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Well, you've read the notes, you know all there is to know to a point beyond infinity, and now you are ready to post until the very cows come home on this very day.
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Emile: Kevin Spacey
Nellie: Mrs Broderick
Cable: Mr Broderick
Luther: Nathan Lane
Bloody Mary: Dame Edna or Harvey.
Liat: The current pop star of the month.
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I shall refrain from mentioning Glenn and Harry or Mandy and Dame Kiri.
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RECOIL ALERT - DISGUSTING PICTURES TO FOLLOW
Noel, from yesternight:
I hope you don't mean the Westin, which occupies the northeast corner of 42nd & 8th, and has its entrance on 43rd. There's no doubt that this is the ugliest building built in New York in the past 15-20 years. It looks as if the architect's kindergartner drew a building with crayons and the architect said "I can do better than this" and failed. The so-called "clean-up" of Times Square has made it an uglier place, but new and large buildings make for a world of possibilities. The Westin squanders these with silliness.
Can someone post pictures? You'll all recoil!
STANDBY
OUTSIDE THE "Beam Me Up, Scotty" LOBBY
(http://www.westinnewyork.com/gallery/images/nyExteriorLrg.jpg) (http://www.westinnewyork.com/gallery/images/nyAtriumLrg.jpg)
der Brucer (and to think, I thought Noel was exaggerating!)
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TOD
Emile: Peter Boyle
Nellie: Rosie O'Donnell
Cable: Boy George
Luthur: Tom Arnold
Bloody Mary: Roseanne Barr
Liat: Clay Aiken
der Brucer
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From Cheap Tickets (http://www.cheaptickets.com/trs/cheaptickets/accommodations/room_selection.xsl#photos)
The Quality Hotel Times Square
157 W. 47th St.
Quality Hotel Times Square are...right smack in the heart of the city, in the middle of where its all happening. The Rockefeller Center, the night life, the restaurants, the shops of Fifth Avenue , all steps from the lobby of our hotel. The calm at the center of the city's storm is the sanctuary that is your room or suite...where every comfort is yours to enjoy in peace and quiet.
Each room features color cable TV, phones with Data ports, modern bathrooms and comfortable furnishings. Our handsome accommodations all have sitting rooms for entertaining, relaxing or for a small business meeting.
Room rate for 1 4-8 Dec $285.00/nite
der Brucer (I know not the establishment, but have had good luck booking thru CheapTickets in the past)
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Emile - James Belushi
Nellie - Julie Newmar
Luther - Michael Moore
Or, we can have Tom Hanks play ALL the roles! Ain't motion capture just marvy?
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For today's casting session, I think the Glenn Close telemuddle counts as a lack of imagination. :P We can do much better than that!
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Speaking of Tom Hanks, does anyone out there have an opinion about Saving Private Ryan being pulled from broadcast yesterday in some areas because some station owners thought they might get fined by the FCC?
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Good morning, al! I'm getting quite excited about Dear Friend BK's eastern trek to read to us. It's been too long since we've been in a room together, and I can't wait to read the new book.
DRSWW, I have to agree with you: the Glenn Close tv version was miscast on so many levels. When there are so many roles she more right for (and the correct age for), it's strange she was set on playing Nurse Nellie Forbush.
Can I top that casting? I doubt it, but let's see:
NELLIE: Bette Midler
EMIL: Carl Reiner
LIAT: Ashley Simpson
BLOODY MARY: Barbra Streisand
CABLE: Cuba Gooding, Jr.
BILLIS: Alfred Molina
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First, a big welcome back to DR Panni! I didn't get a chance to do it last night.
DR TomovOz mentioned last night the news item that Lloyd Webber's THE WOMAN IN WHITE will be coming to Broadway in November 2005. While it may very well get here, I'm not holding my breath. None of his shows after SUNSET BLVD. (well, I guess BY JEEVES might count though he didn't produce the American production) have come over, and given the lackluster reviews the NYC critics gave the London production, this may be more bombast than actual plans. JERRY SPRINGER THE MUSICAL was also announced as coming here, and it has yet to materialize, and the last London transfer BOMBAY DREAMS (a Lloyd Webber production though he didn't write it) is still limping along at the Broadway, but it's going to eventually close at a huge loss.
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I think the thing I disliked most about the Glenn Close SOUTH PACIFIC was the handling of the music. I could take the leads, even Close though she was too old, but I didn't think any of their voices did the score justice.
My bad SOUTH PACIFIC:
Nellie: Liza Minnelli
Emile: Neil Patrick Harris
Cable: (as always) Mickey Rooney
Bloody Mary: Cameron Diaz
Luther Billis: Tom Cruise
Liat: Angela Lansbury
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Since the arrival of BROADWAY: THE GOLDEN AGE threw a wrench in my DVD plans for yesterday, I'm looking forward to watching INDISCREET today.
Also will be spending much time with the accordian.
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(and to think, I thought Noel was exaggerating!)
Nope, understating, as usual.
Thanks for posting that, Der Brucer.
I'd say Brian Stokes Mitchell as Emile but, you know, that's actually happening. At Carnegie Hall.
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BK - May I add a vote to the hotel question for Comfort Inn-Midtown? I stayed there last month on the recommendation of several friends from work and was not disappointed. My room wasn't large (about the size of our breakfast room at home), but quite comfortable. It's right off Times Square, but not one of the mega-monstrosities.
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Also will be spending much time with the accordian.
::scrathces head::
::mutters about "there has to be a dirty hook in there somewhere::
:: exits in contemplation::
der Brucer
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::scrathces head::
::mutters about "there has to be a dirty hook in there somewhere::
:: exits in contemplation::
der Brucer
This is what happens when "somepeople" prefer to use "other people's" newer, better, computer - and fail to log out!
der now-logged-in Brucer
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ATTENTION - A REAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
The Long Beach PressTelegram (http://www.presstelegram.com/Stories/0,1413,204~21474~2531677,00.html) reports, in part:
Old Hollywood sign on eBay
Emblem for 50 years put up on eBay on Friday.
By Brent Hopkins
Staff writer
Friday, November 12, 2004 - Like an aging matinee idol trying to make a buck doing commercials, the original Hollywood sign has returned, chopped into bits and put up for sale on eBay.
Erected in 1923 as part of a real estate development, the audacious beacon of Tinseltown stood for more than 50 years as the entertainment industry's pre-eminent emblem. After crews knocked it down in 1978 to pave the way for the current sign, it sat collecting dust in a Burbank warehouse until Friday, when it went up for sale on the online auction site.
"This is the granddaddy of all collectibles," said Dan Bliss, a West Los Angeles producer who recently acquired the sign with the intent of selling it. "This epitomizes the entertainment industry. It's an icon; it's beyond words."
…
Figuring the Internet would prove a more fertile sales ground, Bliss took it apart to sell it piece by piece. The largest five will sell on eBay, with the first, a slice of the W, posted Friday at noon. Within hours, it was already fetching bids of more than $500.
…
"There's just something about the Hollywood sign where people just want a chunk of it," said Chris Horak, curator of the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, which will display pieces during the auction and receive 10 percent of the profits. "To own a piece of that, you really own a piece of Hollywood."
We should take a page from the Church of Yore:
Celebrity Reliquaries!
Tasteful jeweled cases for selected remains of the stars.
Durante's nose, Groucho's eyebrows, a Donald O'Connor ear...the potential is mind-boggling!
Or better yet - a jeweled casket holding Mr. Bliss's greedy palm 8)
der Brucer
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I'd say Brian Stokes Mitchell as Emile but, you know, that's actually happening. At Carnegie Hall.
And next month, Clay Aiken as "Porgy"?
der Brucer
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I remember sitting in Joe Allen with Susan Egan, probably back when Ragtime was playing on Broadway - 1996-7 or something like that. Stokes stopped by and said hi to Susan, and we'd been talking about South Pacific and how great she'd be as Nellie - and she said to him, if I do it you have to be Emile. And now he will be.
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Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in Los Angeles, California, USA, and today is all rainy and gray. This is all very very unusual, weather-wise.
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Today started out that way here: gray, cold, damp. The skies have now cleared, and we're going to have a gorgeous fall day.
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Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in Los Angeles, California, USA, and today is all rainy and gray. This is all very very unusual, weather-wise.
G_d's punishment for chopping up the Hollywood sign!
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Noel I remembered and I thought of you as I walked through Times Square. Where I was there in the evening with my nieces they both said “we have to get out of here”. They love NY but not Times Square, especially at night.
Penny O and I had fun walking through some of the beautiful old hotels.
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For a good laugh we should have walked through the lobby at the Westin.
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Today started out that way here: gray, cold, damp. The skies have now cleared, and we're going to have a gorgeous fall day.
Folks'd be a lot happier if you put the ballots back!
Headline from an AP News Release (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,138455,00.html)
RALEIGH, N.C. — A Florida-style nightmare has unfolded in North Carolina in the 10 days since Election Day, with thousands of votes missing and the outcome of two statewide races still up in the air.
der Brucer (favorite movie line: Put The Candle Back!)
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Penny O and I had fun walking through some of the beautiful old hotels.
It was wise of you to take an armed escort :)
der Brucer
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I was at Grand Hotel last night, Dear BK. I believe you will be impressed.
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Unless catastrophe strikes, I do believe we will pass the 75,000 post milestone today.
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Yes, normally I've been doing our milestones every ten thousand posts, but 75,000 is nothing to sneeze at and we shall have a mini-celebration.
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HEY - stop dissing the Westin. I stayed there on my last trip to NYC, while it's ugly, huge, impersonal, it's got a great bed! The "Heavenly Bed" as they call it. And after my red-eye flight to NYC, (on Jet-Blue which of course is faboo) the "Heavenly Bed" certainly was heavenly. They also had what they called the "Heavenly Shower" which I didn't think was that heavenly. All in all, it was a lovely place to stay!
I'll take a stab at casting "South Pacific" although, seems like through the Kiri recording and the Glenn Close version, it's already been done.
On second thought, maybe I won't.
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Ummm... is this where I type
"SECOND PAGE DANCE"
????
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NELLIE: Carol Channing
EMIL: Dom DeLuise
LIAT: Jessye Norman
BLOODY MARY: Maggie Smith
CABLE: Jackie Mason
BILLIS: Richard Simmons
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THE DAILY LEVITY
WOMEN ARE SO CRUEL
Marriage - Part I
Typical macho man married typical good-looking lady and after the wedding, he laid down the following rules:
"I'll be home when I want, if I want and at what time I want and I don't expect any hassle from you. I expect a great dinner to be on table unless I tell you that I won't be home for dinner. I'll go
hunting, fishing, boozing and card-playing when I want with my old buddies and don't you give me a hard time about it. Those are my rules.
Any comments?"
His new bride said, "No, that's fine with me. Just understand that there will be sex here at seven o'clock every night ......... whether you're here or not."
(DAMM SHE'S GOOD!)
************************************
Marriage (Part II)
Husband and wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th wedding anniversary!
The husband yells, "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads:
"Here Lies My Wife - Cold As Ever "
"Yeah?" she replies. "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads:
"Here Lies My Husband Stiff At Last"
(HE ASKED FOR IT!)
******************************
Marriage (Part III)
Husband (a doctor) and his wife are having a fight at the breakfast table.
Husband gets up in a rage and says, "And you are no good in bed either," and storms out of the house.
After sometime, he realizes he was nasty and decides to make amends and rings her up. She comes to the phone after many rings, and the irritated husband says, "what took you so long to answer the phone?
She says, "I was in bed."
"In bed this early, doing what?"
"Getting a second opinion!"
(YEP, HE HAD THAT ONE COMING, TOO!)
******************************************
Marriage (Part IV)
A man has six children and is very proud of his achievement. He is so proud of himself, that he starts calling his wife, "Mother of Six" in spite of her objections.
One night, they go to a party. The man decides that it's time to go home and wants to find out if his wife is ready to leave as well. He shouts at the top of his voice, "Shall we go home 'Mother of Six?'
His wife, irritated by her husband's lack of discretion, shouts right
back, "Anytime you're ready, Father of Four."
(RIGHT ON, LADY!)
**************************************
Marriage (Part V) The Silent Treatment
A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it.
The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.
The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.
God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece.
der Brucer (and I do not approve of the sentiments expressed above)
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Such missable productions of SOUTH PACIFIC have already been put forth, but I shall try my worst!
Emile: Alex Trebek
Nellie: Anne Robinson
Bloody Mary: Rose Marie
Liat: Vanna White
Cable: Tom Bergeron
Luther: Bob Barker
Bali Hai Girls: Barker's Beauties
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Excellent casting suggestions. Here are some of mine:
Nellie: Harvey Fierstein
Emile: Michael Crawford
Bloody Mary: Patti Lupone
Cable: Eminem
Liat: Judy Kaye
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Speaking of Tom Hanks, does anyone out there have an opinion about Saving Private Ryan being pulled from broadcast yesterday in some areas because some station owners thought they might get fined by the FCC?
By Saving Private Ryan do you mean the film that has already been broadcast not once but twice? The film that portrays heroism on the part of members of our armed forces? The film that realistically portrays the gruesome aspects of combat?
By the FCC do you mean that Federal organization--whose funding comes out of your pockets and mine--that has a conniption any time a breast is exposed on TV or someone mutters the F-word, but is silent when it comes to the networks' abdication of the community service and children's programming responsibilities that are part of their licence to use the airwaves?
I wonder if the stations that chose not to broadcast the film filled the air time instead with "more wholesome" fare from their "reality" show repertoire, in which participants perform demoralizing behavior in public or in which spouses are swapped or in which publicity-hungry individuals with no shame go through puerile machinations so they can exchange marital vows with, essentially, a total stranger. Or maybe they chose instead to run one of those forensic reenactment shows, in which violence is glorified and the foul language is conveniently bleeped though only a fool would not know what words were being edited out.
Do I have an opinion? Guess! (Oh. A Follies reference.)
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Excellent casting suggestions. Here are some of mine:
Nellie: Harvey Fierstein
Emile: Michael Crawford
Bloody Mary: Patti Lupone
Cable: Eminem
Liat: Judy Kaye
Saving Mandy Patinkin and Betty Buckley as understudies, I presume.
der Brucer
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SERBRUCER,
When I officially moved to Hollywood in '78 (I had been down in Orange County doing my show with Maggie Raye previous to that), my apartment on Beachwood Drive had a view of the Hollywood Sign. They began tearing it down the day I moved in and I watched the new one go up.
As far as Hollywood memorabilia goes, the old barn that Cecil B. CeMille shot the first Hollywood movie in, The Squaw Man, was moved from the Paramount lot to a parking lot on
Argyle between Yucca & Hollywood Blvd. where it sat for a couple of years. and was close to my second apartment on Ivar (across from the Alto Nido where Nathaniel West wrote DAY OF THE LOCUSTS...I think about the courtyard bungalows I lived in). On one of my many jaunts past the place, I picked up a shingle that had fallen off the landmark...which I still have today.
The Barn now sits on Highland across from the Hollywood Bowl and, I believe, is a small museum about Hollywood's early days. I was in it only once when acquaintance Kathy Orrison had a book signing for her bio of Henry Wilcoxon, who I had got to know in his last years before his death. Actually one of Wilcoxon's old ash-trays for his pipe sits on my desk here in the office, which is full of change. I also have a set of smoked cordial glasses that were his and a few of his books.
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Henry Wilcoxon. I didn't know that a biography had been written. Oh my!
The ALto Nido - is that where William Holden's character Joe Gillis lived at the beginning of SUNSET BOULEVARD.
Has anyone else noticed that the producer in SB was named Sheldrake, as was a character in another Billy Wilder comedy THE APARTMENT. I wonder why Billy liked the name so much? Any DR know?
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RIP Ed Kemmer. :'(
We have lost Commander Buzz Corey.
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I'd say Brian Stokes Mitchell as Emile but, you know, that's actually happening. At Carnegie Hall.
I know he's popular and I hear he's a nice guy, but I'm tired of second-rate baritones in first-rate baritone parts.
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It was wise of you to take an armed escort :)
der Brucer
LOL-I assure you it was the last thing I was thinking about.
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LOL! I thought the Westin looked very nice! But I am likely in the minority.
Very sad about Ed Kemmer. I wrote him a nice letter a few years back and sent him some photos to sign, which he did...and I got a nice letter back from him telling me how his role in HONG KONG CONFIDENTIAL (starring Ms. Allison Hayes) was cut down to bare bones...he also wanted me to find him a copy of his HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE episode (which I never did find).
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My nephew Jeffrey is trying to get home from Iraq for his leave...but he is stuck in Mosul because of the dust (!) and all the fighting. Hopefully he will get home in time for Turkey day with his folks in Medford.
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Good travel vibes to MBARNUM'S nephew.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Good afternoon all!
Well my cold/flu has now turned into a sore throat/cold. :(
Rented a dvd today, RAISING HELEN. I really like Kate Hudson. While at my video store I was told I have 5 more free videos that I must use before 2005. Yeah, I love free videos!
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Interesting bio on Ed Kemmer, unless JRand found a better one. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/entertainment/10174103.htm?1c
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I got up at 7am today to be one of the first 200 customers at Sears. They were giving away $10 gift cards. Between us and others who met us there, we got $70 worth of cards. And I now have $20 of free money to spend myself. Yeah!
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I did not have to sign in to read that earlier. I wish I had copied it.
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Jennifer I guess a good deal wasn’t going to keep you down. :D Feel better.
MBarnum will you get to see your nephew when he makes it home?
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Ed Kemmer said he took the role as Cmdr. Buzz Corry seriously.
"I played it as straight as I could," he told the Columbus Dispatch in 1994. "You don't play down to children. A lot of shows make that mistake. Kids see through that right away."
Kemmer said the show was his most important work. "One engineer at NASA told me that he first got interested in space because of our show,"
He spent 11 months in a German prisoner of war camp during World War II after his P-51 fighter plane was shot down over France in 1944. He and others in the POW camp staged plays, and after the war he studied acting.
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Yes, Alto Nido is where William tears out of at the opening of Sunset Blvd. I was wrong, West resided in the Parva Sed Apt which was right across the street but you can see both it and my old apts in that Shot as Holden tears down Ivar.
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Nellie: Celine Dion
Emile: Michael Bolton
Bloody Mary: Mariah Carey
Cable: Ricky Martin
Liat: Clay Aiken
Luther: Julio Iglesias
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I think I shall visit the park later today.
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I like this one better.
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Nellie:DR Jennifer
Emile: DR Michael Shayne
Bloody Mary: DR Danise
Cable: DR Barnum
Liat: DR Jane
Luther: DR Tomovoz
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I would have no problem with the role François.
I need the work. I'm just about to to leave to get my tattoo or 3. Is that a "Fantasy Island" reference ?
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Hi François, missed you.
I’m not sure if I was just complimented or insulted ;D, either way I’m glad you are back :D
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[size=20]South Pacific[/size]
The "Your Favorite Sit-Com Stars" Version
Starring Don Adams as Emile
Bea Benaderet as Nellie
Sherman Hemsley as Luther
Marlo Thomas as Liat
Danny Thomas (in drag) as Bloody Mary
and
Jerry Mathers as The Cable
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I like this one better.
Ducks in... Liat Park?? :D
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New page; a ducky dance???
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INDISCREET was as lovely and charming as I remembered. Bergman and Grant were always a magical team.
It was an old video transfer, sad to say, letterboxed but not enhanced for widescreen TVs, so it never looked in as sharp a focus as would have been possible with an anamorphic release. It was a fairly decent print of the film; only a couple times did noticeable film damage slide across the frame.
I've never seen the play version of this - KIND SIR. Wonder if it's still performed much?
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Jane, you could not be offended since you're Younger Than Springtime!!
How hold is Springtime anyway???
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Bad South Pacific;
Nellie: Anna Nichole Smith
Emile: John Goodman
Cable: Andrew Dice Clay
Bloody Mary: Joan Rivers
Billis: Gilbert Gottfried
Liat: Ashley Olsen
Fiat: Mary-Kate Olsen
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Bad South Pacific;
Nellie: Anna Nichole Smith
Emile: John Goodman
Cable: Andrew Dice Clay
Bloody Mary: Joan Rivers
Billis: Gilbert Gottfried
Liat: Ashley Olsen
Fiat: Mary-Kate Olsen
FIAT????!!!!
Lol! ;D
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Henry Wilcoxon. I didn't know that a biography had been written. Oh my!
I didn't either! That should be an interesting read.
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Forgot to mention that RLP could play all the sailors and Dame Andrews could guest star as all the nurses because:
There's Nothing Like A Dame!
-- Do I hear groaning???! --
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Progress on the accordian is coming slowly but surely. Now, I have to get my hands and feet coordinated. No, I'm not playing the accordian with my feet. But I do have some dance moves to perform while playing it with my fingers.
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Oh.... and DR Jose could understudy Bloody Mary!!.... as Bloody Goodie Two Shoes Imelda?!?!
LOL!
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RIP Ed Kemmer. :'(
We have lost Commander Buzz Corey.
...and Cadet Happy blasted off in 1958.
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OH my, well ROCKY JONES was my favorite of the early TV Space Operas - I don't think I had an ABC outlet while SPACE PATROL was broadcast live. I didn't get an ABC station until 1956!
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Dan (the Man)-great casting & additional casting of Fiat-LOL
François as long as Springtime is older than I am, I’m happy. :D
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Have no idea what movie I will select for tonight's viewing. I will watch a few FRIENDS episodes from the Season 8 box, but as there is NOTHING on TV tonight that I want to watch, I'll have to pick something from the to-watch shelf to finish out the evening.
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We just received a box of DVD’s from Keith’s brother, MY LITTLE MARJIE, I MARRIED JOAN, TOPPER, BATMAN (the 1943series) and THE ADVENTURES OF FRANCES THE TALKING MULE. :D
He just told to watch CONGO from 1932 and GABRIEL OVER THE WHITE HOUSE.
We aren't sure about CONGO. Has anyone seen it?
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Congo?
I'd rather dance the Conga!
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That's why the Cable - Liat romance is doomed. He knew, somehow, that if he took her home to the United States, before long, she'd be demanding a Fiat, yammering, incessantly "A Fiat for Liat; a Fiat for Liat."
I'd have to say he's better off dead.
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Tasteful jeweled cases for selected remains of the stars.
Durante's nose, Groucho's eyebrows, a Donald O'Connor ear...the potential is mind-boggling!
The price for the jeweled box for the most famous Milton Berle parts is a-boggling right now.
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Congo?
I'd rather dance the Conga!
Oops-KONGO. I discovered my error when I TIVO'd it. :-[
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Noel-LOL
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Oops-KONGO. I discovered my error when I TIVO'd it. :-[
No difference to me!
i'd rather do the Konga! ;)
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;D
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Noel-LOL
LOL-leoN..... backwards or Beethovenwards! :D
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That's why the Cable - Liat romance is doomed. He knew, somehow, that if he took her home to the United States, before long, she'd be demanding a Fiat, yammering, incessantly "A Fiat for Liat; a Fiat for Liat."
I'd have to say he's better off dead.
Yeah, but with no cable, what does she get to watch on TV?
Old Fiat commercials?
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Now that I’m no longer taking Echo to the nursing home I can visit here while we talk on the phone with Keith’s mother.
Today’s discussion is regarding an unsolved mystery, was the family name changed from Hecht to Lassner when they came over from the old country. Some came over as Hecht and some came as Lassner. Keith’s dad thought the name had been changed but was never sure. Unlike my family who changed the name in our courts, these people might have came over with new names ???
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That's why the Cable - Liat romance is doomed.
Quite right!
Bloody Mary used to say that they often quarrelled with Liat yelling at him:
"How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Love You When You Know I've Been a Liat All My Life?"
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Jennifer I guess a good deal wasn’t going to keep you down. :D Feel better.
MBarnum will you get to see your nephew when he makes it home?
I am not sure if I will get to see him or not. I know he has a very busy schedule and with his delay in leaving I don't know that he will get as many days home as he had planned. He will, of course, be spending Thanksgiving with his parents in Medford and he also plans on taking his fiancee skiing, but I don't know if he has any plans of coming up towards Salem or not.
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Now that I’m no longer taking Echo to the nursing home I can visit here while we talk on the phone with Keith’s mother.
Today’s discussion is regarding an unsolved mystery, was the family name changed from Hecht to Lassner when they came over from the old country. Some came over as Hecht and some came as Lassner. Keith’s dad thought the name had been changed but was never sure. Unlike my family who changed the name in our courts, these people might have came over with new names ???
Oh, what the Hecht?!? ;)
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Contemporary audiences, hearing the line in South Pacific, "Cable is dead." think to themselves "What, again? Call Adelphia!"
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MBarnum too bad you can’t come down for Thanksgiving.
François and Noel you are a riot this afternoon.
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I don't know from Kongo....I know Konga!
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Hi folks.
I haven't fell off the face of the earth. I've had some issues to deal with as well. Some good, some not so good.
I know I owe some of you e-mails. They are forthcoming.
I really don't have much to say. I finely decided to get the last two seasons of Babylon 5. I only have to get the movies and the Ranger collection when it is released then I'll have the whole Babylon 5 story in hand. Yay!
My white four o'clock gave me a nice gift. Three seeds. I'll save them to plant in Spring.
I went to the dentist the other day. He hit my lip with the drill and split it. Not horrible/bad but it did hurt like the dickens for a day or two. No, I am not going to sue him. It was an accident, pure and simple. Lips don't scar so I'm not worried about it.
That's all the news I can share. I hope everyone is doing well. I need to go back and read all the posts.
Laters, as someone on the always says. ;)
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He hit my lip with the drill and split it.
Stupid dentist!
Is he charging for that too???
I would not go back!
First tought i had read:
"He lit my hip... " which would have been less painful! :)
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Laters, as someone on the always says. ;)
Yep! It's DR Jose Imelda Piano! :D
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My SOUTH PACIFIC bad CAST:
Nellie - Barbra Streisand
Emile - Tom Waits
Bloody Mary - Marin Mazzie
Liat - Olivia DeHavilland
Cable - Gary Coleman
Luther - Stacy Keach
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FEEL BETTER VIBES TO DR DANISE
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Hmmm...
I'm sure Marin Mazzie would be good as Bloody Mary!
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The dream cast that should please DR Noël!
Nellie - Linda Eder
Emile - Andrew L. Webber
Bloody Mary - Michael Ball -- Danise and Tomovoz are going to hate me for that!!
Liat - Sarah Brightman
Cable - Leslie Bricusse
Luther - Frank Wildhorn with Bloubil as understudy!
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Oh, gosh Danise, what a horrible dentist visit you had! I would imagine that the dentist is quite embarrassed.
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My SOUTH PACIFIC bad CAST:
Olivia DeHavilland
She's not available; she's touring France in a French -- of course -- adaptation of the Harold Rome's musical version of Gone With The Years....hmmm..... the Wind!
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Oh, gosh Danise, what a horrible dentist visit you had! I would imagine that the dentist is quite embarrassed.
.... and clumpsy!
He should be starring in Little Shop Of Horrors!
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Just finished watching my 3rd Bollywood movie this weekend! Whew, that is a lot of celluloid!
This one was so much fun...the title was SHREE GANESH (1962). It is one of those crazy Hindu mythological films. This one has a goddess who creates a son out a a clay statue. Her husband does not realize the little boy is now his son and he beheads the little tike. Realizing his mistake he replaces the kids head with that of an elephant...LOL...all of this in just the first 10 minutes! The movie moves between characters in heaven and characters on earth and there are some half-bear/half men creatures, flying chairs, a gem that showers the owner with gold, lots of pretty women, men who wear way too much lipstick, a lion, and so much more! It is black and white with some wonderful dance scenes in color! Lots of pink sets! Just a wild, fun movie! You would have to see it to believe it!
Mahipal, Sahira, Indira, and Malka star in SHREE GANESH.
(http://216.247.121.93/dvdImages/b6489.jpg)
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.... and clumpsy!
He should be starring in Little Shop Of Horrors!
;D ;D
Danise I really hope you didn't have to pay for the visit. If he didn't offer you should ask.
I once gagged while the drill was in my mouth and pushed the dentist hand. I gave us both a fright and will never do that again. Fortunately the drill just missed my cheek.
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Progress on the accordian is coming slowly but surely. Now, I have to get my hands and feet coordinated. No, I'm not playing the accordian with my feet. But I do have some dance moves to perform while playing it with my fingers.
I'm so sorry! When I had to play the accordian for Carnival, I was lucky. I didn't have any choreography at all. I just had to sit on a bench at the top of the show and play the "Love Makes the World Go 'Round" melody. When I got through it once, I was done. Then I got up and we started the show...or something like that. If I would've had to dance AND play the accordian, I'd probably have been fired!
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Just finished watching my 3rd Bollywood movie this weekend! Whew, that is a lot of celluloid!
This one was so much fun...the title was SHREE GANESH (1962). It is one of those crazy Hindu mythological films. This one has a goddess who creates a son out a a clay statue. Her husband does not realize the little boy is now his son and he beheads the little tike. Realizing his mistake he replaces the kids head with that of an elephant...LOL...all of this in just the first 10 minutes! The movie moves between characters in heaven and characters on earth and there are some half-bear/half men creatures, flying chairs, a gem that showers the owner with gold, lots of pretty women, men who wear way too much lipstick, a lion, and so much more! It is black and white with some wonderful dance scenes in color! Lots of pink sets! Just a wild, fun movie! You would have to see it to believe it!
Mahipal, Sahira, Indira, and Malka star in SHREE GANESH.
(http://216.247.121.93/dvdImages/b6489.jpg)
Sounds like a remake of Elephant Man to me! :D
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Today, I watched most of both volumes of "Broadway's Lost Treasures." Volume 2 arrived today!! I don't know enough of what had been performed to worry about woulda-shoulda-coulda and might-have-beens. I loved most of it and skipped over whatever I didn't want to watch. Ain't technology amazing?
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I'm sure BK, SWW, and JosePiano all prefer
GANACHE to GANESH but to each his own!!
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Isn't MRBK at Grand Hotel right now?
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Good vibes to Danise......
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Hi, all. Taking a moment between move stuff to say hello. Thanks for the welcome back, Matt! (I haven't read all the posts - so if I'm being rude to anyone, I apologize.) Today, among other things, I deconstructed the tower of boxes in the garage. I also met the husband of the woman downstairs in my new place and it turns out he's a Canadian - from Toronto. I hired a man to pack my books. He was supposed to get here at 9. Got here at 1. There was a minimum of 3 hours to pay for. But I had so much to do (away from home) that I let him go after an hour and a half.
Okay, doggie for a walk, then back to it. I must go out and buy some things I'll need.
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Good Evening!
I slept until just before Noon this morning! Very nice. And very much needed. After not sleeping at all Sunday night before flying back from Houston... After only getting about two to three hours of sleep Monday night since I was getting ready for my trip up to New York City... And then there were the past few days in New York City... Whew! But I feel pretty well rested right now.
I spent the first part of my day going through some more mail and checking to make sure my bills were up-to-date and paid - or at least checking when some of them are due. After a few hours of that, I took a walk through Carytown. Did some window shopping. Did some grocery shopping.
-And it was quite brisk and nippy today here in Richmond. But I tend to like cool Fall weather, so...
For the past couple of hours, I've been catching up on the Notes and Posts from the past couple of days. I also had some dinner (fried chicken livers) and some snacks (Chocolate Creme cookies (Oreo-like)).
And now I shall attempt to respond to some of the things from the past couple of days, as well as reporting on some of my New York City adventures from the past week...
I sense a frenzy in the air!
On Your Mark!
Get Set!
GO!
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Including a new broom.
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How I found HHW...
I think it was through a link on Sondheim.com - which I never really read that much, but just sort of checked into from time to time.
It really has been wonderful having such a nice place to come to on a daily basis - or at least on a whenever I can basis. Great discussions. Great humor. Great information. But, more importantly, Great People. -Not just screennames. I've been lucky to have met more than a few DRs in person, and, like many others have expressed, I hope someday to meet all of you!
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As for Gone With The Wind and 2001: A Space Odyssey... I've never gotten either of these films either. I've tried and tried to watch both of them since I'm "supposed" to like them, love them in fact, but I find my wandering within a few minutes of each of them. It's probably the fact that I'm "supposed" to love them that I just can't let the films happen on their own. Someday...
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DR TCB - If you want to write to Jerry Herman, you should be able to reach him via the Marquis Theatre since La Cage aux Folles just started previews. -And I know he's "in residence" right now since a friend of mine who is one of the new Cagelles is in the show. He's not a constant presence, but he's popping in and out on a regular basis. Worth a try.
c/oMarquis Theatre
1535 Broadway
New York, NY 10036-4077
*I've written to a couple of people (composers, directors, actors, etc.) in care of the theatre where their current show is playing, and I have a very good track record of reponses.)
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Wednesday in New York with Jose and Steve...
We ended up staying at the good ole and old Edison Hotel. Right smack in the middle of everything. I had originally planned on my usual stand-by and preferred hotel, The Skyline, but they were booked solid, so... And as I mentioned in last week's posts, after some questioning and queries from the hotel's reservations agent, I was able to secure a very decent rate ($150/night). We had a nice, smallish room that ended up having an nice/interesting view of part of the NYC skyline - or at least the "skyline" of the theatre district. In any case...
On the way to the State Theatre to catch the dress rehearsal of Cinderella, Steve and I stopped into the Time-Warner center to see what all the fuss was about. WOW! Now I know. Yes, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is it's own marvel. And that Whole Foods is very nice - and I was very pleased to see that the price tags on the shelves were in line with what I'm used to seeing elsewhere - no real "NYC City" mark-up. -My favorite "feature" had to be the "Enrobed Chocolate" bar that had various pieces of fruit (dried and fresh), snack items (cookies, pretzels), dipped in milk and dark chocolate, sold by the pound. -Alas, all I ended up buying were a couple of packets of Emergen-C in various flavors - I was starting to feel a little sniffly, so...
The dress rehearsal of Cinderella was... well, a dress rehearsal. It also turned out to be a sort of mini-reunion of the Houston cast of A Chorus Line. It was Steve's first time in the State Theatre, and he enjoyed it. Some of the casting was good, some of it was OK, some of it was questionable, and some of it was just plain bad. We shall see what happens when the reviews come out on Monday. I had a good time, and I always give the benefit of the doubt when attending dress rehearsals... And since I was also privy to some of the trials and travails with this production...
'nuff said for now...
After leaving the State Theatre, Steve and I headed across the plaza of Lincoln Center to the Met to check out the gift shops. I believe both of us started making mental lists of things to give and things we would like to get. ;)
Then it was nice walk over to Central Park, down 5th Ave. (lots of window shopping), through Rockefeller Center, then back over to Times Square to see what was on TKTS. Well...
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I haven't "done" TKTS in a while. Instead, what I've had some good fortune with is just browsing what is up at TKTS, and then heading over to the theatre box office directly with discount vouchers in hand, and purchasing the tickets there. And that's what I did this week.
Before heading up to NYC, I printed out the discount vouchers for the various shows we were interested in seeing. Well, on Wednesday afternoon, I noticed Dame Edna: Back With A Vengeance was listed. Hmmm... And I had a discount voucher for it too! So, I headed over to the Music Box, asked what they had available for that night, and, lo and behold, they had two, eighth row, center seats (on the aisle too!). From the paper-shuffling the box office guy was doing, I'm guessing they were house seats that were just turned in or were just being released for public sale. Yippee!
*And the thing I do like about this method (as much as I also like supporting the TDF), is that I can use a credit card (instead of the cash/traveler's checks-only policy at TKTS). Thus, I can earn more miles/points/bonuses. Win-Win-Win! And sometimes the discount vouchers can end up being the same price of even cheaper than the price at TKTS.
The show... Well, Dame Edna (Barry Humphries) was a true laugh riot! This was the first time that Steve and I had seen her live - we both had watched some of the shows that are on DVD, however - but, "live" truly is an experience. I had no idea just how improvised and "customised" the show would be. Since Steve took the aisle seat, he started getting a little nervous that he would get picked to be one of her "victims", but he was safe. Others weren't so lucky! ;)
A little song, a little dance, a little selzter down your pants. The "experience" is just too hard to describe. However, her pianist, Wayne Barker, was very good - I wish he was given more time and selections to play - although he did provide a very nice entr'acte. -He also needs a new 8x10 - the Playbill photo does him a disservice. And her Gorgeous Ednaettes and Equally Gorgeous TestEdnarones (woof!) provided some wonderful support and high kicks at various points during the evening.
Both of us walked out with sore jaws and cheekbones from all the smiling and laughing we did.
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I had to look up Marin Mazzie and was surprised to find I do know who she is, not from her musical talents but from the sitcom STILL STANDING. That reminded me I had wanted to know more about the cast from the show. I discovered Bill Murray’s brother, Joel, has a recurring role and the male star played Dave in FULL MONTY. I knew he looked familiar. I really like his voice even without the English accent. Sally Struthers will be on the next episode in her recurring role. It is fun to see her working again.
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But before we headed to the Music Box Theatre, we headed over to Barrymore's for dinner with DRs Ben and elmoore3003.
I've met DR Ben a few times before, but this was my first time meet DR elmoore in person. It was very nice finally getting to meet Larry Moore - someone who I've very good things about from various people, and someone who's orchestrations and arrangements I've listened to for many years (whether I've known they were by him or not). -What?!?!? In any case...
It was a small, but nice H/K gathering. Steve was "quiet" but he usually is, and he enjoyed listening in on all the dish and dirt and information that was being bandied about. And, Larry, I must say, you are a veritable fount of information - here on this site and in person. Your knowledge base is astounding and admirable.
DR Ben - Yes, that was Georger Hearn at the other table. -Of course, later, I realized my own faux pas when I was wondering why he was there and not over at the Marquis getting ready for his preview... DUH!
And my burger was very good too! -And Steve enjoyed his pasta as well.
So... After Dame Edna we walked around Times Square for a bit. Steve loves taking pictures, and he especially likes taking pictures of architecture, so Times Square and New York City is a proverbial candy store for him. He should be sending me copies of this batch of NYC pics sometime in the next few days, and I'll do my best to post some of them here.
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THE ADVENTURES OF FRANCES THE TALKING MULE. :D
Did Donald's friend have a sex change?
The original mule was Francis, the post-op mule would be Frances - it's a gender thing you see.
Ah, how to remember which is the male, which is the female - one with letter "e" one with letter "i" - easy - just think of the appropriate sex organ and you'll get the spelling correct.
der Brucer (always glad to share his worldly wisdom)
PS Woody said that with a mule he doesn't think it matters much - SO CRUEL!
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DR Jay mentioned A Place in the Sun...
I rented this movie a few years ago after seeing Shelley Winters on "Inside the Actor's Studio" where they showed a clip of the movie. What an eye-opener! I only really knew Shelley Winters through The Poseidon Adventure and her appearances of TV's "Roseanne", so...
And I heartily agree that that scene on the boat is one of the wonders of the cinema.
Shelley Winters also did a brief recitation of a passage from Shakespeare on that episode of "Inside the Actor's Studio" that also had me in awe.
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DR Jane - Gorgeous Pics of Lithia Park! Thank You!
Alas, the height the fall-foliage-color season here in Richmond occured whie I was in Houston. Your pics helped to ease my "disapppointment".
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Did Donald's friend have a sex change?
The original mule was Francis, the post-op mule would be Frances - it's a gender thing you see.
Ah, how to remember which is the male, which is the female - one with letter "e" one with letter "i" - easy - just think of the appropriate sex organ and you'll get the spelling correct.
der Brucer (always glad to share his worldly wisdom)
PS Woody said that with a mule he doesn't think it matters much - SO CRUEL!
Just small print and my lousy vision-I should have used my brain and not my eyes. I can always count on someone here to point out my mistakes. You are too kind. :D
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DR SWW asked about restaurants...
The only one that comes to mind is Rao's in New York City, well, up in Spanish Harlem. It truly is a "hard table" to get. Regardless of how good the food is there, I just want to get in! :)
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DR DERBRUCER - As for some post-grappa ButtCheekaGrabba...
:o
:-X
;D
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You are too kind. :D
Thank you - but when bk returns and sees you all let the 75,000th post anniversary pass with nary a nod, there will be hell to pay, oh, yes, hell to pay! :'(
der Brucer
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Jose thank you. I had several similar comments from those who didn’t get to enjoy fall this year.
Shelly Winters lived around the corner from my father. Only once did I see her at that was at Nate 'n Als deli in Beverly Hills. Before we saw her we heard her unique voice.
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DR TCB - If you want to write to Jerry Herman, you should be able to reach him via the Marquis Theatre since La Cage aux Folles just started previews. -And I know he's "in residence" right now since a friend of mine who is one of the new Cagelles is in the show. He's not a constant presence, but he's popping in and out on a regular basis. Worth a try.
c/oMarquis Theatre
1535 Broadway
New York, NY 10036-4077
*I've written to a couple of people (composers, directors, actors, etc.) in care of the theatre where their current show is playing, and I have a very good track record of reponses.)
Thank you, Jose, I will give that a try.
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Remember my lousy eyesight! So where on this page does it say that and where are your balloons? :D
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RE: Dream Vacations
For a pampered, total luxury vacation: I saw a vacation package listed for some astronomical price that the Mandarin Hotel Group offers. Basically, you can pick from two to four cities/hotels from their various properties around the globe. First class all the way: airline tickets, suite accomodations, Michelin rated restaurants, etc. Lots of perks, tons of amenities. The "dream package" I priced included 3-4 night stays in Tokyo, Paris, Sydney and Beijing. The package averaged just under $2000... per night!!!!!
As for wonders-of-nature, wonders-of-the-world vacation... After seeing the amazing photographs that a friend of mine took, I'd have to say the Chinese countryside - and there's LOTS of countryside in China! The rivers, the mountains, the desserts... And, of course, The Great Wall. Truly wondrous.
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Roger DeBris (from The Producers) and Daniel Davis (of TV's The Nanny) are starring in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES??? I guess they didn't figure they needed big names to sell the show this time around.
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DR WFO and the original tape sessions for A Chorus Line...
Actually, Baayork Lee mentioned these while were rehearsing A Chorus Line in Houston. -And the cast members also asked about them too. From what I can remember, some of the tapes were lost, but some of them are being held by Michael Bennett's estate (lawyers). There have been talks to have them publicly released at some point, but the legalities involved are understandably quite involved. However, some of the early rehearsal materials - early versions of the scripts, songs, etc. - will be distributed to the Lincoln Center Library, the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian at some point. As to who gets what - and why - well... ??
-I can't remember if it's documented in any of the various books that have been published about the making of A Chorus Line, but the original concept of the finale was quite different from what they ended up with. I, for one, would still love to see Connie coming out on a grand piano!
You may find more information over at
http://www.achorusline.org
Baayork started this site a few years ago. It's for the whole ACL family - cast members, musicians, children of cast members and musicians, etc. Many of the original members post regularly. Some of the updates are very funny, informative, and, yes, at times, heartbreaking. But like, HHW, it's a very friendly face, and it's provided a place for all ACL alumni - of any production around the world to share their experiences. -You can also link to directly to Baayork's e-mail and ask her some questions... ;)
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DR SWW asked about restaurants...
He can ask away - me, I just want to go back to Les Sans Culottes (http://lessansculotteswest.com/media/lessanculottes.html) and nosh on the appetizer basket of Raw Vegetables,Sausages, Chef's Pate and House Vinaigrette, Panier de crudites,Potence de Cochonailles, Terrine Maison - and an endless entorage of lovely lasses bearing baskets of crusty french bread.
der Brucer (who hears the kitchen astir with grilled ribeye steaks with blue cheese, sauted baby spinach with mushrooms, and left-over home made mac and cheese and a bottle of Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages to ease it on down (a WIZ reference).
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Actually, it is too bad that George Bush Sr. is retired. He and Bob Dole would be great
in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES!
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DR MBarnum - RE: your "handsome nephew" John...
WOOF!
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I'm back from Grand Hotel, which I found to be more like Not-So-Grand Hotel. I know I disagree with dear reader Jay on this but I'll talk about it in my notes. It was all very competent, and I applaud anyone who can put together a complicated musical. But I found much not too like and not enough to like. Again, this may simply be a symptom of my having seen Mr. Tune's production quite a few times.
75,000 postings. Amazing. Splendiferous. And I finished my script this morning.
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RE: Metropolis, the Musical...
-A high school just outside of DC did this show a couple of years ago, and the writer and composer actually helped out with this production. There were some additions, deletions and tweaks. The head of their drama program wrote to them, and, voila!, the students ended up being part of a workshop of sorts.
-The D.C. Gay Men's Chorus performed a great of arrangement of "You Are The Light". A local diva was the soloist. It was a great performance - and the arrangement for male chorus was/is well-done. -I can't remember who did the chart, but I was lucky enough to get a copy of it! :)
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And, of course, Marin Mazzie's husband was in the original Broadway cast of THE FULL MONTY.
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Yes, DR George, I'm not going to worry about the dance moves right now. We're doing Act I Monday night, and if I can get through the parts of "A Carnival Christmas" that I'm playing, I'll be satisfied. Besides, the actress playing the Reverend Mother (whose solo song it is; I'm only her back-up) has never gotten the moves right a single time we've done it.
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I got through three episodes on the latest FRIENDS boxed set, and I have to say these transfers are the sharpest and clearest they've ever done. I was astonished at the detail from these standard definition transfers.
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I'm assuming Gary Beach is playing Albin in this production of LA CAGE. Well, he might not be a household name, but he is a Tony Award winner. I do think they're expecting the title to be the selling point now. Of course, I'm not sure George Hearn was much of a box-office lure back in 1984 either, and he DID get top billing over Gene Barry who was the far more famous name.
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And speaking of Jonathan Freeman, he's currently co-starring in The Producers on Broadway as Roger DeBris which we saw on Thursday night in NYC... But before we settled into our eighth row(!), center(!!), on the aisle(!!!) seats at the St. James that night... -And, yes, I just walked up to the box office, asked what they had available... And, again, the guy at the window was doing some paper-shuffling... I actually think we ended up with a pair of seats that are set aside for the Broadway Inner Circle program... In any case...
But before heading to the theatre that night, we basically just ended up exploring lower Manhattan. Our day started off at J&R down by City Hall. Steve had to scout out some new computer equipment and supplies, and I was just scouting out CDs and DVDs. Surprisingly, I only ended up purchasing 3 CDs - the new Manhattan Transfer ("Vibrate"), Dawn Upshaw's new recital disc about songs of "light" (Debussy, Messiaen, et al), and the OCR of Hallelujah, Baby. I had some other possible purchases in and out of my hands, but just really wasn't in a "buy everything" mood. Best off all, all three discs were on sale for $12.99 or less! Steve also picked up some new choral CDs for his collection and reference.
After leaving J&R, we walked over to Ground Zero... I still get choked up...
Then we ambled around for a bit... Over to the courts buildings - more pic-taking opportunities for Steve - which were surprisingly and pleasantly quiet since it was a holiday. Then up a few blocks to Canal Street and Chinatown. I realized I hadn't been in Chinatown in years - probably at least 10 years! Ah, the hustle and the bustle. Steve commented that he started feeling like he had to buy something since there were just so many things on display all along the sidewalks.
We ended up at some place called Ping for a late lunch, dim sum. Pretty good, although, the staff more or less made their "inconvenience" known - they were about to settle down to their own lunch in the back tables. Ah, well... It wasn't bad service, just not the right attitude.
We then walked up Mulberry and continued into Little Italy. Ah, the hustle and the bustle. And the smell of tomatoes and garlic in the air! We almost had a second late lunch! More pictures, more people watching, more window shopping.
Then it was a walk through a bit of SoHo and TriBeCa. Steve bought me a "Devil Julius" t-shirt at the Paul Frank store. Very cute - and practical too - it's black, so I can wear it in the pit (I hope the devil monkey is not too big). Then it was over to Broadway and then up a few blocks to catch the subway back up to 49th Street. We checked into Sam Ash before heading back to the hotel...
Whew! We had basically been our feet for about seven hours straight by that time, and we needed the time to rest our footsies before heading out the theatre that night. But I just love walking the Island, and Steve did too - even though he did end up with a blister. :(
After about an hour and a half respite, we headed over to the St. James for The Producers. Steve had not seen the show before, and, I also realized that it was my first time actually seeing it from a seat(!). And since I had just played the show here in Richmond...
The show is in very good shape. Brad Oscar is a fine Max; he's really made the part his own. Hunter Foster is currently playing Leo. He's good, but I wasn't totally won over by his portrayal - it seemed a little forced at times. However, my favorite performer and performance of the evening was Jonathan Freeman as Roger DeBris. His mugging and smugging throughout the evening were a guaranteed laugh and smile. Brooks Ashmanskas is currently playing Carmen Ghia - he's good, but I got "distracted" by my own thoughts about his casting - I had just never thought of Brooks Ashmanskas as a Carmen Ghia. ??? But a very good performance, and his physical comedy skills get put to good use.
After the show, we headed back over to Becco for a light, post-show meal. We just supped on two appetizers: Lidia Bastanich's signature Crispy Shrimp Appetizer, and their Insalada Misto which consisted of some grilled vegetable and some seafood preparations (in this case, grilled octopus and a whipped cod-fish spread). And our server was kind of enough to bring out a small dish of their fresh riccotta topped with orange blossom honey and freshly cracked black pepper - one of my favorites there. It turned out to be quite a bit more food than the "appetizer" heading led us to think, but that turned out to be a good thing. For dessert, we ordered their Fruit Grappa Sampler - three of their of house-made grappas.
In short, grappa is basically Italian moonshine. It is usually made from the remnants of the wine-making process. Grappas may taste - and smell(!) - like it is almost pure alcohol, but it's usually in the 80 to 90 proof range. In any case, Becco infuses their own grappa with various fruits - in fact, they literally store the jars on the shelves around the restaurant, and then just take them down when someone orders them. So we ordered pineapple, red currant and pear this time round. -It was pineapple and fig on Tuesday night. All three choices were quite wonderful. Very smooth. And they serve the grappa with pieces of the fruit too. And, yes, you can even eat the fruit... if you dare! Since the alcohol basically leeches out all the flavor and sugar from the fruit, the "fruit" basically ends up as fiber and alcohol. It's almost hot on the tongue and going down the throat. Well, it is. :P
There was a wonderful couple from Pacific Bay, CA, who were sitting next to us. They were in town for the week celebrating their wedding anniversary. Well... After they heard us talking about and drinking our grappa, they ended up ordering a post-dessert glass of pear grappa for themselves. -We even passed our glasses over to them beforehand for a brief sniff - "Whew! - I'm drunk from the fumes!" They thanked us for introducing them to the libation! ;D
...Then it was over to Times Square for the last few photo-ops, and a brief run into the Virgin Megastore - they had Broadway: The Golden Age on sale! Then back to the hotel...
Then the drive back home yesterday in the rain.. UGH!....
All in all - except for yesterday's rain - it was a great trip up to NYC. And it was also great to spend some more time with Steve. He truly is my best friend, and any time with him is a special time. Hopefully, we'll be back up their next February/March... or at least while Jewish Thighs is running. :)
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RE: Broadway: The Golden Age...
As I posted after I saw the film this past summer while I was in L.A., I too was moved to tears a few times while watching those people on screen. The passion, the fondness, the love. It all rang true. And the Laurette Taylor segment was a revelation. I can't wait to check out the extras on the DVD.
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DR Tomovoz - Time... I think I still have the double-LP set somewhere in my collection. -Was it a double set? -Oh, and the holographic image too!
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Such a wonderful description, DRJOSE. I am so happy that you had a wonderful time - and that you had a wonderful friend to share it with! It's almost like being there!
Hopefully once DRPANNI gets settled in we can start our European jaunt!
DRJOSE - I just realized the Bayyork Lee was a dancer in the Original Broadway cast of FLOWER DRUM SONG!
DRJANE Kongo is on later tonight and if I am awake, I am going to watch it!
Tomorrow is PHANTOM day!!
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DR DERBRUCER - You post about "The Golden Phone" reminded me about this:
The Pope gathered the College of Cardinals together in order to share some very important news with them.
"I am here today to share some good news and some bad news with you."
-What's the good news?
"I now have definite proof of the existence of God."
-What is it?
"I received a call from him this morning."
-Oh, that is wonderful news. What is the bad news?
"He was calling from Salt Lake City."
...Remember the rule...
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Such a wonderful description, DRJOSE. I am so happy that you had a wonderful time - and that you had a wonderful friend to share it with! It's almost like being there!
DRJOSE - I just realized the Bayyork Lee was a dancer in the Original Broadway cast of FLOWER DRUM SONG!
Thank you, DRJrand.
Baayork has had quite the career. She truly is a virtual walking-talking history of Broadway. In addition to being in the original cast of Flower Drum Song, she was also in the original casts of The King & I, Bravo Giovanni, Golden Boy, Henry, Sweet Henry, Promises, Promises and Seesaw.
Her dedication to A Chorus Line and her love and memory of Michael Bennett - and her devotion to continuing his legacy is a true inspiration. Additionally, she also actively takes a dancer under her wing and mentors them as a choreograpers-to-be. And she's about to start on another major project involving Asian-Americans in theatre. I am very honored to be able to call her a friend.
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Sounds like you had a wonderful New York City visit Jose! You do very well with sightseeing!
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My nephew Jeff is now in Ireland and will be in Texas sometime Sunday...then in Portland later that day...so he made it out of Iraq just fine it sounds like! Whew! With all the fighting this weekend I was afraid he would not be allowed to leave.
It looks as though family in Salem/Portland area may be able to get together with him before he heads down to Medford.
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Just finished watching THE DEVIL'S PARTNER on DVD and early 1960s horror film starring Ed Nelson, Richard Crane and Jean Allison...I liked it...very creepy and interesting.
Now I think I might dip into my W.C. Fields and Marx Bros. DVD sets and watch a few good comedies then off to bed!
Yep, this is what my Saturday nights are like! LOL! Boy, I can remember the days when my Saturday's were a lot different...hmmm...or maybe they weren't! OH, well.
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DR Esteemed BK - The rate quoted to you by the Doubletree sounds about right for this time of year. And since you'll be coming in for a weekend too...
As other readers have posted, your best bet may be some of those discount travel sites. Alas, you may also have to pay for your room up front, but if that's what you have to do, that's what you have to do. I've checked into some of those sites, but I've usually gotten a better rate just by calling the hotel directly - not the hotel chain's reservation line, but the hotel itself. -And since you are your own business, I'm sure you could also qualify for some sort of corporate rate.
-Of course, it's sort of "funny" - December is actually the highest nightly rate period for most of the hotels in NYC. -And unlike some "working" cities, the rates actually go up on the weekends. -But, come January 3rd, the rates for most hotels drop to next to nothing! I still remember booking a room at the Omni Berkshire Place for only $110/night which had been booking at $525/night during the holiday season.
I'll be in the middle of techs and rehearsal for Hallelujah, Baby during that time, but I may be able to make it up there that Monday. We'll see...
-There's also a nice mystery bookstore or two in DC...
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...And I think I'm now caught up... WHEW!
-I'm also snacking on the new Pumpernickel & Onion Pretzel Sticks that are a part of Snyder's of Hanover Organics line. Very good... almost addictive...
-Must not eat the whole bag...
<crunch, crunch, crunch>
-Must not eat the whole bag...
<crunch, crunch, crunch>
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DR Tomovoz - Time... I think I still have the double-LP set somewhere in my collection. -Was it a double set? -Oh, and the holographic image too!
That's the one Jose.
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A few photos from Italia, then to bed...
St. Peter's Basilica at night...
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St. Peter in person...
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Standing in front of the gate to the Pope's summer residence. Notice the spikes.
This was right next-door to the place I stayed in Castelgandolfo.
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The gardens of the Focolare Center (where I stayed) in Castelgandolfo...
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The Town Square (not me!) in Castelgandolfo...
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Of course, a coin (two in my case) must be tossed into the Fountain of Trevi. Right hand over left shoulder is the proper method, I was told.
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By the way, in Castelgandolfo I had the best gelati I've ever had. Tiramisu. Delish!
I also had some excellent gelati in Budapest. Chestnut.
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Very nice pics, Panni!
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Great stories, Jose. Just one question for you. If Steve kept having these photo ops during your visit to New York, how come there was no camera available while you were at Barrymore's??? Hmmm?
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Great photos, Panni! But, you know, I could have sworn that St. Pete had darker hair.
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Great photos, Panni! But, you know, I could have sworn that St. Pete had darker hair.
Only his hairdresser knows for sure.
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At long last late-night denizens.
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Great photos, Panni! But, you know, I could have sworn that St. Pete had darker hair.
Obviously, DR TCB, they had Grecian Formula even back when you knew him!
;)
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I don't know how late-nite denizenish I'm going to be. I had my afternoon nap interrupted, in a less than kindly way.
I was woken up from some very enjoyable dreaming by the pack, who had decided to engage in some roughhousing in the hall. Zeus, in particular, was barking away, egging Buster, Bonnie and Fletcher on.
Suddenly, Buster came running into my room and jumps onto my bed. He cocked his head, seeing whether or not I was semi-awake, then jumped back down again into the hall. A few seconds later, he came charging back in, onto the bed, and after another look in my direction leaped onto my stomach with all four paws!
I mean, it was absolutely deliberate! He was like a little kid, checking to see if he could get away with something, and then pulling his stunt.
Der Brucer and I had shopping to do, so I had to get up in any case, but talk about rude dogs!
:-\ ;D
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Obviously, DR TCB, they had Grecian Formula even back when you knew him!
;)
I am sure he would have preferred the Roman Formula.
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Speaking of Daniel Davis, he was the best Hamlet I ever saw. Saw him do it at the Cincinnati Playhouse-in-the-Park, directed by Word Baker who, of course, everyone knows directed the original Fantastiks. I met Mr. Davis in our local bistro here a few years back and got to tell him he was the best Hamlet I ever saw. I also got to know Mr. Baker some during his sojourn in Cincinnati and he was a lovely man.
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Along with the necessary shopping, we also picked up some DVDs, particularly some horror flicks. The new Mummy collection. The new Creature from the Black Lagoon collection. The movie of A Chorus Line...
;)
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Great stories, Jose. Just one question for you. If Steve kept having these photo ops during your visit to New York, how come there was no camera available while you were at Barrymore's??? Hmmm?
Well... I had my camera in my bag while we were at Barrymore's... Alas.... Sorry for the oversight... Next time... I promise.
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Along with the necessary shopping, we also picked up some DVDs, particularly some horror flicks. The new Mummy collection. The new Creature from the Black Lagoon collection. The movie of A Chorus Line...
;)
Ooohhh... A Chorus Line: The Movie truly is the scariest of the lot!!!
:o
:P
The night the cast of ACL was invited over to Meteor in Houston for their Musical Theatre Monday, they were playing clips from the movie on their various screens... ugh... The whole opening sequence is just plain awful and unforgivable... and the choreography for the jazz combination is just ridiculous - finger snaps?!?!? However, all was forgiven when that Julie Andrews clip started running... Now that was truly scary!
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DR Panni - Welcome Back! Great Photos! Have a good, non-stressful move!