The Ten Commandments of Classic TV

I.   Thou shall be like Kwai Chang Caine, and respect the creeds of all good religions and spiritual beliefs.

II.  Thou shall honor thy mother and father as gracefully as John-Boy Walton, and honor thy children with as much loving-kindness as Uncle Bill showers upon Buffy, Jody and Cissy.

III.  Thou shall liken thyself unto Samantha and Darrin, and respect one to the other’s differences and concentrate on what makes all of every nation and diversity the same (our common humanity).

IV.  Thou shall be like that girl Ann Marie and that boy Don Hollinger, and respect one to the other purely, based initially on sincere affection which later transforms into true committed love (at which time noble physical pleasure replaces vacant lust).

V.  Thou shall honor thy physician as long as said physician resembles Dr. Welby (who honors the independent needs of the individual patient’s body temple more than the umbrella contracts with myriad pharmaceutical companies).

VI.  Thou shall respect the laws of humanity, as valiantly as Perry Mason.

VII.  Thou shall have as strong a work-ethic as Rob Petrie and Mary Richards.

VIII.  Thou shall understand the power of true inner strength, as does Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers.

IV.  Thou shall be like the Bradys, and gather consistently at the dinner table with whomever thou namest thy family, and appreciate every morsel of food that passes through thy lips.

V.  Thou shall make one to the other laugh as much as Lucy.

Burton and Depp's "Dark Shadows": I Won't Ask For My Money Back...BUT...

I enjoyed director Tim Burton's feature film edition of Dark Shadows, starring Johnny Depp as the iconic Barnabas Collins, originally portrayed by the equally iconic actor Jonathan Frid in the original ABC classic 1960s gothic soap opera. (Ironically, Frid passed away only weeks before the new Shadowspremiered.)  But I enjoyed it for all the wrong reasons.

It was said that the original Shadows series was campy. This is not true. The show-runners simply did not have the extended funds to produce the show the way they really wanted to produce it, so it was perceived as campy.

            But the original production always played it straight, and took itself seriously. As a result, the audience respected the show's intentions.

            As to the big-screen Shadows, it was kind of like a Carol Burnett Show satire on the original series, instead of a feature film adaptation. And in the big picture scheme of things, that is not high praise...on many levels.

First of all, as wonderful as it was to see Michelle Pfeiffer back in theatres (and looking beautiful), she was one of too-many-blondes in this production.

Pfeiffer's Elizabeth Collins character was originally a brunette (as played by Joan Bennett in the original series, and by Jean Simmons in the 1991 NBC TV remake); but Pfeiffer was allowed to retain her fair-hair while playing Elizabeth.

            Not good; and inconsistent with the Shadows mythology.

            And that white make-up of Depp's? I realize he wanted to present a "realistic vampire," but did he have to look like that throughout the entire film? Couldn't he just have gone "all-white" whenever he went on the attack for blood, and retained his "regular" human form look at all other times?

            That was one of the things about Frid's original Barnabas: he was "every-vampire"...relatable. He was accessible to the viewers, who could, strangely enough, identify with him...because he made Barnabas human.

            Such is not the case with Depp's Barnabas. Depp, under Burton's guidance, made Barnabas a joke.

And although he script (by Seth Graham-Smith; story by John August) is compelling; the production design and cinematography is Executive Level A; the casting, pitch-perfect; and the original mythology is intact (thanks, in part, I'm sure to consultant Jim Pierson, right-hand man for years to Shadows creator, the late Dan Curtis), where the heck is the iconic opening theme sequences and music?

            And why in heaven's name couldn't they have upgraded the cameos of original Shadowsactors Frid, Lara Parker (the original witch Angelique; played in the film by Eva Green), Kathryn Leigh Scott (the original Josette DuPres/Maggie Evans-Victoria Winters, played in the new film by Bella Heathcote), and David Selby (seen on the original series as man/zombie Quentin Collins)? To have these legendary performers down-graded to glorified "extras" in a party scene is, well, purely insulting to the integrity of these beloved performers and their millions of fans.

Again, the big-screen Dark Shadows film is a fine production, but it could have been great - and it could have easily out-distanced at the box-office the Twilight franchise (which was inspired by it in the first place) if it just would have taken a step back and thought more productively about the main objective:

            To have a hit film.

            Burton/Depp would have met this objective if they would have just played it straight all the way through, been more respectful of the original Shadows actors, and had just a little bit more respect for the material all the way around - while still retaining nods to pop-culture and a sense of humor throughout the script.

            For example: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the TV series created by Joss Whedon, the new king of Hollywood (due to his super-performing superhero feature film, The Avengers). Buffy's scripts were top-notch and the performers were stellar. There were constant references to pop-culture and subtle winks to the audience, but the actors played it straight throughout.

            Second example: Whedon's The Avengers: The script is sprinkled with humor, and again, winks to the audience, but the actors play it straight throughout the entire production.

            This is not the case with Burton's Dark Shadows. Instead, he directs his actors to chew the scenery a little bit too much, and his pop-culture references (Depp's heart-brokenBarnabas reading Eric Segal's Love Story) are just a little bit too over the top.

            And the ending? I'm gonna spoil it here for those who don't like spoilers:

            Josette turned into a vampire?!

            Too bittersweet.

            Barnabas and everyone Angeliquecursed remains cursed even after her death??!!

            Doesn't make sense. No logic within the illogic. No consistency.

            Each and every one of Angelique's curses should have died with her.

            And then Barnabas burns a little bit when the sun touches him just a tad inside the Collinwood mansion…but he can still walk completely outside in the broad daylight and not even be tinged?

            Again, doesn't make sense.

            And would it have been such a terrible thing if Dark Shadows had a happy ending? Where Barnabas, finally vampire-free from Angelique's curse, just walked into the sunset with Josette, his dear-beloved for centuries?

            Doesn't anyone, much less Tim Burton, know how to end a movie anymore?

            Didn't he want his movie to be a hit? To have the audience walk out of the theatre with tears of joy, spreading the word, saying to everyone they know (Shadow-ites, and Dark novices, alike), "You HAVE to see this movie!"

            Wouldn't that have been great? For Dark Shadows have been able to become everything that a director like Burton and a star like Depp are capable of making it become?

            Instead, the movie has now become a passing fancy, ironically, campy, leaving the Dark Shadows franchise, like Barnabas Collins, to remain dead for another two hundred years.

My Top Ten Christmas Songs, TV Specials and TV-Movies Of All Time

MY TOP TEN CHRISTMAS SONGS

1] CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE (Written by Vince Guaraldi - from A Charlie Brown Christmas):

Show me a better song representative of Christmas? Okay, maybe The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole - but nothing revs up the Holiday heart strings like this classic tune sung by the Peanuts gang on one of the best Christmas TV specials of all time (see below list).

2] THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW (FOR DREAMS TO COME TRUE) By Janet Orenstein from Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special:

Like Christmastime is Here (from A Charlie Brown Christmas) this true-love bearing (and en-deer-ing) song from TV's other classic perennial, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, hits all the right chords. Years after first hearing it as a kid, my college crush Debbie Bell (yep, that was her name) sang this for me on her piano. And I couldn't believe she had the sheet music.

3] SILVER & GOLD (performed by Burl Ives in Rudolph):

Stripping away the materialism of what it may appear to mean (silver and gold money, for example), this song caters to core of Christmas - and teaches us to decorate our trees with only the sincerest of colors (that you just know somehow glisten on and make into Heaven - which, of course, is already paved with silver and gold).

4] HOLLY-JOLLY CHRISTMAS (performed by Burl Ives in Rudolph):

Put away your frown, Mr. Scrooge...I dare you not to dance when you hear this jingle bell.

5] LAST CHRISTMAS by George Michael:

George has certainly had his share of issues in the years since his early days with WHAM, but this song wasn't one of 'em. Instead, it goes down in history as one of the most beautiful and somber pop-rock carols of all time.

6] ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU by Mariah Carey:

Like George Michael before her, Mariah Carey has experienced a few personal challenges in recent years. However, her talent is astounding - and her voice is pure - as is so pristinely evident heart-felt holiday rockin' tune.

7] FELICE NAVIDA by Jose Feliciano:

Before it became hip for non-Latinos to speak Spanish in the US, the gifted Jose Ferrer introduced mainstream Americana to the international sounds of Christmas with this bangin' gee-tar-driven holiday present that broke the language barrier.

8] SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS (offcially titled Happy Christmas) by John Lennon. TIES with LITTLE SAINT NICK by Brian Wilson (and Mike Love):

One would expect nothing less from Lennon - the man who brought us the timeless beauty of Imagine - while the genius of The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson is front and center for Christmas. And is it really any wonder that Little Saint Nick appears on TBB's first Christmas album, which just so happened to be released in the same year (1964) that Rudolph debuted on TV? 'Course not. The angels know what they're doing.

9] DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS? - Before being charitable in the super-mainstream public eye became cool, this haunting tune was recorded to help feed the hungry - not only of the body - but of the heart and the soul. In the process, it reminds us exactly what Christmas is supposed to be all about (clue: not buying Christmas gifts at the mall, which opens at 4 AM on Black Friday).

10] EDELWEISE by Rodgers and Hammerstein from The Sound of Music. If this isn't a Christmas song, I don't know what is. It is infested with love, and as far as I'm concerned, is one of the most beautifully melodies on the planet. And though The Sound of Music is not "really" a "Christmas story," per se, it really kinda'sorta is.

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MY TOP TEN ANIMATED CHRISTMAS TV SPECIALS


1] A Charlie Brown Christmas (CBS, 1965): Directed by Bill Melendez. Written by Charles Schulz.

Young voice-over talent Peter Robbins made his indelible mark as Charlie Brown in this poignant holiday classic that spawned a series of similar specials for every holiday. Here, Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas and the perfect tree. While directing a school play, he ultimately finds both, though not before our young low-acheiver is confronted by a number of obstacles. None the least of these conflicts is presented by his own dog Snoopy's obsession with winning first prize for a local decorations competition, or by his mean-spirited peers who mock his choice of a tiny sickly tree. Through it all, Charlie continues to struggle for peace of mind in his December time, when he is forced to visit with his pseudo-psycholgoist friend (and foe) Lucy, who offers him a 5 cents therapy session. Following a desperate plea (during which he screams, "Can't anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?!"), CB finally hears the real deal - from Lucy's young brother Linus, of all people. "I can tell you," Linus reveals. And in one of the most uniquely animated moments in the history of the genre, Linus goes on to quote the Biblical story of the first Christmas. In a matter of moments, CB's misguided pals realize their inconsideration and, with the help and reconfiguration of Snoopy's prize-winning decorations, breathe life into a once-listless tree - further uncovering and "illuminating" the true meaning of Christmas. "Hark the herald" these young animated angels then all sing.

2] Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer (CBS, 1964): Directed by Kizo Nagashima and Larry Roemer. Written by Robert May and Romeo Miller.

A "true love" story. Lessons about maturity, responsibility, pride, prejduice, ambition and acceptance; deciphering "deer pressure" from "elf-improvement." Dispelling the fear surrounding a visit to the dentist? Learning that no toy is happy unless it is truly loved by a child? Some of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written (There's Always Tomorrow; Silver and Gold). What else could anyone want in a Christmas TV special? This classic always signals the commencement of the holiday season - and reminds me so much to slow my pace and shine on until the morning - and beyond. Featuring the awesome talents of Burl Ives, who we first meet in the North Pole midst of a field of Christmas trees ("Yep -this is where we grow 'em?).

3] Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (ABC, 1969): Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. Written by Romeo Miller.

Taking it's cue from Rudolph, this smart Christmas tale expands on the popularity of a Christmas song and threads a charming tale about the origins of St. Nick - here voiced by Mickey Rooney. Also along for the ride: Fred Astaire (serving the narrator purpose, alla Burl Ives on Rudolph) as the Christmas Mailman. Also featuring the vocal talents of Keenan Wynn, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner and Robie Lester.


4] The Year Without A Santa Claus (ABC, 1974): Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. Written by William Keenan and based on the novel by Phyllis McGinley.

Mickey Rooney returns as Santa, this time joined by Shirley Hazel Booth as Mrs. Claus in smart take that may be sub-coded, Santa Takes A Holiday - as the jolly one gets sick and decides to take a break from Christmas. As such, a quite sophisticated animated tale is delivered, along with an astounding message and pristine dialogue. In fact, this cartoon was so impressive, it spawned a life-action TV-movie (starring John Goodman) in 2006.

5] A Christmas Carol (Syndicated, 1970): Directed by Zoran Janjic. Written by Michael Robinson and based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens.

Who says television isn't educational? This was my introduction to the great mind of Charles Dickens. Up until then, I thought cartoons only meant Scooby Doo, Where Are You? - not to mention, great literature. Starring the voiceover talents of Alistair Duncan, Ron Haddick (as Scrooge), John Llewellyn, Bruce Montague, Brenda Senders and many others.

6] The Night The Animals Talked (CBS, 1970): Directed by Shamus Culhane. Written by Peter Fernandez, Jan Hartman and others.

Just about his far away from Dr. Doolittle as you can get, we learn here what the animals were thinking at the birth of Christ. They are granted the gift of gab - and we are granted the gift of insight. Mind-boggling - and aeons ahead of its time. Starring the vocal gymnastics of Pat Bright, Ruth Franklin, Bob Kaliban, Len Maxwell, Joe Silver, Frank Porella and others.

7] 'Twas The Night Before Christmas (CBS, 1974): Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. Written by Jerome Coopersmith and based on the poem by Clement Moore.

Producers/directors Bass and Rankin steered away from stop-action animation (Rudolph, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town) and headed into the then-more traditional animatrics of the era. What's more, it's also told in a 30-minute format (as opposed to the aforementioned 60-minutes, though first completed a few years before with Frosty the Snowman in 1969). But their style is still evident especially drawn in the eyes and "heart" of each character. A sweet narrative delivery of a perfect holiday ryhme. Feauturing the voices of Patricia Bright, Scott Firestone, George Gobel (Hollywood Squares), Broadway giant and film legend Joel Grey, and Tammy Grimes (the original choice for Samantha on TV's Bewitched; but she said no).

8] The Little Drummer Boy (NBC, 1968): Directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin, Jr. and others. Written by Romeo Muller.

Two years after CBS got heavy with A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Peacock network delivered this equally-deep and spiritual take on an animated Christmas TV special. Based on the classic song (that was later historically duetted by Bing Crosby and David Bowie on one of Crosby's traditional NBC Holiday specials). Starring the vocal prowess of Jose Ferrer, Paul Frees, June Foray, and narrated by Greer Garson.

9] How The Grinch Stole Christmas (CBS, 1966): Directed by Chuck Jones and Ben Washam. Written by Bob Ogle and based on the book by Dr. Seuss.

Director Ron Howard and actor Jim Carrey made a valiant attempt to bring Whoville to the live big-screen a few years back, but ain't nothing like the original unreal thing - especially due to the vocal brilliance of Boris Karloff.

10] Frosty The Snowman (CBS, 1969): Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin. Written by Romeo Miller.

Here, Jimmy Durrante (like his compadres Burl Ives and Fred Astaire before) serves as narrator to yet another Christmas carol come to life - along with Frosty. A sequel (Frosty Returns) later followed (with John Goodman, years before he donned the live action edition of The Year Without A Santa Claus - stepped in for Jackie Vernon). But it wasn't the same. Also starring the voices of the great Billie De Wolfe (The Doris Day Show), and Bass/Rankin/Miller stalwharts Paul Frees and June Foray.

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MY TOP TEN CHRISTMAS TV-MOVIES OF ALL TIME

1] THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE (CBS, 1972): Directed by Paul Bogart. Written by Eleanor Perry and Gail Rock. Based on the book by Rock.

Jamie Mills (played by the great Jason Robards) has grown bitter over the years after losing his wife a decade before. As such, he no longer celebrates Christmas and refuse to put a tree. But this is no run-of-the-mill take on Scrooge - especially after watching Jaime's young daughter Addie (Lisa Lucas) ultimately drag a decorated tree through town and into the Mills living room. If you're looking for your heart, you'll find it in this movie. Mildred Natwick offerred her usual perfect performance, here - in a supporting role - as Robards' mother. Special note: This flick's budget was low, forcing it to be videotaped (like everything pretty much today - though some TV shows and movies make it look like film). But somehow it adds to the "reality."

2] MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (CBS, 1973): Directed by Fielder Cook. Written by Valentine Davies, Jeb Rosebrook (and others).

No, it ain't the original 1947 feature film classic (with a tiny Natalie Wood), but it sure as heck ain't the overblown remake from 1994. Nope, this little puppy of a version starred the late Sebastian Cabot (Mr. French from TV's Family Affair), David Hartman (soon to be an early rising staple on ABC's Good Morning, America) and Jane Alexander (who was just about to find super fame playing Eleanor Rosevelt in a series of TV-movies for ABC). Look also for this astounding supporting cast: Roddy McDowall, Jim Backus (Gilligan's Island, Mr. Magoo), James Gregory (Barny Miller), Conrad Janis (Mork & Mindy), Roland Winters, and David Doyle (Charlie's Angels) and Tom Bosley (Happy Days) - the latter two of whom have been cross-identified by viewers for years - and who appeared here on screen together for the first time. you can't beat that - and you can't beat this TV-flick for slick production values (for its time), nostalgia (on so many fronts) and a straight-forward "logic within the illogic" script. Awesome. Just awesome. Everything a Christmas TV-movie (or any TV-movie for that matter) should be.

3] FATHER KNOWS BEST: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (NBC, 1977): Directed by Norman Abbott and based on the original TV series created by Ed James.

Like The House Without A Christmas Tree, this TV-flick was produced with an extremely low budget (it wasn't even filmed like the original series, but videotaped - like a daytime soap opera). But little matter. The script is in place, story is home-made-for-TV, and the cast is dynamite, including all original members of the original Father series, such as: Robert Young (Marcus Welby, MD), Jane Wyatt (Spock's mom on Star Trek), Lauren Chapin, Elinor Donahue (who later married executive producer Harry Bewitched Ackerman), Christopher Gardner, and Billy Gray. When Young as Jim Anderson puts up those Christmas lights outside the house, I can't help but be reminded of my super Uncle Carl - who did the same for so many years on Erie Street (in my hometown of Rochester, NY). This movie will remind you of similar memories I'm sure.

4] SAINT MAYBE (1998, CBS): Directed by Michael Pressman. Written by Robert W. Lenski. Based on the book by Anne Tyler.

Not a Christmas movie, per se, but filled with the astounding spirit of one. Thomas McCarthy plays a lonely teen who works past a tragic car accident that kills his sister, and forces him to care for her three children. Moving, pristine and downright awe-inspiring. Also starring Blythe Danner, Edward Hermann (who played alongside the aforementioned Jane Alexander in those Rosevelt TV-movies), the beautiful Melina Kanakaraedes, Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds), and former TV-movie queen, Glynnis O'Connor.

5] CHRISTMAS ON DIVISION STREET (1991, ABC). Directed by George Kaczender. Written by Barry Morrow.

As usual, Fred Savage (The Wonder Years) delivers another fine performance, this time as the privledged offspring of wealthy parents who learn the true meaning of Christmas from their son (who learns it from a homeless man). Hint: it doesn't have anything to do with buying lots of expensive, materialistic gifts for people. Also starring Hume Cronyn, Badja Djola, Cloyce Morrow, Kenneth Walsh and Kahla Lichti.

6] A DAD FOR CHRISTMAS (a.k.a. Me and Luke, 2006, CBS). Directed by Eleanor Lindo. Written by Alan Hines. Based on the novel (Me and Luke) by Audrey O'Hearn.

As with Saint Maybe, this pristine small screen film is not clearly defined as a Christmas TV-movie (though there's a Christmas dinner in there at the end). But it's infested with the spirit. Newcomer Kristopher Turner plays a compassionate teen father who sets out to protec and claim his newborn son from the likes of the child's selfish mother. The Oscar-winning Louise Fletcher, as the Turner's grandmother, steps up to the plate as the first-time Dad's main ally. Also starring Philip Akin, Lindsay Ames, and others.

7] BORROWED HEARTS: A HOLIDAY ROMANCE (1997, CBS): Directed by Ted Kotcheff. Written by Pamel Wallace and Earl W. Wallace.

Roma Downey is no angel. But Hector Elizondo is in this flick, which also stars Eric McCormack in a pre-Will & Grace straight role. Bottom line: She's poor. He's her rich, snobby corporate boss - and they're both brought together by her daughter Carly (Janet Baily) - with a little help from an Elizondo.

8] IT HAPPENED ONE CHRISTMAS (1977, ABC): Directed by Donald Wrye. Written by Jo Swerling and Frank Capra.

Before the rest of the universe realized how wonderful It's A Wonderful Life is, That Girl star Marlo Thomas reworked the 1947 Jimmy Stewart classic with a female twist. And the results were impressive. It's probably BECAUSE of this small-screener that people began to become obsessed with the original. Also starring the iconic Orson Welles (as Mr. Potter), Wayne Rogers (M*A*S*H), Cloris Leachman (The Mary Tyler Moore Show), Dick O'Neil, Cliff Norton, Christoper Guest, C. Thomas Howell and Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond) as Ma Baily.

9] A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1984, CBS). Directed by Clive Donner. Written by Roger O. Hirsen - and Charles Dickens

Though the Charles Dickens classic has been remade about a gazillion times, this version starring George C. Scott takes the cake - and the entire dessert table. A top-level, A-List production from every angle. Also starring: Frank Finlay, Angela Pleasence, Edward Woodward, David Warner, Susannah York, Roger Rees, and so many other fine actors.

10] THE NIGHT THEY SAVED CHRISTMAS (CBS, 1984): Directed by Jackie Cooper. Written by Jim Maloney.

A lot better than you would think - with the additional benefits of Charlie's Angels beauty Jaclyn Smith, the legendary Art Carney (The Honeymooners), Paul Le Mat (who starred opposite Smith's Angels co-star Farrah Fawcett in 1985's ground-breaking TV-movie, The Burning Bed), June Lockhart(Lost in Space), Paul Williams, Scott Grimes and many others.

The Hollywood Bowl and Michael Feinstein Play Elegant Host To Classic TV Stars

For countless Friday nights at 8 PM, Florence Henderson performed on The Brady Bunch.

For one very special Friday night at 9 PM, Florence Henderson performed with Michael Feinstein and the Singing Stars of TV.

Millions originally experienced the former from 1969 to 1973, via the magic of television, specifically ABC.

A few lucky thousand experienced the latter on July 29th, 2011, live at The Hollywood Bowl.

With either performance, Ms. Henderson sang the theme to The Brady Bunch, and it was heavenly to hear. Hearing it live, however, was seventh-heavenly.

Of course it didn't hurt that Ms. Henderson, elegant and seemingly immortal in a graceful canary full-length sequence gown, performed, well...in sequence...along with the one and only Dick Van Dyke, super talent Wayne Brady and contemporary retro king Cheyenne Jackson. Each was introduced by the indelible Michael Feinstein playing perfect host, vocalist and pianist with the pristine Jack Everly conducting a crystal-clear sounding Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

Can you tell I liked the show?

How could you not?

There was Mr. Feinstein, the legend and in top-form, with wit, song and keyboard, playing both exquisite performer and gracious host to Ms. Henderson and Mr. Van Dyke, each entertainment legends who commenced and flourished with their careers on the Broadway stage.

Mr. Brady, who at only 39, remains a renaissance man if there ever was one. He is an unstoppable yet humble talent that evergreens a breath of fresh air with a charm that is merely outweighed by his charisma.

Mr. Jackson ever holds captive his audience, be it live or any of numerous screen performances (notably and most recently on Glee).

Michael Feinstein and the Singing Stars of TV perform again tonight.

Don't miss it.

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To order tickets for Michael Feinstein and the Singing Stars of TV, click on this link:
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/program-detail.cfm?id=2305

"Disability Media-Alive, Well & Growing" by Vince Staskel

My career and my passion for the past 32 years professionally and 61 years personally has been gaining social inclusion for persons-with-disabilities. After retiring as a legal rights advocate and accessibility consultant I pursued my passion of working within the entertainment industry promoting performers-with-disabilities.

I left the familiar agency setting for the new emerging world of "Disability Media." With-in a five year span this new field has lossomed. Our ultimate goal is to have disabled performers appearing regularly on screen. However for now the media opportunities available for us is on the rise.

One great effort is Disabled Radio hosted by the dynamic Chicago advocate and writer Rob Pritts. I am delighted to be a co-producer along with Sara Powell of this show. After writing From CP To CPA Rob is successfully taking on internet radio. The show's ever increasing audience and appearance requests attests to Disabled Radio being an effective voice on disability issues.

Another outstanding project is This Is Life getting very close to re-launching on KFMB-FM in LA with plans for syndication on additional CBS affiliates throughout the country. This Is Life has the very talented team of stars.

Toby Forrest the actor you've seen on The Defenders whose band Cityzen is breaking out nationally.

TV Icon Geri Jewell from The Facts of Life and Deadwood. Her autobiography I'm Standing As Straight As I Can is a best seller.

Comic great Kathy Buckley who as the nation's first hearing-impaired stand-up comedian has authored If You Could Hear What I See tours internationally in support of deaf education.

The show helmed by Producer Mike Steiner has gathered award winning industry professionals to guide it through a bright future on the radio. I am thrilled to assist both Mike and Barbara Glassman in generating potential sponsors.

This Is Life had a very good run of WebTalk Radio last year.

The project that got me started was Howard Renensland and his [with]]tv a fully inclusive television and internet showcase for performers, writers, and producers with disabilities. Howard's intensity and drive was the exact catalyst for me to see the immense need for a viable venue to present our creativity.

As the Director of Volunteers, I continue to "get-the-word-out,"while Howard and his business team secure investors, sponsors, and financial support.

What these three projects represent is how welcoming a world it is. Talented people utilizing their creative energies to find their place in show business and succeed. The media playing field is becoming more level. Yes we do need more acceptance out there. However in my 61 years I am seeing such outstanding opportunities for a very inclusive entertainment industry ahead.

The works detailed above are ones I am presently assisting. There a more shows, films, productions, and blogs available. Please check them out for your enjoyment and support. The world of disability media is fully accessible.

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For more information, log on to: www.disabledradio.com

Guest Blog: "MediaBility" by Vince Staskel

Every so often we like to post entries from various guest bloggers. This week, we have a post from Vince Staskel, one of our Board of Directors on the CTVPS. Vince, who is physically-challenged, is a media advocate for the disabled, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Classic TV Preservation Society.

His quest with this blog will is to highlight the positive change in the Entertainment Industry when it comes to recognizing and hiring performers-with-disabilities. That said, he commences with an essay on the efforts of actor Paul Reiser (Mad About You) in casting wheelchair-using actor Brad Waidmann in the role of his son on his new NBC sitcom The Paul Reiser Show.

Below is the first of what will be periodic blog posts from Vince Staskel.

Thank you,

Herbie J Pilato
Founder & Executive Director
The Classic TV Preservation Society


BRAVO BROCK WAIDMANN AND PAUL REISER

I understand that Paul Reiser and producers of The Paul Reiser Show sent out an Open Online Casting Call for actors in wheelchairs from 10-13 years of age, who are sweet and funny.

Well they found all that in 12 year-old actor Brock Waidmann for the role of Zeke. Brock was born with both Spina Bifida and Agenesis Corpus Callosum (ACC) affecting both sides of his brain. However, these disabilities have never limited Brock in any way. Born in Camarillo, Calif. Brock acted in elementary school productions, swims and plays bocce ball with the Special Olympics, and earns awards as a Cub Scout.

Brock's two younger brothers are both actors. Their Agent Cinda Snow also knew of Brock's interest in acting. When Cinda discovered that Reiser was looking for young disabled actors she arranged an audition with Warner Bros., and the rest is history.

It was Reiser's insight into disability because his own son has Cerebral Palsy and he wanted his TV son to be disabled as well. A major actor in the guise of Paul Reiser is displaying a positive personal awareness of disability in seeking to cast Waidmann as Zeke. I also commend talent agent Cinda Snow, who recognized a good actor who happened to be disabled for the role. Both Reiser and Snow have become key players in breaking a significant barrier to acceptance. They sincerely desired to cast a "disabled actor" and hired a very talented one.

This is a very positive change taking place in show business today. Brock Waidmann is certainly not the first performer-with-disability to succeed in Hollywood (I will be discussing those in future entries). However I am seeing a definite trend to including disability and actors with disabilities with a lot more ease today then in the past. What a wonderful direction the entertainment industry is taking.

BRAVO, folks!

And - man - if I was only 48 years younger!

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(For more information, or to contact Vince Staskel, please email: vin3a@verizon.net.)

The New Family TV-Show

I'm gonna' create a one-hour family TV show along the lines of "Life Goes On" (the first two seasons), and "The Waltons" (the first five seasons), set it in contemporary time...and have the characters interact with one another in very realistic ways. They wil be happy with each other, get angry with and disappointed in one another. They will hurt and forgive one another. And yet all of this will be displayed without violence and vulgarity, and minus all the manic camera angles and cuts, and the "edgy" presentation style that the networks presently think today's audiences want to see. In short, the iconic "Seal of Good Practice" shall be re-instated with this new show.