Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 1 => Topic started by: bk on March 20, 2004, 12:01:07 AM

Title: AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 12:01:07 AM
Well, you've read the notes, the notes have spoken to you, you have spoken to the notes, those in Spokane have spoken to the notes, thus spake the notes and now it is time to post until the cows come home.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 12:09:29 AM
There are hundreds--if not thousands--of performances from the past that I'd love to use the HHW time machine for.  If I had to choose only one, though, it's an easy pick.  La Merman in Gypsy.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 12:13:30 AM
If I could use the HHW time machine for opera performances, I think I'd use it to see the joint debut of Miss Leontyne Price and Mr. Franco Corelli at the Metropolitan Opera in Verdi's Il Trovatore.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Charles Pogue on March 20, 2004, 12:42:46 AM
I want to go back and see Barrymore's Hamlet and his Richard III.  I would have liked to have see the great British Triumvirate of Gielgud, Olivier, and Richardson in their prime, each one doing one of their great roles.  I'd like to have seen Kean to see if his acting of the bard was really like reading "Shakespeare by Lightning" as Coleridge claimed.  And I'd like to see Garrick in something. I'd like to have seen Christopher Plummer in Royal Hunt of the Sun.  I'd have like to have seen Michael Pennington and Judi Dench in the early nineties doing GIFT OF THE GORGON which is the best play I've read in the last ten years or so.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Tomovoz on March 20, 2004, 02:17:56 AM
The original "Follies" would be my choice. Just going back a few years and seeing "Ragtime" would be my next wish.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Bevan on March 20, 2004, 02:42:13 AM
I would love to see Gwen and Chita in the original Chicago.  Or Gwen in... well, anything ;D
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Noel on March 20, 2004, 04:30:12 AM
The original "Follies" would be my choice.

I was going to say "Follies" too.  Every time I see the show (3), I'm left unsatisfied.  The score is SO wonderful, but something about the lead characters, who seem to me to have done some pretty exciting things in their lives, regretting their life choices - always rubs me the wrong way.  Then, inevitably, some older person tells me I should've seen the original Broadway production.  It's hard to imagine how I'd feel differently, but I'd love to use that time machine to confirm it.

DR JAY - Sounds like your birthday was a real treat.  Any chance of posting Marcovicci's song list?  Or just mentioning what songs she did that weren't from Loesser's five Broadway shows?

DR Der Brucer - Excuses were explicitly forbidden in our song "Vows."   We've both got our eyes on the other book.

Welcome Bevan

A painter showed up, meaning we must push all sorts of furniture away from walls.  It's very disconcerting, and, for the moment, I can't find Kritzer.  Where could he be?  Running from the bad men?

Today, we have to go hear a sermon.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: elmore3003 on March 20, 2004, 05:07:57 AM
Dearest BK,  AOL and you are on one helluva bum trip (flashback to the 70s!) and I think you should change servers.  When I was given my first computer in 2001, I had no idea what to do, and I was thinking AOL.  Everyone told me that AOL stank and that I should use Time Warner Roadrunner.  Since I already had Time Warner Cable, it made sense and the package offer 1001 channels.  I'm very happy with the service except for the fact I cannot get off this damned site and watch 1001 channels!

DR Bevan, your post came in at 5 am or so?  Are you partying too hard in the Midwest?  Is it spring break?  I'm back to a normal schedule, which means up between 6:30 and 7:30, thank God!

DR Dan, yes, Omarossa was the perfect villainess, but I got so sick of her defensive "I'm black, so if you're calling me a moron or lazy, it's because you're a racist" act.   With those camers checking on her every move, she would never have won because her act was too apparent to Trump and the producers, but I wish they'd kept her around to let her hang herself some more.

DR Jane, I hope you don't hate me for tonight's "Wonderfalls."

DR RLP, "Playing it Straight" is so moronic; I haven't seen such butch overacting since a Tom Cruise press conference, and the poor lady has such bad gaydar sher'll end up with either a bad marriage or "Hag of the Year" award.

Let's get to the good stuff:  Today's Topic

1.  THE MIKADO, original cast, just to see what's been haunting Gilbert and Sullivan for the past 100 years

2.  BABES IN TOYLAND (1903), first of all, it's a form of entertainment - the extravaganza - long lost, and all those women-as-boys roles still look peculiar, but an amazing cast:  Bessie Wynn fresh from THE WIZARD OF OZ, who did one more show for Victor Herbert and moved into vaudeville, Mabel Barrison who became a big star singing "I Can't Do the Sum" who died 9 years later at the age of 31, and William Norris, who was in the original cast of Romberg's MAYTIME and whose last role was Merlin in Rodgers & Hart's 1926 CONNECTICUT YANKEE.

3.  DEAREST ENEMY (1925), Rodgers & Hart's first hit, with Helen Ford who also starred in PEGGY ANN and CHEE-CHEE for them and Flavia Arcaro (love that name!) who played the comic mother role in the American premiere of THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER in 1908.

4.  SHOW BOAT (1927), because the original production was the Mt Everest of musicals, great score and lots of great performers including Edna Mae Oliver.
 
5.  ANYTHING GOES (1934), with that cast!  Merman, Gaxton (another CONNECTICUT YANKEE actor) and Victor Moore!

6.  BOYS FROM SYRACUSE (1938), Rodgers & Hart, any other reason?  Yep!  George Balanchine dances.  But the same team also did BABES IN ARMS and I MARRIED AN ANGEl and I would have killed to see any of them.

6.  Too many in the 40s:  BRIGADOON, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (because Bernadette was so pathetic), and KISS ME, KATE, but I'd choose OKLAHOMA! because to me the score is still the freshest Rodgers & Hammerstein and will always be evergreen.  It was must been sheer delight.

7.  the 50s:  Three main ones:
THE GOLDEN APPLE, an off-Broadway show with one of the best casts ever and a fascinating score.
THE THREEPENNY OPERA, Charlotte Rae, Jo Sullivan, Bea Arthur and Lotte Lenya in a great translation by Marc Blitzstein; this must have been such a kick in the ass for all those pathetic McCarthy witch hunters!
CANDIDE:  Irra Petina and the great Barbara Cook in the strangest piece ever conceived as a "comic operetta."  The 1973 revival and all after have screwed up the score, and Richard Wilbur's lyrics were written for Hellman's characters  so that "You Were Dead, You Know" loses some punch when Candide knows that Cunegonde's no longer his virgin (her "now let's talk of you" in the original show is a conniving whore's turning the subject so he doesn't know the truth).

By the late 60s I was coming to New York to see theatre, so there's not much I haven't seen.  One show was PROMENADE (1969, maybe?), because it strikes me as a CANDIDE written by an absurdist like Ionesco.

The one show I regret missing in the 1980s was  OH BROTHER! because it's one of the funniest scores I can think of.  While the word of mouth was excellent, the show closed 3 days after opening because of lousy reviews over how unfunny the situation was in the Middle East.  How true . . .



Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Michael on March 20, 2004, 05:47:45 AM
Merman in Gypsy
My Fair Lady
Show Boat (Out of Town when Misrey Comin' Around was still in the show)
Lady In the Dark (before Danny Kaye and Gertrude lawrence tried to upstage one another)
The Grass Harp (One of my favorte scores)

and then I would love to see many of the infamous train wrecks over the years. Some of these closed after 1 performance. Some of these never made it to Broadway and othres closed within a week of their openings

Whoop Up
Here's Where I Belong
Gantry
Legs Diamond
Brekfast at Tiffany's
Lolita, My Love
Home Sweet Homer
The Yearling
The Baker's Wife
Shogun
Annie 2:Miss Hannigan's reveng
Mack and Mabel
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
La Strada
Mata Hari (the night the actressed playing her scratched her nose after she died)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 05:54:40 AM
I could give a long list of hits and flops, but I'll restrict it to one: Julie Andrews in MY FAIR LADY.

I saw the original show on Broadway (my first Broadway show), but I was very young and my memories are vague to say the least. I also saw Sally Ann Howes and not Julie as Eliza. From a 40+ year old memory, she seemed fine (I truly remember Doolittle's numbers more than ELiza's or Higgins'), but having seen Harrison and Holloway in the movie version, what I long to see is what Julie did with Eliza and to hear that glorious voice in person.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Kerry on March 20, 2004, 06:04:33 AM
Like everyone else, I can't keep it to one.  I'd want to see the original casts of  "Gypsy," "Follies," "Company," "My Fair Lady"   I would also have liked to have seen Judy's Carnegie Hall and Palace performances, Helen Morgan in her prime, and although he was an egotistical bastard, I would have liked to have seen Jolson perform live to see if he had as much electricity as everyone says.

Well, that's a start-- a nice dream to get me through the day
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Michael on March 20, 2004, 06:05:28 AM
BTW

I think Oscar Hammerstein II said this about today so well.

I'm as restless as a willow in a windstorm, I'm as jumpy as puppet on a string
I'd say that I had spring fever, but I know it isn't spring
I am starry eyed and vaguely discontented, like a nightingale without a song to sing
O why should I have spring fever, when it isn't even spring

I keep wishing I were someone else, walking down a strange new street
And hearing words that I've never heard from a girl I've yet to meet
I'm as busy as spider spinning daydreams, spinning spinning daydreams
I'm as giddy as a baby on a swing

I haven't seen a crocus or a rosebud, or a robin on the wing
But I feel so gay in a melancholy way, that it might as well be spring
It might as well be spring
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 06:06:45 AM
In response to DR Robin's comments about reality TV last night, I really don't consider AMERICAN IDOL a reality show. Talent competitions and game shows are among the oldest of TV genres, and other than its tricked-up presentations of the contestants (video montages of them rather than an anoouncer reading from a script about their lives) and phone-in votes rather than a studio audience applause meter, it's really no different from TED MACK"S ORIGINAL AMATEUR HOUR.

I think of programs like SURVIVOR, THE MOLE, and THE AMAZING RACE as game shows, too, rather than reality shows.

It's those forced dating shows like THE BACHELOR and PLAYING IT STRAIGHT that I think occupy the bottom rung of the TV chain. That's not to say I haven't watched them (well, actually only one - BOY MEETS BOY on Bravo last summer), but those are truly the guilty pleasure-type of reality programs that I usually avoid.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Kerry on March 20, 2004, 06:08:17 AM
I would have like to have seen Angela Lansbury in "Mame" as well as some of the other Mames and Dollies over the years.   AND the original cast of "A Chorus Line" both on and off-Broadway.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Michael on March 20, 2004, 06:14:34 AM
Like to add Mr. Johnny Mercer's take on today.

CALEB:
Oh, the barnyard is busy in a regular tizzy,
And the obvious reason is because of the season
Ma Nature's lyrical, with her yearly miracle
Spring, Spring, Spring.

BENJAMIN:
All the hen-folk are hatchin'
While their men-folk are scrathin'
To ensure the survival of each brand new arrival.
DORCAS:
Each nest is twitterin',
They're all baby-sitterin',
Spring, Spring, Spring.

FRANK:
It's a beehive of buddin' son and daughter life,
Every family has plans in view.
Even down in the brook the underwater life
Is forever blowin' bubbles too.

LIZA:
Every field wears a bonnet
With some spring daisies on it,
Even birds of a feather show their clothes off together.
EPHRAIM:
Sun's gettin' shinery, to spotlight the finery,
LIZA:
Spring, Spring, Spring.

GIDEON:
From his eerie, the eagle with his eagle eye
Gazes down across his eagle beak
And a'fixin' his lady with the legal eye
Screams "suppose we fix the date this week!"

CALEB & RUTH with DANIEL & MARTHA:
Yes, siree, spring disposes
That it's all one supposes
It's a real bed of roses
Waggin' tails, rubbin' noses.

All BROTHERS (except Ephraim) & All BRIDES:
Each day is Mother's Day
The next is some other's day
When all is King .........

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 20, 2004, 06:20:32 AM

3.  DEAREST ENEMY (1925), Rodgers & Hart's first hit, with Helen Ford who also starred in PEGGY ANN and CHEE-CHEE for them and Flavia Arcaro (love that name!) who played the comic mother role in the American premiere of THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER in 1908.


(http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/2233527/48776261.jpg)

"Helen Ford as the patriot Betsy Burke and Charles Purcell as the redcoat captain Sir John Copeland in Dearest Enemy. She's wearing a barrel because he's made of with her clothes while she was taking a dip. (Helen had all her clothes back on by the time the two of them sang 'Here in My Arms.')"

Picture and text from "Thou Swell Thou Witty" by Dorothy Hart

der Brucer (there still more Ford in your future)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 20, 2004, 06:26:46 AM
More Helen Ford for elmore:

(http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/2233527/48776231.jpg)

"You bet your life I'd have two hats and a fresh egg once in a while." Helen Ford in the prolog of Peggy-Anne as the little girl who falls asleep reading the New York papers and dreams of wonderful adventures in Manhattan, Havana and all the other places that girls in the sticks once dreamed of visiting."

Thou Swell Thou Witty - Dorothy Hart

der Brucer (one more Ford in your future)

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 06:29:32 AM
Yes, it is the first day of spring today, and it's going to be 70 here today. Glorious.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jennifer on March 20, 2004, 06:31:27 AM
Good morning all!

From last night:

I wrote:
Quote
Plus don't all the others get on your nerves? Every single one of the others seems incompetent to me.  

 
Dan (the man) wrote:
Quote
Oh, I don't know...I think Troy and Bill are pretty smart.  And I think Heidi was a terrific worker (not CEO material, though.)  And as much as I don't like Katrina, she was pretty smart to find a contractor to do the apartment renovations.  But I would agree with you as far as Nick and Kwame go.

Well Katrina is in real estate (one of the top 3 or whatever in the US or Florida (can't remember what she said)).  Yeah that was smart - but she still lost.

The others just keep losing. And don't really have too many good ideas.  Troy is nice enough and motivated. But he lost how many times? :)

I dislike Bill. And thought Heidi was slightly unclassy at times (remember in the Yankee booth?).

And:
Quote
So who do you think would be the best one for Troy and Kwame to pull over next week?
 


How do you know who will be the leaders?

I think the key is 1) if someone makes a serious mistake take them in.

But I think the real key is TO TAKE YOUR FRIEND IN WITH YOU.

Most people leave their friend out. What you need to do is bring your friend into the boardroom and both of you blame the third person.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 20, 2004, 06:36:39 AM
A fond Ford farewell:

(http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/2233527/48776243.jpg)

Helen Ford, singing "Here in My arms", November 2, 1973.

(She appeared at USC in a tribute to the lyrics of Lorenz Hart)

der Brucer (Hart relates some cute anecdotes told her by Helen which I will try and get SWW to transcribe)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 06:46:29 AM

DR JAY - Sounds like your birthday was a real treat.  Any chance of posting Marcovicci's song list?  Or just mentioning what songs she did that weren't from Loesser's five Broadway shows?


The song list was not included in the program and the confidence with which you trust my memory is misplaced indeed.  Sorry.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 06:47:42 AM
A painter showed up, meaning we must push all sorts of furniture away from walls.  It's very disconcerting...

I have found that it is easier to move than to get the house painted.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 06:50:43 AM
Good morning. Great question. I'll start with some more "recent" fare (as opposed to the 40's and 50's).
The original CHORUS LINE, HAIR, COMPANY, FOLLIES.
Back a bit - MY FAIR LADY
Non-musical - original WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRIGINA WOOLF; DANCE OF DEATH with Laurence Olivier, which I actually saw while still quite young (1968?) and was so blown away that I went home and wrote Olivier a long, very personal letter about it - and he answered me. One critic wrote about that performance  the Olivier was "a trapped panther who threatened the other actors with extinction."
More choices later. My guest from Toronto is leaving and I must see her off.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 06:57:52 AM
Well, well, well.  (That is three wells.)  The L.A. Times published--in edited form--the letter I sent them.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/la-le-marriage20mar20,1,5506440.story?coll=la-news-comment-letters (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/la-le-marriage20mar20,1,5506440.story?coll=la-news-comment-letters)

This is the piece to which I was responding:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/sunday/commentary/la-op-kmiec14mar14,1,1605411.story?coll=la-sunday-commentary (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/sunday/commentary/la-op-kmiec14mar14,1,1605411.story?coll=la-sunday-commentary)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 06:58:52 AM
Danise, remember, Steak Tartare is just seasoned raw hamburger.  ;) My mother use to order it but I’m with SWW.  If possible a sample would be a good idea before ordering an entire meal.

Elmore3003-LOL.  I haven’t watched WONDERFALLS yet, but I would never hate you.  Last night we finally watched the last 2 episodes of STARGATE.  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 06:59:14 AM
I have to say that I have been with AOL practically the entire time I've been on the internet, and though sometimes the mail server is slow to grab an outgoing e-mail occasionally and dropping carrier happens once a week or so, I've never had the problems bk experienced with his service. Of course, I'm still using dial-up, too.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 07:26:20 AM
The original "Follies" would be my choice. Just going back a few years and seeing "Ragtime" would be my next wish.
Der Brucer and I were at the opening night of Ragtime in Los Angeles.  Stokes was amazing!  Wish you could have been there with us!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 07:38:00 AM
Helen Ford Remembers:

I first met Dick Rodgers and Herbert Fields when they came to me at the Algonquin Hotel with a script of the American Revolution.  They asked me to read it, and if I liked it, Larry and Dick would play the score for me.  The show was Dearest Enemy.  There was a very good part for me and I loved the music.  At that time I wasn’t as appreciative of Larry’s lyrics as I am now.

We auditioned for every Tom, Dick and Harry, for every cloak-and-suiter.  Finally, after getting only half the money for the show -- $25,000 – we were doing it for gangsters, who were beginning to put money in the theater.  We got the money.

Larry always thought he was very naughty and liked to tease me by offering me a dirty lyric, pretending it was a new lyric for the show.  I was young, kind of straight-laced at the time, and that brought out his high school humor.  He was like a child.

One night, after a year’s run in Peggy-Ann, he came rushing in to me and said, “We’ve got to have a new lyric for ‘A Little Birdie Told Me So,’ ” which was my song.  In those days it was considered a little risqué.  After the show, Larry came back and said, “I’ve got the lyric.”  He handed me some toilet paper with a carefully written-out luric, watching me from the corner of his eye to get my reaction.  He always tried to shock me.  He was a darling.  Everybody loved him.

From Thou Swell, Thou Witty by Dorothy Hart.

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 07:40:31 AM
And, as proof of what dirty lyrics Larry Hart could write, here's A Little Birdie Told Me So, originally sung by Helen Ford

1st VERSE

Mother said, “My darling, if you’re going to New York,
I must tell you of the mysteries of life.
In towns like that, a little friendly visit from the stork
Is rather awkward if you’re not a wife!
Although he’s not invited, he’ll always be delighted
To fly in at a weekend.
Where will that fellow’s cheek end?”
But I replied, “I know just what to do, dear, while I roam –
I’ll simply tell the stork I’m not at home.”

1st REFRAIN

How did I come to know which way the wind would blow?
A little birdie told me so!
A little word called “yes” can make an awful mess.
The answer to “Giddap” is “Whoa.”
Don’t pity mother Eve, her weakness was detestable,
And soon she learned forbidden fruit was indigestible!
But how did I find out what it was all about?
A little birdie told me so!

2nd VERSE

When a handsome stranger says, “I think we’ve met before,”
There’s more than conversation on his mind.
When he says “Our souls should meet,” just show him the door!
For the meeting that he means is not refined.
He’ll say his love is mental,
And very transcendental.
His talk will soon get boorish,
And very ostermoorish.
He will use poetic words that no one understands,
And illustrate the meaning with his hands.

2nd REFRAIN

How did I come to know which way the wind would blow?
A little birdie told me so!
So look before you leap – the narrow path is steep.
One little push and down you go!
Of very pure young girls I wouldn’t say there’s none that’s left –
The well-known statue called Miss Liberty’s the one that’s left!
But purest driven show will sometimes drift, you know.
A little birdie told me so!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 07:42:36 AM
Getting back to TOD, three choices:

Gertrude Lawrence in Lady in the Dark.

Gwen Verdon in Redhead!

And I wouldn't at all have minded sitting in on the filming of the Dancing Dildoes!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 08:04:24 AM
I'm not sure it's fair to dismiss Steak Tartare simply as "seasoned hamburger."  Here's what Irma and Marion wrote in the '75 Joy of Cooking:

STEAK TARTARE OR CANNIBAL BALLS

"We always tender this recipe with some misgiving because of the risks run in eating uncooked meat and egg.  Cannibal balls are a mini-version of the classic Steak Tartare or Cannibal Mound: a clump of raw beef with a shallow indentation on top into which a raw egg yolk is broken, garnished with chopped onion, caviar or anchovy, and capers."


They then to into their recipe, which specifically calls for top sirloin, not just any ground beef.  (Fat ratios are different from cut to cut; top sirloin is quite lean - think of it as tofu that tastes good!)

Michael Lomonaco, in the days when he was chef at the 21 Club, noted in his The '21' Cookbook that "Dinah Shore, the embodiment of grace and femininity, requested it every time she came to '21'."  In his recipe, he notes that the meat should be ground as close to mealtime as possible.  He does season the meat, with Worcestershire, Dijon, Tobasco, chopped egg whites, red onion and shallots, plus the traditional anchovy and some parsley.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 08:13:25 AM
A BIG happy birthday, Fosca
(http://www.bigdogcam.com/pawprint.gif)
Love, Echo
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Stuart on March 20, 2004, 08:16:45 AM
Alas, some of you may thnk that I did not wish my DB a proper Happy Birthday, but I did, according to filial tradition.  With 3000 miles separating us, I must say it sometimes nice to actually speak with my dear brother.

One song that I a sre Miss Marcovicci did NOT sing is a favorite of mine. It is from her raher inamous out-of-town closer, NERFERITI.  The score to this show is not at all horrible, and includes this one precious gem, "Everything is Possible."  (At least that is what I recallthe title to be, and I am not about to go haul to my LP's at this hour....)  It is a lovely number.

As for OC's (or general performances) that I wish I had seen... For one, I must concur with my brother:  Merman in GYPSY.  Though I am eternally grateful that our parents had the presence of mind to have us catch her in DOLLY.  (Like the rumors that even those walking OUTSIDE of City Center when Tallulah was playing Blanche duBois were struck gay, I think the same can be said for many at the St. James when Ethel was in DOLLY.)

Others:

Bacall (and Baxter) in APPLAUSE
FOLLIES
Verdon in CHARITY (on a night when she did all her numbers)
and for reasons unknown to many, except my dear partner, THE TAP DANCE KID.
and for sheer morbidity, I would have loved to have seen the Yvonne DeCarlo bus and truck tour of DOLLY.

And let's face it, wouldn't we all have been intrigued to be there the night Laura Keene played OUR AMERICAN COUSIN at Ford's?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Dan (the Man) on March 20, 2004, 08:25:57 AM
BK, I sympathize with your dealings with AOHELL customer service and tech support.  I've gone through similiar episodes with Earthlink.  I think the problem very well be a language barrier--I've learned that Earthlink had long ago outsourced their tech support to overseas so it wouldn't be a big surprise that AOHELL has done likewise.

Time Machine Trip:  Good gosh, almighty--there are too many that I would want to take.  Almost everything that everyone has already posted would be among the top of my list.  But I guess if I had to choose only one performance, it would have to be Olivier as Hamlet.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 08:28:40 AM
On the subject of steak tartare:

When I was a but a wee sprig of a lad, I enjoyed my mother's meatloaf before it was cooked as much as I did after.

(Before you faint away on that, remember ours was a Jewish household, so there was no raw pork in the mix.)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 08:29:37 AM
Lovely posts so early in the morning.  I had one final AOL mishap when I tried to launch this morning it wouldn't.  I called, got a tech who knew what they were doing, we uninstalled the AOL adaptor (something that ALWAYS causes trouble and is the first thing they do if someone is having problems) and that did the trick.  Thirty seconds from start to finish.  

Of course, we're doing performers not necessarily shows today, but I'm loving your choices.

I'm fortunate enough to have seen the original company of Follies, the original company of A Chorus Line (many times), the original 1776 and Promises.  Gypsy and Merman would be number one for me, too, and even though I saw him do it in the round in the mid-sixties, my second choice would be Mr. Robert Weede in the original production of The Most Happy Fella, and my third choice would be Mr. Preston in The Music Man and my fourth choice which probably would move up to my third choice one hour from now would be Judy Holliday in Bells are Ringing.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 08:31:46 AM
"Struck gay."

Sounds downright biblical.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 08:35:45 AM
I suppose it would be interesting to see Duse or Bernhardt in something and see firsthand the work that precipitated the reputation they have to this day.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Dan (the Man) on March 20, 2004, 08:39:39 AM
I was going to say "Follies" too.  Every time I see the show (3), I'm left unsatisfied.  The score is SO wonderful, but something about the lead characters, who seem to me to have done some pretty exciting things in their lives, regretting their life choices - always rubs me the wrong way.  Then, inevitably, some older person tells me I should've seen the original Broadway production.  It's hard to imagine how I'd feel differently, but I'd love to use that time machine to confirm it.

I'm with you on this, Noel.  I've come to the conclusion that Follies is very much a show of its time and had to be seen within the zeitgeist in which it originally played.  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 08:45:30 AM
Having seen it (Follies) originally and in several incarnations thereafter (most recently the awful Roundabout revival) I tend to agree with Dan.  It was just a perfect melding of cast, director, choreographer, score and book (yes, book) - somehow it all just fell together even though the book was not quite up to the score - it just worked.  It was and probably always will remain the most exciting thing I've ever seen on stage.  It was brilliant.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: William E. Lurie on March 20, 2004, 08:51:34 AM
I'd go back to April 19, 1961 and see Judy at Carnegie Hall.  It's not quite      Broadway show but it was supposed to be one of the the most magical nights on any stage ever.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Dan (the Man) on March 20, 2004, 08:51:46 AM
DR Dan, yes, Omarossa was the perfect villainess, but I got so sick of her defensive "I'm black, so if you're calling me a moron or lazy, it's because you're a racist" act.   With those camers checking on her every move, she would never have won because her act was too apparent to Trump and the producers, but I wish they'd kept her around to let her hang herself some more.

Hopefully, we will see that happen on the live finale in April!

Quote
So who do you think would be the best one for Troy and Kwame to pull over next week?

How do you know who will be the leaders?

I think the key is 1) if someone makes a serious mistake take them in.

But I think the real key is TO TAKE YOUR FRIEND IN WITH YOU.

Most people leave their friend out. What you need to do is bring your friend into the boardroom and both of you blame the third person.

Whoops!  What I meant was in the forming of the new teams, who will Troy and Kwame draft from the other side to equalize the numbers.  Going by the preview, it doesn't look like it will be either Amy or Katrina, since we hear A. dissing K. about using the sex angle again.  I think if Troy and Kwame pick Nick, it will be to break up whatever alliance Nick might have going with Amy and to have a scapegoat to pull up to the boardroom.  On the other hand, if they pull over Bill, the other team will be somewhat frictioned by having Katrina feeling even more excluded because of Nick and Amy.  It should be interesting, in any case...

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: ArnoldMBrockman on March 20, 2004, 08:55:08 AM
Merman in GYPSY and i would get someone to video the whole thing for posterity. I would also make sure that she got the movie .
FOLLIES  definitely.

ANYONE CAN WHISTLE..although i saw all nine perfomances.

Opera----SALOME and GIANNI SCHICCHI when Ljuba Welitsch-Fritz Reiner and Italo Tajo all made there debuts at The Metropolitan Opera.


And LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT-A beathtaking remarkable play .

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: ArnoldMBrockman on March 20, 2004, 09:05:47 AM
BK-

This is too good a subject for a Saturday or Sunday.Perhaps you can ask it again on Monday?

What say?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: William E. Lurie on March 20, 2004, 09:21:24 AM
Forgot to mention that I started KRITZER TIME and so far it as good as --- if not better than (which would be difficult) --- the first two books.  More sometime next week when I finish (unlike other DRs I have too much to do to stop everything and read, and besides I enjoy spreading out the pleasure over a few days.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: MBarnum on March 20, 2004, 09:52:35 AM
Going back in time I would love to see Miyoshi Umeki in FLOWER DRUM SONG! I think seeing her live would have been something!

I would also enjoy seeing Keith Andes in WILDCAT with Lucille Ball or in KISS ME KATE or MAN OF LAMANCHA.

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Bevan on March 20, 2004, 10:12:56 AM
DR Bevan, your post came in at 5 am or so?  Are you partying too hard in the Midwest?  Is it spring break?  I'm back to a normal schedule, which means up between 6:30 and 7:30, thank God!

Well, actually, I've been on an extended spring break.  In December, I came down with mono, which has been making its rounds among college freshmen throughout Ohio.  And apparently, I didn't quite heal from it completely by the time I ventured back to school in January.  I started straight into workshop rehearsals for a musical (White Rose), along with an 18 credit schedule), and wore myself down to a point of utter exhaustion.  Then I came down with strep on top of the mono.

By February 3 (closing night of White Rose), there was no way that I could continue classes.  Hell, I could barely get out of bed.  So I was forced to withdraw from school for the remainder of winter quarter, and journey home to recover.  I start back at school March 30th.

My friends are finally home on spring break this week, so last night we lived it up a little :D, though I certainly don't make a habit of staying out till the wee hours of the morning ;D.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: George on March 20, 2004, 10:50:13 AM
In no particular order, these are just a few of the performers that I'd love to have seen live:

Both Topol and Paul Sorvino and Patti LuPone in The Baker's Wife
Patti LuPone in Evita and Sunset Boulevard
Robert Prestion in Mack and Mabel [his last Broadway musical]
Everyone in Follies (both the original Broadway cast and the 1985 concert cast)
Elaine Stritch in Company (her career-defining role) and At Liberty
Everyone in Nick & Nora
Betty Buckley in the London Promises, Promises
Laurie Beechman in anything
Lee Remick and Angela Lansbury in Anyone Can Whistle
Angela Lansbury in Dear World
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Charles Pogue on March 20, 2004, 11:07:00 AM
Panni, Olivier did tape his DANCE OF DEATH, which I have seen and "trapped panther" is an apt description.  I remember being blown away by it.  Last year in London (about exactly this time last year...we left London the day after the Iraq war started), I was really looking forward to seeing Ian McKellen do the play, who I thought would be terrific.  But his version did not stand up to Olivier's and I was somewhat disappointed in it on the whole.

MBarnum, I had the good fortune to see Keith Andes do MAN OF LA MANCHA on tour many years ago.  My first LA MANCHA.

Speaking of the Iraq War, we now learn that Rumsfeld wanted to bomb Iraq the day after 9/11, because there weren't "any good targets in Afganistan, but there were lots of good targets in Iraq".  This despite all the intelligence agencies were telling him Iraq had nothing to do with AlQaida or 9/11.

Am I the only one who is seriously disturbed by the fact that there seems to be a large segment of the American Public that thinks lying about a bj in the Oval Office is worst that lying about foreign and domestic policy.

Interesting quote from the French Foreign Mininster today:  "A year ago, there was no terrorism in Iraq, now it's one of the main sources of terrorism."

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ann on March 20, 2004, 11:10:11 AM
Good morning all!
Well, I just finished reading Krizter Time.  A perfect ending to the triology, I must say.  I won't give any details here because I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it, or haven't finished it yet.  
Now I will go write a review for amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. as per bk's request.  
Anyone who hasn't read it yet...you are in for a treat.  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jed on March 20, 2004, 11:12:53 AM
Hoping the mailman may have a little something from the world of Kritzer for me today.  If not, it should be here Monday, but hoping for today!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: TCB on March 20, 2004, 11:55:31 AM
I have to agree with WEL, seeing Judy Live at Carnegie Hall would have been an incredible experience!

Gwen Verdon in Damn Yankees
Mary Martin in South Pacific
Martin and Preston in I Do, I Do!
Daniel Massey and Barbara Cook in She Loves Me!
The Original Off-Broadway Cast of The Fanatsticks
Angela Lansbury in Mame and / or Gypsy
Robert Preston and Barbara Cook in The Music Man
Uta Hagen and Arthur Hill in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?


BTW: (By the way in internet lingo) How expensive is it to run this time machine?  Is it fuel-efficient?  Is it environmentally safe?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 12:13:54 PM
I'm not sure it's fair to dismiss Steak Tartare simply as "seasoned hamburger."  
They then to into their recipe, which specifically calls for top sirloin, not just any ground beef.  (Fat ratios are different from cut to cut; top sirloin is quite lean - think of it as tofu that tastes good!)


I must admit, often hamburger in our house was ground sirloin.  So to me it tasted like raw, seasoned hamburger.

As for tofu that tastes good-Ha! Ha!  I will take tofu anyday, especially the way Keith cooks it. :)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jennifer on March 20, 2004, 12:17:38 PM
One recent performance I wish I had seen was my favorite Ruthie Henshall, in one of my favorite shows, SHE LOVES ME.

And on the subject of the Apprentice, Dan The Man wrote:
Quote
Whoops!  What I meant was in the forming of the new teams, who will Troy and Kwame draft from the other side to equalize the numbers.  Going by the preview, it doesn't look like it will be either Amy or Katrina, since we hear A. dissing K. about using the sex angle again.  I think if Troy and Kwame pick Nick, it will be to break up whatever alliance Nick might have going with Amy and to have a scapegoat to pull up to the boardroom.  On the other hand, if they pull over Bill, the other team will be somewhat frictioned by having Katrina feeling even more excluded because of Nick and Amy.  It should be interesting, in any case...

Ah I see. Um I don't think I saw the preview (I don't think the Canadian affiliate shows them).  If I were Troy and Kwame (sp?) I would probably take Amy since she has never lost.  If I wanted a scapegoat I would probably choose Katrina. I think they will probably just choose whoever they think they can work with the best (who they like the best).

Oh and I saw that website. What the heck is that? She must have a real website somewhere?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 20, 2004, 12:22:56 PM
Performances I'd love to go back and see:

Ethel Merman as Mama Rose in "Gypsy"
Robert Preston/Barbara Cook as Harold Hill/Marian Paroo in "The Music Man"
Barbara Cook as Amalia  in "She Loves Me"
Angela Lansbury as "Mame"
Mary Martin and Robert Preston in "I Do, I Do"
Tom Bosley in "Fiorello"

Opening nights I'd love to have witnessed:
Mary Martin in opening night of "South Pacific"
Ethel Merman in opening night of "Annie Get Your Gun"
Carol Channing in "Hello, Dolly"
Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl"
"Follies"
"A Little Night Music"
"Sweeney Todd"
"Into the Woods"
"My Fair Lady"
"Candide" (1956 and 1973)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 12:34:04 PM
Charles Pogue, in answer to today’s question, the first two names that popped into my head were Barrymore and Plummer.  

George when we lived in New Jersey I constantly heard commercials for Evita,with Patti LuPone singing, and wanted to see the show but couldn’t.

Most of all I would like to have seen a production of THE MIRACLE with Lady Diana (Manners Cooper) and then met my grandfather who was the stage manager.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 12:49:11 PM
I would love to see Gwen and Chita in the original Chicago.  Or Gwen in... well, anything ;D

AH!  It's Bevan!  Bevan, when did you register?  

I don't know if he has already mentioned this, but Bevan is also a Sondheim.com member.

If I could go back in time, I would probably see the original production of "Merrily We Roll Along".  "Merrily" is my favorite musical, and I think that the story of its creation is incredibly moving.  Seeing the original production would have made last year's reunion so much more powerful.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 12:49:16 PM
GOOD VIBES to our new DR Bevan for a healthy return to school.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 12:51:00 PM
I'd go back to April 19, 1961 and see Judy at Carnegie Hall.  It's not quite      Broadway show but it was supposed to be one of the the most magical nights on any stage ever.

Not Liza and Judy at the Palladium?!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jrand73 on March 20, 2004, 12:57:22 PM
Whew!

Thanks to all the DR's for the good wishes last night.  They indeed worked.  It was a fine show, a good audience, and a nice party.  In fact, the audience got into the spirit of things and did the callbacks when "Lucy" sang Babalu and applauded when she came out for the "I Love Lucy" filming at her introduction....  Yes I thought it was a good show, we are sold out tonight and close to selling out tomorrow, so the money will be nice for the theatre.  And I got lots of kisses on my opening!  LOL DRelmore.

NOW....I am reading Kritzer Time.  Yes, you read it here....I am reading Kritzer Time and I will finish it tonight after the show.  It is a delight, and as Benjamin has matured, so has his "writing."  I perfect and welcome sequel to the first two BK tomes.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Tomovoz on March 20, 2004, 01:02:26 PM
DR Jane. I am still smiling. Fosca (and indeed Magnus also) was delighted by the Echo greeting. Thank you from all of us.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Bevan on March 20, 2004, 01:06:29 PM
DR (hehe, I really like that!) Jenny, I registered way back in January.  Long before you even registered ;)  But I actually started posting yesterday.

Yes, I am a Sondheim.com member.  Crazy people, but I love them :)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Robin on March 20, 2004, 01:29:24 PM
As to today's topic of the day...

I've mentioned, over and over again, that my favorite musical is A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, so I'd use the Time Machine to see the original production with Zero Mostel.  Probably not the most imaginative use of the machine, but it'd be my first choice.

Failing that, seeing Angela Lansbury in either Sweeney Todd or Dear World, would be a close second and third places.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 01:39:31 PM
I just caught up on the past few days' daily threads, and I have so much to respond to!  In fact, I took notes as I read!  I have my long list of topics in front of me, and I'm ready to post!  ::Cracks knuckles::

William F. Orr - I'm so happy to hear that Joe is back home.  

Robin - Thank you for posting about the situation in Dayton the other day.  My English teacher had told us about it, but after I searched the web and couldn't find any information about it, I assumed that she had made it up in order to get a reaction out of us.  Of course, this is one of those stories that I hoped wasn't true, but I'm glad to have gotten some sort of clarification.

BK - I PMed you my address on a school computer, and I'm not sure that it went through because, well, school computers are mean.  Did you receive it?

Michael Shayne - I think that the "Salem Stalker"'s killing spree will turn out to be a townwide dream that will conclude with everyone coming back to life.  It's just too strange!  They killed off almost the entire cast!  Marlena has done some strange things in the past (likw when she turned into the devil), but this is ridiculous.  Do you remember Celeste's premonition that John would kill Marlena?  Clearly that's what the past few episodes have been preparing for.  He knows that she's the killer, so he'll have to kill her.  Why do they call her the "Salem Stalker", by the way?  She's not a stalker, she's a killer.  They should get their criminal terminology correct!

William E. Lurie - The quality of Disney movies has diminished significantly over the past ten years or so.  Sadly, I can't write angry letters about it because my family would be on the streets were it not for Disney.  My father is an ABC News reporter, and therefor, a "Disney Cast Member".  ::)  Hopefully Eisner will be voted out and Roy Disney will hold the keys to the [Magic] Kingdom.

::Breathes::

Last night, I watched two motion pictured on DVD entitled "The Line King" and "Suburbia".  Actually, "The Line King" was on PBS and "Suburbia" was on VHS, but I wanted to use BK's line.  ;)  "The Line King" was wonderful.  The documentarian managed to chronicle the history of the American theatre over the past hundred years through the Hirschfeld's life and work.  It was both incredibly enjoyable and informative.  Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for "Suburbia".  Though I enjoyed the movie slightly more than the play (Which I read), that isn't saying too much because I truly disliked the play.  Though the characters are very realistic, it's difficult for me to devote two hours of my life to people who, in real life, I absolutely despise.  I have no positive feelings for these characters whatsoever, nor do I find them interesting or amusing.  That being said, the film was well directed and well acted (With the exception of the actor playing Tim, who seemed far too attractive, intelligent, and normal for the character), but simply not my cup of tea.

I'm seeing "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind" tonight.  Seeing three movies in one weekend couldn't be more unlike me.  I haven't rented a video since I forgot to return "Funny Face" and decided that I'd rather never rent a movie again than pay the late fees, and the last movie that I saw in a theatre was "Thirteen".
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 01:48:11 PM
She of the Evil Eye is gone and the home environment is mine again.  Just picked up the new Pink Panther DVD box (I already had the region two but I like the packaging more on the US version), and Myra Breckinridge, which I can't wait to watch.

I should have saved this topic for Monday and maybe we'll revisit it then when we don't have so many errant and truant.

Happy people are reading away and more than happy that it's enjoyable.  I got a wonderful e-mail from someone who read it because of classmates.com and they loved it and for this particular chap it's his portal back to his favorite time in his favorite neighborhood.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 02:07:44 PM
Oh, and Jenny, I did get the address and a package is winging its way to you.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 02:11:12 PM
What am I, doing a monologue?  You all simply must go read dear reader Ann's review she wrote for amazon.com and which she also posted here under the Kritzer Time Thoughts thread on the Kritzer board on our main page.  Do it - she wrote so beautifully it brought tears to my eyes.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: elmore3003 on March 20, 2004, 02:19:48 PM
In no particular order, these are just a few of the performers that I'd love to have seen live:

Both Topol and Paul Sorvino and Patti LuPone in The Baker's Wife
Elaine Stritch in Company (her career-defining role) and At Liberty


DR George,  I believe - and I could be wrong here - that Topol and Carole Demas were replaced at the same time; I don't know if Lupone ever did the show with Topol.

I would have loved to see Stritch in GOLDILOCKS because I love the score; I asked her what went wrong with it and she, "Agnes de Mille killed with too many dances."  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: TCB on March 20, 2004, 02:40:42 PM
Ann -- That was, indeed, a beuatiful review for Kritzer Time.  Very nicely written.  It brought tears to my eyes, as well; or perhaps it was the peanut butter and garlic sandwich that I was eating at the time!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 02:42:50 PM
Well, DR's, I had a wonderful surprise treat today -- the Benjamin Kritzer tour of LA. Got to see many of the major sites of Benjamin's life, including his homes on Sherbourne Drive (alas no hanging salami on the porch) and Bolton Rd.; the sites of the Erro restaurant and dear Leo's Delicatessen; Marty's Bike and Candy Shop; the Adohr Farms bottling plant; the very spot where Mrs. Wallet taught 4th grade at Crescent Heights Elementary School; Louis Pasteur Jr. High; Hamilton ("Hami") High, various iconic theaters, and so on - many, many fascinating places. I won't name everything we saw because of the possibility of spoilers for those who haven't yet read the three books. But it was a grand tour of Kritzerville with a uniquely qualified tour guide and I enjoyed it immensely.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 02:46:47 PM
The Kritzer Tour is available for anyone in the LA area.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 02:47:17 PM
Oh, and I also got the new Peyton Place DVD.  Yummy.  I used up all my credit but lots of good stuff.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 03:34:16 PM
JRand53 congratulations on the success of your show!

Tomovoz, the thought of a smile on all your faces makes a happy.  We could not have done it without Keith.  :D
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 03:34:19 PM
I see people but I don't see postings.  I see people just sitting there like so much fish.  I think the fish should swim and post, don't you?  Forty-five minutes without a post for my mental delectation?  Skammen (Shame) as Mr. Ingmar Bergman would say.  I just wrote some pages, I'm wrote out for the moment and now I must get some allergy pills as I've run out.  I'm going to try Clariton to see if it works for me.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 03:44:29 PM
Ann you captured Kritzer Time beautifully.  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Danise on March 20, 2004, 03:45:09 PM
Evening all.  I'm very tired tonight as I spent the day spenting money here and there.  I take issue with anyone who says shopping isn't hard work.  It was worth it.  I found some lovely treasures.  

STEAK TARTARE OR CANNIBAL BALLS

I wasn't going to tell ya'l this because I was afraid I'd gross some people out.  Don't read the following if talking about raw meat bothers you.

I grew up with cannibal sandwiches--raw ground meat, salt, pepper and raw onion slices.  No raw egg.  My parents (who are from Pittsburgh, PA) said that's what they used to serve in the bars.  

I'm forever "stealing" a slice of beef roast or steak before it's cooked and any steak I have is Medium/Rare or very Rare.    

I'm not sure about the raw egg part I I think I would ask them to hold that) but I bet I would LOVE steak tartare.  What would stop me from ordering it would be the worry about grossing anyone I was with out.  

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 03:47:47 PM
Bruce if only you had waited a few seconds to post.   ;D
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 03:49:56 PM
Danise it sounds as if you can safely order the steak tartare.  

Speaking of food, I'm hungry for my tofu, but first must feed the pets.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 03:57:09 PM
Ooh, a mini-posting frenzy.  More, please.  Just took a Claritin, which is supposed to give relief for a full day, so I shall report whether it works for me or not.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 03:58:17 PM
Certainly was a beautiful first day of spring here with crisp air, sunshine, some clouds, but lovely overall. Showers supposed to move in tonight, but otherwise, spring has sprung itself proud in these parts.

Now, off to watch the Coens' INTOLERABLE CRUELTY.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 04:05:12 PM
Here are two headlines from from AOL Entertainment news which cry out for the return of the Monty Python troupe:

Yasser Arafat Says Gibson Film Not Anti-Semitic

                          and

Jesus Battles Zombies at the U.S. Box Office
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: TCB on March 20, 2004, 04:08:18 PM
Danise it sounds as if you can safely order the steak tartare.  

Speaking of food, I'm hungry for my tofu, but first must feed the pets.

Jane -- Have you ever had tofu tartare?  I think, at most places, if you can say it three times fast, it is free.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: MBarnum on March 20, 2004, 04:12:50 PM
Jrand53, congratulations on a grand first showing! But with you as director how could it be any other way.

Well Dear Readers I had some rather unsettling news this Friday. My doctor informed me that I am diabetic (type 2)! I knew that eventually this would be the case, but I wasn't quite ready for the the reality of it. My father was diagnosed as diabetic when he was in his 50s and my mother informs me that one of his daughters from his first marriage is also diabetic. Thanks for the wonderful genes Dad!! Aargh!

On Wednesday I go to a diabetic education class that my endocrinoligist is sending me to and then I suppose I will learn how to totally readjust my lifestyle. I will certainly miss my daily dose of dark chocolate!! But I guess it isn't the end of the world and I am quite thankfull it was diagnosed early on so as to avoid the possible difficulties that could crop up. And BK I even went and bought some diet Coke (with lime) to try out. Can't say I really liked it a lot, but it was not as terrible as I remember diet drinks to be. I think I will just stick with water.

I guess you really do start to fall apart at age 40!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: MBarnum on March 20, 2004, 04:17:11 PM
...but on a lighter note I worked all the live long day in my yard as it was a fairly nice day out. It is cloudy now, but the sun was out for awhile and it was at least in the upper 60s...shorts weather for sure!  :D

My yard is spruced up nicely but there is still one flower bed along the drive-way that needs some desperate weeding!

Now to retire to the living room to watch a 1931 movie I taped off of TCM this week called THE LAST FLIGHT which stars some of my favorite 1930s performers...David Manners, Helen Chandler, Richard Barthelmess, and Johnny Mack Brown!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Tomovoz on March 20, 2004, 04:17:40 PM
Some of us too old to even remember falling apart. Did that happen at 40? I have no idea.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Danise on March 20, 2004, 04:26:25 PM
I know I've only had tofu once. Can't say I cared for it.

My animals have already let me know it is quite PASSED feeding time. And I didn't take them for a walk.

We did have a lovely day.  Nice and warm.

My eye doctor was the one who told me that it was all down hill from here when I turned 40.  I laughed at the time but it still kinda hurt.  Now, I don't worry about it.   :)

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: elmore3003 on March 20, 2004, 04:33:41 PM

Speaking of food, I'm hungry for my tofu, but first must feed the pets.

DR Jane, if you ever get to New York, there is a fantastic Chinese restaurant with the most wonderful "homestyle beancurd."  It's really wonderful!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 04:53:17 PM
Homestyle beancurd.  I draw the line right there.

Have you ever drawn the line?  I have:

_________________________

Lovely, isn't it?  I'm in Peyton Place right now, and enjoying myself.  Never been there before.  Claritin seems to be helping a bit.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jennifer on March 20, 2004, 04:56:16 PM
Good vibes to DR MBarnum ~~~~~~~~~
I'm curious what your doctor recommended. Is it mostly just staying away from sweets?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 04:57:38 PM
Sweets.  I must stay away from sweets, too.  I can eat Atkins sweets but they taste peculiar.  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Danise on March 20, 2004, 05:02:25 PM
I found Diet Right Cola and it's made with Splenda.  It's pretty good.  Had my first glass with dinner tonight.  Zero carbs but you wouldn't guess from the taste.  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 05:46:31 PM
I see the new haineshisway.com Saturday thing:  One post every forty-five minutes.  Oh, dear, oh, dear.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 05:48:09 PM
And I don't think I will repeat the topic of discussion on Monday -why should we give the errant and truant any fun?  Nosireebob or nosireenorman we shall not repeat our excellent topic of discussion.  Those who posted today made cherce posts and that is that, in my humble opinion (IMHO, in Internet lingo).  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 05:48:43 PM
And furthermore I shall not allow any further forty-five minute lulls, even if I'm doing a monologue.  What care I for tinsel and glamour?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 05:49:23 PM
And then there was one.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 05:55:49 PM
I just came back from Whole Foods. Sampled my way through the store. Here's one for Jane - hide your eyes,bk, you won't like this - I sampled a Tofurky Kielbasa. It was delish. People kept coming back for more samples (I had three). And I bought a pack.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 20, 2004, 05:55:58 PM
Some of us too old to even remember falling apart. Did that happen at 40? I have no idea.

I don't know about the "falling apart" imagery (!!!), but it was at age 40 that I went to my optometrist and told him that I thought I needed a new prescription.

Why is that? he asked.   Because, said I, I have to take my glasses off to read, and I never used to have to do that.

He ROARED with laughter.  At first I thought he'd completely lost his mind.  

Then he said, "When are you folks over 40 going to realize that you don't need new prescriptions...you need bifocals."

I just sat there and stared at him.  

He laughed and laughed.

One of his cohorts came in and asked what was going on.  I said, "He thinks I'm 'folks over 40' without a clue."

My doctor laughed even harder.  His cohort joined in.

But soon enough he apologized and said I was the fifth patient he'd had that day who had said the same thing -- that I needed a prescription change because I had to take my glasses off to read.  He said he was certain that my normal vision prescription was just fine but that I'd need a bifocal prescription.

Happily, for me, he was wrong.  My normal vision needed a slight correction.  I got a prescription for glasses that included both normal vision and bifocal vision and I was good to go.

But, honestly, was all that hilarity called for? It's not like someone gave me a manual when I turned 40.

A year earlier I'd had to start taking medication for hypertension.

And, yes, things have "developed" since then.

But I haven't fallen apart.  I've just sort of stumbled on the wayside.  Thus far.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: MBarnum on March 20, 2004, 06:00:38 PM
Thanks for the vibes Jennifer. I don't know yet what I will have to do...I am sure sweets will be a thing of the past, however!  >:(

But I will know more on Wednesday when I see the Doc and get myself educated.

I am in the middle of that 1931 THE LAST FLIGHT...Helen Chandler is one strange gal! I loved her in DRACULA though. I understand she went a little looney in her old age....but frankly I am thinking she was always that way! ;)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 06:02:05 PM
I also bought Turkey Jerky - which I had sampled at the Studio City Farmers Market and found quite good. They had a big display of the stuff packaged at Whole Foods and I was in that Turkey Jerky mood that hits you on a Saturday night. Didn't check the price - how much could a little pack of Turkey Jerky be, right? Wrong. I took my groceries to the car and opened the Turkey Jerky, thinking i'd chew some on the way home. Cowboy Anna. As soon as I opened the airtight pack I was ready to vomit. Ugh. What a strong smell. There was nothing wrong with it, just SO strong. And then I tasted it. Vomit city. So I got out of my car (this all happened while I was still parked) and went right back to the store and returned it. Which is when I found out that it was $11! For turkey jerky? Sheeesh.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 06:04:57 PM
Tofurky Kielbasa and Turkey Jerky.
...Just thought I'd say that.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: TCB on March 20, 2004, 06:09:14 PM
Tofurky Kielbasa and Turkey Jerky???  Panni, you are lucky you weren't arrested.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: TCB on March 20, 2004, 06:14:56 PM
That was only a five minute lull between posts.  Things are improving.

MBarnum -- I am very sorry to hear about your health woes, but I am glad to hear that you realize that it isn't the end of the world.  I will second those good vibes

[move=left, scroll,6,transparent,100%]GOOD VIBES![/move]

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Danise on March 20, 2004, 06:41:13 PM
Well, RLP atleast your doing betting in the sight department than I am.  

I have to wear contacts to correct my far vision.  I'm nearsighted to the end of my nose.  Can't see my hand clearly in I held it in front of my face but I also have to wear reading glasses (with the contacts) to be able to read a book.  That's part of what has slowed me down.  My eyes get really tired if I read for very long.  It's also why I bounce on and off the net.  

I tend to leave everything up because it's such a pain to go back to it but sometimes I'm watching TV or talking to my Mom or the dogs, giving my eyes a break.

I have never been to the doctor in my whole life as much as I  have been these past couple of years.  First a kidney stone and surgery for that then other surgery.  Then high blood pressure (but not now I'm very glad to say) among other problems.  

It's such a joy getting older.   :)  At least it isn't boring.  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 06:41:36 PM
Welcome nine GUESTS.  And welcome to Ludlow29, our newest registered member.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 06:47:04 PM
Sugarless health vibes your way, DR MBarnum.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: TCB on March 20, 2004, 06:50:47 PM
For reasons known only to God and to AOL, I am not able to get my posts to scroll from my home computer.  At my office, it works just fine, but here, it just sits there like so much fish!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 06:53:17 PM
I have been doing heavy duty spring cleaning Dear Readers.  And once I get going, I don't stop, as the urge seldom makes its appearance.  I even had a ticket for an advance screening of Dogville, but decided to skip it while I was on this spring cleaning roll.

I bought some jerky once.  Smells like vomit.  Chews like shoe leather (oh, a Charlie Chaplin reference.)  I had bought it to eat as lunch on a long hike I took in Yosemite National Park.  I'd sooner eat roots and leaves.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: MBarnum on March 20, 2004, 07:05:00 PM
Thanks Panni and TCB. The upside is that without all that sugary food and other not so good for you foodstuffs (and no cigs), and the need to exercise...I will be one hell of a healthy dear reader! LOL!

Finished watching THE LAST FLIGHT...now I must look through my other videos of stuff I have taped and see what looks good...perhaps DINNER AT 8...believe it or not I have never seen that movie! I think I will watch it right now! ;D

Of course I still have to watch TEHZEEB so as to get my weekend Bollywood fix!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: elmore3003 on March 20, 2004, 07:20:29 PM

.perhaps DINNER AT 8...believe it or not I have never seen that movie! I think I will watch it right now! ;D


DR MBarnum, DINNER AT 8 is fab!  I think you'll really like it.  Marie Dressler is wonderful, and I think it's my favorite Harlow role.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: elmore3003 on March 20, 2004, 07:22:32 PM
Dearest friend, my dear BK, this tired thing is going to bed.  I look forward to tomorrow's column and tomorrow night's lively chat.  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jane on March 20, 2004, 07:32:13 PM
TCB-ROTFLOL

MBarnum-I’m sorry.  I’m pleased to read you have stayed away from the cigarettes.  Please take care of yourself and GOOD VIBES  for an easy adjustment.

Tomovoz-LOL

Elmore if I make it to NY in Oct. I hope we can meet at the Chinese restaurant.

Panni I shall have to check out the Tofurky Kielbasa.  So far I have found Tofurky to taste a bit like cardboard.

RPL-great story

They make tofu jerky too & it must be as least as gross as regular jerky.  I won’t taste it myself to find out. My kids like it, in fact we recently sent some to Romania.

I have always been extremely nearsighted.  The upside of this is I can now read without glasses, as long as what I’m reading is in my face.  

Good night.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 07:42:18 PM
Holy moley, are we on our way to a new low?  If so, tough cookies.  That's the way it is, baby.  Because what we got is cherce.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 20, 2004, 07:44:46 PM

I would have loved to see Stritch in GOLDILOCKS because I love the score;

I saw GOLDILOCKS at its Philly try-out. I was naive at the time and didn't know that sophisticated theatre goers never laugh out loud during previews; so I had grand time throughout ACT I chortling away. As we got up to leave for intermission the lovely lady, seated behind us,  in a gorgeous jade green formal,  said to me: I'm so glad you're enjoying the show. Then Jean Kerr went to the lobby and chatted with the well wishers.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 20, 2004, 07:51:21 PM
Speaking of food, I'm hungry for my tofu, but first must feed the pets.

Jane, feeding tofu to pets is animal cruelty!!!

My favorite bumper sticker;

I DON'T EAT VEGEATBLES!
I EAT THINGS THAT EAT VEGETABELES!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 08:04:15 PM
Sorry to hear your news, MBarnum. After I turned 40, I started having more physical ailments like back trouble and pulled muscles. Things I could do without even thinking about them now can lead to serious soreness and strain that takes weeks to get over. That has been the biggest adjustment for me about getting older.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Laura II on March 20, 2004, 08:06:15 PM
Hi everyone! *waves*

I would've loved to see the original cast of She Loves Me and the original cast of (don't laugh) Annie. I remember meeting Andrea McArdle when I was 10 or 11, and it was such a thrill to meet the original Annie. I, like many other young girls, grew up with the score and the dream that I might play Annie. In fact, although there was never really a local theatre that produced the show, I played Annie in my elementary school's musical revue in 6th grade. I still have the dress and the red wig! (The first wig the lady tried to sell me was an orange clown wig that I immediately refused. She special ordered a wig from NYC called the Annie wig, and I remember thinking I was oh-so-cool for having a wig from Manhattan. :P)

MBarnum, I'm sorry to hear about the diabetes, but I'm happy to hear that you're feeling all right about the adjustment. One note for all readers regarding diet soda: Last night, my parents saw someone on tv talking about how diet soda is worse for a person than regular soda is. I don't drink diet, so I don't remember what was said about it, but my brother does (and he drinks a lot of it). From now on, my parents are making him limit his intake of it. I just wanted to suggest that you diet drinkers look into this claim.

Oh, I was accepted to the College of William and Mary today! I'm excited, but now I have decide between schools. (I only applied to La Salle and W&M, and now I have to decide which one is the best for me.) Just thought I'd share the news!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 20, 2004, 08:13:39 PM
I
Robin - Thank you for posting about the situation in Dayton the other day.  My English teacher had told us about it, but after I searched the web and couldn't find any information about it, I assumed that she had made it up in order to get a reaction out of us.  Of course, this is one of those stories that I hoped wasn't true, but I'm glad to have gotten some sort of clarification.


Here is the AP release (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1546-2004Mar17.html):

Tenn. County Wants to Charge Homosexuals
The Associated Press
Wednesday, March 17, 2004; 1:37 PM

Here is the AP update (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,114617,00.html):

County Reverses Proposal to Ban Gays
Friday, March 19, 2004
 
DAYTON, Tenn. — The county that was the site of the Scopes "Monkey Trial"  over the teaching of evolution Thursday reversed its call to ban homosexuals.

Rhea County  commissioners took about three minutes to retreat from a request to amend state law so the county can charge homosexuals with crimes against nature. The Tuesday measure passed 8-0.

County attorney Gary Fritts  said the initial vote triggered a "wildfire" of reaction. "I've never seen nothing like this," he said Thursday.

Social worker Esther Jackson, 24 — one of 300 people who attended Thursday's meeting — held a sign reading: "Breed Love, Not Hate."

"It's just ignorance is all," she said of Tuesday's vote.
But 12-year-old Caitlin Kinney, attending the meeting with her mother, said she supported the commissioners' initial vote.

"I think they should go further, try to see if they can ban them," she said. "It's not a Christian thing."

der Brucer (Humms..."You've got to be carefully taught!")

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 08:16:18 PM
I watched INTOLERABLE CRUELTY tonight. Has some of that typical quirky Coen wackiness about it though I found it by far the most mainstream of their comedies. George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones are just fine for their roles (and there are fewer more gorgeous creatures on earth than these two), and where has that adorable Paul Adelstein been hiding all my life? As Clooney's legal partner and best friend, I thought he stole almost every scene he was in.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Maya on March 20, 2004, 08:16:57 PM
Hey, everyone!

I just got back from spending the last 24 hours or so with my best friend, and I had a wonderful time.  I saw "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" this evening...it was sooooooo good.  

Here's my review!

This film was an intellectual rollercoaster that also really engaged me on an emotional level as well.  I am convinced that Charlie Kaufman is one of the greatest screenwriters out there, and he certainly knows how to squeeze a simple meta-concept for all it's worth.  Like Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, this film subjugates reality to the powers of the imagination and human will.  

You would think a movie about erasing painful romantic memories would be cold and cynical.  On the contrary, I found it extremely life-and-love-affirming.  I don't want to give away spoilers (and there ARE twists, although they're not entirely unpredictable).  But halfway through the procedure, Carrey's character, Joel, decides he wants to keep his memories of Kate Winslet's character, Clementine, and the surreal, masterfully directed parade of images that follows is one of the most romantic things I have ever seen in my life.  

As for the performances, Carrey has FINALLY found a dramatic role that suits him perfectly, and the mixture of humor and lovelorn pensiveness he brings to his character is truly wonderful.  As for Winslet, this may be the best performance I have ever seen her give (and there have been so many!).  Her American accent is flawless, she exudes shockwaves of charm and sex appeal, and her acting is just fabulous.  Liked Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, and Tom Wilkinson as well, particularly Dunst.  I'm not always a fan of hers, but what she did in this movie was right on key.


(Like the rumors that even those walking OUTSIDE of City Center when Tallulah was playing Blanche duBois were struck gay, I think the same can be said for many at the St. James when Ethel was in DOLLY.)


HAHAHAHAH!

I saw GOLDILOCKS at its Philly try-out. I was naive at the time and didn't know that sophisticated theatre goers never laugh out loud during previews; so I had grand time throughout ACT I chortling away. As we got up to leave for intermission the lovely lady, seated behind us,  in a gorgeous jade green formal,  said to me: I'm so glad you're enjoying the show. Then Jean Kerr went to the lobby and chatted with the well wishers.

Great story!  I like the score to Goldilocks!  "I Never  Know When To Say When" is such a wonderful, poignant song.  I don't know if the rest of the score really reaches that level, but I enjoy it.

As for the performances I would most like to go back in time and see:

Merman in Gypsy
Lansbury in Mame
Cariou and Lansbury in Sweeney Todd
Alexis Smith in Follies
Peters and Patinkin in Sunday in the Park with George
Drake in Kiss Me Kate
Peters and Preston in Mack and Mabel
Verdon in Sweet Charity
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 08:18:14 PM
Maya!  LauraII!  Jenny (who simply MUST post)!  Let's have us a partay.

She Loves Me is a great choice - that would have really been something to see.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Maya on March 20, 2004, 08:22:37 PM
hehe...well, BK, I just bought the DVD of "Camp" and I feel like a "Camp" fix...but I shall check in later, so PARTY ON!!!!  :D
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 08:29:23 PM
I tried.  No one can say I didn't try.  Jenny left without posting, Maya is camping, I don't know what.  Perhaps I'll eat some worms.  And these damn Claritins, which I thought were working, are not and I'm dying and afraid to take Actifed on top of the Claritin.  Not that I have any Actifed - I ran out.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Noel on March 20, 2004, 08:33:22 PM
It seemed innocuous enough.  Come hear a sermon by a soon-to-graduate seminary student (whose brother-in-law is my first cousin), and, to make things easier, it was walking distance.  We arrived, along with relatives who'd come much farther, at 9:30 a.m.  The clock was nearing 1 p.m. when the sermon was finally delivered.

Three hours (plus!) of religious services!  I don't mean to offend anyone or their beliefs, but we find organized religion specious and discomfiting and left with a much lower opinion of this particular religion than we'd had when we came in.  What possible excuse is there for a service running on that long?

Our day was destroyed, because the event tired us so, and we'd just not planned to be there for that long.  I had been offered a gig at noon and assumed I'd be able to make that.  Good thing I wasn't confident in my assumption and said no.  I'm hopping mad about it!

 >:(
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: TCB on March 20, 2004, 08:36:41 PM
Hi everyone! *waves*

Oh, I was accepted to the College of William and Mary today! I'm excited, but now I have decide between schools. (I only applied to La Salle and W&M, and now I have to decide which one is the best for me.) Just thought I'd share the news!




Congratulations, Laura II!  That is great news.  But you're right, it is going to be tough deciding between William and Mary.



Jane, don't do anything until you have heard from me.  I am still checking with the State Department, but it is possible that sending tofu jerky to Romania may be a violation of the U.N. Charter.


Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 08:36:55 PM
Laura II - Congratulations!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 08:38:17 PM
I saw the original SHE LOVES ME and fell deeply in love with the show since then. Most people who have seen local productions have disliked the show, but maybe it was seeing it with those wonderful people in a perfect production that placed the show so firmly in my heart. A couple of years later, I got to see Barbara Cook in SHOW BOAT, and she was equally wonderful in that, too.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 08:39:36 PM
I'm SO hungry I may have to actually eat some Tofurky Kielbasa.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 08:43:05 PM
Is anyone planning on watching the new HBO western series DEADWOOD tomorrow night after THE SOPRANOS. The reviews have been all over the map, some praising it as a raunchy and ribald original take on the genre, and others have condemned its overuse of profanity and uninteresting supporting characters. Guess some of us will have to see for ourselves.

It can't be any weirder than CARNIVALE.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ludlow29 on March 20, 2004, 08:46:04 PM
Love seeing all those pictures from Dorothy Hart's "Thou Swell, Thou Witty: The Life and Lyrics of Lorenz Hart."  One picture that was especially haunting--but which we couldn't include--was a photo of the Hippodrome during the run of JUMBO.  Due to a double-exposure, it looked like ghosts were sauntering through the circus set.  And this was taken before FOLLIES.  Also, there were some wonderful, surrealistic photos from PEGGY-ANN.

There's one aspect I regret about the book:  there were a lot of lyric typos, made in the galleys.  I wish I'd had a chance to proof the pages before the book went to print.

Signed, Michael Colby (researcher for "Thou Swell, Thou Witty")  
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 20, 2004, 08:49:35 PM
One note for all readers regarding diet soda[/b]: Last night, my parents saw someone on tv talking about how diet soda is worse for a person than regular soda is. I don't drink diet, so I don't remember what was said about it, but my brother does (and he drinks a lot of it). From now on, my parents are making him limit his intake of it. I just wanted to suggest that you diet drinkers look into this claim.


Dear, your parents are falling prey to an Urban Legend - the Aspartame scare has been ballyhooed (no relation to Bollywood) for years by nutrional wackos. (Aspartame is the main chemical in artifical sweeteners.)

Here is the Urban Legends Site (http://www.snopes.com/toxins/aspartame.asp):

(Extracts)

Claim:   The artificial sweetener aspartame is responsible for an epidemic of cancer, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis.
Status:   False.

Origins:  

·  Is Aspartame Safe?   (FDA):
To date, FDA has not determined any consistent pattern of symptoms that can be attributed to the use of aspartame, nor is the agency aware of any recent studies that clearly show safety problems.
 
·  Aspartame and the Internet   (The Lancet):
Our research revealed over 6000 web sites that mention aspartame, with many hundreds alleging aspartame to be the cause of multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosis, Gulf War Syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, brain tumours, and diabetes mellitus, among many others. Virtually all of the information offered is anecdotal, from anonymous sources and is scientifically implausible.

der willing-bebunker Brucer
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Panni on March 20, 2004, 08:51:01 PM
Is anyone planning on watching the new HBO western series DEADWOOD tomorrow night after THE SOPRANOS.

I am. Sounds interesting. And David Milch is a good writer.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Matt H. on March 20, 2004, 08:54:40 PM
I am. Sounds interesting. And David Milch is a good writer.


Great! We'll have to compare notes tomorrow or more likely Monday.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DearReaderLaura on March 20, 2004, 08:59:07 PM
Hello fellow dear readers.
DR Sandra and I just returned from a trip to California to see the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano. Unfortunately, we didn't see them.  They didn't arrive on Friday, as tradition dictates. Today we couldn't get within two miles of the place, so we came on home. Swedish Chef Hat had a great time, though. Tomorrow I'll post a couple of pictures.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Noel on March 20, 2004, 09:00:11 PM
Hopping mad as I am, I see the diet-soda-is-no-better-for-you-than-regular-soda lie not as an urban legend but as deliberate disinformation put out there by the mighty and powerful sugar industry.  Sugar leads to millions of deaths a year, in reality, and aspartame ain't ever hurt no one.

Welcome old pal Ludlow.  I'm sure you'll find this site

comfy and cosy...
everybody loves you
when you're at Haines!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 09:04:39 PM
Hello fellow dear readers.
DR Sandra and I just returned from a trip to California to see the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano. Unfortunately, we didn't see them.  They didn't arrive on Friday, as tradition dictates. Today we couldn't get within two miles of the place, so we came on home. Swedish Chef Hat had a great time, though. Tomorrow I'll post a couple of pictures.

So close......and yet so far.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 20, 2004, 09:05:01 PM
Love seeing all those pictures from Dorothy Hart's "Thou Swell, Thou Witty: The Life and Lyrics of Lorenz Hart."  One picture that was especially haunting--but which we couldn't include--was a photo of the Hippodrome during the run of JUMBO.  Due to a double-exposure, it looked like ghosts were sauntering through the circus set.  And this was taken before FOLLIES.  Also, there were some wonderful, surrealistic photos from PEGGY-ANN.

There's one aspect I regret about the book:  there were a lot of lyric typos, made in the galleys.  I wish I'd had a chance to proof the pages before the book went to print.

Signed, Michael Colby (researcher for "Thou Swell, Thou Witty")  

Well, I'm sure glad I quoted my sources :)

For the benefit of all, the Acknowledgements at the begining of "Thou Swell Thou Witty" conclude with:

"And lastly, very special thanks to Michael Colby, whose enthusiasm and dedication to the theatre are so reminiscent of the young Larry Hart's."

Splendid praise, indeed.

der Brucer (who acquired the book whilst gathering data for a potential show on Dorothy Hart SWW is dreaming of writting )

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: PennyO on March 20, 2004, 09:10:08 PM
Hi, Hainsies!

Finally got the water coming up into the house, and no more floods in the hallway! Even had a hot shower last night. oy. A Jew In The Woods...

Hey, about Barefoot in the Park -- yup, love that flick. I think that's where Neil Simon gave the great advice: write yiddish, cast British. Worked like a charm in that film!

Lovely day here in the woods today. i did  a lot of gardening - mostly clearing out last fall's weeds and underbrush, lots of deadfalls. I'm so tired! So it's lie in front of the idiot box for the rest of the night. Nytall.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 20, 2004, 09:18:28 PM
So, DR Panni, you've finally moved your plumbing back into the 20th Century?

That makes it an "in house", yes?

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: PennyO on March 20, 2004, 09:20:45 PM
This is PennyO, not DR Panni - and, no, I wouldn't exactly say my plumbing is quite up to 20th Century...
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 20, 2004, 09:24:45 PM
I've just watched "Secondhand Lions" -- and I'm not quite sure what I think.

It should have been great, but it missed greatness.  Caine and Duvall and Osment are wonderful...but where oh! where are the bits that would make the movie magical?

An interesting film nonetheless.

Josh Lucas as the grown-up Walt (at the end of the film) was fine in the final cut, but the alternate ending, where he makes a long, maudlin speech (yes, prudence won the day) reminded me of his character in "Gods and Monsters"...all those sibiliant "esses."

It was cool seeing Adrian Pasdar playing one of the salesmen, and especially cool to see Christian Kane as the young Hub in the flashback sequences...all buckles and swashes and heroic derringdo.  

Quite a fanciful tale, this movie.  It needed a Horton Foote, Robert Mulligan and Alan Jay Pakula to make magic.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: PennyO on March 20, 2004, 09:25:31 PM
PS - nice to meet ya, RLP.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 20, 2004, 09:26:19 PM
This is PennyO, not DR Panni - and, no, I wouldn't exactly say my plumbing is quite up to 20th Century...

Shut my mouth.  Wide open.

I thought it was Panni having house troubles.

Scuse me, please, Penny!

Sorry, Panni.

Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: bk on March 20, 2004, 09:26:27 PM
I see PennyO, I see JennyO, I see PanniO, I see ColbyO, I see lots of Os.  Are we havin' a partay yet?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 20, 2004, 09:30:04 PM
The pleasure is all mine, Penny-O.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 09:30:48 PM
::Partays::
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 20, 2004, 09:32:43 PM
All we need here is Pogue, and it will be a happy Penny-O, Pogue, Panni and Pulliam partay.

And we shall have to dub, BK, as Bruce Pimmel so that he can be fit into the scheme of things (is it onomatopoeia?)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 09:33:05 PM
::Wonders why this partay lacks pate::
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 09:33:58 PM
::Wonders if anything will happen when she reaches post 100::
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 09:35:49 PM
::Will there be another partay?  One even more splendid than the current partay?  One with pate?  One with little French accent marks that I can't figure out how to type?::
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ann on March 20, 2004, 09:36:59 PM
Do you see AnnO?  Or how about AnnG?  
I went swimming today.  I haven't been swimming in many a year, so it was enjoyable.  Now I smell faintly of chlorine, despite having taken a shower.  I am also watching What Women Want.  I like this movie.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 20, 2004, 09:38:41 PM
Maybe everyone's name doesn't have to start with a "P"....perhaps we can just end everyone's name with an "O"

Kimmel-O, Jenny-O, TCB-O, RLP-O

Me-O, My-O!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 09:44:06 PM
I don't understand why people aren't posting til the cows come home.  I always have the most time for my message boards on saturday nights...does that tell you something about my social life?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 09:44:41 PM
100 posts.  Nothing happened. :(
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jenny on March 20, 2004, 09:46:08 PM
Wow!  At 101 posts I became a full member!  I like that.  You're expecting it at 100, and it doesn't happen, and you're disappointed, but then 101 comes and all is well!  

I'm content.

So I shall go to bed.

Goodnight, fair wussburgers.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Charles Pogue on March 20, 2004, 10:01:43 PM
The lovely wife and I were sitting on the balcony, sipping some excellent wine (Me, an Argentinian Malbec; her, a California Reisling), watching the sunset, listening to BOYS FROM SYRACUSE.  As I was chortling to Mr. Hart's clever, risque lyric, "...All night they bring rich men to grief, till they have no cash left, Cops can't afford the good roast beef, but still we have the hash left",  I commented to my lovely wife that if Stephen Sondheim had one flaw, it was his seeming diminishment and dismissal of Mr. Hart in comparison to his spiritual father and mentor, Mr. Hammerstein.  Now over the years I've become a lot fonder of Mr. Hammerstein (there are few lyrics more perfect than "the sun is swimming on the rim of a hill"), but I've always preferred Mr. Hart.  I can certainly understand Mr. Sondheim's loyalty and preference to Mr. Hammerstein over Mr. Hart.  But what I find somewhat amusing and ironic about Mr. Sondheim's apparent disdain for Mr. Hart is that I find his style, sensibility, and intricateness much closer to Hart than Hammerstein.

I know we have lots of Sondheim mavens on this board.  Any thoughts or comments about this?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 10:10:17 PM
Well, I'm sure glad I quoted my sources :)

For the benefit of all, the Acknowledgements at the begining of "Thou Swell Thou Witty" conclude with:

"And lastly, very special thanks to Michael Colby, whose enthusiasm and dedication to the theatre are so reminiscent of the young Larry Hart's."

Splendid praise, indeed.

der Brucer (who acquired the book whilst gathering data for a potential show on Dorothy Hart SWW is dreaming of writing )
Huh?  Dorothy FIELDS, dear der Brucer, Dorothy FIELDS!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 10:17:05 PM
And it's der Brucer's fault that neither I nor he have posted more today.  He was expecting a phone call, which never came, and thus he laid down the law that we couldn't tie up the phone today.

BORING!

Time to see what else I can dig up around town...
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Laura II on March 20, 2004, 10:27:24 PM
Thanks for the congratulatory remarks!

DerBrucer, thanks for the info! I had never heard that diet soda was bad for people, but I just wanted to pass along the "warning." I guess my parents were able to use it as an excuse (even though they really believed it) to get my brother to stop drinking so much soda. He drinks entirely too much--silly boy. :)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: JoseSPiano on March 20, 2004, 10:30:09 PM
Good Morning!

OMG!  It is technically "morning" here on the East Coast!

Let's see... I got to the theatre around 10:30am.  Finally got the keyboard set up by 11:30am.  Started programming... and programming... and programming...  Then realized that the last person who programmed this keyboard (it most certainly was not I!) had customized some of the defaults and macros - which explained why none of the programming I had done thus far was "taking"... So, I had to reset the keyboard and reload all the standard defaults and programs... Then I started - again - programming... and programming... and programming...  And I left the theatre around 12:30am.  Ah, well.

Thankfully, the "learning curve" period I had expected was on schedule so to speak - it always just takes some time getting used to a particular set-up.  And once I realized and remedied the major obstacle, the programming progressed nicely.  Unfortunately, by its very nature, programming is not a "fast art".  But I'm moving as fast as I can.  -Let's just say, that with this book - which is nicely orchestrated by BK's own buddy, David Siegel - I have at least another six to eight hours of programming to go.

*Oh, there is still one "obstacle" - since there are a bunch of "synth" sounds, I do have to go through the various programs and banks to find the right or at least closest sound, so...  Hey, at least I'm learning what's actually in this equipment!  So...

I have not read all the late posts from yesterday.  I have not read any of the posts from today, and I have even yet to read today's notes posted by our host.  I have planned to give myself tomorrow night off - after the six hour orchestra rehearsal... which starts at 10:00am - just 8 1/2 hours from now!  So...

I shall catch up tomorrow night.  Thanks for letting me "vent" if that's what you can actually call it.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.  I am too.  It's just work.  And lots of it.  -But I knew it would be a bit of a crunch... but what show doesn't have to deal with a crunch five days before the first audience...

Goodnight.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Jay on March 20, 2004, 10:45:04 PM
I had sushi for dinner, Dear Readers.  First time I've had sushi in eons.  And it was delish.
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 11:09:59 PM
...Thankfully, the "learning curve" period I had expected was on schedule so to speak - it always just takes some time getting used to a particular set-up.  And once I realized and remedied the major obstacle, the programming progressed nicely.  Unfortunately, by its very nature, programming is not a "fast art".  But I'm moving as fast as I can...
DR Jose, from past experience watching der Brucer handle programming tasks, much as you may think it should get easier, it doesn't.  For every new task, someone will want something "different," which at first will look simple.  It never is.

Be heartened that, because he never gives up, he's regarded as one of the best in the particular type of progamming he does.  Something to aspire to!  (And, of course, there's always the new software and hardware that's coming right down the pike... :-\)
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: S. Woody White on March 20, 2004, 11:11:12 PM
DerBrucer, thanks for the info! I had never heard that diet soda was bad for people, but I just wanted to pass along the "warning." I guess my parents were able to use it as an excuse (even though they really believed it) to get my brother to stop drinking so much soda. He drinks entirely too much--silly boy. :)
And who, exactly, is purchasing all this soda?
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Maya on March 20, 2004, 11:21:34 PM
*sigh* I love "Camp."  I love the songs.  I love the performances.  I love the spirit.  I love the Divine Cameo, hehe.

The lovely wife and I were sitting on the balcony, sipping some excellent wine (Me, an Argentinian Malbec; her, a California Reisling), watching the sunset, listening to BOYS FROM SYRACUSE.  As I was chortling to Mr. Hart's clever, risque lyric, "...All night they bring rich men to grief, till they have no cash left, Cops can't afford the good roast beef, but still we have the hash left",  I commented to my lovely wife that if Stephen Sondheim had one flaw, it was his seeming diminishment and dismissal of Mr. Hart in comparison to his spiritual father and mentor, Mr. Hammerstein.  Now over the years I've become a lot fonder of Mr. Hammerstein (there are few lyrics more perfect than "the sun is swimming on the rim of a hill"), but I've always preferred Mr. Hart.  I can certainly understand Mr. Sondheim's loyalty and preference to Mr. Hammerstein over Mr. Hart.  But what I find somewhat amusing and ironic about Mr. Sondheim's apparent disdain for Mr. Hart is that I find his style, sensibility, and intricateness much closer to Hart than Hammerstein.

I know we have lots of Sondheim mavens on this board.  Any thoughts or comments about this?

I feel EXACTLY the way you do, Charles!  I recall reading that Sondheim dismissed Hart because he thought of him as a "sloppy lyricist."  That is, he wrote too fast and carelessly.  Correct me if I am wrong, ye Sondheads wiser than myself!

But really...sometimes I imagine Hammerstein being in the opening night audience of "Company" and just scratching his head.  Though I think Sondheim's work has also acquired an increasing sense of romanticism through the years (with maybe the exception of a show like "Assassins")...it's still causticly witty stuff, but I think he's also come a little closer to the more emotionally open feeling of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical play without losing that conceptualist edge.  I hope this makes sense...I'm no scholar.    
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Maya on March 20, 2004, 11:22:10 PM
AND CONGRATULATIONS TO LAURA II!!!!!

I'm so proud, and so not surprised!  :-*
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: Laura II on March 20, 2004, 11:45:20 PM
Aww, Maya, you are too sweet! Thank you! We must chat on AIM or something soon. My bro won't let me on the comp with it now, though.

Uncle Woody, it all leads back to my parents! (You knew I would say that. :)) Parents are silly that way. They'll buy things and then put limits on the amount you can have (soda, junk food, etc) or the amount of time you can spend using them (i.e. phone, computer, tv). I guess they feel that one can really have too much of a good thing, and you know, from my experience, they're probably right. :D
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: George on March 20, 2004, 11:52:25 PM
If I could go back in time, I would probably see the original production of "Merrily We Roll Along".  "Merrily" is my favorite musical, and I think that the story of its creation is incredibly moving.  Seeing the original production would have made last year's reunion so much more powerful.

A friend of mine has a multi-generational video copy (recorded from the audience) of the original Broadway production.  It just amazes me that someone was able to get a video camera (in 1981!) into the theater without being caught!
Title: Re:AOHELL
Post by: George on March 20, 2004, 11:54:10 PM
DR George,  I believe - and I could be wrong here - that Topol and Carole Demas were replaced at the same time; I don't know if Lupone ever did the show with Topol.

I didn't know that Carole Demas was in it at all.  I knew that the role was written with Betty Buckley in mind, and that she auditioned but didn't get it.  I just assumed that Patti was the one and only Genevieve. The same friend who had the Merrily We Roll Along video also has a (very poorly recorded from the audience) tape of the show (or at least excerpts) with Patti (unless my ears deceived me) and Topol.  "Meadowlark" is shorter than the version that everyone knows and has different lyrics.