“SOMEONE IN A TREE”- My view of Johnny Carson’s last night- Page 2

[NYadgal]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 12:18pm

A friend sent me this link in an email...and I'm so glad I didn't miss it.

I remember that night well, and I thought of you, Marc, when I learned the sad news yesterday. Thank you for taking the time to share your story.

[Riff]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 12:37pm

i know that everybody is going to hate all over me for this, but i saw that as a "hey everybody look at me and , oh by the way, carson was there too".

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 12:43pm

I'm sorry you couldn't take it in the spirit in which it was shared, Riff.

[junglered]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 12:50pm

Thanks for sharing your poignant post with us, Marc. I clearly remember Mr. Carson's final Tonight Show and even have this show on DVD. He was quite a legend.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 12:54pm

dear "Riff"

You are right. I knew that was exactly how it might come across, which is why I used the term self-serving twice. But it is MY perspective, it was MY reality.

Which is also why I referred to SOMEONE IN A TREE...maybe you don't know the fascinating point of view of that song...if you don't, check it out

peace,
Marc Updated On: 1/24/05 at 12:54 PM

[beacon1]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 12:56pm

I agree with Rath...

Marc posted this to share with those of us who would appreciate his insight/memories.

This was a wonderful "backstage" view of what so many of us recall. I remember being so intent on seeing that program and Bette was the perfect choice for final guest. Marc you helped create a very memorable night for many, many millions of viewers.

[leomaxfrank]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 1:06pm

It's rare to be touched by a post on broadwayworld. Saying "Thank you" to you Marc, is certainly not enough. Memories like that will last a lifetime - it's something you will never let leave your mind. I am touched.

[Albin]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 1:09pm

Thank you, Marc.

And Thank you, Johnny. How thrilling to know that you are now somewhere making God laugh.

[DBillyP]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 1:40pm

Marc, I did not find it at all self-serving. Much will be made in the next several days about one of the most extraordinary moments in television history. For those of us who were watching, we will never forget it. Thank you for allowing us a fresh perspective on that evening's events. It took me inside and made me see it in a way that simply seeing the clip played again could not.

Thank you.

Posted: 1/24/05 at 2:00pm

Thank you Mr Shaiman.

[Riff]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 2:01pm

my bad. i feel shame.

[CaTheatreGirl]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 2:13pm

Just watched Bette's final song to Johnny at the end of the Today Show this morning. Beautiful tribute. I loved it when it was originally broadcast, and now it's so wonderfully poignant. Oh, and a quick shot of the guy playing the piano.

[OtherDaryl]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 2:18pm

Thanks for the memories . . .

Like millions of others, I felt a familial kind of loss with Mr. Carson's passing. Growing up he was there night after night, putting me to bed with a laugh and an occasional tear.

Your post is so appreciated - there will be many a memorial following, but your thoughts touched me, made me laugh and made me cry just like the man himself.

Posted: 1/24/05 at 2:46pm

Marc, that was beautiful. I cried like an infant that night and every time I see it. Your perspective has made it that much more special.

Bless your sweet soul.

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 2:52pm

Marc, you will be pleased to be reminded that Bette received a richly deserved Emmy award for that mesmerizing appearance on the next to last Tonight show.
Thanks for pointing out that it was the last "regular" Tonight show....Robin Williams was on prior to Bette--Johnny later referred to them as the Ozzie and Harriet of the Twilight Zone.

It was bothering me that so much media reported the brilliant Bette performance as being on the last Johnny Carson show, when, as you pointed out, it was in fact the "next to last" show.

That is likely why millions of fools like me did not tape that Thursday night with Robin Williams and Bette, but I did tape the following night. Wish I had known better of course.

Thank you Marc Shaiman with helping to provide me with one of the most glorious television viewing experiences of my life. Bette Midler's performance, bidding farewell to Johnny Carson, is one of the all time great moments of television. Thank you for persisting with "one for the road," which Bette closed her concert with when I last saw her.

Your contributions to Bette's appearance has given us one of those very special magical life moments. Thank you.

Updated On: 1/24/05 at 02:52 PM

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 3:03pm

WISHIHADATONY,

your screen name cracks me up...I hope someday you do, also

look up any article on me, I was a FREAKISH Bette Midler fan as a teenager...I guess my screen name woulda been WISHIPLAYEDFORBETTE

and it ALL came true

go for it

Marc

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 3:11pm

I am honored that you took the time to respond to my post, Marc.

In addition to your many other awards, you certainly deserve a piece of this(cut from emmys.org and pasted below):

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE IN A VARIETY or music program - 1992

THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON - NBC - BETTE MIDLER, Performer

[Corine2]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 4:56pm

Nice article. I am sure Mistress would be happy to create a blog for you.

[Stagedoor2]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 5:50pm

Thanks for writing your memory of that night Mr. Shaiman. It's fun to read about what was going on backstage that memorable night.

You'll be pleased to know that the Chicago Tribune printed the revised lyrics of the serenade on the front page of the Tempo section today giving you and Bette credit for "additional lyrics".

[birdlives]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 6:47pm

Fantastic story, and perfectly framed.

It really is the thousands of stories like this that really tell the story. It made me wonder how many stage hands, or parking lot attendants, or commissary workers are telling their own stories today:

"I poured his final cup of coffee..."

"Just before he went on, he shook my hand, and smiled. I couldn't even speak, I just nodded as the tears ran down my face, onto my camera controls, and watched as he walked out onto the stage..."

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 7:05pm

true...

and I suppose, somewhere there is a bathroom attendant with his OWN story to tell of the last of Johnny!

(had to break up the lovefest!)

marc

[got-a-light]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 7:09pm

That night is forever etched in my memory. It was just perfection! It gave Johnny Carson the send off he so deserved and it established what was already known... Bette Midler is a class act, who at one moment can have you laughing and then the next moment have you in tears. Thanks Marc for that inside look into an unforgetable night & for selecting that song. Johnny was the best!

[birdlives]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 7:31pm

Marc, that one probably went something like this:

"I heard the toilet flush. Then, he came out of the stall, and stood in front of the mirror. Just like every other day. But, then he stopped, and just stared at his reflection. His eyes became really sad for a moment, just the briefest of seconds. And, then...just as suddenly, there was that familiar twinkle again. He smiled warmly, shook my hand, thanked me for my years of service and then walked out of the door and onto the stage. And, as I sat there, thinking about that moment, I realized...he hadn't washed his hands."

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 8:07pm

Updated On: 5/27/05 at 08:07 PM

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 8:46pm

I AM a showy litle snit!

well, mostly just showy and little (in height, mind you). I only get snitty when provoked DEEPLY, and who doesn't, I ask?