A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Loo
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The LooSo there I was yesterday, watching the very first McLaughlin Group of 2008 when the panel began discussing Mike Huckabee's victory in Thursday's Iowa caucuses.
An image came on the screen of the Huckster's victory speech where he was framed, not by his family, but by Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Norris (Gena O'Kelley). The Chicago Tribune's Clarence Page remarked that it demonstrated how pop culture was attracted to Huckabee's presidential candidacy.
Really?
Ironically, back in September 2006 when I last revisited Wicked on Broadway, Norris and his spouse were seated directly across the aisle from me. I remember thinking to myself how interesting it was to see someone like the politically-conservative Norris -- who's most recently been relegated to sharing fitness tips with Christie Brinkley on infomercials -- taking in one of pop culture's true theatrical sensations. Even more interesting was that Norris clearly didn't like what he was seeing (I surmised it was due to the show's sly references to the current White House occupant). In fact, at intermission, Norris and O'Kelley walked out on the performance.
Another Sunday morning pundit, Chris Matthews, turned up in my audience for Cyrano de Bergerac. At least he appeared to enjoy himself -- I could hear his ... how shall I say this politely ... distinguished laugh from a mile away. (Another celebrity sighting at that October performance was Jennifer Garner's former castmate from "Alias," Ron Rifkin).
Speaking of "distinguished" laughs, when I took in a Steppenwolf opening performance of The Unmentionables back in July 2006, I remember hearing this rather obnoxious laugh coming from behind me. Don't get me wrong. The play itself was a hoot. But this cackle was almost too much. When I turned around, who did I see but a "Friends"-less David Schwimmer.
Which brings me full circle back to yesterday.
One actor who clearly has a friend is Bob Saget, whom I saw yesterday afternoon at the performance of The Homecoming -- the former Man in Chair was in tow with Danny Burstein, one of his co-stars from The Drowsy Chaperone. I first spotted Saget as we were among the dozen or so men standing in line for the men's loo, waiting for a female to finish her business inside (seems the women's line was just too long for her). To his credit, the former "Full House" star was quite affable, making a funny quip and kept his fellow liners entertained.
Call me crazy, but for some reason it made me wonder what Chuck Norris would do.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Labels: Bob Saget, Broadway, Chris Matthews, Chuck Norris, Cyrano de Bergerac, Danny Burstein, David Schwimmer, Mike Huckabee, Ron Rifkin, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Homecoming, The Unmentionables
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Monday, January 07, 2008
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