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From: mkr@mmm.UUCP (MKR)
Newsgroups: net.wobegon
Subject: Re: "The way it was"
Message-ID: <815@mmm.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 2-May-86 15:16:35 EDT
Article-I.D.: mmm.815
Posted: Fri May  2 15:16:35 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 7-May-86 00:13:10 EDT
References: <200@sdchema.sdchem.UUCP>
Reply-To: mkr@mmm.UUCP (MKR)
Distribution: na
Organization: none
Lines: 66
Keywords: network radio, broadcast history

In article <200@sdchema.sdchem.UUCP> lbv@sdchem.UUCP (Gordon Schlesinger) writes:
>
>The April 26 telecast of APHC was not only ripping good fun,
>but  also  a  chance  to see the past come alive.  Much more
>than just providing an  opportunity  to  see  what  everyone
>"looks  like",  the  show  provided an accurate feel for the
>stage production of  "big time network radio shows" as  they
>once occurred in this country.
>
>
>Authentic touches:  numerous performers on a large stage  in
>
>Non-authentic  touches:   elaborate  stage  decorations   (a
>1940's  era  studio  had  just  a  formally  draped  stage),
>multiple banners raised and lowered onto stage (an "old time
>show"  probably  would have had just one fixed banner on the
>rear curtain), spotlights.

	I'm not really sure what to make of this. There really was no
attempt to make the show an "authentic" reproduction of 1940's type
radio shows. The telecast was simply coverage of what goes on all the
time during the shows - it's just that this time there were TV cameras
present. You have to remember that APHC is not just a *radio* show,
there is also a sold-out live audience there. The stage decorations
and all were not there specially for this show, they're always there.

	As for the "large stage", I went to the newly renovated World
Theater last night to see Doc Watson, and I have to report that the
theater looked *much* bigger on TV. In person, it's very cozy, and very
nice. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. Great place.

>
>Missing:  control booth with glass front  window,  uniformed
>ushers.

	There is indeed a control booth with a glass front window in
the theater. And the ushers at last night's Doc Watson concert didn't
have what I suspect you're thinking of as "uniforms", but they were
all dressed in dark blue.

>
>I don't know for a
>fact, but I strongly suspect that GK strives for  historical
>accuracy  in  the show's stage production, as well as in the
>programming.

	Historical accuracy? I dunno, I just think he's puttingon an
radio show just like any other radio show. I suspect that things are
done the way they are because that's the best way to do them, not
because of any "historical" considerations.
 
	I thought the show was great, and I would love to see it regularly
telecast, as long as they didn't change it for TV (showing clips of
Lake Wobegon - part of the charm is remebering Lake Wobegon in terms of
personal small town experiences and imagination). If they did it as they
did for this special, it would be wonderful. I felt like I was in the
audience of a regular show, and being in the audience is unfortunately
limited to those with the proximity and luck to be there. Through TV
many more people were able to see the stage show.

>
>			Gordon Schlesinger
>"Anything worth measuring....is worth measuring poorly"

	--MKR
"Anything worth doing is worth overdoing."