Podcasts about li'l abner

Al Capp, the cartoonist behind Lil' Abner and (thereby) the original portrayals of the Shmoo, passed away just two months after this show made it onto the air. We can't even begin to imagine what the outspoken Capp must have thought of his parable for the Earth's bounty being turned into a mystery solving shapeshifter. It was one of the last of the teen mystery/adventure cartoons not to involve Scooby Doo himself that HB would bring to Saturday morning, and watching this, you can kind of tell why the subgenre was in its last days.

Tricksters & Thieves (and Rabbits) Oh My! The Trickster has been with us ever since we started telling stories around a fire; and maybe longer. Whether you know him as Loki, Coyote, Lil Abner, Jack the Hero, Jesse James, or even the Ozark Howler, the Trickster hides in plain sight in the Ozarks. Josh & Lisa discuss noir tales from the Dark Ozarks, including the connections that are not what you expect. Remember, There Are No Easy Answers in the Dark Ozarks.What questions would you like answered next week?Thank you for supporting Dark Ozarks and our partner locations to promote history..We truly appreciate you! ~~Josh, Lisa &AlexDark Ozarks, 2023

Join us as we celebrate the lives and careers of those we lost in 2021 and 2022 with Mr. Show Business himself....LEE ROY REAMS! Yes, Lee Roy is back with wine, wisdom, and wicked stories about Broadway and its denizens. While we celebrate icons like Stephen Sondheim, Harvey Evans, and Carole Cook, Lee Roy takes on some fabulous de tours that include handling a handsy Michael Bennett, making Lauren Bacall laugh, and why Lil Abner was an appropriate name for some actors. This episode is NSFW so put in your earbuds, crack open some wine, and get ready for Lee Roy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in 1937, cartoonist Al Capp introduced the pseudo-holiday known as Sadie Hawkins Day in his Li'l Abner comic strip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for "Open Mic" Saturday and talk about most anything on your mind (of course we would like it to be about the airlines, airplanes, and memories.) Humor, Heroes, Tragedies, Current events/  It's all open for discussion.  Join us at 1:00 pm EDT on Saturday October 8th. lSee you at the Gate.This ought to be a fun Episode after chatting today with Captain Jim Harris about our favorite comic characters like: Smilin Jack Martin, Lil Abner (and Daisy Mae), Hop Harrigan, Sky King and others.  (Ought to be something here for the great mind of Luanne)  We will also play a Lorretta Lynn favorite in tribute to her recent passing. Your thoughts included.   And we will do a High Flight to a favorite Captain that recently passed. If you plan to be with us and would like to share any special memories it will be greatly appreciated.  

- The Kingdom of God - and our efforts to destroy it-- The Kingdom of God - and our efforts to use it-- The Kingdom of God - and our efforts to subvert it-- The Kingdom of God - despite our best worst efforts

is an American actor and puppeteer, known for puppetering and voicing Tito Swing in Shining Time Station and for voicing Jafar in Disney's Aladdin franchise, as well as the Kingdom Hearts franchise and the 2011 Aladdin musical. Jonathan Freeman's New York City stage credits include Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, The Producers, 42nd Street, On The Town, How To Succeed…, She Loves Me (Tony® Nomination), Platinum, Sherlock Holmes, Finian’s Rainbow (Irish Rep.), A Class Act (MTC), Lil’ Abner and Of Thee I Sing (City Center Encores), Sail Away and The Mikado (Carnegie Hall). TV and film appearances include Elementary, Too Big To Fail, Law And Order, Gossip Girl, Shining Time Station, Remember Wenn, The Ice Storm, Life Animated (Oscar nomination 2017). Jonathan is the voice of Jafar in Disney’s animated feature Aladdin. Follow @thejonathanfreeman Read article mentioned in episode #AwayFromHome from Broadway.com #broadway #aladdin #jafar #musical #disney #disneyclassics #livetheatre #disneyfan #disneyvillian #jonathanfreeman #new #podcast #instagood @disney @aladdinmusical @broadwaycom @confessionsofanactress @playbill --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/confessionsofanactress/support

On episode six of Gay Card Revoked, Rob and Robbie go back to 1997 when the tips were frosted, the chokers were plastic, and all anyone could do was discuss that the title character of a sitcom on a national network was about to say "Yup, I'm gay!" It is Ellen's "The Puppy Episode" from April 30th, 1997, Joining the boys is the fiery, funny redhead Patrick Bristow who appeared as Ellen's gay compadre, Peter Barnes, and as the infamous "thrust it" choreographer in Showgirls. Patrick walks us through how his ho-hum coming out led to one of the funniest jokes on the episode, why Ellen was going to tell the world she was gay, the backstage fear and joy from the momentous event, dealing with homophobia, why the show changed the rules in a variety of ways, and being a Lil Abner singing gay cowboy on a dusty trail. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook   Next Week: BUT, I'M A CHEERLEADER (2000)

Kurt & Jen breakdown the humor of Reel Big Fish. Sell Out video on YouTube Josie and the Pussycats live action trailer on YouTube 241 on Spotify Beer on Spotify Budweiser Bowling Pin Beer Bottles (eBay photo) Trendy on Spotify Can't Hardly Wait trailer on YouTube She Has a Girlfriend Now on Spotify I Know You Too Well & She Has a Girlfriend LIVE w/ Lindsay from Mighty Mongo on YouTube Superspy by Save Ferris on Spotify Everything Sucks on Spotify Everyone Else is an Asshole on Spotify Ban the Tube Top on Spotify Life Sucks... Let's Dance! on Spotify Smells Like Teen Spirit cover on YouTube I Want Your Girlfriend to Be My Girlfriend Too on Spotify Avenue 5 trailer (HBO TV Series) on YouTube Where Have You Been? on Spotify Country's in the Very Best of Hands from Li'l Abner on YouTube Humor Ratings for Reel Big Fish- Kurt- 7/10, Jen- 8/10 Intro Music is: "Sleeping in the Flowers" by They Might Be Giants Outro Music: "Denouement" by Forced Perspective (A Kurt & Jen enterprise) Join us on for our next episode 6/22 to hear us talk about our Listener Pick- The Wombats! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kurtandjen/message

Because of the state of the world, we are trying something new this week and celebrating a long lost actress, the legendary Charlotte Rae. You Might Know Her From The Facts of Life, Different Strokes, The Worst Witch, Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Lil Abner, Ricki and the Flash, and Car 54, Where Are You? We break down some of our favorite credits of Charlotte’s, the gems we uncovered while doing our research, and revisit the kind words past guest Nancy McKeon had to say about the star of stage and screen. Follow us on social media: @damianbellino || @rodemanne  Discussed this week:  Catherine Zeta-Jones has a cunnilingus loving husband in Michael DouglasCZJ singing “One” with new lyrics we’re convinced she wrote for Michael Douglas’ AFI award Catherine Zeta-Jones in Annie, 42nd Street for #InternationalDanceDay Andrea McArdle and Jane Krakowski in Starlight Express Liza stepping in for Gwen Verdon in Chicago (b-roll footage from original production) Liza stepping in for Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria on Broadway Raquel Welch did the national tour of Victor/Victoria  Charlotte Rae's IMDB Nancy McKeon full interview on YMKHF The Bon Soir and The Blue Angel (and the inside) Mrs. Schnauzer in Car 54 Where Are You Went to Northwestern with Paul Lynde and Cloris Leachman Alice Ghostley apparently bearded for Paul Lynde  2 Time Tony Nominee: Pickwick; Morning, Noon, and Night Charlotte played Paul Lynde’s aunt on his tv show despite the fact that they’re the same age Sally Field is only 10 years old than Tom Hanks but played his mom in Forrest Gump Had a bisexual husband The Worst Witch w/ Tim Curry and Fairuza Balk Our favorite number: “My Little School” “Friends?” with Cloris Leachman who stepped into Seasons 8 and 9 of The Facts of Life Cloris being weird at the TV Land Awards Friends with John Astin who guested on an ep of Facts of Life “The Summer of ‘84” Ricki & the Flash with Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline

Помимо всех этих шляп, кепок, шапок, подтяжек, сумок, кошельков, носков и ремней, в эпизоде есть арии, песни, фильмы, сериалы и даже стендап-комедия 50-летней выдержки.Упомянутые в Эпизоде магазины и бренды:Магазин Tweed Hat https://tweedhat.ru/Sterkowski https://sterkowski.comМагазин The Hat Company https://thehatcompany.com/8-mensТвердь http://twerd-mfg.com/Red Hills http://www.redhillscompany.com/PigeonTree https://www.pigeontreecrafting.com/Tanner Goods https://www.tannergoods.com/Red Moon на Okayamadenim https://www.okayamadenim.com/collections/redmoonMasterpiece http://master-piece.co.jp/en/Сhup Socks https://chupsocks.com/ А также упомянутые фильмы и сериалы:В бой идут одни "старики" https://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/25108/Леон https://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/389/Крошка Абнер /Li'l Abner https://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/29583/Острые козырьки https://www.kinopoisk.ru/series/716587/Федора https://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/152658/Трилби https://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/157471/Индиана Джонс и последний крестовый поход https://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/472/Касабланка https://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/330/Вавилон-Берлин https://www.kinopoisk.ru/series/891441/Фарго https://www.kinopoisk.ru/film/402/Звездный путь /Star Trek https://www.kinopoisk.ru/series/229272/В Инстаграме подборка фотографий к этому Эпизоду.Помимо Apple и  Google подкастов, можно слушать на Яндекс.Музыке, в Castbox, и SoundСloudПисать в директ indigoandpermafrost в Инстаграм или на почту indigoandpermafrost@gmail.com

This week noted comic historian Frank Young joins Jason to discuss ELMO, a classic lost comic strip which Frank describes as "like David Lynch created Li'l Abner. As the conversation reveals, ELMO was a unique comic full of dark humor and strange characters, a fascinating portrait of post-WWII America and a hell of a great read. Even if you haven't read it, I think you'll enjoy the conversation -- and then you'll want to rush out and buy the collection on Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/classiccomics/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/classiccomics/support

In which a hippie-hating cartoonist accidentally creates a (slightly) gender-equalizing campus tradition, and John spends hours poring over newspaper bridge columns. Certificate #44390.

Do you believe in ghosts? Tonight, the Saint, played by Vincent Price, has a story about the ghost who came for dinner! Then stay tuned for that penny-pinching comedian to display his flair for the dramatic pause. Join Jack Benny and all the gang in an episode that sounds like Lil Abner and Daisy May should be involved, the story of The Hillbilly Feud!

We discuss the origin of the Sadie Hawkins tradition and the background of the Li'l Abner comic strip.

Dogpatch, U.S.A. was a park based on the staggeringly popular Li'l Abner comic strip. Christopher Cantwell (co-creator, Halt And Catch Fire) tells all about the only theme park where you could catch and eat a trout. These details barely scratch the surface. Prepare yourselves.THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY FEALShttps://www.feals.com/ride GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER!New Second Gate episode next week:patreon.com/podcasttheride

Lucy Wang is a playwright, performance artist, professor, editor, public speaker, and comedienne... with an extraordinary laugh! We chat about writing for youth, writing for diversity, and the impact that one teacher had when he told her a Chinese girl couldn't be in Li'l Abner. Find her on social media @sensuousgourmet, or her website: https://sites.google.com/site/chickfillet/ Host: Emily Stamets, @theemilystamets, emilystamets.com Original music by Jaclyn S. O'Connor

This week, Emlyn tells Emma about the Cherokee rocket scientist (i.e. space engineer!), Mary Golda Ross, and Emma tells Emlyn about Earth's core and about why it matters how you refer to female scientists.  Sources: Main Story - Mary Golda Ross Article by Cherokee Pheonix newspaper: http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/Index/2470 Article by Society of Women Engineers: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/swe/spring14/index.php#/34 Williams JK. Mary Golda Ross: The first native american female engineer. New York Amsterdam News. Mar 2013:28. Available from: http://ezproxy.lib.utexas.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1349940805?accountid=7118 NPR Segment on Morning Edition: https://www.npr.org/2015/05/19/407664385/cherokee-chief-john-ross-is-the-unsung-hero-of-jacksonland Wikipedia article on Lockheed Corporation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Corporation Wikipedia article on Lil Abner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li%27l_Abner Massive Science article by Jenny Howard: https://massivesci.com/articles/mary-golda-ross-cherokee/ Smithsonian Magazine article by Andrew Chaikin: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/why-sr-71-blackbird-epitome-cold-war-spycraft-180953402/   Further Reading Jacksonland: President Andrew Jackson, Cherokee Chief John Ross, and a Great American Land Grab by Steve Inskeep   Women who werk Shoutout #1 Dr. Jessica Irving and her team develop new models for the Earth’s outer core: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180627160232.htm Shoutout #2 PhD Candidate Stav Atir and advisor Dr. Melissa Ferguson found that people refer to male professionals by their surname more often than female professionals, and that this gender bias could negatively impact women in STEM careers. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2172515-calling-men-by-their-surname-gives-them-an-unfair-career-boost/ Scientific Article: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2018/06/19/1805284115.short Music “Work” by Rihanna “Mary Anning” by Artichoke

I recently visited my alma mater, Carson High School, where the Drama department presented Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." It was a great closing performance and I met some of the cast, members of the production team, and other wonderful people. I spoke with Director Marcia Barryte, and it is evident, through her dedication and passionate efforts, she helped put Carson High School back on the map with a much-needed Performing and Media Academy program. With the help and support of the parent volunteers, Principal, Dr. Windy Warren, and Los Angeles Unified School District Senior Executive Director of Arts in Education, Dr. Rory Pullens, the program continues to flourish and produce quality shows. More importantly, it has sparked the interests of many students, many who have never performed before, but who have discovered a newfound love for theater arts. Choreographer Ray Garcia (original Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "Rent") and Vocal Director Jolly Rodriguez talked about watching the students grow from Day 1, reflecting on how much they have improved and flourished, and more importantly, how much the program has boosted confidence levels. Theater Arts also promotes the importance of academics. As with any curricular activity, students must maintain a certain GPA in order to participate, therefore education is clearly the number one priority at Carson High School. I am proud of Carson High School! It was here I began my musical theater career starring as Kim McAfee in "Bye Bye Birdie" and Daisy Mae in "Li'l Abner." I was also involved in Vocal Jazz, a small vocal group that performed in several programs and participated in competitions. I am especially proud to have been a part of a reputable sisterhood called the "Bannergirls," a 12-member auxiliary squad who carried the shiny "CARSON" sign proudly at parades and performed at all football games during pre- and halftime shows. Together with the entire Carson High School Blue Thunder Marching Band and Auxiliary Units, we competed and won championships in regional and statewide competitions. Returning to the campus to watch the closing performance of "Beauty and the Beast" brought back wonderful memories of my time at Carson High School. They were some of the best years of my life. Without the arts and music programs, I wouldn't have made lifelong friends. I likely would not have pursued my passion and love for musical theater in college and thereafter. It goes without saying how truly important the Performing Arts and Media Academy at Carson High School is necessary and valuable in helping to transform lives! Please support the arts! To learn more about the Performing Arts and Media Academy at Carson High School, visit https://carsonhs-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com/perfarts. ***** MUSIC: Annie Talks theme song by Music by Keahi http://www.keahimusic.com/ #CarsonHighSchool #CarsonHighSchoolDrama #CarsonColts #Disney #BeautyandtheBeast #PerformingArtsandMediaAcademy #LosAngelesUnifiedSchoolDistrict #LAUSD #MarciaBarryte #DrWindyWarren #PrincipalWindyWarren #Superintendent #DrRoryPullens #RayGaria #RayGarciaRent #RayGarciaChoreographer #Rent #JollyRodriguez #JollyRodriguezVocalDirector #JeffreyAndersen #JeffreyAndersenMusicDirector --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

At 91, Charlotte Rae has no intentions of slowing down, as this interview will show. Charlotte began her career in Wisconsin and quickly conquered New York appearing in such musicals as Three Wishes for Jamie, The Threepenny Opera, Lil Abner, Pickwick, The Littlest Revue, and many others. Plus Charlotte was a pioneer of live television having appeared in The Philco Television Playhouse, The Colgate Comedy Hour, The DuPont Show of the Week, and many others. Now, over a crackly phone connection, Charlotte sits down with Rob for a quick chat. Charlotte pulls back the curtain on her career to discuss how she discovered a new talent named Sheldon Harnick, what it was like going to school with Paul Lynde, and why Charlotte always wanted to be a serious actress. Also, Charlotte shines the spotlight on Michael Kidd, Lotte Lenya, and Golda Meir! Become a sponsor of Behind The Curtain and get early access to interviews, private playlists, and advance knowledge of future guests so you can ask the legends your own questions. Go to: http://bit.ly/2i7nWC4

This Week: Rob and Kevin sing from Sunset Boulevard, the insanity of recitative, Rob and Kevin try to speak with the young kids, Kevin advocates for Lil Abner, the brilliance of Jones & Schmidt, how J&S really led the musical theatre revolution, the saga of Grover's Corners, Ethel Merman plays teacher, David Merrick sings, and the brilliance of musicals within musicals. Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. Become a sponsor of Behind The Curtain and get early access to interviews, private playlists, and advance knowledge of future guests so you can ask the legends your own questions. Go to: http://bit.ly/2i7nWC4

Have you ever wondered how to use a comma with 'however' (or if you even should)? We’ve got the scoop on using commas and semicolons with 'however,' 'therefore,' and other conjunctive adverbs and transition words. Also, you can trace 'double whammy' back to the Lil’ Abner comics. How fun! Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows: www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcasts FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter: http://twitter.com/grammargirl Facebook: http://facebook.com/grammargirl Snapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/thatgrammargirl Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/realgrammargirl Instagram: http://instagram.com/thegrammargirl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grammar-girl GET GRAMMAR GIRL BOOKS http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl-book-page AMAZON AFFILIATE CODE http://quickanddirtytips.com/amazon TAKE OUR PODCAST LISTENER SURVEY http://podsurvey.com/GRAMMAR Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.

Grab dinner in Greenwich Village with World Fantasy Award-winning writer Richard Bowes as we discuss his early career as a designer of board games for clients such as the National Lampoon, why "going to conventions sober is beyond me," the political transformation of Li'l Abner creator Al Capp, why everyone during the old folk scene days loathed Bob Dylan, what attracts him about writing mosaic novels, and more.

Episode 9 Christie Brooks Christie Brooks, from Hawaii, an actress and singer who worked alongside Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt in the Bethany Hamilton’s story movie, Soul Surfer.  American film and TV actress Christie Brooke was plucked from the island of Oahu, Hawaii for her talents in acting, music, and dance to be cast on ABC’s primetime hit show High School Musical: Get in the Picture, sharing the screen with Zac Efron, Nick Lachey, and Kenny Ortega. Christie landed her first speaking role in Sony Pictures Soul Surfer, opposite AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood making her feature film debut.  She co‐stars as Melinda on CBS’ Hawaii 5‐0 with Alex O’Laughlin and Scott Caan and plays the role of Sprinkle in the Rich Mullins biopic Ragamuffin available on Netflix.  She is also a writer and producer of a SAG‐AFTRA sketch comedy show called Gurls Aren’t Funny.  Recently, Christie has originated the role of Melrose in the brand new 80’s pop rock musical “Invisible”.  More theatre credits include: Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Srg. Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls, Daisy Mae Scragg in Lil’ Abner, Jodi, Annie, and Lily in Quilters the Musical and more.  She is a proud alumni to the Castle Performing Arts Center in Kaneohe, Hawaii acclaimed as one of the top ten performing arts programs nationwide.  She has studied at The Academy of Film and Television in Honolulu, and is glad to have completed training at the Upright Citizens Brigade this year at UCB Sunset in Los Angeles.  Christie can be found singing jazz standards in the post‐modern band Showmance and she is excited to announce the release of her original EP #FirstLove now available on iTunes.  Christie enjoys writing for DisFunkshion Magazine sold nationally at Barnes & Noble.  She is truly grateful for the support of her friends and family.  “Shine bright!” christiebrooke.com http://internationalwomeninfilm.com/2016/04/15/christie-brooks/ -- International Women in Film Podcast http://InternationalWomenInFilm.com/ To join the International Women in Film Podcast Community https://michelethetrainer.leadpages.co/podcast-iwif-1/

Our Summer 2016 issue was dedicated to the theme of Comic Strips and the American Road. Our Memory Motel column focused on the Li’l Abner Motel in eastern Kentucky. You might imagine a rustic and rugged haven of rest that matched the cornpone antics of Al Capp’s famous characters like Mammy Yokum, Daisy Mae and Lil Abner himself. But as you will hear from Billy D. Abner, the current provider, that is far from true although the motel is still nestle in the beauty of the Red River Gorge and some of the finest rock climbing in the country. Billy’s accent may be a bit thick but I think that you will enjoy getting to know his down home hospitality and make the Lil Abner Motel a stop on your journey. The American Road TripTalk is brought to you by Marinette County in Wisconsin where you’re invited to visit the real north.

Our Summer 2016 issue was dedicated to the theme of Comic Strips and the American Road. Our Memory Motel column focused on the Li’l Abner Motel in eastern Kentucky. You might imagine a rustic and rugged haven of rest that matched the cornpone antics of Al Capp’s famous characters like Mammy Yokum, Daisy Mae and Lil Abner himself. But as you will hear from Billy D. Abner, the current provider, that is far from true although the motel is still nestle in the beauty of the Red River Gorge and some of the finest rock climbing in the country. Billy’s accent may be a bit thick but I think that you will enjoy getting to know his down home hospitality and make the Lil Abner Motel a stop on your journey. The American Road TripTalk is brought to you by Marinette County in Wisconsin where you’re invited to visit the real north.

Episode 52! After Bryan gets his face caught in a can of beer, the guys discuss Superman's misdeeds, Hitler's battles with cartoon characters, Back to the Future 2, shark movies, soul food, seafood, Ghostbusters, manscaping, John's contribution to Troma, unnecessary body parts, Bryan's trip to the dermatologist, stink bombs, Chris' battle with evil bees, oldies music, Staten Island's Golden's Deli, Whoopi Goldberg's missing eyebrows, Pixels, The Day the Clown Cried, Robin Williams, early childhood memories, and the English language! PLUS - Chris shares another Puss story, and Bryan shares a gift from Superfan Dennis Rodrigo! Download the Podcast Source App or Amazon's Super Live Adventure App for Android to access bonus audio and more! Super Live Adventure is hosted by Bryan McGuckin, Chris Sorrentino and John Szeluga. Theme song created by Ezra Donellan and recorded at Red Room Studio. Musical interlude by the Wahoo Skiffle Crazies. All episodes of the Super Live Adventure Podcast can be found on iTunes, Stitcher and SuperLiveAdventure.com.

JBN sits down with actor/producer Bill Coyne (billcoyneonlinecom). Off-Broadway: THE BRIGHTNESS OF HEAVEN at The Cherry Lane, GREED: A Musical For Our Times at New World Stages, LI'L ABNER, FADE OUT/FADE IN. Bassanio in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE with The Shakespeare Forum. Other NYC: Soho Playhouse, NYMF, Ars Nova. Bill created the role of Supernova in Superhero Celebrity Rehab, 2012 Best of DC Capital Fringe. Recent workshops include: BE MORE CHILL and ANNIE GOLDEN, BOUNTY HUNTER YO! by Joe Iconis for Two River Theatre and Cap21, I SPY A SPY by SooHee Youn and Jamie Jackson at The Playroom. Bill is an actor-vist and producer of MuseMatch, a not-for-profit concert series that has created 45 collaborations and raised thousands of dollars for charity. Song Presentation: "Strong, Silent Type" from THE SONGS OF JOEL B. NEW, VOLUME I (now available on Noisetrade). Recorded live on January 17th, 2015 at TruVoice Studios NYC.

For over two decades now it has at times not so quietly slumbered. The old, faded buildings now standing in silent vigil as if remembering a time when their colors were bright & fresh; when were surrounded in laughter and the smiling faces of adults and children alike. The grass grows tall here and the structures that remain are entangled with a variety of plants that now call them home. A place where the sounds of a merry go round, trains and other rides are replaced by the sounds of crickets at dusk, rain drops falling to the ground from tattered roofs and the occasional sounds of frogs & other creatures that now call the park home, But that my friends is not where the story begins or ends. No, this story starts with a man named Alfred G. Caplin...   Al Capp He was born September 28, 1909 in New Haven, Connecticut of Russian Jewish heritage, Al Capp, as he came to be known, was the eldest child of Latvian immigrants Otto Philip and Matilda (Davidson) Caplin whose families had migrated to New Haven in the 1880s. At the young age of nine, Al lost his left leg in a trolley accident. Although shaken by the loss of his leg, Al refused to let the accident stop him and continuously acknowledged the disability the rest of his life, although usually in a humorous way. At  23, Al had moved to New York and became what was possibly the youngest syndicated cartoonist up until that time.   On August 13, 1934 Al Capp launched what was to be by far his most well known creation, the comic strip Li'l Abner with eight newspapers and became an instant success. Amongst the contributions of the strip was the now traditional Sadie Hawkins Dances at schools and colleges across the nation, that are based off the strips Sadie Hawkins race where the girls chase the guys! While on the surface the strip was funny and amusing, it was Capp's underlying satiric messages on society, parodies of the corporate giants of the day, celebrities and fellow cartoonists that gave the strip its long lived popularity. Another popular creation of Capp’s was the creatures known as the shmoos. (By the way, if you are unaware of what a shmoo is, you probably aren’t alone as the real meaning of what a shmoo represents in the strip is still being debated to this day.) Superficially, the shmoo was a creature that lived to serve humanity to the point of self-sacrifice and was ever abundant. The creature showed if nothing else that we should accept what is given to us and just be happy. Yet it would be the Li'l Abner strip that featured characters from the fictional town of Dogpatch and whose lives centered on the adventures of the main character, Li'l Abner. A handsome and strong, if not very bright young man that was raised to be honest and brave except in the face of his girlfriend Daisy Mae, but it was the location that would bring the comic strip to life in a small community now called Marble Falls near Harrison, Arkansas on Highway 7.   The Location It should be noted though that it was the landscape of Dogpatch, not the characters that drew in a real estate broker named O.J. Snow, who had been considering opening a rustic themed amusement park in the Ozarks.      But the area that would become Dogpatch had quite a bit of history to it long before Mr. Snow came a knockin’. Let go back a bit to the 1830’s to when the Washington Monument was being planned. You see funds were short to build and complete the monument and a call went out to the States and Territories to donate commemorative stones that could be fitted into the interior walls. Arkansas was one of many places to answer the call.  Mr. Peter Beller moved to Arkansas from Alabama in 1833. In 1834 he and the three of the Harp Brothers dug a 4' X 3' X 2' block of marble out of the hillside across from Dogpatch to contribute to the Washington Monument. The stone was hauled on a sled by a team of twenty oxen for approximately sixty miles across the Ozark and Boston Mountains to the Arkansas River. From there it was loaded on to a barge and was then sent to New Orleans. From there it was loaded onto a ship bound for the Potomac Basin. Sometime later, a second stone from the very same hillside was donated by freemasons from the area who wished the donation to honor the fact that George Washington was himself a master mason. Going back to Mr. Beller, sometime around 1840 he acquired the land that included nearby Marble Falls and built a mill there. For a time, Mr. Beller’s Mill steadily continued to grow successfully until the start of the civil war. Years later in 1870 a gentleman with the name of Willcockson built another mill here, and the town, which would bear his name for a time grew an the prosperity of the mineral waters and healing springs that it became known for. But like all good things that too came to an end in the early 20th century. With the advances in medicine that inevitably came the town’s popularity dwindled. Then came Albert Raney Sr. He and his sons bought the land and changed the name to Marble Falls, he diverted the cold mountain spring water that the town was once so popular for into a trout hatchery, which they owned and operated for several decades. The Great Idea Now fast forward to 1966, the elderly Albert Raney Sr. listed his family's trout farm and surrounding land featuring its own canyon, a 55-foot waterfall and an adjacent (and already in operation) public touring cave named Mystic Caverns for sale. It was Snow who, after viewing the property, envisioned the Dogpatch themed park using the existing features of the property to imitate locations featured in the comic strip such as  Onneccessary Mountain, the Bottomless Canyon, and Kissin' Rock, (handy to Suicide Cliff), West Po'k Chop Railroad, and the General Jubilation T. Cornpone memorial statue (the last of these three were built on site in amazing detail to look just as they appeared in the strip.   Presenting The Great Idea To Al Capp Snow, with other business Leaders from the area formed Recreation Enterprises, Inc. or (REI) and set off to propose the grand plan of the park to Dogpatch creator, Al Capp.   Capp, who had turned down previous proposals for such ventures, was inspired by the plan and shared Snows vision for the park. He ultimately approved the idea and became a partner in the project. By this time, Li'l Abner had inspired two film adaptations, a Broadway musical and had gained millions of readers so it seemed the perfect venue to compete in the theme park business. The over 800 acre theme park was set to not only be a reality, but in the minds of its creators, had the capability to become a major player in the theme park community.   Both Al Capp and his wife made a three day trip to the Arkansas site for the ground breaking ceremony which took place on Tuesday, October 3, 1967.  An interesting fact is that even before the groundbreaking, there were already a few attractions operating on the site such as trout fishing, a boat dock, an operating stage coach & trail ride, a honey shop and arts & crafts.    A mere 7 months later on May 17, 1968, Al Capp was back on the site to deliver the dedication speech of Dogpatch USA. At first the park was begrudging supported by the local Arkansas residents of what was for a time called Dogpatch, Arkansas and resisted the park as a daunting reminder of the “hillbilly” stigma that still hung over the residents of the Ozark town, but at the same time they welcomed the hopeful influx of tourism dollars the park would bring to their below median income community.     Opening Day Standing before a crowd of about 2,000 visitors on May 17, 1968, Al Capp uncovered the centerpiece of the park, the giant statue depicting the civil war hero of Dogpatch, Jubilation T. Cornpone, The park admitted a whopping 8000 people its opening day with an admission price of only $1.50 for adults and $0.75 for children.   Little did anyone realize at the time that by1993 through a combination of fate, nature, and unforeseen circumstances, Dogpatch USA would be gone...but not forgotten.   The parks design had been agreed upon by both O.J. Snow and Al Capp to hold true to the theme of the strip it was based on. Mr. Capp did not want the park full of monster; behemoth rides the zoomed around everywhere.   Although competing in the same market, the park had almost the opposite focus of the Disney parks in that where Disney was always focused on exemplifying the innovations and latest technology, Dogpatch USA represented the simplicity of life and beauty of nature. Although the park had some rides geared to pull in the “roller coaster” crowd, most of the attraction of the park was geared around actually spending time with your family and enjoying a leisurely vacation.   The Attractions Now, taking a virtual stroll back in time to the park let’s take a look at some of the attractions, shall we…   One of the parks most loved attractions was the trout pond which carried forward the legacy of the land’s previous purpose. It was where visitors could cast a line in the always overstocked pond and for a fee, have their catch cleaned and cooked for them while they sat enjoying the parks surroundings.   Dogpatch Caverns which had been around previous to the parks creation under the name Mystic Caverns. A second cavern was discovered by accident while renovating the original cave and was planned to be called “Old Man Moses Cave”. It has, since the parks' closure been called Crystal Dome. The caves hold the distinction to be the only attraction which has operated both before and after the park closed.   The Frustratin' Flyer was a steel "Monster Mouse" coaster created by Herschell. It was installed in 1968 for the park's debut and it operated until 1991. A later victim of the failing park the Frustratin’ Flyer was sold between 1991 and 1992 season.   Earthquake McGoon’s Brain Rattler  was a toboggan roller coaster that was manufactured by Chance Rides. The ride is believed to have been part of the park when it was opened in 1968. In early brochures it was depicted as being a track wrapped around an enormous tree, but the ride was actually made of metal. At some point in the 1970's the ride was closed, possibly due to maintenance problems. It did not reopen until the park was sold to Ozark Family Entertainment in 1981, and was believed to be in service for the remainder of the park's life. One of the few rides to survive the closing of the park the ride is still in operation under the moniker of The Wild & Wooly Toboggan at Little Amerricka amusement park in Marshall, Wisconsin. The Funicular Tram, referred to as the "decliner inliner", the tram was used to transport visitors from the parking lot into the park below. It was purchased from an unknown manufacturer in Switzerland and shipped to Dogpatch USA at a cost of a quarter of a million dollars. It was installed in 1970 and opened at the beginning of the 1971 season, it could transport as many as 1,700 guests per hour. As passengers descended into the Dogpatch USA valley they were given a short story about the park over the tram's PA. The tram remained in service until 1992 when the park eliminated general admission, and has the distinction of being the only ride that remains in the park, although it’s remains lies in somewhat less than working condition. The newcomer to the park was Li'l Abner's Space Rocket - The ride was added sometime prior to 1978 but in sharp contrast to the rustic theme of the park, it never quite fit in with its surroundings, its addition has been thought to signal the beginning of the end of the park. The ride, prominently displayed on brochures from the era, was removed when the park closed in 1993 and its whereabouts have since vanished into the winds of time. The Trash Eaters also bear mentioning, though not really an attraction - The park had trash cans equipped with huge animal heads that "ate" (or rather sucked) the trash out of patrons hands and into their mouths. The heads were shaped like goats, pigs, and even razorbacks and the unusual design encouraged patrons to properly dispose of their trash by making it a fun experience. The trash eaters used a unique & unusual design in their operation. You see, there was a blower motor inside the trash eater "house". The inside of the "house" was sealed so that when the door was shut, a vacuum was created which sucked trash into the trash eater's mouth. The trash then hit a stop and fell into the trashcan located inside the trash eater "house". Several of the trash eaters still stand in silent vigil to this day, but for how much longer...no one knows. Right out of the comic strip came the Kissin’ Rocks. They were a natural landmark in the Dogpatch comics & came to mirror the comic in real life. The real life park icon is made of granite & was one of the most photographed areas on the property. After uncounted kisses caught on film it still stands today as a testament to this once great park that remains in a special part of so many peoples' memories. The West Po’k Chop Speshul  was the miniature train that ran on this line at Dogpatch USA departed from the depot station and ran along the outskirts of the town. The tracks crossed over a bridge overlooking Marble Falls, known as “The Bottomless Canyon”. The train went through a tunnel and then circled through the valley of the Shmoo’ & then returned to the depot by the same route. The train made one stop on the return trip, near “The Brainrattler” ride, allowing passengers to wander that section for a few minutes. Normally there was only one train in operation, but there were two locomotives available during peak capacities in the park. The whereabouts of the train are clouded in mystery. At some point after the park closed passerby’s spotted the engine being loaded up on to the back of a trailer. Weather it was stolen or saved remains to be seen. One can only hope for the latter. Other Rides In The Park Included The Wolf Island Paddle Boats, The Boat Train ride (replaced in 1988 by bumper boats), The Helicopters (kiddie ride), Ole' 99 (which was a kiddie train ride), The Wild Water Rampage, Yo-Yo ride, The Paratrooper ride, The well-known Scrambler ride, The Merry-go-round, The Antique Cars, General Bullmoose's Gravity House (a blacklight maze, fun house), The Shooting Gallery, Hairless Joe and Lonesome Polecat's Kickapoo Joy Juice Barrel Ride (which was a Rotor ride) replaced by a children's play area in 1988, Sky Driver (which replaced the Brain Rattler in 1989), The Wheel of Misfortune (a Round Up, spinning ride, Wheel of Fortune spinner theme-decor) The Beginning of the end actually came at the end of the first season; the park had over 300,000 visitors and made a comfortable net profit at the time of $100,000. Rumored disputes of O.J.Snow and the other investors over distribution of profits from the park led Snow at first and eventually the majority of other investors in the park into selling their shares to Jess Odom.   Al Capp, who was at first hesitant about Odom’s new role in the development of the park apparently put his fears to rest at some point and signed a substantial agreement giving Odom license to use the Li'l Abner themes and likenesses in franchising agreements that could span decades had with an equally substantial share of gross proceeds going to Capp.   Odom had plans to invest millions in the development of the Dogpatch USA park as well as develop a new sister park called Marble Falls Resort and Convention Center. Which would have three ski slopes, an indoor ice rink, and an amphitheater which would feature various music and theatrical events. This remarkable idea may have worked if not for a series of unusual and foreboding weather events that caused a delayed opening to the resort. In another turn of unfortunate events a mild winter brought an early close to the first season. This combined with countrywide climbing oil & gas prices that was affecting tourism coupled with rising costs of operating the parks led to spiral into debt that the parks would never recover from.   In a bizarre sense of irony Dogpatch USA itself was profitable for all but two years of its operation. However, other local attractions such as Silver Dollar City which had more elaborate rides and attractions began to win over many of the parks paying customers.   Al Capp Retires The parks, already suffering from lower attendance then received what was possibly the most significant factor in the imminent demise of the park. The retirement of Al Capp from producing the popular comic strip in 1977.    Without the national exposure from the comic strip, the Dogpatch/ Li'l Abner began to fade from the public eye and their memory. The effect of his announcement however, did not have an immediate impact on the park nor did anyone see the gathering storm clouds As a matter of fact and in sharp contrast to the announcement, 1977 had recorded numbers of visitors as well as record sales per visitor to the park.   Musical (Chair) Owners Then, almost in no time at all came rapid successions in ownership. With every new owner came various enthusiastic plans to change and revitalize the park. However, despite the bright future that each new owner promised Dogpatch USA filed bankruptcy in 1980. The park was never the same after the Bankruptcy, but, they lingered on and the parks then began their slow decline into obscurity. Instead of upgrades and renovations, the management began cutting costs by focusing on arts/crafts and charging for individual rides scratching desperately for every penny that could be earned. Intentional cost saving measures aside, the final death nail came as the L'il Abner/Dogpatch brand was removed from the park altogether referring to itself as Dogpatch, Arkansas. The park like so many before, although seemingly successful alone, could not bear the additional burden of supporting its failing sister site Marble Falls Resort and Convention Center. Struggling under massive financial pressures in 1993...the parks closed.   Decay In the years that followed the park changed ownership, bits and pieces of what remained began to disappear and although ideas abounded and rumors swirled about the park being reopened, it being converted to a movie ranch, an eco-tourism hub and about a thousand other ideas none of which materialized. Instead year after year, new weeds would break their way through the seams in the concrete, vines would climb a little higher on the old decaying buildings, the grass would grow a little higher and the once meticulously maintained landscape would fade from view as Mother Nature began to reclaim her own. Gone were the sounds of children and their laughter. The only occasional tourist that the park would see were those either looking to document the withered remains of the park or worse, those that would raid it for whatever scraps of the park that weren’t nailed down, and for that matter some that were. Yes the park had been rapidly losing its battle with time, the elements, and those who would have no purpose other than to destroy what was left of this once beautiful theme park.   The Shakeup You would think then, in consideration of all that had happened to it so far, that the park would then quietly fade off into history But no, as if to add insult to injury, a 2005 accident ended in a judge rendering a judgment in favor of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit, a 17-year-old named Pruett Nance and his father. The young Mr. Nance was riding his ATV onto the property and claimed he had permission to be there by the property owners when he ran into a steel cable nearly decapitated himself. The owners at the time claimed the cable was stretched between two trees to thwart trespassers.  In a lawsuit filed by the Nance’s it was claimed that the cable was put with the knowledge it would cause harm. In a battle that lasted all the way to the Supreme Court, the Nance Family received a judgment in favor of Pruett Nance and according to various sources he was given the deed to Dogpatch and became one of its youngest owners when the owners could not, or would not pay the judgment which ranged from $650,000 to $700,000.   More Bad News Bad luck would continue to plague the area when four years later more trouble would come to Marble Falls (who had changed its name from formally from Dogpatch in 1997) in the form of wastewater issues.  In January 2009 a waste sewage lift station, which was installed during the creation of Dogpatch USA back in 1968, ceased to function due to an ice storm which in turn caused sewage to over flow into nearby Mill Creek. Mill Creek fed into the Buffalo National River which resulted in direct contamination of the Buffalo National River with raw sewage flowing from Marble Falls. The community supported by the massive system is only about 100 users. Because of this the Arkansas Department of environmental quality left the Marble Falls Sewage Improvement District two options,   1.)  Fight the case in court ,which they would almost certainly lose or, 2.)  Build a new sewage treatment facility which would cost a total of over $1,000,000 which would still only serve 100 users. This translates into a cost of $10,000 per user. I don't know about you, but I would have just a little bit of a problem with that.   The Undiscovered Future… Fast forward to present times in 2012. The park now not in the hands of a corporation or business man, but in the hands of a young man who has a lot of ideas for the future of the land that the remains of the park reside on. What is in the future for Dogpatch USA? A new Amusement Park? A restored version of Dogpatch? A RV Campground? A Camp for Youth? Whatever it may become of it in the future, hopefully it is in better hands now than it has been in a long time. With the imagination of youth and perhaps some financial backing, history may turn into the future for this ole' dog...   You can listen to this show Echoes Of Laughter as well as other AMN Shows on our website at: www,audiosmaximus.com, on iTunes and Stitcher Smart Radio. Once again, this show is brought to you in part by Amazon.com. Please help support Echoes Of Laughter and our other shows by visiting audiosmaximus.com and clicking The Swagus Maximus Store Link or by clicking on our Amazon Affiliate Link. The products you purchase cost you no more than they do normally but we are paid a small commission that helps to pay for our shows. Thank You Again For Your Support! Until Next Time...Remember The Laughter!     This episode of Echoes Of Laughter is brought to you in part by Amazon.com. Please help support Echoes Of Laughter and our other shows by visiting audiosmaximus.com and clicking The Swagus Maximus Store Link or by clicking on our Amazon Affiliate Link. The products you purchase cost you no more than they do normally but we are paid a small commission that helps to pay for the cost of producing our shows. Thank You All For Your Support!     Script Written By: Kenny Fairchild & T. Michael Fairchild   Rides info per http://www.abandonedok.com/dogpatch-u-s-a/   Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogpatch_USA#Attractions http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li%27l_Abner#Dogpatch http://users.aristotle.net/~russjohn/attractions/dogpatch.html http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?search=1&entryID=2302# http://www.abandonedok.com/dogpatch-u-s-a/ http://www.undergroundozarks.com/dogpatch.html

The American actor Stubby Kaye worked in vaudeville before he made his name in the musical Guys and Dolls, on Broadway and in London, as Nicely-Nicely. When it was filmed, nobody else could be considered for the part. He went on to make several more film musicals, including Li'l Abner and Sweet Charity. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career which includes some work in this country where he now lives, and he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: New York, New York by Liza Minelli Book: Diary Luxury: Hard hat