Topic: THE CALLING BIRDS (Read 24782 times)

elmore3003 · « **Reply #60 on:** December 16, 2004, 12:08:45 PM »

DRJay, I remember in the late 60s or early 70s when Mary Costa sang Vanessa at the Met, she said she received a letter saying "So you're playing that dreadful woman with the ice skates?"

Jay · « **Reply #61 on:** December 16, 2004, 12:10:48 PM »

Quote from: elmore3003 on December 16, 2004, 12:06:48 PM

She remembered the vocal lines, too?

It's Samuel Barber, Dear Reader Elmore3003. No one notices, one way or the other.

Jay · « **Reply #62 on:** December 16, 2004, 12:12:53 PM »

Quote from: elmore3003 on December 16, 2004, 12:08:45 PM

DRJay, I remember in the late 60s or early 70s when Mary Costa sang Vanessa at the Met, she said she received a letter saying "So you're playing that dreadful woman with the ice skates?"

LOL!

That's like calling Tosca that temperamental woman with the steak knife!

Charles Pogue · « **Reply #63 on:** December 16, 2004, 12:19:12 PM »

BK, boy, do I agree with you about all the pretentious, self-indulgent crap about figuring out a character's bio back to the days when they were born to what they had for breakfast, etc.

Everything you need to know about the character and his motivation should be within the confines of the script and the film. Don't need nothing else.

Here are two Michael Mann stories that Pete Postlethwaite told me that happened during THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. I don't vouch for their veracity, but they're great stories...

First one concerns the long caravan of people from the fort that are attacked by Indians. Mann was shooting from a hilltop far off and everyone was standing in the forest ready for action. You get: "sound, speed, rolling" then they hear Mann yell "Cut!" Mann comes running down from the hilltop into the scene and moves one person over six inches, then runs back toward his hilltop. Daniel Day Lewis looked over to Pete and said, "We're fucked."

The other incident: Apparently a stand of towering Carolina pines (or some sort of trees) was ruining the composition of Mann's shot and so he ordered them all topped. They topped the trees according to his direction, at which point, behind the trimmed trees, base camp with all the trucks and vans and equipment was exposed. Mann ordered all the trees to have branches and foliage hammered back on to hide the camp.

Just read in the paper that one of my very favourite TV shows of all time is coming out on DVD complete. FRACTURED FLICKERS! where Jay Ward of Rocky & Bullwinkle fame took silent movies and put sound to them. It was hosted by the inimitable Hans Conreid. My favourite one was Lon Chaney's Hunchback of Notre Dame turned into Dinky Dunstan: Boy Cheerleader.

elmore3003 · « **Reply #64 on:** December 16, 2004, 12:26:20 PM »

Quote from: Jay on December 16, 2004, 12:10:48 PM

It's Samuel Barber, Dear Reader Elmore3003. No one notices, one way or the other.

Well, I sort of feel the same way about VANESSA, but KNOXVILLE: SUMMER OF 1915 and his song "Sure on this Shining Night" are two of the most beautiful pieces I know.

bk · « **Reply #65 on:** December 16, 2004, 12:28:28 PM »

What's hilarious about Mann and actors like these is that they do the backstory - not the writer. They don't go to the writer and say, what's your take on where this character came from. The writer wrote the character, not the actor and most certainly not the director (unless he's the writer, of course). One has the feeling watching Mr. Mann pretentiously go on and on that he basically changed much of the script to suit his own silly ideas. But, none of it matters - the film on view is awful so none of that "work" worked.

JoseSPiano · « **Reply #66 on:** December 16, 2004, 12:48:15 PM »

Good Afternoon!

Where did the time go today?!?!?!

I was running errands, and next thing I know it's time to head to the theatre. -I need to fix some programming before tonight's show - just in time for Opening!

- and I'm also meeting some DRs for dinner beforehand, so...

Laters...

Matt H. · « **Reply #67 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:04:51 PM »

I'm rolling my eyes as I read these "backstory" stories.

The first night of rehearsals for GUYS AND DOLLS (I was in the ensemble, but the director had given every male ensemble member a name taken from somewhere in the script. I was "Society Max." The women/Hot Box Girls mostly came up with their own names), the director made us sit and on the stage and come up with backstories for each of our characters. Biggest waste of two hours in the history of musical theater.

Ann · « **Reply #68 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:05:42 PM »

Good afternoon all
Quick update on me...I went in for the bloodwork this morning, and took the opportunity to pepper the NP with questions. I found out the reason she was so concerned when she called me yesterday. Apparently the cyst is not a simple one, it is what's known as a complex cyst...septated, or split into segements. These are the kind that can turn out to be cancerous. Oh joy. The blood test today might shed some light onto the situation, but it might not. The appointment I have scheduled on the 27th isn't a surgical one, just a meet and greet with this new doctor...at which point he'll do an ultrasound of his own, and we'll figure out what to do. Either way, I'm not gonna get out of having more surgery.

Boy this is scaring the s@#t out of me...

Matt H. · « **Reply #69 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:07:54 PM »

We'll never know the totals, of course, but I think the two Tonys that THE PRODUCERS came the closest to losing were for Best Score and Cady Huffman for Supporting Actress. I think in each case, THE FULL MONTY came close to winning in those categories. I would LOVE to have seen Kathleen Freeman win that Tony for MONTY.

William F. Orr · « **Reply #70 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:14:51 PM »

And now, the moment you all have been waiting for:

The PLO were negotiation with their late leader's widow to tell them where all his loot was squirreled away.

And I said...

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It ain't over till the Arafat lady sings!

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Badabing!

vixmom · « **Reply #71 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:22:44 PM »

DR Ann, the prayers and vibes will continue~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tomovoz · « **Reply #72 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:23:37 PM »

CDS: "Wicked"
"A Man Of No Importance"
Katie Melua "Call Off The Search"

Most of the CDs added to my collection were "oldies" and "Special" CDs provided by friends. Some of these "specials" are truly my favourites for the year.

vixmom · « **Reply #73 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:24:04 PM »

Quote from: William F. Orr on December 16, 2004, 01:14:51 PM

And now, the moment you all have been waiting for:

The PLO were negotiation with their late leader's widow to tell them where all his loot was squirreled away.

And I said...

It ain't over till the Arafat lady sings![/color][/glow]

*groan*

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Badabing!

Tomovoz · « **Reply #74 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:26:02 PM »

It is the time for friends DR ANN. You have many here. The best of positive thoughts and energy from the land under.

William F. Orr · « **Reply #75 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:30:01 PM »

DR vixmom:

As a junior member, you should know the rules here. In particular:

Rule Number 42: There is no groaning allowed here at haineshisway dot com.

It's the oldest rule in the book. Oh, an Alice's Adventures in Wonderland reference!

Jennifer · « **Reply #76 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:30:42 PM »

More good vibes for DR Ann. And if you need anything please email. Please keep us posted.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William F. Orr · « **Reply #77 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:32:58 PM »

Sitting here listening to our very own Donald's Broadway Radio Show, whilst the adorable John Barrowman is singing "Don't Fence Me In", I cannot help but ask: What in tarnation is a cayoose, anyway?

Jrand74 · « **Reply #78 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:34:13 PM »

LOL...DR WFO....and yes it was right in front of us.

DR CP - I saw THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS....all of us in the audience suffered the same fate as DDL and PP.

Sometimes I create my own backstory....but I agree with MR BK - where was the writer? I am always aghast that in a project (and I have been on a few) that while NO ONE would tell an actor how to play his part, no one would direct the play for the director, but EVERYBODY from the actor playing the smallest part to the director to the man running the light board thinks it is his responsibility to change and improve the script.

If somebody comes in with changes or suggestions for me as a writer, I always listen and then say.....well.....give me a night and let me see if I can come up with something that will help you or work for you.....don't give me lines.... Do YOUR job and let me do mine.

Dan-in-Toronto · « **Reply #79 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:34:38 PM »

Quote from: Tomovoz on December 16, 2004, 01:26:02 PM

It is the time for friends DR ANN. You have many here. The best of positive thoughts and energy from the land under.

Well said, Tom.

And from the land over, too, DR Ann.

Jrand74 · « **Reply #80 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:35:10 PM »

A cayoose is the son of a moose and a caboose. A rare animal indeed.

William F. Orr · « **Reply #81 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:38:31 PM »

Anyway, it's time to go home. Enough of sitting around on my cayoose at the office. ttfn

bk · « **Reply #82 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:43:34 PM »

Okay, the What If DVD question has been decided and they are on their way. It was totally arbitrary, which was the only way to do it. It wasn't a question of "who" I'd like to have them, because if I had my druthers I'd send everyone a copy. So, I threw all the names into our electronic hat and that's how these seven people were chosen (eight, but Jose was getting one anyway). But, what I would like is the following: After you get them and watch them (and report on them right here at haineshisway.com), then please lend them to any other dear reader who'd like to see it. I leave the how of that to the dear readers. What I do ask is that no one make copies of the DVD - obviously everyone will be on the honor system in that regard, but it's important to me that no extra copies be made. Thanks. And the recipients are: Dan-in-Toronto, Jane, elmore, MattH, George, Jose, Jrand, and Michael Barnum. The DVDs are all on their way. Again, please lend them to any dear readers who'd like to see them.

Matt H. · « **Reply #83 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:47:07 PM »

I cannot express how thrilled I am (hmmm, I guess I'm doing it now), but want any DRs out there to know I'll be glad to share it with them once I've had time to watch it. Just let me know.

Thanks for the great early CHristmas gift, BK.

Matt H. · « **Reply #84 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:48:50 PM »

Also wanted to say how great it was to see those FOREVER PLAID pics earlier today. Brought back such strong memories of my PLAID days.

Matt H. · « **Reply #85 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:50:50 PM »

Watched another MICKEY MOUSE CLUB episode today. Those who get this set will be surprised to see Alvy Moore (Hank Kimball himself from GREEN ACRES) playing himself in a continuing segment on careers.

Stuart · « **Reply #86 on:** December 16, 2004, 01:57:22 PM »

Quote from: bk on December 16, 2004, 01:43:34 PM

Okay, the What If DVD question has been decided and they are on their way. It was totally arbitrary, which was the only way to do it. It wasn't a question of "who" I'd like to have them, because if I had my druthers I'd send everyone a copy. So, I threw all the names into our electronic hat and that's how these seven people were chosen (eight, but Jose was getting one anyway). But, what I would like is the following: After you get them and watch them (and report on them right here at haineshisway.com), then please lend them to any other dear reader who'd like to see it. I leave the how of that to the dear readers. What I do ask is that no one make copies of the DVD - obviously everyone will be on the honor system in that regard, but it's important to me that no extra copies be made. Thanks. And the recipients are: Dan-in-Toronto, Jane, elmore, MattH, George, Jose, Jrand, and Michael Barnum. The DVDs are all on their way. Again, please lend them to any dear readers who'd like to see them.

Oh good... DR DiT can let me watch his when he crosses the lake this spring to see MURDERER at SUNY Brockport.....

elmore3003 · « **Reply #87 on:** December 16, 2004, 02:01:30 PM »

Quote from: bk on December 16, 2004, 01:43:34 PM

Okay, the What If DVD question has been decided and they are on their way. It was totally arbitrary, which was the only way to do it. It wasn't a question of "who" I'd like to have them, because if I had my druthers I'd send everyone a copy. So, I threw all the names into our electronic hat and that's how these seven people were chosen (eight, but Jose was getting one anyway). But, what I would like is the following: After you get them and watch them (and report on them right here at haineshisway.com), then please lend them to any other dear reader who'd like to see it. I leave the how of that to the dear readers. What I do ask is that no one make copies of the DVD - obviously everyone will be on the honor system in that regard, but it's important to me that no extra copies be made. Thanks. And the recipients are: Dan-in-Toronto, Jane, elmore, MattH, George, Jose, Jrand, and Michael Barnum. The DVDs are all on their way. Again, please lend them to any dear readers who'd like to see them.

YAY!!!!!!! I am so excited! Maybe I'll have a "Whatif" party and invite DRBen and Anthony to come over and watch it. Dear Friend BK, I am so thrilled. Thank you!

DRAnn, the worst part is the waiting. I know too well from this year of what I speak. I send best wishes and positive vibes, xylophones, marimbas, and other melodious wishes to you. ALWAYS!!!

Think about the holidays and your friends. Don't let the wait bring you down.

Jrand74 · « **Reply #88 on:** December 16, 2004, 02:16:00 PM »

Thanks so much, MRBK! I am so excited!

And remember, if we can bring a little joy into your humdrum lives, then all our hard work ain't been in vain, for nuthin'!

George · « **Reply #89 on:** December 16, 2004, 02:39:24 PM »

Quote from: William F. Orr on December 16, 2004, 01:32:58 PM

Sitting here listening to our very own Donald's Broadway Radio Show, whilst the adorable John Barrowman is singing "Don't Fence Me In", I cannot help but ask: What in tarnation is a cayoose, anyway?

Cayuse:
1. A tribe of Indians of Oregon.
2. A member of the Cayuse.
3. The Sahaptin language of the Cayuse.
4. (Western United States) A horse, especially an Indian pony.

News:

Author Topic: THE CALLING BIRDS (Read 24782 times)