tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post2247219338082173608..comments2024-03-24T11:56:43.208-07:00Comments on Showbiz David: PBS Returns to Circus Tonight: Will Binder Blow His Top Again? Can Lubin Control His Ego? Will the Bomb Kid Return? & How Will Steve Smith Cope?Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-83587021409085878992010-11-10T16:05:16.607-08:002010-11-10T16:05:16.607-08:00David,
Before posting this, I carefully checked ...David, <br /><br />Before posting this, I carefully checked my program magazine for Play On. I did not find "director or clowning" in Lubin's bio in the back. Nor on page two, where his credit lines reads "Production Consultant." For another show, Celebrate, his credit lines reads "Creative Consultant." If you can point me to the credit "Director of Clowning, I will be happy to correct the record.<br /><br />If you can point out to me other clowns in circus history who have enjoyed extensive time off as their roles were handled by others, I'd also be glad to know and point that out. You must have been very offended by the WSJ article on "power clowns."<br /><br />It's the entry on Lubin entry in Wikipedia that "claims" his title of Director of Clowning.<br /><br />As for Steve "facial expressions," I'll grant you I'm probably over-reaching there. Having perhaps too much fun. Although body language is generally regarded as highly significant.<br /><br />Am I miffed that Bary is so often gone? Not as much as I am at BAC, for falling to indicate on its website that the morning shows are truncated. Which is why when I went to an 11 AM show, I did not see the Grandma character, whoever played it that day, do the "Singing in the Rain" bit. I had looked forward to that. BAC is guilty of its own disingenuous acts in promotion.Showbiz Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-10564697661864274882010-11-10T13:13:06.838-08:002010-11-10T13:13:06.838-08:00David,
Replying to your criticism of Barry Lubin ...David,<br /><br />Replying to your criticism of Barry Lubin the other day, I pointed out that clowning requires work and specificity that’s usually not recognized by amateur clowns, audiences, and even many who write about circus. <br /><br />Okay, I understand that you might not accept my perspective. But did you have to ignore it completely? Apply what you wrote about Barry and clowning to the craft of writing. Does an editor “lock [you] into strait jacket direction” when critiquing your work? Is a copy editor lusting for power when pointing out that a section of your golden prose is unclear? Of course not. Even when you disagree, you know they provide perspective. That’s what Barry was doing. <br /><br />C’mon, fess up. You’re just annoyed that he’s gotten time off during his decades with Big Apple. You’re entitled to your opinion but why tilt the scale as you write? You hint that Barry only “claims” to be Director of Clowning, though Big Apple programs have listed him that way. You ignore his credentials while emphasizing Steve Smith’s. (That includes Steve’s 10 years heading Clown College but aren’t you one of those who’s criticized CC training?) You also ignore that Barry defers to fellow clown Mark at times, someone he’s built up trust with. And you suggest that the time away that Barry negotiated with his bosses is somehow different than perks other performers have gotten throughout circus history. <br /><br />As for Steve’s sterling qualities, even he would probably admit that doesn’t include “subtle facial expressions,” at least not on this TV show so far.<br /><br />I know both Barry Lubin and Steve Smith, and like them both. In this case, they had different roles, one directing a show, the other directing a clown, and that difference requires different approaches. Other than the needs of a reality show -- or prejudging based on an old annoyance -- I don’t see why one has to be a bad guy and the other your shining knight.David Carlyonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-4488691340424372112010-11-10T09:53:33.632-08:002010-11-10T09:53:33.632-08:00Alan,
I understand that this year, they have but o...Alan,<br />I understand that this year, they have but one "aerial" act -- woman who does a cloud swing, securely strapped to a mechanic.<br />I rest my case.Showbiz Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-60279161230138872482010-11-10T09:14:01.469-08:002010-11-10T09:14:01.469-08:00How hard can it be to spell Guillaume? I smoke pot...How hard can it be to spell Guillaume? I smoke pot all day and have no problem with it.<br /><br />Binder's outburst was completely justified. Falling (or being thrown) off of a horse into the ring curb and/or seats would result in injuries considerably more substantial than stubbing a toe.Alan Cabalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-48457699075111778402010-11-10T08:18:59.823-08:002010-11-10T08:18:59.823-08:00David, sheesh ... calm down ... I think you need t...David, sheesh ... calm down ... I think you need to switch to decafAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com