Most people who aren’t theater buffs probably know Elaine Stritch, who passed away today at the age of 89, from her role as Alec Baldwin’s mother on 30 Rock. I’ve known who Elaine Stritch was since I was first introduced to the cast album of Stephen Sondheim’s Company as a teenager. The show contains many famous Broadway melodies, one of which became Stritch’s signature song, “The Ladies Who Lunch.” Starting her career at the age of 17 in New York City, Stritch knew everyone from Marlon Brando to Ben Gazzara to Kim Stanley and of course, composer, Stephen Sondheim. She was nominated for a Tony Award five times and won three Emmys, one of which was for 30 Rock. Her gutsy personality and unique talent will not be forgotten. She’s influential to many of those who make their livings in the theater nowadays. So, if you’re at a bar tonight, have a vodka stinger and raise your glass to a one of a kind woman: Elaine Stritch. I’ll drink to that.
Tag: 30 Rock
#Laughter is the Best #Medicine: Binge-Worthy TV Shows For When You’re Sick
My current state is that of a cesspool of germs. To cope these past 3 days, I’ve resorted to Netflix overdosing, in addition to tea, and over the counter medicines.
Deadly Women (TV Show airs on Investigation Discovery channel and is streaming on Netflix)
It’s cheesy, I know. But, it’s addictive. Watch it just for the re-enactments alone. There are also soundbite gems from former FBI profiler, Cadace DeLong. Apparently every case is the weirdest one she’s “ever studied.”
Breaking Bad (Airs on AMC, currently streaming on Netflix. Just ended. Sad.) Seriously, if you haven’t seen this show, it’s not too late to get sucked in. It’s insane and totally worth the binge-watching if you’re sick. It’s just as addictive as that blue meth they peddle on the show. Get watching!
The Wonder Years (Aired on ABC from 1988-1993; Available streaming on Netflix) If you ever wish that you could have your Mom tuck you in and feed you chicken soup again and curse being an adult, the Wonder Years is for you. Kevin Arnold can help you get through anything…from your first crush, to your cold.
30 Rock (aired on NBC, currently streaming on Netflix) Have no fear, whatever state you’re currently in with your illness, chances are, Liz Lemon has had a day that is far worse than yours. Revel in the fact that this show is so funny that you’ll laugh the whole time and get better quickly.
The West Wing (aired on NBC, currently streaming on Netflix) Until our real government re-opens, why not watch one that is actually functioning. The West Wing is perfect for that and with writing like Aaron Sorkin’s, you’ll never get bored.
The Riches (aired on FX for two seasons, currently streaming on Netflix) This only lasted two seasons, but if you are a mega-fan of Breaking Bad and are going into Walter White withdrawal, check out The Riches with Eddie Izzard as the bad guy and he’s hysterical at it. “A family of crooks assume the identity of an upper-middle-class suburban clan in the Deep South.”–IMDB
Raising Hope (currently airing on Tuesdays at 8p.m. on Fox, the first three seasons are streaming on Netflix): Theater and film vets Martha Plimpton and Cloris Leachman co-star in this hysterical series about a 20-something guy who is left to raise his daughter. Oh yeah, Martha Plimpton (you know, from the Goonies) plays the grandmother.
Psych (airs on the USA Network, streaming on Netflix): If you’re a fan of Law & Order, but wish it were, you know, funny, this is the show for you. Plus, it’s a fake detective agency and they are more often than not better than the detectives. Oh, and four words: Clue. Movie. Tribute. Episode.
The Office (aired on NBC, streaming on Netflix) Hey, when you’re out sick, at least you’re not at work. Why not take some time to vicariously laugh and prank co-workers by watching episodes of the Office?
Malcolm in the Middle (aired on Fox, streaming on Netflix): For the lighter side of Bryan Cranston before he broke bad, pre-Heisenberg, from 2000-2006, he was just a laughable, fun-loving dad named Hal. Not to mention, Cranston got Emmy and Golden Globe nominations from this series as well.
Movies That Should Be Musicals
At about 4:oo in the morning, I was inspired by Vulture.com’s genius article about turning A League of Their Own into a musical, complete with a two-act songbook. It seriously needs to happen. And they weren’t joking when they mentioned that Rocky was being made into a musical. Auditions are scheduled in the next few weeks. Weird. Not to mention, Mean Girls, Clueless and Little Miss Sunshine have all been turned into musicals. Seriously. That got me to thinking about other movies that should be musicals.
- Take note from 30 Rock, and make Mystic Pizza a musical. Seriously. You could even have a dance number with pizzas and waitresses. If performed at the St. James Theatre or Helen Hayes Theatre, John’s Pizzeria on 44th could even provide the pies.
- The Devil Wears Prada: Come on people. Anne Hathaway & Meryl Streep could even reprise their famous roles, and there could be dance number where they actually Vogue to the song, Vogue.
- Ghostbusters: Featuring your favorite 80s hits, including “Call Me” by Blondie.
- Home Alone: Kevin McAllister singing “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen during the film’s climax when he realizes that he misses his family. Marv & Harry sing, “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers.
- The Shawshank Redemption: Andy & Red sing “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by the Animals among others.
- Iron Man: Robert Downey, Jr. actually has singing talent, and it could play across the street from Spider-Man: Turn of the Dark. Think about that for a second. SPIDERMAN is ACTUALLY a MUSICAL. For REAL. Like currently…playing on BROADWAY.
- Scream: The killer with that creepy mask could sing Sting’s famous ballad, “Every Breath You Take” (I’ll Be Watching You.)
- Mrs. Doubtfire: The chorus could sing “Dude Looks Like a Lady” by Aerosmith. They could even write the rest of the music.
- Stand By Me: Come on, kids and musicals equal box-office GOLD. They could sing “Lean on Me”
- The Godfather: Featuring originals like “Take the Gun. Leave the Cannoli” and “I’ll Make Him an Offer He Can’t Refuse” and “Drop the Gun, Michael” during the shootout in the restaurant.
Special Bonus: The Sandlot. I mean, come on, “You’re Killin’ Me Smalls” would be the hit song!
Seriously people. Composers, lyricists, producers: take note. People want musicals of movies. Just a few suggestions with jumping off points, so get a move on! We got casting to do and opening nights to plan!