Joseph Planta's Commentary - thecommentary.ca

Thursday, 16 June 2005

Theatrical and television picks, and Tucker vs. the I-Man

By Joseph Planta

VANCOUVER - Having missed the opening night of the Arts Club's latest Shear Madness last week, I can't tell you what happens. I do know that it's a comedy, a funny one at that. Plus, it's participatory (it doesn't always end the same way), meaning that your ability to get involved with the story is built into the price of admission (two tickets for $59.00, two for $69.00 on Saturdays). The only critic that I seem to have much time for these days is the estimable Jerry Wasserman of http://www.vancouverplays.com, and The Province, and though he had some qualms, he did recommend it, if for no other reason than it's a fun night to be had.

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Another theatrical highlight worth checking out is The Inspector General, the latest from the Theatre in the Raw company. I had their artistic director Jay Hamburger on the interview segment recently, and it was a fascinating to hear him talk about putting on a show in Vancouver, in East Vancouver no less. Dates for The Inspector General are June 22, 23, 26, and June 28th to the 3rd of July at the Ukrainian Hall, 805 East Pender. Call 604.708.5448 for tickets; top price of which are $12.00.

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Robson Arms is the new CTV drama/comedy debuting tomorrow night at 10.00 PM. Do watch it. It's locally shot, and the cast is rather remarkable. I had a fun time this week talking with its co-creator Susin Nielsen. Having seen the series already, it was delightful chatting about the characters, and all the local cameos I picked out. If you're a fan of references and the sort, do look for Eric McCormick's funny stint, and my favourite, local personality Tamara Taggart's priceless cameo. As I told Nielsen, Zak Santiago (one of the cast) has got to be my newest hero. He gets to spend the night with Tamara, and then in the morning, he makes her take the garbage out! Beyond the guest spots, the show's worth watching for the smart writing, and decent acting. It's a very good Canadian television offering.

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Because I'm such a fan of the Imus in the Morning program, I stridently align myself with those who think Tucker Carlson is an arrogant, unfunny punk. I know he was trying to have fun with the I-Man Monday morning, needling him about Imus's handling of Contessa Brewer, the bimbo newsreader who was banished from his show, and who was summarily raked over coals after she opened her mouth loud enough for Page Six in the New York Post to hear. Both Brewer and Carlson should know that no one likes being made fun of than Imus himself, but only those few who have tenure, as his friends, can do that. It's sort of like you can make fun of your kid, but hell hath no fury when someone else does it. Imus is a prickly old bastard. If his cowboy hat is on too tight one morning, even if it's in fun, if he takes it the right way he can get just a tad nasty and vicious.

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Rachel Marsden has recently debuted as a columnist in the National Post. Do read her, as she's thought provoking. I batted about a couple of e-mails with her, congratulating her, and she was psyched about the new gig. I think it's a perfect fit, her and the Post. All the best to her.

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For some reason, I feel queasy whenever I see or hear about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. I actually shut the television when she was on with Letterman last week. She looks like she's whacked out on something. And I'm glad I don't watch Oprah, because I'd probably feel worse if I saw that spectacle he put on.

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Congratulations to someone who's legitimately in love, Michael Eckford. He's recently engaged, and no, it wasn't to his co-host, Fiona Forbes. The Urban Rush co-host popped the question to his long-time lady friend, and it couldn't happen to a nicer fellow. He was practically glowing when he announced it on the air on Monday. What's neater is that Forbes has been tapped to be one of his groomsmen. That's a fitting, I'd like to be at.

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I read in Joy Metcalfe's Joy's Journal column at cknw.com that David Berner has been in the hospital having just had a bypass operation. I grew up listening to the radio and admittedly, he was the first talk show I really dug. (Yup, even before Rafe.) I've always liked Berner, and I hope he's doing well.

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Speaking of radio, I really miss Frost Forst. I know that sounds a bit disingenuous, as I haven't really listened to him all that much since the past year or so. He's such a unique radio personality, that even though he could be imperious and sometimes vicious, he was almost lovable and always funny. I heard him on with Rafe Mair last week on a rival station, and I grew to admire him more. Not only is he superbly quick witted, he's rather brilliant, if I do say so myself. I doubt that the internet is hooked up in Newton, so he won't ever read that I, like many, many others wish the old galoot a very happy retirement. There were many mornings growing up, where he was the highlight of my day.

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