Monday, February 28, 2005
Hart to Hart on DVD
H2H is coming to DVD. Season One (with extras) should be put together for release more than likely in October (perhaps sooner depending on the assembly) with the remaining seasons to follow in intervals of about four months apart, so the entire series should be completed and available by early 2007.
Stefanie Powers adds 'singer' to impressive resume
"The King and I," starring Stefanie Powers
WHERE: THE WHITING, 1241 E. KEARSLEY ST., FLINT, MI
WHEN: 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY
TICKETS: $29, $39, $59 AT THE BOX OFFICE
DETAILS: (810) 237-7333, (888) 8-CENTER
Stefanie Powers - actress, activist, humanitarian ... singer?
Yes, not surprisingly. The star of TV's "Hart to Hart" and "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." cut an album of Great American Songbook selections, "Stefanie Powers - On the Same Page," last year under the supervision of legendary musician/arranger Page Cavanaugh.
And she's now touring the country as Anna in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical staple "The King and I," which comes to The Whiting on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Powers is accustomed to people telling her how surprised they are that she can sing, although her stage experience dates back to the start of her career in the late 1950s.
"I guess as an actor you're always proving yourself, no matter what it is, or no matter how many times you do it," Powers, 62, told The Journal in a recent interview.
Although TV and movies ("Experiment in Terror," "Stagecoach," "McLintock!") took up most of her time in the '60s and '70s, Powers used to tour in the old straw hat theater circuit. More recently, she showcased her singing and dancing abilities in tours of "Applause" and "Annie Get Your Gun," among others, and in an original English musical, "Matador."
She calls her jazz-pop CD "a labor of love between great friends," especially Cavanaugh, the California-based pianist who has fronted his acclaimed jazz trio since the 1940s.
"It was a wonderful experience to work with such a consummate musician," said Powers, who is heard singing such standards as "They All Laughed," "Last Night When We Were Young" and "Ten Cents a Dance."
The later-life adventures of stage and studio seem characteristric of Powers, who never has been one to sit back and relax. She maintains her longtime connection with the William Holden Wildlife Foundation (named for the late actor, a close friend), a public charity in Kenya that she founded on behalf of the preservation of wild animals. She is working with the Jaguar car people on what she calls "a precedent-setting effort" dedicated to the preservation of the animal that bears its name.
Powers also is touting a new book, "Powers Pilates: Stefanie Powers' Guide to Longevity and Well-Being Through Pilates" (Fireside, $16), co-authored with Kathy Corey. Her step-by-step fitness program, targeted to people 50 and older, incorporates the classic exercise system with gentler muscle-strengthening movements.
"The title of the book has to do with longevity and well-being," Powers said. "Pilates is very difficult to explain to those who have not worked with their bodies before, so the point of the book is to try to explain in very simple terms how to actually feel the benefits of Pilates work."
Despite her endeavors outside of performing, Powers is, of course, most recognized for her starring roles as superspy Angel Dancer in "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." (1966-67) and globetrotting detective Jennifer Hart in "Hart to Hart" (1979-84).
She and co-star Robert Wagner have appeared in a series of eight made-for-TV "Hart to Hart" reunion movies, the last ("Till Death Do Us Hart") in 1996.
Powers doubts that such an elegant series could start from scratch on the small screen these days.
"I don't think a show like 'Hart to Hart' could get on today because it would require a certain kind of leadership (within the TV business) that we don't have anymore. We don't have the kind of independent producers like ("Hart to Hart" executves Aaron) Spelling and (Leonard) Goldberg, now that we have corporate minds dealing only with things they feel safe doing.
"I'm afraid we've put a period at the end of the sentence for 'Hart to Hart,' but it was a nice, long sentence."
Stefanie Powers will sign copies of "Powers Pilates: Stefanie Powers' Guide to Longevity and Well-Being Through Pilates" at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Borders Books & Music, 4135 Miller Road, Flint Township. Details: (810) 230-8830.
WHERE: THE WHITING, 1241 E. KEARSLEY ST., FLINT, MI
WHEN: 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY
TICKETS: $29, $39, $59 AT THE BOX OFFICE
DETAILS: (810) 237-7333, (888) 8-CENTER
Stefanie Powers - actress, activist, humanitarian ... singer?
Yes, not surprisingly. The star of TV's "Hart to Hart" and "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." cut an album of Great American Songbook selections, "Stefanie Powers - On the Same Page," last year under the supervision of legendary musician/arranger Page Cavanaugh.
And she's now touring the country as Anna in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical staple "The King and I," which comes to The Whiting on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Powers is accustomed to people telling her how surprised they are that she can sing, although her stage experience dates back to the start of her career in the late 1950s.
"I guess as an actor you're always proving yourself, no matter what it is, or no matter how many times you do it," Powers, 62, told The Journal in a recent interview.
Although TV and movies ("Experiment in Terror," "Stagecoach," "McLintock!") took up most of her time in the '60s and '70s, Powers used to tour in the old straw hat theater circuit. More recently, she showcased her singing and dancing abilities in tours of "Applause" and "Annie Get Your Gun," among others, and in an original English musical, "Matador."
She calls her jazz-pop CD "a labor of love between great friends," especially Cavanaugh, the California-based pianist who has fronted his acclaimed jazz trio since the 1940s.
"It was a wonderful experience to work with such a consummate musician," said Powers, who is heard singing such standards as "They All Laughed," "Last Night When We Were Young" and "Ten Cents a Dance."
The later-life adventures of stage and studio seem characteristric of Powers, who never has been one to sit back and relax. She maintains her longtime connection with the William Holden Wildlife Foundation (named for the late actor, a close friend), a public charity in Kenya that she founded on behalf of the preservation of wild animals. She is working with the Jaguar car people on what she calls "a precedent-setting effort" dedicated to the preservation of the animal that bears its name.
Powers also is touting a new book, "Powers Pilates: Stefanie Powers' Guide to Longevity and Well-Being Through Pilates" (Fireside, $16), co-authored with Kathy Corey. Her step-by-step fitness program, targeted to people 50 and older, incorporates the classic exercise system with gentler muscle-strengthening movements.
"The title of the book has to do with longevity and well-being," Powers said. "Pilates is very difficult to explain to those who have not worked with their bodies before, so the point of the book is to try to explain in very simple terms how to actually feel the benefits of Pilates work."
Despite her endeavors outside of performing, Powers is, of course, most recognized for her starring roles as superspy Angel Dancer in "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." (1966-67) and globetrotting detective Jennifer Hart in "Hart to Hart" (1979-84).
She and co-star Robert Wagner have appeared in a series of eight made-for-TV "Hart to Hart" reunion movies, the last ("Till Death Do Us Hart") in 1996.
Powers doubts that such an elegant series could start from scratch on the small screen these days.
"I don't think a show like 'Hart to Hart' could get on today because it would require a certain kind of leadership (within the TV business) that we don't have anymore. We don't have the kind of independent producers like ("Hart to Hart" executves Aaron) Spelling and (Leonard) Goldberg, now that we have corporate minds dealing only with things they feel safe doing.
"I'm afraid we've put a period at the end of the sentence for 'Hart to Hart,' but it was a nice, long sentence."
Stefanie Powers will sign copies of "Powers Pilates: Stefanie Powers' Guide to Longevity and Well-Being Through Pilates" at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Borders Books & Music, 4135 Miller Road, Flint Township. Details: (810) 230-8830.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Getting to know Stefanie, in a classic
Stefanie Powers is a figure out of old Hollywood. She's now starring in one of the best examples of old Broadway.
We mean both in a good way.
The Broadway show, for instance, is Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I," first staged in 1951. Powers will play Anna Leonowens, Victorian governess for the children of the King of Siam, in the national touring production that opens Friday at the DuPont Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware. (Call 656-4401 or visit www.duponttheatre.com.)
The show contains some of the best show tunes ever, including "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers" and "I Whistle a Happy Tune."
Powers has stage performances on her résumé, but she made her first splash in the movies and a little later starred on television in the breezy detective show "Hart to Hart."
After her 1960 debut in an obscure movie called "Among the Thorns," she was invited to study acting with contract players from Hollywood studios. Director Blake Edwards then cast her in "Experiment in Terror," which led to a contract with Columbia at age 16. She shared movie bills with John Wayne, Bing Crosby and other stars before taking the role of April Dancer in 1966 on television's "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E."
Powers played various TV roles after that and in 1979 landed the role in "Hart to Hart." She and Robert Wagner played a husband-and-wife detective team for five seasons.
Wagner himself is one of the last of the old-Hollywood types, but Powers' big romantic relationship was with an actor who went back to the Golden Age itself: the late William Holden. Through Holden she developed an interest in nature conservation, in which she is still active.
We mean both in a good way.
The Broadway show, for instance, is Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I," first staged in 1951. Powers will play Anna Leonowens, Victorian governess for the children of the King of Siam, in the national touring production that opens Friday at the DuPont Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware. (Call 656-4401 or visit www.duponttheatre.com.)
The show contains some of the best show tunes ever, including "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers" and "I Whistle a Happy Tune."
Powers has stage performances on her résumé, but she made her first splash in the movies and a little later starred on television in the breezy detective show "Hart to Hart."
After her 1960 debut in an obscure movie called "Among the Thorns," she was invited to study acting with contract players from Hollywood studios. Director Blake Edwards then cast her in "Experiment in Terror," which led to a contract with Columbia at age 16. She shared movie bills with John Wayne, Bing Crosby and other stars before taking the role of April Dancer in 1966 on television's "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E."
Powers played various TV roles after that and in 1979 landed the role in "Hart to Hart." She and Robert Wagner played a husband-and-wife detective team for five seasons.
Wagner himself is one of the last of the old-Hollywood types, but Powers' big romantic relationship was with an actor who went back to the Golden Age itself: the late William Holden. Through Holden she developed an interest in nature conservation, in which she is still active.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Stefanie Powers 'Takes Five'
Actress keeps career, activism going strong
Baby boomers have progressed through life with Stefanie Powers entertaining them. In the 1960s, she was April Dancer, "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." In the '70s, she made family movies, "The Boatniks" and "Herbie Rides Again," and lots of TV movies. Her biggest claim to fame, playing amateur detective Jennifer Hart on the popular TV series "Hart to Hart," began in 1979. The series was on the air to 1984, and the Harts reappeared in TV movie format for several encores in the '90s. Powers, 62, has also worked on the stage, and it is in that capacity that she will be coming to the Milwaukee Theatre on Tuesday to play Anna in a national touring company production of "The King and I." The show plays through Feb. 27. Tickets are on sale at the Milwaukee Theatre box office, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., online at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at (414) 276-4545. Journal Sentinel theater critic Damien Jaques interviewed Powers by e-mail.
'Takes Five'
Q. You are spending several months on the road with this show. How do you survive all of the different hotel rooms, different stages and daily restaurant meals?
A. It's not easy, but since we are in most cities for at least a week, I do eventually fall into some sort of routine. I do the best I can with what is
available and try to be careful about what I eat and that I remember to eat at all. I also try to exercise regularly. I like to run, and I do Pilates. In fact, I have a book called "Powers Pilates" coming out on March 1 from Simon & Schuster that contains a lot of simple exercises that can be done without equipment.
Q."The King and I" is an old, albeit beloved, musical. How do you make it fresh and exciting for 21st-century audiences?
A. This is a classical piece of theater, much beloved all over the world. We are trying to replicate the original production with the help of our director, Baayork Lee, who played the original Princess Ying Yaowlak in the original Gertrude Lawrence-Yul Brynner production, and our choreographer, Susan Kikuchi, whose mother was the original lead dancer. We are using the original Jerome Robbins choreography and consider this to be a celebration of the great American art form, the musical comedy, as brilliantly created by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Q. This musical debuted on Broadway in 1951. Our perception of Asian people has substantially changed since then. Have any changes been made in the show to reflect that?
A. Once again, we are doing the original play, which has stood the test of time. I would have to think very hard to come up with anything that has been produced in even the last 10 years that would still feel relevant 50 years later.
Q.You play Anna Leonowens, an actual British teacher who accepted an invitation in the 1860s to move to Siam and tutor the king's many children. How did you prepare for the role?
A. I did the role two years ago in England, where the biggest challenge, as an American, was to be accepted in the role of a Victorian woman. Since it went down rather well there, I suppose my homework at the time, learning about the history of the woman I was playing, paid off. I also prepared by working with a vocal coach to build up my stamina and vocal range, and I sing whenever I can.
Q.As well as being a screen and stage actress, you are known as a conservation and wildlife activist. Are you still involved in that cause?
A. That is a life-long commitment for me and is becoming an increasingly greater dimension in my life. I am the president and co-founder of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, which has its own Web site (www.whwf.org), where
people can keep up with our activities. They include an education center in Kenya that has hosted nearly 100,000 people since its programs began. I am also a principal in the Jaguar Conservation Trust, having authored the by-laws. I determine who receives grants for programs that are designed to preserve the endangered jaguar cat. . . . I am also extremely involved in current legislation pertaining to the future of the American wild horse, the mustang.
Baby boomers have progressed through life with Stefanie Powers entertaining them. In the 1960s, she was April Dancer, "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." In the '70s, she made family movies, "The Boatniks" and "Herbie Rides Again," and lots of TV movies. Her biggest claim to fame, playing amateur detective Jennifer Hart on the popular TV series "Hart to Hart," began in 1979. The series was on the air to 1984, and the Harts reappeared in TV movie format for several encores in the '90s. Powers, 62, has also worked on the stage, and it is in that capacity that she will be coming to the Milwaukee Theatre on Tuesday to play Anna in a national touring company production of "The King and I." The show plays through Feb. 27. Tickets are on sale at the Milwaukee Theatre box office, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., online at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at (414) 276-4545. Journal Sentinel theater critic Damien Jaques interviewed Powers by e-mail.
'Takes Five'
Q. You are spending several months on the road with this show. How do you survive all of the different hotel rooms, different stages and daily restaurant meals?
A. It's not easy, but since we are in most cities for at least a week, I do eventually fall into some sort of routine. I do the best I can with what is
available and try to be careful about what I eat and that I remember to eat at all. I also try to exercise regularly. I like to run, and I do Pilates. In fact, I have a book called "Powers Pilates" coming out on March 1 from Simon & Schuster that contains a lot of simple exercises that can be done without equipment.
Q."The King and I" is an old, albeit beloved, musical. How do you make it fresh and exciting for 21st-century audiences?
A. This is a classical piece of theater, much beloved all over the world. We are trying to replicate the original production with the help of our director, Baayork Lee, who played the original Princess Ying Yaowlak in the original Gertrude Lawrence-Yul Brynner production, and our choreographer, Susan Kikuchi, whose mother was the original lead dancer. We are using the original Jerome Robbins choreography and consider this to be a celebration of the great American art form, the musical comedy, as brilliantly created by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Q. This musical debuted on Broadway in 1951. Our perception of Asian people has substantially changed since then. Have any changes been made in the show to reflect that?
A. Once again, we are doing the original play, which has stood the test of time. I would have to think very hard to come up with anything that has been produced in even the last 10 years that would still feel relevant 50 years later.
Q.You play Anna Leonowens, an actual British teacher who accepted an invitation in the 1860s to move to Siam and tutor the king's many children. How did you prepare for the role?
A. I did the role two years ago in England, where the biggest challenge, as an American, was to be accepted in the role of a Victorian woman. Since it went down rather well there, I suppose my homework at the time, learning about the history of the woman I was playing, paid off. I also prepared by working with a vocal coach to build up my stamina and vocal range, and I sing whenever I can.
Q.As well as being a screen and stage actress, you are known as a conservation and wildlife activist. Are you still involved in that cause?
A. That is a life-long commitment for me and is becoming an increasingly greater dimension in my life. I am the president and co-founder of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, which has its own Web site (www.whwf.org), where
people can keep up with our activities. They include an education center in Kenya that has hosted nearly 100,000 people since its programs began. I am also a principal in the Jaguar Conservation Trust, having authored the by-laws. I determine who receives grants for programs that are designed to preserve the endangered jaguar cat. . . . I am also extremely involved in current legislation pertaining to the future of the American wild horse, the mustang.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Reign may be over for 'King'
Adequate. That is the succinct description of the production of "The King and I" brought to the Milwaukee Theatre this week by a national touring company. The show opened Tuesday night.
Longtime television and film star Stefanie Powers holds her own as Anna, the British widow hired in the 1860s by the king of Siam to tutor his small army of children. Although her stage credits are not extensive, she sings well and assumes the bearing of a Victorian schoolmarm.
It's too bad Powers lacks a strong partner to play off of. The king of Siam doesn't have to be physically large, but he must project a commanding presence. We should feel his power when we don't like him and his charm when we do.
Ronobir Lahiri works hard at trying to scale that mountain. He sputters and flails and ultimately does a lot of posing. His determined profile might look good on a Siamese coin, but it is not enough to convince us that his king is an absolute ruler with the personality to match.
The power shortage removes the context that makes the monarch's vulnerability poignant, and it changes the chemistry of the relationship between Anna and the king. Unfortunately, Powers and Lahiri don't share any chemistry.
A mechanical quality runs through the entire show, but there are some vivid exceptions that snap the piece back into sharp focus. Catherine MiEun Choi possesses a compelling and dignified presence in her portrayal of the king's head wife, Lady Thiang.
When Choi opens her mouth to sing, fasten your seat belts. Her voice training at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory is instantly evident.
The extended "The Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet, re-created by Susan Kikuchi from Jerome Robbins' original choreography, is positively enchanting. It is danced extremely well in gorgeous costumes.
A basic level of competency is met by the large cast, and some easily exceed that mark. Production values are good. An argument can be made that, at 54, "The King and I" is not aging as well as most other Rodgers and Hammerstein classics. Even after taking into account the show's 19th-century period and its 1951 sensibilities, the mostly fictional story and cartoonish portrayal of Asians has become unsettling if not embarrassing.
The globe has shrunk, the U.S. has become much more ethnically diverse, and we see the world very differently in 2005. Perhaps "The King and I's" familiar hummable score should live on while the dated and problematic book goes the way of minstrel shows. Not every hit from the golden age of American musical theater is timeless.
Longtime television and film star Stefanie Powers holds her own as Anna, the British widow hired in the 1860s by the king of Siam to tutor his small army of children. Although her stage credits are not extensive, she sings well and assumes the bearing of a Victorian schoolmarm.
It's too bad Powers lacks a strong partner to play off of. The king of Siam doesn't have to be physically large, but he must project a commanding presence. We should feel his power when we don't like him and his charm when we do.
Ronobir Lahiri works hard at trying to scale that mountain. He sputters and flails and ultimately does a lot of posing. His determined profile might look good on a Siamese coin, but it is not enough to convince us that his king is an absolute ruler with the personality to match.
The power shortage removes the context that makes the monarch's vulnerability poignant, and it changes the chemistry of the relationship between Anna and the king. Unfortunately, Powers and Lahiri don't share any chemistry.
A mechanical quality runs through the entire show, but there are some vivid exceptions that snap the piece back into sharp focus. Catherine MiEun Choi possesses a compelling and dignified presence in her portrayal of the king's head wife, Lady Thiang.
When Choi opens her mouth to sing, fasten your seat belts. Her voice training at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory is instantly evident.
The extended "The Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet, re-created by Susan Kikuchi from Jerome Robbins' original choreography, is positively enchanting. It is danced extremely well in gorgeous costumes.
A basic level of competency is met by the large cast, and some easily exceed that mark. Production values are good. An argument can be made that, at 54, "The King and I" is not aging as well as most other Rodgers and Hammerstein classics. Even after taking into account the show's 19th-century period and its 1951 sensibilities, the mostly fictional story and cartoonish portrayal of Asians has become unsettling if not embarrassing.
The globe has shrunk, the U.S. has become much more ethnically diverse, and we see the world very differently in 2005. Perhaps "The King and I's" familiar hummable score should live on while the dated and problematic book goes the way of minstrel shows. Not every hit from the golden age of American musical theater is timeless.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
WHWF Benefit
The date is Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood: Hollywood Blvd. near Vine. ??? 8 PM start.
Excellent orchestra seats are $125 which includes the party afterwards (location nearby to be determined).
Very good mezzanine seats are selling for $75 without the party.
There are packages to make extra money:
1. "The King and I-Mac" - Includes an I-Mac computer, four primo orchestra seats and party.
2. "Lord of the Rings" - Return of the King limited edition DVD set for $2000.
3. "Getting to Know You" - Package with four primo seats, party and a backstage visit immediately after the performance for $1000.
Checks are to be made out to WHWF.
Excellent orchestra seats are $125 which includes the party afterwards (location nearby to be determined).
Very good mezzanine seats are selling for $75 without the party.
There are packages to make extra money:
1. "The King and I-Mac" - Includes an I-Mac computer, four primo orchestra seats and party.
2. "Lord of the Rings" - Return of the King limited edition DVD set for $2000.
3. "Getting to Know You" - Package with four primo seats, party and a backstage visit immediately after the performance for $1000.
Checks are to be made out to WHWF.
Friday, February 18, 2005
The Pooch and I
It seems Stefanie Powers doesn't like to go far without her pooch. In Baltimore last week performing in The King and I at the Hippodrome, Powers took family and friends out to dinner Saturday night at Little Italy's Da Mimmo. Also in tow, reports owner Mary Ann Cricchio, was Powers' miniature pinscher/Shih Tzu mix, Bounce. Mary Ann says she and restaurant manager Masood Masoodi quickly set up a play date outside with their "best friends," Masood's white Maltese, Malta, and Mary Ann's Yorkie, Rover.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Romantic TV couples
Kevin Thompson's Valentine's Day picks for the TV couples that snagged our hearts.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Valentine's Day is a time for chocolate covered cherries, mushy cards, candlelight dinners and some really good lovin'.
For a TV critic, it's also a time to ponder which memorable TV couples have made our hearts skip a beat over the years.
No. 1: Mulder and Scully (The X-Files)
The truth is these two alien-chasing FBI agents exuded more sexual heat than most TV couples who fall into bed each week. Mulder and Scully did it with a knowing look. A quick embrace. A soft brush of the other's hair. A frantic cellphone call. The truth was out there: You knew their love was real. And you knew Mulder was the father of Scully's baby.
And the other 49 lovebirds . . .
2. Cliff and Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)
They slow danced with each other. They listened to John Coltrane together. They lovingly showed affection in front of their kids. Simply put, they had the kind of rock solid marriage everyone wants.
3. Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (I Love Lucy)
If they weren't on this list, I'd have some 'splainin' to do.
4. Rick and Lily (Once and Again)
They showed that divorced parents over 40 could actually act like lustful teens.
5. Bobby and Pam Ewing (Dallas)
For being a modern-day version of Romeo and Juliet. Aw, forget that. Remember, Bobby's six-pack abs? Pam's smokin' bod? That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
6. David and Maddie (Moonlighting)
They fought. They solved crimes. They flirted. They fought. They flirted some more.
7. Ralph and Alice Kramden (The Honeymooners)
For all his "bang, zoom, to the moon" theatrics, deep down blustery Ralph knew his stand-by-your-man Alice was "the greatest." So did we.
8. Diane and Bobby (NYPD Blue)
Ever see them getting it on in a steamy shower? If so, you'd understand.
9. Buffy and Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
He was a brooding vampire. She was a sassy vampire killer. Which meant Buffy and Angel didn't go on many dreamy-eyed dates. But when they were together, their undying passion could raise the dead.
10. Barney and Betty Rubble (The Flintstones)
Because Barney can still make Betty giggle after all these years.
11. Sam and Diane (Cheers)
Their delightful verbal fencing, not all those barflies, made Cheers an instant TV classic.
12. Luke and Laura (General Hospital)
A couple who can survive sexual assaults, kidnappings and living life on the lam before getting hitched. That's love!
13. Doug and Carol (ER)
George Clooney. Juliana Marguilies. What else is there to say?
14. Ross and Rachel (Friends)
Because they were destined to be together. It just took forever.
15. Kevin and Winnie (The Wonder Years)
Ah, young love. So sweet. So innocent. Remember that first kiss in the very first show? 16. Blake and Krystle Carrington (Dynasty)
Sure, bling-blinging Blake sometimes treated his trophy wife like another pricey possession. But he loved Krystle and she loved him right back. Alexis who?
17. Rob and Laura Petrie (The Dick Van Dyke Show)
The way Laura fondly cried, "Ohhh, Robbbbb" oozed a deep-rooted passion that a '60s sitcom couldn't really explore. Rob and Laura slept in separate beds, for crying out loud!
18. Ward and June Cleaver (Leave It To Beaver)
There's something hopelessly romantic about two parents united in their parental duties. Who said every TV couple had to be all sexy?
19. Mike and Gloria Stivic (All in the Family)
They made out an awful lot, didn't they?
20. George and Gracie (The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show)
One of the all-time great show business couples. Say goodnight, Gracie.
21. Sydney and Vaughn (Alias)
Make love in the morning. Thwart a terrorist plot in the afternoon. Make love again at night.
22. Batman and Robin (Batman)
Holy close quarters! Let's face it: The Dynamic Duo spent way too much time alone in the Batcave. You do the math.
23. Martin and Gina (Martin)
Despite their off-screen problems, Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell boasted a sizzling on-screen comedic chemistry.
24. Herman and Lily Munster (The Munsters)
How often do you see Frankenstein whispering sweet nothings to his vampire squeeze? Never.
25. Mr. and Mrs. C (Happy Days)
They would excitedly rush upstairs for some afternoon delight whenever the kids weren't home. As a thumbs-up Fonz would say, "Aaayyh!"
26. Isabel and Leo (Relativity)
Kimberly Williams and David Conrad kissed like they meant it in this little-watched series that skillfully dealt with the complexities of twentysomething romance and relationships.
27. Joyce and Frank (Hill Street Blues)
No couple looked sexier in bed than those secret lovers played by the ruggedly handsome Daniel J. Travanti (Pizza Man!) and the fetching Veronica Hamel.
28. Niles and Daphne (Frasier)
Because sometimes nice, nerdy, opera-loving guys do get the girl of their dreams.
29. Jonathan and Jennifer Hart (Hart to Hart)
It's Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers, people! Hellooooooo!
30. Gomez and Morticia Addams (The Addams Family)
They did a mean tango. Only really passionate people can do a mean tango.
31. Latka and Simka (Taxi)
The funny accents made 'em so darn cute! Tank you berry much!
32. Kermit and Miss Piggy (The Muppet Show)
We needed a carefree frog and a showboating pig on the list. Seriously.
33. Paul and Jamie Buchman (Mad About You)
For showing that marriage can be hard work — and worth the effort.
34. Ozzie and Harriet (The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet)
See Ward and June Cleaver.
35. Lois and Clark (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman)
Lois Lane and Clark Kent never looked that pretty in the D.C. Comics version. You can thank Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain for that.
36. Carrie and Big (Sex and the City)
OK, so Big was a first-class cad who often treated Carrie like crud on the bottom of his shoe. But they had chemistry. And all was forgotten when the big lug finally told Carrie, "You're the one."
37. Dharma and Greg (Dharma & Greg)
Dharma was a free-spirited yoga trainer. Greg was an uptight attorney. Yes, sometimes opposites do attract — and make you laugh.
38. Mike and Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)
It's not easy looking chirpy and romantic when six kids are running your house. Go ahead, you try it!
39. Trista and Ryan (The Bachelorette)
Before America got sick of the attention-happy Trista, it actually loved this sweet, made-for-reality-TV couple. Well, they mostly loved the painfully shy, poetry-spouting Ryan.
40. James and Florida Evans (Good Times)
They lived with the buffoonish J.J. and still managed to keep their marriage strong. Big ups to James and Florida for that.
41. Turk and Carla (Scrubs)
They still have that newlywed glow.
42. Boston Rob and Amber (Survivor: All-Stars)
Any couple that can make living in the jungle with 16 smelly castaways look like a tropical vacation deserves a mention, don't ya think?
43. Ren and Stimpy (Ren & Stimpy)
If a scrawny, hot-headed Chihuahua (that's Ren) is gonna spend that much time with his kitty kat roomie (that's Stimpy), it must be love.
44. Remington and Laura (Remington Steele)
It's hard not to look all weak in the knees when you're standing next to the future 007.
45. Marge and Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
Why not? At 16 years, The Simpsons is the longest-running sitcom on TV. You know Homer and Marge have had some serious lovin' in at least half of those years. D'oh!
46. Pebbles and Bamm Bamm (The Flintstones)
OK, they're babies, but they played so well together. Besides, when they grew up and got their own show, we kinda figured that Pebbles and Bamm Bamm were doing more than goo-goo and gaa-gaa-ing together.
47. The Donald and . . . The Donald (The Apprentice)
No one loves himself — or his companies, hotels, casinos and TV shows — more than The Trumpster.
48. Sandy and Kirsten Cohen (The O.C.)
Sandy singing to his wife on their 20th wedding anniversary probably melted every woman's heart in America.
49. Stewart and Sally McMillan (McMillan and Wife)
Rock Hudson was a grizzled police commissioner. Susan St. James was the wife who just wanted to help. Isn't support in a marriage a beautiful thing?
50. Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielsen (Strange Love)
The cartoonish black rapper and the statuesque Danish actress are TV's oddest freak show couple since, well . . . give me a minute, I'll think of another one. Well, probably not.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Valentine's Day is a time for chocolate covered cherries, mushy cards, candlelight dinners and some really good lovin'.
For a TV critic, it's also a time to ponder which memorable TV couples have made our hearts skip a beat over the years.
No. 1: Mulder and Scully (The X-Files)
The truth is these two alien-chasing FBI agents exuded more sexual heat than most TV couples who fall into bed each week. Mulder and Scully did it with a knowing look. A quick embrace. A soft brush of the other's hair. A frantic cellphone call. The truth was out there: You knew their love was real. And you knew Mulder was the father of Scully's baby.
And the other 49 lovebirds . . .
2. Cliff and Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)
They slow danced with each other. They listened to John Coltrane together. They lovingly showed affection in front of their kids. Simply put, they had the kind of rock solid marriage everyone wants.
3. Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (I Love Lucy)
If they weren't on this list, I'd have some 'splainin' to do.
4. Rick and Lily (Once and Again)
They showed that divorced parents over 40 could actually act like lustful teens.
5. Bobby and Pam Ewing (Dallas)
For being a modern-day version of Romeo and Juliet. Aw, forget that. Remember, Bobby's six-pack abs? Pam's smokin' bod? That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
6. David and Maddie (Moonlighting)
They fought. They solved crimes. They flirted. They fought. They flirted some more.
7. Ralph and Alice Kramden (The Honeymooners)
For all his "bang, zoom, to the moon" theatrics, deep down blustery Ralph knew his stand-by-your-man Alice was "the greatest." So did we.
8. Diane and Bobby (NYPD Blue)
Ever see them getting it on in a steamy shower? If so, you'd understand.
9. Buffy and Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
He was a brooding vampire. She was a sassy vampire killer. Which meant Buffy and Angel didn't go on many dreamy-eyed dates. But when they were together, their undying passion could raise the dead.
10. Barney and Betty Rubble (The Flintstones)
Because Barney can still make Betty giggle after all these years.
11. Sam and Diane (Cheers)
Their delightful verbal fencing, not all those barflies, made Cheers an instant TV classic.
12. Luke and Laura (General Hospital)
A couple who can survive sexual assaults, kidnappings and living life on the lam before getting hitched. That's love!
13. Doug and Carol (ER)
George Clooney. Juliana Marguilies. What else is there to say?
14. Ross and Rachel (Friends)
Because they were destined to be together. It just took forever.
15. Kevin and Winnie (The Wonder Years)
Ah, young love. So sweet. So innocent. Remember that first kiss in the very first show? 16. Blake and Krystle Carrington (Dynasty)
Sure, bling-blinging Blake sometimes treated his trophy wife like another pricey possession. But he loved Krystle and she loved him right back. Alexis who?
17. Rob and Laura Petrie (The Dick Van Dyke Show)
The way Laura fondly cried, "Ohhh, Robbbbb" oozed a deep-rooted passion that a '60s sitcom couldn't really explore. Rob and Laura slept in separate beds, for crying out loud!
18. Ward and June Cleaver (Leave It To Beaver)
There's something hopelessly romantic about two parents united in their parental duties. Who said every TV couple had to be all sexy?
19. Mike and Gloria Stivic (All in the Family)
They made out an awful lot, didn't they?
20. George and Gracie (The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show)
One of the all-time great show business couples. Say goodnight, Gracie.
21. Sydney and Vaughn (Alias)
Make love in the morning. Thwart a terrorist plot in the afternoon. Make love again at night.
22. Batman and Robin (Batman)
Holy close quarters! Let's face it: The Dynamic Duo spent way too much time alone in the Batcave. You do the math.
23. Martin and Gina (Martin)
Despite their off-screen problems, Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell boasted a sizzling on-screen comedic chemistry.
24. Herman and Lily Munster (The Munsters)
How often do you see Frankenstein whispering sweet nothings to his vampire squeeze? Never.
25. Mr. and Mrs. C (Happy Days)
They would excitedly rush upstairs for some afternoon delight whenever the kids weren't home. As a thumbs-up Fonz would say, "Aaayyh!"
26. Isabel and Leo (Relativity)
Kimberly Williams and David Conrad kissed like they meant it in this little-watched series that skillfully dealt with the complexities of twentysomething romance and relationships.
27. Joyce and Frank (Hill Street Blues)
No couple looked sexier in bed than those secret lovers played by the ruggedly handsome Daniel J. Travanti (Pizza Man!) and the fetching Veronica Hamel.
28. Niles and Daphne (Frasier)
Because sometimes nice, nerdy, opera-loving guys do get the girl of their dreams.
29. Jonathan and Jennifer Hart (Hart to Hart)
It's Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers, people! Hellooooooo!
30. Gomez and Morticia Addams (The Addams Family)
They did a mean tango. Only really passionate people can do a mean tango.
31. Latka and Simka (Taxi)
The funny accents made 'em so darn cute! Tank you berry much!
32. Kermit and Miss Piggy (The Muppet Show)
We needed a carefree frog and a showboating pig on the list. Seriously.
33. Paul and Jamie Buchman (Mad About You)
For showing that marriage can be hard work — and worth the effort.
34. Ozzie and Harriet (The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet)
See Ward and June Cleaver.
35. Lois and Clark (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman)
Lois Lane and Clark Kent never looked that pretty in the D.C. Comics version. You can thank Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain for that.
36. Carrie and Big (Sex and the City)
OK, so Big was a first-class cad who often treated Carrie like crud on the bottom of his shoe. But they had chemistry. And all was forgotten when the big lug finally told Carrie, "You're the one."
37. Dharma and Greg (Dharma & Greg)
Dharma was a free-spirited yoga trainer. Greg was an uptight attorney. Yes, sometimes opposites do attract — and make you laugh.
38. Mike and Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)
It's not easy looking chirpy and romantic when six kids are running your house. Go ahead, you try it!
39. Trista and Ryan (The Bachelorette)
Before America got sick of the attention-happy Trista, it actually loved this sweet, made-for-reality-TV couple. Well, they mostly loved the painfully shy, poetry-spouting Ryan.
40. James and Florida Evans (Good Times)
They lived with the buffoonish J.J. and still managed to keep their marriage strong. Big ups to James and Florida for that.
41. Turk and Carla (Scrubs)
They still have that newlywed glow.
42. Boston Rob and Amber (Survivor: All-Stars)
Any couple that can make living in the jungle with 16 smelly castaways look like a tropical vacation deserves a mention, don't ya think?
43. Ren and Stimpy (Ren & Stimpy)
If a scrawny, hot-headed Chihuahua (that's Ren) is gonna spend that much time with his kitty kat roomie (that's Stimpy), it must be love.
44. Remington and Laura (Remington Steele)
It's hard not to look all weak in the knees when you're standing next to the future 007.
45. Marge and Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
Why not? At 16 years, The Simpsons is the longest-running sitcom on TV. You know Homer and Marge have had some serious lovin' in at least half of those years. D'oh!
46. Pebbles and Bamm Bamm (The Flintstones)
OK, they're babies, but they played so well together. Besides, when they grew up and got their own show, we kinda figured that Pebbles and Bamm Bamm were doing more than goo-goo and gaa-gaa-ing together.
47. The Donald and . . . The Donald (The Apprentice)
No one loves himself — or his companies, hotels, casinos and TV shows — more than The Trumpster.
48. Sandy and Kirsten Cohen (The O.C.)
Sandy singing to his wife on their 20th wedding anniversary probably melted every woman's heart in America.
49. Stewart and Sally McMillan (McMillan and Wife)
Rock Hudson was a grizzled police commissioner. Susan St. James was the wife who just wanted to help. Isn't support in a marriage a beautiful thing?
50. Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielsen (Strange Love)
The cartoonish black rapper and the statuesque Danish actress are TV's oddest freak show couple since, well . . . give me a minute, I'll think of another one. Well, probably not.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Long live 'The King'
As the king himself might put it, there's a lot of "etc., etc., etc." in The King and I.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical works best when it's showcased with all the trimmings. It demands opulence and splendor. And Kenneth Foy's red, gold and black set and Roger Kirk's glittery, silk, Tony Award-winning costumes meet those demands.
But at its core, as the title indicates, The King and I is the story of two people - the headstrong king of 1860s Siam (now Thailand) and the equally headstrong British teacher he hires to instruct his children.
The King and I was originally created as a star vehicle - not for Yul Brynner, though he became inextricably associated with the role of the king. No, Rodgers and Hammerstein were writing for Gertrude Lawrence, the actress who created the role of the teacher, Anna Leonowens.
Under the direction of Baayork Lee, the touring version at the Hippodrome Theatre once again assigns star billing to the actress playing Anna. This time, that actress is Stefanie Powers, and though she looks elegant and displays plenty of Anna's innate gumption, her casting is - as the king again might put it - something of a "puzzlement."
The problem isn't entirely that Powers is a bit old for Anna (the last time she starred in Baltimore, in 1996, she played long-in-the-tooth Margo Channing in Applause). Powers' acting has enough gusto to allow a gracious audience to overlook age.
A bigger problem is that a voice that sounded nasal in Applause now sounds brash, even strained. While Powers can get away with a character actress' delivery of "I Whistle a Happy Tune," she's simply not up to the lush strains of a romantic ballad like "Hello, Young Lovers."
As the king, Ronobir Lahiri is vocally adept, and he also finds the wit and intelligence hidden beneath the king's arrogance. His king is a complex man - tied to tradition, but modern-thinking; smart enough to know what he doesn't know; proud enough of his heritage not to let it be overrun by Western ways.
Along with all the opulence, The King and I also requires a bevy of adorable children, and the current youngsters easily pass that test. In addition, Catherine MiEun Choi as the king's No. 1 wife and Luz Lor as unlucky-in-love Tuptim make such chestnuts as "Something Wonderful" and "I Have Dreamed," respectively, the musical high points. And, as re-created by Susan Kikuchi, Jerome Robbins' choreography continues to enchant.
In the end, despite Powers' vocal limitations, when she and Lahiri's king break into a rousing polka in "Shall We Dance?" two stubborn individuals and two disparate cultures come together in a whirl of music and dance. A lesson in cultural understanding, for better or worse, it remains as poignant and pertinent as it did when the show debuted a half-century ago.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical works best when it's showcased with all the trimmings. It demands opulence and splendor. And Kenneth Foy's red, gold and black set and Roger Kirk's glittery, silk, Tony Award-winning costumes meet those demands.
But at its core, as the title indicates, The King and I is the story of two people - the headstrong king of 1860s Siam (now Thailand) and the equally headstrong British teacher he hires to instruct his children.
The King and I was originally created as a star vehicle - not for Yul Brynner, though he became inextricably associated with the role of the king. No, Rodgers and Hammerstein were writing for Gertrude Lawrence, the actress who created the role of the teacher, Anna Leonowens.
Under the direction of Baayork Lee, the touring version at the Hippodrome Theatre once again assigns star billing to the actress playing Anna. This time, that actress is Stefanie Powers, and though she looks elegant and displays plenty of Anna's innate gumption, her casting is - as the king again might put it - something of a "puzzlement."
The problem isn't entirely that Powers is a bit old for Anna (the last time she starred in Baltimore, in 1996, she played long-in-the-tooth Margo Channing in Applause). Powers' acting has enough gusto to allow a gracious audience to overlook age.
A bigger problem is that a voice that sounded nasal in Applause now sounds brash, even strained. While Powers can get away with a character actress' delivery of "I Whistle a Happy Tune," she's simply not up to the lush strains of a romantic ballad like "Hello, Young Lovers."
As the king, Ronobir Lahiri is vocally adept, and he also finds the wit and intelligence hidden beneath the king's arrogance. His king is a complex man - tied to tradition, but modern-thinking; smart enough to know what he doesn't know; proud enough of his heritage not to let it be overrun by Western ways.
Along with all the opulence, The King and I also requires a bevy of adorable children, and the current youngsters easily pass that test. In addition, Catherine MiEun Choi as the king's No. 1 wife and Luz Lor as unlucky-in-love Tuptim make such chestnuts as "Something Wonderful" and "I Have Dreamed," respectively, the musical high points. And, as re-created by Susan Kikuchi, Jerome Robbins' choreography continues to enchant.
In the end, despite Powers' vocal limitations, when she and Lahiri's king break into a rousing polka in "Shall We Dance?" two stubborn individuals and two disparate cultures come together in a whirl of music and dance. A lesson in cultural understanding, for better or worse, it remains as poignant and pertinent as it did when the show debuted a half-century ago.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Powers brings her rich life and career to 'The King and I'
Broadway classic is coming to the Hippodrome
When a lavish new production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I arrives at the Hippodrome next week -- its third stop on an 11-month national tour -- theater fans will have a chance to see the work of one of America's more prodigious actresses.
Millions know Stefanie Powers as the glamorous, crime-stopping star of such TV series as The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. (1967-68) and Hart to Hart (1979-84), but in a five-decade career that began in Hollywood at the age of 15, she has also starred in multiple motion pictures (The Interns, McClintock!, Gone With the West), hit TV miniseries (Mistral's Daughter) and international stage productions (Oliver!, A View From the Bridge, The Vagina Monologues). Powers, 62, first played Anna Leonowens -- the British governess to the family of the King of Siam (now Thailand) in the 1860s -- in London in 2002.
One of the entertainment industry's most committed conservationists, she keeps homes in California, in London and in Kenya, where she heads the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, a 1,200-acre animal sanctuary and education center. She calls Holden, the late film star who was her partner for nine years, "the most significant human being in my life."
Last week, she took time to chat with The Sun.
You've been a TV, film and stage actress. Is musical theater a challenge?
As actors, we reinvent ourselves over a long career. When people say, "How do you sing?" I tell them I started [at 15] as a dancer who sang. Singing has just become a bit more prominent.
And I love classical musical comedy and musical theater. If the Broadway musical is the true American art form -- and it is -- The King And I is classical American theater. It's wonderful to be able to bring this extraordinary piece back to the stage in its country of origin.
What do you enjoy most about the play?
The more I do it, the more enamored I am of [Oscar] Hammerstein's words, which are exquisite -- just seamless as they segue from the dialogue in the book to the songs. For a time, Andrew Lloyd Webber brought about the non-book musical, which got theater people off track of the importance of the book. But Mr. Hammerstein? What a fabulous talent; what a gift to all of us.
Are film, TV and stage acting different?
It's all acting. If you're an actor who got into the business to be an actor, you train to be able to do it all. That's the business we're in. There are particular techniques to each, but to me, the most important element, by far, is the quality of a part. I don't prefer one form to another.
How do you feel, looking back, about your big TV roles, like the sleuth Jennifer Hart on Hart to Hart?
It was really a completely different part of my life. At the same time, everything you do as an actor shapes what you do later. I'm happy I had the chance to play those parts.
You've acted with John Wayne, Glenn Ford, even Tallulah Bankhead. How has that shaped you?
It has made my life so much easier. Actors share a common history, a commonality that makes us colleagues. You take a bit from each one. And as you say, I'm lucky. It was a privilege to be around during what amounted to the waning days of the studio system and to work alongside some of the greats of that era.
You've called William Holden the most significant person in your life. Do you still feel his influence?
Well, I was in love with him; every aspect of what he did and who he was fascinated me. We were soul mates. But mostly, he was a wonderful teacher. And what he had to teach, I found interesting, from his knowledge of the African wilderness to [art] and everything else. He imbued me with so many of the things he valued. He passed them on.
That's what we do to each other, isn't it, and for each other? We pass on things that are important to us.
You've played everything from aviators to cowgirls. What interests you about Anna?
I know a great deal about her; I've studied that piece of history [1860s Siam]. I've spent quite a bit of time in [Southeast Asia, where she traveled frequently with Holden]. It's always helpful to have done a certain amount of research. And, in colonial Britain, when a woman's husband died, she was in a difficult spot. She wasn't expected to get a job. Anna does. She's alone against adversity, in a way.
If you don't look into the history -- if you don't do the research -- it's hard to address the present and the future. Playing Anna is a journey into the past.
The King and I is at the Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St., Tuesday through Feb. 13. Tickets, $22-$67, are available at the box office (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday or 10 a.m.-showtime on performance days); through Ticketmaster (410-547-SEAT), or at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica. com.
When a lavish new production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I arrives at the Hippodrome next week -- its third stop on an 11-month national tour -- theater fans will have a chance to see the work of one of America's more prodigious actresses.
Millions know Stefanie Powers as the glamorous, crime-stopping star of such TV series as The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. (1967-68) and Hart to Hart (1979-84), but in a five-decade career that began in Hollywood at the age of 15, she has also starred in multiple motion pictures (The Interns, McClintock!, Gone With the West), hit TV miniseries (Mistral's Daughter) and international stage productions (Oliver!, A View From the Bridge, The Vagina Monologues). Powers, 62, first played Anna Leonowens -- the British governess to the family of the King of Siam (now Thailand) in the 1860s -- in London in 2002.
One of the entertainment industry's most committed conservationists, she keeps homes in California, in London and in Kenya, where she heads the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, a 1,200-acre animal sanctuary and education center. She calls Holden, the late film star who was her partner for nine years, "the most significant human being in my life."
Last week, she took time to chat with The Sun.
You've been a TV, film and stage actress. Is musical theater a challenge?
As actors, we reinvent ourselves over a long career. When people say, "How do you sing?" I tell them I started [at 15] as a dancer who sang. Singing has just become a bit more prominent.
And I love classical musical comedy and musical theater. If the Broadway musical is the true American art form -- and it is -- The King And I is classical American theater. It's wonderful to be able to bring this extraordinary piece back to the stage in its country of origin.
What do you enjoy most about the play?
The more I do it, the more enamored I am of [Oscar] Hammerstein's words, which are exquisite -- just seamless as they segue from the dialogue in the book to the songs. For a time, Andrew Lloyd Webber brought about the non-book musical, which got theater people off track of the importance of the book. But Mr. Hammerstein? What a fabulous talent; what a gift to all of us.
Are film, TV and stage acting different?
It's all acting. If you're an actor who got into the business to be an actor, you train to be able to do it all. That's the business we're in. There are particular techniques to each, but to me, the most important element, by far, is the quality of a part. I don't prefer one form to another.
How do you feel, looking back, about your big TV roles, like the sleuth Jennifer Hart on Hart to Hart?
It was really a completely different part of my life. At the same time, everything you do as an actor shapes what you do later. I'm happy I had the chance to play those parts.
You've acted with John Wayne, Glenn Ford, even Tallulah Bankhead. How has that shaped you?
It has made my life so much easier. Actors share a common history, a commonality that makes us colleagues. You take a bit from each one. And as you say, I'm lucky. It was a privilege to be around during what amounted to the waning days of the studio system and to work alongside some of the greats of that era.
You've called William Holden the most significant person in your life. Do you still feel his influence?
Well, I was in love with him; every aspect of what he did and who he was fascinated me. We were soul mates. But mostly, he was a wonderful teacher. And what he had to teach, I found interesting, from his knowledge of the African wilderness to [art] and everything else. He imbued me with so many of the things he valued. He passed them on.
That's what we do to each other, isn't it, and for each other? We pass on things that are important to us.
You've played everything from aviators to cowgirls. What interests you about Anna?
I know a great deal about her; I've studied that piece of history [1860s Siam]. I've spent quite a bit of time in [Southeast Asia, where she traveled frequently with Holden]. It's always helpful to have done a certain amount of research. And, in colonial Britain, when a woman's husband died, she was in a difficult spot. She wasn't expected to get a job. Anna does. She's alone against adversity, in a way.
If you don't look into the history -- if you don't do the research -- it's hard to address the present and the future. Playing Anna is a journey into the past.
The King and I is at the Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St., Tuesday through Feb. 13. Tickets, $22-$67, are available at the box office (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday or 10 a.m.-showtime on performance days); through Ticketmaster (410-547-SEAT), or at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica. com.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
A Fan's Visit with Stefanie
I saw the "King and I" last night in Detroit. The play is a beautiful show to watch. And, I thought Stefanie was wonderful as I watched her perform! I just couldn't believe I was seeing her in person. As the show drew to a close, I kept my fingers crossed and did a bit of praying that things would work out so I could meet her after the show.
I asked a theatre usher about the person I was to ask for and he was happy to help find him. Within a few minutes I was escorted backstage to Stefanie's dressing room. We walked across the stage and up a flight of stairs. As we walked back, I really only then began to get nervous about meeting her. I couldn't believe it was actually going to happen after all. He told me I was lucky that particular evening in that I (and my husband) were the only visitors for Stefanie and that the next evening (Friday night) he and Stefanie were expecting some 40 people after the show.
He peeked in and asked if she was ready. She came to the door and greeted me with a smile and shook my hand. I told her my name and that I was from N.'s group. She invited us in and introduced us to her little dog "Bounce" who quickly came over to my feet as I reached down to pet her. Stefanie asked if we had enjoyed the show while she was trying to get a little doggie sweater on Bounce (only 10 degrees in Detroit that night). I told her I thought the whole show was just beautiful. She sat down a few feet across from us and we spoke a few minutes about the show and about our pets. I then proceeded to tell her how I had been a fan of hers since I was 5 or 6 yrs. old and how happy I was to finally have the chance to see her perform in person. She gave me a big smile tilted her head to the side and said "Awwww". With Bounce still snuggled in her lap, she then reached back to a ledge behind her where she had a small pile of photos for autographing. I handed her a Sharpie I had
with me and she asked how I spelled my name (K.) as she started to sign it and also signed my program. She said "see your name is spelled a bit different and that is why I always ask" As she was signing, I told her I was expecting my first child in June. She congratulated us and said " Oh my, now your hormones will be going crazy. I've been through many pregnancies with friends of mine."
I asked if we could have a picture taken together and she graciously agreed. She put her arm around me as my husband took our photo. We all then put our coats on and she said she would show us back to the exit. She put Bounce in her carrier and lead us back downstairs. She wished us a safe trip home and a health baby. With the excitement of meeting her I almost forgot that I had brought with me a donation to WHWF for her. When I handed her the envelope I had labeled "WHWF," she looked down at it and then looked up at me smiled and leaned over to give me a hug and said thank you. I again thanked her for her time and wished her the best as she continues the tour this year.
And that was it. My visit may have only lasted a matter of minutes, but I will treasure those moments forever!! Stefanie was so very sweet and gracious! Those of you who hope to also get a chance to meet Stefanie as she tours, don't be too nervous. She is a sweetheart in person just as
others who have met her have remarked.
K.
I asked a theatre usher about the person I was to ask for and he was happy to help find him. Within a few minutes I was escorted backstage to Stefanie's dressing room. We walked across the stage and up a flight of stairs. As we walked back, I really only then began to get nervous about meeting her. I couldn't believe it was actually going to happen after all. He told me I was lucky that particular evening in that I (and my husband) were the only visitors for Stefanie and that the next evening (Friday night) he and Stefanie were expecting some 40 people after the show.
He peeked in and asked if she was ready. She came to the door and greeted me with a smile and shook my hand. I told her my name and that I was from N.'s group. She invited us in and introduced us to her little dog "Bounce" who quickly came over to my feet as I reached down to pet her. Stefanie asked if we had enjoyed the show while she was trying to get a little doggie sweater on Bounce (only 10 degrees in Detroit that night). I told her I thought the whole show was just beautiful. She sat down a few feet across from us and we spoke a few minutes about the show and about our pets. I then proceeded to tell her how I had been a fan of hers since I was 5 or 6 yrs. old and how happy I was to finally have the chance to see her perform in person. She gave me a big smile tilted her head to the side and said "Awwww". With Bounce still snuggled in her lap, she then reached back to a ledge behind her where she had a small pile of photos for autographing. I handed her a Sharpie I had
with me and she asked how I spelled my name (K.) as she started to sign it and also signed my program. She said "see your name is spelled a bit different and that is why I always ask" As she was signing, I told her I was expecting my first child in June. She congratulated us and said " Oh my, now your hormones will be going crazy. I've been through many pregnancies with friends of mine."
I asked if we could have a picture taken together and she graciously agreed. She put her arm around me as my husband took our photo. We all then put our coats on and she said she would show us back to the exit. She put Bounce in her carrier and lead us back downstairs. She wished us a safe trip home and a health baby. With the excitement of meeting her I almost forgot that I had brought with me a donation to WHWF for her. When I handed her the envelope I had labeled "WHWF," she looked down at it and then looked up at me smiled and leaned over to give me a hug and said thank you. I again thanked her for her time and wished her the best as she continues the tour this year.
And that was it. My visit may have only lasted a matter of minutes, but I will treasure those moments forever!! Stefanie was so very sweet and gracious! Those of you who hope to also get a chance to meet Stefanie as she tours, don't be too nervous. She is a sweetheart in person just as
others who have met her have remarked.
K.
Friday, January 21, 2005
DIVA TALK: A Chat with The King & I's Powers
Stefanie Powers as The King and I's Anna Leonowens
STEFANIE POWERS
Though she is best known for her Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated work as Jennifer Hart on the hit TV series "Hart to Hart," Stefanie Powers has a long history in the theatre. Though she has yet to appear on Broadway, the actress — who is also dedicated to the preservation of wild animals — has starred in productions of Oliver!, Annie Get Your Gun and My Fair Lady. She also co-starred with John Barrowman in the London production of Matador and toured the U.S. as Margo Channing in the most recent revival of Applause. A few years back, Powers succeeded Elaine Paige in the West End revival of The King and I, and she recently returned to the role of Anna Leonowens in the current tour of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. I recently had the chance to chat with the actress singer, whose musical talent can be tasted on her new Jambo Music CD, "Stefanie Powers—On the Same Page." That brief interview follows:
Question: What made you decide you wanted to tour again?
Stefanie Powers: It seemed like a good idea. [Laughs.] It's a wonderful piece. I haven't toured the United States for quite awhile.
Q: Do you enjoy touring?
Powers: I don't enjoy touring in the wintertime. [Laughs.] The toughest part is going to be the first five months because of the obvious problems of weather and people having colds on airplanes and flights getting canceled. That's going to be the roughest part. Once we get through the winter, it'll be better.
Q: How long are you scheduled to be with the tour?
Powers: The whole tour, with a couple of breaks, will be ten months, so it's the better part of next year.
Q: When did you first play the role of Anna?
Powers: In England I took over in the West End production for Elaine Paige. That was a joy to do, and I get to do [the tour] with the same actor playing the King, Ronobir Lahiri. He also toured the rest of the U.K. [with Marti Webb as Anna].
Q: Do you have a favorite moment in the show for Anna?
Powers: I think the classroom scene. That's a lot of fun.
Q: Do you enjoy working with the little kids?
Powers: Yes! [Laughs.] In this case we've got a wonderful cast of children, some of whom don't speak English. But I speak a little Chinese. I speak a bit of Mandarin and a tiny bit of Cantonese, so I hope my language will improve.
Q: How did the London role come about?
Powers: I think we approached [the producers]. They were looking for someone to take [over for Elaine Paige]. I guess it was the right person at the right time.
Q: When did your love of the theatre begin? Did your parents take you to shows as a child?
Powers: Yes, I'm sure it was through early exposure. That's what's lovely about [The King and I]. Because it's such a wonderful piece, such a fabulous piece of entertainment, we get to reach and hopefully impress a whole new generation of young people who need to be exposed to good music and have a positive connection with the theatre. And that's what this play does, and it's wonderful to be a part of it.
Q: Do you get to see much theatre now? Do you get to New York at all or do you see things out in L.A.?
Powers: I live also in England, so I see a great deal of theatre.
Q: Anything that's particularly impressed you recently?
Powers: I think Kevin Spacey's first play at the Old Vic, [Maria Goos’ Cloaca]. It got mixed reviews, but I thought it was a wonderful production, beautifully directed and wonderfully acted.
Q: What are some of your favorite theatre roles that you've done?
Powers: ["Hart to Hart" co-star] Robert Wagner and I did a very successful — over 400 performances — of Love Letters, which was very successful for both of us. There was a wonderful Alan Ayckbourn play called How the Other Half Loves, and there was a musical in England called Matador, which I enjoyed very much doing.
Q: Do you have a preference for doing musicals versus dramas?
Powers: Well, a good musical is awfully tempting! [Laughs.] But I think it has to do with the quality of the piece. Obviously, anything of quality: a good play, a good musical, a good script makes all the difference.
Q: Do you still study voice? How do you protect your voice while your doing eight performances a week?
Powers: I work on it — continually.
Q: Any other projects your involved in at the moment?
Powers: Well, I have another life, which is my life in conservation. That's an ongoing commitment to both the William Holden Wildlife Foundation and the Jaguar Conservation Trust, both of which I head. I'm also a fellow of the Los Angeles Zoo and several other zoos. I'm an advisor to some species survivor programs. It's a very large commitment for me and ongoing. It's not something I just put my name to. It's something that I'm deeply involved with. I authored the Jaguar Conservation Trust. I am the principal fundraiser and person who sets the curriculum of the Education Center of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, which functions in Kenya, and we serve over 10,000 students a year.
Q: Will it be difficult keeping up those commitments while touring?
Powers: It will be challenging.
Q: Last question: When people hear the name Stefanie Powers, what would you like them to think?
Powers: Gosh, that's an interesting question. I've never thought of anything that way. I don't know that I'd like them to think about anything other than to at least have some positive impression.
The current itinerary for The King and I tour — with Powers as Anna Leonowens — follows:
Jan. 11-30 at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, MI
Feb. 1-13 at the France-Merrick PAC in Baltimore, MD
Feb. 15-20 at the Moran Theatre at Times Union Performing Arts Center in Jacksonville, FL
Feb. 22-27 at the Milwaukee Theater in Milwaukee, WI
March 1-2 at The Whiting in Flint, MI
March 4-13 at the Dupont Theatre in Wilmington, DE
March 17-April 3 at the Hobby Center in Houston, TX
April 5-17 at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles, CA
[For more information about Powers' wildlife work, visit The William Holden Wildlife Foundation at www.whwf.org or The Jaguar Conservation Trust at www.jaguarusa.com.]
Review: 'The King and I"
A "royal" love story entertains at Detroit's Fisher Theatre
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear - the early '50s to be exact. Detroit's population was almost 2 million; its streets were canopied with arching trees, and it was a hot spot for touring theater. Today, the population is halved; the trees ravaged by beetles. But every once in a while, a show comes to town that reminds us what the glory days of Broadway looked like in the Motor City.
The current tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1951 blockbuster, "The King and I," is as retro as a PT Cruiser. It boasts an attractive, low-tech ("Look, Ma! No turntable!") set. Its "glitz" is in the costumes, some of which are literally dazzling. It employs a big ensemble of singers and dancers, backed by the rich depth of a full orchestra. It returns to the stage the stunning choreography of Jerome Robbins, as recreated by Susan Kikuchi. Oh, and last but certainly not least, it features some of the most beautiful music in the American theater, written by two masters of the art.
A little "star power" doesn't hurt, either.
Stefanie Powers, better known for her television work ("Hart to Hart"), appears as Anna Leonowens, the British-born schoolteacher who accepts a post in the royal court of Siam. Her sensitive, low-keyed reading of Anna is central to the production; her pleasant singing voice adequately addresses her musical numbers.
An energetic Ronobir Lahiri provides a fine-tuned counterpoint to Ms. Powers' restraint. His interpretation of the King is not so much autocrat as frustrated head of a household - comfortable with his privilege, but both seeking and fearing change. It is an altogether winning performance.
But the "star" here is that incomparable music. To hear just how good it can sound performed live, listen to mezzo Catherine MiEun Choi as Lady Thiang. Her solo, "Something Wonderful," is wonderful, indeed. You may be tempted to throw away your Yul Brynner CD.
On the other hand, was there a decision to move the focus more on Anna and the King than it was already? Was it necessary to tighten the reins and get this big show down to its two and half hour running time? The doomed love of Tuptim, a "gift" to the King, and the Burmese emissary, Lun Tha, seems truncated and rushed. Pity - "We Kiss in a Shadow" should be a showstopper whenever it's performed.
On the whole, though, a little Thailand heat, courtesy of Rogers and Hammerstein, might warm your heart this January.
"The King and I" Presented Tuesday through Sunday at the Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, through Jan. 30. Tickets: $30.50 - $68. 313-872-1000. www.nederlanderdetroit.com.
The Bottom Line: This tour serves up a healthy helping of classic musical theater -as familiar and satisfying as Mom's meat loaf.
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear - the early '50s to be exact. Detroit's population was almost 2 million; its streets were canopied with arching trees, and it was a hot spot for touring theater. Today, the population is halved; the trees ravaged by beetles. But every once in a while, a show comes to town that reminds us what the glory days of Broadway looked like in the Motor City.
The current tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1951 blockbuster, "The King and I," is as retro as a PT Cruiser. It boasts an attractive, low-tech ("Look, Ma! No turntable!") set. Its "glitz" is in the costumes, some of which are literally dazzling. It employs a big ensemble of singers and dancers, backed by the rich depth of a full orchestra. It returns to the stage the stunning choreography of Jerome Robbins, as recreated by Susan Kikuchi. Oh, and last but certainly not least, it features some of the most beautiful music in the American theater, written by two masters of the art.
A little "star power" doesn't hurt, either.
Stefanie Powers, better known for her television work ("Hart to Hart"), appears as Anna Leonowens, the British-born schoolteacher who accepts a post in the royal court of Siam. Her sensitive, low-keyed reading of Anna is central to the production; her pleasant singing voice adequately addresses her musical numbers.
An energetic Ronobir Lahiri provides a fine-tuned counterpoint to Ms. Powers' restraint. His interpretation of the King is not so much autocrat as frustrated head of a household - comfortable with his privilege, but both seeking and fearing change. It is an altogether winning performance.
But the "star" here is that incomparable music. To hear just how good it can sound performed live, listen to mezzo Catherine MiEun Choi as Lady Thiang. Her solo, "Something Wonderful," is wonderful, indeed. You may be tempted to throw away your Yul Brynner CD.
On the other hand, was there a decision to move the focus more on Anna and the King than it was already? Was it necessary to tighten the reins and get this big show down to its two and half hour running time? The doomed love of Tuptim, a "gift" to the King, and the Burmese emissary, Lun Tha, seems truncated and rushed. Pity - "We Kiss in a Shadow" should be a showstopper whenever it's performed.
On the whole, though, a little Thailand heat, courtesy of Rogers and Hammerstein, might warm your heart this January.
"The King and I" Presented Tuesday through Sunday at the Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, through Jan. 30. Tickets: $30.50 - $68. 313-872-1000. www.nederlanderdetroit.com.
The Bottom Line: This tour serves up a healthy helping of classic musical theater -as familiar and satisfying as Mom's meat loaf.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Polish American Congress
Polish American Congress: Holiday Luncheon, noon Jan. 27. PNA Banquet Facility, 10211 Conant, Hamtramck. Special guest Stefanie Powers, actress in "The King & I" at the Fisher Theater starting Jan. 11. Luncheon tickets are $30; no tickets sold at the door. Barbara, 313-365-9400 or 313-365-8949, or Stella, 313-875-1297.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Macomb Daily : A 'Hart' for Poland's orphans 01/15/05
But Stefanie Powers says local groups deserve praise for their efforts.
She won their hearts all the more.
Stefania Zofia Federkiewicz first won their hearts as the actress Stefanie Powers in the role of Jennifer Hart in the romantic adventure TV show, "Hart to Hart." She won their hearts even more at a benefit held Thursday in Sterling Heights to help orphaned children in Poland.
The benefit luncheon was held at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church on 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights in raising funds for the American Polish Assistance Association, or APAA, an organization located on Gratiot in Eastpointe.
"The work you are doing is absolutely outstanding," Powers told the gathering of about 150 people in praising the APAA.
Founder and president of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, Powers said she knows how difficult it can be to work in different cultures across international borders. She said that makes the success of the APAA all the more amazing in ensuring orphaned children the love and nurturing that all children need.
"Hats off to you," Powers said. "You may be here to honor me, but I am here to honor you."
After the luncheon and program, participants crowded around Powers for autographs and joint photos.
Among those she met were Marcia Deputat and Jacqueline Bell, the grandmother and mother of two children adopted from Poland into the James and Jacqueline Bell family of Armada Township -- Zbigniew, 6, and Marlena, 4.
"It was wonderful, absolutely wonderful, and I am amazed at how personable she is, and how much she knows about Polish adoptions," said Deputat, a Shelby Township resident.
Powers is currently appearing as Anna in "The King and I" at the Fisher Theater in Detroit.
The tables at the church banquet hall featured calligraphy of movies, TV shows and plays with roles featuring Powers, including "Love Letters," "Annie Get Your Gun," "A View from the Bridge," "Sabrina," "Escape to Athena" and "Hart to Hart."
Born in 1942 into a family from Poland, and a native of Los Angeles where she graduated from Hollywood High School, Powers was featured in "Hart to Hart" in the early 1980s alongside actor Robert Wagner, who played Jonathan Hart, owner and president of Hart Industries, a global conglomerate. Together they portrayed a married couple deeply in love and involved as amateur sleuths in thrilling adventures across the United States and the world.
Powers described to her luncheon audience her encounter with Pope John Paul II, a native of Poland, while in Rome for on-location filming of a "Hart to Hart" episode.
She said that she dreamed of meeting the pope and worked on arrangements while in Rome. She said that to her amazement, she was provided with a spot in the front pew at an early morning Mass of a select group with John Paul at the Vatican.
She learned afterward that "Hart to Hart" was a TV show in which he delighted. Powers said that in preparing to meet the pope, she continually practiced what she would say in Polish. To her surprise, she said, he spoke entirely in English with her and at extraordinary length. "I was so excited," she said, "that I can't remember a word he said!"
Said Michael Krolewski of Eastpointe, president of the APAA, "Stefanie's outer beauty is exceeded only by her inner beauty. Giving so many people autographs and pictures, she was a very patient and sincere person."
Krolewski said the contributions of the participants will go for supplies and packages for children in orphanages in Poland.
She won their hearts all the more.
Stefania Zofia Federkiewicz first won their hearts as the actress Stefanie Powers in the role of Jennifer Hart in the romantic adventure TV show, "Hart to Hart." She won their hearts even more at a benefit held Thursday in Sterling Heights to help orphaned children in Poland.
The benefit luncheon was held at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church on 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights in raising funds for the American Polish Assistance Association, or APAA, an organization located on Gratiot in Eastpointe.
"The work you are doing is absolutely outstanding," Powers told the gathering of about 150 people in praising the APAA.
Founder and president of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, Powers said she knows how difficult it can be to work in different cultures across international borders. She said that makes the success of the APAA all the more amazing in ensuring orphaned children the love and nurturing that all children need.
"Hats off to you," Powers said. "You may be here to honor me, but I am here to honor you."
After the luncheon and program, participants crowded around Powers for autographs and joint photos.
Among those she met were Marcia Deputat and Jacqueline Bell, the grandmother and mother of two children adopted from Poland into the James and Jacqueline Bell family of Armada Township -- Zbigniew, 6, and Marlena, 4.
"It was wonderful, absolutely wonderful, and I am amazed at how personable she is, and how much she knows about Polish adoptions," said Deputat, a Shelby Township resident.
Powers is currently appearing as Anna in "The King and I" at the Fisher Theater in Detroit.
The tables at the church banquet hall featured calligraphy of movies, TV shows and plays with roles featuring Powers, including "Love Letters," "Annie Get Your Gun," "A View from the Bridge," "Sabrina," "Escape to Athena" and "Hart to Hart."
Born in 1942 into a family from Poland, and a native of Los Angeles where she graduated from Hollywood High School, Powers was featured in "Hart to Hart" in the early 1980s alongside actor Robert Wagner, who played Jonathan Hart, owner and president of Hart Industries, a global conglomerate. Together they portrayed a married couple deeply in love and involved as amateur sleuths in thrilling adventures across the United States and the world.
Powers described to her luncheon audience her encounter with Pope John Paul II, a native of Poland, while in Rome for on-location filming of a "Hart to Hart" episode.
She said that she dreamed of meeting the pope and worked on arrangements while in Rome. She said that to her amazement, she was provided with a spot in the front pew at an early morning Mass of a select group with John Paul at the Vatican.
She learned afterward that "Hart to Hart" was a TV show in which he delighted. Powers said that in preparing to meet the pope, she continually practiced what she would say in Polish. To her surprise, she said, he spoke entirely in English with her and at extraordinary length. "I was so excited," she said, "that I can't remember a word he said!"
Said Michael Krolewski of Eastpointe, president of the APAA, "Stefanie's outer beauty is exceeded only by her inner beauty. Giving so many people autographs and pictures, she was a very patient and sincere person."
Krolewski said the contributions of the participants will go for supplies and packages for children in orphanages in Poland.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Rabbit Fever (2005)
In September 2004, Stefanie worked on the independent film "Rabbit Fever." Stefanie portrayed Georgia's mum and filming took place in England.
Tagline: Can you feel the buzz?
Plot Outline: A mockumentary about the world's best selling vibrator - the Rabbit.
The film's official site: www.rabbitfeverthemovie.com/
Tagline: Can you feel the buzz?
Plot Outline: A mockumentary about the world's best selling vibrator - the Rabbit.
The film's official site: www.rabbitfeverthemovie.com/
January - April 2005 Schedule for The King and I
January 4, 2005 January 9, 2005 Clearwater Mann
January 11, 2005 January 16, 2005 Detroit Fisher
January 18, 2005 January 23, 2005 Detroit Fisher
January 25, 2005 January 30, 2005 Detroit Fisher
February 1, 2005 February 6, 2005 Baltimore Hippodrome
February 8, 2005 February 13, 2005 Baltimore Hippodrome
February 15, 2005 February 20, 2005 Jacksonville Civic Center
February 22, 2005 February 27, 2005 Milwaukee Milwaukee
March 1, 2005 March 3, 2005 Flint, MI
March 4, 2005 March 6, 2005 Wilmington, DE Dupont
March 8, 2005 March 13, 2005 Wilmington Dupont
March 15, 2005 March 20, 2005 Houston Hobby Center
March 22, 2005 March 27, 2005 Houston Hobby Center
March 29, 2005 April 3, 2005 Houston Hobby Center
April 5, 2005 April 10, 2005 LA Pantages
April 12, 2005 April 17, 2005 LA Pantages
April 19, 2005 April 24, 2005 TBD TBD
April 26, 2005 May 1, 2005 Greenville Peace Center
January 11, 2005 January 16, 2005 Detroit Fisher
January 18, 2005 January 23, 2005 Detroit Fisher
January 25, 2005 January 30, 2005 Detroit Fisher
February 1, 2005 February 6, 2005 Baltimore Hippodrome
February 8, 2005 February 13, 2005 Baltimore Hippodrome
February 15, 2005 February 20, 2005 Jacksonville Civic Center
February 22, 2005 February 27, 2005 Milwaukee Milwaukee
March 1, 2005 March 3, 2005 Flint, MI
March 4, 2005 March 6, 2005 Wilmington, DE Dupont
March 8, 2005 March 13, 2005 Wilmington Dupont
March 15, 2005 March 20, 2005 Houston Hobby Center
March 22, 2005 March 27, 2005 Houston Hobby Center
March 29, 2005 April 3, 2005 Houston Hobby Center
April 5, 2005 April 10, 2005 LA Pantages
April 12, 2005 April 17, 2005 LA Pantages
April 19, 2005 April 24, 2005 TBD TBD
April 26, 2005 May 1, 2005 Greenville Peace Center
Friday, January 14, 2005
Fan's Account of Seeing Stefanie's TKAI Performance in Detroit, MI
Hi, (This is going to be long.)
I saw the play on Wednesday night, but I'm only just returned to Earth long enough to write about it. It was a fantastic experience, to say the least.
I'd seen the play before with Yul Brynner many years back, and I'd been to several amateur versions since. I've always enjoyed the story, so I was looking forward to what was going to be done with it this time. I wasn't disappointed.
By design, I went by myself. I flew into Detroit from Atlanta on Tuesday night, just in case there were any delays with the weather or anything. There weren't any.
At the theatre it was just me and my journal. I had a seat on the main floor, third row, right, and there were empty seats on either side of me. I could hear every sound, I could see every movement, and every facial nuance without distraction. I took notes throughout the performance, even writing in the dark so that I wouldn't forget a thing.
Stefanie was absolutely gorgeous in her period costumes. She has the stature, poise, elegance, and the hint of playfulness required for Anna's character. Her English accent was consistent throughout the play, and her diction is simply awesome. I was most impressed when she sang with the accent. Her singing voice, in person, was beautiful; moving, so strong and quite expressive, especially on "Hello Young Lovers" and "Shall we Dance". There is one place in the scene with "Shall We Dance" where she's remembering dancing with a lover, the look on her face as she dances by herself while she imagines him, just works at your heart.
When she danced with the king, I found myself swaying with them in my seat. Their movements were so graceful, and they seemed to enjoy themselves so much that I found myself moving with them. I hope nobody saw me.
After the play, I started to chicken out of meeting her. I wasn't sure if I wanted to, I was certain she had to be tired, and quite frankly, I was scared to death. At the last minute, I steeled myself, sought out the correct parties, and went with it. I am so glad that I did.
She was as gracious and hospitable as everyone has said. And she is so physically fit. Toned and enviably slim in her fitted gray sweater and slacks. In the room, there were some couples who were of other nationalities. I watched as she effortlessly switched from English to Spanish to Polish and back to English without missing a breath.
I was too shy to approach her, so I stood near the door and let everyone else go to her while I watched her interact with them. The next thing I knew, she was coming at me. I was wearing this brightly colored jacket, but what she noticed was the small gray ribbon I was wearing on it. After introducing myself, when she asked me about it, I was so grateful. It gave me something to say because I was brain dead at that point. The ribbon was to celebrate the week of the Exceptional Child earlier this year, and I continue to wear it in memory of my nephew who passed away that week in his sleep at age nine from complications of cerebral palsy.
When I told her about that and about how I almost didn't come up because I was too shy, but that I was glad I did because meeting her
was something I'd been wanting to do for a long time, she hugged me for following through. I wasn't expecting that at all. So not only did I meet her, but I got a hug, too!
All in all, it was a great night. I'll remember it for a long, long time.
I'm still writing about it in my journal. :-)
M
I saw the play on Wednesday night, but I'm only just returned to Earth long enough to write about it. It was a fantastic experience, to say the least.
I'd seen the play before with Yul Brynner many years back, and I'd been to several amateur versions since. I've always enjoyed the story, so I was looking forward to what was going to be done with it this time. I wasn't disappointed.
By design, I went by myself. I flew into Detroit from Atlanta on Tuesday night, just in case there were any delays with the weather or anything. There weren't any.
At the theatre it was just me and my journal. I had a seat on the main floor, third row, right, and there were empty seats on either side of me. I could hear every sound, I could see every movement, and every facial nuance without distraction. I took notes throughout the performance, even writing in the dark so that I wouldn't forget a thing.
Stefanie was absolutely gorgeous in her period costumes. She has the stature, poise, elegance, and the hint of playfulness required for Anna's character. Her English accent was consistent throughout the play, and her diction is simply awesome. I was most impressed when she sang with the accent. Her singing voice, in person, was beautiful; moving, so strong and quite expressive, especially on "Hello Young Lovers" and "Shall we Dance". There is one place in the scene with "Shall We Dance" where she's remembering dancing with a lover, the look on her face as she dances by herself while she imagines him, just works at your heart.
When she danced with the king, I found myself swaying with them in my seat. Their movements were so graceful, and they seemed to enjoy themselves so much that I found myself moving with them. I hope nobody saw me.
After the play, I started to chicken out of meeting her. I wasn't sure if I wanted to, I was certain she had to be tired, and quite frankly, I was scared to death. At the last minute, I steeled myself, sought out the correct parties, and went with it. I am so glad that I did.
She was as gracious and hospitable as everyone has said. And she is so physically fit. Toned and enviably slim in her fitted gray sweater and slacks. In the room, there were some couples who were of other nationalities. I watched as she effortlessly switched from English to Spanish to Polish and back to English without missing a breath.
I was too shy to approach her, so I stood near the door and let everyone else go to her while I watched her interact with them. The next thing I knew, she was coming at me. I was wearing this brightly colored jacket, but what she noticed was the small gray ribbon I was wearing on it. After introducing myself, when she asked me about it, I was so grateful. It gave me something to say because I was brain dead at that point. The ribbon was to celebrate the week of the Exceptional Child earlier this year, and I continue to wear it in memory of my nephew who passed away that week in his sleep at age nine from complications of cerebral palsy.
When I told her about that and about how I almost didn't come up because I was too shy, but that I was glad I did because meeting her
was something I'd been wanting to do for a long time, she hugged me for following through. I wasn't expecting that at all. So not only did I meet her, but I got a hug, too!
All in all, it was a great night. I'll remember it for a long, long time.
I'm still writing about it in my journal. :-)
M
Thursday, January 13, 2005
A crisp and tuneful 'The King and I'
Stefanie Powers shines in heartfelt, well-staged classic musical
For the happiest sight in town these days, you can't beat the procession of cute and graceful children, each robed in a different shimmering color, as they step up to meet their new teacher from England, played by the pretty darned graceful Stefanie Powers, in "The King and I."
"March of the Siamese Children," always a high point of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical, sells itself: Kids walk on stage, playgoers' hearts melt. You can get away with doing only that, but director Baayork Lee goes a step further. Each child does a little something to distinguish himself or herself without distracting from the overall effect. One child, for instance, enters absorbed in a book and barely looks up until reality intrudes.
Lee, who was one of those children in the original 1951 Broadway production, presides over a crisp and engaging production at the Fisher Theatre. Never underestimate crispness. At 2 1/2 hours, Lee's staging is 25 minutes shorter than the 2003 production at the Stratford Festival but it never feels rushed.
But you want to know if Stefanie Powers can sing.
She can, indeed, and she sings for clarity as well as tone. Every word is understandable. And Powers, as teacher Anna Leonowens, feigns a consistent and convincing English accent. As the King of Siam, Ronobir Lahiri, her costar sings for power and clarity, too, and feigns a kind of pan-Asian accent that preserves the king's dignity while allowing the audience to chuckle at his wrangles with English.
This next thing isn't Lahiri's fault, but with his head shaved there isn't anyplace to hide his microphone. The sound is excellent, we know everyone is miked, but it's disconcerting to see.
Powers and Lahiri put forth the respect, affection, stubbornness and clashing values that unite and separate the king and the teacher and, by extension, the Thailand and England of the 1860s as written by Americans in the 1950s.
Powers and Lahiri are not, of course, alone. Luz Lor and Martin Sola sing exquisitely as the ill-fated lovers Tuptim, the king's new concubine, and Lun Tha, who accompanied her from Burma. Catherine MiEun Choi, as Lady Thiang, the king's chief wife, conveys pain and pride with every word and note.
And what songs they get to sing. Powers has "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers" and the humorously furious soliloquy "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You."
In "A Puzzlement," Lahiri ponders, but lightly, how it feels to bear the world on his shoulders. Sola and Lor have two lovely, romantic ballads, "We Kiss in a Shadow" and "I Have Dreamed."
The orchestra plays with special verve -- a little too much, though, drowning out the end of "I Have Dreamed."
Blessedly free of opening-night glitches, "The King and I" seems poised for a joyous reign.
'The King and I'
THREE STARS out of four stars
8 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sun. through Jan. 30
Fisher Theatre
Fisher Building
West Grand Boulevard at Second
Detroit, MI
248-645-6666
$30.50-$68
2 hours, 30 minutes
For the happiest sight in town these days, you can't beat the procession of cute and graceful children, each robed in a different shimmering color, as they step up to meet their new teacher from England, played by the pretty darned graceful Stefanie Powers, in "The King and I."
"March of the Siamese Children," always a high point of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical, sells itself: Kids walk on stage, playgoers' hearts melt. You can get away with doing only that, but director Baayork Lee goes a step further. Each child does a little something to distinguish himself or herself without distracting from the overall effect. One child, for instance, enters absorbed in a book and barely looks up until reality intrudes.
Lee, who was one of those children in the original 1951 Broadway production, presides over a crisp and engaging production at the Fisher Theatre. Never underestimate crispness. At 2 1/2 hours, Lee's staging is 25 minutes shorter than the 2003 production at the Stratford Festival but it never feels rushed.
But you want to know if Stefanie Powers can sing.
She can, indeed, and she sings for clarity as well as tone. Every word is understandable. And Powers, as teacher Anna Leonowens, feigns a consistent and convincing English accent. As the King of Siam, Ronobir Lahiri, her costar sings for power and clarity, too, and feigns a kind of pan-Asian accent that preserves the king's dignity while allowing the audience to chuckle at his wrangles with English.
This next thing isn't Lahiri's fault, but with his head shaved there isn't anyplace to hide his microphone. The sound is excellent, we know everyone is miked, but it's disconcerting to see.
Powers and Lahiri put forth the respect, affection, stubbornness and clashing values that unite and separate the king and the teacher and, by extension, the Thailand and England of the 1860s as written by Americans in the 1950s.
Powers and Lahiri are not, of course, alone. Luz Lor and Martin Sola sing exquisitely as the ill-fated lovers Tuptim, the king's new concubine, and Lun Tha, who accompanied her from Burma. Catherine MiEun Choi, as Lady Thiang, the king's chief wife, conveys pain and pride with every word and note.
And what songs they get to sing. Powers has "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers" and the humorously furious soliloquy "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You."
In "A Puzzlement," Lahiri ponders, but lightly, how it feels to bear the world on his shoulders. Sola and Lor have two lovely, romantic ballads, "We Kiss in a Shadow" and "I Have Dreamed."
The orchestra plays with special verve -- a little too much, though, drowning out the end of "I Have Dreamed."
Blessedly free of opening-night glitches, "The King and I" seems poised for a joyous reign.
'The King and I'
THREE STARS out of four stars
8 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sun. through Jan. 30
Fisher Theatre
Fisher Building
West Grand Boulevard at Second
Detroit, MI
248-645-6666
$30.50-$68
2 hours, 30 minutes
Fan's Account of Seeing Stefanie's TKAI Performance in Clearwater, FL
Hello everyone. Settle in, as this is going to be a long email :-) as I must tell you all about my fantastic weekend in Clearwater! I arrived Friday at my hotel which was a lovely historic spa hotel located directly on Tampa Bay. As I was checking in, I noticed some small children who looked vaguely familiar to those in the K&I I saw last week in Fort Myers... hmmm....
I drove over to the theater to make sure I knew where I was going that evening while no one was around. I was kind of stopped in the middle of the road blocking the lane, when all the sudden, I saw a large Cadillac behind me, trying to get around me... obviously irritated with my driving... and yes, low and behold, I look over and it's Stefanie! Great first impression, yes? lol... Evidently she was arriving for the matinee.
Later, I arrived for the Friday evening show & it was, as Jackie said, really great! I was in the 3rd row center & I have never seen Stefanie in person... and I must say she really was stunning in all ways. The play was a wonderful production and highlights for me were Stefanie singing the "Young Lovers" song, the scene with the children/"Getting to Know You" and the hilarious "You're Spoiled" scene. I was also fortunate to see the Saturday matinee show and then finally, the Saturday evening show too. I enjoyed all of them but was starting to wonder if I should apply for an understudy part after so much repetition... lol...
Anyhow, prior to the Saturday evening show, I met up with De, Re & Ze for cocktails & great conversation. After the show, we were
still unsure if we were going to be able to see Stefanie backstage, but after a brief wait by the backstage door, we were told by Stefanie's
personal assistant (he said Stef calls him her Roadie) we were indeed "on the list" and were ushered backstage. Hopefully De can fill in some "blanks" for me about our meeting as I was so nervous I nearly passed out...lol...! Stefanie was so gracious & very friendly. As she shook my hand, she held on to it as asked if we had met before... I said no, I think I'd remember that.. lol... (and then it occurred to me she
could have been thinking of the incident in the parking lot! lol...ugh!) She was wearing a black 3/4 sleeve t-shirt & a pair of snakeskin look pants. We took photos, she signed autographs, she asked us questions about ourselves & spoke about her prior meetings with De & Re, made some mention about an upcoming project in the UK (??), the mini benefit in Baltimore, real estate in Florida (my profession), gave us all hugs & kisses and thanked us all for coming. I know I'm missing a lot about our visit but I was so nervous & lost my notes I made afterwards so I'd remember more... lol...
However, this was not the end of my encounter with Stefanie! We left the theater after our meeting & I drove back to my hotel. As I pulled in, I noticed a Cadillac pull into the valet next to me. I got out of my car, and yes, Stefanie got out of hers right next to me! We looked at each other & I said... "What? Are you following me??" To which she burst into laughter and asked if I was staying at the hotel & I said yes. We spoke about the hotel briefly and I noticed she was staring at my car and started walking around it a bit (It's a new black Mazda RX8) and she started marvelling about how adorable it was & how much she loved it. I told her a bit about it & we chatted for another minute or so. As she turned to go, she turned back to me and said that there was one thing I MUST do before I leave the hotel... I needed to call to the spa desk first thing in the morning & arrange for a massage with Tomas! I said, oh REALLY? and she sighed as she turned to leave and said REALLY.... we laughed & said good night.
But yet again... the following morning, Sunday, I was going out to breakfast around 10, went to get into my car and as I opened the door &
start to get in, Stefanie appears right in front of my car on the sidewalk walking her cute little black Maltese. She said Hi Diana! and waived. FYI, she was wearing a white polo turtleneck (ala Hart to Hart) and black slacks. She looked as beautiful as I've ever seen. I got out of the car and said good morning, she asked if I slept well & she said they were leaving for Detroit in just a few minutes. I pet her dog and he was a real sweetheart too. We spoke a bit about the beautiful area surrounding the hotel & she said how much nicer it was than the concrete developments like a lot of Florida these days. I told her I couldn't agree more. I told her about this massive Oak tree nearby and she was going to take a look before leaving town. We spoke for another minute or two but then said goodbye.
I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Everyone, be sure to see the show & if you ever meet Stefanie, I can now say, it's almost like
meeting an old friend.
D
p.s. Tomas was off on Sunday, so I guess that massage will have to wait until my next trip to Clearwater!
I drove over to the theater to make sure I knew where I was going that evening while no one was around. I was kind of stopped in the middle of the road blocking the lane, when all the sudden, I saw a large Cadillac behind me, trying to get around me... obviously irritated with my driving... and yes, low and behold, I look over and it's Stefanie! Great first impression, yes? lol... Evidently she was arriving for the matinee.
Later, I arrived for the Friday evening show & it was, as Jackie said, really great! I was in the 3rd row center & I have never seen Stefanie in person... and I must say she really was stunning in all ways. The play was a wonderful production and highlights for me were Stefanie singing the "Young Lovers" song, the scene with the children/"Getting to Know You" and the hilarious "You're Spoiled" scene. I was also fortunate to see the Saturday matinee show and then finally, the Saturday evening show too. I enjoyed all of them but was starting to wonder if I should apply for an understudy part after so much repetition... lol...
Anyhow, prior to the Saturday evening show, I met up with De, Re & Ze for cocktails & great conversation. After the show, we were
still unsure if we were going to be able to see Stefanie backstage, but after a brief wait by the backstage door, we were told by Stefanie's
personal assistant (he said Stef calls him her Roadie) we were indeed "on the list" and were ushered backstage. Hopefully De can fill in some "blanks" for me about our meeting as I was so nervous I nearly passed out...lol...! Stefanie was so gracious & very friendly. As she shook my hand, she held on to it as asked if we had met before... I said no, I think I'd remember that.. lol... (and then it occurred to me she
could have been thinking of the incident in the parking lot! lol...ugh!) She was wearing a black 3/4 sleeve t-shirt & a pair of snakeskin look pants. We took photos, she signed autographs, she asked us questions about ourselves & spoke about her prior meetings with De & Re, made some mention about an upcoming project in the UK (??), the mini benefit in Baltimore, real estate in Florida (my profession), gave us all hugs & kisses and thanked us all for coming. I know I'm missing a lot about our visit but I was so nervous & lost my notes I made afterwards so I'd remember more... lol...
However, this was not the end of my encounter with Stefanie! We left the theater after our meeting & I drove back to my hotel. As I pulled in, I noticed a Cadillac pull into the valet next to me. I got out of my car, and yes, Stefanie got out of hers right next to me! We looked at each other & I said... "What? Are you following me??" To which she burst into laughter and asked if I was staying at the hotel & I said yes. We spoke about the hotel briefly and I noticed she was staring at my car and started walking around it a bit (It's a new black Mazda RX8) and she started marvelling about how adorable it was & how much she loved it. I told her a bit about it & we chatted for another minute or so. As she turned to go, she turned back to me and said that there was one thing I MUST do before I leave the hotel... I needed to call to the spa desk first thing in the morning & arrange for a massage with Tomas! I said, oh REALLY? and she sighed as she turned to leave and said REALLY.... we laughed & said good night.
But yet again... the following morning, Sunday, I was going out to breakfast around 10, went to get into my car and as I opened the door &
start to get in, Stefanie appears right in front of my car on the sidewalk walking her cute little black Maltese. She said Hi Diana! and waived. FYI, she was wearing a white polo turtleneck (ala Hart to Hart) and black slacks. She looked as beautiful as I've ever seen. I got out of the car and said good morning, she asked if I slept well & she said they were leaving for Detroit in just a few minutes. I pet her dog and he was a real sweetheart too. We spoke a bit about the beautiful area surrounding the hotel & she said how much nicer it was than the concrete developments like a lot of Florida these days. I told her I couldn't agree more. I told her about this massive Oak tree nearby and she was going to take a look before leaving town. We spoke for another minute or two but then said goodbye.
I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Everyone, be sure to see the show & if you ever meet Stefanie, I can now say, it's almost like
meeting an old friend.
D
p.s. Tomas was off on Sunday, so I guess that massage will have to wait until my next trip to Clearwater!
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