I'm jazzed to write about both the Lincoln Center revival of "South Pacific" and the new Broadway musical "Cry-Baby" when
I return to Indy. And to catch two more shows Saturday. And to share, perhaps tomorrow's blog, some thoughts on my visit to
Birdland for some jazz.
For now, though, a few words about celebrity spotting.
This is not, of course, a uniquely New York phenomenon. Just the other night at the Indianapolis International Film Festival, there was "X-men" star Famke Jenssen, sitting in the lounge. But obviously New York and L.A. are the places where this is most likely to happen.
What I find fascinating is how difficult it is not to share these inconsequential stories with friends, family and co-workers upon one's return to the real world. For instance, Kathy Lee Gifford was two rows behind me yesterday at "South Pacific" and that fact has come up far too often in the day's conversations. (She seemed to really enjoy the production, by the way).
On a previous trip, I walked near the Public Theatre and saw a dead pigeon on the sidewalk. When I looked up, Willem Dafoe breezed by me (the two things, I believe, were unrelated but added up to strong New York moment--or at least that was my excuse for telling the tale over and over again).
And then there was that moment when Jim Belushi walked across 7th Avenue (amazing, huh?) and when Christopher Guest sat in the same theater seeing "Gypsy" (the last revival, not the present one), and, OMG, when the woman from "The Drew Carey Show" was actually buying groceries in L.A.
And how about when Al Franken cut into the front of a long line at Grand Central Station?
Why are these nothing moments, these not-quite stories, so lodged in our brains? Why do we have such an urge to share them? Why do the Us magazines of the world get so much mileage out of the photos of celebs walking, shopping, eating, etc.?
Your thoughts? (Or, if you want, your favorite celebrity-spotting stories?)
Famke Jenssen looked great, by the way.
For now, though, a few words about celebrity spotting.
This is not, of course, a uniquely New York phenomenon. Just the other night at the Indianapolis International Film Festival, there was "X-men" star Famke Jenssen, sitting in the lounge. But obviously New York and L.A. are the places where this is most likely to happen.
What I find fascinating is how difficult it is not to share these inconsequential stories with friends, family and co-workers upon one's return to the real world. For instance, Kathy Lee Gifford was two rows behind me yesterday at "South Pacific" and that fact has come up far too often in the day's conversations. (She seemed to really enjoy the production, by the way).
On a previous trip, I walked near the Public Theatre and saw a dead pigeon on the sidewalk. When I looked up, Willem Dafoe breezed by me (the two things, I believe, were unrelated but added up to strong New York moment--or at least that was my excuse for telling the tale over and over again).
And then there was that moment when Jim Belushi walked across 7th Avenue (amazing, huh?) and when Christopher Guest sat in the same theater seeing "Gypsy" (the last revival, not the present one), and, OMG, when the woman from "The Drew Carey Show" was actually buying groceries in L.A.
And how about when Al Franken cut into the front of a long line at Grand Central Station?
Why are these nothing moments, these not-quite stories, so lodged in our brains? Why do we have such an urge to share them? Why do the Us magazines of the world get so much mileage out of the photos of celebs walking, shopping, eating, etc.?
Your thoughts? (Or, if you want, your favorite celebrity-spotting stories?)
Famke Jenssen looked great, by the way.
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While in Soho in 2005, I noticed a film crew. I asked a crew member what they were filming and was told it was a Bruce Willis film, 16 Blocks. A few hours later crossing at street, my daughter spotted Willis sporting his NY Yankees cap. As we passed, she locked eyes with him and noticed those famous blue eyes. She blurted out, It's Bruce Willis! and my husband turned, camera in hand, to capture a shot. Don't know if we freaked him out, but he ran with someone--probably a bodyguard--and dove into a production trailer.
Earlier when Hoosiers was in production, I was having lunch at Fletcher's, which used to be in downtown Indy. This was just after viewing the movie Blue Velvet. Seated next to me was Dennis Hopper. My first thought was is this guy really as weird as his character in the movie? I debated whether to ask for his autograph but decided to let him enjoy his lunch in peace. I also worked as a production assistant on the movie and one afternoon while meeting to discuss the next day's shoot, there was a knock on the door. In came Gene Hackman who stopped by to say hello and to thank us for our work.
I'll turn and look, and the person will say, Hey, yeah! Remember me? You came to Mr. So-and-so's class to tell scary stories?
Often there were 90 people in that middle school class team, so I don't always remember each person, especially out of context, but I only say, It's great to see you again! I had such a good time visiting your class that day! which is absolutely true.
But I am not really a celebrity, so that sort of thing only happens once in a while. And besides, the student and I usually end up having a real conversation about the stories we shared, so it's not the same as someone saying, Look! There is Hope walking down the street! (I am laughing out loud at the thought!)
I don't have a good answer to your question, Lou.
I do know, however, that I love hearing about real celebrity sightings, including the ones already listed here. (Who else has anyone seen?)
Hope Baugh
www.IndyTheatreHabit.com
Thanks a lot, Chuck.
This would mean that my oh-so-brief relationship with Ms. Jenssen is over and my time with Gifford has begun.
You can bet I'll be looking for more celebs when I'm back in NYC on Saturday.
I think celeb spottings stick with us because they are so unexpected.
Let's face it, stars are made out to be larger than life and we get
star-struck when we see them in ordinary places/circumstances.
Here's hoping your next girlfriend is fab.
And a couple of years before that, my hubby and I were catching Wicked -- just a few weeks before Idina Menzel was leaving the show. Our seats were in the mezzanine. Moments before curtain time, a buzz started spreading through the crowd on the main floor. We craned our necks, and, sure 'nuff - crazy Tom Cruise was catching Idina, too. He stood up and waved to the crowd. People applauded. Of course, this was pre-jumping on Oprah's couch and pre-arguing with Matt Lauer about Scientology. So I wonder if his reception would be so warm today.
Love sharing celebrity sightings!!