Stockard Channing - Twice on Tuesday
Stockard Channing fans, set your DVRs! You’ll get a double-shot of the The Stockard on Tuesday, January 27th.
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First up is the Today show on NBC. The show runs from 7am to 11am, and the line-up reads “John Grisham,Tom Coliccio, going to school online, Stockard Channing”, so better tape the entire show to be safe.
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Then on Tuesday evening:
Stockard Channing narrates a film of breathtaking beauty, The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies, premiering Tuesday, January 27 at 8pm ET/PT on PBS. Click here to watch a 2 minute preview.
Ron | Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
Not quite “all Stockard, all the time” but close.
Ron | Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
Seriously, can’t we have a moratorium on Stockard posts? Please.
Liz | Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
I imagine the Stockard Channing fans that visit this site don’t agree with you.
Ron | Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
I just checked. The site stockardchanningblog.com is available. Go have fun, Stockard fans.
Lauren | Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
I watched the interview this morning. She was good - seems like she’s really having a great time with the show.
Ana | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Liz-
You are correct. This fan of SC, visiting this site does not agree with “Ron.”
Lauren,
I agree - she was great, looks terrific, I also hope she is enjoying it- and it seems she really is.
Ana | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
By the way Liz, Lauren, all here who are positive, as a fan, thank you.
I have no desire to start my own blog in response to the post above.
I had a suggestion for that poster but admin removed it.
On a positive note I am seeing the show tonight.
And I expect it will have kept growing.
Am now departing in an NYC blizzard (7 long blocks even in a cab!) to see it.
It is a great show. As is this blog.
This page I am writing on has the name of a specific actor ON THE PAGE.
In addition I was asked to make comments.
My comment: love the show and REALLY appreciate the Hoff fans who remain as considerate gracious and kind as he himself appears to be.
I checked out his official website and it is lovely- beautiful intro song, lovely comments from fans on guestbook.
I happen to love this actor in Pal Joey (female lead) and this show and it is a limited run.
And I am off to see it tonight in a blizzard.
Thanks admin for the blog..
Ron | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
In response to the previous poster, I felt there was too much Stockard Channing material going onto the blog. Much of it is repetitious as she praises her co-stars, Joe Mantello, etc. and tells the same stories. And describes for the umpteenth time what it’s like to sing “Bewitched.” Martha articles, on the other hand, are fresh and interesting.
Stockard says very little about her personal life — I didn’t know until recently that she was in a long term relationship with a cinematographer named Dan Gillham. If she chooses to be private, that’s fine. But that choice should naturally put a limit on the number of articles that are posted.
I still think there are unsung heroes out there to be featured. Steven Skybell and Daniel Marcus were both terrific in the Jimmy Merrill interviews. I’ve seen them in several other shows. They’re old Broadway hands. Do pieces on them.
Liz | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
I look forward to your thoughts on the show, Ana. So many people saw it early on, when Risch had just a short time to prepare. I agree that it will hopefully have evolved.
Liz | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Ron, while I certainly respect your right to share your opinion here, I find your criticism of this blog offensive and annoying. Perhaps it’s time for you to find your Pal Joey information elsewhere - oh, wait, you’d have to visit 12 different sites to get all the info you get right here. And, I’m betting, a lot more Stockard!
Ron | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
This is a great blog, Liz. But I think the blog is reflecting the official PJ publicity, which is skewed very heavily toward Stockard, the biggest star in the show. The more Stockard stories in the media, the more available for the blog.
And that’s where the blog can really provide a service no one else does–take us beyond the “official” sell-tickets stuff, which gets repetitive and old.
I loved the piece on Lisa Gajda, for example. (Nice work, Catherine.) That’s something the official publicity machine would never feed to the media.
Here’s another example. All of the opening night interviews on other sites were short sound bites to sell the show. The ones on this blog were longer and got into some depth, not only about Pal Joey but about theater in general. (Well done, Jimmy Merrill.) I believe they even ran to 30 minutes. That’s longer than the others combined.
I wish there was more of the “backstage tour” type of material on the Internet. Broadway.com does a good job with that.
Ron | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
It was never my point to offend anyone but I seem to be doing that anyway.
This will be my last comment on the Pal Joey Blog.
My apologies to you, Ana and Liz.
Goodbye.
Bill | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
So, Ron, you can dish it out but you can’t take it.
Seriously, don’t leave. The blog needs alternative views.
Viva la revolucion!
Ron | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Sorry, Bill, but no.
In the paraphrased words of one of our Presidents,”You won’t have Ron to kick around any more.”
Sid | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Ron–
You need to bone up on United States history. Nixon wasn’t president when he said, “You won’t have Dick Nixon to kick around any more”. So they’re NOT the WORDS of a PRESIDENT.
Nixon had just lost the California governor’s race to Pat Brown in 1962.
Ron | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Oh great. Someone else to give me a hard time.
Nixon said THOSE words–he was PRESIDENT–therefore, they are THE WORDS OF A PRESIDENT.
I have a history degree, for Pete’s sake.
sonya | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
I hate to pile on–but Ron, you didn’t really paraphrase the Nixon quote. “Paraphrase” is to restate while retaining the same meaning.
You used Nixon’s exact quote but substituted your name.
Cheers.
Ron | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Will everyone please leave me alone.
I have an English minor and I say that I paraphrased President Nixon. End of story.
CHEERS!
betsymolloy | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
I might consider leaving you alone after you’ve publicly apologized to The Stockard.
Bill | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Ha! Ron’s new theme song—-
“You Mustn’t Kick ME Around”
Ron | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Bill—-
Et tu, Brute?
Sid | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Ron, you promised no more comments.
Somebody get the hook and drag this guy offstage.
sonya | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Did you minor in Latin too, Ron?
Sid | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
With all the drama of Ron’s exit, I’d say he was definitely a theater minor.
Toodle-oo, Ron.
Ana | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Wow, a lot went on as I attempted a reply—this- is in reply to Liz, who asked re: my experience last night.( Tues., Feb.4, 2009.) ( second row center btw).
Liz, thanks. I think the show was THE strongest I have ever seen it. A new (physical) change was added to the check scene- which was in and of itself the strongest I have ever seen it. I am very very familiar with Stockard’s work in particular- so that doesn’t surprise me. She does completely what actors are supposed to do: play each moment as if for the first time. And the depth of interpretation gets stronger even when you think it is so strong it can’t (get stronger). It still does. It deepens. It stays fresh and it deepens.
“…Bewitched” and the check scene were both incredibly strong - and touching. Her entire arc (Stockard’s) as Vera moved me immensely last night — and I’ve seen the show a lot already. It speaks to how strong her work is, that it remains fresh- and things deepen.
The show is in TERRIFIC shape. I wish the reviewers had seen THIS show. It has grown and kept growing. I think Risch is right - now that I reflect on it btw- “Do It The Hard Way” ( was it the camera crew laughing at the title?
It now has stayed with me! 
)… The fact that dance is (I believe) his first instinctive natural language makes it much easier for him to charm Linda there. I think it is my favorite duet with the two of them.
Jenny Fellner’s voice - I love it. She couldn’t possibly be more perfectly cast.
Plimpton as strong as ever also btw- her choices are SO specific in “Zip”- love that.
And the chorus has so much individual stuff and individual character work- that is great fun to see. One thing I only recently started noticing is Kathryn Mowat Murphy ( red hair) - plays the top of Act Two ( where we see the real club given to Joey vs. his fantasy club end of Act One)—she plays that as if she were a bit typsy. Love that.
I came home thinking about the show ( Vera really gets to me) …
What else? Just that “Bewitched ” ( like all of Stockard’s work) is brilliantly acted- it is a monologue. ( It is a living thing.) I continue to be amazed at the depths Stockard reaches … it was immensely affecting and touching last night- her work. (I’m used to seeing her in a run- and STILL I was blown away.) She keeps things fresh always- and there is more depth - when you think she is already “there”… and can’t be stronger- she does get stronger. The work grows. ( Did that make sense?) (Repeating myself- tired, sorry!) Wanted to post a quick response.
I think the show is actually very well cast overall. VERY. The tenor jokes for me get a bit old ( not that the actor is bad, just those jokes about his name don’t do all that much for me). (I am a fan of the new book however, definitely. Greenberg’s work overall here.)
I could actually really “write a book” re: how strong the supporting characters and the dancers are here. Love watching the detailed work in the ensemble overall. No one was out last night.
Risch has two really strong things going for him- one: dancing is his natural language- when he charms Linda in ” Do it The Hard Way”- we see it is his natural language… - that he makes it look EFFORTLESS… that helps a lot.
But the main thing? (To my eye) —His chemistry with Vera.( And yes Linda also) - With Vera— he is right in there with her. And he is … sexy enough that we believe Vera wants him - and the ease between them onstage has grown by LEAPS and BOUNDS. They had chemistry literally from the first night onstage (I happened to catch it) but it has grown and continues to.
And so has her work. I was incredibly moved last night and from the sound of it ( her curtain call bows) I was far from alone.
I ponder over Joey. I think Risch has a chemistry I never saw with Hoff. Sometimes chemistry is a difficult thing. Stockard accepted it based on reading with Hoff… what happened between rehearsals and that preview week remains with those involved. Chemistry perhaps is intangible- perhaps in reading with him- it worked. And on its feet, no.
But more specifically- yes, I think Risch is DEFINITELY growing. Scenes with Vera- in particular, love them. Scenes with Linda -working very well. I happen to be a fan of the edginess - the beginning and end, the set, the overall feel of the piece. (Just for the record.) And I love Greenberg’s book. He was clearly there as Risch was growing with Stockard in previews- I saw based on physical business, a few lines added… in previews. (Last night I saw a physical change in the check scene I loved- I have to imagine of course Greenberg now, is gone.)
As tired as I am this morning- that is the best I can do. I was truly moved last night- and yeah particularly by Vera. Stockard is an actor whose work keeps deepening in a run and always remains fresh. Here is the great news: Risch is in there with her.
Liz | Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
Ana, I also commented on “share your experience”, but thought I’d duplicate here:
You mentioned “Joe Egg” in a previous comment. Have you seen the old post on this blog http://paljoeyblog.com/archives/354) that talks about this? It states that Stockard won the 1985 Tony for that show. There’s also a production picture.
Ana | Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
Hi Liz,
I saw the Joe Egg picture and blurb on the blog- didn’t go back and see your comment, thanks for duplicating here.
Yes,
I missed seeing it live! When I finally saw her work, years later- I went to the archives …
I was mesmerized. Had I seen it live, I would have been there EVERY night and gone broke! Her Sheila was marvelous- I read the play- and saw….guilt… She ( Stockard) saw… love! And I believed such a woman ( her Sheila) could exist. I fell in love with her Sheila. And Jim Dale was BRILLIANT with her- chemistry—that intangible thing….was there…(His opening monologue was also hysterical as well) …I felt for his character as Sheila devoted all her time and love to this damaged child- as well as loving her Sheila. There is so much to that play- she truly deserved that Tony- I could see that even from a camera plunked in the back of the theatre.
(So grateful it was taped!) Really wondering what rock I was under. (I was very young.)
In the past she has in interviews shared what led to “Joe Egg” … ( I also went to her clippings file when I first saw her stage work - blown away, thinking where did that come from? That brilliance? ) To my surprise, it came from Harvard, years of Boston theatre, learning while she worked- not a theatre school like Julliard, etc.)… She has given many candid interviews re: her career (also some personal stuff that intersected, she’s been very honest and candid about herself- just not involved those in her life) … re: career- a great one is a 1991 ATW seminar … it is about the work, and goes into a LOT of detail. Including “Joe Egg”… That is on the web (real player) :
ATW ( Sept. 91) url:
http://americantheatrewing.org/wit/detail/performance_09_91_2
In the past, in interviews, she’s talked at great length about that time in her life and deciding to come back to her roots- theatre, and “Joe Egg”–it was pivotal. Arvin Brown directed. (He headed the Long Wharf then.) The story (did you know?) comes from Peter Nichols’ life- only he and his wife put the child in an institution eventually, if I recall correctly … I read it before seeing it- and then when seeing her do it - was stunned- she saw things in Sheila I never would have.
When I read through her clippings file so long ago … I was stunned- I imagined everything had come easily- as she is so extraordinarily talented. But life is not always like that. She worked very hard for the career we see … especially early on. And- in deciding to come back to theatre with “Joe Egg”…
A recent interview that shares a bit more about her life - including “Joe Egg”-and about her childhood, her mother
-url below….– If you see it? I had the same reaction as the older woman she describes re: her living in Florida now!:) Funny story. Recommend the interview (”Frost Over the World” - November 08- youtube). She is quite candid… and mentions that “Joe Egg” turned her life around. Taped right before Pal Joey. The url in case you are interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGUUrfTgBSI
Liz- thanks for the comment. (Brevity - not my strong suit. Sorry, admin!)
Ana | Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
ps. don’t see it online- but Feb. Playbill has an article about SC.
Mostly about PJ but she mentions being 19 at Harvard and singing ” Pirate Jenny” - which is what made her want to act (have to act I suppose)- or “join the circus” as she puts it.