Broadway Babe’s Video Picks
Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller, has picked out 4 interesting videos that she’s posted for our entertainment viewing, including: The New York Philharmonic concert version of “Camelot” with a star-studded cast; Mel Brooks hilariously guesting on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson; a documentary about the life of media mogul and talk show host, Merv Griffin; and a documentary about Tony Award winning actor Jack Cassidy, who was married to Shirley Jones, and how he sabotaged his career, dying at 49.
Camelot
In 2008, PBS-TV broadcast a wonderful concert version of Lerner and Loewe’s “Camelot”, starring the late, great Marin Mazzie, Gabriel Byrne, Nathan Gunn, Stacy Keach, Christopher Lloyd, Christopher Sieber, Marc Kudisch, Will Swenson and Fran Drescher. This was a beautiful production, and since the latest revival of “Camelot” is closing this week, I thought I’d post this most delightful version featuring the New York Philharmonic with 70 orchestra members. And oh, what a rich sounding orchestra they are, especially under the baton of Broadway veteran musical director, Paul Gemignani. Elaborately staged by the incredible director and former Broadway actor Lonny Price, this semi-staged concert is a pure delight. If you missed the most recent Aaron Sorkin revival version, I urge you to watch this. And even if you saw the recent revival, I urge you to see this!
Mel Brooks with Johnny Carson
From 1983, “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” with guest star, Mel Brooks (now 97 years old). When I think of Mel Brooks, these words come to mind: outrageous, hilarious, witty, funny, ageless, legendary — a true original. He was on the “Carson Show”, plugging his movie “To Be Or Not To Be” co-starring his wife, Anne Bancroft. This is the movie where they sing and dance “Sweet Georgia Brown” in Polish, which has become a classic. You can see how much Johnny Carson admires and respects Mel. They have an incredible on-air chemistry. Johnny is absolutely fascinated with Mel. This is 26 minutes of pure joy!
Jack Cassidy: Hollywood Mysteries and Scandals
From E Entertainment,1999, “Hollywood Mysteries and Scandals – She Loves Me” with reporter AJ Benza, unfolding the scandalous life and times and bizarre death of actor Jack Cassidy who was married to Shirley Jones and had 4 famous sons. He was mostly well known as a musical comedy star on Broadway, plus he worked on TV and in films. He was insecure, an alcoholic and dwarfed by the the success of Shirley, who he met when co-starring with her in a road company of “Oklahoma”. She then starred in the movie versions of “Oklahoma” and “Carousel” in the 1950s, and, of course, she achieved even greater success starring on TV’s “The Partridge Family.” He became jealous of the popularity of his sons’ successes as well as Shirley’s. This, in spite of being a Broadway star, winning the Tony Award for his performance in 1963’s “She Loves Me”. In this episode, there are interviews with his good friends, Kaye Ballard, Sheila MacRae, Jerry Vale and Nanette Fabray. Sadly, Jack died a tragic death at age 49. This is interesting, but sad viewing and quite riveting!
Actress, Shirley Jones, who was married to Jack Cassidy, attends Randie’s Roundtable at Sardis!
Merv Griffin A&E “Biography”
This excellent documentary about Merv Griffin aired on A&E “Biography”. Merv Griffin was one of the most loved men in show business, as well as one of richest. He was a TV talk show host, producer, singer and media mogul, (and later on, a hotel tycoon). A brilliant entrepreneur who created “Jeopardy”,and “Wheel of Fortune”, that are still on the air today. From 1965-1986, he hosted “The Merv Griffin Show”, the highly popular daily talk show, featuring lots of music, comedy and conversation with entertainers, authors, politicians and personalities. He was never confrontational and only asked soft ball questions and most often, appeared to be a big fan of his guests. He was truly a nice guy and excellent talk show host. Baby boomers will remember Merv, and younger folks, I think, will truly enjoy this documentary.
Randie Levine Miller is Director of Special Events for The Three Tomatoes, and co-produces and hosts the annual Tomatoes Got Talent show. Known around NYC as a modern day “hostess with the mostess, she has performed in and hosted benefits for the Actors Fund, the Actors Temple, Multiple Sclerosis, and Prostate Cancer Research. Randie’s performance venues have included: The Triad, The Metropolitan Room, the Laurie Beechman Theater, and the Friars Club. For many years, she was special events director for the Drama Desk Awards. Randie also had a successful 30-year career as a public relations consultant and handled several major health and medical technology clients.
Merv got his start on TV on the Goodson Todman Show Play Your Hunch. My cousin was the talent coordinator and booked me on the show in 1959 with my dachshund, Susie. Live on the air Susie was scared of the lights and tinkled. My first grade class was watching back home in the school auditorium. My welcome to show biz at age 6!