Rare Earth and “The Producers”
So, Mike got free tickets Thursday night to see “The Producers” at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. I’ve had mild interest in seeing this play which stars Jason Alexander and Martin Short. So, when Mike called and said the wife couldn’t join him, I said, “Sure, I’ll be your woman for the night.”
“The Producers,” while entertaining, wasn’t the papashit. The first 15 minutes were just, sorta, well, boring, and the finale was really not much of a finale. The problem being that the best part of the play takes place right after intermission when “Springtime For Hitler” is played for the audience, and that was good times.
My like or dislike of the production is heavily influenced by two biases: While I very much like the theatre, I’m not a big fan of musicals AND I really dislike Martin Short.
The reasons why I’m not a big musicals fan have to do with all those most obvious reasons people cite. That, and the fact I’m not gay, contribute to my generally staying away from musicals. I’ve seen my share, even been in a production of “The Music Man” and “Oklahoma” while in high school. Just not my thing, though.
As for Martin Short, I’ve never liked the guy. Never found his act all that funny, mostly because I’ve felt when he is acting he’s just waiting for the pay off where you applaud for him. Everything he does seems to be just a journey he’s taking to hear your appreciation. He could be the nicest guy in Hollywood, he might be my kinda people, but there’s an arrogance that slides right off him that bothers me.
Jason Alexander is good. The sets are great. There’s some good stuff. I wouldn’t pay to see it again.
Whereas “The Producers” may not be the papashit, Mike did introduce me to something else tonight that is. I took command of his iPod while he drove over to Hollywood from my abode in NoHo. I flipped around and found songs by “Rare Earth.” WOW! I’ve certainly heard “I Just Want To Celebrate” before, but don’t know that I’ve ever heard anything else by this band of the ’70s. DAMN! “Hey Big Brother” may end up on my list of the greatest songs ever … if I ever make that list. Been downloading a bunch of their stuff tonight and am in love. I’ll be buying one of their Best Of albums this weekend. Bunch a funky ass white men.
Listening to this band is like receiving an education in being excellent. Clearly I have a lot of listening to do. Appreciating the goodness.
