Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 2 => Topic started by: bk on August 13, 2004, 12:21:19 AM

Title: OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 12:21:19 AM: Well, you've read the notes, you know what celebrities were in attendance, you are properly agog and now you may post until the opening night cows come home.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 12:41:03 AM: [move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]CONGRATULATIONS, BK!![/move]

and
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]HAPPY BIRTHDAY D.R. STUART!![/move]
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 12:58:01 AM: Dear reader Panni has pointed out that I have mis-used a word in the notes, said word being complement for compliment. However, in my opinion (IMO, in Internet lingo) the word people deserve what they get for creating two words that sound the same but mean different things and have a one-letter difference. Therefore, I will use either spelling any which way I so choose. Damn them, damn them all to hell.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Tomovoz on August 13, 2004, 01:01:19 AM: Congratulations BK & All.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Tomovoz on August 13, 2004, 01:01:38 AM: Happy birthday DR Stuart.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 01:08:44 AM: I am wired and tired at the same time. Or maybe I'm tired and wired. Am I to be admired for being wired and tired? I hope so, for that is what has transpired. Of course, I could be fired for being tired and wired or, conversely, I could be hired for being wired and tired. I'll just keep going until someone decides to stop being a WUSSBURGER and post something.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 01:14:40 AM: Welcome five GUESTS. We're talkin' about CDs and DVDs and about wired and tired.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Tomovoz on August 13, 2004, 01:24:07 AM: DVD (in waiting) - Andy Williams - The Best Of The Andy Williams Show

CD: OBC "Barnum".
Richard Tauber "You Are My Heart's Delight"
Josef Locke "Hear My Song"
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 01:28:44 AM: ****Happy Birthday, DR Stuart, Brother of DR Jay!****
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 01:31:41 AM: Quote from: bk on August 13, 2004, 12:58:01 AM
Therefore, I will use either spelling any which way I so choose. Damn them, damn them all to hell.

Anarchy - love it!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 01:37:18 AM: I posted my thoughts of WHAT IF? in last night's notes. (Kudos galore.) But I neglected to mention that DD and her BF and I had a lovely pre-show dinner with DR Jay. I must confess that I got into terrible traffic and showed up quite late and discombobulated. Next time I will be on time and bobulated.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 01:39:08 AM: I am all frenzied out. To bed. May I say once more that I REALLY enjoyed the show.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Tomovoz on August 13, 2004, 01:39:39 AM: bobuearlied perhaps!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2004, 01:59:00 AM: Dear Reader Dear Brother Stuart:

It's your buhrthday!

Happy buhrthday, Dahling!

And many happy retuhrns of the day!

(Oh. A Joe Mankiewicz reference.)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2004, 02:00:16 AM: Punctual Panni she shall be known as henceforward.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2004, 02:14:32 AM: What If? A Musical Revue was swell, simply swell.

One of the best aspects of the show was that the cast worked together as an ensemble really well, and each and every member of the cast seemed to be having a terrific time on stage.

As one might expect from show born from the hands of Bruce Kimmel, the laughs were plentiful. It was beat after beat after beat of incredible humor, especially what was embedded in the parodies. As dear BK mentioned, the crowning moment of the show was the "coming attraction," done movie style, for Oklahoma. I will never be able to hear "Don't Throw Bouquets At Me" in quite the same way ever again.

The ballads, many of them with wry lyrics, served as excellent counterpoint to the humorous numbers.

The choreography was just right, especially in the parodies, as the movement, like the lyrics, often sent off the original material.

Dear Reader Jose did an amazing job, and it was nice to overhear the plentitude of compliments (I can spell) he received at the lovely party that followed the show.

Kudos to Dear BK, Dear Reader Jose, and the entire cast of the show!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 03:28:37 AM: Morning all.

I'm so glad that What If did so well! Kudos and Congrats to all!

Be well wishes to DR Elmore. I hope you are feeling much better now.

Be safe and be well wishes to my fellow Floridians to weather the coming storm. None of you are on the West coast (I believe) so you should be ok.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 03:51:52 AM: Hurray! It sounds As If What If was a Big Success with the Audience last night! Congratulations to Mr BK, DRJOSE, and the cast, staff, and crew. And now good REVIEW vibes are going out!

...---...----...-----...------

"Hello, sweetheart, get me rewrite!"

Such a house of celebrities! Hopefully DRCHARLES POGUE will get his computer problems solved and start posting again so that we can read all about his reaction to What If?

CD Player - Sue Thompson's Greatest Hits....Paper Tiger, Norman, etc.

DVD Player - The Carpetbaggers with George Peppard &
Carroll Baker as Rina (note Miss Baker's credit must appear last and on a separate line and no name was appear larger than hers in any billing)

VHS - I too was watching THE BAD SEED....hmmmmmm such really bad acting going on...perfect for the subject, though. And Miss Eileen Heckart is amazing in her performance...being married to Sam Drucker, and all.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 03:54:24 AM: Well at least you still have Rhoda!! :o
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Ben on August 13, 2004, 04:29:19 AM: Congratulations to one and all for What If?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR Stuart!

I had an unexpected pleasant experience last night. While the West Coast was laughing at What If? I came across a ticket to The Musical of Musicals, The Musical. DR WEL mentioned this show favorably a few months ago and I agree. What a treat. It's funny, inventive, smart and performed very well. In spite of the jabs at our favorite composers, there is a real affection for musical theatre, which makes it great fun to watch. Two of the four cast members are the creators Eric Rockwell (music) and Joanne Bogart (lyrics). For those who don't know, there are 5 mini-musicals. They all have the same plot and each is written in the "style" of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Kander and Ebb. There are some real groaner puns but also lots of inventive work. I highly recommend it if you're in the New York area. They just extended again to sometime in mid-September.

I've still got a few CDs from yesterday including Clooney Tunes. I am now listening to La Cage. I just finished OBC (1949) of Kiss Me Kate. I also have the OBC (1972)of Grease (a guilty pleasure) and the 1992 OBC of Guys and Dolls w/Mr. Lane and Miss Prince.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Ben on August 13, 2004, 04:30:34 AM: I love The Bad Seed for it's campiness but I really love Ruthless, Mr. Joal (FKA Joel) Paley's skewed musical take on the show (w/a Los Angeles Cast CD produced by our own BK).
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Ben on August 13, 2004, 04:31:37 AM: Jose! What are you doing up at this hour? Did you just get in from the cast party?

Hi, Tom, JR and Joey.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 04:52:41 AM: Good Morning!

Well, DR Ben... I didn't just get in... But I did just get up from the couch on which I passed out on a few hours ago... ;)

And before I go back to bed... (and not the couch this time)....

This Opening Night was truly wonderful. I didn't really feel any nervous jitters when I got to the theatre. I felt prepared and ready to go on! And I actually think that some of the fatigue from the week of previews helped all of us out. No one was tired, per se, but I think the previous nights' efforts helped to keep everyone's adrenaline under control. -Does that make sense? Even as I started the opening number, I was thinking to myself, "WOW! This feels good!"

And it was.

Meeting Mr. Reiner and Mr. Brooks after the show in the theatre was truly an unexpected and very pleasant surprise. They happened to catch me "packing up" the piano - well, at least my score and stand light - and they both were very complimentary to me. Mr. Reiner even joked that he was afraid to shake my hand since he didn't want to take a chance of hurting me. -That was a true Dear Diary moment! And meeting Mel Brooks... WOW! Never in my wildest dreams would I have that I would have the opportunity to meet Mel Brooks when Bruce called me five weeks ago!?!?! Both fine gentlemen then asked me if I could get the cast to come out to meet them in the theatre - in order to avoid the massive throng of people next door in the cafe. So, I headed back stage and fetched the cast... some of whom, at first, didn't believe that Mssrs. Reiner and Brooks were actually in the audience, nor did they believe that Mssrs. Reiner and Brooks wished to see them personally. But the whole company eventually made it out to the stage... Again, who'd of thunk that five weeks ago... ?!?!?!

*Even I was a bit speculative of the "news" that both of those fine gentlemen were there when Brandon came back at intermission and mentioned who was in the audience... and that he was enjoying the show. But, eventually, my speculation turned to confirmation, so... And as soon as I stepped out at the top of the second act, I did do a scan of the audience... -And then I was still kind of amazed that I wasn't nervous - and that I didn't get suddenly nervous then!

Well, I better start wrapping this up.... I can sense that I'm getting wired again...
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 05:08:16 AM: As BK mentioned in his notes, I also got to meet Richard Sherman. That was a true honor of the evening. For me, the celebrities who's faces you don't normally see featured in the programs - composers, lyricists, playwrights, designers, etc. - are the ones that I truly am in awe of. The creators. When Bruce pulled me aside to introduce me to him, I was truly honored. And when Mr. Sherman mentioned that he thought I deserved a more prominent, featured bow in the curtain call... ;)

I met a few other people last night at the reception, and I was starting to kick myself for not having any business cards on me. I even believe Phillip Crosby - Bing Crosby's grandson - asked me for a card. -And DR Jay was also starting to "kick me" for not having any cards on me.

And in another case of "small world", Cheryl Baxter's husband (Cheryl is one of our choreographers) happens to be a music director for Universal Studios - and we happened to meet and work with each other last year when I was on the audition tour with Universal Studios Japan.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on August 13, 2004, 05:34:44 AM: (http://www.pwawards.com/shop/birth_balloon.jpg)

DR Stuart
[/glow]
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 05:42:47 AM: It was also nice to finally meet Anna, a.k.a. DR Panni, and her Darling Daughter. By the way, DD has great taste in boyfriends. ;)

It was also a pleasure meeting DR Charles Pogue and his wife.

And DR/DL Mark Rothman who introduced himself to me by saying, "I've read your posts many times!" And I was like, "Thank you... And you are?!?" ;)

I also believe I spied Nick Redman among the crowd last night too.

And, as I mentioned in passing in a previous post, it was nice seeing DR Jay again. *And I'm having my extra box of business cards sent from home this weekend. ;)

...OK - I need to start calming down again, and heading back to bed...

Thank you, once again, Bruce Kimmel for everything!

And Congratulations to a Great Cast! Tammy, Susanne, Alet, Paul and Ryan! You're the best!!!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 05:48:22 AM: This begs the question of why I'm up at five-forty-five in the fershluganah morning. Didn't I just go to bed at one-thirty? And why am I begging a question? Has the question ever begged me? I woke up at five-fifteen, head swimming with thoughts. I guess I'll see if I can get some more sleep, or maybe sleep will have to wait until tonight (I can sleep in on Saturday, no she of the Evil Eye this weekend).
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 05:49:16 AM: Oh, and I'll go out on a limb and say we may achieve our new landmark on this very day.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on August 13, 2004, 05:49:48 AM: Congratulations to BK, Jose, M. Brandon - and the entire WHAT IF team.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Tomovoz on August 13, 2004, 05:55:19 AM: Too late to reply to DR Ben I think.
"Grease" not a guilty pleasure - The only version I enjoy is the original show. I saw it's London run starring Richard Gere. The movie to me created a false nostalgia. And now there is a nostalgia for that false nostalgia!

Thanks to WEL indeed for introducing me to "Musical of Musicals". It is even fun just listening to the CD.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 05:57:55 AM: ...yes, I'm still up...

-Just been catching the updates on the Hurricane Charley... Good Vibes to DR Danise, and the rest of the population of Gulf Coast Florida. -You know it's going to be bad when even the Governor calls it a "scary, scary" storm.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 06:03:44 AM: But before I go to bed...

DR Dan-the-Man - You're "pre-opening night breakdown" is sort of similar to what my piano teacher in college would recommend to me for my "day of recital/major performance" routine.

She would tell me to kick and scream, run around the grounds of the Capitol building (in Richmond), yell for a few minutes in my bathroom... Just something vigorous - that would not hurt my hands - but help to get some of the adrenaline out of my system early in the day. And then spend the afternoon doing something very calming and peaceful - I would usually clean my apartment while listening to the OBC of Sunday in the Park with George. I still basically follow the same routine. I don't get too crazy with the vigorous activity early on, but, for instance, this morning, I ended up taking a nice three-mile walk while I was getting errands done.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 06:03:56 AM: I am out of Diet Coke and I need carbonation. Here is my question: How long are sodas good for, how long do they last. I've got a bottle of Root Beer in the fridge and I'm sure it's been in there for at least a year. Is it safe to drink?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 06:06:39 AM: OK... Before some other wonderful detail pops into my head about last night...

Goodnight, Good Morning.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 06:08:12 AM: Sodas last basically indefinitely if they are not opened. They only way to check is to open it. If it's still real fizzy when you open in, then it should be OK. And some bottles have expiration dates on them now too - usually around the neck of the bottle, or printed on the bottom.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 06:09:19 AM: Now if said bottle of Root Beer had already been opened, then... Hmm... It should still be good, but will most likely be flat.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Stuart on August 13, 2004, 06:09:36 AM: Mille grazie (and Millie Perkins) to my birthday well-wishers.

Congrats to the WHAT IF...? cast and crew for a job that was not only seemingly well-done, but appreciated by your audiences as well.

Media Check:
CD/Car: SCARLET PIMPERNEL
CD/Office: Julie Budd/Pure Imagination
DVD: Empty
VCR: Last night's BB5
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 06:09:44 AM: Happy Birthday, DR Stuart!!!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 06:10:24 AM: Wasn't I going to bed..???

Laters...
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 06:11:30 AM: I opened the year-old Root Beer and it's very carbonated just like it should be, so I'm presuming it's okay to drink it.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: William E. Lurie on August 13, 2004, 06:25:46 AM: "Musical of Musicals" is a lot of fun --- even just on CD --- and it should have an afterlife in theatres all over the country where I imagine it will get many productions. I have only one negative thing to say... while I am thrilled that the York has a hit after nearly going bankrupt, I feel it is time to move the show to another theatre. The third regular show of last season was cancelled to bring it back, and all these holdovers are bringing it very close to this season's first Muftis and regular show. The facts that "MofM" is regularly being offered by papering services and discounts are usually available makes me wonder just how much life there is left in it. That said, every fan of show music should see it or at least listen to it.

I am in the midst of finally getting my CDs catalogued so instead of listening to whole CDs, I have been listening to individual tracks of many favorites (mostly the BKs and the Bagleys) thinking "I have to find the time to listen to this again".
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on August 13, 2004, 06:31:48 AM: Quote from: bk on August 13, 2004, 06:11:30 AM
I opened the year-old Root Beer and it's very carbonated just like it should be, so I'm presuming it's okay to drink it.

Root beer? You should be drinking champagne out of everyone's shoe. (A Girl Who Came To Supper reference.)

(Nothing personal Panni, Jay or Mel Brooks, but that's really a disgusting lyric.)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Ben on August 13, 2004, 06:45:04 AM: WEL, I agree with you. I didn't mention that I got in w/free Equity tickets. The audience loved it but the house was not full. It is on TKTS and available easily through papering. That being said, it's still a hoot and worth seeing.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on August 13, 2004, 06:56:54 AM: I'm looking after my neighbors' mutt, Maggie - a very sweet dog. I've never seen such a pristine apartment. There's absolutely nothing on the kitchen counter, though I did notice a shiny metallic pull-thing suspended between it and the cupboard. Its function? (Yes, I scrolled it upward.) To hide the toaster and food processor.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 07:23:42 AM: Happy Birthday to DR Stuart!!!!!

And great news about Opening Night. Sounds great.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 07:35:49 AM: Okay I won't even ask why you were wanting to drink Root Beer at 6am. But I agree with DR Jose. As long as it was never opened, it should be good. And heck, it was only a year old!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 07:43:12 AM: Happy Birthday and many more to DR Stuart!!!

Congratulations on a successful, adulatory opening night, BK!!!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 07:45:00 AM: I think diet drinks have less of a shelf life than regular soda. And nothing is nastier than a diet drink after it's gone bad.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 07:45:55 AM: Happy Birthday DRSTUART....I posted something earlier, but when I came back to check it was the dreaded red "x" - so I will try again later when I get home.

WOW - Richard Sherman....OMG DRJOSE, you have shaken the hand that touched Annette!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 07:47:12 AM: Friday media check:

CD - ASSASSINS (new revival cast reocrding) and NUNCRACKERS (OCR)

DVD - AMERICAN BUFFALO, Ed Sullivan Presents the beatles (only going to watch the OLIVER segments. Could care less about the Fab Four).

DVR - GLASS BOTTOM BOAT, ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS, BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 07:50:09 AM: Oops, I meant to say a hearty congratulations to you, too, DR Jose. Sounds like you were more than "instrumental" (pun intended) in the success of WHAT IF?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Ben on August 13, 2004, 08:15:09 AM: Sad news on this happy day

Julia Child passed away in her sleep a three days before her 92nd birthday.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=3&u=/ap/20040813/ap_on_en_tv/obit_child (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=3&u=/ap/20040813/ap_on_en_tv/obit_child)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 08:18:19 AM: I just saw that, too, DR Ben. Such a sad loss. I watched many a show of hers back in her heyday.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Noel on August 13, 2004, 08:19:38 AM: SO glad the opening went well. What If it didn't? Too horrible to contemplate.

I noticed recently, that a bottle of water I was drinking had an expiration on it, and it made me wonder what would happen after the expiration date. Would it no longer be water? Would the H2 somehow separate from the O? Perhaps someone who's taken chemistry can explain. Yeah, chemistry.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 08:21:24 AM: A brief (or bikini) good morning. Must do one more quick pass, proofing of script before delivering it.
Have I mentioned I saw this swell show last night?...
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: elmore3003 on August 13, 2004, 08:27:51 AM: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DRSTUART!!!!!

Dear Friend BK, I expected nothing less than a success last night and I am so thrilled for you, DRJose, and your cast and crew. Kudos to one and all!

I have no plans before Monday, so I plan to spend most of my time on medication and in bed. I'll check in occasionally. (Sad to be stoned and all alone in bed!)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: William E. Lurie on August 13, 2004, 09:09:04 AM: Why are there still ads on the site for MILLIE tickets? It closed a couple of months ago. Unless those are for the tour which it didn't indicate... I didn't check on the link.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 09:09:59 AM: Hey BK, you must tell us what happened with the papering service guy. Did you speak to him? Does he still work there? Will you be using their service again tonight?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DERBRUCER on August 13, 2004, 09:13:26 AM: Quote from: bk on August 13, 2004, 12:58:01 AM
Dear reader Panni has pointed out that I have mis-used a word in the notes, said word being complement for compliment.

Shucks...I was already to pounce! >:(

der not-deLeon Brucer (Who eschews mispellings and missuses on principal)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DERBRUCER on August 13, 2004, 09:15:00 AM: Quote from: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 09:09:59 AM
Hey BK, you must tell us what happened with the papering service guy.

I'll guess:

He was killed in the Music Room by Jenny with the paring knife!

der detecting Brucer
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 09:22:17 AM: AND ONE FOR THE WHAT IF? GANG!!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 09:23:32 AM: I know our new associate producer spoke to him, but he was a complete and utter idiot on the phone and she told him she was going to talk to his boss today and hung up on him. We since have two other services working with us and they're already MUCH better.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 09:26:54 AM: In my VCR: DR Panni's (a.k.a. Anna) TIGER CRUISE

In my CD player at work: Weird Romance, then The Musical of Musicals: The Musical (great idea, Ben).

In my DVD player: "The Manchurian Candidate" (I still haven't seen the original...and I bought it!), then the silent movie "Sunrise" with Janet Gaynor. It has an alternate score by former Olympia resident Timothy Brock and it was recorded by the Olympia Chamber Orchestra, based in Olympia, Washington! I met Tim quite a few times!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on August 13, 2004, 09:38:34 AM: My idea of a fantasy.

What if Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner showed up on opening night of a fabulous revue you put together - and they laughed at all the right places?

Congratulations again! You did it, BK!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 09:44:09 AM: Only seventy-something more posts until we achieve our new landmark.

I managed to get an additional two hours sleep, but it's not enough and I'll try to grab another hour during the day at some point. I have to do a phone interview for the show at noon, so not till after that. And I MUST get me some Diet Coke in the next half-hour.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DERBRUCER on August 13, 2004, 09:44:29 AM: Quote from: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 07:43:12 AM

Congratulations on a successful, adulatory opening night, BK!!!

BK was caught committing adulatory - oh, for shame!

der Brucer
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DERBRUCER on August 13, 2004, 09:52:21 AM: Quote from: Panni on August 13, 2004, 01:37:18 AM
... bobulated...

Nice word, a plastic surgeon's term I believe:

A cup to D cup = "Boobulated"
A cup to C cup = "Bobulated"

der Brucer (presuming nobody would make a major investment in A cup to B cup)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DERBRUCER on August 13, 2004, 09:56:45 AM: Quote from: Noel on August 13, 2004, 08:19:38 AM
Perhaps someone who's taken chemistry can explain. Yeah, chemistry.

You're welcome to join Jenny in my "Chemistry for Artistes" seminars.

der Brucer
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 10:04:47 AM: Hi folks,

Just wanted to pop in before things get really bad. Nothing so far but I hear thunder in the distance and the sky to the south is turning very, very dark.

Here are a couple of links to some local news so you can keep up with what's going on if you want to.

Channel 28 news (http://www.wfts.com)

Tampa Bay Online (http://www.TBO.com)

Right now it looks like Charley is coming right up into Tampa Bay. A 10 to 15 foot storm surge is expected. Thank goodness I don't live anywhere near the water but the rain and the winds will still be bad.

I've been a very busy bee this morning. I mowed the grass back and front yard so if snakes and other critters start to show up, they won't be hidden in the grass.

I just had my shower and have filled the bathtub up with water. We're as ready as we can be.

New Flash--as I type this the hurricane has been upgraded to a Cat 3! :o

I would be a liar if I said I wasn't a bit scared. I've been joking that on the plus side, if the house does get blown down, that might solve my moving problem. I could just rebuild the type of house I want on the lot. :)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Ben on August 13, 2004, 10:07:44 AM: Mr. Morelli and I will be seeing this little production tonight

http://www.irishrep.org/

In case you don't go to the Web site, it's "Let's Put on a Show!", the Mickey Rooney bio musical he's doing with his wife Jan. I got free tickets from Equity. I have no idea what to expect. Judging from his recent mime performance in the commercial for supplemental senior insurance, we could be in for quite a show.

Here's a little bit from the press release.

“Let’s Put On A Show” is a musical look at a legendary life. With music, humor, and video, Hollywood legend, Mickey Rooney relates the story of a life lived large. Mickey regales with tales of studios, movies, and, of course, the women in his life. He offers tributes to Ava Gardner, Judy Garland and culminates with his wife of over 25 years, Jan Rooney. Jan offers her own tribute to Patsy Cline.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 10:29:39 AM: DR Danise good vibes to you ~~~~~~~~~~!

Speaking of rain and thunderstorms, the weirdest thing happened here the other evening. Huge chunks of ice came down with the rain. This was in 85F temps. It was so bizarre.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: MBarnum on August 13, 2004, 10:30:22 AM: Wow, congrats to BK, Jose, and the cast and crew of WHAT IF. What a wonderful opening night, and what excitement!

and a super happy birthday to DR Stuart!!

(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/linie/smiley-linie-020.gif)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: MBarnum on August 13, 2004, 10:31:47 AM: Media check:

CD: Lynn Anderson: Rose Garden

DVD: Freaks

VHS: Libeled Lady
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 10:39:29 AM: Thank you, Jennifer.

And lest, I forget,

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%] :) :) :) A very, very happy Birthday to Stuart! :) :) :)[/move]
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 10:42:26 AM: Is Joely Richardson (from Nick/Tuck) Natasha Richardson's sister?

I nearly freaked when I heard the former doing an interview yesterday. She has a British accent!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 10:45:47 AM: Quote from: Jay on August 13, 2004, 02:00:16 AM
Punctual Panni she shall be known as henceforward.
Or, we could re-punctuate:

Punctual Panni, she shall be known as "Henceforward."

(An Alan Ayckbourn ref, perhaps?)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 10:48:59 AM: Good survival vibes to DRDANISE!

DRBEN - if I couldn't be at What If? - I would love to be at the Mick's show! Sounds like great fun, too.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 10:51:52 AM: [size=50]Congratulations to our Esteemed BK
to Jose
and to everyone else connected with What If?[/size]
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 10:53:20 AM: [size=20]Happy Birthday, DR Stuart![/size]

(Yet another fabulous fellow with his birthday during Birthday Week!)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 10:57:06 AM: Media Report:

DVDs: I've been watching To Catch a Thief. Nice piece on Edith Head included in the extras.

Last night, der Brucer picked up a copy of Kill Bill, Volume 2. A question to all and sundry: is it necessary to have seen Kill Bill, Volume 1 to appreciate the second half of the film?

And, while he was at it, der B. also bought a new discman, with adaptor for use in the car. What this will do to our in-car reading habits, I do not know.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Sandra on August 13, 2004, 10:57:44 AM: Happy birthday, Dear Reader Stuart!

Congratulations to Jose, BK, and all the What If people.

I don't think I have anything else to say.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 11:09:05 AM: I have not yet seen Kill Bill Volume 2. But I did see Kill Bill Volume 1.

I didn't like it except for what happened in the last minute. That interested me and actually made me want to see Volume 2.

I think if someone summarizes #!, you would probably be okay.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Charles Pogue on August 13, 2004, 11:09:13 AM: Despite my computer problems, I'll dare a post.

WoW! WoW! WoW! WHAT IF...was what BK does best! The show was impeccable! Impressively directed...full of nuances and touches that so many directors just gloss over these days. The performers were not only all terrific singers, but also terrific actors...so important in a revue where there is no story line to carry you from one moment to the next, and each song is a little three or five minute story. you can single each one of these great performers for individual moments; but they also worked brilliantly as an ensemble. Jose's piano work was top-notch and for me there is nothing better than songs sung with single piano accompaniment. It's very appealing to me. The choreography was witty and sharp and immediately evoked the styles of the songs being parodied.

Speaking of the songs. Wonderful selection of lovely, rarely heard revue numbers. Always wonderful to make new discoveries like these. And there was a wonderful blending of sweetness, humour, and heartbreaking stuff. Bruce's parody lyrics were spot on. His What If Sondheim wrote for the Yiddish Theatre medley particularly clever. Also his transitional material and bits were all extremely inventive. The Coming Attractions is hysterical. Winning performers, genius director, great show. I had a terrific enjoyable time. I want my original cast recording. Now!

BK, I'd be very interested where you thought the spots were you said you might do a little honing and re-working on. Because the show seemed pretty flawless.

One of the funnier moments last night, young Ryan opened the second act with an interaction with the audience and, much to his embarrassment, referred to access cable show-biz diva and host, Skip E. Lowe (autobiography: The Boy With the Betty Grable Legs) as Madam. I suspect it is not the first time Skip E. as been mistaken for a madam instead of a sir. But Ryan recovered nicely and ad-libbed out of the situation very well.

The laughs throughout the night were uproarious and the attention riveting. The Lovely Wife and I were in the front row on the aisle. With Mel and Carl across the aisle from us. I could sneak an occasional look in their direction and they were thoroughly enjoying it.

At the party afterwards, the Toluca Lake Reviewer came up to and said she had been sitting behind me and that if she had had an opening, she'd want me in the opening night crowd, I was such a good audience with a hearty laugh. I said it was easy to be a good audience when a show was as sharp and smart and good as this.

The most amazing feat is that this whole thing was done in about three and half weeks or something. It's so brightly polished and incisively executed.

The opening night crowd was very impressive. I thought the PR guy had done a great job in getting such a distinguished bunch of first-nighters and a theatre-savvy crowd. BK, I'm sure if you ever need butts in the seats (though I think it should run to capacity business), you can always entice The Lovely Wife and me back for another viewing or two.

I did go up to Mel Brooks during intermission and re-introduced myself and mentioned I had written a movie for him 20 years ago called THE FLY. He acted as though he might actually remember me and was very cordial and said I looked well and hadn't changed much. I told him it was the dark lighting. We also talked briefly about THE PRODUCERS. I told him after all those sung-through Les Miz's and Lloyd Webbers, I was glad he'd brought back a good old fashioned, strong book musical. He said Richard Dreyfuss was going to be very good in the London production. I told him I'd try to see it while I was there. He didn't offer me any comps.

The party after was great! Got to speak with all the cast members individually and compliment their performances. Tammy introduce us to her parents...who are younger than us. And her grandmother who isn't. Met her boyfriend and we got enmeshed in an interesting screenwriting conversation. Met other talented folk either connected with the production or who were connected to BK in some way. We stayed longer than we intended, we were having such a good time.

All in all, an exquisite theatre outing!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on August 13, 2004, 11:12:18 AM: This morning I went for a walk, and this is what I saw:
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on August 13, 2004, 11:13:45 AM: Congratulations on a successful opening night!

Vibes to Danise! We'll be thinking of you and following the news story. ~~~~~~~~~

Happy Birthday, Dear DR Stuart!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Ben on August 13, 2004, 11:23:46 AM: Only 52 till 60,000. A stellar opening night and 60,000 posts. Who could ask for anything more?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2004, 11:27:07 AM: Quote from: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 10:53:20 AM
(Yet another fabulous fellow with his birthday during Birthday Week!)

I know a LOT of people with mid-August birthdays. A lot!

It took me a while, however, to arrive at the indisputable conclusion that Thanksgiving is a far more amorous holiday than I had previously realized.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Stuart on August 13, 2004, 11:34:06 AM: Quote from: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 10:57:06 AM
Nice piece on Edith Head...

I know that the poor dear was rather mannish, but really!

And thank you to all the post-meridien birthday well wishers.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 11:36:57 AM: Bruce CONGRTATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCESSFUL OPENING NIGHT! May each night be better than the previous! How I would love to see the coming attractions.

And of course CONGRATS TO JOSE! May this lead to continued good success!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on August 13, 2004, 11:42:03 AM: DR Stuart - you're too funny!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 11:43:29 AM: SwishySarah I have missed your delightful posts. Locally we just had American Idol tryouts here and the theater kept selling out seats. I have never watched the show but was following the competition in the paper. The winner won the right to try out for the show. GOOD VIBES ON BECOMING AN AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT!

TCB how far is Tacoma from Portland? Now you say something. If I go to Portland this month I can’t go next month. However, if I have to pass this month….? What are the dates?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR READER STUART, BROTHER OF OUR OWN DR JAY.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 11:45:24 AM: Thanks to Pogue for his lovely thoughts. I can tell you that one of the numbers I've already worked on today is Tammy's Joshua Noveck, which, for various reasons, isn't working the way it should. It's perfectly fine as is, but it can be better, and we both know it. So, we did extensive work via phone and we're going to work on it at the theater at six-thirty. It's all nit-picky stuff, but I'm a perfectionist and so is Tammy, and I know there is stuff still to be mined from that number. I think we came up with some useful things and Tammy is wonderful in addressing notes. I don't even know if the changes will be all that noticable, but they will help the number land better - at least I'm pretty certain they will. The other number is just an energy note to one of the actors on his big Act One number - some of it is just getting too "conversational" (probably not as evident from Row One, but definitely evident from the back of the theater) and the number isn't in any way about being "conversational". It's a really easy adjustment and it will make an already-wonderful performance of a really wonderful number even better.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 11:53:00 AM: I think you guys need to videotape the show so we can all see it!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 11:53:36 AM: Charles Pogue so glad you returned today to add to the details and excitement of last night. :D

DearReaderLaura, another lovely photo. Maybe I will attempt one today.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2004, 12:05:45 PM: Quote from: bk on August 13, 2004, 11:45:24 AM
...and we're going to work on it at the theater at six-thirty.

Gosh. I hope Dear Reader Maestro Jose is awake in time to make that, um, early call at the theatre.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 12:34:13 PM: Welcome nine GUESTS. We're talkin' about DVDs and CDs.

Just did my phoner - nice guy and it went well. Now I can vamoose for a bit.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 12:38:38 PM: Why is everyone just sitting there like so much fish? Don't we have a new landmark to achieve?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 12:40:11 PM: I enjoyed this article on Julia Child :)

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/entertainment/gossip/9394196.htm?1c

Except now you might have to sign in to read the story, which I didn't have to do. Sometimes I find the internet confusing. ;D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 12:46:59 PM: Don't worry, DR Jay - and BK - I'm awake. :)

I got in a good, solid six hours of sleep (after heading back to bed) - got up shortly after Noon. Feeling good, and I think I'm going to head out for a nice walk in a little bit to stretch my legs and get some food while I'm out too.

Thanks to all the DRs for you well wishes and congratulations. I'll be sure to pass them on to the Cast and Crew (which depending on the evening consists of one to three people (the crew that is)- Anyone else in the LA region want to move a panel? ;) )

OH! - Yes, Ryan's faux pas at the top of the second act was truly hilarious... as was his recovery from said faux pas.

OH! And the Opening Night Card that Susanne got from her best friend, Jason Graae, has to be one of the funniest and original Opening Night cards I've ever seen - and it wasn't even dirty! He basically "re-carded" a card he had gotten previously. He took a red crayon and marked out his name on the envelope, then wrote "Susanne" on it. Then he took the same red crayon and marked out whatever sentiments and well-wishes - that were originally for him - from inside the card, leaving only key words and phrases for Susanne. Then he crossed out the original signature, and signed his name! Susanne showed it to all of us backstage, and it was a great laugh to have right before going on. *And I asked Susanne if I could share this info, and she said I could - it was just such a truly inventive greeting - and one that only a true best friend could get away with. ;)

There was love in the house, I tell ya'! Lots and lots of love!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Emily on August 13, 2004, 12:47:15 PM: Good afternoon everyone!

Happy birthday Stuart-brother-of-Jay! :D

Welcome home Swisher-cat! You soooo have to try out for AI so that I can say "I illegally traded MP3s with the American Idol!!!" Speaking of which, come back to MSN - I have some "things" which might interest you :)

Congratulations BK, Jose and everyone associated with "What If"... I hope there's a cd or a video or SOMETHING so that we non-LA DRs can catch a glimpse of what sounds like such a great show!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 12:51:17 PM: That is very sad news about Julia Child, but I'm glad that she went peacefully in her sleep. I spent many a Saturday morning - and sometimes a weekday evening - watching episodes of her various shows. Even though she would prepare some "fancy food", her approach to food, in general, was never fancy. She was a true culinary inspiration to me - and countless others. She will be missed, but fondly remembered.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 12:54:41 PM: Moving on to 60,000 - if HHW was a car, our warranty would be expired!

Great observations from DR CP....hopefully DRPANNI will give us some e x t e n d e d views herself!

So exciting! And of course we will want links to ALL the reviews!

Friday, at last, Friday!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 12:55:00 PM: Just read the latest update on Hurricane Charley... Just got upgraded to a Cat 4! And that it took a slight turn southwards.

Safe Vibes to Our Dear Readers, Friends and Family in Florida in the path of the storm.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Emily on August 13, 2004, 12:55:42 PM: One of my family's most prized posessions (proof of our official geek-dom) is a copy of Jacques Pépin and Julia Child's most recent cookbook together signed by both authors.

She will be missed...
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 12:55:43 PM: Any suggestion or comment we should make during NUNSENSE tonight about Julia's passing?

Who would have thunk such a thing would happen?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on August 13, 2004, 01:08:53 PM: I don't know Nunsense - what's the reference/context?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 01:10:06 PM: Quote from: Emily on August 13, 2004, 12:55:42 PM
One of my family's most prized posessions (proof of our official geek-dom) is a copy of Jacques Pépin and Julia Child's most recent cookbook together signed by both authors.

She will be missed...

I think my copy of "Cooking with Julia and Jacques" is signed too, but I may be thinking of another cookbook. However, I did get an e-mail from SurLaTable.com yesterday offering signed copies of various Julia Child cookbooks - "interesting" timing to say the least.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 01:21:49 PM: Yes, Jennifer, Joelly and Miranda Richardson are sisters. Vanessa Redgrave is their mother.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Stuart on August 13, 2004, 01:26:03 PM: Quote from: Dan-in-Toronto on August 13, 2004, 01:08:53 PM
I don't know Nunsense - what's the reference/context?

Something about Sister Julia, Child of G-d. Or something like that. As memory serves, it's repeated a couple of times, but I don't recall how germaine (or Tito or Michael) it is to the plot. MIght one just excise those references for the evening?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 01:27:40 PM: Just enjoyed ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS. I wish I could have been in a Warner Bros. screening room when this movie first took shape with the executives there quivering with excitement over this new discovery - Doris Day. They don't make star debuts like this any more.

After the movie on TCM today, they had done a sound bite with Tony Randall talking about Doris, and he marveled that all of her acting talent was instinctual, that she never had a lesson in her life. And she's one of the true triple threat actresses: she could play comedy, drama, and do musicals effortlessly.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 01:28:52 PM: Script's gone. DD is gone. Sigh.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 01:29:50 PM: I think Charley is currently over my nephew’s new home. He recently moved from So. California to Florida.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 01:30:01 PM: Don't want to act like a proud mudder, but what the hell. Mr. Mel Brooks told DD last night that she was beautiful. (And she is.)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: William E. Lurie on August 13, 2004, 01:31:14 PM: NUNSENSE is an off-Broadway musical from the late 80s based on a series of greeting cards with funny nuns. The cook at the rectory (Sister Julia, Child of God - a joke that is no longer funny as of today) poisoned a group of people with her vichyssoise and the nuns need to put on a variety show in order to have the money to bury them. It ran for several years and also toured. This was followed with several sequals, including a c&w version, a Christmas version (Nuncrackers), an all-men-as-nuns version, etc. The first is fairly funny, but it gets less and less funny with each new version. Most of them are available on DVD.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 01:34:33 PM: Hi all!

I just woke up from a nap. I thought I should try to get some rest before the storm hit and found things may not be as bad as we thought. Wooo Hooo!

The only bad part about this is that the people who did not evacuate this time will think it will be ok to stay the next time (and there will be a next time) as will some of the people who did evacuate. Wrong choice. You have to do that each and every time. I’m not sorry for anything I did or bought and would/will do so again the next time. End of rant.

I'm very sorry for the folks below us. My best wishes and hopes they come through this alright.

I want to vote for a DVD/tape of What If as well! It's been so nice to read all the stories about it. Bruce can now add another couple of skills to his resume--Director and Playwright! Aren't you glad you went with your own fresh, new idea instead of something eveyone and their brother has done? :D

I just heard about Juia Child. So sad. :'( She will be missed.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 01:34:56 PM: Quote from: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 11:53:00 AM
I think you guys need to videotape the show so we can all see it!

Speaking of videotapes...Jennifer, check your mailbox in a week or so! And you too, Der Brucer (but not for a video, though)!! ;D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 01:40:29 PM: Yes, that is the reference to Sister Julia, child of God. Hmmmmmm....well...we shall see what we shall see.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 01:54:10 PM: Hurray, I get to go home in about an hour!!!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 01:58:18 PM: Thanks Dr George!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 01:58:39 PM: Aw Panni, go ahead and be a proud mudder. She is beautiful. :)

Danise I never regretted stocking up on goods before a storm though I never had to go to the extremes you did. I did sleep through a tornado one afternoon and my kids, who were at school sitting against a wall, were furious at me for not going into the basement. The worst part is my bedroom was surrounded in windows, including a very large skylight. There was also a lightning damaged tree outside the bedroom which, had it crashed into the house, would have landed on my bed. I must have been very tired because I slept through the sirens that were located down the street. I did hear those same sirens the night Bryan was injured sledding. I was on the phone and said to my friend the siren was for him, at which point I got call waiting.

My nephew just emailed he is fine, just lots of wind and rain. :D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 02:00:13 PM: NUNSENSE played at our local Cabaret Theater, before we moved here :(. We saw the sequel and found it to be mediocre. :-\
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 02:02:12 PM: Jane, glad to hear your Nephew is doing well. Scary stuff these storms. Just goes to prove you never know what they are going to do.

You must have been tired to sleep through that siren! Thank goodness your alright and here to tell the tale!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 02:03:36 PM: Ken Mandelbaum and I must have gotten the same DVDs in the mail recently. He reviewed a DVD I talked about here several days ago (the Mary Martin-Ethel Merman excerpt DVD from the Ford 50th Anniversary Show), and he also reviewed the Steve Martin PENNIES FROM HEAVEN which I got this week but haven't gotten around to yet. Looking forward to seeing it as I always thought, despite some reservations, that it was ahead of its time. Yep, know it was based on a British miniseries, but nothing like it had been seen in the USA before. Perhaps that's why it did so poorly when it was released.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 02:07:38 PM: Okay so I went back to the same library (they called about a book). And behind the desk were FOUR librarians, one of which was the one who gave me the hard time the other day.

Anyhow, I just knew that she would be the one to serve me (even though I didn't wait in her line).

Well she was REALLY nice. And she must have remembered me.

Totally weird. She even made a point to say that I am next for 6 books I reserved. And that she hoped I didn't get them all at once (which I probably will).
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 02:09:16 PM: Danise I kept dosing in and out. It really is difficult to sleep with the rain and wind hitting so many windows. I remember thinking if the tree starts to fall on me and the windows shatter I will roll under the bed. The mind works in mysterious ways, or should I say doesn’t work, when it becomes overly exhausted. I assure you I was in the basement during the next big storm. ;D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 02:10:08 PM: Jennifer I think from now on you shall get good service at the library.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 02:15:51 PM: It's Friday the 13th and last I looked we were 13 posts from 60,000. Spooky....
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 02:21:54 PM: I will fix that!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jrand74 on August 13, 2004, 02:22:20 PM: Thank you, Thing - a Morticia Addams reference.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2004, 02:25:31 PM: I had a whitefish salad sandwich on an "everything" bagel for lunch today. Isn't that exciting? Isn't that too too?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 02:26:53 PM: I forgot to tell you that I had given Bear some Anxiety drops (kinda like Rescue Remedy) that I bought at the vet the last time.

Bear went to bed with me with I took my nap but he still isn't up! Good for him, poor baby. He's safe and sleeping peacefully.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:27:39 PM: 7 MORE TO GO TO 60,000!!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:30:52 PM: Bruce, is your Dear Daugher going to be able to see "What If?"?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 02:31:06 PM: For Panni, the beautiful Parliament building in Budapest.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:34:21 PM: BK, one more question (even though it's not Ask BK Day), IF (hopefully that'll actually be a "when") you are able to get money to record "What If," would you insist on recording the whole show, or would you make it a single disc recording and not have everything from the show be on the recording? Just curious.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 02:34:41 PM: I had fun at the castle! :)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:36:31 PM: Okay, I have to do this: TWO!!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:36:45 PM: ONE!!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:37:03 PM: [move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]60,000!!!!!!!!![/move]
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on August 13, 2004, 02:37:30 PM: Quote from: DERBRUCER on August 13, 2004, 09:13:26 AM
Shucks...I was already to pounce! >:(

der not-deLeon Brucer (Who eschews mispellings and missuses on principal)

Hoo-hoo! You one funny fellah!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 02:43:45 PM: Hoo and ray to all of us for our new landmark. Now, it's on to 65 and then 70,000 postings.

Daughter will, most likely, see the show on its closing weekend. We're getting lovely reports about last night - not everyone loved everything, but overall they really loved most of it, and what people don't love varies from person to person and is the nature of doing a non-themed revue - some songs connect better with some people and not as good with others. So far, we've got about a half-house tonight and I'm hoping we can get more than that by curtain.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:44:06 PM: Look, it's official:
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 02:46:20 PM: DR Jane, why will I get good service?

I would have thought they would hate me.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 02:47:09 PM: 60,000!!!

(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/party/party-smiley-049.gif)(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/party/party-smiley-049.gif)(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/party/party-smiley-049.gif)(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/party/party-smiley-049.gif)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 02:47:14 PM: How did you do that, George?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 02:48:32 PM: Wow, great DR George. You did it! And you even have the picture to prove it!

Congrats to HHW for 60, 000 posts!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Sandra on August 13, 2004, 02:49:41 PM: Woo hoo! 60,000 posts!

We are having a dust storm, which is kind of the opposite of a hurricane.

We are also watching Dr. Phil.

That's it.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 02:51:49 PM: What If--a dust storm hit a hurricane? Instant mud! I wouldn't want to clean up that mess! :)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:52:38 PM: Quote from: Danise on August 13, 2004, 02:47:14 PM
How did you do that, George?

I went to the page that had that information (the HHW "Home" button), I then hit the "Print Screen" button on my keyboard, called up Microsoft Photo Editor (any graphic editing program will do...once you know how to use it), I went to "Edit" and selected "Paste As New Image" and cropped it to a size that wasn't too big. I then saved it as a .jpg (probably the most common image format) and attached it to a message. Simple!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 02:54:20 PM: Jennifer because they now remember you as a "regular". You may have been persistent, but you were nice.

Budapest is such a beautiful city and I have the photos to prove it. Since I can’t nor do you want me to, post all of them I am having a difficult time deciding which to post.

This sure has been an exciting day! :D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 02:54:53 PM: Quote from: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 02:48:32 PM
Wow, great DR George. You did it! And you even have the picture to prove it!

Congrats to HHW for 60, 000 posts!

CONGRATS TO ALL OF US FOR MAKING HHW THE MOST POPULAR SITE ON THE INTERNET!!

And Thanks, BK, for making the never-ending journey a fun one!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 03:00:33 PM: This is a test post.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 03:02:41 PM: Why?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: elmore3003 on August 13, 2004, 03:06:15 PM: DRGeorge, thanks for pushing us over!

Dear Friend BK, I want you to do more stage direction. I've worked with the halt, the lame and the maimed, and I think with your savvy and love for the material, you'd be great directing musicals. I think word of mouth on your show from last night is going to bring in more audience tonight, and I hope it helps te whole weekend.

DR Jane, I loved the photo; you look lke you're waiting for Rutger Hauer to carry you and your falcon in legend. Bring on the dancing gypsies! f
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 03:09:51 PM: Another view of the Parliament building.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 03:13:36 PM: I was going to stop, but since elmore asked for dancing gypsies…..
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Tomovoz on August 13, 2004, 03:18:17 PM: Thank you for the great photos Jane. I haven't been to Budapest since 1973. (I must have been a very young child!).
Congratulations to all and of course the sundried.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: elmore3003 on August 13, 2004, 03:19:44 PM: Quote from: Jane on August 13, 2004, 03:13:36 PM
I was going to stop, but since elmore asked for dancing gypsies…..

In troth, fair damsel, they are nigh! What ho, indeed!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 03:20:01 PM: Thanks, George. I wasn't sure how that was done. :)

More Budapest pictures, Jane!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 03:23:32 PM: Now or shall I just post a few a day?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 03:24:57 PM: Quote from: Jane on August 13, 2004, 03:02:41 PM
Why?

The short answer is that I was having a Twilight Zone moment! :o
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 03:27:23 PM: Now and a few a day! :-)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 03:27:55 PM: I posted Reply #150 (for today) and it didn't show up. I reposted and there were TWO posts! I deleted one and they BOTH went away! I posted my test post and my Post #150 stayed (finally) as did the test post. Pretty freaky! :-\
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 03:33:21 PM: Okay, one more.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 03:35:06 PM: George, yes-sounds like a Twilight Zone moment to me. ;D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 03:46:31 PM: Quote from: Jane on August 13, 2004, 02:54:20 PM
Jennifer because they now remember you as a "regular". You may have been persistent, but you were nice.

Ha. Okay I like your version better.

Um, actually I'm pretty sure she thought I wasn't nice (rhymes with witch). :)

Anyone gonna watch the Olympics tonight?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 03:51:35 PM: DR Jane, looking at that pic, right beside the younger version of you two is so neat. Wow. Great pics.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jennifer on August 13, 2004, 03:59:43 PM: I am so frustrated. Anybody else having problems with hotmail today?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Sandra on August 13, 2004, 04:00:56 PM: Quote from: Danise on August 13, 2004, 02:51:49 PM
What If--a dust storm hit a hurricane? Instant mud! I wouldn't want to clean up that mess! :)

Hey, I said that to my mom! :D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Michael on August 13, 2004, 04:15:54 PM: Have guests from out of town. We are going to see a regional production of Take Me out and in the DVD player we have Buckaroo Bonzai.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 04:21:02 PM: Thanks Jennifer.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 04:22:43 PM: OH! I did meet Bing Crosby's grandson last night!

Phil Crosby (http://www.philcrosby.com)

The wonders and joys of Google-ing!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 04:23:12 PM: My mail was lukewarm today. Hence I didn't have any problem with hot mail.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 04:23:36 PM: -Now I just have to remember who else I met and was introduced to last night! ;)

Time to get ready for tonight's show...

Laters...
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 04:23:46 PM: Quote from: Sandra on August 13, 2004, 04:00:56 PM
Hey, I said that to my mom! :D

Great minds, Sandra. What else can I say? :)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Danise on August 13, 2004, 04:26:54 PM: Good vibes for the show tonight, you guys!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DERBRUCER on August 13, 2004, 04:31:02 PM: Quote from: George on August 13, 2004, 03:27:55 PM
Pretty freaky! :-\

And on a Friday - (a Mary Rodgers reference)

der Brucer (I eagerly await the start of our Weird Romance)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 04:36:41 PM: Quote from: Sandra on August 13, 2004, 04:00:56 PM
Hey, I said that to my mom! :D

Funny minds think alike. ;D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 04:38:41 PM: Jose - Sudden silly memory. One of the Crosby boys was (is?) married to a lady musclebuilder. I think her name is something like "Spice."
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 04:48:47 PM: I just read my horoscope for the month and am having a good laugh. It says I need to stop living in the fast lane. Keith’s says his soul is craving for adventure. I told him maybe I should stay home and he should take my upcoming adventure, the big trip on the bus. ;D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on August 13, 2004, 04:52:34 PM: Swell hawk, DR Jane! And great pictures.

We are off with DRs Kerry and MusicGuy to a reading of a new play here in town. We will be having pasta for dinner beforehand. Isn't that just too-too?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 05:13:49 PM: I tried listening to Phil Cosby but he kept stuttering. Did anyone else have the same problem?

Did his father die recently? Maybe it was an uncle.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 05:17:55 PM: Thanks DRLaura and pasta sounds yummy. Have fun and say hi to Kerry & MusicGuy.
Keith is about to make Thai food. :)
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: George on August 13, 2004, 05:22:21 PM: Quote from: Jane on August 13, 2004, 05:13:49 PM
I tried listening to Phil Cosby but he kept stuttering. Did anyone else have the same problem?

I did, too. There are two ways that I deal with this:

1) Right click on the link, choose "Save Target As..." and save it to your computer hard drive, then play it from your computer. You can delete it any time.

2) Click on the link to play the clip and as soon as the media player pops up and starts to play, click "pause" or "stop" and let the file load into the player (you can see the bar change color to show how much is loading). After most of it has loaded, THEN hit play and it should be okay.

Helpful hints from Heloise (wannabe) ;D
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Tomovoz on August 13, 2004, 05:27:38 PM: No doubt you are missing that Parisian fellow. He is having difficulty logging on to HHW but can read the posts. DR Kerry had the same problem a few weeks back.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 05:32:41 PM: I shall be leaving for the theater very soon and will, of course, have a full report for you when I arrive back at the home environment.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: MBarnum on August 13, 2004, 05:44:20 PM: DR Jane, I am loving the Budapest photos! And that hawk is cool!

Just woke up from a 2 hour nap! Whew! Don't know why I was so tired, but I was.

Good wishes for another successful show tonight BK and Jose!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 05:44:54 PM: bk - Merde!

Jane - Great photos of the old hometown.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 05:48:55 PM: George thanks for the tip but I found an easier solution-“Keith, come here”. ;D It worked very well. Only one problem, Phil Crosby sounded horrible-a bit off key. :-\ He was cute though.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 05:51:37 PM: Thank you Panni and MBarnum. It is truly a beautiful city. I wish there had been more time to explore it.

I did like the hawke. It was a beautiful sight to see him fly over the castle.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jane on August 13, 2004, 07:25:51 PM: Can it be possible, no post since I was last here?

IN AMERICA waits for me in my DVD player.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Tomovoz on August 13, 2004, 07:29:54 PM: Viewing tonight may now be a revisit to VCR of "Nunsense". This site can influence so much.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2004, 07:53:30 PM: About to tune into the Olympics opening ceremony.

I'm anticipating two minutes of commercials for every minute of ceremony. East Coasters: am I on track?
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 08:01:39 PM: Quote from: bk on August 13, 2004, 11:45:24 AM
... It's all nit-picky stuff, but I'm a perfectionist and so is Tammy, and I know there is stuff still to be mined from that number. I think we came up with some useful things and Tammy is wonderful in addressing notes. I don't even know if the changes will be all that noticable, but they will help the number land better - at least I'm pretty certain they will....
And that is exactly why you're so good at what you do, BK!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: td on August 13, 2004, 08:10:59 PM: [move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]BIRTHDAY AND BREAK A LEG WISHES ! ! ! ! [/move] In the dvd player:
KATE & LEOPOLD- time-travel comedy made palatable by the exquisitely charming performance of Hugh Jackman, who incidentally wears the same lavender sweater onstage in THE BOY FROM OZ that he wears here. Good support from Leiv Shrieber and the guy from THE WEST WING. An "ick" factor arises if you think of the complications of Kate settling down with Leopold. . .there's some sort of incest going on. . .ickk!
on the dvd player:
SWORDFISH - no, i don't really need to see Halle's mammaries, but, it's Hugh and it was only $10.
SOMEONE LIKE YOU - Jackman romances Ashley Judd, chaos ensues. I saw this once a while ago, and wasn't too too excited, maybe another try will do it.
KILL BILL VOLUME 2 - was thrilled by the first, but, haven't found the time to put this one in and give it a go.
CHAINED FOR LIFE - from Alpha video, the divine Daisy and Violet Hilton, co-joined twins, perform songs, get romanced and go on trial for murder.

In the vcr:
DREAMERS - my cabaret which I am copying for a friend.
On the vcr:
SONGS IN THE DARK - another of my cabarets which I am copying for a friend.

In the cd player:
ADLER, BOCK, COLEMAN - S.T.A.G.E.'s salute to those composers, with an extremely overwrought delivery of "Where Am I Going?" from Davis Gaines.
THE PAJAMA GAME - with Ron Raines and Judy Kaye and every note that those composers wrote.
LEE LESSACK SINGS JOHNNY MERCER - that voice with that lyricist equals absolute heaven.
PETER ALLEN THE BOY FROM DOWN UNDER - recent tie-in compilation of the original recordings of many of the songs used in
THE BOY FROM OZ - original Broadway cast recording, Hugh's voice is tired, but, the emotional center is still there.
WICKED - original Broadway cast recording. Still haven't tired of it.
THE FIVE PENNIES - original soundtrack featuring Danny Kaye.
MARY KAY PLACE THE AHERN SESSIONS - totally delightful country album from the costar of MARY HARTMAN MARY HARTMAN, featuring that show's breakaway hit, "Baby Boy."
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 08:13:04 PM: Boy,a really lowkey day in the Carolinas. We've been kind of bracing for the onslaught of anything Charley has to offer and tomorrow promises to be messy.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 08:15:18 PM: Very bummed tonight. One of my co-workers is a bitch. All right, it's the same one as before. Still, a bummer.

We won't have to worry about watching Kill Bill out of order. We picked up Volume One today, while der B was checking out high-def widescreen TVs.

Televisions.

Not transvestites.

And Dead Zone, Season Two is out, and on our to-watch-(again) shelf.

While we were out, we bought a roast chicken, pretty good, then made mashed taters, mushroom gravy, and doctored some Stovetop Stuffing with celery. I'm full enough for now.

And I'm feeling like wussburgering.

Toodles.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 08:15:47 PM: I got that soundtrack of THE FIVE PENNIES last week, but haven't found time to listen to it at all. Something to look forward to in the week ahead.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: td on August 13, 2004, 08:17:07 PM: Quote from: Matt H. on August 13, 2004, 08:15:47 PM
I got that soundtrack of THE FIVE PENNIES last week, but haven't found time to listen to it at all. Something to look forward to in the week ahead.

I got that soundtrack of THE FIVE PENNIES last week, too!
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: PennyO on August 13, 2004, 08:17:23 PM: The What If gang will be at this moment lighting up the stage once more - what a wonderful bunch of posts about the show!! May it be held over and move to 45th Street before the end of the year!!! Congratulations, all who labored so lovingly on it!!!

Jane, love the pix!! Especially the hawk!!!!! And the pic of you and keith. Looks like a swell place.

Hot here tonight. Hope Florida HHW friends are all okay. Back to sleep...
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: S. Woody White on August 13, 2004, 08:19:27 PM: Before I forget:

Car CD player: Musical of Musicals, or whatever it's called. Very funny stuff (and good proof that the CD player works well in the car), but we're both worried that after a few playings all the jokes will be stale, same as we found with the CD for Avenue Q.

On the other hand, co-worker Chris returned the Rebecca Luker/Cole Porter CD, so I can enjoy that for myself again. He rather liked it, but doesn't know enough about Porter to compare...yet. I've got my work cut out for me.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: td on August 13, 2004, 08:30:11 PM: Speaking of Rebecca Luker, has anyone heard her new cd? I didn't buy it in NYC, opting for Lee Lessack, but her cd has a duet of "Wick" with Alison Fraser. . .
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Jay on August 13, 2004, 08:40:57 PM: Hmmm. Not an hour into the ceremony and yet we've already had a nearly naked man doing an aerial stunt to the conclusion of Mahler's 3rd Symphony. I'm in.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Michael on August 13, 2004, 09:36:20 PM: Home from Take Me Out. What a wonderful play. Wonderfully acted. Sebastian LaCause has acting chops. He's not just another pretty face. The entire cast was top notch. The Caldwell Theater company has put on a wonderful production. After extending a month it closes this Sunday. Also top notch were Michael Shelton, Gary Cowling (in the role that won Dennis O'Hare a tony) and Michael Polak. It is interesting that most of the actors don't look anything like theie headshots.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Michael on August 13, 2004, 09:36:54 PM: Well off to bed.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: Panni on August 13, 2004, 10:48:39 PM: What if somebody saw WHAT IF? two nights in a row?
Well, I just did. And I enjoyed it even more tonight. I invited some friends, one of whom is a journalist. He's going to review the show (which he really liked) for The Jerusalem Post. WHAT IF? goes international.
I heard lots of glowing comments as people left. My journalist friend's wife is from Israel and still has quite a thick accent. She said that usually she misses quite a bit, especially in comedies. But in this show she said she got almost everything. A great compliment to Mr. Kimmel and the gang.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: bk on August 13, 2004, 11:14:53 PM: I'm back but must eat something before I drop. Great Act One tonight, Act Two a let-down for me and the audience because one of the gags at the top of the Act was so mis-handled it was almost embarrassing. I do NOT like when actors change things on their own, and I have designed this show to work in a certain specific way. So, when the top of the act got changed and was unfunny it really set a bad tone and I don't think the act ever recovered from it, despite some wonderful reactions to certain songs. I'm still tinkering with a couple of ideas, and I'm happy to report that the work we did on Tammy's song paid off very well and the reaction, while not perfect, was many times better and will get better as she gets used to playing this new way.
Title: Re:OPENING NIGHT
Post by: JoseSPiano on August 13, 2004, 11:52:56 PM: I'm back from the show too, and I've already had some food myself - a nice bowl of cereal.

It was a good show tonight, and a very good audience. I, too, felt that the second act was a little off, but I was also dealing with sweat running into my eyes since the A/C didn't seem to be working properly. Since I'm the only instrument, I had to find creative ways and times to get a chance to get a hand up to my eye and give it a gentle swipe. Thankfully, once the Coming Attractions started, that gave me a nice bit of time to take the Kleenex out of my pocket and clear my brow. No major harm done, but just feeling that one drop of sweat sitting right at the "top" of my nose got really annoying after a while. ;)

After the show, the publicist informed me that there was a gentleman waiting for me in the Cafe next door. Hmm..??? Well, once I stepped next door, I recognized him as one of the board members from Arena Stage in DC, and his wife is on the board of Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA - both places I've worked at many times. They just happened to be in town for some vacation. This was their last night in L.A., and they came across a listing for What If? So they took a chance, and headed over to the Hudson Theatre. Yet another case of "Small World".

They brought one of their daughters with them, and since she was basically raised in the theatre, she got all the jokes. They're supposed to fly back tomorrow morning, but their plans may change according to how Charley ends up travelling up the eastern seaboard. I wish them Safe Travel Vibes.

Well, I need to get up early tomorrow since tomorrow will me moving day for me. My friend's landlord graciously let me stay past the two-week limit that's stipulated in his lease. But I'll be staying with another friend for the next few weeks, and then I'll probably end up back here towards closing.

Goodnight.