isn't Elaine Joyce that has-been singer/dancer who was once married to Bobby Van and made a gazillion appearances on "The Love Boat". she's now married to Neil Simon?!!
Wicked--Sure, that was my first thought too; but I'm not seeing it. I suppose if it gets people talking and a few people say "Oh, I didn't know they were doing 'Charity'", then maybe it's useful. You would think producers would want to generate positive behind-the-scenes stories, rather than imminent-disaster stories.
But then, I'm not a producer.
"They have never understood, and no reason that they should.
But if anybody could . . . " --SS
As MASTERLcZ said, if you insult Mary and Jane, you die. Why has Neil become so bitter in his old age? Saw "Rose's Dilemma" while MTM was still in it. Even she couldn't save it. Neil, don't send wifey to do your dirty work. Jane would have made an excellent Charity! Riedel is the only reason to buy that Right Wing rag.
Mason will be playing Ouiser in the Steel Magnolias revival that opens on Broadway in April.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
[http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/]
"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
And I'm sure Mason will bring the house down. Margo...who out of the "Steel Magnolias" cast do you think is likely to figure heavily in the awards season? Who might perhaps even win?
Probably Mason and Ebersole, who's always a favorite. Hard to say with all the competition.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
[http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/]
"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
First of all, magruder, thanks for the laugh. I happen to like the OBC of SUGAR, but it's not because of Elaine Joyce.
Now, back OT... as bta said, this little stunt seems planned. Aside from the fact that Barry and Fran want publicity for their show, if there is a big disagreement between the director, the star, and Neil Simon, they need to do some damage coverage. And Riedel's article did just that -- he reinforced the theory that Simon has lost his mind, and can't get along with ANYBODY anymore.
The outcome? They reassure their director and their star (who are much more important to THIS production than Neil Simon is, regardless of his legendary status), and they can get back to work.
Well... the thing that you havet to keep in mind is that Neil can pull the rights to the show at any time. He holds an immense amount of power (no matter how crazy people think he is) the book to the show is HIS PROPERTY and if he doesn't like the actress or director or anyone, he can walkaway with the show.
It would spell an instantaneous multi-million dollar loss for the investors, and he'd never get anyone to put money into one of his shows again. (Not that he's having an easy time of that anyhow with his recent track record.)