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Post by JeriJet on Aug 10, 2014 11:26:04 GMT -5
Hi Jeri, you saw Geer in "110 in the Shade" which we chatted because I had seen the revival with Audra McDonald. To my knowledge he never appeared in "The Fantasticks," although many other famous people did.
Oh, man, I'm really losing it.... thought he had played an old Indian "abductor" who ran up on stage briefly.... and I thought you were the one who told me that !!! .... the older I get, the more memory I lose -- it's getting tougher and tougher.... I thought old folks remembered stuff from the past easily and that it was recent things that were a problem !!??
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Post by nedandres on Aug 13, 2014 21:30:51 GMT -5
Don't feel bad, Jeri. I think that you remember the important things. It is impossible to remember everything perfectly, and the original run of "110 in the Shade" played during the 1960s, so that was 50 years ago.
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Post by nedandres on Aug 13, 2014 21:45:17 GMT -5
Jeri, some other questions for you:
Did you know Elaine Stritch? I seem to remember your having mentioned that. I know her onstage demeanor. What was she like in "real life"?
How would you compare Yul's final revival of "The King and I" to the original run, which I assume you saw, and the movie version. I saw the last Broadway revival with Lou Diamond Phillips and also the tour with Hayley Mills. How did he deal with being so sick while the production continued? I believe he played opposite Constance Towers. How was she?
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Post by nedandres on Aug 13, 2014 21:56:47 GMT -5
OK, I have a Richard Thomas story for you. He has participated in one Walton International Fan Club event in Hartford, CT., to celebrate his birthday during his run of "Tiny Alice" by Albee. He stopped over at the banquet after the show and made a few comments. Then the next day we all went to see him in the matinee. From what I have been told, he does not like to sit and sign autographs for hours at a time nor visit with fans for an extended period of time. Still, he was gracious and patient with us fans. All of the other Walton siblings were there with the exception of Kami Cotler, and I was in the elevator with them and some other people, and the people stared at them as if they knew them somehow but could not remember where. It was hilarious.
But that's not the story. In the 1980s Richard appeared in "Citizen Tom Paine" at the Kennedy Center, in the title role. I went home with a friend on spring break to DC to see him, and he also happened to be a guest on the Larry King radio show, not with Larry but with a guest host. Well, during the radio show, Richard commented about the crowd during the matinee at which I had seen him, something about its not being a very receptive audience. I called up and mentioned that I had been in the audience, and he backtracked somewhat and explained what he meant. It was good for a laugh. That was my first personal experience with Richard Thomas.
I asked him what his favorite episode of "The Waltons" was, and he said, "Oh, we did so many." He went on to say that his favorite episode was "The Thanksgiving Story" in which Olivia contracted polio. Of course, we all know that episode was "The Easter Story." But it goes to show that actors are working when they do movies or TV, and it is impossible for them to remember everything about their work as much as it is impossible for all of us to remember everything about our work. Neither do they take time to devour the VHS tapes (previously) or DVDs (currently) of their work the way that we do.
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Post by JeriJet on Aug 14, 2014 6:13:35 GMT -5
Jeri, some other questions for you: Did you know Elaine Stritch? I seem to remember your having mentioned that. I know her onstage demeanor. What was she like in "real life"? How would you compare Yul's final revival of "The King and I" to the original run, which I assume you saw, and the movie version. I saw the last Broadway revival with Lou Diamond Phillips and also the tour with Hayley Mills. How did he deal with being so sick while the production continued? I believe he played opposite Constance Towers. How was she? No, didn't know Elaine Stritch but saw her first in the 60's on Bway in Sail Away and have always loved/followed her.... you're probably remembering that I did know her nephew, Ed Lauter -- cousin of a very good friend.... he was a few years older and attending CWPost College on Long Island, while living in Long Beach.... my friend's home was much closer to the school, so he was frequently hanging out there.... He was already honing skills as a stand-up comedian and once surprised us at a party we were having (teenage stuff -- our very own awards ceremony!) ... pure gold !! (Ed was a prolific actor who played the man whose deceased son had owned the car John-Boy worked to purchase.)
Oh, wait, I think I did meet Stritch once -- perhaps at the Uta Hagen Studio.... wherever, no biggie.
Thought I'd answered your questions about the last Yul performance.... sorry .... Let's see -- I was not actually working on the show, but as his personal assistant, with my "office" in his huge hotel suite (penthouse, 2 stories, 5 bedrooms !!) and only made it over to the theatre a few times when he needed something... never actually saw that performance in toto !!! ... Didn't know Towers but don't remember his complaining about his co-star or any other players.... His relationship with me had little to do with the show.
Although he was not well, you would never have known it.... the man had amazing strength and total commitment -- the role, after all, was his alone.... I can't attest to his many performances of King, but I think critics have said that all of them were pretty consistent -- the several times he performed the stage show, along with the movie -- he had it down to a science..... As far as the man himself -- he was much like his public persona.... forceful, in command, exhibiting much bravado, somewhat arrogant... but at the same time sweet and thoughtful, not afraid to show his softer side.... he was delightful to work for and very considerate of me.
I was amazed at how well he handled his illness and proud of his desire to warn the world about smoking and lung cancer -- he hoped to make a difference. He was quite a philanthropist (I wrote the checks!).... personal wealth meant little to him.... he was all about the performance and his desire to gain respect through his work.... I think he always felt under-appreciated or maybe I mean unrecognized for his talent. Not really sure.
Hard to picture Lou Diamond Phillips in the role, although I do like him very much.... bet he did a decent job.
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Post by nedandres on Aug 14, 2014 15:09:32 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing your memories of Yul B. Fascinating person and fascinating stuff of legend. Did you ever read any of the books about him, one being written by his son.
Lou Diamond was good in the role. I met him at the stage door afterwards, and he seemed genuinely pleased that I enjoyed his performance. I saw him opposite Faith Prince, Donna Murphy had already left the role, and the NYT said that he and Faith had better chemistry than he and Donna!
Sorry that Elaine is no longer with us. Too many of the theatre greats are leaving us.
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Post by JeriJet on Aug 14, 2014 16:31:35 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing your memories of Yul B. Fascinating person and fascinating stuff of legend. Did you ever read any of the books about him, one being written by his son. Lou Diamond was good in the role. I met him at the stage door afterwards, and he seemed genuinely pleased that I enjoyed his performance. I saw him opposite Faith Prince, Donna Murphy had already left the role, and the NYT said that he and Faith had better chemistry than he and Donna! Sorry that Elaine is no longer with us. Too many of the theatre greats are leaving us.
Hah! -- now that's a question I know I've answered before (but maybe not from you?) -- no, I haven't read any biography about Yul... keep meaning to, and thanks for reminding me ... I'm trying not to buy books anymore, so will order it from my local library !! ... been using the library more and more lately. The one in my town doesn't have good handicap parking, so I drive either 5 or 8 miles to other towns.... the one I prefer doesn't have a restroom on the main floor, so it's got to be timed carefully !! -- crazy life when one gets older. Woe.
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Post by ForeverWaltons on Aug 14, 2014 18:00:33 GMT -5
Jeri, some other questions for you: How would you compare Yul's final revival of "The King and I" to the original run, which I assume you saw, and the movie version. I saw the last Broadway revival with Lou Diamond Phillips and also the tour with Hayley Mills. How did he deal with being so sick while the production continued? I believe he played opposite Constance Towers. How was she?
Thought I'd answered your questions about the last Yul performance. Let's see -- I was not actually working on the show, but as his personal assistant, with my "office" in his huge hotel suite (penthouse, 2 stories, 5 bedrooms !!) and only made it over to the theatre a few times when he needed something... never actually saw that performance in toto !!! ... Didn't know Towers but don't remember his complaining about his co-star or any other players.... His relationship with me had little to do with the show.
Although he was not well, you would never have known it.... the man had amazing strength and total commitment -- the role, after all, was his alone.... I can't attest to his many performances of King, but I think critics have said that all of them were pretty consistent -- the several times he performed the stage show, along with the movie -- he had it down to a science..... As far as the man himself -- he was much like his public persona.... forceful, in command, exhibiting much bravado, somewhat arrogant... but at the same time sweet and thoughtful, not afraid to show his softer side.... he was delightful to work for and very considerate of me.
I was amazed at how well he handled his illness and proud of his desire to warn the world about smoking and lung cancer -- he hoped to make a difference. He was quite a philanthropist (I wrote the checks!).... personal wealth meant little to him.... he was all about the performance and his desire to gain respect through his work.... I think he always felt under-appreciated or maybe I mean unrecognized for his talent. Not really sure.
Hard to picture Lou Diamond Phillips in the role, although I do like him very much.... bet he did a decent job.
Thanks for sharing some of your memories of Yul, Jeri. I watched him in lots of things growing up and always liked him as an actor. You know how they say celebrities die in threes? Well, I got married in September 1985 and the first set of three celebrities to die right after my marriage was Yul, Orson Welles and Rock Hudson...all in October 1985. So every time I see or hear anything about Yul now, it always immediately puts me back to just starting out as a newlywed wife.
My favorite movie of Yul's is The Ultimate Warrior (1975). It was shown several times a year for the late, late movie after the news on Friday nights...then of course the TV station would sign off the air for the night. I always watched it, no matter how many times they aired it. The bad guy thought he had won, he never thought Yul would cut his own hand off. Fooled him!
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Post by Brenda on Aug 14, 2014 20:18:49 GMT -5
Kimberly, my dad passed away on February 23, 2006. The next day, Feb. 24, both Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver passed away. I don't know who else passed away around that time, but I always include my dad in that little group of 3. He loved Gunsmoke, and our entire family loved The Andy Griffith Show.
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Post by ForeverWaltons on Aug 15, 2014 11:24:04 GMT -5
Kimberly, my dad passed away on February 23, 2006. The next day, Feb. 24, both Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver passed away. I don't know who else passed away around that time, but I always include my dad in that little group of 3. He loved Gunsmoke, and our entire family loved The Andy Griffith Show.
Brenda - The third celebrity was Darrin McGavin. He died on February 25, 2006. He is most remembered for the TV series Kolchak:The Nightstalker and playing the dad in the 1983 movie, "A Christmas Story".
That's sweet how you include your dad in with Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver.
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Post by Brenda on Aug 15, 2014 11:38:41 GMT -5
Kimberly, my dad passed away on February 23, 2006. The next day, Feb. 24, both Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver passed away. I don't know who else passed away around that time, but I always include my dad in that little group of 3. He loved Gunsmoke, and our entire family loved The Andy Griffith Show.
Brenda - The third celebrity was Darrin McGavin. He died on February 25, 2006. He is most remembered for the TV series Kolchak:The Nightstalker and playing the dad in the 1983 movie, "A Christmas Story".
That's sweet how you include your dad in with Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver.
I forgot about Darrin McGavin. I like to think my dad was there in Heaven waiting to greet Chester and Barney.
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Post by ForeverWaltons on Aug 15, 2014 11:57:39 GMT -5
Brenda - The third celebrity was Darrin McGavin. He died on February 25, 2006. He is most remembered for the TV series Kolchak:The Nightstalker and playing the dad in the 1983 movie, "A Christmas Story".
That's sweet how you include your dad in with Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver.
Why its a Major Award, Its A Leg :D________ You'll Shoot Your Eye Out. . Ms. Forever, This movie is the best part of Christmas to me. Regards Jerry
Jerry, that is one of my Christmas traditions. I have to watch A Christmas Story every December! Mr. Forever and I were dating in 1983 when it first came out at the movie theatres. We went to see it and I loved it...though it did poorly at the box office.
I love Randy eating like a pig and hiding under the sink because Dad's gonna kill Ralphie, then his mom hands him a glass of milk and just shuts him back up under the sink. LOL! I can't put my arms down! Randy laid there like a slug, it was his only defense...I could go on and on. I laugh each and every time, it never gets old.
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Post by patriciaanne on Aug 16, 2014 7:22:50 GMT -5
Kimberly, my dad passed away on February 23, 2006. The next day, Feb. 24, both Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver passed away. I don't know who else passed away around that time, but I always include my dad in that little group of 3. He loved Gunsmoke, and our entire family loved The Andy Griffith Show. I love the Andy Griffith Show, too! It's one of my "go-to" sets of shows, just like The Waltons.
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Post by patriciaanne on Aug 16, 2014 7:28:10 GMT -5
Jeri, some other questions for you: Did you know Elaine Stritch? I seem to remember your having mentioned that. I know her onstage demeanor. What was she like in "real life"? How would you compare Yul's final revival of "The King and I" to the original run, which I assume you saw, and the movie version. I saw the last Broadway revival with Lou Diamond Phillips and also the tour with Hayley Mills. How did he deal with being so sick while the production continued? I believe he played opposite Constance Towers. How was she? No, didn't know Elaine Stritch but saw her first in the 60's on Bway in Sail Away and have always loved/followed her.... you're probably remembering that I did know her nephew, Ed Lauter -- cousin of a very good friend.... he was a few years older and attending CWPost College on Long Island, while living in Long Beach.... my friend's home was much closer to the school, so he was frequently hanging out there.... He was already honing skills as a stand-up comedian and once surprised us at a party we were having (teenage stuff -- our very own awards ceremony!) ... pure gold !! (Ed was a prolific actor who played the man whose deceased son had owned the car John-Boy worked to purchase.)
Oh, wait, I think I did meet Stritch once -- perhaps at the Uta Hagen Studio.... wherever, no biggie.
Thought I'd answered your questions about the last Yul performance.... sorry .... Let's see -- I was not actually working on the show, but as his personal assistant, with my "office" in his huge hotel suite (penthouse, 2 stories, 5 bedrooms !!) and only made it over to the theatre a few times when he needed something... never actually saw that performance in toto !!! ... Didn't know Towers but don't remember his complaining about his co-star or any other players.... His relationship with me had little to do with the show.
Although he was not well, you would never have known it.... the man had amazing strength and total commitment -- the role, after all, was his alone.... I can't attest to his many performances of King, but I think critics have said that all of them were pretty consistent -- the several times he performed the stage show, along with the movie -- he had it down to a science..... As far as the man himself -- he was much like his public persona.... forceful, in command, exhibiting much bravado, somewhat arrogant... but at the same time sweet and thoughtful, not afraid to show his softer side.... he was delightful to work for and very considerate of me.
I was amazed at how well he handled his illness and proud of his desire to warn the world about smoking and lung cancer -- he hoped to make a difference. He was quite a philanthropist (I wrote the checks!).... personal wealth meant little to him.... he was all about the performance and his desire to gain respect through his work.... I think he always felt under-appreciated or maybe I mean unrecognized for his talent. Not really sure.
Hard to picture Lou Diamond Phillips in the role, although I do like him very much.... bet he did a decent job.
I have to look up Ed Lauter. I don't recall what shows he's been in off the top of my head. How cool that you met him. It must have been a very interesting job working for Yul Brenner. One of those things it's nice to look back on later.
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