Palm Springs Savant & Co #105 "On Broadway"

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

The Flunky, A New Musical

Yesterday I was in the LA area to see a special performance of a new musical called The Flunky. The book/lyrics were written by Jimmy Van Patten, and music/lyrics written by Deborah Gibson. In the business, this performance was considered a "showcase workshop", designed to present the story to a live audience and gauge their reactions. It is also intended to garner interest and financial support of potential investors. The birth and future life of a play or musical depends on "showcase workshop performances" so the principles of the show prepare extensively for the event. I attended with friends and a few influential Hollywood moguls who are interested in the play. I had read the script last year and heard the early demo music tracks while the show was still in development. So, it was exciting to finally see the show come together on stage with a talented group of actors. It starred PJ Griffith, Jimmy Van Patten and Deborah Gibson in leading roles. The show centers around Jackie (PJ Griffith), who is the flunky to an aging former rock star, Tyler Mann (Jimmy Van Patten), who is attempting a comeback. Jackie successfully enters into the world of the rock star and develops an interest in Sandra (Deborah Gibson) who is a budding singer attempting a back up career with the rock star. As Jackie attempts to win favor with the rock star, he learns a few valuable lessons about himself along the way. The villain character is Gunar (Dennis Kenney), a butler who attempts to control the rock star with a concoction of drug laced diet Kool-Aid. It is a fun, entertaining story with a catchy score and toe tapping songs. A highly talented cast brought the musical to life, with Christopher Davis Carlisle, Michael DeLuise, Dennis Kenney, Zarah Mahler, Suzanne Petrela, and Tom Schmid. The ensemble cast included Jebbel Arce, Ceaser F. Barajas, Ryan Castellino, Drew D'Andrea, Janelle Dote, Leon Le, Marlene Martinez and Leah McKendrick. The show was directed by Kay Cole, with musical direction by Mary Ekler and choreography by Eddie Bennett. After the show a small group of us went out to dinner with Jimmy Van Patten and Deborah Gibson to celebrate and compare notes about the performance (see photo above). It was a fun evening and a terrific opportunity to see the birth of a musical in the making. I am confident that in the near future, The Flunky will have a run somewhere for a wider audience to enjoy. I'll certainly keep you posted.

-Rick Rockhill

above, left to right: Nels Van Patten, Tom Bosley, Ruta Lee and Deborah Gibson listen as Dick Van Patten makes remarks to the audience.

above left: The actress/dancer Ruta Lee wows the crowd with her wit and charm, above right: actor/writer/producer, the great Jimmy Van Patten tells a joke that has the audience laughing in no time.

above: actress/model Susan Stafford gestures to me during her remarks.

above: Dick Van Patten makes his remarks about receiving a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. I'm standing behind him to the left.