I usually prepare for my weekly radio show The Palm Springs Savant & Co at least five days in advance. I draft an outline, do a bit of research and have the full show's content on my laptop. If I have a call in guest, I prepare their questions and often have a pre-interview screening with the guest. This week I had a little snafu that had me hopping. The show's topic was about Broadway plays. I scheduled my friend Jimmy Van Patten to call in at ten minutes past the hour. I had prepared all sorts of research and information to discuss about Broadway as an intro to the show, and then switch to Jimmy' segment. Just as I was going live on air, my laptop crashed and I had to reboot. The show went live and there I was with no script or notes from my research. I had to wing it, and speak from memory trying to recall my notes. Me rambling on air for ten minutes just doesn't make for good radio, but I pulled it off. I was grateful when Jimmy called in at his scheduled time, as I was out of things to say. Jimmy Van Patten is an accomplished actor, writer, producer in his own right, and also son of Dick Van Patten. (Incidentally, Jimmy mentioned that Dick Van Patten will have a part in a new HBO TV series called "Luck", by David Milch, starring Dustin Hoffman. He also has a new book called Eighty is Not Enough.) Jimmy has been working on a new Broadway musical called The Flunky, in collaboration with the lovely and talented Deborah Gibson. Jimmy shared insights from his early career as a child actor; his first job was working with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall on TV's The Odd Couple. He was a great radio guest, sharing anecdotes of his father's long career on 
Broadway, film and TV, which was a treat. Jimmy also discussed the process of bringing a play to Broadway and the importance of persistence and patience. He had some advice to young playwrights and actors too. He also shared a great story of how he met Deborah "Debbie" Gibson at the famous Playboy Mansion and how they began working together. It was a great show, thanks to Jimmy! You can learn more about his new play from his website: The Flunky The Musical.On Tuesday April 27th, Jimmy will be with his dad in Palm Springs for "Dinner with Dick Van Patten" at Melvyn's restaurant at the Ingleside Inn. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Melvyn's restaurant at 760-325-2323. You can learn more about Dick Van Patten's book at DickVanPatten.net
If you are someone who enjoys Broadway or wants to someday get involved, this is a show not to be missed. You can listen to the show anytime from the archives on BlogTalkRadio.com or on podcast from iTunes for free.
-Rick Rockhill
4 comments:
Did Jimmy mention how many times his Dad and his Aunt Joyce have been on Broadway? They both have had AMAZING Careers....Joyce has been in 6 or 6 Original Broadway Company's of Neil Simon's plays on Broadway, among other many many plays---Including the one we did together,
SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY"....
That is very exciting about the new Musical that Jimmy is involved in....I hope it is a HUGE Success!
It sounds like you did great Rick, even though your Computer crashed....Bless You!
Computer crashing shouldn't be a problem for you. I KNOW you can handle it!
I'll have to see how I can listen on my IPOD. Not sure of all the ins and outs, yet.
Naomi (OLOTH)- He didn't mention Joyce in today's show...although I wonder if I should have her on as a guest some week.
She is FANTASTIC! And I think she would make a GREAT Guest...! She is in New York, but...I wouldn't think that would matter.
If you need to get in touch with her...let me know, OR ask Dickie for her info. She has such a Broadway History as well as TV and FILMS, too....! And she is very articulate, too! And still working!
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