Well, as usual, I have been remiss in updating this thing...Thoroughly Modern Millie turned out to be a tremendous success artistically. 4-star review from The Bham News, enthusiastic and respectably-sized audiences, and excellent performances from the cast. I am exhausted but very happy.
No rest, however, as we had our read-through for A Christmas Story last night. As with Millie, the cast is outstanding, especially local radio celeb "Dollar" Bill Lawson as The Old Man. Hopefully the antics of Ralphie and his BB-gun inspired mania will entertain and amuse... :-)
Not much else to report, but I will try and put down something insightful and pithy this weekend.
Today from The Motherland...Pottermania continues...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7062090.stm
FLT3
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Sidewalk, etc.
To quote my friend and fellow blogger Aaron White (from several years ago) oh, I had me a blast at the Sidewalk. (I also ran into Aaron there this year, so he and Sidewalk have become inseperably linked in my mind.) For those who think there were two grown men playing marbles on the pavement, allow me to clarify..."Sidewalk" refers to the Sidewalk Film Festival, which is held every September in and around downtown Birmingham. I am slightly ashamed to admit that this was my first time to attend. It will not be my last! :-) The fare is mostly indie films (some locally produced) and I imagine the quality varies. The films I saw were all quite good...one was about an x-rated country singer (dirty lyrics, not coitus while singing...although that would be a neat trick...) Another was about 2 guys rowing a boat from New Jersey to The Bahamas (pretty good but a little dull in spots) and the third was a series of animated shorts ranging from outstanding to not-so-bad. In all, a very enjoyable weekend. Incidentally, if anyone was wondering, I did buy the Passat. I love it! |
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Home-School Day
It's home school day at BCT...wooo hooo! We just finished the first of three performances, and I can honestly say that we performed for more adults than kids. They were a sedate crowd, but really seemed to like the show.
Home schooling is an interesting phenomenon...it certainly leaves open the opportunity for abuses, as does just about anything, but for those who truly stress social interaction for the kids (ie scouts, theatre, athletics, etc.) it seems to work pretty well. The homeschoolers I have known have been, for the most part, very intelligent and well-educated...one does hear horror stories, though...
Thoroughly Modern Millie continues to make her way towards opening. I think we will be in good shape. I am really impressed with the vocal abilities of this cast...I don't recall such a strong group of singers in any recent shows.
Planning to see MCAT's Bye Bye Birdie this weekend. I have several good friends in the show, and it truly is one of my favorite musicals. The reviews have been uniformly positive, so I am anticipating enjoying it.
Considered buying a 2001 Mazda 626 yesterday...the price was right, and the car looked good, but after talking to several friends who know much more than I about cars (which isn't hard) I was advised that Mazdas tend to run out of steam around the 90k mark, and this one wasn't too far from it...the search continues, and must accelerate. My friends are getting tired of carting me around.
Today from The Motherland...a BIG baby... :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7015841.stm
FLT3
Home schooling is an interesting phenomenon...it certainly leaves open the opportunity for abuses, as does just about anything, but for those who truly stress social interaction for the kids (ie scouts, theatre, athletics, etc.) it seems to work pretty well. The homeschoolers I have known have been, for the most part, very intelligent and well-educated...one does hear horror stories, though...
Thoroughly Modern Millie continues to make her way towards opening. I think we will be in good shape. I am really impressed with the vocal abilities of this cast...I don't recall such a strong group of singers in any recent shows.
Planning to see MCAT's Bye Bye Birdie this weekend. I have several good friends in the show, and it truly is one of my favorite musicals. The reviews have been uniformly positive, so I am anticipating enjoying it.
Considered buying a 2001 Mazda 626 yesterday...the price was right, and the car looked good, but after talking to several friends who know much more than I about cars (which isn't hard) I was advised that Mazdas tend to run out of steam around the 90k mark, and this one wasn't too far from it...the search continues, and must accelerate. My friends are getting tired of carting me around.
Today from The Motherland...a BIG baby... :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7015841.stm
FLT3
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Car Woes
Well, as has been long-predicted by those who know me, my car has finally died. Yes, the seemingly indestructible Altima has finally passed away at the age of 165,000. Please do not send flowers, just a donation to the charity of your choice...like the Frank Needs A Car Foundation...
I have seen a car I would like to buy...a somewhat used but still in good shape Volkswagen Passat...such things as negotiation, counter-offers, etc. loom imminent. It would be nice to have the money to just buy a brand new car, but alas, that is not in my budget right now. Perhaps in a year or two...
We're between performances of Rumplestiltskin, and "10" was just called, so I'll close for now.
Today from The Motherland...Amsterdam brothels make way for condos...hmmmmm...
I have seen a car I would like to buy...a somewhat used but still in good shape Volkswagen Passat...such things as negotiation, counter-offers, etc. loom imminent. It would be nice to have the money to just buy a brand new car, but alas, that is not in my budget right now. Perhaps in a year or two...
We're between performances of Rumplestiltskin, and "10" was just called, so I'll close for now.
Today from The Motherland...Amsterdam brothels make way for condos...hmmmmm...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7005768.stm
FLT3
Friday, September 21, 2007
Second Posting...
It isn't often I post twice in one day, but this little nugget of joy from The Motherland was too good to pass up...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6993762.stm
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6993762.stm
FLT3
Three-A-Days...
Today is a "three-a-day" at BCT, meaning that we will do three performances, at 930, 11, and 1230 respectively. It's a bit taxing, but the trade-off is that we have Mondays off. (Of course, I have the luxury of working in a job where getting off work at 1:15 is a "long" day...:-)
Thoroughly Modern Millie is also progressing very well. The leads are particularly strong, and the ensemble is equally good and reliable. I think we will have a very successful show. More discussion of TMM as it progresses towards the 12 October opening.
Not much else to report...a semi-planned weekend beach trip has been scuttled due to the incipient arrival of Hurricane George. Somehow paying for a nice place to sit and watch the rain doesn't seem the best use of one's spending money...
Today's News From The Motherland...the QE2...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7005952.stm
FLT3
Thoroughly Modern Millie is also progressing very well. The leads are particularly strong, and the ensemble is equally good and reliable. I think we will have a very successful show. More discussion of TMM as it progresses towards the 12 October opening.
Not much else to report...a semi-planned weekend beach trip has been scuttled due to the incipient arrival of Hurricane George. Somehow paying for a nice place to sit and watch the rain doesn't seem the best use of one's spending money...
Today's News From The Motherland...the QE2...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7005952.stm
FLT3
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
RUMPLESTILTSKIN, New Flat, and Notoriety
Today was opening day of Rumplestiltskin at Bham Children's Theatre. I am playing the role of Sir Hugo, a sort of puffed-up Royal Treasurer kind of fellow. I would be lying if I said it was the pinnacle of artistic gratification, but on a humanitarian level, it can't be beat...the show is performed in the "Wee Folks" theatre, where the target audience is kindergarten-3rd grade. Though the show is (understandably) simple and short, I have already caught sight of a couple of kids in each audience (2 shows per day) who seemed transfixed. When you stop to think that your performance may be creating a love of theatre in a young person, you can't help but feel as if you are doing something good for humanity.
The paycheck is nice, too...not getting rich by any means, but I can honestly say that I am a paid, working actor. That's not something that many people in Birmingham can say...
I just moved into a new apartment. For the few of you who may have seen my previous apartment, it was (to put it mildly) gruesome...Dank, dated, and dungeon-like, this little hole in the wall was not a place into which I would invite people. Why was I living there, you may ask? It was cheap, convenient to Southside, and when I needed a place to live a year ago, I honestly thought I wasn't at home enough to warrant a nicer place. Needless to say, I was wrong...
Anyway, my lease was up at the end of July and the place I decided to move did not have a unit open until 10 September. I can now say that at age 37, I survived six(!) weeks bunking at my parents' house. Actually, it wasn't so awful...they were very nice and accomodating, and I enjoyed spending some time with them. However, by the time 9 September came round, I had bag and baggage packed and ready to go...
I am now living at Wildwood Crossings, where I lived in law school. An interesting perspective on life has come round since then...when I first moved in in '97, the complex was brand new. I was literally the first person to ever live in my apartment. Through the years that followed law school, I looked back on Wildwood as a sort of suburban idyll, a fantasyland where all was bright and shiny. (Remember that after undergrad, this was my first really "nice" apartment.)
Ten years later...it's still very nice. I am paying the rent myself now, as opposed to mom & dad, so it isn't quite the enchanted spot it was before. Plus, it's now a 10-year-old complex, and while it's very well-maintained, the sheen of brand-newness is gone. There has been some redecoration, and the bold wallpaper (which I loved) has been replaced by a textured muted-beige paint/plaster design (which I like just fine.)
Bottom line: what was once a never-never land of parties and the last burst of carefree youth is now a slightly more shopworn but still comfy and happy "real world" home. I still have to chew on the philosophical implications of all this, but I think my surroundings sort of reflect the disparity between the late 20's and late 30's. The latter still has fun and laughs, but perhaps slightly muted by time and creeping maturity. Not all bad, to be honest...
As for the notoriety, I have once again been mentioned on my friend Aaron's blog. Aaron is quite a fine writer, and I always enjoy seeing myself through his eyes. I usually fare pretty well...can't say I would enjoy it as much if he devoted a weekly column to "Frank is a bastard and here's why." Hopefully, that won't happen... :-)
Today from The Motherland...The Sex Pistols reunite! I remember listening to "Never Mind The Bollocks" back in the day...now most of the original fans have SUVs and 401(K)s. Sort of makes you doubt mainstream commercial anti-establishment musicians, huh...?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7000180.stm
FLT3
The paycheck is nice, too...not getting rich by any means, but I can honestly say that I am a paid, working actor. That's not something that many people in Birmingham can say...
I just moved into a new apartment. For the few of you who may have seen my previous apartment, it was (to put it mildly) gruesome...Dank, dated, and dungeon-like, this little hole in the wall was not a place into which I would invite people. Why was I living there, you may ask? It was cheap, convenient to Southside, and when I needed a place to live a year ago, I honestly thought I wasn't at home enough to warrant a nicer place. Needless to say, I was wrong...
Anyway, my lease was up at the end of July and the place I decided to move did not have a unit open until 10 September. I can now say that at age 37, I survived six(!) weeks bunking at my parents' house. Actually, it wasn't so awful...they were very nice and accomodating, and I enjoyed spending some time with them. However, by the time 9 September came round, I had bag and baggage packed and ready to go...
I am now living at Wildwood Crossings, where I lived in law school. An interesting perspective on life has come round since then...when I first moved in in '97, the complex was brand new. I was literally the first person to ever live in my apartment. Through the years that followed law school, I looked back on Wildwood as a sort of suburban idyll, a fantasyland where all was bright and shiny. (Remember that after undergrad, this was my first really "nice" apartment.)
Ten years later...it's still very nice. I am paying the rent myself now, as opposed to mom & dad, so it isn't quite the enchanted spot it was before. Plus, it's now a 10-year-old complex, and while it's very well-maintained, the sheen of brand-newness is gone. There has been some redecoration, and the bold wallpaper (which I loved) has been replaced by a textured muted-beige paint/plaster design (which I like just fine.)
Bottom line: what was once a never-never land of parties and the last burst of carefree youth is now a slightly more shopworn but still comfy and happy "real world" home. I still have to chew on the philosophical implications of all this, but I think my surroundings sort of reflect the disparity between the late 20's and late 30's. The latter still has fun and laughs, but perhaps slightly muted by time and creeping maturity. Not all bad, to be honest...
As for the notoriety, I have once again been mentioned on my friend Aaron's blog. Aaron is quite a fine writer, and I always enjoy seeing myself through his eyes. I usually fare pretty well...can't say I would enjoy it as much if he devoted a weekly column to "Frank is a bastard and here's why." Hopefully, that won't happen... :-)
Today from The Motherland...The Sex Pistols reunite! I remember listening to "Never Mind The Bollocks" back in the day...now most of the original fans have SUVs and 401(K)s. Sort of makes you doubt mainstream commercial anti-establishment musicians, huh...?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7000180.stm
FLT3
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I Love My Cast...
No, I haven't broken an arm (though I suppose a leg would be appropriate, given my profession...) I am making reference to the cast of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE which will be presented by CenterStage in October. This cast is really something special...
First, they are almost scary-talented...this is a group of truly brilliant performers. At a recent music rehearsal, I was out of the room for a moment, and honestly thought someone was playing the CD...but it was just our cast singing. :-)
Not only are they talented, they are also incredibly nice and friendly and agreeable. I honestly look forward to seeing this group of people every night! I predict that MILLIE will be a tremendous success, due not only to the sheer talent, but also the tangible warmth and goodwill among the cast.
SO...please come and see the show...you won't be disappointed!
In today's news from The Motherland...a very special kitty! (I love the British term "moggie...")
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6989055.stm
FLT3
First, they are almost scary-talented...this is a group of truly brilliant performers. At a recent music rehearsal, I was out of the room for a moment, and honestly thought someone was playing the CD...but it was just our cast singing. :-)
Not only are they talented, they are also incredibly nice and friendly and agreeable. I honestly look forward to seeing this group of people every night! I predict that MILLIE will be a tremendous success, due not only to the sheer talent, but also the tangible warmth and goodwill among the cast.
SO...please come and see the show...you won't be disappointed!
In today's news from The Motherland...a very special kitty! (I love the British term "moggie...")
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6989055.stm
FLT3
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Warm & Fuzzy Story
Today from The Motherland...a story about motherhood:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6984122.stm
Although the potential for abuse is high, and regulation & enforcement will be difficult if not impossible, it's damned civilized to see that Queen & Country care about good nutrition for babies. It makes me smile to think of it. :-)
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6984122.stm
Although the potential for abuse is high, and regulation & enforcement will be difficult if not impossible, it's damned civilized to see that Queen & Country care about good nutrition for babies. It makes me smile to think of it. :-)
FLT3
Friday, September 07, 2007
Try To Remember...
As I write this, I am sitting in a friend's office downstairs at Virginia Samford Theatre (thanks, Lucas!) waiting for my next entrance in the VST Gala. Above me I can hear another friend masterfully singing "Try To Remember" from The Fantasticks (excellent job, Carl!) I just glanced at the news online and saw that Madeline L'Engle died today. One of the first "grown up" books I ever read was A Wrinkle In Time, and I have always credited L'Engle with helping me discover a lifelong love of reading. Add to this passing that of Pavarotti, and the "Try To Remember" song takes on a particular poigniancy...
Life, however, goes on. There will be other magnificent authors and other incredible singers, but the world is a bit less "sparkling" tonight with these two missing. Rest In Peace, both...
On a more cheerful note, an amusing story from The Motherland:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6981956.stm
It's nice to know that in a world of violence, sadness, and assorted acts of nastiness that Alan Cumming's arse can still cause a stir in Scotland.
FLT3
Life, however, goes on. There will be other magnificent authors and other incredible singers, but the world is a bit less "sparkling" tonight with these two missing. Rest In Peace, both...
On a more cheerful note, an amusing story from The Motherland:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6981956.stm
It's nice to know that in a world of violence, sadness, and assorted acts of nastiness that Alan Cumming's arse can still cause a stir in Scotland.
FLT3
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Get Well, Maestro...
In today's News From The Motherland...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6980686.stm
...opera legend Luciano Pavarotti is reported in "serious" condition. Our prayers are with you, LP...God, what an amazing voice...
The frailty and temporary nature of the human body is sort of terrifying if one really stops to consider...thousands of living, functioning component parts...no matter how well they are maintained, one too many will go sour within 100 years or so, even by the most optimistic statistics...mortality is, as the saying goes, a bitch.
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6980686.stm
...opera legend Luciano Pavarotti is reported in "serious" condition. Our prayers are with you, LP...God, what an amazing voice...
The frailty and temporary nature of the human body is sort of terrifying if one really stops to consider...thousands of living, functioning component parts...no matter how well they are maintained, one too many will go sour within 100 years or so, even by the most optimistic statistics...mortality is, as the saying goes, a bitch.
FLT3
Monday, September 03, 2007
History Again at The Tower
From The Motherland...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6975559.stm
It looks as if one of the last bastions of the old-boy network has been breached. For the first time in history, a female Beefeater is on duty at The Tower of London. I must say, "well done!"
Admittedly, I am a traditionalist when it comes to The Sceptered Isle. I mourned the passing of the barristers' wigs, I long for the return of Latin to the C of E services, and if the pound sterling gives way to the euro, I may have to take to my bed...
However, I am definitely a progressive in terms of equal opportunity. If there are women who wish to serve as yeoman warders at The Tower (and obviously there are) I think they should be given the opportunity.
In other news, the VST Gala continues to grow and blossom. I do hope it will be well-attended...I may have to send out a mass email later tonight. I usually hate the "come and see my show" propaganda that surrounds the opening of a performance, but this is something special...
Today is Labor Day. I think we all need a pleasant, quiet, low-key holiday once in a while, and Labor Day fills the bill quite nicely. It's sort of like Thanksgiving or Easter...not a frenzied high-intensity holiday...just calm and restful.
Rehearsal begins tomorrow at BCT for Rumplestiltskin. I am very happy to say that my good friend Ron Dometrovich is in the show, so I will look forward to the performances...even the tour won't be so gruelling with a friend along for the trip. Of course the paycheck is another nice incentive...
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6975559.stm
It looks as if one of the last bastions of the old-boy network has been breached. For the first time in history, a female Beefeater is on duty at The Tower of London. I must say, "well done!"
Admittedly, I am a traditionalist when it comes to The Sceptered Isle. I mourned the passing of the barristers' wigs, I long for the return of Latin to the C of E services, and if the pound sterling gives way to the euro, I may have to take to my bed...
However, I am definitely a progressive in terms of equal opportunity. If there are women who wish to serve as yeoman warders at The Tower (and obviously there are) I think they should be given the opportunity.
In other news, the VST Gala continues to grow and blossom. I do hope it will be well-attended...I may have to send out a mass email later tonight. I usually hate the "come and see my show" propaganda that surrounds the opening of a performance, but this is something special...
Today is Labor Day. I think we all need a pleasant, quiet, low-key holiday once in a while, and Labor Day fills the bill quite nicely. It's sort of like Thanksgiving or Easter...not a frenzied high-intensity holiday...just calm and restful.
Rehearsal begins tomorrow at BCT for Rumplestiltskin. I am very happy to say that my good friend Ron Dometrovich is in the show, so I will look forward to the performances...even the tour won't be so gruelling with a friend along for the trip. Of course the paycheck is another nice incentive...
FLT3
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
One Wealthy Dog...
Today's news from The Motherland actually concerns a story from The Colonies...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6969648.stm
It's nice to see that someone as (reportedly) vile and mean-spirited as Leona Helmsley can still love a pet.
It's late, and I don't have much to say, so I'll leave my readers (all 4 of you) with this thought...is Leona related to Sherman "George Jefferson" Helmsley?
Well we're movin' on up...
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6969648.stm
It's nice to see that someone as (reportedly) vile and mean-spirited as Leona Helmsley can still love a pet.
It's late, and I don't have much to say, so I'll leave my readers (all 4 of you) with this thought...is Leona related to Sherman "George Jefferson" Helmsley?
Well we're movin' on up...
FLT3
Friday, August 24, 2007
Confusion
Today from The Motherland...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/6961980.stm
I must confess to a bit of confusion. I always assumed the C of E and a Champagne Bar would be a perfect match. I especially liked the quote about Champagne Bar patrons not pooping outside. Class will tell... :-)
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/6961980.stm
I must confess to a bit of confusion. I always assumed the C of E and a Champagne Bar would be a perfect match. I especially liked the quote about Champagne Bar patrons not pooping outside. Class will tell... :-)
FLT3
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Good Doggie
In today's news from The Motherland...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6960750.stm
Short post today...not much new to report. As the saying goes, it has been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon..."Comedy of Errors" continues tonight, and I'm sure we will once again have good, solid performances. I am also in rehearsal for the VST Gala, which runs at Virginia Samford Theatre September 6-9. It is going to be AMAZING. I don't say this very often, but all my readers (all 3 or 4 of you) REALLY need to come and see it. It's going to be one of the better pieces of theatre seen in Bham in a while...tickets are $25 for just the show, or $80 for opening night, which includes the foo-foo reception.
I have been singing "Vindaloo" for the past day, having posted it on my last entry (see song #1 from yesterday's post.) I find myself sitting at the computer or whatever softly singing "Na na na na na na na...we're Eng-a-land...we're gonna scooooore one mooooore than yooooou" over and over. (Yes, I am bizzare...I have accepted that...)
That's all for now...
Cheers!
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6960750.stm
Short post today...not much new to report. As the saying goes, it has been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon..."Comedy of Errors" continues tonight, and I'm sure we will once again have good, solid performances. I am also in rehearsal for the VST Gala, which runs at Virginia Samford Theatre September 6-9. It is going to be AMAZING. I don't say this very often, but all my readers (all 3 or 4 of you) REALLY need to come and see it. It's going to be one of the better pieces of theatre seen in Bham in a while...tickets are $25 for just the show, or $80 for opening night, which includes the foo-foo reception.
I have been singing "Vindaloo" for the past day, having posted it on my last entry (see song #1 from yesterday's post.) I find myself sitting at the computer or whatever softly singing "Na na na na na na na...we're Eng-a-land...we're gonna scooooore one mooooore than yooooou" over and over. (Yes, I am bizzare...I have accepted that...)
That's all for now...
Cheers!
FLT3
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
A Few More Favorites...
I have been on a YouTube kick, I suppose...after my last posting, I realized that I had several more favorite musical bits to include...
1. Fat Les' "Vindaloo." This was the (un?)official song of the British team during the World Cup of 1998. I spent that summer in Durham (a couple of hours north of London, not far from Newcastle.) You literally could not go anywhere without hearing the song. I, of course, got attached immediately.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1pXsJp_go&mode=related&search=
2. "Come Dancing" by The Kinks. This is early high-school-era music for me. I always associate it with happy times...I remember I had the song on a mix cassette (yes, I'm that old) and the label said "happy music." Indeed, it was...I can listen to this song, and it's 1985 again...geez...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3awgkHHtQ0
3. Closing credits and chase sequence from The Benny Hill Show. Just because I love the song ("Yakkety Sax" is, I believe, the title.) It's also fun to watch the sped-up film...a gag that never seems to get old...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuiA2j52rP8&mode=related&search=
4. "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson, from the movie Curious George. I love Curious George...always have! :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNzFFvW20G0
5. B-52's "Love Shack." What "Come Dancing" was for high school, "Love Shack" was for college. Oh, the happy Saturday afternoons on the back porch of the fraternity house...beer, music...idyllic times, where have you gone...?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8NhJNpQlsY
6. The Three Stooges "Swingin' The Alphabet." I had this on a videotape when I was a kid and must have watched it a million times...I always thought the "Curly's a dope" line was pretty funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFlDUK7YG6A
Today from The Motherland...who would have ever thought that The Rolling Stones would be banned from smoking onstage? I assumed Keith Richards had a cigarette genetically attached to his lower lip...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6958627.stm
FLT3
1. Fat Les' "Vindaloo." This was the (un?)official song of the British team during the World Cup of 1998. I spent that summer in Durham (a couple of hours north of London, not far from Newcastle.) You literally could not go anywhere without hearing the song. I, of course, got attached immediately.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1pXsJp_go&mode=related&search=
2. "Come Dancing" by The Kinks. This is early high-school-era music for me. I always associate it with happy times...I remember I had the song on a mix cassette (yes, I'm that old) and the label said "happy music." Indeed, it was...I can listen to this song, and it's 1985 again...geez...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3awgkHHtQ0
3. Closing credits and chase sequence from The Benny Hill Show. Just because I love the song ("Yakkety Sax" is, I believe, the title.) It's also fun to watch the sped-up film...a gag that never seems to get old...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuiA2j52rP8&mode=related&search=
4. "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson, from the movie Curious George. I love Curious George...always have! :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNzFFvW20G0
5. B-52's "Love Shack." What "Come Dancing" was for high school, "Love Shack" was for college. Oh, the happy Saturday afternoons on the back porch of the fraternity house...beer, music...idyllic times, where have you gone...?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8NhJNpQlsY
6. The Three Stooges "Swingin' The Alphabet." I had this on a videotape when I was a kid and must have watched it a million times...I always thought the "Curly's a dope" line was pretty funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFlDUK7YG6A
Today from The Motherland...who would have ever thought that The Rolling Stones would be banned from smoking onstage? I assumed Keith Richards had a cigarette genetically attached to his lower lip...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6958627.stm
FLT3
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Musical Entertainment
Okay, I know I have a bizzare sense of what is entertaining. That said, here are a few of my favorites from YouTube. Enjoy!
Prologue: "Rule, Britannia." My favorite tune...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5UP5n91-JQ&mode=related&search=
1. "Beebopareebop, Rhubarb Pie" from A Prairie Home Companion. I grew up reading the Garrison Keillor books, and love the radio show, so the movie was a must-see! This little ditty between Keillor and Meryl Streep (who, by the way, is still beautiful at 100) is one of my favorite parts of the movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsdHSGtxOlk
2. "Frankie And Johnny," also from A Prairie Home Companion. A pre-felony Lindsay Lohan sings the classic tune in a new way...in the film, her character is basically thrust in front of the mic and told to sing, with humorous results...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-87HUtpY0xU&mode=related&search=
3. "Liquor And Whores," a slightly ribald but funny song by "Bubbles," from Trailer Park Boys. (If you don't know this hilarious Canadian sitcom, you should check it out...) He is apparently performing the song on a radio show.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aoOY3_2bmlU
4. "Minnie The Moocher" from the BBC series, Jeeves And Wooster. If the actor playing Bertie looks familiar, that's because he's Hugh Laurie of House Fame. Another of my favorite series of books is the Jeeves collection by PG Wodehouse.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BWnB0hQWGdI
5. Merv Griffin sings "I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts." Just because.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Td4uqWTDt9w
6. The "Ascot Gavotte" from the 2002 London revival of My Fair Lady. While I don't condone sneaking a video camera into the theatre, this guy did manage to get a decent shot. I saw this production about six months after it opened, and LOVED it! While I do think the costumes are too dark (I preferred the Cecil Beaton black & white) the number is flawless...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JQ78BpYZS0&mode=related&search=
Epilogue: Stewie Griffin sings "My Fat Baby Loves To Eat." A modern classic...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PWcOvwcNGaA&mode=related&search=
Those should make everyone's day at work a bit more fun. :-)
And, as always, a bit of news from The Motherland...I can't say that this particular link is to anything all that interesting...just a story about a strike among tube workers...however, just reading about the "Bakerloo Line" made me think about The Underground...mind the gap...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6957825.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Prologue: "Rule, Britannia." My favorite tune...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5UP5n91-JQ&mode=related&search=
1. "Beebopareebop, Rhubarb Pie" from A Prairie Home Companion. I grew up reading the Garrison Keillor books, and love the radio show, so the movie was a must-see! This little ditty between Keillor and Meryl Streep (who, by the way, is still beautiful at 100) is one of my favorite parts of the movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsdHSGtxOlk
2. "Frankie And Johnny," also from A Prairie Home Companion. A pre-felony Lindsay Lohan sings the classic tune in a new way...in the film, her character is basically thrust in front of the mic and told to sing, with humorous results...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-87HUtpY0xU&mode=related&search=
3. "Liquor And Whores," a slightly ribald but funny song by "Bubbles," from Trailer Park Boys. (If you don't know this hilarious Canadian sitcom, you should check it out...) He is apparently performing the song on a radio show.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aoOY3_2bmlU
4. "Minnie The Moocher" from the BBC series, Jeeves And Wooster. If the actor playing Bertie looks familiar, that's because he's Hugh Laurie of House Fame. Another of my favorite series of books is the Jeeves collection by PG Wodehouse.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BWnB0hQWGdI
5. Merv Griffin sings "I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts." Just because.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Td4uqWTDt9w
6. The "Ascot Gavotte" from the 2002 London revival of My Fair Lady. While I don't condone sneaking a video camera into the theatre, this guy did manage to get a decent shot. I saw this production about six months after it opened, and LOVED it! While I do think the costumes are too dark (I preferred the Cecil Beaton black & white) the number is flawless...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JQ78BpYZS0&mode=related&search=
Epilogue: Stewie Griffin sings "My Fat Baby Loves To Eat." A modern classic...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PWcOvwcNGaA&mode=related&search=
Those should make everyone's day at work a bit more fun. :-)
And, as always, a bit of news from The Motherland...I can't say that this particular link is to anything all that interesting...just a story about a strike among tube workers...however, just reading about the "Bakerloo Line" made me think about The Underground...mind the gap...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6957825.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Monday, August 20, 2007
MFL Re-Examined And Other Thoughts...
For anyone who knows me, the fact that My Fair Lady is my favorite musical is hardly new news. I have performed in the show multiple times, seen it in numerous venues (the best of which was at London's Theatre Royal Haymarket) and watched the movie ad infinitum. I would have been willing to bet that there was nothing new I could possibly find in it. While this is true in terms of lines and musical numbers, I have found it to be untrue in terms of theme and character...
I recently watched the movie with someone for the first time. (It wasn't the first time I watched it with another person, but rather the first time the other person in reference had seen it.) As the story progressed, we made occasional comments about the characters and situations. It is interesting to see it (in a way) through fresh eyes, unaffected by 20-plus years of exposure to the story. With this in mind, here are my new thoughts...
1. Higgins is basically an insensitive bastard who softens when he finds himself attracted (on some level) to Eliza. I had always sort of viewed him as a lovable curmudgeon, but when you really break down his lines, they're actually quite hateful. Rex Harrison's charm made Higgins likable in spite of himself, but at least for the first half of the story, he's pretty much a jerk. That said, I remain convinced that the actor playing the role HAS to make him endearing in some way...if you go strictly by the dialogue, the audience would want to kill him before intermission.
2. Eliza's treatment of Freddy seems less capricious when you consider the fact that the two primary men in her life are Higgins (see above) and her father, who is perfectly willing to sell her as a whore to Higgins and Pickering if it means he can get five pounds on which to get drunk. I always wondered WHY she spurned a nice-looking, well-mannered man who obviously adored her. (Okay, that whole hanging out for days on the street where she lives is a bit creepy, but still...) The main problem with Freddy is that he has been raised as a gentleman, and has no concept of anyone ever behaving otherwise. In modern parlance, Eliza has "baggage" and "issues" which Freddy could never begin to comprehend, much less address. When she goes back to Higgins, it's really a classic example of dysfunction meeting dysfunction. Yes, we are led to believe that they will get along and (perhaps) love each other, but it's highly unlikely that there will never be fireworks...conflict is a comfort zone for both.
There are some more "new" ideas rattling around in my brain. Maybe I'll get to them sometime after the long-promised "Harry Potter" discussion...
On other fronts, Comedy Of Errors had a successful opening weekend. I am happy to say that while my lines were certainly not letter-perfect, they were (for the most part) accurate and correctly placed. Last night's performance was our best yet, and I think the entire cast agreed that we have hit our stride. Next weekend should be solid.
Today from the motherland...an adorable baby animal:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6955014.stm
The heat continues to bake the brain and dry the throat. (People were actually excited last night when it was mentioned that today's high was only 97 degrees.) I have been guzzling water for the past couple of weeks, and despite the heat find myself with a sort of renewed vigour. I suppose there's something to be said for hydration...
Michael Vick has apparently reached a plea agreement on the dog-fighting charges that have been nipping at his heels (pun intended.) As an animal lover, I think he belongs UNDER the jail, but I suppose he will get off with just a couple of years in prison. Oh well, it's something...at least he isn't walking away with a slap on the wrist. How anyone could find the brutal slaughter of innocent animals "entertainment" is beyond me...we (as a society) pride ourselves on our civility, yet some among us seem scarcely removed from the savages.
On a more cheerful note, the various work projects are going well. I have finally finished a script I am writing for the VST gala, and I begin work at BCT next week. In the meantime, there's always subbing...
Not much about which to rant in the political realm. I suppose the departure of Beelzebub Rove has left those among the party faithful (on both sides of the aisle) sort of stunned. My thoughts are chronicled one or two entries below, so I won't bore the reader with repetition. Let's just hope he returns to whatever primordial ooze spawned him...
Signing off for now...
FLT3
I recently watched the movie with someone for the first time. (It wasn't the first time I watched it with another person, but rather the first time the other person in reference had seen it.) As the story progressed, we made occasional comments about the characters and situations. It is interesting to see it (in a way) through fresh eyes, unaffected by 20-plus years of exposure to the story. With this in mind, here are my new thoughts...
1. Higgins is basically an insensitive bastard who softens when he finds himself attracted (on some level) to Eliza. I had always sort of viewed him as a lovable curmudgeon, but when you really break down his lines, they're actually quite hateful. Rex Harrison's charm made Higgins likable in spite of himself, but at least for the first half of the story, he's pretty much a jerk. That said, I remain convinced that the actor playing the role HAS to make him endearing in some way...if you go strictly by the dialogue, the audience would want to kill him before intermission.
2. Eliza's treatment of Freddy seems less capricious when you consider the fact that the two primary men in her life are Higgins (see above) and her father, who is perfectly willing to sell her as a whore to Higgins and Pickering if it means he can get five pounds on which to get drunk. I always wondered WHY she spurned a nice-looking, well-mannered man who obviously adored her. (Okay, that whole hanging out for days on the street where she lives is a bit creepy, but still...) The main problem with Freddy is that he has been raised as a gentleman, and has no concept of anyone ever behaving otherwise. In modern parlance, Eliza has "baggage" and "issues" which Freddy could never begin to comprehend, much less address. When she goes back to Higgins, it's really a classic example of dysfunction meeting dysfunction. Yes, we are led to believe that they will get along and (perhaps) love each other, but it's highly unlikely that there will never be fireworks...conflict is a comfort zone for both.
There are some more "new" ideas rattling around in my brain. Maybe I'll get to them sometime after the long-promised "Harry Potter" discussion...
On other fronts, Comedy Of Errors had a successful opening weekend. I am happy to say that while my lines were certainly not letter-perfect, they were (for the most part) accurate and correctly placed. Last night's performance was our best yet, and I think the entire cast agreed that we have hit our stride. Next weekend should be solid.
Today from the motherland...an adorable baby animal:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6955014.stm
The heat continues to bake the brain and dry the throat. (People were actually excited last night when it was mentioned that today's high was only 97 degrees.) I have been guzzling water for the past couple of weeks, and despite the heat find myself with a sort of renewed vigour. I suppose there's something to be said for hydration...
Michael Vick has apparently reached a plea agreement on the dog-fighting charges that have been nipping at his heels (pun intended.) As an animal lover, I think he belongs UNDER the jail, but I suppose he will get off with just a couple of years in prison. Oh well, it's something...at least he isn't walking away with a slap on the wrist. How anyone could find the brutal slaughter of innocent animals "entertainment" is beyond me...we (as a society) pride ourselves on our civility, yet some among us seem scarcely removed from the savages.
On a more cheerful note, the various work projects are going well. I have finally finished a script I am writing for the VST gala, and I begin work at BCT next week. In the meantime, there's always subbing...
Not much about which to rant in the political realm. I suppose the departure of Beelzebub Rove has left those among the party faithful (on both sides of the aisle) sort of stunned. My thoughts are chronicled one or two entries below, so I won't bore the reader with repetition. Let's just hope he returns to whatever primordial ooze spawned him...
Signing off for now...
FLT3
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Another Fine Mess...
As always, news from The Motherland...the BBC had this to say about a proposed statue of Laurel & Hardy:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/6949693.stm
I remember watching L&H when I was growing up...somewhere in my early teens I "discovered" them on late-night television, and immediately became a fan. I particularly enjoyed the musical numbers they presented, including "In The Blue Ridge Mountains Of Virginia" and "Shine On, Harvest Moon." My absolute favorite short was "The Music Box," where the boys attempt to move a piano up an extremely steep flight of stairs. (Point of trivia: the same set of stairs was used for a similar film in which The Three Stooges played ice men trying to deliver a huge cube of ice.)
Here's to Stan and Ollie...long may they be remembered!
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/6949693.stm
I remember watching L&H when I was growing up...somewhere in my early teens I "discovered" them on late-night television, and immediately became a fan. I particularly enjoyed the musical numbers they presented, including "In The Blue Ridge Mountains Of Virginia" and "Shine On, Harvest Moon." My absolute favorite short was "The Music Box," where the boys attempt to move a piano up an extremely steep flight of stairs. (Point of trivia: the same set of stairs was used for a similar film in which The Three Stooges played ice men trying to deliver a huge cube of ice.)
Here's to Stan and Ollie...long may they be remembered!
FLT3
Those randy Brits...
Today from The Motherland...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6947678.stm
One does have to wonder, however, if one of Her Majesty's Finest couldn't have found a more romantic (and sanitary) place for an assignation than the loo...
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6947678.stm
One does have to wonder, however, if one of Her Majesty's Finest couldn't have found a more romantic (and sanitary) place for an assignation than the loo...
FLT3
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