Category Archives: Classic TV Clips

“Broadway lights, and wide open spaces…”

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Who has two thumbs and just scored tickets to Bye Bye Birdie in September? THIS GIRL!

It’s fair to say that I am just a bit excited.

First of all, it’s got a great cast. Sure, you’ve got John Stamos, who I am sure will be an excellent Albert Peterson. But, honestly, I am most excited about Bill Irwin. I love Bill Irwin. I’ve loved him ever since he played The Flying Man, the mute circus performer who wooed Marilyn, on Northern Exposure.*

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A few years ago, I had the privilege of seeing him and Kathleen Turner in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, for which he won a Tony. Most recently, he was one of the only things I liked about Rachel Getting Married. 

You might also remember him as the clown on that episode of The Cosby Show where Cliff takes Rudy’s friends out for her birthday.

What most amazes me most about Bill Irwin is the complete and total command he has over his body. It’s just amazing to watch, even when he’s not being a clown or doing acrobatics.  Playing George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, he communicated so much to the audience without dialogue – the way he carried himself, his body language, his face – spoke volumes. (And let’s not forget, The Flying Man had entire conversations with Marilyn without speaking a word.)

It’s rare that you see a performer on TV, stage, or movies who really stands out. Bill Irwin stands out. Without even knowing who he was, I remembered him as the clown on The Cosby Show for years. That episode is a permanant part of my childhood. On a mere two episodes of Northern Exposure, he stood out to me as one of the best characters in the series.

The point is, Mr. Irwin is extremely talented, and I can’t wait to see him sing about Ed Sullivan and go beserk when his meals keep getting cleared away before he’s had a chance to eat.

Here’s another clip of him, playing the fool to Karen Ziemba in a Sondheim Celebration at Carnegie Hall. (I couldn’t find the one where he gets dragged off stage, but this is pretty great, too.)

So, there’s one reason why I’m thrilled about Bye Bye Birdie.The other reason? It’s a great show. It’s the show that introduced me to musical theater, back in 1994, when I was in my community theater’s production. I was a chorus girl, and got to wear a poodle skirt and bounce around the stage singing “Going steady! Going steady!” It was a blast. A few years later, my high school put it on. By then, I was behind the scenes, and ran sound for the production. Again: it was a blast.

Despite being wildly popular in regional, community, and high school theater, I think this is an overlooked production. (Can you believe this is the first time it’ll be on Broadway since its debut in 1960?)It’s a very light show – nothing serious, lots of jokes. But if you actually listen to the score, it’s pretty tight. Think about it: “The Telephone Hour,” “Kids”, “A Lot of Livin’ to Do”, “Spanish Rose”, “Talk To Me” “Put On A Happy Face”, “One Boy”, “Hymn for A Sunday Evening” and (my personal fave) “Rosie”, among others.  Plus, the book is hilarious. There’s a reason the show won a slew of Tonys.

My only concern is critics will write Birdie off as”dated.” Well, sure it is. It’s supposed to be. It parodies a very specific time in America. Hopefully I’m wrong. Hopefully critics will love it and Birdie will be the hit of the season.

After all, with all the shit going on in the world right now, this lighthearted, frothy show is  just what America needs.

*For those interested, he did a great interview for American Theater Wing’s Downstage Center podcast  a few years ago. You can find it here.

Huey, MJ, Paul, and Frasier (Together at last!)

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Helloooo Internets! Did you miss me? Did you even notice I was gone?

Evidently I took a non-planned hiatus. Last week was my busiest work-week of the year, and this week – well, my brain turned into mush and I haven’t had the energy or desire to post anything. But don’t worry, I’m slowly returning to form.

Some things:

– Last week, I went to see Huey Lewis and the News at Wolf  Trap for my mom’s birthday. Did you know that the world is crazy for Huey Lewis? Because it is. I had no clue, and was totally unprepared for the madness that ensued. Everyone rocked out. People my age were rockin’, people my parents’ age were rockin’, and even this tiny man who could have been my grandfather was dancing in the aisles. Really world? Really? To be fair, I’m not a huge fan of Mr. Lewis. I mock shouted “I loved you in Duets!”*  when he came out, because that’s really the only thing I like about his career. Evidently, I am in the deep minority. When they finished “Power of Love” in the middle of the show, I turned to my Dad and asked “But what are they going to close with now?” I was also imagining myself hitching on to the back of a pick up truck so I could skate to school faster, but that’s neither here nor there. So Internet, you’ve been warned: The world LOVES Huey Lewis. *shrug* (Despite my complete neutral attitude toward Huey, the night was fun. My mom had a great time, and I enjoyed the people-watching opportunity.)

* Have you all seen Duets? If not, you totally should. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. And the reason that, no matter how many Planet of the Apes, Lady in the Waters, or Fred Clauses he makes, I’ll always, always love Paul Giamatti. Don’t believe me? Do yourself a favor and watch this. Oh, man, I’m tearing up just linking you to that.

– I am also pretty neutral on Michael Jackson’ s death. Sorry. I am old enough to remember when Dangerous was released (and to absolutely love it), but I’m not really old enough to remember the madness that was Thriller, and moon walking, and all that. I mostly remember when the media started reporting on all his eccentricities, the weirdness with Macauley Culkin, and his pet monkey. When I heard of his death, I was definitely shocked, but also, felt a sense of relief for him. The last 15 years or so haven’t been great ones for Mr. Jackson. So, rest in peace, sir.  Thanks for “I Want You Back”, which has one of the best openings to a song ever.

– Tomorrow, I’m going to New York with Nicki for the weekend. We’re going to see Next to Normal. Other plans include Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve never been to New York when it’s been both a.) warm and b.) nice. Work with me, universe. (Note to my readers: If you don’t hear from me in a few days, check the papers. I might have gotten caught in Alice Ripley’s path. No, my fear from her Tony acceptance speech has not subsided.)

– I made an executive decision a few weeks ago to stop my Cheers re-watch. I had maybe four episodes to go, and I just…couldn’t finish. It was too sad. (Go with me here – this was the first show I ever loved and lost. I still remember that night, and the Bob Costas special, and Diane coming back, and then leaving, and Norm telling Sam that the meaning of life is love, and Sam straightening the picture of Geronimo and turning off the lights for the last time. I couldn’t say goodbye to it again.) Instead, I started my Frasier re-watch, which is immensely entertaining. And, it’s not that I forgot how funny David Hyde Pierce is, but I hadn’t seen the show in ages. Oh, my god, you guys. DHP is a freaking genius. Seriously. He is. You know who else is hysterical? Daphne. I totally didn’t appreciate Jane Leeves when the show was on the air, and I’m so glad I do now. She can tell a story like nobody’s business. I didn’t watch much of the final years – I was in college, and all of my TV attention (that’s not an exaggeration – really – all of it) was devoted to Buffy and Angel. I’m sure that, like any show that lasts over a decade, it loses some of its luster. But, man oh man, is this show brilliant. Super smart, super funny, with super-talented people in front of and behind the camera.

Last night, I watched “Ham Radio”, from the fourth season. I don’t think I’d seen it since it aired, but once the shenanigans began, it all came back, and I remembered watching this with my family, all of us howling. In light of all the tragedy that’s gone on lately – the Air France crash, the Metro accident, the random deaths of four or five celebrities – here’s something to cheer you up. Two things for you to know: 1.) KACL puts on a radio play for its 40th anniversary and 2.) “Multiple murderer.”

 

 

Don’t you feel better now? Have a good weekend, y’all.

Who knew?

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I’m four days late on this, but in my defense, I’ve had a busy week and just last night got to catch up on some of this week’s Daily Show/Colbert. This was tough, because I’ve been dying to watch Operation Iraqi Stephen all week.

Unfortunately, I heard about the haircut beforehand. (Thanks a lot, Washington Post Express. Next time, I WON’T take a free paper when a vendor offers me one on my way to the Metro.) I knew he shaved his head on the order of President Obama. So, that was out.

I DIDN’T know he would be wearing an awesome camouflage suit. Nor did I know he would show us his “rigorous” 10 hours of basic training in South Carolina. Most of my favorite segments on The Colbert Report are when he goes out into the field, and this was no exception. Also, friend of the blog  Nicki observed that watching him do push ups was kind of hot, and I totally agree.

Also hot, and totally unexpected? How good Stephen Colbert looks with a shaved head. See:

20090607-c-1529c-050-colbert1Those who know me know that I am usually all about the long, unruly hair, ala Tim Riggins. I am not usually a fan of the close cut. But, well, damn Stephen. You pull that off real nice. (Or, in the words of Kevin Malone, Niiiiiiiceee.)

I’ve got two more episodes left, and don’t know when to watch. A part of me wants to now; another part wants to drag out the magic a little longer.

Nice going, Colbert.

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Video of the Day: Evidently, they needed to rehearse the cut. Ha!

And the real thing:

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The show ran 8 seasons

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I am behind on my Daily Show watching. For shame. It’s bad, but I always feel so out of  touch when I don’t get my daily dose of fake news from Stewart and Colbert.

Over the weekend, I was able to watch some, and saw this. It might be the best thing I’ve ever seen since I started watching TDS. (Second to Stephen Colbert documenting Steve Carell getting drunk, and all the Even Stevphens. “Antonio Banderas is a sexy, sexy man.”)

Seriously though – this is awesome. I love me some John Oliver, but Wyatt Cenac is quickly becoming my second favorite correspondent.

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Pretend catch up

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So, I can pretend this post is going to be about all the things I’ve been promising to write about: The Ben Folds a cappella CD, (Still good – only 2 real duds – one of which is, surprisingly, “Brick.” Best tracks hands down are “You Don’t Know Me” and “Magic.” See this post to hear the erm, magic that is “Magic.”) a review of Grey Gardens (Loved it so much, and not just because Broadway Boyfriend Malcolm plays piano – though it doesn’t hurt.), my new media obsession (It’s Dan Savage, and his Savage Love Podcast. I recently started working out on a [semi] regular basis, and I find his podcast is perfect for those 30-40 minutes – not serious, entertaining, and doesn’t require all of my attention.)

I could also write about the fact that yesterday, I received two CDs in the mail – the Broadway cast recording of The Story of My Life (*sigh* I’m still not over it being closed so soon), and The Journey Home, which is the first solo CD from my Broadway love, Malcolm Gets. (Yes, that’s right – TWO Malcolm Gets CDs in one day! I know! This is very exciting if you are me.) Get yours here and here.

But what I really want to talk about is this show I can’t seem to stop watching. I’m so six years behind on this, but uh, Queer as Folk – the American version? Oh my god, you guys. WHY did no one tell me about this show? And why one earth did no one tell me about Brian Kinney? Huh? Huh, Internets? I had no idea what I was missing!

Okay, so the show isn’t perfect. In fact, there are times when it’s downright cringe-worthy. (And no, I’m not talking about the love scenes, unless you’re talking about Dr. Dave and Michael. In which case, yeah, gross. Cause Dr. Dave SUCKED.)

But, the thing is, when it’s good? It’s really good. I feel kind of weird saying that, because I think for the most part, it’s thought of as a guilty pleasure show, and maybe even…dare I say it…network approved gay porn? (Maybe? Maybe not. I don’t know.) That’s not why I like it. (Though, it certainly doesn’t hurt that there are pretty boys making out with each other. I mean, I’m only human.)

When I first started watching, I thought, “Okay, so this is kind of like a gay male Sex and the City.” And it is, to an extent. The show follows the lives of five gay men living in Pittsburgh. Their friends are their family. Instead of meeting at a coffee shop every morning, it’s the Liberty Diner. They don’t go to every hot club in town, just one, Babylon. But that’s not why I like it, either.

So, why do I like the show? (Besides getting to stare at Gale Harold and Robert Gant for an hour?) I think it’s the relationships. I care about Brian and Michael’s lifelong friendship. I want things to work out between Justin and Brian. I kind of love Professor Ben, and think he’s such a better match than stupid Dr. Dave. (Have I mentioned how much I hated him?) I was happy for Michael when he got the comic book shop. Heck, even Brian’s Lesbians (TM TWoP) grew on me after awhile.

Oh, and Emmet Honeycutt. Anything with Emmett Honeycutt. More Emmett, please!  Particularly if  he’s in drag. I almost died when he dressed up like Jackie O.

Things I could do without?
– Michael’s mother. This mostly has to do with the actress. I like the idea of her character, but Sharon Gless is just terrible in the role. (Please don’t throw garbage at me, Cagney and Lacy fans!)
– Uncle Vic. Again, I like the idea of him, and don’t even mind the actor. But they give him the worst story lines and dialogue.
– Ted being a douche. I like Ted, but he has a big d-bag quality that makes me hate him half the time. Also, I don’t care what anyone says, running a porn site is just creepy. *shudder*
– Stilted dialogue. The show has good ideas, but sometimes the execution is less than stellar. And sometimes the dialogue is really bad.

But then sometimes, it’s awesome. Like when Brian’s father died:

Tears, folks. There were tears. Also, props to the QAF team for playing a Badly Drawn Boy song in 2000, when he was still relatively unknown (at least in the US). Also, if you’re going to use a Badly Drawn Boy song, that’s the one to use. It’s the best song he’s ever written.

Also, this scene, which is amazing. I know it’s nothing new to old QAF fans, but I rewound it about five times when I saw this episode. (We won’t talk about what happened after.)

Other observations. (Note: I’m only on season 2, so no spoilers, please!)
– Bring back Daphne, please!
– Seriously, more Emmett Honeycutt. I seriously underestimated Peter Paige when I first started watching, and now, he’s one of my favorites. He can go from cracking me up to making me cry in the blink of an eye.

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– Brian Kinney. Seriously. OMG. Love him. So much that I am now totally bummed that it seems like Jackson’s storyline is done on Desperate Housewives. I watched all season and didn’t know! I didn’t know he was so fabulous! Dear World, Please cast Gale Harold in more things.
– I like Justin’s mother, but she needs to grow some more balls. She’s improved this season, but still has more growing to do. Which is fine – I like seeing character growth over several seasons. Just…keep it up.
– I read that Emmett and Ted are a THING in season 3. Ted is at his best when he’s with Emmett, but I’m still unsure about this whole thing. They’re so good as friends. Plus, Emmett is too good for Ted. (I don’t hate Ted; he just needs to grow, too.)
– I am so glad they gave Michael a decent boyfriend in season two. Also, Robert Gant is sort of impossibly good looking. Especially when he’s wearing glasses. So, good on you, writers. So why Dr. Dave in season 1? Was this supposed to help Michael grow, somehow? To have him love someone other than Brian? If so, you all failed. But then you brought in Professor Ben, so all is forgiven.

And um, thus ends my probably incoherent fangirl rant about Queer as Folk. Sorry. I just…had to get that out.