10 FAVORITES (41) - Variety: The Spice of Life!

10 FAVORITES returns this week with one of my most anticipated topics: Variety Shows!  While I love the laughs a great sitcom gives me and I enjoy the emotional pull of fantastically written drama series, the Television genre I can truly lose myself in is that of the Variety Series.  It is the genre that most easily transitioned from radio onto to TV when the medium first became the rage.  And for a time, in the 1960s and 1970s, it seemed that Variety shows were what Reality shows are today.  It seemed everyone from Cher to Glen Campbell to Donny and Marie had a Variety show.  So, today I want to look back with great fondness on the shows that defined the Variety genre and talk about my absolute favorites.  Here are: 

THE 10 GREATEST

TELEVISION VARIETY SHOWS

OF ALL-TIME

VARIETY SERIES #10

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart is one of the funniest, smartest and most honest men in Television, so there is ample reason why the Comedy Central News-parody series is always top-rated.  With his biting wit and his killer writing staff, Stewart and Company (a Company that included people like Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert and host of others that are too many to list!) make audiences feel comfortable having a laugh in times when economic uncertainty and world unrest can bring even the happiest person down.  It is no wonder the show has won the Emmy Award for Best Variety Series for the past eight years (and it is poised to win a ninth time come this September!).

VARIETY SERIES #9

The Texaco Star Theater

A list about the Best Television Variety Shows would be absolutely incomplete without acknowledging the contribution of "Uncle Miltie."  Milton Berle was one of the biggest stars of Television in its very early days.  He was such a star that he is considered the reason many people even bought Television sets.  Always funny and never willing to back down from shaking things up (see Elvis below!), Berle became known as "Mr. Television."

VARIETY SERIES #8
The Ed Sullivan Show
This show was another staple show for people's households.  Every Sunday night at 7PM, people would sit down together and watch the master showman himself, Ed Sullivan, and his "really great shoe!" (No, that's not a misprint! That is really how he pronounced the word "show.")  So many careers were started on The Ed Sullivan Show from comedians to magicians to puppeteers to dancers to Broadway stars.  And who could forget the countless Pop music acts that became known thanks to their appearances on Ed Sullivan.  From The Beatles (below) to The Supremes to The Rolling Stones to The Beach Boys to many many others, you were a nobody in showbiz unless you did the Sullivan show back then.

VARIETY SERIES #7
The Sid Caesar Shows (Your Show of Shows & Caesar's Hour)
These two shows run together in my mind because of the brilliance that was Sid Caesar.  He was a master character comedian.  He could literally play anybody.  In the hands of his crack writing team, Caesar was given free range to do all he could do.  And what a crack team!  At one point or another, his writing team included the likes of Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon, Larry Gelbart and Woody Allen.  And looking at the work each of them did since, it is clear the impact Caesar had on their lives and careers.

VARIETY SERIES #6
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Growing up in the 1980's, Johnny Carson was the King of Late Night.  There was no one like him in terms of delivery and in terms of personality.  His reign on The Tonight Show lasted from 1963 (taking over for Jack Paar) to 1992 (when Jay Leno assumed his throne).  And in those almost 30 years, Carson defined the Late Night Talk Show like no other.  Whether he was doing his famous "swami" bit or entertaining an animal from the San Diego Zoo or just chatting with a famous celebrity, Carson worked hard to make it look easy and we just loved him for it.

VARIETY SERIES #5
The Carol Burnett Show
If Carson was the King of Late Night, then Carol Burnett was the Queen of Sketch Comedy.  Her weekly "live" shows were some of funniest things to watch on Television in the 1960s and 1970s.  Burnett and Company (which included Vicki Lawrence, Tim Conway and the late Harvey Korman) delivered notable scenes highlighted by their genuine laughter at their own antics.  Each week, audiences would watch just to watch them crack up!  Plus, who could forget Ms. Burnett's infamous Bob Mackie gowns?!?

VARIETY SERIES #4
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
Out of the explosive late 1960s came one of the most enduring and influential Variety shows of all-time.  Comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted an array of talented comic actors (which included Ruth Buzzi, Joanne Worley, Goldie Hawn, Arte Johnson and Lily Tomlin) who were just as wild as the Counterculture Movement was.  From the Party scenes to the "Quickies" to the "Sock It To Me!" to infamous wall-with-doors, Laugh-In was the powerhouse fun that the late 1960s needed.

VARIETY SERIES #3

Monty Python's Flying Circus
Britain's legendary series inspired so many on both sides of the Atlantic.  The amazing writing and performing team that consisted of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin had some of the best and most memorable comic sequences.  Who can forget the notorious "Parrot Sketch" or the hilarious "Self-Defense Class" (below) or the famed "Spam" sequence?  Plus, no one expects "the Spanish Inquisition!"

VARIETY SERIES #2

Saturday Night Live

What can I say about SNL?  It is still running after 35 years and going strong.  From it's early days with its original "Not Ready for Primetime Players" (pictured below, sorry no video!) to its days with Eddie Murphy or Mike Myers or Will Ferrell or Tina Fey or--I better stop or this post will be way too long, SNL has become the definition of Variety Series.  It is a master class for the up-and-coming Comedy star.  And you're probably saying to yourself: "If this isn't #1, then what is?!?"  Well, look below...

AND...
VARIETY SERIES #1
The Muppet Show
Those of you who read 10 FAVORITES a couple months ago are not really surprised that this series could beat SNL to #1.  My father said that at times it almost seemed like a parody of Variety shows.  But when you think about it, what other genre could The Muppets have fit into so easily.  A sitcom would have seemed forced and they don't lend themselves to drama as well (That's a Creature Shop thing!).  Variety was such a perfect fit for them.  There was no one like Jim Henson and his stellar crew (including Frank Oz!) and we will never forget Kermit the Frog or Miss Piggy or Fozzie Bear or The Great Gonzo or The Electric Mayhem.  We loved them all and would sing-a-long with the famed theme song (below) every week.

These were (and are!) best Variety shows TV ever had to offer and they truly are great representations of what the genre is all about.  In the weeks to come, more 10 FAVORITES and keep looking for our new column GOLDEN PLACES, which will rotate with 10 FAVORITES.

10 FAVORITES (37) - Tip-Top TV Dads

Fathers.  So many things come to mind when you say the word.  Stern, decisive, strong, hard-working and smart are just a few of the adjectives that pop up when we describe our Fathers (for most of us at least!).  But what makes a great Father?  Like I did for Mother's Day, I want to explore some the best depictions of Dads in our media.  And with Father's Day coming up this weekend, what better time than now?  But where are the best depictions of Fathers in the culture.  Unfortunately, film has to many for me to comb through in enough time for this post (and so many of them fall in "The Worst" category) and I have grown tired of focusing on the Worst Dads in popular culture (sometimes it can be just depressing!).  So, this week's 10 FAVORITES is devoted to:

THE 10 BEST DADS

IN TELEVISION HISTORY

TV DAD #10
Tom Bradford, Eight Is Enough
As the father of 8 (yes, 8!!!) children, holding it all together with a mixture of laughter and tears was all that Tom Bradford (played by Dick Van Patten) could do on this late 1970s/early 1980s "dramedy."

TV DAD #9
Danny Tanner, Full House
One would think after losing your wife in an accident with a drunk-driver that a man who had three young daughters to raise would completely fall apart, but not Danny Tanner (the unforgettable Bob Saget).  He called in reinforcements: brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best pal Joey (Dave Coullier) on ABC's TGIF staple.

TV DAD #8
Sheriff Andy Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show
Wholesome and straightforward, Sheriff Taylor was as laid back at home as he was in the Mayberry Sheriff's Office.  Every time Opie (little Ronny Howard!) got into a "scrape," Andy was there to help guide him to the right path. 

TV DAD #7
Ben Cartwright, Bonanza
Property take-overs, petty thieves and everyone out for themselves, no this was not gritty New York City, this was Virginia City, Nevada in the mid-1800s.  And who could guide 3 sons to master the rough terrain but Ben Cartwright (the late Lorne Greene), master of the Ponderosa.

TV DAD #6
Howard Cunningham, Happy Days
Okay, despite the fact that his oldest son went upstairs and never came down again, Mr. C (played by the late Tom Bosley) was a great throwback to the exasperated-yet-understanding father we all wanted in the 1950s.  He even got respect from the Fonz!

TV DAD #5
Charles Ingalls, Little House On the Prairie
Maybe Michael Landon learned how to play a good father by watching Lorne Greene all those years on Bonanza.  Charles Ingalls was a caring and patient man who let his children be themselves (with his strong guidance), I mean he let his little girl (Melissa Gilbert) frolic in a meadow every week!  Who doesn't love a good frolic?!?!

TV DAD #4
Mike Brady, The Brady Bunch
Not only was he a father to "the three boys of his own," but he took on the challenge of helping to raise 3 girls "with hair of gold like their mother."  The blended family never looked so shiny!

TV DAD #3
Ward Cleaver, Leave It To Beaver
For fans of Leave It To Beaver, Ward gave audiences a weekly dose of inspiration and moral guidance when Wally or the Beav would stray from the path.  It must have been Hugh Beaumont's calming and sometimes commanding presence in the role that gave us such comfort.

TV DAD #2
Steven Keaton, Family Ties
I've said this to my father (and he shrugs it off like he doesn't believe me!), but Steven Keaton (played perfectly by Michael Gross) reminded me a lot of my own father.  He was loving, patient (usually), dedicated, comforting and often quite funny.  He was a welcome weekly addition to my childhood that reminded me of the daily addition I had in my father.  Plus, like my dad, he was a big old hippie!

AND...

TV DAD #1
Dr. Cliff Huxtable, The Cosby Show
I think it is fitting that Bill Cosby's Dr. Huxtable is #1 on the TV Dads list as his lovely wife, Clair, was #1 on the TV Moms list.  Their parental combination helped to make The Cosby Show one of my all-time favorite shows.  Who couldn't relate (or want to relate) to Sandra or Denise or Theo or Vanessa or even little Rudy?!?!  Ah, good times (no, wait...wrong series!).

Next week, I will discuss some of the bad casting choices many Movie Musicals have made over the years (I know another "Worst," but I promise it will be the last one for a while!).  In the meantime, to all the Dads out there:

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

10 FAVORITES (36) - They Don't Need No Stinking Tony!

It is Tony Awards time and the Great White Way is filled with excitement!  Broadway's current musical hits The Book of Mormon and Sister Act will be vying for the top prize at Sunday night's ceremony (which will be televised on CBS and hosted by the indomitable Neil Patrick Harris).  While most pundits predict that Mormon (the irreverent musical from the creators of South Park) should easily emerge as the victor on Sunday, the other nominees (which in addition to Sister Act include: the lively Catch Me If You Can and the now-closed The Scottsboro Boys) should not be discouraged and feel that a Tony loss will mean indefinite obscurity.  There have been a plethora of Broadway musicals that have achieved a certain notoriety despite the fact they found themselves with no Best Musical trophy on Tony night.  Some of these shows lost to musicals that are just as notable (or notable in their own way) and some of these shows lost in complete "what-were-they-thinking?!?" times.  So, for this week's 10 FAVORITES, I thought we could explore some of these shows that have proven to the world that they didn't need a Tony win to make their mark in the musical theatre culture.  Here are:

THE 10 MOST NOTABLE MUSICALS THAT DIDN'T WIN THE TONY

MUSICAL #10
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Tony Year: 1994
Lost to: Passion
Remember I was referring to "What-were-they-thinking?!?" moments earlier, this is one of them.  Now I know that Passion has the pedigree of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine behind it (you'll see in a bit how much I respect them), but when you pick the musical that audiences hated over a show that became adored by audiences, then you really have lost touch.  If you want to stick it to the film company that revolutionized interest in musicals, you could have waited until they were producing stage duds like Tarzan and The Little Mermaid (which they did, but they could have honored this groundbreaking gem in the process!).

MUSICAL #9
Sunday in the Park With George
Tony Year: 1984
Lost to: La Cage Aux Folles
This is Sondheim and Lapine's finest and most poignant musical.  It features their best work and glorious performances by its two leads (the amazing Mandy Patinkin and the fantastic Bernadette Peters) and yet, it only walked away with two Tony Awards (for its set and lighting design).  La Cage was a massive hit in the '80s and it was pretty much a given that it would receive the Best Musical award no matter what it was up against. But Sunday did get a few "last laughs," so to speak.  One of them was that it became the sixth musical in history to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1985 (there have since been two others: Rent and Next to Normal).

MUSICAL #8
Miss Saigon
Tony Year: 1991
Lost to: The Will Rogers Follies
Cameron Mackintosh was the producer behind 3 of the biggest Tony-winning hits in the 1980s (Cats, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera).  But by 1991, the Tony love was beginning to fade.  The Tommy Tune-directed nostalgic throwback musical The Will Rogers Follies was a modest hit (meaning it closed about a year and a half later!) but was still a critical dynamo.  So even though the massive London hit Miss Saigon ended up running 10 years (that's over 4,000 performances with that giant helicopter!), Tony voters went with the critics and only gave Saigon the acting honors (for stars Jonathan Pryce, Lea Salonga and Hinton Battle).

MUSICAL #7
Oliver!
Tony Year: 1963
Lost to: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Before Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh, the British were "invading" Broadway with their big hits.  Oliver! was one of them.  But Forum was a big comic hit and was not going to be denied Tony glory.  Oliver! did however become a phenomenal movie that would go on to win 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture.  Below, original London star (and 1968 movie star) Ron Moody performs Fagin's "11 o'clock number" on a BBC special.

MUSICAL #6
Dreamgirls
Tony Year: 1982
Lost to: Nine
In this Tony year, both musical front-runners were hits with critics (one more than the other!) and with audiences (again, one more than the other!).  Also, both musicals derived their source material from other mediums (Nine from the world of film, Dreamgirls from the world of pop music).  In the end, Tony voters went with the critics and Tommy Tune's Nine was the victor.  However, Michael Bennett's Dreamgirls ran for almost 5 more years, spawned three national tours and a revival later the same decade.  Both musicals have also become movies in recent years, with the Dreamgirls film triumphing with critics and audiences more than the Nine film did.

MUSICAL #5
Hair
Tony Year: 1969
Lost to: 1776
This musical's presence on a list like this cannot be a surprise.  The show was a revolution of sorts and there was no possible way (given "the standards" of the time) that the Tony Awards could recognize it over more traditional hits like 1776 or Promises, Promises.  But the show is still one of the most recognizable Broadway titles from that season and the score is a massive hit (especially with college-age audiences!).

MUSICAL #4
Gypsy
Tony Year: 1960
Lost to: The Sound of Music AND Fiorello! (tie)
This show is one of the most revived musicals in Broadway history (with four major revivals to its name and counting!) and yet it lost in one of the most understandable-yet-confusing races in Tony Awards history.  It is no surprise that when one hears the word "tie" the year Gypsy and The Sound of Music were nominated that the latter musical was one of the award winners.  What is a surprise is the little-known (yet Pulizer Prize-winning!) musical that joined Rodgers & Hammerstein's Sound of Music at the podium that year: Fiorello!, a musical (by George Abbott and Fiddler on the Roof's Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick) about the famed mayor of New York City Fiorello LaGuardia (you may have heard of his airport!).  As I said before, Gypsy has been revived 4 times in 50 years and Fiorello! hasn't been revived once, what does that tell you?

MUSICAL #3
Wicked
Tony Year: 2004
Lost to: Avenue Q
Something interesting has been happening to Tony voters in recent years and it is their strive to be make musicals remembered.  When Wicked notoriously lost to "the little musical that could" Avenue Q, many people blamed (or thanked) a massive-if-not-controversial Tony campaign the producers of Ave Q put on to be remembered come awards time.  While that might (in part) be true, I'm gonna espouse a theory that has made its round in some theatre-fan circles in the last few years.  Tony voters that year were looking at the nominees and trying to figure out which musical would "best" be served by a Tony victory.  By "best" I mean, "Will it make more money on Broadway and on tour if it has a Best Musical trophy behind it?"  In their esteemed opinion, Tony voters felt that the blockbuster musical Wicked (which has since made more money than God!) didn't need a Tony win to enjoy a fruitful Broadway run and Avenue Q did.  It is fascinating to try to figure out what goes into the mind of the Tony Committee when they pick the winners.

MUSICAL #2
Chicago
Tony Year: 1976
Lost to: A Chorus Line
Let's just get this out of the way right now, Chorus Line was a phenomenon and a benchmark in the history of the Broadway musical.  That being said, I and many of my family, friends and some theatre aficionados I have gotten to know like Chicago better.  Bob Fosse's dark musical-comedy has thrilling choreography, a witty script and a toe-tapping Kander and Ebb score you just can't stop humming.  It's loss to Chorus Line is understandable as its humor may have been too dark for some of the more traditional Tony voters.  But thanks to a dynamic Broadway revival and an exciting Oscar-winning movie, Chicago will always be remembered.

AND...
MUSICAL #1
West Side Story
Tony Year: 1958
Lost to: The Music Man
The most famous of all Tony losers, I don't think I need to discuss the impact this musical has had.  It is a landmark in the history of Broadway musicals (much like A Chorus Line).  But in 1958, critics and Tony voters just couldn't figure out what it was.  Original co-producer Hal Prince has said that he has talked to people who walked out on West Side Story and have since denied doing so (apparently trying to sound like they had foresight about the musical's success).  I think this amazing and groundbreaking musical just didn't sit well with certain members of the audience (namely the influential ones!) and so The Music Man (a perfectly good musical in its own right) was named 1958's Best Musical.

OTHER CONTENDERS FOR THIS LIST INCLUDE: 
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Camelot
Follies
Funny Girl
Grease
Into the Woods
Mame
Mamma Mia!
Pippin
Smokey Joe's Cafe
Sweet Charity
The Who's Tommy

So to the three musicals that will not be the winner on Sunday night (or two, cause since 1960, you never know!), look at the company you would be in.  Whatever reason causes your loss this weekend (be it political, economical or Tony voters just "don't get" your musical), don't fret because a Tony loss does not mean a loss of notoriety (as all these shows have proven!).  Happy Tony watching and Good Luck to all the Nominees!  Next week, TV Dads invade 10 FAVORITES.

10 FAVORITES (35) - Silver Screen Soldiers

This week's 10 FAVORITES is something special, and not only because we are approaching a very special holiday (Memorial Day!), but this week I have a guest blogger (sort of).  For Memorial Day, I thought that this list's theme should revolve around Soldiers and how they fit into the compendium of our Pop Culture (i.e. TV, Film, etc.).  I was struck with the idea to list the best Soldier Movies of all-time, but there was one SNAFU: I am not a big fan of Soldier Movies.  Don't get me wrong, I love a well-formed story that revolves around any character or set of characters (Soldiers, included!), but when it comes to movies about war (and often the violence that inherently goes with war!) I believe Saving Private Ryan is really my only favorite (and that's really because of the talent involved!).  Beyond that, there are only a handful of movies (meaning like 5) that would qualify as my favorite Soldier Films.  So, for the list of 10 this week, I turned to one of the people I trust the most and the person who knows me better than anyone else in the world (mainly because he grew up with me!): My older brother!  He is a huge fan of Soldier Movies and has many favorites, but he had the task of whittling it down to 10 FAVORITES.  So let's go through what he came up with and what makes these films so distinctive:

THE 10 BEST SOLDIER MOVIES

HONORABLE MENTION
Kelly's Heroes (1970)
One of the few war films that cleverly blends comedy, action and "buddy" tropes.  It is ably helped by a gifted ensemble that includes Clint Eastwood, Donald Sutherland, Don Rickles and Telly Savalas (to name a few!).

MOVIE #10
Von Ryan's Express (1965)
Based on the novel by David Westheimer, this film was a critical and box-office success in 1965 starring the indomitable Frank Sinatra as an American pilot captured by Italian troops in World War II.  The film was noted in its time for using real military vehicles shot on location and its award-winning visual and sound effects (which in 1965 was trailblazing).

MOVIE #9

Gettysburg (1993)
If you want to see one dramatic representation of the immense tale that can be told about the Battle of Gettysburg, then you must see this film.  It is extremely comprehensive in its narrative (running over 4 hours!) and gives a graphic visual picture of a time we still today try to understand.  The film is powerfully and expertly cast with a dynamic ensemble that includes Tom Berenger (Platoon), Martin Sheen (The West Wing), Jeff Daniels (Dumb and Dumber) and Stephen Lang (Avatar).

MOVIE #8

The Longest Day (1962)
It was inevitable that Hollywood would try their hand at giving the world a dramatic interpretation of the D-Day Normandy landings.  20th Century Fox pulled out all the stops and hired an all-star cast (and I mean all-star!).  Among the many many names cast in this massive film (in either a large part or a cameo) include John Wayne, Sean Connery, Robert Mitchum, Richard Burton, Rod Steiger, Robert Wagner, Robert Ryan, Roddy McDowall, Red Buttons, Peter Lawford, Richard Beymer, Sal Mineo and I could go on but I'm running out of room!

MOVIE #7

Saving Private Ryan (1998)
I've told you how I feel about this film.  When you add Steven Spielberg with Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, you get an amazing and poignant film that you will never forget.

MOVIE #6

Where Eagles Dare (1968)
This film is part "mission" movie (like Saving Private Ryan), part conspiracy-mystery film (like North By Northwest) and part buddy-buddy movie (like Lethal Weapon).  Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood star in this critically-acclaimed film about soldiers on a mission to save an imprisoned officer from the German SS.  Burton delivers an (as usual) fantastic performance as a British officer that makes it his business to hide the truth at every corner.

MOVIE #5

Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece is one that must be (and has been) studied in film classes all over.  His re-imagining of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness set amidst the "horrors" of the Vietnam War is considered by many to be the ultimate in storytelling.  Featuring an A-list cast that includes Martin Sheen (in a role that almost killed him), Marlon Brando, Dennis Hopper and Robert Duvall (in a scene-stealing Oscar-nominated performance as a "napalm-loving" Sargeant).

MOVIE #4

The Great Escape (1963)
It is the ultimate Prisoner of War movie (sorry to that John McCain film!).  The cast (which includes Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, James Garner and Charles Bronson) is brilliant and the music (that unforgettable theme!) is perfect.  This Soldier Film would have no problem being in my handful of favorites.

MOVIE #3

The Dirty Dozen (1967)
For its time, this was considered one of the most violent of war films (at a time when other violent films like Bonnie and Clyde and The Wild Bunch were massive hits).  Lee Marvin (everyone's favorite old codger) plays a tough-talking Army Major who must command a rag-tag bunch of felonious soldiers through a dangerous and top secret mission.  The film's plot has become so iconic and has been parodied left and right in other films and various TV shows (like The Simpsons).

MOVIE #2

The Guns of Navarone (1961)
Based on the novel by Alistair MacLean (who wrote the screenplay and novel of Where Eagles Dare), this film has become one of my brother's all-time favorites (Seriously, I think it would be in his Top 20).  The story follows an Allied commando team that tries to destroy a German fortress along the Aegean Sea.  The cast is led by a top-form Gregory Peck and a steely cool David Niven (plus it includes a bravura-over-the-top performance from Anthony Quinn).

AND...

MOVIE #1

Glory (1989)
Edward Zwick has directed his share of powerful and poignant films over the years (Legends of the Fall, The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond, etc.), but none of them have touched the magnitude that is Glory.  Told from the point of view of the legendary Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (dynamically played by Matthew Broderick), it tells the tale of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which was the first official regiment to accept black soldiers.  The movie has an amazing story to tell with a great ensemble cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes and (in his Oscar-winning supporting role) Denzel Washington.

A special shout out of thanks to my big brother for sharing his favorite Soldier Films with me (and by extension, this blog!).  And, in honor of Memorial Day, a special thanks to all the Soldiers (past, present and future) out there for all they do in the name of their country.  We shall think of you this upcoming weekend and always!

10 FAVORITES (34) - MUPPETS! MUPPETS! And More...MUPPETS!!!

This past Monday was the anniversary of a very sad day in my childhood.  On May 16, 1990, my Mom was driving myself and my brother home from school and she turned on the radio to hear the traffic report.  As we were waiting for the light to change, the NewsFlash came on and announced that Muppet creator (and all-around genius) Jim Henson had passed away that day.  For the rest of the day (and well into the evening), I was inconsolable.  Those of my generation understand why.  I didn't know him personally.  I didn't work with him or live in the same neighborhood as him.  But watching things like Sesame Street, The Muppet Movie, Fraggle Rock and The Muppet Show (quite frankly, the greatest TV variety show of all-time), I felt like I knew him and, more importantly, I learned from him.  I think of something I learned from the Muppets (and, by extension, Jim Henson) almost every day.  And every year, at this time in May, I try to celebrate the joy and inspiration that Henson gave me by sharing my favorite Muppet things with my circle of friends.  Well, now that I have this blog, my circle has grown larger and maybe we can share together.  This week's 10 FAVORITES is dedicated to the memory of Jim Henson and is all about my favorite Muppet thing of all-time: The Muppet Show!  So, here are the most sensational, inspirational, celerational AND Muppet-tational:

THE 10 BEST EPISODES OF 

THE MUPPET SHOW

EPISODE #10

Episode 424: Diana Ross
At the time, Diana Ross was one of the biggest stars in the world and the writing staff at TMS used this icon perfectly.  She danced with a big bird (no, not that one!) and sang "Love Hangover."  She also coaxed Fozzie out of his usual bout of low confidence by singing one of her signature tunes, "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand" (see below).  It's just brilliant!

EPISODE #9
Episode 208: Steve Martin
I love it on any series where it is clear that the writing team is stepping outside of its so-called "box."  Here, the Muppets shut down the show for a day to hold auditions.  One problem, they booked funny-man Steve Martin as their guest star.  But, of course, the "Wild-And-Crazy-Guy" makes these auditions quite hilarious.

EPISODE #8
Episode 105: Rita Moreno
This is the best episode of the first season (and the one that won them several Emmys that first year!).  It was here where you knew what the show could be and how best to utilize the talents of your guest star.  Oscar, Tony and Grammy winner Rita Moreno added an Emmy to her mantle for this fabulous performance.

EPISODE #7

Episode 217: Julie Andrews
I always wanted Julie Andrews to be my nanny just so she could sing to me!  Watching her in Mary Poppins or The Sound of Music OR her appearance on TMS, just entertained me to no end.  It didn't matter whether she was singing on a hillside (with a goat!) or with a bunch of Muppet monsters, she was just an enjoyable presence in my home.

EPISODE #6
Episode 214: Elton John
This episode is great just because of the melding of two geniuses.  The Muppet genius of Jim Henson (and all those around him!) plus the musical genius of Elton John makes for one of the most musically successful episodes of the series.  John sings most of his chart-toppers like "Crocodile Rock," "Bennie and the Jets," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and a hilarious duet with Miss Piggy on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (below).

EPISODE #5
Episode 506: Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields was one of the most famous child stars when I was growing up.  When the Muppets booked her on the show, the writers out-did themselves.  Of course, Lewis Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures In Wonderland was perfect for Jim Henson and his creative team (his famed Creature Shop since then worked on at least 3 variations on the Carroll tale).  Here, the Muppets get to try their hand at the many wacky characters in the story.

EPISODE #4
Episode 223: John Cleese

Monty Python and Fawlty Towers star John Cleese helped to co-write this episode and the comedic brilliance is multiplied.  His concept was to play it as a guest star who just didn't want to do the show.  Cleese is amazing at playing an exasperated, "diva"-like star, especially when they try to get him to sing (see below).

EPISODE #3
Episode 515: Carol Burnett
This episode received an Emmy Award for Best Writing of Variety Series and there are many reasons why.  The concept to have Gonzo running the Muppet Theater like its a 1930s dance marathon is too funny in and of itself.  Add the top-notch comedic timing of Carol Burnett and audiences are rolling on the floor.  I like to call this episode "They Shoot Muppets, Don't They?" (Well...at least I think it's clever!).

EPISODE #2
Episode 212: Bernadette Peters
There is really only one reason why this episode ranks so high in my mind.  One song, just one song that has become the anthem for Jim Henson and his work.  Watch Broadway diva-extraordinaire Bernadette Peters sing this hauntingly beautiful song to Kermit's nephew, Robin.  It just touches something in my heart (I am not made of stone!).

AND...

EPISODE #1
Episode 314: Harry Belafonte
This episode is both one of the funniest episodes of the series AND one of the most poignant.  The concept of the episode has Fozzie trying to write a script for the show (can you just imagine?).  Frank Oz is also a genius, especially when he puppeteered characters like Fozzie Bear or Miss Piggy or Cookie Monster.  In this episode, Oz goes all out in his characterization of Fozzie and makes us love him even more.  On top of all that hilarity, guest star Harry Belafonte brings a beautifully touching moment by singing his brilliant song "Turn the World Around" for the episode's finale (see below).

I hope this brought back good memories for those of you who, like me, grew up watching the creative genius that Jim Henson brought to the world.  I will never forget any of the things I have learned from the Muppets (in all their incarnations).  Thank You Jim!

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF
JIM HENSON

"Life's like a movie, write your own ending."

10 FAVORITES (27) - Stand-Up Comics

Happy April Fool's Day all! Today's 10 FAVORITES will be all about the funny!  We all love to laugh and there are certain people in this world who can make us laugh to complete satisfaction.  This week's 10 FAVORITES is devoted to the stand-ups who have done that for me.  I won't be saying a lot this week as I want to let the videos speak for themselves.

VIDEO DISCLAIMER: The videos below are solely for entertainment purposes only.  Some of them contain some very graphic language and material that may be too offensive for some readers.  No offense is intended by sharing the videos and discretion is strongly advised.

THE 10 BEST STAND-UP COMICS

COMIC #10

George Lopez
The stand-up comic turned sitcom star turned late night host has gotten in some trouble recently for comments he made about the new Dancing With the Stars cast, but his comedy has always made me laugh.  Anytime he's talking about the cultural differences in our society or imitating his tough relatives or talking about his passion for golf, Lopez knows exactly how to entertain his fans.

COMIC #9

Billy Crystal
He will ALWAYS be my favorite Oscars host and, after the debacle that was this year's choices, that fact has never become more prevalent.  His comedy, like Lopez', centered in ethnic diversities and the many cultural differences he grew up around in New York City.  But coming from that endearing face and that sincere smile, you couldn't help but laugh.

COMIC #8

Whoopi Goldberg
She is original, unapologetic, controversial and the only woman on this list (sorry ladies, Ellen didn't make it!).  Though now she is known for her outrageous Viewpoints (sorry folks, I couldn't resist!), her comedy is the thing I've admired most about her.  The best thing about stand-up is her delivery and her timing.  It seems so natural to her and so Whoopi!  Those qualities have probably aided her in her Oscar-winning acting career as well (like in Ghost or The Color Purple or as Guinan on Star Trek: The Next Generation).

COMIC #7

Jerry Seinfeld
His sitcom probably helped to define my generation and his delivery is unlike any other (some would liken it to  a whinier Woody Allen!).  Jerry Seinfeld was at his best when he was talking about anything and nothing (much like the premise of his sitcom!).  He, much like several comics of his time, would kill the audiences just musing about everyday things.

COMIC #6

Steve Martin
I first saw Steve Martin in The Muppet Movie and then his guest appearance on The Muppet Show.  Both that cameo and that episode were two of the funniest things ever involving the Muppets (whom I adore!), and I figured it had to be their common theme: Steve Martin!  Later, my brother introduced me to some of his stand-up and his performances in hilarious films like The Jerk, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Parenthood.  He is truly a "Wild and Crazy Guy" with no boundaries and we love him for it.

COMIC #5

Richard Pryor
So many of today's comics point to the late Richard Pryor as their biggest influence and for several reasons.  But the first reason that always comes up is that he would say anything.  Nothing was off-limits with Pryor.  Not race, not his drug use, not his many brushes with death and not even his sex life were left out of his hilarious routines.  And we are all the better for him.

COMIC #4

Bill Cosby
His sitcom was my favorite sitcom growing up and I adored his Fat Albert tales (and the animated series had some of the coolest music EVER!).  Cosby knew how to make his family universal while sharing their funny quirks.  When he talks about his parents becoming grandparents and the problems that arise, my parents completely identified with that.

COMIC #3

Robin Williams
Zany, outrageous, mile-a-minute and flamboyant are just a few of the adjectives that can be applied to Robin Williams.  The first time I saw him was on the successful TV series Mork and Mindy where he played an alien from the planet Ork.  That should tell you a little bit about Williams' out-there personality.  He is one of the few comics who as also managed to be one of the most respected actors.  After all, "Dying Is Easy, Comedy Is Hard!"

COMIC #2

George Carlin
The late George Carlin seemed to step right out of the hippy-era 1960's laughing.  Carlin was my father's favorite comic and when it came to groundbreaking, there was no one like him.  Just watch his notorious "7 Dirty Words" talk below (Parents read the DISCLAIMER above!).

AND...

COMIC #1

Eddie Murphy
There is NO ONE better than Eddie Murphy for me.  He is quite frankly the best stand-up comic from my childhood!  He is the best and funniest parts of Disney's Mulan and Dreamworks' Shrek series.  And Beverly Hills Cop and Trading Places are two of the funniest films of the 1980's.  There's really not much more I can say, so watch him talk about ice cream.

So I hoped you enjoyed this tribute to stand-up comedy on this hilarious April Fool's Day!  Next week, we'll take a look at some of TV sitcom's best lovers! Isn't that the way? One week: We're funny and the next week: We're sexy!  We're all over the place!

10 FAVORITES (25) - The Best North American Tour!

As much as I would love to go to Europe someday, practicality (and economics!) are forcing that dream to be on hold (at least for a while!).  In the meantime, I encourage all of you to see the beauty that is North America!  Yes, I love my homeland.  Both the United States of America and Canada offer some of the best cities (and sites) in the world.  Every part of the continent has their little something to offer and it makes us who we are.  Whether it be bright neon lights or tall city buildings or majestic mountains or plains ripe with agriculture, each place is unique.  Last week, I gave you my "Wish List" for a European tour.  This week, I want to give visitors to our continent a kind of "Must List" for North America.

QUICK NOTE: I don't mean to leave out Mexico, but I have only been to a small part of it (near the border!).  So, like Europe, Mexico still is on my travel "Wish List."

So here are:

THE 10 BEST CITIES

IN NORTH AMERICA

CITY #10

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

San Diego has one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.  Standing on the harbor, the marina or the beach is just amazing with its powerful view of the Pacific Ocean.  In addition to the view, San Diego boasts some of the best sites California's rich history has to offer from Mission San Diego (California's FIRST Mission) to Coronado Island to the world famous San Diego Zoo (always worth a visit!).

CITY #9

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

The only Canadian city on the list (Sorry Canada!), Vancouver, as most people learned recently from the 2010 Winter Olympics, has so much to offer.  What I love about Vancouver is that it is so urban in its feel (it has one of the best skylines!) with gorgeous gardens to boot.  And yet, you look slightly to the north or to the east and you are blown away by the majestic glory of the North Shore Mountains.  Plus, it is merely a hop, skip and a ferry ride away from the beautiful Victoria Island which features Victoria, British Columbia's capital city.

CITY #8

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Each time I have been to the City of Brotherly Love, I have had a good time (and I'm including the great time I had during a lay-over at the Philadelphia International Airport!).  Of course, for me (a history buff), the best part of the city was going to Independence Hall and seeing the site of the Second Continental Congress (where the Declaration of Independence was signed people!).  I also loved stepping outside and viewing the ORIGINAL Liberty Bell (with its crack!).  There are many other great things in Philly including the Philadelphia Museum of Art (whose outside steps were famously featured in the 1976 Oscar winner Rocky).

CITY #7

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

As a fan of The Wizard of Oz, Seattle is the closest to "the Emerald City" that I will ever get.  From the awe-inspiring view atop the world famous Seattle Space Needle to the hustle and bustle of Pike's Market to the many many many coffee shops, the city always seems to have its finger on the pulse of the generations (maybe thanks to the University of Washington being right there!).  After all, it IS the birthplace of Starbucks, Microsoft and grunge music (three things that helped define MY generation!).

CITY #6

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

It may not be the most economically sound choice to be on a tourist's "To-Do" list, but the beautiful desert city is worth at least one visit in your lifetime.  If for nothing else, then to go for a walk down Sin City's infamous Strip, which features some of the most amazing and glorious hotels EVER!  My personal favorites include the large MGM Grand, the dynamic Venetian, the delightful Paris, the gorgeous Bellagio (with its dancing fountains!) and, of course, the brilliant New York New York (but we'll get to the why on that one soon!).

CITY #5

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

This city has always been on my "Love It Or Hate It" list (usually depending on WHO is in the White House or in Congress at the time!).  But despite my "indecision" on the brilliance of the city, my DC experiences have been enjoyable and have made me a better person for them.  In addition to the fantastic National Mall, which features most of the amazing Smithsonian Museums as well as the many monuments and memorials (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, etc.), the city boasts several sites worth taking a look at.  A few of my favorites include the Arlington National Cemetery, the National Cathedral, Ford's Theatre and the Holocaust Memorial Museum (which is still one of the most powerful and touching experiences I have ever been privileged to have).

CITY #4

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

I have only been to Chicago once (twice if you count a lay-over at O'Hare!), but I want to go back and go back soon!  I'm sure I didn't see enough of the phenomenal city that one time, but I sure did see a lot.  Union Station and Downtown Chicago (and the glory that is the Sears Tower) was exciting enough for that first moment in the city.  Then there was Grant Park (which I was lucky enough to stay across the street from!).  Going to the Art Institute of Chicago (one of the best Art Museums in the country!) as well as Museum Campus (which features the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium) was one the greatest days in my life and I thank the city of Chicago for that immense pleasure.  And NO, I am not kissing up to Oprah or the President!

CITY #3

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

I LOVE Boston! No, seriously, Boston is my "go-to" getaway anytime I need a vacation.  There is not one thing I dislike about this city (and I can ONLY say that about 2 other cities!).  The Freedom Trail (which begins at Boston Common and ends at the USS Constitution) is a fantastic way to spend the day.  The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is amazing (especially for me as my parents and grandparents LOVED him!).  And talk about a college town! When you have Harvard and MIT and Boston College and Boston University, what more do you need?  And for all you Baseball fans, you MUST take a tour of Fenway Park and its Green Monster.

CITY #2

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

As I said, only 2 cities have ever beaten the hold that Boston has over me.  And one of them is the most personal city on this list.  After all, it is home to Ghirardelli chocolates, Sweet sourdough bread and ME!  Okay, so I live in a suburb of the City by the Bay, but every time I get into the city I am enthralled.  I love to walk down Fisherman's Wharf or shop around Union Square.  I also love the beauty of Golden Gate Park and crazy turns of Lombard Street.  And then I just love to stand outside of City Hall in Civic Center Plaza and stare at the beautiful dome (what other City Hall has a dome, really?!?).  There's always something new for me to discover in the city that I love to call my home (whether I really live there or not!).

AND...

CITY #1

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

If you're going to top my Golden City, then you gotta go BIG and there is nothing BIGGER than the Big Apple.  What can I say about New York City that no one else has ever said?  Whether you are enjoying the animals at the Bronx Zoo or strolling through Central Park or delighting in the history of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the City that Never Sleeps always has something going on (where do you think the name came from?).  What are this Broadway Baby's favorite things in NYC?  My top three would have to be: 3) The artist hangouts in Greenwich Village around NYU; 2) The Museum of Natural History which is a MUST for everyone! and 1) The magnificent glory that is Times Square and the Theatre District (what else?!?).

These are my 10 favorite cities in North America (and believe me the list goes on!).  Next week, I will devote 10 FAVORITES to a very special Birthday boy!