Aug

25

Book ‘Em: Stage Surprise.

Posted by Christopher Waldrop

August 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

There’s a saying in show business, “Never work with children or animals”. The obvious reason is that, given their cuteness, children and animals will upstage almost any actor. The less obvious reason for not working with children, though, might be their parents. You know the type: excessively controlling, overprotective, and convinced their children aren’t just […]

Jun

25

Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh.

Posted by Christopher Waldrop

June 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

He’s almost entirely forgotten in spite of the fact that his song Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, or some variation of it, can usually be heard at least once a day in commercials or even on the radio. Allan Sherman’s tune, apparently inspired by his own son’s real hatred of summer camp, has outlived and outgrown the funny, […]

Jun

23

The Last Class Clown.

Posted by Christopher Waldrop

June 23, 2008 | 1 Comment

I distinctly remember the first time I heard this odd-looking gray-haired guy speak. He had a rough, gravelly voice, and he was talking about his Rice Krispies saying, “Snap, crackle, f–k him!” And I thought I would never stop laughing. I don’t remember how old I was exactly–eleven or twelve, but it didn’t matter. I […]

Jun

14

A Night At The Improv.

Posted by Christopher Waldrop

June 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment

For a couple of weeks my wife has been talking about a “surprise”, something she had planned but was keeping a secret. It turned out to be going to a performance by Improv Nashville, a local acting troupe that performs on Friday nights. Their show is completely improvised comedy, and the funny thing is that, […]