Archive for the ‘Arts and the Stage’ Category

The three Midwest advertising men pooled their talents to create a heartwarming tale for kids, that featured the dog, “Santa Paws,” and copyrighted their work in 1992.  In 2009-2011, Disney distributed its films “Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws” and “The Search for Santa Paws.”  The three ad guys, after seeing Disney’s “direct to video” films, researched their records and found that in 1996 Disney had expressed interest in their story to their agent, the William Morris Agency, Inc.

The three have filed a lawsuit against  Disney, et al in U.S. Dist. Court in St. Louis alleging copyright infringement and related state claims. Writes the plaintiffs’ barrister Albert Watkins, “It is my clients’ genuine hope the true spirit of Christmas will prevail and the defendants will do the right thing for all who believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas.”

U.S. Banks’ Joe Imbs, iii., The Boeing Co.’s Craig Saddler, Bryan Cave’s James Nouss and Wells Fargo Advisors’ Raschelle Burton have earned stripes as the newest  members of the Symph’s Board of Trustees.

St. Louis Symphony's Fred Bronstein, Donna Wilkinson, Science Center's Bert Vescolani

Scientist and interim president of the Science Center, Phillip Needleman kept guests enthralled as he spoke of a session on the night of Oct. 13 when images of how the musical brain of Symph maestro David Robertson works. Needleman said, “A recording of Robertson’s choice music will be played during the session.” With Needleman was his bride, Sima.

Dr. Thuy-Lien T. Vo, Dr. Howard Lite

Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman who was guest soloist at the concert, made two runs in the day to Ted Drews to shnorf down servings of the “Perlman” custard, a chocolate chip concrete. . .As an encore, the orchestra performed the music from the movie, “Schindler’s List,” with nary a dry eye in the audience. . .Good listener Phyllis Lieberman was done up to the teeth and if you know her teeth, she was all done up. . .Music critic Sarah Bryan Miller never looked more glamorous, albeit the courageous woman’s recovery from breast cancer. . .Unassuming and intelligent couple of pathologist

Dennis Baird, Linda Martinez, Donald Suggs

Dr. Thuy-Lien T. Vo and her husband, famed cardiologist Dr. Howard Lite, were on hand as were: St. Louis American publisher Donald Suggs, Linda Martinez and fiance Dennis Baird, Nolan Eaker, Cole and Anthony McBride, Chuck Vallurupalli and Aparna Abburz, Pat and Tom Long, Marjorie Ivey License Collector Mike McMillan and alderwoman Marlene Davis. The only glitch of the evening was the serving of drinks in plastic cups (reminiscent of those used at Casa Loma Ballroom).

Aretha Franklin flanked by Kim and Mayor Francis Slay

It was thumbs-up for a newly-renovated Peabody Opera house and its ownership group of David Checketts and Chris and Joe McKee as fond memories loomed along with kudos toi the $78 million facelift of the old Kiel. Banker David Kemper’s sprig, Ellie of NBC’s “The Office” kept the program flowing. Before Aretha Franklin hit the stage to tickle the ivories and belt out some of her faves, Jay Leno got off some delightful off-color stories.  More than 20 years had passed since the queen of soul had a bizarre moment at the old Kiel and left the stage without completing her performance. Backstage, PR guy Gentry Trotter introed “Madame Queen” to the city’s first family – Francis and Kim Slay. Twice, Franklin  asked Trotter if they are Democrats or Republicans. After he explained to her they are both Democrats, she beamed and allowed a photo op. Walking the red carpet were: Sen. Roy Blunt and his wife, Abigail; Lt. Guv. Peter Kinder; Peabody Energy’s Greg Boyce; Sen. Claire McCaskill with Joe Shepard; Barbara Geisman; Comptroller Darlene Green; Sen. Robin Wright Jones in her government-purchased designer threads; Secretary of State Robin Carnahan; Deb Checketts;Brenda and Carolyn McKee; Mike and Allison McCarthy; Ozzie Smith; Dawn Fuller and DeWayne Butler.

The columnist was reminded about Bob Hope‘s visit to our town many years ago to appear at a benefit for Childrens Hospital.

Bob Hope

Through his late pal, Dr. Jack Probstein, an interview was arranged in Hope’s hotel suite. He and Delores greeted the columnist with open arms and the interview began. Hope regaled the columnist with tales of his vaudeville days. During the chat, his wife, Delores, bopped into the room. She enthused over her recent comeback stint as a singer in a Vegas nightclub and held high the socko reviews she garnered. At that point, Hope bellowed, “Berger’s here to interview me and not you!” She begged off and scurried to her bedroom. . .FOX’s airing of the Emmy Awards limped among with 12 million gawkers – down 8 percent from 2010. . .”The Lion King (3D) racked up an impressive $30 million over last weekend.

Michael Douglas has canceled his appearance and keynote speech at the National Children’s Cancer benefit, that was slated for Sept. 17 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, in favor of his gay lover.  The lover in this case is fellow-actor Matt Damon, who will star with Douglas in Steven Soderbergh’s “Liberace,” a Jerry Weintraub production.  Douglas will star in the title role. Asked if he did any intimate scenes with Douglas, Damon jokingly asked a reporter, “We just get together on weekends and make out?” The movie is slated for release in 2013. Douglas, a cancer survivor, was to be presented the organization’s International Humanitarian Award.  Donna Wilkinson, chairperson of the event, said no replacement could be found on such short notice

Jon Hamm

The stock market is soaring (Karl Marx would never have believed a “dove” market), there is despair on the east coast and on the west coast parties were being organized for the Emmy Awards telecast on Sept. 18.  Many alums of John Burroughs and Mizzou are crossing their fingers hoping  their talented fellow-student, Jon Hamm, will win as “drama actor of the year” for his role as Don Draper, the hard-drinking, chain-smoking executive in “Mad Men.” A bevy of television critics have already signed off choosing Hamm as their choice. The ballots are in and AMC has already optioned for three more series, giving Hamm, a yesteryear resident of Creve Coeur, a leg-up on his future.