CBS HUGE HIT IN TOM SELLECK'S BLUE BLOODS
Tom Selleck
DOES AGE MATTER – You may not have noticed, but 66-year old TV veteran Tom Selleck has one of the few huge hits of the current TV season; Blue Bloods on CBS. I never ever watched Magnum in its heyday, but I've watched every episode of his new show, and the writing (from Sopranos-veterans Mitchell Burgess and Robin Green) and acting are simply off the map. Selleck in particular is nothing short of stellar; easily stealing every scene he’s in. Sure, the mustache leads the way, but he is so commanding, so regal … every scene I'm totally captivated! Also in the terrific cast are Donnie Wahlberg; Will Estes; Bridget Moynahan; Len Carious; and, Nicholas Turturro. The series revolves around a family of cops … hence, the title. But, the success of the show has seemingly blown the lid off from the ageism of casting certain TV actors. 62-year old Don Johnson returns next year in the lead role in the new show A Mann’s World; 57-year old Tim Allen will be back then as well; 61-year old Christine Lahti is back too, and, 55-year old Dana Delany returns next week in the new series Body of Proof; even bad-boy actor Eric Roberts is leading his own show next year called Grace. And, 62-year old Kathy Bates currently has a TV-hit with Harry’s Law … yes, she’s Harry! And, don't forget 69-year old William Shatner! Is it acting chops, charisma, or just plain start power? Or, as Nikki Finke posited recently in her column, “are the broadcast networks looking to relive their glory days with some of their signature stars of the past? Or, are the baby boomers turning out in droves to support actors of their generation?” Honestly, I think it's a combination of all these factors. The shows that they're putting it ... by and large, are very, very sub par .... almost an insult to the audiences. Think about this: 1983's Flashdance ... leads Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri are both bigger than ever; she has her show with Fox's Chicago Code and, he has a reoccurring role on CBS' top-rated NCIS? And, HBO’s biggest show is fronted by 53-year old Steve Buscemi. Or, the reason could be these two words: Betty White!****
New Kids On The BlockSUMMER IN THE CITY – The Turtles announced the lineup for their 26th Happy Together Tour, which will cross the country beginning in July. Joining them will be The Association; The Grass Roots; The Buckinghams; and, Mark Lindsay, from Paul Revere & The Raiders. Also touring this summer will be Peter Frampton with Yes; New Kids On The Block with The Backstreet Boys; new Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee Alice Cooper; possibly the classic lineup of Van Halen; Poison (with Brett Michaels) with Motley Crue and the New York Dolls; Sade; Journey; and, just maybe ... Guns ‘N Roses with Axl Rose!
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Micky DolenzEndquote -- Writer Eric Lefcowitz, on the forthcoming 45th Anniversary tour of The Monkees: “My take on it, first of all, is obviously its being done, in part, for the money. It’s also being done because there is public demand. This is not true of many groups that came out around the time of The Monkees. Of course, there are exceptions like the Buffalo Springfield who are touring. Incidentally, the Buffalo Springfield were great friends with The Monkees, But, the Byrds, to use an example decided to take a pass, It’s not easy to get these legacy groups together. Often it’s like herding cats. I'd love to say that they are always guaranteed box office… especially in this day and age when it’s difficult to sell tickets and legacy rock acts are disappearing. But the truth is, it’s just a fun brand. Hearing Micky belting out hits like ‘I'm A Believer’ and ‘(I'm Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,’ and Davy’s classic performance of ‘Daydream Believer’ is usually worth the price of admission.”
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CONSTANCE – Next column we'll have a short talk with Virginia-born designer Constance McCardle, and her truly memorable collection via her CMC label. After attending the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York and working at the Gallery of Wearable Art on the Upper East Side, her studio is now based in Westchester.
Photos By: Derek Storm/ RD/Dimaio/Kirkland/Walter McBride/Retna
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CONSTANCE – Next column we'll have a short talk with Virginia-born designer Constance McCardle, and her truly memorable collection via her CMC label. After attending the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York and working at the Gallery of Wearable Art on the Upper East Side, her studio is now based in Westchester.
Photos By: Derek Storm/ RD/Dimaio/Kirkland/Walter McBride/Retna
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