plain bad.  Latest example: Masada.  Been doing workshops and readings and concerts since 1998, I believe.  Six years later, it still doesn't work.  At the last reading the producer bragged about their first production in Chicago, but since they were trying to raise money at the reading I knew it would never open there.  When I expressed that to some folks they said, "No way - it's booked."  I'm sure the deal was that it was booked if it was a fully-funded production.  Of course, the news has just hit that the Chicago production of Masada has been cancelled.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 07:06:21 AM
Has anyone ever attempted making home-made ketchup?  I never have and I've never liked any that I've tasted--either too bitter or too salty.  Pass me the bottle of Heinz, please.



I agree. Heinz is my bottled ketchup of choice by far.

Remember at the beginning of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, they are bottling their own ketchup, and it looks like water, and then Grandpa comes in and says IT'S TOO THICK! Argh!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 07:09:08 AM
I have a question for you, bk:

Which cast album that you've heard and not thought much of do you dearly wish you had had a chance to produce?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: MBarnum on June 02, 2004, 07:22:00 AM
Welcome to new DR Joey!

Tomatoes...I love em sliced with Best Foods Mayo on them. I also love, love, love stuffed tomatoes!! MMmmm!

Never liked team sports when I was in school. Individual sports were Ok, such as track, but I didn't not really indulge much.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 07:57:10 AM
There is really only ONE catsup.  And it is immortalized in the world's largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois!  :o
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: mrkdl73 on June 02, 2004, 07:58:19 AM
Tomatoes, Mamma Mia, school athletics - I love the diversity of HHW!  I haven't been online very much in the past couple of days and I'm trying to catch up on everything!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 08:00:19 AM
I have a question for you, bk:

Which cast album that you've heard and not thought much of do you dearly wish you had had a chance to produce?

I don't like to talk about other producers' work, but I could have done a really good job with Bat Boy (a really bad-sounding CD - the cast sounds like they're in a tiny closet with no air).  I don't think Bat Boy is a great show or anything, but the album could have been really good.  And for many reasons I would love to have done the original Pippin album - it just doesn't sound like a Broadway album, and doesn't really show that score off the way it should.  I was thinking about doing the Papermill Pippin until I saw it.  I really love that score and someday would love to do a proper musical theater album of it.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 08:06:14 AM
I agree that the PIPPIN cast album goes out of its way to try to sound like a pop record rather than a show music score. Hopefully you or someone will record and present it properly one day.

Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: mrkdl73 on June 02, 2004, 08:06:56 AM
I love just eating a fresh tomato with a little bit of salt on it.  Prefer garden grown as opposed to greenhouse.  

Enjoyed Mamma Mia much more (a salute to alliteration) than I thought I would when I saw it and I just take it as the entertainment it is supposed to be and realize that it really isn't earth shattering.

Once played on a baseball team in 3rd grade.  Hated it.  I think I was only on the team for the benefit of going for ice cream after winning a game.  But we hardly won, so that it was all kind of futile.  I remember I used to play the field behind first base (is that right or left?) and I spent my time out there picking dandelions and dancing around.  Maybe I was responsible for my team's losing streak.  

I also played soccer for a season and my teammates used to yell at me because any time I accidentally kicked another player, I would say "I'm sorry" and one day someone said to me "You don't apologize in soccer."  Geesh!  Who knew?  

The only sport I really ever enjoyed was swimming, but I gave it up when I started having "play practice" which as we all know is called "play rehearsal" when you're not in middle school any more.    

Must get off line for the day, a roomie needs to check her mail.

Later.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 08:07:31 AM
A few days ago we were talking about RAMAR OF THE JUNGLE and BOMBA, and lo and behold Warners is coming out with the TARZAN COLLECTION next Tuesday. These were the highly quality MGM TARZAN pictures, and I can't wait to see them all again in (hopefully) pristine prints.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 08:09:45 AM
My dad coached a Little League baseball team, and my brother was one of the star players. In his never ending quest to find a sport I could play, he made me be on the team, too. Did not enjoy playing at all and eventually became the scorekeeper for the team.

I did eventually find that sport: swimming. I did backstroke and freestyle for my town's team.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on June 02, 2004, 08:10:36 AM
Welcome aboard Joey.

As for Mamma Mia, I saw it in Toronto and have to agree that the sets are truly ugly. The costumes are also uglier than they needed to be. I did not get caught up in the exuberance, and predicted that it would never fly in New York. On the other hand, I was certain that the Boy from Oz (also with ugly sets), another show built around existing songs, was going to get very good reviews.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JMK on June 02, 2004, 08:22:08 AM
Re:  tomatoes.  There is a super-yummy pizza place here in Portland that has a bleu-cheese and roma tomato pizza that is scrumptious.

Re:  Pippin.  Well, I kind of liked the pop-aspect of it all when I first got it (I was but a kid).  But I was very surprised when I saw the show in NYC a couple of months later at how different the score actually was in the show.

Re:  Ask BK.  I'm just getting around to watching Star! and agree with you about its brownness (which seems to be a specialty of "color" by Deluxe), but I'm curious--why do you think the Entr'acte and Exit Music got left off?  Just sloppiness?  Or some deeply convoluted plot to get us to buy the Special Edition with the omitted music which will no doubt be released next year?  :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Noel on June 02, 2004, 08:25:18 AM
Thus sprach BK:
Quote
I keep thinking it's Tuesday and yet it's Wednesday even though it feels like Tuesday. Wait, I'm getting confused. It should feel like it's Wednesday because it's not Tuesday anymore, yet it feels like Tuesday even though, in reality, it's Wednesday. Wait, I'm getting confused. You see, these are complex matters that I speak of, this confusion of days. If it's Wednesday it can't be Tuesday, just the same as if it's Tuesday it can't be Wednesday. But, and here's the rub - even though it's Wednesday is it still possible to be Tuesday because it feels like Tuesday? No matter - Tuesday, Wednesday

It feels like Belgium.

BK query:
I know you once lived on W. 96th Street (my neck of the woods), but now that you don't reside here:
Where do you stay when you're in New York?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JMK on June 02, 2004, 08:29:03 AM
Darn it, I liked BK's quote with all the gibberish in it.  That way madness lay!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Noel on June 02, 2004, 08:30:57 AM
Nothing beats a New Jersey tomato.

The Sopranos takes place in New Jersey.

Coincidence?

Or Chariots of the Gods?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on June 02, 2004, 08:38:27 AM
In Seinfeld, it was nothing beats a Hampton tomato. I guess local tomatoes in season are all good. I had a hydroponic tomato this winter and you could have asked, "What is it, fish?" I later learned that fishmeal is in fact used in growing compounds.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on June 02, 2004, 08:41:52 AM
Gord loves tomato aspic. I gag on it. On the other hand, he gags on kasha, which I really like. Question of the day: guess our upbringings?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Noel on June 02, 2004, 08:44:51 AM
I'll let you in on one of the little frustrations of my life, and, in passing, you'll learn how I feel about Mamma Mia.

I love the ASCAP workshop, in which new musicals are gone over with a fine-tooth comb.  We musical theatre writers spend a great deal of time and energy making sure every number is motivated, that the words and music used sounds right coming out of the character who's singing it, that, dramaturgically speaking, it makes sense for characters to break out of dialogue and into song just at the moments they do.  (The show at ASCAP last night was particularly good, by the way, set in prejudice-filled Staten Island in the 1950s.)

So, how is one to feel when a show comes along and does none of those things we've been repeatedly told a musical should do?  The songs DON'T fit the characters...  They don't speak the same way in lyrics as they do in the book, and the musical style is frequently wrong for them (a lot of disco for a show set in the present).  The breaking-in-to-song thing is frequently ludicrous, and, unlike Urinetown, no mention is made of how ridiculous it is.

The plot concerns a reluctant young mother-of-a-bride who is forced to play hostess to three men she slept with roughly nine months before her only child's birth.  Sound smarmy?  It is.  Something like a sex farce except all the jokes aren't funny.  Or, maybe that's true of sex farces; I wouldn't know.  But there's none of the energy of farce, which should tick faster and faster like a speeding clock.  It's all on one dull level.

A person sings to a person he's just met "Knowing me, knowing you."  Huh?

Then, they wrap it up with a wonderfully energetic curtain call.  And it gets people dancing in the aisles.  My feeling is, this post-show dance-a-thon is SO fun, people forget how they felt about all that went before it.


Now, I'm going to return to writing a scene that has to natufally lead in to a ballad that may be a tad too modern for my early 1950s setting.  It has to make sense for the character to be singing it in response to the character she shares the stage with.  The audience has to understand she's singing about three men.  And, if I can't succeed at all this, I'm cutting the song.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on June 02, 2004, 08:57:11 AM
A woman in my building disliked first-rate productions of Oliver, Chicago and The Producers. When I suggested that maybe she didn't care for musicals, she replied, "Not at all. I adored Mamma Mia."
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 09:11:17 AM
Welcome, Joey!

I like all sorts of tomato dishes. Many Hungarian recipes call for tomatoes (and green pepper and onion).
Bruschetta. Yum. Not Hungarian. The actor John Vernon makes the best bruschetta I've ever had - tomatoes fresh from his garden. Yum again.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Emily on June 02, 2004, 09:11:25 AM
I have my fingers crossed for the Calgary Flames over the TB Lightning in the Stanley Cup playoffs - it's a toss up right now.  And my Pacers got eliminated from the NBA playoffs last night.  I enjoy watching Hockey on television, and sometimes tennis, but other than that....but in the morning...NO.  (A Cole Porter reference.)

Funny story about the playoffs:

I walked into my first lecture for my second month-long summer course on Monday morning and there was a row of five guys who were all wearing Calgary jerseys.  I spoke with them and asked whether they had planned it that way or if it was just a coincidence.  It turns out that all five of them are roomates and that they were all from Calagary.  Wanting to check out Montreal during the summer and attend the Jazz and Comedy festivals, they decided not to go home for the first time in three years from May to August and to take a couple of elective classes to appease their parents.

Wouldn't you know it but it would be the year they decided NOT to be in Calgary during May and June that the Flames make the playoffs?

So they have decided to import a little of Calgary in Montreal and on game-days they only wear their jerseys, they make a huge barbecue (full of Alberta beef products) and then the watch the game together very, very loudly and, if the Flames win, they parade up and down their street in celebration.

I thought that was a cute story and wanted to share.

Of course, I am forced into cheering for Calgary (it is the first time since Vancouver in '94 that a Canadian team made the final) out of nationalistic pride.  DR Jrand you aren't alone!  I just hope you aren't watching the games on ABC (the announcers there suck big time) if you have access to Hockey Night in Canada on the CBC.  

Note: Vincent Lecavalier's sister goes to McGill... :D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: George on June 02, 2004, 09:13:20 AM
Welcome New D(ear) R(eader) Joey!

Sports?  Avoided playing them like the plague...still do.  Except that I've been forced (several times) to take my niece to some Seattle Storm women's basketball games (in Seattle, of course) and they're pretty fun to watch.  The fans are much more polite than men's basketball fans.

Tomatoes?  I agree with Jason, completely.  I don't like them by themselves.  I love ketchup (Heinz all the way!) and I like them sliced on burgers and sandwiches.  I also love Italian and Mexican foods, which have a lot of tomato sauces.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: S. Woody White on June 02, 2004, 09:13:47 AM
A few months ago a friend got me started on a weight-lifting program. I'm enjoying it, but the only drawback is that (TOO-MUCH-INFORMATION ALERT) I seem to be growing breasts.
Like the song says,
Tits and ass can change your life!
(See yesterday's thread)
 ;D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: S. Woody White on June 02, 2004, 09:18:26 AM
...It's not unenjoyable, though, but it does boast one of the ugliest sets I've ever seen, right up there with Aspects of Love in that regard...
The Aspects of Love set wouldn't have been so bad, if they hadn't been so Day-Glo.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ron Pulliam on June 02, 2004, 09:23:53 AM
I LOVE TOMATOES!

I adore tomato sandwiches....two slices of Sunbeam bread, slathered with Duke's mayonnaise, and a thick slice of a huge beefeater tomato in between, nicely salted and peppered.

YUMMY!

I cannot get Duke's mayo or Sunbeam bread here in Oakland.  In fact, none of the white bread locally available has the texture of a good slice of Sunbeam or any East Coast white bread, for that matter.

For a light summer's repast.....dice a couple of fresh tomatoes, add fresh chopped basil (10-15 leaves), fresh "pressed" garlic (no whole pieces), toss them all together and cover with olive oil.  (Cover means "to the top of the tomato mixture).  Let it set for at least an hour before using so the oil can absorb the flavors.

Cook your favorite pasta and toss with your fresh garden concoction.  Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 09:35:16 AM
I've sneaked onto the computer for a moment, which is silly because I'll be up at the reception desk in just 27 minutes where I'll have free use of the computer, but I just wanted to stop by and break up the monotony of my day. Interesting things, tomatoes. They're a fruit...but so many consider them a vegetable. I just consider them icky. Give me cake anyday. Or chocolate chip cookies. Or Dippin' Dots, which I may just have to have after lunch today.

I'm wearing my DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES T-Shirt--at work, even!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on June 02, 2004, 09:40:50 AM
Question of the day: What have you learned from other DR's?

I was thinking about that earlier, when I posted about my feelings toward tomato aspic. In olden days (a Cole Porter reference) I probably would have used the word "hate," but from DR SWW I learned to use that verb sparingly.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 09:56:37 AM
I have never seen MAMMA MIA - although I liked a lot of ABBA songs, and I enjoy the soundtrack to Muriel's Wedding - I think I might like the show, but I HATE audiences that dance in the aisles and sing along, and I have heard that that happens at MM to some extent.

A:  May people dancing and singing in the aisles around you be the worst experience you ever have to endure, Dear Reader JRand53

B:  It only happens at Mamma Mia! following the show proper, in an encore sequence presented as a mini-concert.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: William E. Lurie on June 02, 2004, 09:58:00 AM
I saw A CHORUS LINE when it was still at Joe Papp's before it got to the Shubert.  I loved it but thought it was too "in" for the general public to get and would not be too successful.  I'm glad I was wrong.

To understand why the PIPPIN OBC CD is not that good just look at the label it is on.  Motown was not exactally known for its cast recordings.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 10:01:42 AM
And for many reasons I would love to have done the original Pippin album - it just doesn't sound like a Broadway album, and doesn't really show that score off the way it should.  I was thinking about doing the Papermill Pippin until I saw it.  I really love that score and someday would love to do a proper musical theater album of it.

Ya know, Reprise! is doing Pippin in January.  Mebbe you and Marcia Seligson should talk...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 10:04:12 AM
DR MattH, I cannot believe that you aren't familiar with any ABBA songs. Most of the songs that are in MAMMA MIA are extremely well-known.

As for MAMMA MIA, I knew as soon as I saw it in London that it would be hugely popular in NYC and Toronto.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 10:10:48 AM
Speaking of tomatoes, my sister's nephew loves them.  I mean he is 3 and you could just give him a plate of tomatoes and he would be happy.

Anyhow, they live in Nunavut (WAY up north). And tomatoes cost $1 each.

When I called there last weekend, they had just bought some tomatoes (they don't that often since they are very expensive).

And all I could hear in the background, was the little boy screaming, "TOMATOES, TOMATOES" at the top of his lungs.  He was so excited. :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 10:11:14 AM
A) Tomatoes:  Not crazy about them in salads, but I do like them on hamburgers.  Just not the kind of thing I would eat on its own.  Though I like a good tomato-based sauce on pasta, and the tomato/basil/mozzarella salad that I believe is called caprese.  As much as I loves me some good french fries, I always have them naked.  NO ketchup.  Ketchup only goes on burgers for me, with mayo. (And is there another ketchup besides Heinz?)

B) Sports: I enjoy swimming, and always have.  I also enjoy non-competitive (i.e.: of the NON-killer variety) volleyball, with other vertically challenged people.  I will watch just about any sport during the Olympics (winter and summer), though I would rarelywatch sports at any other time (save figure skating).

C)  MAMMA MIA:  Feh.  And until someone 'fesses up to the plot being stolen from both BUENA SERA, MRS. CAMPBELL and CARMELINA, I have no interest in discussing this particular theme park-ish attraction.  (Though I do love ABBA music.)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 10:14:52 AM
Insalata caprese is one of my favorite summer dishes:  tasty tomato, fresh mozzarella, straight-from-the garden basil and fragrant olive oil.  Abbodanza!  (Oh.  A Frank Loesser reference.)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 10:17:07 AM
Scary.  Both of us were posting about caprese at the same time.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: elmore3003 on June 02, 2004, 10:22:06 AM
My dear friend Briar also has a fear of balls coming towards her face.  
Yes, you can all rest assured we've made many a joke out of this over the years! :D

Must be hell on her social life!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ben on June 02, 2004, 10:24:09 AM
DR Stuart, are you confessin' that, like me, you are, shall we say, short?

I am short. There, I've said it. I don't care. It actually makes people think I'm younger than I am. Don't know why but unless you have aged to the point of Joel Grey (he takes voice lessons in the building next to mine in Chelsea so I see him on the street frequently and he's smaller than me!) people seem to think if you're short, you're not that old. Maybe they think I'm going to grow more. I stopped growing in about 7th grade, reaching my towering height of 5' 3".  DR Jay, do you and your brother share the trait of shortness?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: TCB on June 02, 2004, 10:25:42 AM
DR Danise: Re: what you said about the Milford and how you would never stay there again.

Now I'm not sure what size room you got.  There are some smaller rooms. And it sounds like that is what you had at first.  Although the room you ended up with (that fit two twin beds) does still not sound like a regular room.

You just have to be forceful until you are happy.  I always make sure to get two double/queen size beds.  Because in order to have them, the room has to be big enough to fit them both. :)

Most NYC hotel rooms that I've seen are similar size (that fit the 2 double beds).

I

Yes, I agree.  It doesn't sound like they did very much to accommodate you Danise.  The rooms I have always ended up in have always been large and very comfy, with two full or queen size beds.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: elmore3003 on June 02, 2004, 10:27:41 AM
Welcome, new DR Joey. I'm sure you will enjoy your time spent at HHW.

Thanks to all the DRs who responded about MAMMA MIA. It pretty much echoed what most people have told me about it. I bought the cast album in a used rack for $7 and have never played it, but I will before I go to the show. My only familiarity with ABBA is from the PRISCILLA movie.

Two years ago, I got a call about doing some ABBA songs for a pops symphony concert in Europe.  Outside of one or two songs, I knew very little.  I got a 2-CD compilation like "ABBA Gold" and fell in love with it!  I'm sure I drove the  neighbors mad with it!

Welcome, DR Joey.  This is a wonderful group of folk and Dear Friend BK is our ever-charming host with the most.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 10:28:03 AM
Great story Emily....and if it can't be the Rangers....Calgary will do fine!

Tits and ass CAN'T change your life...unless they're yours!

Thanks DRJay...I hope so, too....but so far NOT!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 10:28:20 AM

Re:  Ask BK.  I'm just getting around to watching Star! and agree with you about its brownness (which seems to be a specialty of "color" by Deluxe), but I'm curious--why do you think the Entr'acte and Exit Music got left off?  Just sloppiness?  Or some deeply convoluted plot to get us to buy the Special Edition with the omitted music which will no doubt be released next year?  :)

What's convoluted is that the intermission and exit music on the laserdisc was created FOR the laserdisc.  I'm finding it difficult to learn whether there was, in fact, intermission music originally.  I believe what I've heard is that there was just some short piece that led directly into Part Two.  My memory is that the laser "producer" created what was on the laser, much in the way that the "producer" of the 1776 laser created an overture for that disc that was never part of the film or any showing.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 10:30:08 AM
DR Jay, do you and your brother share the trait of shortness?
Five feet eight inches.  In some places, I suppose, that's short.  In others, it's average.  Judge my height as you will.  It's the size of my heart that counts.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 10:30:55 AM
NY Post: Michael Riedel.

Tony voters not seeing all the show (yet voting):

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06022004/entertainment/22117.htm
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 10:31:21 AM
Thus sprach BK:It feels like Belgium.

BK query:
I know you once lived on W. 96th Street (my neck of the woods), but now that you don't reside here:
Where do you stay when you're in New York?

I like to stay at that hotel on Broadway and 47, whose name, unbelievably, isn't coming to me - you know the one, next to the Palace.  Every room there is a suite and it's very comfortable and convenient.  A bit pricey at certain times, otherwise not too unreasonable.  I've wanted to give that hotel on 42nd Street (near 8th) a try.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: elmore3003 on June 02, 2004, 10:39:30 AM
DR Stuart, are you confessin' that, like me, you are, shall we say, short?

I am short. There, I've said it. I don't care. It actually makes people think I'm younger than I am. Don't know why but unless you have aged to the point of Joel Grey (he takes voice lessons in the building next to mine in Chelsea so I see him on the street frequently and he's smaller than me!) people seem to think if you're short, you're not that old. Maybe they think I'm going to grow more. I stopped growing in about 7th grade, reaching my towering height of 5' 3".  DR Jay, do you and your brother share the trait of shortness?

DRBen, I just met you and only recall that you were not short!  
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ben on June 02, 2004, 10:41:58 AM
I think the BK hotel is the Doubletree across the street from the TKTS booth and right next to the uptown side entrance/exit to the N & R train and built over and next to the Palace Theatre, which belies the story that the Marriott Marquis builders told when they said they couldn't build over the the original Helen Hayes Theatre, the Morosco, and the Bijou, Broadway theatres they destroyed to make the ugly hotel and ugly theatre.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 10:43:26 AM
Stuart: I know that they credit BUENA SERA, MRS. CAMPBELL as source material for MAMMA MIA!, but I'm not sure about CARMELINA. I think they credit that one, too.

According to an article I read several weeks back, with all of the new productions of MAMMA MIA! opening around the world, the show may very well become the highest-grossing musical of all time. The woman who wrote the "book" for the show receives the standard 2% royalty payment from the total gross of the show internationally. According to the article, she's made close to $20 million since it opened in London back in '99 or 2000...whenever it was. That's pretty impressive. Imagine what Benny and Bjorn are making off of it!

The audience participation portion of the show really only happens during the curtain call/mini-concert. It's a good time. I don't suggest the London Cast Recording (the sound is terrible, and it's a total reproduction of the original tracks). I would say just get the ABBA Gold and More ABBA Gold albums--they're great fun, and if you don't know ABBA's music, you definitely need to pick them up. There's nothing like a little "Waterloo" to lift your spirits.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 10:54:12 AM
Scary.  Both of us were posting about caprese at the same time.

That is truly frightening!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 10:57:02 AM
DR Stuart, are you confessin' that, like me, you are, shall we say, short?

I am not short!  I never want to hear that word in this house again!  (Oooh, a quasi-Tennessee Williams reference!)

I am, as I say, vertically challenged.  5'7"
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 10:59:43 AM
JR - Thank you in advance for my CD! I'll be waiting at my non-mailbox.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 11:01:04 AM
Stuart: I know that they credit BUENA SERA, MRS. CAMPBELL as source material for MAMMA MIA!, but I'm not sure about CARMELINA. I think they credit that one, too.

That would be surprising, as I recall that for years and years and years, the creators of CARMELINA denied any relationship to BS, Mrs. C and their show.  Most vocal about it at the time of the opening were Messrs. Lerner and Stein.  So to see those two titles credited together as source material for MM would, as I say, be surprising.....

But let's face it, they ALL have the same plot.  But only one of them had Miss Georgia Brown!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 11:03:45 AM
Now that I have gone through my mini-frenzy, could one of you dear readers explain how to include multiple quotes in one posting?

You'd think I was showboating (ooh, a Ferber, Kern & Hammerstein reference) until I got to the next HHW level of membership, but that is still some time off, and I actually couldn't figure out how to respond to all of those posts in just one of my own.....
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 11:18:51 AM
DR PANNI - 73:01 of thrills and excitement.  Or boredom if it doesn't strike you....LOL.

I am 5' 9 3/4" tall.  ;D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 02, 2004, 11:21:44 AM
Good Afternoon!

Haven't I already posted today?!?!?

 ??? ::) :P :-\

I also like the DoubleTree too.  Yes, it can get pricey depending upon the time of the year, but it's a great location - and those warm, chocolate chip cookies you get when you check in are such a great welcome.

As for the Milford Plaza - well, and any hotel in NYC (or elsewhere) - the room you get is usually not assigned until you check in, so you get what's available (hopefully in the room "type" that you reserved).  -Of course, it's different if you've made arrangements for a suite, so...  I've stayed at the Milford Plaza a few times, and had the "closets" and the standard size rooms.  They're all small, imho.  And, unfortunately, the hotel has always shown it's wear and tear - at least in the rooms I've stayed in.  As I mentioned in the past, I'm hooked on the Skyline Hotel over at 52nd and 10th.  Yes, it can seem a bit far from the action, but the rooms are roomy, and if you like quiet, it's far enough away from all the hustle and bustle of Times Square.  And when I drive up, the parking is only $8.00/night!

So... Since I didn't wake up until about an hour ago... and since I need to make a run to the post office...

Laters...

Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 11:35:07 AM
In less that two hours I am getting my hair trimmed. (http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/verkleidung/costumed-smiley-081.gif)

Isn't that exciting? My hair shall be trim - and prim - and quite proper. I haven't had my hair trimmed in ages and it's time, lest my ends split.
But if my ends did split, where would they go? Is there anywhere nearly as cool as my head? No way, man. Splitting is not a good idea, man.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: William E. Lurie on June 02, 2004, 11:35:24 AM
BK - Does this talk of hotels in NYC mean you are coming here in the near future?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Maya on June 02, 2004, 11:35:42 AM
Hi all!

I apologize for my recent errancy and truancy (I hope I'm using the proper noun forms of those words, hehe); I've been feeling a bit out of it lately, but I'm feeling better now.

Welcome Joey, and happy belated anniversary to Jane and Keith!

I love tomatoes, but pizza is probably my favorite food with 'em.


Of course, the news has just hit that the Chicago production of Masada has been cancelled.


I love what Joel Stein recently wrote in the latest issue of "Show People" about Masada...something to the effect of "for the price of one ticket, you can have double the oppression!"

My question for BK and DRs...

What do you think of Michael Reidel?  Refreshingly audacious or just a bitter old troll?  My opinion is definitely the latter.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 11:37:28 AM
I can participate in this discussion! I'm short too!

The only sport I willingly play is fencing. And if I could fly, I would play Quidditch.

We grow our own tomatoes. But I never get a chance to eat any of them because my Dad eats them as soon as they ripen. But don't get me started on that. When my parents were in Indiana, I was able to get my hands on some of the tomatoes and I made gazpasta.

And yes, the tomato is a fruit, although legally, as of 1893, it is a vegetable. So sayeth the Supreme Court in the case of Nix v. Hedden. How pathetic is that?

And Jason, you'll have to wait on those chocolate chip cookies until I get my room cleaned. You can see the floor in some places.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: S. Woody White on June 02, 2004, 11:39:11 AM
Five feet eight inches.  In some places, I suppose, that's short.  In others, it's average.  Judge my height as you will.  It's the size of my heart that counts.
And not your shoe size.  Or the length of your thumbs.

 ::)

 :o

 ;)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 11:44:12 AM
Sandra it makes me feel good to know you had a nice day on our anniversary.  Are you going to show us a picture of you looking pretty?

Hi Joe and WELCOME!  I wish I had seen your post before I ate, cause I couldn’t resist tipping myself upside down to see how cute you are.

I enjoy sun dried tomatoes in pasta.  I like a good tomato sauce.  I love fresh sliced tomatoes from the garden, but best of all I love the sweet little orange and red tomatoes that taste like candy.  I have some friends that grow them in the summer and are kind enough to share with me.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ron Pulliam on June 02, 2004, 11:47:16 AM
Give me cake anyday. Or chocolate chip cookies. Or Dippin' Dots, which I may just have to have after lunch today.

What were those theatrical goals again....??

 :D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: William E. Lurie on June 02, 2004, 11:47:51 AM
I love to read Michael Reidel or watch his tv show, but I dislike that he has certain people he picks on and others he never mentions.  For example, he keeps mentioning all the performances missed by Bernadette Peters and Donna Murphy, but totally ignored all the missed performances by Nathan and/or Matthew during the run of THE PRODUCERS and all the performances missed by Audra in every show she does.  He should either be a watchdog for all stars in all shows or just shut up about it instead of having a few selected scapegoats and ignoring others who do the same or worse.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: S. Woody White on June 02, 2004, 11:49:07 AM
What do you think of Michael Reidel?  Refreshingly audacious or just a bitter old troll?  My opinion is definitely the latter.
The Bill O'Reilly of the theater world.

 :o
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 11:50:43 AM
Jane, that was for a school project about a year ago. It was in response to the glove question. But I do have a picture somewhere. I'll have to look for it.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ron Pulliam on June 02, 2004, 11:54:15 AM
I've had caprese salad several times the past week.  I found a wonderful soft mozzarella and have tons of fresh basil and some nice tomatoes.

I try not to overdo it, of course.  I like to treat myself to certain things on a seasonal basis.   I sliced two containers of strawberries last night....and I can't wait for some shortcake.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 11:55:49 AM
DR RLP: My theatrical goals and my desire for cake and cookies have very little do to with one another. Actually, that's not really true, but--I only said that I would take cake and cookies and Dippin' Dots over tomatoes any day. Not that I HAVE them every day. Although I am eating Dippin' Dots this very minute....
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 12:07:19 PM
Now that I have gone through my mini-frenzy, could one of you dear readers explain how to include multiple quotes in one posting?

You'd think I was showboating (ooh, a Ferber, Kern & Hammerstein reference) until I got to the next HHW level of membership, but that is still some time off, and I actually couldn't figure out how to respond to all of those posts in just one of my own.....

How I do it:

I click on the "quote" button next to the first post I wish to quote.

The "Post reply" box opens with the quotation properly formatted and I make my comments beneath it.

I open a second browser window and bring up HHW.com, the almost most popular site in all of internetdom.

In the second browser window, I click on the "quote" button next to the second post I wish to quote.

The "Post reply" box opens with the quotation properly formatted.  I select and copy the entire formatted quotation from the second browser window and paste it into the already open "Post reply" box on the first browser window.

And so on.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 12:08:00 PM
By the way, it wouldn't be showboating.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 12:08:17 PM
You should see what some people do around here.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 12:08:34 PM
To boost their post count, I mean.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 12:08:50 PM
I, of course, would never do such a thing.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 12:09:04 PM
And one for Mahler.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 12:15:02 PM
Re:  tomatoes.  There is a super-yummy pizza place here in Portland that has a bleu-cheese and roma tomato pizza that is scrumptious.


What is the name of the pizza place?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 12:19:53 PM
How I do it:

I click on the "quote" button next to the first post I wish to quote.

The "Post reply" box opens with the quotation properly formatted and I make my comments beneath it.

I open a second browser window and bring up HHW.com, the almost most popular site in all of internetdom.

In the second browser window, I click on the "quote" button next to the second post I wish to quote.

The "Post reply" box opens with the quotation properly formatted.  I select and copy the entire formatted quotation from the second browser window and paste it into the already open "Post reply" box on the first browser window.

And so on.

Brothers can be so helpful sometimes, n'est-ce pas?

I, of course, would never do such a thing.

Yet also annoying.....
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 12:20:36 PM
Actually, I revere my older brother.....
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 12:20:52 PM
My MUCH older brother.  :-)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Tomovoz on June 02, 2004, 12:22:58 PM
[quote author=Stuart
C)  MAMMA MIA:  Feh.  And until someone 'fesses up to the plot being stolen from both BUENA SERA, MRS. CAMPBELL and CARMELINA, I have no interest in discussing this particular theme park-ish attraction.  (Though I do love ABBA music.)

Quote
As I posted yesterday. I'd rather "Take one more walk around the garden" than see Mama Mia.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 12:23:31 PM
I agree with you Stuart. Older brothers can be helpful but ANNOYING.

I am wearing a shirt that says "My brother gave me a lousy shirt for my birthday."

On Saturday, my brother moved out. Last night, he moved back in again.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 12:24:48 PM
Question of the day: What have you learned from other DR's?

I was thinking about that earlier, when I posted about my feelings toward tomato aspic. In olden days (a Cole Porter reference) I probably would have used the word "hate," but from DR SWW I learned to use that verb sparingly.

LOL-I'm still using love to describe food, but I think about it now.

Maybe you need to rethink some of the exercises you are doing before you look like Arnold. :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Noel on June 02, 2004, 12:27:13 PM
I think the BK hotel is the Doubletree across the street from the TKTS booth and right next to the uptown side entrance/exit to the N & R train and built over and next to the Palace Theatre, which belies the story that the Marriott Marquis builders told when they said they couldn't build over the the original Helen Hayes Theatre, the Morosco, and the Bijou, Broadway theatres they destroyed to make the ugly hotel and ugly theatre.

Yes!  And we shall never forget:
A developer bought three beautiful old Broadway theatres and the buildings around them.  After much protest from the theatre community, all were knocked down to create the hideous Marriot Marquis hotel.  It includes the Marquis theatre, which is one of the ugliest theatres I've ever seen.  Theatre fans: Don't think of booking a room there, for the developer's contempt for Broadway history should not be rewarded.  As DR Ben points out, more recently tall buildings were built above the Palace and Broadway theatres without damaging them.  And air rights over the Walter Kerr and Biltmore were sold, leading to restorations of each.

Sometimes, I use the bathrooms at the Marriot Marquis.  Seems only fitting.   :'(
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Emily on June 02, 2004, 12:30:46 PM
Colour me ignorant,

but what the heck is a Dippin' Dot?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 12:32:02 PM
Yes, the Doubletree.

I like Michael Reidel.

Re coming to NY - I would like to come - elmore is working on setting up a Kritzer signing - if anyone would like to jump in and join that would be swellegant.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 12:34:55 PM
I didn’t play sports on a school team, but I did play tennis, basketball (& I was very short), ping pong, some baseball, and swam.  I also ran a lot.  I would run every chance I got.   I also played a little volleyball and handball (with a larger ball).

Laura II, thanks and I missed you.

JRand53, great bottle but I have never heard of Brooks.

When our son was two he had a shirt that said Bat Boy.  After a few times I stopped putting taking him anywhere with it on.  People would ask if he was a bat boy, and he thought they were say bad boy.  It was very sad.

Jennifer, cute tomato story.  I miss having little ones around.



Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 12:39:13 PM
RE: Michael Riedel

Sometimes I like reading his stuff, and sometimes I despise what he says.

I think he can be really mean (an example would be how he's taken to beating up Donna Murphy).  That I don't like.  But often he is entertaining.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: MBarnum on June 02, 2004, 12:39:24 PM
Just found out some good news. It had been rumored that actress Joan Freeman was dead...but indeed she is still alive and kicking...married to director Bruce Kessler and busy sailing around in their boat! Now to just find an address for her so that I can get her to do an interview!! (She starred in that old TV series BUS STOP).
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 12:42:32 PM
Thank you Maya

RLP the strawberry shortcake sounds yummy.  We currently have fresh strawberries in the garden.

The brothers are bantering again.  :D

Sandra why did your brother return so quickly?  How old is he?

Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 12:47:25 PM
DR Emily: I'm sure DR Jason can describe Dippin Dots to you.  He tried to explain them last week.  But I think you need to taste them to truly understand their wonderfulness.

They are ice cream.  Little flavored dots.  And you can mix flavors to get a wonderful taste in your mouth.

Btw, DR Emily: Did you see my post about the BOUNCE cd being at HMV downtown?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jed on June 02, 2004, 01:00:51 PM
Tomatoes - Love 'em.  Can't get enough of 'em.  I'll take them in just about any form, including just eating raw like a soft, messy apple.  Sliced with some pesto on top is always quite delightful.

Sports - No athlete, here, but I, unlike many other DR's, always preferred team sports to individual sports.  Played Little League baseball for 4 or 5 years as a kid, and 3 years of community league basketball.

I want Dippin' Dots.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: William E. Lurie on June 02, 2004, 01:14:04 PM
The Bill O'Reilly of the theater world.

 :o

Pardon my ignorance, but who is Bill O'Reilly.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 01:17:50 PM
DR TomFromOz: I'm curious why you seem to despise MAMMA MIA so much.  Have you seen it?  Do you dislike ABBA?  Or do you just think you'd hate it?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 01:21:14 PM
My MUCH older brother.  :-)

To quote William James:

How pleasant is the day when we give up striving to be young -- or slender.


Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 01:21:21 PM
I like Michael Riedel. He gets people talking about theatre--good or bad--and let's face it, it's not like there's a plethora of people out there talking about theatre under normal circumstances. He stirs up business one way or another. Who can complain about that? And as far as him picking on people...well, forgive me, but it'd be silly to pick on Matthew and Nathan now, seeing how they're yesterday's mashed potatoes. Audra, so far, hasn't missed a great deal of RAISIN IN THE SUN, so there's not much cause to pick her out, either. And as for Donna...well...he has a point with some of what he has to say--if she's truly been sick, she SHOULDN'T miss performances and then stay out all night long at after parties. Come on...she shouldn't be doing that even when she's healthy! The rest of it is free publicity for her and the show, whether it be good or bad.

I have a touch of a headache.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: elmore3003 on June 02, 2004, 01:25:43 PM
What is the name of the pizza place?

DR Anniversary Girl, I'll bet when you saw that post you lit up like a pinball machine on "Tilt!"
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 01:29:51 PM
DR Jason said:  "I'm wearing my DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES T-Shirt--at work, even!"


DR Jason, does MTI represent DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES? Do any of the musical houses represent this infamous show?

Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Noel on June 02, 2004, 01:30:56 PM
Pardon my ignorance, but who is Bill O'Reilly.

Ignorance is bliss, sometimes, and I envy WEL for being unfamiliar with the scurrilous arch-conservative news show host that claims to be fair and free of spin but is anything but.  I'd be surprised if any of the republicans among us have an ounce of respect for him.

BTW - don't call Reidel a bitter old queen.  He's not that old!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 01:32:03 PM
To quote William James:

How pleasant is the day when we give up striving to be young -- or slender.

Exactly how old are you, Vera?  The truth....
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 01:32:08 PM
I've spent a glorious three and a half hours at a friend's pool this afternoon, sunning and swimming. A grand and glorious afternoon in the Southland.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 01:32:24 PM
DR Matt H.: Are you kidding? Heck no, no one represents it. No one would come within 100 feet of it because the smell was so bad. DOTV is my guilty pleasure show, and I consider it to be our generation's CARRIE, so I got the T-shirt to always remember it. I also have a pair of plastic teeth that they gave out when you bought a souvenir. They're still in the wrapper!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 01:33:58 PM
Exactly how old are you, Vera?  The truth....

How old do you think I am?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 01:35:31 PM
How old do you think I am?

..I'd say somewhere between forty and death.  But sweetie...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 01:36:11 PM
LOL elmore.  My son lives in Portland and likes pizza and it is always good to know where to eat when we are there.  Now if he had mentioned Carvels that would have been an understatement. ;D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 01:40:50 PM
http://www.dippindots.com/
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 01:43:14 PM
..I'd say somewhere between forty and death.  But sweetie...

And you would be right, DR Jason.  VERY right.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Laura II on June 02, 2004, 01:46:21 PM
Jane! I love you! You *always* make me smile. I've missed you as well. By the way, thank you for helping me out with the AIDS Walk. Would you like to be my surrogate mom? :)

Well, Dear Readers, I have returned! I was in NYC in mid-May, and with packing, traveling, work, and the like, I fell out of my habit of checking the board each day.

NYC was pretty fun as usual. On May 15, I attended the 11:00 pm "edition" of Sutton Foster's American Songbook concert at Lincoln Center. The next morning, I woke up bright and early (8:00 am!! That's early for me!) for the AIDS Walk in Central Park. I put on SPF 30 as I'm very fair, so I didn't sunburn, but I didn't get any sun. Ah well, although I'd like to have a bit of a tan, I'd rather not have skin cancer down the line.

Hmm, on May 16, I went to American Girl Place, where I regressed to my childhood, and I almost found myself buying Samantha, one of the AG dolls I never had as a kid. I called up my parents and said that I was at the store, and my dad just sighed and said, "Don't tell me you bought another doll." I'm pleased to announce that I did not make an impulse buy that would have gone to waste. I instead used my money for afternoon tea in the American Girl Café because I am just that cool. Sandra, I think you and I should go there one time! For some reason, I think you'd enjoy it a lot!

May 17 brought me to the theatre district. Actually, it brought me to NYU for lunch with a friend. I proceeded to walk from E. 4th to W. 51st because I had nothing else to do until 7:00 that evening, when I was seeing Little Shop of Horrors. I just had fun enjoying my independence, and I spent some time on Fifth Ave. I walked into the Louis Vuitton store and pretended that I had money, and then I left because, as of now, I could never afford anything in that place!

Little Shop was colorful and campy, and I can see why Hunter was nominated for a Tony. Obviously the stage is the place where he comes alive; he seems quite mellow, even shy, off stage. He lets himself go as Seymour, dorky dancing and all. I enjoyed the show, but it wasn't utterly amazing. In fact, I saw a high school production that was almost as good as this show. This production definitely has its special effects and the plant going for it. One thing about Little Shop in general: I know it's supposed to be campy, and I know I'm probably overly sensitive, but for some reason the audience laughing at the ending (well, the ending of a certain couple's relationship) bothers me! I tend to see it as a poignant moment, not an amusing one. Oh well, I think that's just me!

On May 18, I saw Caroline, or Change and Wonderful Town, which completed the list of shows I had to see before the Tonys. I've seen all five ladies who are nominated for best leading actress in a musical, and I've seen quite a few shows and other performers this year, so I think I can form educated opinions on who the Tony winners should be. Personally I feel Donna Murphy should with the Tony as she is the consummate musical theatre performer. While I agree with WEL (I believe it was WEL) that Tonya Pinkins gives an exceptional performance, I did not really enjoy Caroline, or Change. Ms. Pinkins seemed to be experiencing a great deal of vocal fatigue; she cracked quite a few times, and I found myself wondering if her voice would hold up. I also did not see the point of the Moon and the singing appliances. I'd rather see the story unfold--show me, don't tell me what is happening/what has happened.

Wonderful Town was, well, wonderful in my opinion. I have always loved old-fashioned musicals, and this one was just so cute! I feel that Ms. Murphy was incredibly natural on stage, even in performing her semi-acrobatic choreography during numbers like "Conga." She seems to have a lot of stamina, although I'm sure some critics don't agree.

I'll probably comment more on the other ladies later, but I'm typing a really long post, so I'll break up my thoughts to make things easier!

Oh! I really think Anika Noni Rose should win the Tony for best featured actress in a musical even though I only saw her and Jennifer Westfeldt in that category. She just...wow...she sent shivers down my spine.

One last thing to wrap this up: I'll be in NYC for probably the last time this year from June 14 or 15 until June 17. I'll be seeing Assassins on June 15, and I'll be seeing Wicked for the second time at the June 16 matinee. (Apparently Idina is supposed to be out, but I've seen her already, so I'm not that upset. Eden is supposed to be fantastic as well.) Anyway, my point is, if anyone would like to get together in the city during that week, please let me know when/where, etc. I'd love to meet people from HHW while I'm there! :)

Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 02, 2004, 01:48:43 PM
Good Afternoon!

I went to the Post Office.  I went to Home Depot.  Whoppee!  And I got a nice sandwich at Pot Belly too - a "Wreck" on wheat, "skinny" with provolone instead of swiss.  Very good.

So... If DR SWW posted at 2:49 - at least accordingly to the clock here on HHW... Hmm... I wonder what time they'll be leaving for DC... Hmm...  -Of course, I'm just not sure how far Rehoboth Beach is from DC... Hopefully against the flow of rush hour traffic at least... Hmm...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 01:55:35 PM
Has anyone noticed how treacherously close I am to becoming a god? It's frightening how close I am, really...like standing on the edge of the subway platform as the train roars toward you.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 01:56:27 PM
BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING is coming on TCM tonight at 10:15 EDT.

Seems like we talked about this mystery here at HHW some weeks ago, and there were some who had never seen it. Tonight's your chance.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 01:56:32 PM
I am drinking a Cherry Coke and eating cookie dough. Someone stop me or else there aren't going to be any cookies!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 02:01:43 PM
STOP EATING THE COOKIE DOUGH AND GET THAT ROOM CLEANED!!

This mental breakdown has been brought to you by your friends at Slim Fast and your local YMCA.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 02:07:57 PM
Jason is rising.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 02:08:39 PM
Calm down, Jason. My room is coming along beautifully. You can see most of the floor and even some of the ceiling.

*Eating a cookie*
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Laura II on June 02, 2004, 02:08:42 PM
Moving on to the questions of the day:

First of all, I just wanted to point out that DR Ben and I are the same height! That wasn't an answer to any questions, but still!

Tomatoes: Love them! I don't usually enjoy them cooked or stewed, however. My dad grows some of the best tomatoes I've ever tasted. One of my favorite dishes with a tomato in it has to be pasta with olive oil and tomato on top. Mmm healthy and yummy!

Sports: Oh. My. Gosh. Ew! I'm kind of kidding, kind of not. I never excelled at sports. Well, I take that back. I'm the kind of person that does not like to try things when I can't be one of the best at them. I, therefore, never being as physically inclined as others, avoided sports most of my life. I enjoy watching (college)basketball, hockey, soccer, and some other sports, but (and I know this sounds somewhat shallow) only when guys play them.

I suppose I shall recount some stories so you shall understand my aversion to playing sports and why I gave them up even though I once beat my entire class in Knockout in 8th grade. (By the way, Knockout is a basketball game where everyone stands in a line, and the first two people in the line try to knock each other out of the game. If the second person (B) makes a basket before the first person in line (A) does, then A is out of the game. B then goes to the end of the line, and everyone cycles through the line until there is one person standing at the end of the game. I once beat my entire class, even the most athletically inclined guy!)

I was never the most coordinated--I'm still not. Never was a natural dancer, and while I can pick up choreography, I'll never be the best dancer out there. In the same way, I could play sports if I tried, but I never liked them. Even in playing kickball with my neighbors, I'd worry about looking stupid or having the other kids think I was a loser. I avoided sports at all costs, even when I could tell the other kids were having fun. My dad invented a game called bike soccer once, and you could tell that the kids were having a great time. I always wanted to play, but I never lost my inhibitions about looking stupid, so I never joined in.

...Will continue, but I have to switch comps because my bro needs this one.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 02:12:04 PM
DR Jason: Thanks for the link!

Now I want this!

I would like to try: mint chocolate, coffee, cookies n cream, and peanut butter chip.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 02:20:19 PM
I enjoy watching (college)basketball, hockey, soccer, and some other sports, but (and I know this sounds somewhat shallow) only when guys play them.

Honey, why else would I even THINK of watching sports at all?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 02:20:19 PM
Banana Split is the best flavor, DR Jennifer.

DR Sandra: I'm watching you...and the cookie dough. The walls have eyes!

I'm teetering, folks...teetering on the brink....
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 02:23:39 PM
One more....
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 02:24:27 PM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Holy Merde![/move]

[size=16][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]HALLELJUAH! HALLELUJAH![/move][/size]

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]
 :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D[/move]

[size=12][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Pass the peanuts! It's today![/move] [/size]

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%][size=18]EVITA! EVITA! [/size] [/move]
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 02:28:23 PM
Yay! I am celebrating by eating another cookie.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Stuart on June 02, 2004, 02:28:25 PM
Mazel tov, DR Jason
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jay on June 02, 2004, 02:29:27 PM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Holy Merde![/move]

[size=16][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]HALLELJUAH! HALLELUJAH![/move][/size]

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]
 :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D[/move]

[size=12][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Pass the peanuts! It's today![/move] [/size]

We are not worthy!!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: MBarnum on June 02, 2004, 02:32:45 PM
By golly and by gum! Welcome DR God Jason!!!



                                        (http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/engel/angel-smiley-005.gif)





Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 02, 2004, 02:33:33 PM
WELCOME TO THE CLOUDS DR JASON!!!

*Hmm... And since I just found out that the small convenience store across the street from here carries Galaxy bars.. Hmm...

-I gotsa show to do...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 02:34:24 PM
Congrats newest God DR Jason.  I think you need to use your newfound powers and bring dippin dots to Canada. :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Ann on June 02, 2004, 02:38:23 PM
I will NEVER be a god at this rate...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 02:38:35 PM
DR Jennifer...you can order Dippin' Dots through their website. They have a page full of instructions on how to handle the dry ice, how to store your Dots upon arrival and even how to eat them (with a plastic spoon ONLY). I think you should give it a go.

Thank you all for your hearty welcomes to Valhalla. Now, who's got some chocolate?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Laura II on June 02, 2004, 02:40:30 PM
There are so many users with names that start with the letter J!! Just an observation!

Back to the sports stories:

When I was in elementary school, my crush (the boy across the street) was playing tennis with his older bro. Me, being who I am, decided to watch my crush play. I think I was behind him in the driveway where he was standing. All I remember was getting hit in the forehead with the tennis ball. I have a knack for getting hit with balls, so it seems.

In sixth grade, my brother jumped off of the couch and accidentally kneed me in the left eye. It hurt a lot, and I took it like a...well, a girl. I cried, but I was rewarded for my pain! Having a black eye prevented me from playing soccer in PE--at least that's what I asked my eye doctor to say in a note to my teachers!

I often played goalie when my dad, bro, friends, and I played street hockey. I didn't mind getting hit with pucks or balls then since that was my job.

Last recollection: Freshman year. Ms. O'Neill's class. Flag football. *Shudders*

I've always been known as the smart Broadway girl. People had a skewed perception of me. They assumed that because I did well in school, I had no social life. My friend still teases me about that. Apparently people said that all I did was go directly home from school to study, and then all I did all weekend was homework. It amuses me that they were so wrong! Anyway, a common misconception about little ol' me fueled this incident in PE that day.
 
Since I am an actress (haha, don't you love stories that start this way?), I often tried to use my acting skills to give off an "I'm pleasantly unaware/dumb" air in gym class. I would always try to be a step behind when playing games so that it would appear that I was exerting an effort while I still prevented myself from looking like an idiot in some sort of play where I would inevitably drop the ball and lose the game. (This is the way I looked at things in my head! I overthink things way too much. I guess I really was exerting a lot of extra effort to avoid playing the game!) Well, there was this guy, Bobby, in my gym class. I liked this kid, too. We were on the same football team, and I didn't want to come off as too uncoordinated in front of him. Thank God there was this girl Jessica on the team who actually *wanted* to play. My method of playing was hanging around Jessica and then falling back at the last second so that she could catch the ball. Well...

During a play, Jessica and I were getting ready to catch a pass from Bobby. As usual, I ran toward/under the ball, but then I slowed myself down and let Jessica get ready to catch it. I must've screwed up somehow because all of a sudden, the ball came flying through the air, landing not on the ground, not in Jessica's arms, not in *my* arms, but on my head. Bobby hit me on the head with the football! To make matters worse, Bobby then made some sort of comment about it! "Laura calculated the velocity and angle so she knew she didn't have to catch the ball!" UGH. I was soooo mad! Now that I think about it, I *think* Bobby was the one who threw the ball, but I'm not positive. He made the comment, though, and that was the end of the crush!

With these "horror" stories, you better believe that I got out of PE as soon as I could! Once junior year hit, I was out of gym for good!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 02:42:34 PM
LauraII, I thought I was your surrogate mom.

My TIVO has been set for a week for Bunny Lake.  Today TIVO captured Leslie Parrish's Star Trek - not a good episode but she looks lovely, although I don't like her hair up.  Damn them, damn them all to hell.  Also, TIVO captured Mr. Douglas Sirk's Magnificent Obsession, which I've never seen.

Also got region 2 DVDs of Mr. Otto Preminger's Whirlpool, and Mr. Jean Pierre Melville's Leon Morin, Priest and Le Doulos, both with Jean Paul Belmondo.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 02:44:05 PM
LaurII you also make me smile and you’re welcome.  I would love a daughter like you.  If TCB can be Jed’s father I don’t see why I can’t be your surrogate mother.  Looks like we already have two important interests in common.  I too need to protect myself from the sun, and I collect dolls.  Wait that is three-I love afternoon tea.  Oh, and I’m 5’3¼”.

Jason CONGRATULATION!!!  WELCOME TO THE CLOUDS!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 02:44:09 PM
Yes, DRJASON - now it can be told.  Here in the HHW God Region, we get along famously....now and then a contretemps occurs, but it is handled in the most civilized way.   8)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 02:46:06 PM
JRand: To thwart any attempt at a catfight, I'll plant my own tree and I'll make it grow!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 02:49:40 PM
MR BK...yes I am looking forward to seeing BUNNY LAKE this evening as well.

I cannot believe you have never seen MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION....from the first note of music (lifted from Beethoven no less) to the last frame, it is over the top....and when you think they have reached the top....they raise the bar....Agnes Moorehead as Nancy.  Rock as Bob Merrick...and Jane as...the doctor's widow.  Your head will shake at the explanation of the magnificent obsession...Rock is drunk when it is explained to him, so at least he has an excuse for understanding it.  With the handsome and lithe Gregg Palmer (soon to costar with Allison Hayes in ZOMBIES OF MORA TAU).  ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS is a better movie - if only the two are measured, but MO has Judy Nugent as an obnoxious (not meant to be) blind kid.  When she was on SUPERMAN, I wanted the gangsters to steal her leg braces AND tape her mouth shut.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 02:50:12 PM
Good idea, JasonDeity.  But remember, it's my yard so I will try hard to welcome friends I have yet to know....  ;D

DRANN - you are VERY close!  ;D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jed on June 02, 2004, 02:52:12 PM
Welcome DG Jason!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 02:52:49 PM
DRMBARNUM where are the DeluXe Nuts?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 02:53:55 PM
She loves the Monkey's Uncle
Uh-huh
She loves the Monkey's Uncle
Yeah, yeah
She loves the Monkey's Uncle
And the Monkey's Uncle's ape for me...!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Michael on June 02, 2004, 03:03:14 PM
Damn!!!!
They are opening a Krispy Kreme near where I live.
Damn them all!!!
Damn them all to hell!!!!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Michael on June 02, 2004, 03:04:07 PM
JASON:

If you could vote for the Tony awards who would you choose and why?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Michael on June 02, 2004, 03:06:09 PM
BK: What movie have you seen recently (theater, TIVO or DVD) that you think might make a good musical and why?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Tomovoz on June 02, 2004, 03:06:45 PM
Welcome Jason.
Hurry Ann it's lovely up here. (Sort of A Clear Day reference).
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Michael on June 02, 2004, 03:09:19 PM
Open question:

What song from another musical would fit into well into another musical?

Example: Zip from Pal Joey might work in Gypsy as sung by her Press Agents (with a little scene rewrite)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Michael on June 02, 2004, 03:14:39 PM
Open question to all those wise theatrical sages.

Two songs from Gypsy were cut for a couple of reason.

Mama's Talkin Soft because one of the little girls singing it was afraid of heights. The song is actually important because it is referenced in Rose's Turn.

Nice She Ain't was cut because Jack Klugman couldn't sing it.

Do you think these are lame excuses? Why not fire the height challenged little girl and there were better singers than Jack Klugman on Broadway at that time?

When they had the revivals Laurents had the opportunity to reinstate them and he didn't.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Michael on June 02, 2004, 03:16:04 PM
Welcome Jason.
Hurry Ann it's lovely up here. (Sort of A Clear Day reference).

Has anyone seen On a Clear Day on the stage? I am rather curious on how it played out on stage. This is one of two stage musicals that Alan Jay Lerner had rewritten for their film versions.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: DearReaderLaura on June 02, 2004, 03:16:08 PM
Mmmmm. These are good.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Tomovoz on June 02, 2004, 03:18:09 PM
DR TomFromOz: I'm curious why you seem to despise MAMMA MIA so much.  Have you seen it?  Do you dislike ABBA?  Or do you just think you'd hate it?
Can't despise something I have not seen. I like Abba. When I first saw Tim Rice interviewed about the show before the London production he outlined the story line - there was not a mention of Carmelina or Mrs Campbell. I saw "Buddy" and I did not in any way feel any of the audience excitement in that either - and I am a definite Buddy Holly fan. I thought Boy From OZ was a cabaret performance and not theatre! Give me Kander & Ebb, Sondheim or Ahrens & Flaherty. Give me musical theatre.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 03:26:20 PM
You know DRMS - I think if those two songs were restored in a GYPSY revival, the show would suddenly become about those two songs and whether they really worked or not and how they were or were not performed.  I think GYPSY is pretty much (as Miss Birdseye Merman once said) frozen.  

I think Cole Porter's FRIENDSHIP from DUBARRY WAS A LADY would work in ANYTHING GOES....oops.  Never mind.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 03:29:27 PM
Page Seven Dance!   8)

(http://www.regalweb.co.uk/loony/animated/flamingo.gif)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 03:33:39 PM
BK: What movie have you seen recently (theater, TIVO or DVD) that you think might make a good musical and why?

The Birds?  And my singing bird could have the lead.

We're birds
And we're mad as heck
Hear our words
We's comin' and we're gonna peck, peck, peck

We'll peck out your eyes
We'll peck out your nose
And one more surprise
We'll poop on your toes

We're birds
Baby, watch as fly
And it's not the birdie
Who's goin' bye bye.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 03:36:15 PM
The songs were cut from Gypsy for one reason: The show is long and couldn't have any more stuff in it.  Mama's Talkin' Soft could have stayed, I suppose, but we don't really need the number at that point.  Nice She Ain't simply isn't a good song and would have been cut even if they'd had John Raitt.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: MBarnum on June 02, 2004, 03:37:34 PM
DRMBARNUM where are the DeluXe Nuts?

I ate them all!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: George on June 02, 2004, 03:39:52 PM
[move=UP,scroll,6,transparent,100%]
;D
FINALLY, JASON ASCENDS TO THE HEAVENS!!
 ;D  ;D
[/move]
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: MBarnum on June 02, 2004, 03:42:07 PM
BK did you know that Ms. Parrish's film THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION is coming to DVD soon? Have you seen this movie? If so what were your thoughts on it?

I saw it when during it's original Drive-In run...I made my brother Allen and his girlfriend (no wife) take me and my little brother...this was around 1974 I guess. My sister-in-law has never forgiven me.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 03:43:55 PM
Haven't seen it.  I have some other low-budget thing she did but she's only in one scene and it's such an embarrasingly bad film.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: MBarnum on June 02, 2004, 03:44:08 PM
I picked up the new release of the boxed set FRANCIS THE TALKING MULE films. I hope everyone else got there copies too! LOL!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: MBarnum on June 02, 2004, 03:45:05 PM
Haven't seen it.  I have some other low-budget thing she did but she's only in one scene and it's such an embarrasingly bad film.

Well, GIANT SPIDER INVASION is embarrasingly bad too...but she wears very little clothing as I recall...so maybe that is good?!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 03:53:28 PM


We'll peck out your eyes
We'll peck out your nose
And one more surprise
We'll poop on your toes
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 03:54:19 PM
Welcome to the clouds, Jason!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 04:09:29 PM
Since everyone is talking about food -- last night I dined at the California Pizza Kitchen. For dessert I went downstairs to the new Cold Stone Ice Cream place which has just opened in the hood. For those of you not familiar with Cold Stone -- you pick your base flavor(s) from many delicious ice creams; they put the ice cream on a wooden slab and mix it with your choice of any of the dozens of condiments they have - fruit, nuts, jujubes, sprinkles, chocolates, you name it, they have it. When the whole mixture is all smushed (a technical term) together, they put it in a waffle bowl or a waffle cone, charge you a fortune and you eat it. Delish.
                                             (http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/ernaehrung/food-smiley-011.gif)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: JMK on June 02, 2004, 04:11:05 PM
DR Jane:  The pizza place is Hot Lips, found semi-conveniently kind of downtown (way, way south, up by PSU) on 6th (I think), but also in Raleigh Hills inside the very necessary Fred Meyer store.  That's the one close to our house and we visit it regularly.  They also are a "sustainable" company and use only organic ingredients.

Re:  Doubletree Hotels.  Not only are their suites great, they have the most yummilicious chocolate chip cookies that they give you warm from the oven upon check-in (and at any time if you beg them) and also the coolest, best-writing pens for score notating ever!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 04:11:13 PM
BK: A co-worker at MTI has actually written a musical version of THE BIRDS. The title song goes a little something like this:

We're the birds and we're gonna getcha
With a hoo...how...wow!

Well, I forget the rest of it, but it's surprisingly much like your version.

MDS: If I were voting for the Tonys, I would vote like this:

Best Actor in a Play: Jefferson Mays (I AM MY OWN WIFE)
Best Actress in a Play: Phylicia Rashad (RAISIN IN THE SUN)
Best Featured Actor in a Play: Omar Metwally (SIXTEEN WOUNDED)
Best Featured Actress in a Play: Audra McDonald (RAISIN IN THE SUN)
Best Revival of a Play: RAISIN IN THE SUN
Best Play: ANNA IN THE TROPICS
Best Actor in a Musical: Hugh Jackman (BOY FROM OZ)
Best Actress in a Musical: (tie) Idina Menzel (WICKED) and Tonya Pinkins (CAROLINE, OR CHANGE)
Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Raul Esparza (TABOO)
Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Anika Noni Rose (CAROLINE, OR CHANGE)
Best Revival of a Musical: ASSASSINS
Best Musical: WICKED
Best Direction of a Musical: Joe Mantello (ASSASSINS)
Best Direction of a Play: Moises Kauffman (I AM MY OWN WIFE)
Best Scenic Design: Eugene Lee (WICKED)
Best Costume Design: Susan Hilferty (WICKED)
Best Score: Stephen Schwartz (WICKED)
Best Orchestrations: William David Brohn (WICKED)
Best Book of a Musical: Winnie Holzman (WICKED)
Best Choreography: Kathleen Marshall (WONDERFUL TOWN)
Best Lighting Design: Kenneth Posner (WICKED)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 04:12:54 PM
Only in America!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 04:16:21 PM
Only in America!

Huh?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Danise on June 02, 2004, 05:07:18 PM
Evening all!

Sorry I haven’t really been making comments on the comments about my trip.  I was afraid I was “talking” enough with telling my story.

I’m glad so many people enjoyed it.  I'll give you a few days to recover and then I'll tell you about Salt Lake City since I didn't get the chance to do that before.

Yeah, I think I got taken for a couple of rides while there.  The hotel was one, a taxi ride was another.  Funny it cost me $12.00 to get to where I was going and $7.00 to get back.  

Maybe I got stuck with paying more for the Wicked ticket as well but that’s ok.  

JoseSPiano, so you played for Aida?  Wow,  but I know how you feel about certain songs.  When I did Evita (long time ago and a local production) every time the guy did Dice are rolling during rehearsal he’d sing, “Rice a Roni–The thighs are out!”.  Had to stop doing that because the director was afraid he might forget and sing that on stage.  I wish I could remember some of the “other” lyrics we came up with,

Tomatoes. I live near Ruskin, FL.  One of the tomato capitals of the world.  I remember going tomato  picking so Mom could do some canning.  Salt shaker in my back pocket.  Pick one, eat one, pick one, eat one.  I was sick of tomatoes by the time we were done but oh, were they GOOD!  Still are.  Ruskin tomatoes are the only way to go!

I will agree that Heniz is the best as far a catsup goes.
And to those discussing short height,  I just want you to know that I resemble those remarks!  I’m 5' 1" on a tall day.  

I forgot to tell you about seeing Puff Daddy.  When we ere at Barrymores, we were seated at the window and saw him come out from a theater across the street.  I didn’t know who he was but the other ladies did.  Puff Daddy?  Is there a Huff Mama?  

[move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Jason!!!  Welcome to Godhood![/move]

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]!doohdoG ot emocleW  !!!nosaJ[/move]

BTW (By the way), here are a couple of pictures of yours truely in NYC.  Can you guess where I am when they were taken? ;D ???
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Danise on June 02, 2004, 05:07:57 PM
Here is the other one.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 05:13:11 PM
Huh?

Was talking about DRPANNI'S pounded ice cream.  8)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 05:14:50 PM
Nice pictures DRDANISE.  Seeing you stand in front of that building...you are taller than I thought you were.  ;D

DRJANE has never heard of Brooks Catsup???  I am appalled!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Danise on June 02, 2004, 05:16:58 PM
Thanks, JRand.  I confess, I've never heard of Brooks Catsup either.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: George on June 02, 2004, 05:26:57 PM
DRJANE has never heard of Brooks Catsup???  I am appalled!

I've never heard of Brooks Catsup (or ketchup) either!  Anyway, this past Saturday, I bought some new running shoes (for walking only) and they're Brooks shoes.  Could they be from the same parent company?? :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 05:32:10 PM
LOL....I don't think so....I will ask Our Miss Brooks.   Must be a Midwestern thang!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jrand73 on June 02, 2004, 05:35:14 PM
Here is a link about some sites to see along Route 66 in Illinois, including the world's largest catsup bottle (scroll to the bottom of the page).

It's sad when the only things worth looking at are broken down signs and closed businesses.   8)

Click on the link:

http://www.roadsidepeek.com/rte66/illinois/staunton/ (http://www.roadsidepeek.com/rte66/illinois/staunton/)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: George on June 02, 2004, 06:06:46 PM
 >:( Warning...Rant ahead:

CBS has three hours for the Tony Awards.  I think that they chose not to allow Big River to do one song on the broadcast is so that they can show all their commercials.  (I also think that "the show's no longer running" excuse is just that...an excuse.)  Anyway, Playbill.com reported in THIS (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/86525.html) article that they're going to announce the orchestration and design catagories, as well as the Regional Theatre Tony Award and the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre BEFORE the CBS telecast.  How rude! (a Scrambled Feet reference.)  I realize that commercials have to run on commercial television, but this is ridiculous.  End of Rant.

:-\ Of course, this is only my opinion as to why they're relegating those award categories to the pre-show.  www.TonyAwards.com is going to offer "exclusive live video of the first six awards" over the Internet.  Big deal.  They deserve TV exposure as much as any of the other categories, IMHO (In My Humble Opinion, in Internet lingo).  Did they do it that way last year?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Michael on June 02, 2004, 06:16:03 PM
Anyone heard of cabaret singer Michael McCassey? Or seen him perform?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 06:19:15 PM
DR Jane:  The pizza place is Hot Lips, found semi-conveniently kind of downtown (way, way south, up by PSU) on 6th (I think), but also in Raleigh Hills inside the very necessary Fred Meyer store.  That's the one close to our house and we visit it regularly.  They also are a "sustainable" company and use only organic ingredients.

Re:  Doubletree Hotels.  Not only are their suites great, they have the most yummilicious chocolate chip cookies that they give you warm from the oven upon check-in (and at any time if you beg them) and also the coolest, best-writing pens for score notating ever!

Thanks for the pizza info.  I hadn’t heard of the place before.

During my father’s last week or more in the hospital, I stayed at the Doubletree in Westwood.  I was there so long the staff got to know me and I was well supplied with cookies.  I also had speedy delivery on my car which I really needed a couple of times.

They were equally as generous with the cookies when I stayed in Springfield (Oregon) with my cat.   I had gone there to take her to a cancer specialist for a diagnosis.  

Sad situations but the staff at both places made it easier for me and the cookies kept me going.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 06:26:50 PM
Give me Kander & Ebb, Sondheim or Ahrens & Flaherty. Give me musical theatre.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree.  I really enjoy Sondheim.  And Kander & Ebb.  And Ahrens & Flaherty.  But I still think that MAMMA MIA is musical theatre.  It's just a different sort.  

I think that judging something without seeing it isn't exactly fair.  You might be surprised.  If you like ABBA and you like fun, I'll bet you'd like MM.

Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jennifer on June 02, 2004, 06:30:27 PM
DR Jason, to order those dippin dots online costs $125! :(
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 06:30:47 PM
Danise you don’t look at all like your avatar.  It is nice to have a face with the voice, and they go well together. :) I like your long hair.

JRand I’m glad you are appalled, but I’m still clueless-wait I see a site, let me check it.  Okay I found the bottle on http://www.catsupbottle.com/ but is the company still in existence?

Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Danise on June 02, 2004, 06:31:23 PM
The dogs were just  barking up a storm again so I went to see what was going on.  They had a possum cornered between our fence and the back neighbors.  It was possibly an O possum.  I don’t know the difference between them except maybe when people used to see them they said, “Oh–Possum!!” and it got shortened to Opossum then to just possum.   Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Anyway, I caged the dogs and made it (the possible Opossum or possum) go.  It hissed at me but I finely got it to move on its merry way.  Cute little bugger with it's big bright eyes.  I'm sorry the dogs had it so scared.  

My life is just to exciting.  I think I must rest after all of this.

Goodnight folks.  Have a good evening.  :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Danise on June 02, 2004, 06:35:35 PM
Aww, thanks Jane.   I hear that a lot about my avatar but remember that picture is about 25 years old.  

My hair was a lot longer before that woman cut (excuse me trimmed--that was what I had asked for) it back at the first of year or whenever it was.  It was down to my elbows but it's growing back.  



Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 06:38:21 PM
It has been so long I forgot how to do the dance.  I also don't have the site on this computer so, this is it:

   [move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%] :o :o :o :) :) :) :) :-* :-* :-* :-* :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\[/move]
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 06:41:15 PM
Danise it's as if I could really see what you looked like on the old avatar.  ;) That was long hair. :)
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 06:47:50 PM
Jennifer: The cup of Dippin' Dots I had today cost me $4 American. They're not cheap...especially when they have to be shipped out of the country, I suppose.

Now I need to sing for a bit and then it's off to the gym...(then to a fitting...claiming I'm fat and looking grim....'cause I've been sitting choosing a hat...) I'll let you all take it from there...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 07:08:44 PM
I love the possum removal ads we have at the top of the page now.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 07:27:29 PM
 ;D
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 07:31:25 PM
Well, that was a loverly half-hour of singing. I decided to cut the practice session short because I can tell that I'm vocally tired. I was on the phone all day doing telemarketing for MTI, which can be vocally tiring in and of itself, and then I chose to do thirty minutes of pretty intense, high singing. I'm getting back in shape vocally and I must admit, I'm sounding pretty good--more like a tenor every day. Scary, huh?

Why's everyone so quiet?? Ou sont-vouz?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jason on June 02, 2004, 07:38:26 PM
This just in on Broadway.com: Our very own Remy Zaken will be in Mr. Andrew Lippa's A LITTLE PRINCESS. Isn't that exciting? Isn't it too too?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Jane on June 02, 2004, 07:49:29 PM
Off for the night-have a nice evening.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Noel on June 02, 2004, 07:49:32 PM
I don't think they're lying when they say why those two songs from Gypsy were cut.  But, after cutting them, I'm sure the creators realized their show had evolved into a more-perfect form.  Hence, no thoughts of restoration.  Sometimes you have to see the show with the cuts to know.

I saw the Encores' On a Clear Day...  One of my favorite scores, and an intriguing premise, and the conclusion is such a let-down.  It's as if Lerner set up an impossible romantic problem and couldn't find the solution to it.

And I'd take the bet: I'd wager Tom o' Oz would not like Mamma Mia, given his enjoyment of musicals where songs are motivated by character and situation.

The panel at ASCAP tonight includes the musical theatre writer I admire most, Mr. Sheldon Harnick.  They probably chose him because the opening number of the show had a narrator say "You may ask..." but no one seems to have noticed this.  Also on the panel was a guy who'd musical directed a handful of shows.  I couldn't believe he was on the same panel with Harnick.  Hell HE couldn't believe he was on the same panel with Harnick.  What qualifies John McDaniel, I wonder?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Tomovoz on June 02, 2004, 08:11:21 PM


And I'd take the bet: I'd wager Tom o' Oz would not like Mamma Mia, given his enjoyment of musicals where songs are motivated by character and situation

Right on Noel. I have no problem with the fact that others enjoy their night out at such entertainment, I like to "feel" for characters and to follow their stories. This is the problem I have with ALW show too - I don't get involved - but I can enjoy them on an entertainment level (but not JC Superstar, Sunset B or Beautiful Game). I don't mind fun musicals either - I enjoyed Batboy and UrineTown.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 08:21:30 PM
DR Michael Shayne: I have seen ON A CLEAR DAY on stage - in a national tour with John Cullum. I like some of the songs cut from the stage score, but I think the movie, which has a messy plot, too, does a better job with the reincarnation plot than the stage version does.

I was fairly young (16) when I saw it, but the stage plot confused me nevertheless.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Matt H. on June 02, 2004, 08:28:05 PM
Looking forward to seeing BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING again tomorrow. If I enjoy it as much as I did when I saw it originally, I'll transfer it to a DVD-R for keeping.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 08:31:30 PM
I cleaned out some more of my room and look what I found.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 02, 2004, 08:58:24 PM
I love the possum removal ads we have at the top of the page now.

I've noticed that, too!  Coincidence?  I think not!  If we all talk about balloons there will probably be ads for balloons up there, too.

Katherine Hepburn's stuff is being auctioned off over the next few days at Sotheby's.  If anyone ever wanted a piece of Kate, now's the time to do it.  I might try for the lock of her baby hair.  Then I can have her cloned someday.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 09:00:02 PM
Back from a most yummilicious dinner at Musso and Frank.  I had me my beloved Combination Louie, dear reader Jay had liver and onions and dear reader Panni had swordfish and ate every single bite up along with her creamed spinach.

I then went to Amoeba and used up a rather large credit slip to get some DVDs I've been wanting, including The Snake Pit and Helen of Troy.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 09:40:48 PM
The dinner was indeed yummilicious. It was touch and go for a while as to whether our waiter would make it through the meal. He looked somewhat elderly and frail - and his mind seemed to be on other things. Like imminent death. After asking several times what we wanted for dessert, the ony request he got was for a cup of coffee from DR Jay. Not a hard order to remember. Never did arrive.
The conversation was sparkling. We spoke of musical theater and operas and all sorts of highfallutin stuff. And of course we dished - and laughed and laughed till we could laugh no more.
My computer is being REALLY weird. Couldn't access my email. And I couldn't log on to the site through AOL - did it through IE. But it is SLOW. Slower even than our waiter. So if you don't see my charming face around tonight, that's the reason.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 09:45:40 PM
Danise - Great pictures!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: TCB on June 02, 2004, 10:09:56 PM
DR Jason -- I have always said that you were heavenly, and now you are a God besides.  CONGRATULATIONS!
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 10:10:02 PM
Say, where in tarnation IS everyone?  For a while there I thought this was going to be a record day, but we haz been deserted by the late-night denizens.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 10:13:23 PM
I went to Google Images and searched for "my shoes." I've been looking at pictures of people's shoes for the last ten minutes. I am really bored.

Now aren't you glad you asked, BK?
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 10:30:37 PM
Yes, I am glad I "aked".  I've been aking all day, frankly, or even georgely.  

Welcome zero GUESTS.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Sandra on June 02, 2004, 10:32:10 PM
I don't know what you're talking about.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: TCB on June 02, 2004, 10:43:05 PM
Sorry that I have been E & T most evenings lately, but I am in the midst of rehearsals for another murder mystery dinner, that previews tomorrow night and runs through the weekend.  Fortunately, Sunday's matinee ends early enough for me to still get home in time for the Tonys, even if it means having to skip the cast dinner after the show.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 11:00:42 PM
I think my AOL problems are fixed. The first tech I had  (reached after a 10 minute wait) refused to wait for me to log back on after her "fix"... When I did complete logging on, the problem was worse - but she was gone. The second tech (reached after another 10 minute wait) was telling me to unplug this and that. I'm in a tiny space here with lots of plugs behind the desk and don't really know what is what as far as plugs are concerned - plus I have to move things in order to reach plugs. The tech got really impatient and his tone was unpleasant and rude. At which point I said, "Hold on! Don't use that tone with me. It's your job to help me solve problems, that's what you're there for." This got him to calm down. This plus the knowledge that I get a customer survey to fill out. Oh yeah!
Anyway, it all works now. Next time I know what to do. Shut down the computer and unplug and replug the modem. Then Restart. Simple.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 11:08:53 PM
AOL no longer seems to be using the Indian techs with the phony American names. "Hello, I'm Sean" - all the while sounding like Peter Sellers doing his Indian shtick. - At least those techs were much more polite than these snarly American ones.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 11:10:07 PM
I'm a frenzy of one. It's such a pleasure to have things working the way they should be that I just may keep on posting and posting and posting and posting and...
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: Panni on June 02, 2004, 11:10:40 PM
...posting.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: S. Woody White on June 02, 2004, 11:46:06 PM
Open question to all those wise theatrical sages.

Two songs from Gypsy were cut for a couple of reason.

Mama's Talkin Soft because one of the little girls singing it was afraid of heights. The song is actually important because it is referenced in Rose's Turn.

Nice She Ain't was cut because Jack Klugman couldn't sing it.

Do you think these are lame excuses? Why not fire the height challenged little girl and there were better singers than Jack Klugman on Broadway at that time?

When they had the revivals Laurents had the opportunity to reinstate them and he didn't.
In my opinion, having Herbie a non-singer makes sense.  It underlines the fact that he is not really a theater-type person.  Plus, I like that there is such a major role for non-singers in one of the all-time great musicals.
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: S. Woody White on June 02, 2004, 11:47:11 PM
A page-nine dance for our new god, Jason:

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%][size=20]Hot-Cha-Cha-Cha!!!!![/size][/move]
Title: Re:THIS WAY MADNESS LIES
Post by: bk on June 02, 2004, 11:57:59 PM
New notes and topic in two count them two minutes.