"Forever Young", Paula Deen, Debbie Reynolds, Robert Goulet & Austin Miller (Again)

Theatre Under The Stars took a good chunk of my week this week… Tuesday was the Tommy Tune Awards, and then on Friday we had the TUTS Gala "Forever Young" Honoring Founder and Artistic Director Frank Young on his 40 years of success! But before we get to that – I actually had to do some work between gala events!

We are deep in preproduction on our new documentary for HoustonPBS called "The Last 24" focusing on the last 24 hours before Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre premiers their newest production – so we worked through the script and planned what we are going to capture on the reality special. The 24 hours we will be focused on will go from Wednesday, May 2^nd at 7:30pm to Thursday, May 3^rd at 7:30pm and the opening curtain of DWDT's "Made in Italy" at the Hobby Center in Houston. You can follow our progress on my other blog "The Last 24"

My station is asking me to keep an online blog about the process on out Web Site (houstonpbs.org) but I don't think they have activated it yet – but I'll let ya know… So we also went to meet with Dominic at his studio on Thursday to go over some of the logistics – we are trying not to interfere with what they are doing – so it is a challenge…

On Friday, my other show "InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse" took my focus during work hours. Currently, nation-wide, season IV is airing (check with your local PBS station to see if we are airing in your area – we are currently on 82 stations across the country), but we are already well into shooting Season V (which will start airing in the fall). So Friday, we taped a new episode with the Queen of Southern Cooking, Paula Deen.

Ms. Deen has just published an auto-biography and was visiting Houston for a speaking engagement and Book signing – so we interviewed her during her stay at the Four Season Hotel – in the main dinning room's kitchen – isn't that just perfect for her! She was a bit late for the interview, which had us all a little stressed since I had an event that night I needed to get too – the Forever Young Celebration – but when she showed up – she just glowed – and she had the bluest eyes! We were about to begin, and then we had a technical problem with our audio batteries – so we had to wait till that was fixed… and then we began… and then Ms Deen started having a coughing fit – so we had to keep stopping… Then she had to place a call to her room to have her husband bring down her cough syrup – Finally things were moving again and we got the interview done.

Ms Deen, even though was in a huge hurry at this point, had agreed to help us out with a new feature we are just starting – a question after the interview that will be shown as a web only feature when you visit our site (www.HoustonPBS.org/InnerVIEWS) and will be included on the DVD's (Yes, DVD's of all our past episodes of "InnerVIEWS…" are becoming available – just contact us at InnerVIEWS@HoustonPBS.org for more information – they are only $19.95 each) – you will be able to get all this information once we get our new InnerVIEWS web site up and running – again, I will let you know when that happens.

Ms Deen was off and running and we followed shortly to get me back to the station and then home for a quick change of clothes and off to the Hobby Center for the TUTS Gala!

WHAT A NIGHT!

TUTS knows how to stage a musical and an awards show, but a Gala Review is always a tricky thing – but this year they pulled it off brilliantly!!!

It started with cocktails on the stage, and then the beautifully dressed crowd was moved to the audience and the show started. Our Chairs welcomed us and then a video of Frank's life was shown – Very Entertaining!!! And then some amazing performers – including Austin Miller (still visiting since the Tommy Tune Awards on Tuesday Night). He is just a wonderful stage performer – so much talent and still so early in his career, yet he has done so much – I am proud to know him.

And then there is that moment you hear of – when a performer takes the stage – and you just know she/he is a star!!! I can't explain what it is that they have, or why they connect the way they do – but when it happens, you just sense it – and we had one of those moments when the first of two high schools took the stage to do a number from "Thoroughly Modern Millie." I don't know her name (but I will find it our) – but she was AMAZING – I can only imagine that this might have been the way the audience felt the first time Liz Minnelli took the stage – something just happens – and it is magic… If you know who she is - please comment below!

But what is a TUTS event with Out Star Power – and they had that too… first up Robert Goulet (who has worked with Frank a number of times and did Camelot tours with TUTS)

And then the evening got the biggest surprise and gift – Debbie Reynolds!

She was so enjoyable to watch – again I go back to what I wrote earlier about "Star Quality" – just as well as you can see it in a fresh new face who comes out of no where to surprise, it can also be sensed when someone takes the stage and is comfortable in knowing that this is where they belong!

You wished she would have just kept going – you wanted to see her whole act – and even if her voice was not pitch perfect (which even she acknowledged from the stage with the line "It might not be good , but it was loud!"), she left you wanting more…

It is great to see a master at their craft allow you to witness what they do so well!

And if you think it was all song and dance – next up was a couple who can get a standing ovation by just entering the room, President George and Mrs. Barbara Bush (41), supporters of Theatre Under The Stars.

They were on hand to congratulate Frank and award him the American Musical Theatre Award for lifetime achievement. It was magical for Frank, who came up to accept.

No one had told him what the evening was going to hold – so he was expecting a roast – LOL – and that was what he prepared for in his speech – LOL… he read a little of it, but then had to discard the remainder of his remarks, since they were now inappropriate (even if still funny).

Next up was dinner and dancing and believe it or not – people stayed and danced. Funny thing, at these events – even if people have paid thousands of dollars for tickets, they are usually searching for an exit by the time dinner is over – not this time! Dinner was delicious (catered by City Kitchens) and music was provided by Yvonne Washington.

Jackson and I had a fun table, then wandered a bit and chatted with some of our friends that were there – and even got a little time to hang with Austin and his sister.

They had to leave some what early since Austin was going to be in a parade the next morning, and at this point it had been a long day for me too so off we all went…

As I left what rang in my ear was Frank talking to me before dinner… "I don't know what some people think – I'm not retiring, I have a lot of work to still get done! This was not a retirement party!!!" , to which I have to wonder – what on earth do they have planed for when he finally does, how could you out do this event!? It was Magic!

The Tommy Tune Awards, Austin Miller, Jerry Bock & Will Makar

Just because I'm back home, you would think the events and star-sighting would end… but wrong you are… Before I catch you up to all that has been going on, I am worried I am losing the "Something extra" that made this blog worth reading, and fun… Should this blog be about the people, places and things that I experience; or should it be deeper? Well, we shall see how it develops – but for the time being I think it will be a mix of thoughts, reminiscences, friends and various reviews!

With all of that said – lets go back to Tuesday night – and I must say it is one of my favorite nights of the year to spend in the theatre. It is Houston's annual "Tommy Tune Awards" – presented by "Theatre Under The Stars" to the best in High School theatre in the Houstonland area. The awards started 5 years ago as a way to encourage schools to put focus back on their performing arts curriculum and extra-curricular activities. The idea being that a lot of attention is put on sports, and that sports teams can come home with an award (trophy) and it can be put on display and becomes a sense of pride for the school – why not achieve the same thing with a theatrical award for excellence with in that area. So with the work of a lot of dedicated individuals, TUTS, scores of Judges and interested schools – the Tommy Tunes Awards was born. I was lucky enough to have presented at the first ceremony and have been asked back to present the first award of the evening every years since.

It is always a blast to hang out backstage with my friends and fellow presenters – and it is always exciting to see which of us are there… this year, the true sprit behind these awards, Jim Bernhardt, MCed as always, plus Houston Ballet's Stanton Welsh, STAGES' Kenn McLaughlin, Main Street Theatre's Becky Udden, Houston Symphony's Matthew VanBesien, ABC-13's Don Nelson and a couple of big surprises: Jerry Bock (Composer of "Fiddler on the Roof")

And a new friend of mine, Austin Miller (from TV's "Grease! You're The One That I Want")

I actually met Austin online – I knew of him from a touring production of "Hairspray" that had a good friend of mine, Dale Calandra, in the company (understudying the role of Edna) – so when I saw Austin on the TV show and then found him on MySpace, I dropped him a line. Well we started chatting and then I found out he was from right outside of Houston – still has family there, and he had attended TUTS theatre training program "The Humphreys School of Musical Theatre" when he was younger. We started talking about The Tommy Tunes and the upcoming Gala (more about that in a later blog), and he said he was already planning on coming to the Gala, but was still trying to figure out if he could get in early enough to attend both…

Well, Tuesday night arrives – Austin is shooting a pilot on the east coast and the plan is as soon as he finishes, he is going to catch a plane and fly to Houston, get picked up and brought to the theatre in just enough time to present… So fingers are crossed as we hope all will go well… I was asked stand by incase he doesn't make it in time (like the kids figure "Austin Miller" or Ernie Manouse – no difference – PLEASE, these kids would be so bummed to get me instead of Austin!!!! LOL, but I have been assured, "they don't even know he is coming so they wont be THAT disappointed" – that made me feel better ;-)) But crisis averted – Austin makes it (it was a rush day for him the whole day – but he really wanted to do this to give back to the kids and his old training ground). And they were so happy to have him there!

The Awards were a success and I even ran into another of my friends, American Idol's Will Makar, who is in High School himself! But that kid has a whole lot of talent and I expect you will be hearing a whole lot from him in the future.

The evening wrapped up by midnight – with a wonderful late night reception for presenters, judges and supporters – the winners had to go home to get to bed – it was a school night ya know ;-)

Back Home... Houston

So Friday we flew back to Houston (Leaving NYC after a slight delay...) and landed at 7:10pm - which was cutting it close for us - since we needed to be at the theatre by 8pm. My brother met us - drove us back to my place. We simply threw our luggage into my car and drove right off - and we got to the theatre just in time at 8pm. So why all this rushing?

A local theatre group (Unhinged Production) was doing Terrence McNally's Corpus Christi - and it was closing this weekend. Through MySpace I had been invited to come see the show and they really hoped I would see this production. So I figured if all went as planned we could make it - and I am happy it worked!

It started a little rough - it's not the easiest play, and the opening scene has the actors "playing" themselves - in monologues to the audience. But once the characters were set and the story go going (a modern retelling of the story of Jesus - with a healthy does of controversy mixed in) I was pulled in.





It was good to see, since I have just interviewed McNally for next season on "InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse" (it will air fall 2007) - and we did talk about this show and the death threats and protests this show attracted.

We were exhausted by the time it was over so I headed home and unpacked and cuddled with the cat - Amber missed me ;-)

But rest was not long lived - the next morning I had to be up and off to the Bellaire/Southwest Houston Rotary 2nd annual Fish Fry - which I was MCing - it was a blast... The crowd was on the small side, but everyone seemed to have a great time.



There were The Fab Five for your musical enjoyment...




Dancing with the Stars competition...


And my favorite - the Pie eating contest...


Plus food, auction items, and even a clown!

Home again for a brief rest and clean up and then off to our friend Barry's Birthday at Maria Selma.





I have decided I am not a big fan of this restaurant - I was not really impressed with the meal, nor were those siting around me - but the thing we all had in common was that we each had a pork dish - those who didn't seemed to enjoy their food more - so I guess you know what not to order should you go...

After the party, we needed to stop at Houston's famed candy stores "The Chocolate Bar" & "Candylicious"





The Chocolate Bar was still open and dessert there is always wonderful, but the ice cream is to die for - so rich and filling (a lot less air in their Ice Cream then most commercial brands - but that is why it is so filling - it is very dense).

And that ended our day back in Houston...

Sunday was my day of rest - I had a few events I was supposed to go to - but I just needed a little down time, cause next week is gunna be busy... Come on back as see what happens next...

Radio City, Ground Zero & Barbara Taylor Bradford

And so it all begins to come to an end... We have just finished our last full day in NYC. Tomorrow we leave at 1:15pm for the airport and then back to Houston... But today was a day that seemed to have it all!

We started by heading over to Radio City Music Hall (just down the block from our hotel) - and catch the Radio City Tour.



It was fun - but not sure it was worth the $17.00 ticket price - we saw the Lobby, the auditorium, the hydraulics under the stage, Roxy's apartment up above the Hall (that was cool) and met a Rockette...



After that we needed to eat - so we went back to 46th St. to a fine tasting (and nicely priced - $16.95) India Lunch Buffet at Utsav India Restaurant



Time was passing quickly and there was still so much more to do... First we visited Trinity Church on Wall Street



And then it was time to do something I have been meaning to do for the last 6 years, but never did... We visited "Ground Zero"



You hear a lot about that place - and it is truly a moving experience - simply the silence, right there in the heart of Lower Manhattan - the people come here to respect those lost and they are quiet and respectful. Even today, all these years later, it is still hard to hold back the tears. One worker pointed out to us the only part of the World Trade Center still standing - "Survivors' Staircase"



These steps used to be know as the Vesey Street Staircase, and aided hundreds of survivors in escaping the burning buildings on September 11th, 2001. Now this staircase is at the center of a controversy all it's own. Some want it removed, others want it broken up and embedded in the new structure, but preservationists would like it protected, moved and then returned when the new WTC complex is completed, as close to the original sight as possible - so its profound meaning can be preserved for future generations. (Read more about "Survivors' Staircase" here)

Then it was time to head back uptown for a Choral Evensong service at Saint Thomas Church on Fifth Ave at 53rd St.



The Service consists of the singing of the Church's resident Men's and Boys Choir. It is a beautiful way to experience a church service.

And finally a quick stop back at our hotel to change and then off to Dinner at one of New York's place to see and be seen - 21 Club.



What makes this so special - beside enjoying a wonderful meal at a famed restaurant, is it was a meal shared with dear friends. Just as I started this whole adventure to come to NYC to see my friend Nana Mouskouri, we wrapped up the trip by visiting with another dear friend, who I met years ago, thanks to my career in broadcasting.

Back in the early 90's, while doing the radio show "Crosstalk with Ernie Manouse" for WLUW - 88.7FM, I had the opportunity to interview one of the most successful authors of our time, Barbara Taylor Bradford. All 22 of her books have been best-sellers (with her first still probably her most notable "A Woman of Substance"). I enjoyed her humor and warmth and we just clicked. More books were published, and so with each new one, we would interview again. A friendship grew, one that continues to this day. In some ways, she is even responsible for my getting into TV - she wrote a letter of reference on my behalf when I was applying to HoustonPBS...

So when she and her husband Bob heard Jackson and I would be visiting the city,they invited us to join them for dinner.

And what a fun and enjoyable dinner it was. Not only can BTB write a moving novel, she can tell a wickedly funny story - and she had us entertained all night with stories of her and Bob's adventures and friends. Barbara is deep in the middle of writing the second book in her new saga of the Ravenscar Dynasty, which has a quickly approaching deadline - but you could never tell she was short on time - she looked wonderful and relaxed and made us feel like we were the only thing in the world that mattered this evening. So after a delicious meal (and a tasty dessert) we all said our goodbyes - took a couple of pics (just for those of you who read this blog) and promised to see each other again soon.



(Sorry about the blurry - kind of looks like a special effect we planned, doesn't it...)

And so another day, our last day in NYC, comes to an end. As I write this - I am all ready packed (I hate waiting for the last minute to do that) and as the time closes in on 3am, I must say good night...

Tomorrow we return to Houston, and we will be home again...

I am hoping that this blog finds you happy and healthy, and I will post again soon... (Hey did you notice, this posting now has hyper links! Enjoy!!!)

...And still taking... Manhattan that is!

Well Wednesday is over - and here is a quick update...

The day started out wanting to see a Broadway show... but what to go see??? So off to Time Square and see what's hot!

At TKTS we got a pair of tickets to see "Inherit the Wind" - but we had a couple of hours - and then a star sighting happened!

The Naked Cowboy!!!

Front View


And The Other Side

And then lunch at "Juniors" - it was yummy, but the cheese cake was to die for!


Then show time -


Two stars - one show! Both Dennehy & Plummer were excellent - I hear there have been some bad reviews, but it held my interest and was a joy to simply watch these men work effortlessly...

But after the show - we were hungry for another show - this time something a little more fun and musical... so off again to TKTS and this time we got a pair of Legally Blonde tickets for just $49.50 - SWEET!

And then we were off to see my dear friend Deborah Hope - who used to live in Houston, but now lives in Manhattan and works at the Essex House...

Yep - that is Deborah actually working...

We then got a quick drink with her and did a little catching up but then it was show time - so off we went again to the theatre...


OK - this was a fun and not totally pulled together show with a ton of energizing dance numbers - in total a little clunky, but in its defense, this was a preview performance (show opens April 24th) - but the dance numbers were fun, the set and costumes colorful and the cast wonderful - just the book needs some work and a few numbers don't perfectly work - I will be curious to see what changes are made by Opening Night!

Then a late night dinner at La Marais on 46th St.


And a peaceful walk back to our hotel at Rockefeller Center


Now off to sleep - Tomorrow promises to be a busy day ;-)