Cy Coleman Documentary

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 12:11 am

Hi Robert, Snap

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 1:30 am

You mean your "playing cards" now Lena and Harry

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 2:25 pm

Haven't played cards for a while Robert.
We remember from many years ago when the family would be seated round the table playing cards for money and mainly evenings and late at night the money would be handled as quietly and as gingerly as possible, so that any policeman out on his beat (now that's a novelty) would'nt hear the jingle of the money because it was illegal and you could get a knock on the door and get nicked.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 3:44 pm

Hi Lena and Harry. It's a good job Ian Blair wasn't around in those days with his daft ideas about leaving doors open, or you would never have had your "quiet" game of cards

but if you had risked a game and decided to play "strip poker" can you imagine the look on the coppers face when he caught you out

but then of course, the famous words in your ear "you're nicked"

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:46 pm

Hi all---George and I used to play Cribbage--he learned as a young boy and taught me. It is a good game, but not one that you can play on your own. I have played it on the computer, but it is better with a human partner. I guess all games are the same---but at least the computer does not answer you back---or tell you you've got the score wrong --or even worse--accuse you of cheating

Marian

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:53 pm

I cannot imagine you ever cheating Mariana44

but to everyone else, be very careful, as Ian Blair is watching

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 5:47 pm

Everyone -- Sorry to break up your conversation on games and politicians

, but I would like to respond to Gray's questions.

I enjoyed Bye Bye Birdie so much because the cast was excellent, dance routines stunning, sets incredible (especially for The Telephone Hour), and the score is one of the best ever. Yes, Gray, Ann Margret starred in the film version. As is often the case, several songs were dropped for the film version and an inferior song (called "Bye Bye Birdie") was added. Why must they do this?! This wasn't my first show as I had already been accompanying choirs and shows for 6 years. And Bye Bye Birdie has a Matt Monro connection. He recorded two songs from this musical: Put On A Happy Face and A Lot Of Livin' To Do. Both of these should be in your repertoire, Gray, but they are not easy. There are unusual rhythms and intervals (especially on A Lot Of Livin' To Do). Matt Monro sings each song brilliantly.

I practised with my soprano last night. She doesn't do any of the things you mentioned, Gray. And only recently has she warmed up before performances. Her approach to singing is to: "build the breath control and keep the core muscles strong". These core muscles are the internal muscles around the lungs, diaphragm, intestines. Pilates can help build these muscles. These muscles will help build the chest cavity, which is important for singing. She's been singing for 43 years now. (So you've got a long career ahead of you, Gray.) I must say she's singing better than ever and still has her 3 octave plus range.

I only sing in the car to Matt Monro's songs and all my other favourite artists. Occasionally I irritate my officemates when I sing along to BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2! They're becoming quite familiar with The Feeling's Never Be Lonely, Muse's Starlight, and Lemar's It's Not That Easy.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:28 am

Just to put you right Paul. We're talking about the Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Ian Blair, not the Prime Minister Tony Blair

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:35 am

Thanks for the clarification, Robert. I've heard these "leave your doors unlocked" stories on the BBC Radio, but I didn't know Sir Ian Blair was Chief of Police.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:57 am

Paul

Thank you very much for this reply, sorry it has taken me sometime to reply but we have been on holiday for two weeks.

'Pilates': I have never heard of this expression - (just did a search on Google to discover it's a form of yoga) - so that is a good tip I will definately try.

Bye Bye Birdie is a film I haven't seen for a while, although it doesn't contain all the theatrical songs, I will keep my eyes peeled for a copy on dvd so I can view it again because you have whetted my appetite.

Your soprano friend is very lucky to be able to sing 'cold', but I suppose that is the gift beautiful singers are given.
My voice is rubbish anyway, but it would be really rubbish if I were to sing 'cold'!
I'm afraid I have no career in front of me in musical theatre, Paul! I only do the shows so people can hear wonderful music (murdered by me unfortunately

).

Anyway, thanks very much for your information, Paul, and good luck with your singing career too!

Gray