A Bit of Personnel History From Johnny Dark.....................................Part 33. Wow! Suzie was right it was cold in this studio. Damn, I wish we had brought our jackets. But hopefully the excitement of seeing Sonny & Cher, would warm us up. Sitting in our seats, looking around to see who would be joining us, hoping we werent being to obvious, we noticed folks slowly started to drift in from the rear. The first batch of guys looked like writers, some with black rimmed glasses on top of their heads, others with pencils behind their ears, all wearing white and blue button down shirts, open at the collar, carrying big yellow legal tablets and white Styrofoam coffee cups. They took their seats, not together but in all different areas of the studio, each under a different microphone, insuring there laughter would be recorded. It was quite an eclectic assortment of brain power. Some young, some old. Some heavy-set, others skinny as a rail. But all looking like that had just lost their best friend. A stressful countenance appeared on each and every face, and no one looked particularly funny. Writing comedy it seems, is serious business. The next batch of audience members were the Red Hot Gypsys, (Dancers), who had a completely different look and attitude. They came into the studio already horsing around, telling jokes and laughing, dressed in a fashion that could only look good on them. Skimpy tank tops and tight tee shirts, fur vest and leather pants, and a collage of colorful hats that appeared to be home made. It was not unlike a scene out of, HAIR. All with perfect bodies sculpted from years of dance classes, work-outs, Summer Stock and Discos. They did all sit together, stashing their tote bags and gear under their seats, leaning back, getting comfortable, and waited, (like little kids at the movies), for the cartoons to begin. Dancing on a Variety Show I suspect is serious business too, but obviously not as serious as being funny. A hush suddenly fell over the crowd as two gentlemen walked into the studio, deep in conversation and looking over a script. These were the producers. Chris Bearde and Allen Blye and they complete opposites. One was laid back and comfortable, wearing mostly earth tones, brown pants and shoes, a tan vest and yellow shirt accented nicely with a green tie. He had a full head of dark brown hair and closely cropped beard. I thought he looked like a Rabbi, and later I would find out, (to my delight), that I had hit the nail on the head and he was indeed a Rabbi. And a highly respected one at that. This was the lovely, Allen Blye. The other gentlemen was in your face before he was even near your face, his wardrobe proceeded him and you could spot him a mile away. On this day he wore a cream colored suit with matching shirt, opened at the collar, and red scarf. His shoes were tan in color and looked to be Italian and very expensive, socks it appears were optional. He had very long, but nicely cut blonde hair and a mustache and goatee that brought to my mind, the image of General Custer. He was charismatic and creative with an air of danger about him, (a Mad Genius if you will), as he was volatile and combative and ready for a fight. You didnt want to get in his way. (Hence: The countenance on the writers faces). He was also known to SCREAM. But, at this moment in time, he was the hottest T.V. Variety Producer in all of Hollywood, and he knew it. A star in his own rite. ( FYI: He was the reason a hush fell over the crowd). Now add to the mix, Captain Fantastic! With the studio now very quiet and lights slowly dimming, suddenly a voice over a loud speaker would announce. Settle everyone, settle please. Thank you. For my money we were already settled, as the only sound you could hear,( in that freezing studio), were the whispered voices of Chris Bearde and Allan Byle still pondering over the script. Never the less, all remained quiet as we (the audience, numbering about thirty), turned our attention to the stage. And waited................ And waited........ and then...... (very quietly), from the back stage area, out walked four cameramen and a crane operator and took their positions. Following close behind, with script in hand, was a tall, striking looking gentlemen, dressed in a very tight, navy blue, V Neck Sweater, with tight blue pants (not jeans), that had a huge yellow stripe down both sides of the legs. (Reminding me of the Calvary Soldiers from the Cowboy and Indians Movies). On his feet he wore yellow and blue running shoes, that made no sound, as he walked to each of his crew for a final note. He had sort of, a monstrous gray, wiry, afro hair do and an air of self confidence, and professionalism that implied. Let the games begin. Even Chris Bearde, and Allan Blye hushed up. This was Captain Fantastic. (So nicknamed because of the Yellow Stripes down his trousers.). However, if Chris Bearde was the hottest producer in T.V. Variety, Captain Fantastic was the hottest director. A star in his own rite, as well. Even credited with being the first director to ever apply Blue Screen,(now green screen) ie: Chromakey, to the production. Ground Breaking. Weather or not he knew he had been dubbed, Captain Fantastic. I really dont know. But I do know, nobody ever called him that, to his name. No sir! For all of us Thespians he was always, Mr. Fisher. The Director of the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour and The Donnie & Marie Show, (to name a few) was the incredible, Mr. ART FISHER. Watching all of this going on was, (for me), absolutely fascinating. In my minds eye, I was imaging making the transition from the bleachers to the stage, practicing the theory of Dr. Dennis Waitely, Positive Self Awareness, by picturing myself on that very stage being directed by Mr. Art Fisher. The show hadnt even begun yet and I could hardly maintain myself. Suzie on the other hand was just cold. But things were about to heat up. From the loud speaker again came an announcement from the stage manager. May I have the actors and First Team on set please. To be continued.......4Missy&Sophia&L&D&theuniverse......share if you like. If you missed any parts they are all on my page, just scroll down. Hope you were entertained. loveufriends apal johnny
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 07:58:19 +0000
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