Haines His Way

Haines His Way => Daily Discussions => Topic started by: bk on April 10, 2014, 12:31:20 AM

Title: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 12:31:20 AM: Well, you've read the notes, the notes took your fancy, and now it is time for you to post until the fancy cows come home.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 12:32:46 AM: And the word of the day is: VASTITUDE!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: TCB on April 10, 2014, 12:40:18 AM: First post after BK, once again.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: TCB on April 10, 2014, 12:41:33 AM: These rehearsals are really throwing off my sleep schedule.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: TCB on April 10, 2014, 12:42:43 AM: I guess even George has gone to bed.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: TCB on April 10, 2014, 12:52:28 AM: Page One? Really?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 01:02:42 AM: Quote from: TCB on April 10, 2014, 12:42:43 AM
I guess even George has gone to bed.

Well, not yet. :)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 01:18:28 AM: In the morning, I have an eye appointment. When I called to make the appointment, they said that today was exactly one year and one day since my last appointment. I couldn't get one any earlier. :)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 01:21:37 AM: And now, to bed.

Good night, BK and 17 guests.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ben on April 10, 2014, 01:35:02 AM: Morning all.

That is all.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Michael on April 10, 2014, 03:29:05 AM: good morning to all
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Michael on April 10, 2014, 04:08:04 AM: has anyone read or read any reviews of Song of Spider-Man: The Inside Story of the Most Controversial Musical in Broadway History by Glen Berger?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Michael on April 10, 2014, 04:09:03 AM: its taking me a little longer than i planned to read bk's book, but I'm enjoying it.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kerry on April 10, 2014, 05:20:03 AM: I just realized that it's not Friday. Hmmm-- that's both good and bad. I'll go with the good.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 06:05:33 AM: Good morning, all! I went to bed very early and stayed in bed too long. There were a great many peculiar dreams and a lot of ghost appearances by dead friends and family. Now, I only remember moments: the first was a frightening nightmare about a haunted house and the last was something about moving into a house of college students, only Danny Burstein, Rebecca Luker, and other New York friends were living there; both time and geography were jumbled between Manhattan, Oxford, OH, and Middletown, OH. I remember that my mother was in one of my dreams, but I remember nothing else about it.

Today, I have much to work on: IRMA LA DOUCE adjustments for next week's orchestra reading and the choral piece.I was expecting more IRMA things from Joshie last night, but I guess it got lost in his trip to the Library of Congress today.

I look forward to reading Rob Stevens' reviews.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Druxy on April 10, 2014, 06:52:26 AM: TOD:

There is really no Mel Brooks movie that I "like," but there are moments in most of his films that I think are LOL funny. If I had to choose one film, it would be the musical version of THE PRODUCERS.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Druxy on April 10, 2014, 06:58:51 AM: My Mel Brooks story:

I used to be the publicist for Junior's Deli in Los Angeles, and a regular customer there for breakfast every morning was Mel Brooks. He even had his own personal egg cup.

We became friendly and, one day while he was on Spring break, I brought my 10-11 year old son, David, to work with me.

We stopped by Mel's table and, as nice adults do when they meet children, he started asking David questions, one of which was "Where to you go to school?"

David: Brookside.

Mel (without missing a beat): Do I own it?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: John G. on April 10, 2014, 06:59:41 AM: Good morning, all.

I have not read Berger's book about Spider-man, but I have read a number of reviews. I want to read and will probably get a copy after I finish this last class. It's said to be well-written juicy gossip, though he doesn't fully accept his responsibility for what happened.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: John G. on April 10, 2014, 07:03:00 AM: TOD:

Young Frankenstein
The Producers

Favorite moments include Madeline Kahn doing almost anything, such as the Empress Nympho in "History of the World" or her delicious reaction to the whipped cord when Brooks sings "High Anxiety."

But I agree with your assessment of "Young Frankenstein." Yet I wonder: with all of the productions this flopsical is getting, has it become profitable?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 07:15:59 AM: Thursday morning greetings! Today I will be finalizing my prep for the AAUW state convention, which starts tomorrow evening in Springfield, OH. It's hosted by the branches of southwest Ohio, of which Middletown is one of the most robust. My friend Anita is going with me and we have a car full of stuff to transport, including this beautiful basket that our members are donating to the silent auction:

(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1422533_535626069883778_7140469023776533644_n.jpg)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 07:22:00 AM: What a great idea, DR Ginny! :)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 07:22:35 AM: I also look forward to reading Rob Stevens's reviews here at HHW.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Donald on April 10, 2014, 07:23:24 AM: Happy Thursday to one and all! The latest edition of The Broadway Radio Show is now available on this fabulous website. This time we have a Jersey Boy and a Brooklyn Girl as we listen to selections from Jarrod Spector's Live at 54 Below CD "With A Little Help From My Friends" -- Jarrod played Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and currently appears as Barry Mann in the new Broadway musical Beautiful -- and speaking of Beautiful, we also hear lots of tracks from its new cast recording featuring Jessie Mueller as Carole King (our Brooklyn Girl).....and the end of the show, we will remember the very talented Lawrence Hamilton who passed away last week....it all makes for a wonderful radio show; so, give it a listen!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 07:28:29 AM: Quote from: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 07:22:00 AM
What a great idea, DR Ginny! :)

Didn't Robin do a beautiful job putting it all together?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Druxy on April 10, 2014, 07:49:46 AM: This is LOL funny!

http://blog.petflow.com/i-cant-stop-laughing-this-was-rated-europes-best-commercial-youll-never-believe-the-end/?utm_source=fbspblogeuropefunniest&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=EuropeFunniest
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:09:55 AM: Good morning, all.

Got up at more or less my usual time, said hi to nature, fed the cats, and I so needed another hour of sleep that I jumped right back into bed.

Laid there for a bit, thinking I wasn't really going to get back to sleep, then finally fell into some weird dreams. When I opened my eyes and looked at the clock, it was three hours later. Go figure. I guess I needed that.

Coffee!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:17:52 AM: TOD

Love the early stuff. The three titles in bold take the clear lead, but I now go back to others and have a zillion times more appreciation for them than I did originally.

The Producers
The Twelve Chairs
Blazing Saddles
Young Frankenstein
Silent Movie
High Anxiety
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:23:03 AM: I guess I fell off the wagon after High Anxiety, because I stopped going and have only seen snippets of the movies he did after that. But I got the complete set fairly recently, and will ketchup on those sometime.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:25:24 AM: I'm guilty of not even seeing the musical THE PRODUCERS. I do have the filmed version here, and will add it to my watch list.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:28:39 AM: Looking forward to the review site!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 08:38:51 AM: PAJAMAS!! :)

(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a532/singdaw1/pajamas_zpsc28393e3.jpg)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ron Pulliam on April 10, 2014, 08:42:10 AM: Aughghghghghghghghghghghgh!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ron Pulliam on April 10, 2014, 08:42:39 AM: It's only THURSDAY!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ron Pulliam on April 10, 2014, 08:43:21 AM: _Sigh.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:43:52 AM: DR Elmore:

I wish I could say I was jumping in and crash-familiarizing myself with IRMA LA DOUCE and grabbing a ticket, but that week is already crazy and I just don't see it happening.

FYI, I've got those Trinity lunchtime concerts on my calendar. The 15th might or might not work, but the other two should. Of course I have no idea what kind of a crowd shows up and how feasible it is to get in. But I'll go for it. I haven't even been to the Financial District in years, so that will be fun -- and rewarding (if that's the right word) to finally visit the 9/11 memorial, etc.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Jrand74 on April 10, 2014, 08:44:01 AM: HA!

The songs sounded great last night.....so rehearsals continue. We are without our pianist for a few days....so our next rehearsal is Monday. I will work on book scenes Monday and Tuesday.

I think having a reviewer here on HHW is a great idea, and I look forward to it!!!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: John G. on April 10, 2014, 08:46:00 AM: Quote from: Ron Pulliam on April 10, 2014, 08:43:21 AM
_Sigh.

Yup.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ron Pulliam on April 10, 2014, 08:46:06 AM: TOD:

My absolute favorite, beyond any shadow of a doubt, is "Young Frankenstein". Everything about it is wonderful...the b/w photography, the sets/art direction, the performances AND the phenomenal John Morris score. Special favorite moment is the "Puttin' on the Ritz" number.

I'm also fond of "Blazing Saddles" and all the bits with Mongo, especially.

and then there is "High Anxiety" -- the Cloris Leachman/Harvey Korman bits are a scream and a half. I also love it that it's a lovely takeoff on Hitchcock and, again, John Morris' score is perfection in its homage to Bernard Herrmann.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Jrand74 on April 10, 2014, 08:46:42 AM: I have read the SPIDER MAN book, and I think it lets us know how wrong a show can go...and how it happens. The elephant in the room for me is that it was not a good idea to begin with.... The author doesn't specifically point fingers.....but certainly "determined" Julie Taymor seems to be the main villain in the piece.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:47:41 AM: I've got the sucky auditiions tonight, tomorrow night, and Saturday morning/afternoon -- the latter being the really sucky part.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Jrand74 on April 10, 2014, 08:47:41 AM: My friend Jennifer is in NYC and asked for suggestions for food places....so I steered her toward former DR JOSE S PIANO ... I am sure he can point her in several directions.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:50:42 AM: More coffee!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 09:10:27 AM: Quote from: Jrand63 on April 10, 2014, 08:47:41 AM
I am sure he can point her in several directions.

In more ways than one.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 09:10:39 AM: If you know what I mean.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 09:10:52 AM: And I know you do.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 09:10:59 AM: :)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 09:11:58 AM: Good Day All:

TOD:

YOUNG FRANKSTEIN (All of it)

BLAZING SADDLES
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 09:12:04 AM: Hey, I hope vixmom is doing better -- if I recall, she was feeling poorly a few days ago, and fighting that along with a busy work schedule.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 09:12:16 AM: Goodbye for Now!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 09:34:17 AM: Quote from: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:43:52 AM
DR Elmore:

I wish I could say I was jumping in and crash-familiarizing myself with IRMA LA DOUCE and grabbing a ticket, but that week is already crazy and I just don't see it happening.

FYI, I've got those Trinity lunchtime concerts on my calendar. The 15th might or might not work, but the other two should. Of course I have no idea what kind of a crowd shows up and how feasible it is to get in. But I'll go for it. I haven't even been to the Financial District in years, so that will be fun -- and rewarding (if that's the right word) to finally visit the 9/11 memorial, etc.

I cannot attend the 22nd concert; I'll be in a final mix for ROBERTA.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 10:01:03 AM: I'm up after eight hours of sleep - was hoping for nine, but alas eight is what I got.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 10:01:10 AM: Very odd dreams.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 10:01:21 AM: Odd dreams very.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 10:05:04 AM: I thought the film of the musical of The Producers was terrible - couldn't even make it all the way through - flat, unfunny, and really poorly directed, IMO. The original still makes me laugh out loud, but that's what makes horse racing. I used to have an acquaintence from high school who was Mel's secretary at Fox, so I got to see rough cut screenings of Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, Silent Movie and History of the World, Part One. Even in rough cut it was obvious that Young Frankenstein was brilliant - the others were not so hot and never improved much beyond the rough cut. I think after the screening of Young Frankenstein they shaved about ten minutes off, and at that point there was no John Morris score, and boy did that add a lot to the film.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: John G. on April 10, 2014, 10:09:15 AM: Quote from: bk on April 10, 2014, 10:05:04 AM
I thought the film of the musical of The Producers was terrible - couldn't even make it all the way through - flat, unfunny, and really poorly directed, IMO. The original still makes me laugh out loud, but that's what makes horse racing. I used to have an acquaintence from high school who was Mel's secretary at Fox, so I got to see rough cut screenings of Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, Silent Movie and History of the World, Part One. Even in rough cut it was obvious that Young Frankenstein was brilliant - the others were not so hot and never improved much beyond the rough cut. I think after the screening of Young Frankenstein they shaved about ten minutes off, and at that point there was no John Morris score, and boy did that add a lot to the film.

Not a big fan of the stage version of The Producers or the film of it, but in watching the movie musical on DVD, I found I loved the alternate version of the musical number in which Bialy gets his checks from the little old ladies. That was wonderful. It was everything the rest of the movie lacked.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ron Pulliam on April 10, 2014, 10:15:54 AM: Quote from: bk on April 10, 2014, 10:05:04 AM
I thought the film of the musical of The Producers was terrible - couldn't even make it all the way through - flat, unfunny, and really poorly directed, IMO. The original still makes me laugh out loud, but that's what makes horse racing. I used to have an acquaintence from high school who was Mel's secretary at Fox, so I got to see rough cut screenings of Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, Silent Movie and History of the World, Part One. Even in rough cut it was obvious that Young Frankenstein was brilliant - the others were not so hot and never improved much beyond the rough cut. I think after the screening of Young Frankenstein they shaved about ten minutes off, and at that point there was no John Morris score, and boy did that add a lot to the film.

Anecdotally, I remember reading that there was a scene between Igor and Frederick (or, Froderick, if you prefer) back stage before "presenting" the monster to the public, in which the good doctor, upon seeing Igor all dressed up, said, "Ummm, where's your hump?" To which Igor replied: "Never with tails".
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Matthew on April 10, 2014, 10:20:07 AM: RE: Todays notes. I'm 2 weeks away from my opening of Yong Frankensten - the Musical* and I couldn't agree with bk more about his assessment of the musical. While for me, it's just a "lets do this and get it over with" show for me, I'm hoping our audience likes it. Our cast is very young. Too young to appreciate actually having to act out these iconic characters. With the exception of our Frau Blucher - who is amazing - the rest get the job done. The score is forgettable, the dancing goes on too long, but the best thing about the show is it's very well orchestrated and my band sounds fantastic.

*title is misspelled on purpose.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Matthew on April 10, 2014, 10:20:33 AM: I may not be around here much, but i do read the notes everyday!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ryacko on April 10, 2014, 11:05:57 AM: Greetings, all,

I'm delighted to know Rob Stevens will be here. I still have my Robby Award bus he gave me for The Secret Garden a million years ago. :D

BK, it looks like, if I make your signing on Saturday, I will be on the later end. I would have to come by after rehearsal, which thankfully is in NoHo. How late do you think your event might go?

TOD:
I do think that Young Frankenstein is Mel's very best film. I actually sat through it twice the very day I saw it in a theater back in Philly. I've only done that for a couple of films. I just couldn't leave the theater without seeing it again immediately. And it has too many brilliant moments and quotes to list. I'll simply say "sed-a-give?!!".

I loved The film of the Producers, mostly for the idea and the performances. One bit that still makes me laugh from Mel's "To be Or Not to Be" was his naming the stage manager Sondheim - just so he could yell later in the film "Sondheim, send in the clowns!". Blazing Saddles does have lots of hilarious stuff in it too, not the least of which is Madeline Kahn.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 11:20:52 AM: I'm on Chapter 12 of REDGOLD :) ;) :D ;D 8) :-*
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 11:22:04 AM: Just finished watching THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES!!!

I enjoyed it very much and rate it 8 out of 10!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 11:27:36 AM: The following is the Items I borrowed by the library:

BOOKS:

WHERE THERE IS LOVE THERE IS GOD, BY MOTHER TERESA

MEDITATIONS ON MARY

DVDS:

THE DEER HUNTER
OLD GOATS
FREEDOMLAND
STRIPES
FLIGHTPLAN
THE EMPERIOR'S CLUB
THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER
SIDEWAYS
THE PIANIST
THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

So far I have seen THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, (Which I mentioned before)
and
OLD GOATS, which is a real HOOT, I rate this 6/10

Any any DR"S seen any of these?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 11:29:09 AM: Has anyone seen THE WOLF OF WALLSTREET?

My best friend saw it and said it was very good, but very Rough Language.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 11:30:20 AM: Right now I am recording THE LADY VANISHES.

I Have seen it before and really like it.

I rate it 8 out of 10.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 11:31:30 AM: Goodbye for now!

BEAUTIFUL SUNNY (but windy) day here in West Seneca, NY 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 11:40:46 AM: (http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a532/singdaw1/triangle_zps7fea9ff1.jpg)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Jennifer on April 10, 2014, 12:29:46 PM: Quote from: Jrand63 on April 10, 2014, 08:46:42 AM
I have read the SPIDER MAN book, and I think it lets us know how wrong a show can go...and how it happens. The elephant in the room for me is that it was not a good idea to begin with.... The author doesn't specifically point fingers.....but certainly "determined" Julie Taymor seems to be the main villain in the piece.

This sounds like an interesting book. Although for me $11 for the e-book seems like too much.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Jrand74 on April 10, 2014, 12:37:46 PM: It's not worth $11 DR JENNIFER unless you are VERY interested in the subject. I would think the library or a used copy would suffice if there is no rush to read it.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Jrand74 on April 10, 2014, 12:39:27 PM: TOD:

The Producers - the original movie not the musical or the musical movie.

Parody seems to me to be more successful in short form. I am not saying I don't laugh at the movies.....I just like parts of them more than I do the ENTIRE movie.....individually.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 01:10:07 PM: Robert, we're usually there for about ninety minutes, so until three-thirty.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 01:11:17 PM: Back from the lunch meeting and we've now assigned and figured out all the doubling and tripling happening in Li'l Abner. Went to Fred 62 diner, which has become a VERY odd place with a much-different menu. Won't be returning.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 01:18:00 PM: Richard and I just came from a delightful lunch with DR Jane and her ever-lovin' Keith! We met at the Golden Lamb in Lebanon, OH.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ryacko on April 10, 2014, 01:18:19 PM: I'll do my best to get there, BK! Thanks.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 01:20:50 PM: Great HHW reunion photo, DR Ginny! :) Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 01:51:37 PM: Nice Picture DR Ginny!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Kate on April 10, 2014, 01:52:09 PM: Goodbye for now 8) 8)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:05:03 PM: Thanks, DRs Singdaw and Kate!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:05:48 PM: This Faith Prince-Anthony Warlow act is turning into a situation.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:17:20 PM: Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:05:48 PM
This Faith Prince-Anthony Warlow act is turning into a situation.

Uh-oh...
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Jrand74 on April 10, 2014, 02:19:44 PM: Nice photo DR GINNY - thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Jrand74 on April 10, 2014, 02:22:03 PM: I tried to watch the GUYS & DOLLS BluRay last night....but didn't get very far. The quality isn't very good. I think Frank Sinatra got better looking as he got older, here he is not at his best, and the weird costumes don't help.

Vivian Blaine may have been a stitch onstage, but in the movie she is just irritating. Marlon Brando is always interesting to watch, but I keep asking why? Same with Jean Simmons....there had to be better choices....
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:23:17 PM: Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:17:20 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:05:48 PM
This Faith Prince-Anthony Warlow act is turning into a situation.

Uh-oh...

Oh-yes! Too much to be done and not enough in the budget. Why not determine the work to be done, then settle the budget instead of working ass backwards?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:23:25 PM: Quote from: Jrand63 on April 10, 2014, 02:19:44 PM
Nice photo DR GINNY - thanks for sharing.

Thanks, DR JRand! In the process of trying to get this photo posted, I discovered that the "old" way of posting photos here works again. I never did learn the method that involved PhotoBucket...
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:24:02 PM: Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:17:20 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:05:48 PM
This Faith Prince-Anthony Warlow act is turning into a situation.

Uh-oh...

Oh-yes! Too much to be done and not enough in the budget. Why not determine the work to be done, then settle the budget instead of working ass backwards?

It also sounded to me like a pretty short time frame.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:24:17 PM: Quote from: Jrand63 on April 10, 2014, 02:22:03 PM
I tried to watch the GUYS & DOLLS BluRay last night....but didn't get very far. The quality isn't very good. I think Frank Sinatra got better looking as he got older, here he is not at his best, and the weird costumes don't help.

Vivian Blaine may have been a stitch onstage, but in the movie she is just irritating. Marlon Brando is always interesting to watch, but I keep asking why? Same with Jean Simmons....there had to be better choices....

For a very funny show, it's such a serious movie.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:27:14 PM: Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:24:02 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:17:20 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:05:48 PM
This Faith Prince-Anthony Warlow act is turning into a situation.

Uh-oh...

Oh-yes! Too much to be done and not enough in the budget. Why not determine the work to be done, then settle the budget instead of working ass backwards?

It also sounded to me like a pretty short time frame.

Most of the music comes from their personal libraries but they didn't budget for work like copying new parts a half step lower or the necessary work to reduce a reed section of eight players to five/
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 02:35:15 PM: Quote from: George on April 10, 2014, 01:18:28 AM
In the morning, I have an eye appointment. When I called to make the appointment, they said that today was exactly one year and one day since my last appointment. I couldn't get one any earlier. :)

Well, I've had my appointment and will get new glasses. One eye changed by .25, which means I don't really need to get new glasses, but my last pair broke and I don't have a spare pair. And I don't love the frames that I have now. Since only my lenses are covered, I did have to pay for the frames, but even though they're not covered, I got a 20% discount! They'll take 7-10 business days. Can't wait! 8)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 02:47:45 PM: Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 07:15:59 AM
Thursday morning greetings! Today I will be finalizing my prep for the AAUW state convention, which starts tomorrow evening in Springfield, OH. It's hosted by the branches of southwest Ohio, of which Middletown is one of the most robust. My friend Anita is going with me and we have a car full of stuff to transport, including this beautiful basket that our members are donating to the silent auction:

(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1422533_535626069883778_7140469023776533644_n.jpg)

Wow! That's a beautiful basket! Hope you get lots of bids! Or at least one very high bid. ;D
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 02:52:35 PM: Quote from: Ron Pulliam on April 10, 2014, 08:46:06 AM
TOD:

My absolute favorite, beyond any shadow of a doubt, is "Young Frankenstein". Everything about it is wonderful...the b/w photography, the sets/art direction, the performances AND the phenomenal John Morris score. Special favorite moment is the "Puttin' on the Ritz" number.

I'm also fond of "Blazing Saddles" and all the bits with Mongo, especially.

and then there is "High Anxiety" -- the Cloris Leachman/Harvey Korman bits are a scream and a half. I also love it that it's a lovely takeoff on Hitchcock and, again, John Morris' score is perfection in its homage to Bernard Herrmann.

I agree with all three of these and in this order. I'll also add "The Producers" and "Silent Movie."
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 02:53:55 PM: Quote from: singdaw on April 10, 2014, 08:38:51 AM
PAJAMAS!! :)

(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a532/singdaw1/pajamas_zpsc28393e3.jpg)

No double entendre there! ::)

;)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 03:03:18 PM: Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 01:18:00 PM
Richard and I just came from a delightful lunch with DR Jane and her ever-lovin' Keith! We met at the Golden Lamb in Lebanon, OH.

Lovely picture, Ginny!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 03:03:46 PM: Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:27:14 PM
Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:24:02 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:17:20 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:05:48 PM
This Faith Prince-Anthony Warlow act is turning into a situation.

Uh-oh...

Oh-yes! Too much to be done and not enough in the budget. Why not determine the work to be done, then settle the budget instead of working ass backwards?

It also sounded to me like a pretty short time frame.

Most of the music comes from their personal libraries but they didn't budget for work like copying new parts a half step lower or the necessary work to reduce a reed section of eight players to five/

What kind of act are they doing?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: KevinH on April 10, 2014, 03:30:29 PM: TOD: Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, The Producers
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 04:05:31 PM: Quote from: George on April 10, 2014, 03:03:46 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:27:14 PM
Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:24:02 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:23:17 PM
Quote from: Ginny on April 10, 2014, 02:17:20 PM
Quote from: elmore3003 on April 10, 2014, 02:05:48 PM
This Faith Prince-Anthony Warlow act is turning into a situation.

Uh-oh...

Oh-yes! Too much to be done and not enough in the budget. Why not determine the work to be done, then settle the budget instead of working ass backwards?

It also sounded to me like a pretty short time frame.

Most of the music comes from their personal libraries but they didn't budget for work like copying new parts a half step lower or the necessary work to reduce a reed section of eight players to five/

What kind of act are they doing?

30-piece orchestra, doing a lot of their solo orchestra numbers and some things together. I think it will be a good show; we're just trying to keep the budget within the framework but there's a lot of work to be done.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Dan M on April 10, 2014, 04:40:31 PM: TOD:

I have seen all of the movies Mel Brooks has made. All of his movies since (and including) SPACEBALLS have been pretty mediocre/bad. He started to wane around HISTORY OF THE WORLD, which is more miss than hit.

Early Brooks is quite good. THE TWELVE CHAIRS is an underrated comedy, though not an original story by Brooks, but better than latter Brooks, and it has a great cast including Langella and Moody. THE CRITIC, which was a theatrical animated short, was very funny and more than likely improvised. THE 2,000 YEAR-OLD MAN, also a theatrical animated short, was really the old Reiner-Brooks bit, but was funny.

THE PRODUCERS (1968) really is the sine qua non of Brooks. While I like most of BLAZING SADDLES, it's very much a live action cartoon and would have been a different film had co-writer Richard Pryor actually starred in it.

Although YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN was directed by Brooks and has many Brooksian elements in it, I generally give the major credit to Gene Wilder who had the original story and treatment. So, the success of this film is, I think, mainly due to Wilder as the "theme" is consistent throughout the picture.

I like HISTORY OF THE WORLD, Pt. I even though I "know better". Since it debuted on home media it's a lot easier to fast forward through the "eh" parts.

I consider SILENT MOVIE and his version of TO BE OR NOT TO BE (which cannot carry the water of the Jack Benny version by Lubitsch) to be like vanity pieces when he considered himself more of a producer, particularly with the success of Brooksfilms' production of THE ELEPHANT MAN.

I like HIGH ANXIETY even though, it too, is uneven. Had someone like Wilder been a collaborator there may have been more consistent homage to Hitchcock. At least it had Barry Levenson to keep Brooks from totally derailing.

With SPACEBALLS, I have a love/hate toward this movie. It's okay, but the timing of this movie was way after the initial Star Wars hoopla, and it really goes for the juvenile jugular. The movie is also another example of John Candy, who was a very funny TV talent, in a movie that shows that no one knew what to do with him.

Everything else is just (to borrow a term used in both YF and HA) "kaka". The DRACULA parody was dreadful. The film of the musical of The Producers was nothing compared to the teaming of Mostel and Wilder. I've always liked Nathan Lane, but Matthew Broderick is not my cup of tea. I saw him in person in NY and it did nothing to change my feelings about him. I guess I should add that I do not like the trend that every concept is made and remade into a TV show, a movie, a play, a musical and then back to a TV show. Why can't there be any original concepts. I recently heard that there are plans afoot to remake FLIPPER yet again. Why? WHY?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Dan M on April 10, 2014, 04:43:51 PM: I may have been late to this party, but I just saw the movie ROBOT AND FRANK which starred Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon and Peter Sarsgaard as the robot's voice. It was an enjoyable movie, not a classic, but fun to see Langella as a man who may/may not have memory problems.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Dan M on April 10, 2014, 05:00:04 PM: Some of Mel Brooks's finest work can be found on the recordings he did with Carl Reiner in which they recreated their party act of the reporter and the 2,000 year-old man. Also, if you ever get the chance, see/rent/buy HOW TO BE A JEWISH SON, which is a recording of a David Susskind (one of the producers of GET SMART via Talent Associates) talk show. And, there's a very funny appearance by Brooks on a DICK CAVETT show in the set entitled "Hollywood Legends".

I also am a fan of GET SMART. How much of it was Buck Henry and how much was Brooks, I guess we'll never really know, but again a good collaborator helps rein in the Brooks tendency to be scattershot.

WHEN THINGS WERE ROTTEN was a TV show that I really wanted to like. The theme song was catchy, but the show wasn't. It was a show to tide you over until HIGH ANXIETY was released.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 05:03:25 PM: Had a fun work session with Sandy and Lanny - we're all getting jazzed about this album. We've got fourteen songs now - not sure if we'll go to one more but if we do it will have to be a simple chart as Lanny's orchestrating mostly everything for the full band. I'll go through my stuff and see what's left that we might be able to do - right now we have more ballads than up-tempos but a couple of the ballads, while slow, have funny stuff in them, so there's that. The final up, which I've always loved and have never performed anywhere since the late 1970s is a song called It Might Be Fun, which I wrote for my musical screenplay called Sailors, which was meant to be a follow-up to Nudie Musical. It never got made, and while I used to do this song in an evening of my songs because I could set it up and explain the plot of the film, the lyric was character specific throughout - the IDEA was fine, but it didn't make sense unless you knew the two characters and where one worked. So, a few days ago I began rewriting the lyric and finished this morning, played it for them, they liked it a lot, and we're including it.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: KevinH on April 10, 2014, 05:59:11 PM: Looking forward to Sandy's new album!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: John G. on April 10, 2014, 06:19:18 PM: http://www.buzzfeed.com/louispeitzman/how-many-bad-movies-have-you-seen

I'm surprised I've only seen 47 of these losers. How many of the worst movies have you seen?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 06:25:22 PM: Well, I'm off to the theater. I'm ushering for a college production of "Into the Woods." I know the woman playing the Baker's Wife and she's pretty good.

Be back later!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 06:38:17 PM: Page four? Really?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 06:38:29 PM: Met some friends and had a cup of soup.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 07:31:35 PM: Back from round one of auditions.

Oy.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 07:43:45 PM: I scored 24 on the bad movie test, DR John G. Since they were presented in chronological order, it was easy to see that I was checking off fewer and fewer as the years marched on.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 07:56:09 PM: Time to sit down and watch a movie. Haven't had time to really do that for several days. Hey, maybe it'll be one of those bad ones.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: John G. on April 10, 2014, 08:17:33 PM: Vixmom, are you there? How are you doing?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 08:20:17 PM: Note to insomniacs:

TCM is showing THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG at 2:30 a.m. (eastern) and Demy's LOLA at 4:15.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: John G. on April 10, 2014, 08:21:15 PM: Just read the reviews for Bullets Over Broadway. It was never my favorite Woody Allen movie, but I'm interested in this adaptation. And largely for the reason it's been knocked so heavily: the use of original period songs. These songs don't get heard on Broadway much anymore, except when they revive Anything Goes or shoehorn some Gershwin stuff into a new script like Nice Work If You Can Get It.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 09:23:21 PM: Watched a tiny bit of a motion picture, but have some work to do now.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 09:23:29 PM: Page four? Really?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 09:23:39 PM: And not very FAR on page four at that.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 09:23:51 PM: I suggest we get us a frenzy or three.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 10:29:37 PM: Let me explain very carefully - the day we stop at four pages is not going to be a good day. Not a good day at ALL.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Matthew on April 10, 2014, 10:56:36 PM: Our show just isn't funny. When the director wants to ADD jokes, you know you're in trouble :(
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 11:14:15 PM: Where in TARNATION are the usual suspects?
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: ChasSmith on April 10, 2014, 11:20:35 PM: Greatly enjoyed watching a strange and oddly compelling movie.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Dan M on April 10, 2014, 11:21:46 PM: Of that list of "worst" movies, I can lay claim to having ~~seen~~ suffered 103 of them. Many of the movies made before 1980 (or, more specifically, before the "Jaws"/"Star Wars" modern era blockbuster) are among the "so bad, they're good" variety. Very few of the post 1980 movies fall into that category as they're just plain awful and cannot be suffered through even just one time. There are a few exceptions of course, such as "Mommie Dearest" which has aged quite well. I think Faye Dunaway did a great job in that movie and I would compare her performance to Marlon Brando in "The Godfather" in that without her the movie wouldn't be as memorable.

A lot of the early movies on the list were made for enjoyment even though there was no real pressure to make a classic, cult or otherwise. That's why they remain fun to watch despite knowing that we "shouldn't" like them. The "Gigli"s and "Waterworld"s (surprised that "Hudson Hawk" wasn't on the list) tried too, too hard to be cult or classic or even meaningful (read hubris in some instances), and that strain makes watching them unbearable. Sometimes there's too many "spices" or "cooks" and the whole thing just becomes a tasteless mess, like "Indiana Jones/Crystal Skulls". To me it seemed like Spielberg and Lucas (and probably Ford) crammed in all of their to-date unused ideas/concepts/hey-let's-try-this-stuff from the past 30 years into one movie. They'll just never be able to recreate "Raiders" and trying really hard to do so just makes for a really bad movie.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: Dan M on April 10, 2014, 11:27:11 PM: Not that this movie was among the "worst", but I found it fascinating. Has anyone seen Stanley Donen's "Staircase" starring Richard Burton and Rex Harrison? Everything about it tells you that it shouldn't work, that it's a very strange picture, yet the performances are very good. I like Donen, even when he wasn't entirely successful, as I have found something to appreciate even in his "flops".
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:33:15 PM: Well, since we're so close...
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:33:24 PM: PAGE FIVE DANCE!!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:34:08 PM: Tonight, I ushered for a college (St. Martin's University, actually) production of Into the Woods.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:34:42 PM: It was long...most of the tempos seemed to be a little slow (in my opinion).
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:36:23 PM: I don't think I was comparing them to the original recording, but a lot of it just felt slow.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:38:23 PM: My friend Amy was the Baker's Wife and she was good.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:41:53 PM: The guy playing the Baker was very good, also.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:42:00 PM: He's been in quite a few local shows, so I expected him to be good.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:43:05 PM: Several actors were obviously inexperienced, but no one embarrassed themselves.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:45:23 PM: The set was pretty cool...very cool trees across the stage. The band was on top and could be seen.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 11:50:25 PM: Ten minutes to have eighty more pages.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 11:50:29 PM: To it.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:50:45 PM: The lighting was not very inventive, except for the birds.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: bk on April 10, 2014, 11:50:47 PM: Just dove in and wrote a whole set of liner notes in ninety minutes.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:51:31 PM: They used a couple of gobos that had birds in a circle and had them spin.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:51:43 PM: I thought that that was a pretty cool idea and effect...no stuffed birds on strings. ;)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:54:31 PM: And in the opening number during the segments with Cinderella and her step-sisters and step-mother, Cinderella was kneeling on the ground in the light and the other three women were standing behind her outside the light!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:54:51 PM: Their heads and upper torsos were all in shadow. All they had to do was move everyone down a couple of feet and then they'd all be lit, but for some reason, no one thought of that. :-\
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 10, 2014, 11:55:44 PM: Also, the grouping of Jack and his mother, and the Baker and his wife were downstage a little, so it would've made a LOT of sense to have all three groupings on the same plane. Oh, well.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:00:54 AM: The really downside was the length (compounded by the tempos). They included "Our Little World" and they really didn't need it. I love the song, but it wasn't needed this time. Rapunzel had a very good voice and the Witch had a great voice...not as good an actress as a singer, though. ::)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:03:47 AM: What I discovered about this is that the show (even with a not-so-great production) works. I still enjoyed the intertwining stories and the ending. I was swept along by it all.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:03:59 AM: A few others in the audience...not so much. There were several cell phones taken out and looked at during the show. :P
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:04:23 AM: Quote from: bk on April 10, 2014, 11:50:25 PM
Ten minutes to have eighty more pages.

No lowest day of posting, today!
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:05:11 AM: Not eighty more pages, but not the lowest.
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:12:22 AM: And now for something completely different:

(http://24.media.tumblr.com/5fc7c5afebb7ea82bee1a00bca47c000/tumblr_n3ueizwdVP1r3gb3zo1_400.gif)
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:12:33 AM: :))
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:17:37 AM: Hey...
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:17:46 AM: ...it's a little too close...
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:17:53 AM: ...to stop now...
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:18:12 AM: ...so...
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:18:36 AM: ...now that this has been practically a WHOLE page of me...
Title: Re: WHAT TAKES MY FANCY
Post by: George on April 11, 2014, 12:19:31 AM: PAGE SIX DANCE!!