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Memphis Report: Gearing Up for Justin Timberlake, Sam Moore, Keith Richards, Jimmy Fallon and More!

Roger Friedman
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Memphis Report: Gearing Up for Justin Timberlake, Sam Moore, Keith Richards, Jimmy Fallon and More!

I’ve only been in Memphis– my favorite city other than New York– for a few hours. But I’ve already had ribs, fried chicken, and gumbo, several meals, and was almost lured on to the roof of my hotel by strangers offering Gus’s chicken. The two main activities in Memphis are music and eating, and I’ve already been well embedded.

On the food front, starting in the airport (where there is no sign that reads “Baggage Claim”– just pictures of a suitcase) the smell of barbecue is overwhelming. You have to push yourself not to eat it right there, and wait until you’re downtown. Along the way, everyone from the taxi dispatcher to the driver to the doorman at the hotel are discussing where you should go first, and what you should eat.

Then there is the music. We are here for the Memphis Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday night. Sam Moore and the late Dave Prater will be inducted, and Sam will close the show with an all star band of Memphis musicians including Charles and Leroy Hodges, Bobby Manuel, Archie Butler, and Steve Jordan on drums among others.

Rehearsal today was in the famed Royal Studios in South Memphis, where the late legend Willie Mitchell recorded all of the great hits by Al Green, Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson, Otis Clay and others on Hi Records. It is now run by his son Boo and the Mitchell family.Royal Studios is basically a couple of low brick buildings cobbled together and sitting on a weedy block. It actually looks like two buildings that collided into each other. One of them is more residential in appearance. Someone painted a now faded black and white piano keyboard on the stoop a long time ago.

Nothing has changed since I was last here in 1999. Charles Hodges, who played the organ and keyboards on all of those hits (like Let’s Stay Together and I Can’t Stand the Rain)showed me his Hammond B3, the same one he played on all the records. “I’ve been sitting here since 1969,” the Reverend told me. (He was ordained in 1998.) The Reverend, his brother Leroy, and late brother Teenie were the heart and soul of the Hi Records Rhythm section. Leroy was also in the rehearsal room yesterday, along with an amazing horn section and Archie Turner on his Wurlitzer.

Yes, it was rather amazing to have stepped off the plane from New York and two hours later stand in the middle of this small studio room. First there was a run through of Booker T and the MGs’s “Green Onions” with organ solos that could have been from 1962 (when the instrumental was first a smash hit) or 1967 (when it staged an international comeback).

And then Sam Moore, who turned 80 this past week, with three female back up singer behind him, and Steve Jordan quipping between drum beats, rehearsed Sam & Dave’s “I Thank You” and Sam’s quintessential “Soul Man.” The horns rising behind me like  a choir of angels, with the  Memphis sound–, Hodges and Butler shimmering on organs, Leroy and Bobby Manuel’s plaintive guitar leads in filigree mode and then Sam’s sweet rich tenor rising above was too much for everyone to handle.

Mission: accomplished. The sound of heaven meant just one thing: time for Gus’s famous spicy fried chicken. This was two hours after lunch, and three before dinner. Macaroni and cheese were involved, as well. The musicians took their plates and spilled out onto the sidewalk in front of Royal. The air was still warm enough to enjoy the dying days of Indian summer. Willie Mitchell must have been smiling above.

Saturday: big celebrities are expected including Jimmy Fallon, Justin Timberlake, and Keith Richards. The Hall of Fame show will be bursting with R&B stalwarts, the Memphis Elvis contingent (for Scotty Moore), country fans (for the late Charlie Rich, his looklike namesake son will perform his hits), the hardcore Stax family (for Al Jackson Jr. of Booker T and the MGs) and the music royalty in this town. Then next week, many of them will show up again for Pat Tigrett’s 22nd annual and final Blues Ball to benefit Memphis charities. Beale Street is booming. You could just stay here, eat and listen to music. The rest of the world doesn’t exist.

Obama Foundation Pretends to Answer Questions About How They’ll Build New Chicago Library

Roger Friedman
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Obama Foundation Pretends to Answer Questions About How They’ll Build New Chicago Library

Good news! The Obama Foundation is busy getting ready to hire an architect to build the Obama Library in Chicago. They’ve put up a whole Q&A section on their website so everyone can understand what they’re doing. Unfortunately, what they’re doing is either not answering questions or being as vague as possible about what they’re doing. What are they doing? Not giving information or answering questions about nothing. Remember when George Costanza said he wanted to be an architect? After reading, he’ll be glad he didn’t choose that career. Look for the word ‘not’ as in we’re not telling you anything.

RFQ stands for Request for Quotation, RFP is Request for Proposal.

from the Obama Foundation website:

Questions asked about the RFQ
RFQ General Inquiries

Q: How many firms received the RFQ?
A: The RFQ was sent to an extensive list of architects representing a range of approaches and styles. We are not releasing exact numbers or names of firms.

Q: My firm was not invited to participate in the RFQ process. May we submit a response and if we do, will it be considered?
A: The RFQ is available to download on our website and all responses will be considered on an equal footing to that of other respondents.

Q: How many firms will be shortlisted for the RFP?
A: The number of firms that will be shortlisted for the RFP will depend upon the submissions received.

Q: Will RFQ responses be made public?
A: We will not be sharing responses. Finalists’ ‘names will be made public once selected, but not the responses.

Q: Do firms based outside of Chicago need to team with a local architect of record for this stage?
A: You do not need to team up with a local architect of record for this stage.

Q: Will the RFP stage include a design competition?
A: There will not be a full design competition in the RFP stage.

Q: Will the review and evaluation process be conducted primarily by the Foundation, or will other entities and/or advisors be participating in the evaluation process?
A: The Initial review and analysis will be performed by the Foundation and its advisors. Final decisions will be made by the President and First Lady.

Q: Could you please clarify the confidentiality statement indicated under the General Conditions of RFQ Submission? Is this in so far as releasing information to any outside and non-affiliate entities?
A: The Foundation will only release information received from responses to outside parties if it is necessary to conduct the review, or is required by law.

Q: What is the Q&A process? Is there a deadline for submitting all inquiries?
A: The Foundation will be answering questions received by September 11, 2015. [Editor’s note: ironic date, and of course, well since passed]. After that date, we cannot promise that questions will be answered in time to complete submissions by the September 16 deadline.

Q: At what phone number can the Foundation be reached with additional questions?
A: Questions should be emailed to robbin@obamapresidentialfoundation.org.

Q: What is the estimated scale of the overall project and per program, eg. GFA of the overall project, the museum, etc.?
A: The scale and program information is not available at this time.

Q: What is the estimated cost of construction?
A: The estimated cost of construction is not available at this time.

Q: Will the information regarding the selection committee be made available?
A: Information regarding the selection committee will not be made available at this time.

Q: What are the evaluation criteria/weightings to advance to the RFP stage?
A: The Foundation is not publishing evaluation criteria. Responses will be reviewed by the Foundation and its advisors – and decisions regarding the selection of firms to advance to the RFP phase will be made by the President and First Lady.

Q: Please provide clarification for Item #4 of the response – Client References.
A: We are only seeking a list of clients that can be contacted for reference checks, along with current client contact information.

Q: Do we need to include or make reference to a team of sub consultants at this time?
A: The RFQ phase does not ask you to include a team of sub consultants at this time.

RFQ Submittal Format and Delivery

Q: To whom should the letter of interest be addressed?
A: The letter of interest should be addressed to Robbin Cohen, Executive Director of The Barack Obama Foundation.

Q: Is the cover letter (letter of interest) included in the page count of 40?
A: The cover letter is included in the page count.

Q: Do the front and back cover pages and dividers count as part of the total number of pages?
A: The front and back cover pages and dividers do not count as part of the total number of pages.

Q: Is the binding at our discretion? E.g. spiral binding, book binding, note-book?
A: The binding is at your discretion.

RFQ Submittal Response Content

Q: Please clarify the requirements for team composition. Is the RFQ intended for the design architect (lead consultant) only? Or should the submittal include a design team (including sub-consultants, e.g. Landscape architects, engineers, exhibition designers, lighting designers, acousticians, Architect of Record, etc.)?

A: The responses are not limited to lead design consultants. The submittal should not include a design team.

Q: Is there a selection process in place for the project consultants?
A: The selection process for project consultant is not available at this time.

Q: Should the submittal include documentation to show compliance with Illinois licensing requirements for firms/persons offering architectural services in the State of Illinois at this time?
A: The submittal only requires that you be able to comply with Illinois licensing requirements. It is not necessary to include documentation at this time.

Q: We would like to partner with a local architectural firm licensed to practice in the State of Illinois (the Architect of Record). Will the AOR be separately tendered by the client or do we need to identify one now within our RFQ (or RFP should we advance)?
A: There is no need to identify a local Architect of Record at this time.

Q: Please clarify the types of projects referenced in the following statement “Please list the names of up to ten of your noteworthy projects, which we know may be quite different from the future OPC.”
A: The 10 noteworthy projects include any projects you wish to highlight, even if they are not relevant examples of work similar to that envisioned for the Obama Presidential Center.

Q: Must the 3-5 projects described in depth, with photographs, overlap with those included in the list of 10 noteworthy projects?
A: No, the 3-5 projects described in depth need not overlap with the 10 noteworthy projects but should highlight your firm’s ability to execute a project on scale with the OPC.

Q: My firm specializes in landscape design/interior design/exhibit fabrication etc. Is there a list of RFQ participants I can communicate with to offer services?
A: Unfortunately we are not able to connect you with the firms who have received an RFQ, as that list of firms has not been released to the public. We do anticipate, however, that the list of firms who advance to the RFP phase will be made available, and you will be able to connect with them at that time.
RFP General Inquiries

Q: Is it envisioned that the selection of the site (between Jackson Park and Washington Park) be finalized prior to the release of the RFP? Otherwise, will the presentation of creative ideas be required for both sites, and will these ideas influence the selection of the site?
A: It is possible that the RFP phase will include an analysis of both sites. Details regarding requirements will be addressed during the RFP phase.

Q: Will there be a fee provided to selected respondents who participate in the RFP to offset related costs and expenses?
A: Details regarding the RFP phase will be made available at a later date.

Q: How many respondents will be selected to participate in the RFP?
A: Details regarding the RFP phase will be made available at a later date.

Q: Will the list of selected respondents to participate in the RFP be made public?
A: The list of respondents to participate in the RFP will be made available to the public.

Q: Please clarify insurance requirements for the architect.
A: Architect insurance requirements will be addressed in the RFP phase.

Q: How many firms received the RFQ?
A: The RFQ was sent to an extensive list of architects representing a range of approaches and styles. We are not releasing exact numbers or names of firms.

Q: My firm was not invited to participate in the RFQ process. May we submit a response and if we do, will it be considered?
A: The RFQ is available to download on our website and all responses will be considered on an equal footing to that of other respondents.

Q: How many firms will be shortlisted for the RFP?
A: The number of firms that will be shortlisted for the RFP will depend upon the submissions received.

Q: Will RFQ responses be made public?
A: We will not be sharing responses. Finalists’ names will be made public once selected, but not the responses.

Q: In regards to the required hardcopy RFQ response, will the cover/back and dividers be counted towards the 40 page limit?
A: No—cover/back and dividers will not be counted against the limit.

Q: Do firms based outside of Chicago need to team with a local architect of record for this stage?
A: You do not need to team up with a local architect of record for this stage.

Q: Will the RFP stage include a design competition?
A: There will not be a full design competition in the RFP stage – however there will be a limited design effort required.

Q: My firm specializes in landscape design/interior design/exhibit fabrication etc. Is there a list of RFQ participants I can communicate with to offer services?
A: Unfortunately we are not able to connect you with the firms who have received an RFQ, as that list of firms has not been released to the public. We do anticipate, however, that the list of firms who advance to the RFP phase will be made available, and you will be able to connect with them at that time.

Oscars: Four Potential Oscar Nominees for Best Picture Open on Friday– Don’t Complain There’s Nothing to See

Roger Friedman
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Oscars: Four Potential Oscar Nominees for Best Picture Open on Friday– Don’t Complain There’s Nothing to See

Please don’t tell me “there’s nothing to see, nothing’s playing.”

On Friday, four potential Best Picture nominees open at the same time. They are “Truth,” “Room,” “Beasts of No Nation.” and “Bridge of Spies.”

This a huge bounty. You could literally spend all weekend watching four of the best films of this year, or any year.

Of course, “Beasts” will also be available on Netflix. Many theater chains don’t want to show it because they’re angry about it being available on Netflix day and date. Cary Fukunaga — of “True Detective” season 1 fame, and “Sin Nombre”– directed this mind blowing piece about child soldiers. Idris Elba is absolutely riveting, and easily a candidate for Best Actor. The kids are all actors but they’re so good you’ll wonder.

“Room” directed by Lenny Abrahamson is just as harrowing. Brie Larson (Best Actress nom for sure), Joan Allen (Supporting) and a kid named Jacob Tremblay are unforgettable in a most unusual story: Brie’s character is 24, and she’s been locked in a crazy guy’s one room backyard shed for 7 years. Her family assumes she’s dead. During this time she’s given birth to Jack, who turns 5 on the day we meet them. You may think, I don’t want to see this. You are wrong. I discovered that a few minutes in. Emma Donoghue wrote the screenplay from her novel. This will be a much talked about film. Exquisite and unique.

“Truth” offers Robert Redford as Dan Rather and Cate Blanchett as producer Mary Mapes in the story of how these two smart people got themselves fired from CBS News in 2004. Basically, the company threw them to the wolves. I still have questions about what happened. But the film is very very well made. Blanchett is over the top great. Redford has to be nominated, even if it’s for Supporting. An all-star supporting cast doesn’t hurt, either.

“Bridge of Spies” is Steven Spielberg’s first film since “Lincoln.” This is also historical, but the story is less well known. Francis Gary Powers was shot down in a spy plane over Russia in 1962. This is not so much about him but about the lawyer (Tom Hanks) assigned to get him back by trading him with a Russian spy (Mark Rylance). The Coens rewrote the original, a little stodgier script. The result is kind of a magic marriage between “Fargo” humor and Spielberg’s Americana. Hanks and Rylance are brilliant. Spielberg continues to create iconic moments in film history. It’s so annoying how good a filmmaker he really is.

iCulture: Apple “Buys” Anna Wintour, Annual Met Ball, Johnny Ive to Co-Host with Taylor Swift, Idris Elba

Roger Friedman
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iCulture: Apple “Buys” Anna Wintour, Annual Met Ball, Johnny Ive to Co-Host with Taylor Swift, Idris Elba

Apple wants some respect, and culture. So what to do from Cupertino, California? They’re buying respectability. The company that brings us the iPhone, etc, is underwriting the whole Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute exhibition next spring, including the famed Met Ball.

For their money, Apple will get Vogue editor Anna Wintour on a silver platter. They will also get their very own Johnny Ive as a co-host with Taylor Swift and actor Idris Elba. That’s how you do it, ladies and gents. iCulture is here.

The theme of the Met Ball next spring will be “manus x machina: fashion in an age of technology.” The italics and lower case are theirs. According to the release: “the exhibition will explore the impact of new technology on fashion and how designers are reconciling the handmade and the machine-made in the creation of haute couture and avant-garde ready-to-wear.”

Get this: “The Anna Wintour Costume Center galleries will present a series of “in process” workshops, including a 3D-printing workshop where visitors will witness the creation of 3D-printed garments during the course of the exhibition.”

Expect to see the Apple logo hoisted over the Met, Apple watches replacing diamond and gold time pieces, and everyone gets an iTouch. (This is just my supposition.) Ms. Wintour will be dressed in OS!

And just to assuage Vogue advertisers, Nicolas Ghesquière (he’s Louis Vuitton these days), Karl Lagerfeld and Muccia Prada will be honorary chairs.

Will Taylor and Johnny discuss streaming during dinner? The Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

What’s next? “Steve Jobs’ Secret Paintings” as a 2018 Met exhibition.

PS What happens if the “Steve Jobs” movie wins all the awards at the Oscars in February? Will Michael Fassbender et al be invited? Apple isn’t crazy about the movie.

 

Exclusive: Jerry Lewis Rates Late Night Hosts: “Colbert Should Work at Tiffany’s”

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Jerry Lewis Rates Late Night Hosts: “Colbert Should Work at Tiffany’s”

More from my hilarious interview with Jerry Lewis last week at the Museum of the Moving Image. Jerry had been interviewed earlier by his “The King of Comedy” director and old friend Martin Scorsese. Remember Jerry played Jerry Langford, a Johnny Carson-like talk show host in “The King of Comedy” who is kidnapped by Robert DeNiro and Sandra Bernhard.

Lewis, by the way, regularly guest hosted for Carson back in the day. He told me once did a six week stint for Johnny. When was that, I wondered?

“When Johnny went to have a sex change,” Lewis snapped back with glee. He is 89 and faster than you or I will ever be. Listening to him with Scorsese reminded me of the last time I saw Milton Berle perform– at Denise Rich’s famous original Angel Ball at the Sheraton circa 1999-2000. Berle was over 90, I think. I don’t know if anyone recorded it, but his 15 minutes at the podium were historic.

Lewis’s talk with Scorsese– which I hope will be available soon– was both insightful about filmmaking and wildly funny.

Backstage last week at MMI, I asked Jerry if he ever watches the new crop of late night talk show hosts.

Do you watch Jimmy Fallon?
He’s going to be very very strong.
Kimmel?
I don’t watch Kimmel.
Letterman?
Letterman, I watched as much as I could
Do you miss Letterman?
No. No. [But] I liked him.
Colbert?
He should work at Tiffany’s.
Why, Jerry?
Because he’s dull.
Really? You don’t think Colbert is funny at all?
I think he’s very good. He’s very good. But you can’t take someone and place them in a spot that was excellence. He’s got a tough row to hoe, boy.
Is it fun being 90?
When I get there I’ll tell you.
When do you turn 90?
In March
Is it fun being 89?
Yeah! Everyday some thing new is broke!

One last thing: filmmakers revere Lewis’s 1971 book “The Total Filmmaker.” Random House published it, and it now out of print. Someone there should bring it back with a new foreword by Scorsese. Just sayin’….

Jay Z’s Tidal Music Service Proposes a “Make War” Playlist with Heavy Metal Music

Roger Friedman
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Jay Z’s Tidal Music Service Proposes a “Make War” Playlist with Heavy Metal Music

Jay Z’s Tidal music service is not going to get the Nobel Peace Prize. Here’s today’s Tweet. Are these people insane? Maybe.

What Do You Mean? Justin Bieber Snubbed by Second Tier American Music Awards

Roger Friedman
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What Do You Mean? Justin Bieber Snubbed by Second Tier American Music Awards

Uh-oh. Justin Bieber cried his eyes out on the VMAs. He released two singles this year (one of which he’s not even sure how it happened). His new album is out on November 13th. It would have been swell to be on the American Music Awards nine days later. But the also ran music show to the Grammys pretty much snubbed him. He wasn’t even listed on “Artist of the Year” which includes his day and date rivals, One Direction. Poor Justin! He got one throw away nod for Best Collaboration with Brillo and Windex for “Where is Your Umlat?”

Meantime, Taylor Swift will be in a difficult position. The AMAs obviously want her. But the Grammys will shun anyone who performs on the AMAs. This is gonna be good. JLO is hosting the ABC show, which is the best thing about this whole deal.

LOL– Adult Contemporary noms are Ed Sheeran, Meghan Trainor, and Taylor Swift. You could argue that they’re not even adults. And also, maybe the AMAs could have had legacy artists– over the age of 25–but nah. What am I thinking?

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Bryan
Ariana Grande
Maroon 5
Nicki Minaj
One Direction
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor
The Weeknd

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY KOHL’S
Fetty Wap
Sam Hunt
Tove Lo
Walk The Moon
The Weeknd

SONG OF THE YEAR
Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk!”
Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud”
Taylor Swift “Blank Space”
The Weeknd “Can’t Feel My Face”

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR UN-LEASHED BY T-MOBILE
Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth “See You Again”
Rihanna & Kanye West Featuring Paul McCartney “FourFiveSeconds”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk!”
Skrillex & Diplo Featuring Justin Bieber “Where Are Ü Now”
Taylor Swift Featuring Kendrick Lamar “Bad Blood”

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Nick Jonas
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK
Maroon 5
One Direction
Walk The Moon

FAVORITE ALBUM – POP/ROCK
Ed Sheeran “x”
Sam Smith “In The Lonely Hour”
Taylor Swift “1989”

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Sam Hunt

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood

FAVORITE DUO or GROUP – COUNTRY
Zac Brown Band
Florida Georgia Line
Little Big Town

FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY
Jason Aldean “Old Boots, New Dirt”
Florida Georgia Line “Anything Goes”
Sam Hunt “Montevallo”

FAVORITE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
Drake
Fetty Wap
Nicki Minaj

FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP
J. Cole “2014 Forest Hills Drive”
Drake “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Nicki Minaj “The Pinkprint”

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown
Trey Songz
The Weeknd

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Rihanna

FAVORITE ALBUM – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown “X”
D’Angelo and The Vanguard “Black Messiah”
The Weeknd “Beauty Behind the Madness”

FAVORITE ARTIST – ALTERNATIVE ROCK
Fall Out Boy
Hozier
Walk The Moon

FAVORITE ARTIST – ADULT CONTEMPORARY
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

FAVORITE ARTIST – LATIN
Enrique Iglesias
Ricky Martin
Romeo Santos

FAVORITE ARTIST – CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United
MercyMe

FAVORITE ARTIST – ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC (EDM)
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Zedd

TOP SOUNDTRACK
Fifty Shades of Grey
Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
Pitch Perfect 2

Meet the Beetles: Leonardo DiCaprio Will Make a Movie About Volkswagen’s Diesel Scandal

Roger Friedman
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Meet the Beetles: Leonardo DiCaprio Will Make a Movie About Volkswagen’s Diesel Scandal

It doesn’t sound very exciting. But Leonardo diCaprio is going to produce a movie for Paramount about the current Volkswagen diesel scandal. I think he should call it “Meet the Beetles.”

diCaprio is an avowed environmentalist, so this obviously interests him. Dramatically, I’m not sure how much the movie going audience wants to see a bunch of Germans plotting to change computer codes in a fraction of their autos.

But maybe it will be told from an American dealer’s point of view. Or an animated film with a lot of cute VW Beetles discussing how they’ve been tampered with.

The movie is going to be based on as yet unwritten book, based on a book proposal by New York Times journalist Jack Ewing. So that will be quite a while from now. We’re still waiting for the movie about the Firestone tire scandal, and that at least posed more of a danger to the general public. Michael Douglas is attached to produce that movie. He’s too old to star in it, now. That’s how long it’s taken.

If I were Leo, I’d film a documentary while Ewing writes his book. That’s the movie. Otherwise the whole thing will seem a little Passat by the time he makes a feature. Passat, get it?

Mary Tyler Moore Gets a Stealth Special Tonight on PBS During Democratic Debate

Roger Friedman
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Mary Tyler Moore Gets a Stealth Special Tonight on PBS During Democratic Debate

If tonight’s Democratic debate seems boring, there’s good — if stealth– counter programming. PBS is offering a one hour special tribute to Mary Tyler Moore. There’s been almost no press for it, and Google only shows a handful of reviews. I have a zillion PBS press releases in my inbox but none about this show. I reported its existence over a year ago but no one responded to my questions about it.

From the reviews, the special seems like an infomercial. But that’s ok. We love Mary, and it was time for a refresh about her career on maybe the two best TV comedies of all time. It will be good to see an interview with her from the last year, too, since MTM has kept a low profile recently because of health issues.

A lot of The Mary Tyler Moore Show is cut up all over You Tube. But you want to find it on DVD in its proper form. The best episodes– besides the pilot, the finale, and “Chuckles the Clown is Dead” — veal Prince Orloff, the blackout show, anything with Rhoda and Phyllis, Mr. Grant’s surprise birthday party, another party where Rhoda summons an old lady by accident to be Lou’s date, Phyllis discovering Sue Anne is having an affair with Lars– a never seen character. There are too many to name. Many of the shows have plots that emphasize the amazing cast, but it’s always Mary at the center. She was just brilliant– and still is.

Here’s the teaser:

Marlo Thomas Is Still a Marvelous “That Girl” in off Broadway’s “Clever Little Lies”

Roger Friedman
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Marlo Thomas Is Still a Marvelous “That Girl” in off Broadway’s “Clever Little Lies”

I don’t know where to begin with Marlo Thomas. First, she opens tonight in Joe DiPietro’s comedy “Clever Little Lies” at the Westside Theater. Marlo is a month away from 78 years old! She looks like she’s 40. She has such wonderful comic timing, that when she stops the show in “Clever Little Lies”– and I mean, stops it cold– you will not stop laughing. Or gasping for air. Trust me, it happens to everyone on stage, too.

Marlo has a lot of good will built up over 50 years in showbiz–first as Ann Marie, the quintessential modern girl in “That Girl” torn between her dad and her boyfriend Donald (the late great Ted Bessel). Then, of course, she was a real feminist who pioneered the books and other media of “Free to Be…You and Me.” Wait– there’s also the showbiz cred of being the daughter of the amazing Danny Thomas, and inheriting not only his comedy legacy but also the promotion of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Let’s not leave out the long happy marriage to Phil Donahue. And all her other acting credits including Broadway, off Broadway, more TV and movies. “Friends” fans will remember she recurred as Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston’s) mother.

But now here she in this very Neil Simon-esque ninety minute comedy about a family with a lot of secrets that all come bursting out. Alice is a modern New Rochelle matriarch with a long marriage to Bill Sr. (Greg Mullavey, always Mary Hartman’s husband Tom in my mind). Her son Billy (George Merrick) is married to Jane (Kate Wetherhead). The younger couple has a new baby. And a lot of issues.

“Clever Little Lies” is quite clever in that it’s based on a twist and a little bit of a mind game that you don’t expect. I won’t give it away. Suffice to say, when Marlo does stop that stage cold, and proceeds from there, you will be paying close attention. And she is so invested in Alice, that it’s worth every second. It certainly took my mind off my own problems.

I did get a little tour last week of the backstage area. Westside Theater is nothing fancy. Marlo has a 9 by 12 cell just off stage that functions as her dressing room. She’s fixed it up and can take naps between shows on matinee days. She told me she’s able to tune out the noise outside–not easy to do. Phil has been there at every performance, and I’m sure he’ll be there tonight, as well her famous pals like Elaine May and Stanley Donen.

There will be a threat of moving “Clever Little Lies” to a Broadway house. But I hope not. It’s a little comedy gem that can run forever on West 43rd. St. And Ann Marie’s dad– “Mister Marie”– played so memorably by Lew Parker– would be so proud that his little girl made good.

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