November 21, 1997 --
VH1 will be showing The Wizard of Oz in Concert: Dreams Come True, taped at the Lincoln Center in 1995 featuring Nathan as the Cowardly Lion. Three show times are: Thursday, 11/27 at 10:00am and 6:00pm (yes, Thanksgiving Day), Saturday, 11/29 at 2:00am.
Update: also being shown Sat. at 4:00pm.
-- thanks to a Bob Fosse fan for a clue to this one
November 17, 1997 --
An article in last week's L.A. Times gives a cast update for the 1947 radio version of It's a Wonderful Life, now known as It's a Wonderful Life - Radio Play, to be presented on December 8 at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Bill Pullman (left) will play George Bailey with Penelope Ann Miller as Mrs. Bailey. The cast now also includes Nathan, Sally Field, Martin Landau, Hal Holbrook, Charles Durning, Joe Mantegna, Christian Slater, Minnie Driver, Edward James Olmos, Chris Farley, Dan Lauria, Jonathan Lipnicki, Tina Majorino, Ryan Slater, and Mae Whitman (plus "many other surprises"). How about an understated "Wow!"?
Also reported - the show will air in L.A. on KCET-TV, Channel 28 on Christmas night as
Merry Christmas, George Bailey. It will also be shown at other times on other PBS stations.
Remember, tickets are $150 with proceeds going to the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Call Doreen Lane of PAF at 310-395-9051 for ticket information.
November 14, 1997 --
According to TV Guide, Nathan is not featured in either of the two remaining November episodes of Mad About You. This week's episode was postponed from an earlier date which may have pushed Nathan's episode into December. Looks like December will be a big, busy month.
12/10 Update: Looks like Nathan's Mad About You appearance will be in 1998, unless the 12/30 episode is a new one.
Update: The December 2 show is a repeat of the season opener.
Update: well, whenever his episode is aired, you will see him as a college professor who was Jamie's (Helen Hunt) "first."
November 12, 1997 --
If you live near a large city, you may be able to see Mouse Hunt early. Sneak previews are tentatively planned for 70 North American cities on December 12. Typically, these are announced in local newspapers and involve one showing only, often on a double bill with another current run film. Check the list to see if there is a sneak preview in your area.
November 10, 1997 --
If you are in New York City this Friday, you can see Nathan, have dinner, and contribute to a very worthy cause. Nathan will be joining Victor Garber and Marin Mazzie at Friends Center Stage, a benefit for he Children's Blood Foundation Tickets are $100 in advance, $125 at the door.
-- thanks to our roving Yahoo reporter, Marcia
November 9, 1997 --
It comes close to his December 8 appearance at the Pasadena Playhouse (It's a Wonderful Life reading), but word has it that Nathan will host Saturday Night Live on December 6. I'm sure he will be the highlight of SNL's season.
Update: It's for sure, Nathan on SNL on December 6 ... with Metallica.
November 4, 1997 --
I can connect Paolo Montalban (of Disney's TV Cinderella) to Nathan in one step. Can you?
OK, one huge fan got this right after a lot of clues!
-- they both attended St. Peter's Prep School in New Jersey.
November 2, 1997 --
The Mouse Hunt soundtrack is being prepared by Varese-Sarabande and is expected to be released December 2. I will post details here as I get them.
Read the news and take some time to explore the V-S site which features an online catalog of their collection, including many cast recordings and soundtracks.
November 1, 1997 --
Audience members at a production of Jon Robin Baitz' Mizlansky/Zilinsky in Santa Monica were surprised to see Nathan substituting for the expected Adam Arkin in a title role.
The show ran from October 22-25 and featured a wonderful cast including Paul Sand, Robert Walden, Grant Shaud, Rob Morrow, Richard Masur, and Julie Kavner.
This was an L.A. Theater Works "Radio Play", so it will be broadcast on KCRW 89.9FM and other public radio stations. An audio cassette will also be available. I'll post further information as I get it.
The production was well-received, sold out all four days, and may be a prelude to an appearance at Manhattan Theatre Company this winter (cast unknown).
Better than VH1 Fashion Awards any day.
-- many thanks to ninjagirll for her help
October 25, 1997 --
 VH1 will show the GC Men of the Year awards ceremony beginning November 1st. So far, the schedule is (all times ET and PT):
November 1 at 3:00pm and 7:00pm and November 2 at 5:30 and 12:00midnight. Continue to check the schedule at VH1 for more showings.
Update: the show will also be shown on Monday at noon (60 min. version), Tuesday at 9:00pm, and Wednesday at midnight. |
October 24, 1997 --
The sitcom deal is signed and Paramount has thrown in a film offer as well. Congratulations, Mr. Lane. We all look forward to seeing you on TV! .
October 21, 1997 --
The release date for Mousehunt (is it Mousehunt, MouseHunt, or Mouse Hunt?) has been moved up to December 19. This is a competitive weekend (Titanic and Home Alone 3), but DreamWorks' head of distribution, Jim Tharp, feels the film will appeal to all ages.
Read more at the Mouse Hunt Page.
-- thanks, Marcia!
October 20, 1997 --
Last call for the Bravo Inside the Actors Studio tape Round Robin. Thanks to Shelly, we will be sending a tape of Nathan's appearance on a trip to visit each of you who were not able to see the show. If you are not on the list and would like to be included, please write me.
Update - the tape is on its way and is visiting the second fan
October 15, 1997 --
More news about the 2nd annual GQ Men of the Year awards:
The ceremony will be held tonight at Radio City Music Hall at 8:00pm. Tickets may still be available ($47 to $102) at 212-880-6616, the receipts of which will benefit the Save the Children Foundation.
Seventeen men will be honored and one will be named "Most Stylish Man in America". Other recipients include: Peter Jennings, Michael Jordan, Wolfgang Puck, and David Bowie, who will perform. Comedian Dennis Miller is hosting.
October 14, 1997 --
Update about GMA appearance on the guestbook.
Apparently I turned off Good Morning America too early this morning ... as Ginger reported on the guestbook, GMA announced Nathan as appearing on tomorrow's show as "Gentleman's Quarterly's Man of the Year." Watch GMA tomorrow for the details.
October 13, 1997 --
 On October 20, Bravo will start a new contest with the prizes being Inside the Actors Studio posters signed by Nathan Lane himself. Visit the Bravo site and click on the Bravo Bounty link. May the best fans win. |
Update: the contest has now started.
October 9, 1997 --
Two recent news articles allude to a reunion among Nathan, NewsRadio's Vicki Lewis (Mouse Hunt and Wind in the Willows) and Robin Williams (Birdcage) in a big screen project next summer. Is this The Best Man? Not sure at this point, but I'll keep you posted.
Follow the news as I get it on the Best Man page.
October 9, 1997 --
Nathan is scheduled to appear on the 1997 VH1 Fashion Awards show, taping October 24 at Madison Square Garden and airing Tuesday, October 28. Harry Connick, Jr. and Ashley Judd are hosting and the Rolling Stones will perform. Should Nathan do a duet with Harry or Mick? More importantly, what will he wear?
Update -- Nathan did not appear as he was working on another project
October 5, 1997 --
Way back in 1963, Sid Caesar starred in a Neil Simon/Cy Coleman musical called Little Me. The show was nominated for a whopping 14 Tony Awards (only one winner - Bob Fosse for choreography) and was revived in 1982 with James Coco and Victor Garber (3 Tony noms, including one for Garber).
Why am I telling you this? Fran and Barry Wiessler are considering reviving the show once again at the Roundabout next season with an expected spring of 1999 beginning. Possible stars mentioned ... Martin Short and Nathan Lane!
-- thanks Marie for the quick alert to the Culture Finder article
September 27, 1997 --
The 50th Anniversary of The Actors' Studio will be celebrated today and tomorrow on Access Hollywood (Check NBC and FOX local listings). Bravo will televise their own anniversary show and Actors' Studio marathon on December 7.
September 23, 1997 --
Nathan and Christine Baranski have been spotted several times recently on the NYC train system ... in an ad for Saks Fifth Avenue. The ad hasn't been seen in print yet, but we're hoping.
Also, Chef Ernie Smuntz (Nathan in Mouse Hunt) is pictured in this week's Newsweek magazine. See the pic on the Mouse Hunt page.
-- thanks to Kim for this information and to Mr. & Mrs. D for the photo
September 17, 1997 --
Update: The walk drew 26,000 participants and raised over $3 million. Nathan and David Hyde-Pierce co-hosted the opening ceremony.
Nathan will be taking part in AIDS Project Los Angeles' 13th annual AIDS Walk on September 28. The walk begins and ends on the Sky Set
of Paramount Pictures in Hollywood. You may contact AWLA by e-mail to make a contribution.
Also expected to participate are Christine Baranski, Teri Hatcher, David Hyde Pierce and 800 corporate teams. Last year's event raised $3.4 million for APLA.
September 16, 1997 --
Remember last year's mantra (Saturday Night Live, Saturday Night Live)?
Start chanting again ... he's on the list again!
September 15, 1997 --
The New York Daily News ran an item stating that Nathan will be making a couple of appearances on NBC's NewsRadio this season. Apparently, after co-starring with Vicki Lewis in the upcoming Mouse Hunt (not to mention the short-lived Wind in the Willows musical), Nathan has asked for a few scenes with Vicki on the popular (and very funny) weekly show. NewsRadio also stars Dave Foley, Phil Hartman, Maura Tierney, and Andy Dick.
Apparently, Nathan hasn't signed on officially, but an appearance is probable.
Thanks to Judy for the initial alert, to Jennifer (e-mail her to receive the weekly NewsRadio newsletter), and to the unofficial NewsRadio website.
September 12, 1997 --
Nathan will be in Connecticut on Saturday to perform in a benefit for the Hole in the Wall Camp founded by Paul Newman for kids with cancer. Appearing with Nathan, Newman, and Joanne Woodward will be Julia Roberts, Tony Randall, and Carole King. Here's the story as it appeared in the New York Times.
September 10, 1997 --
Hopefully Nathan is headed to network TV in 1998. Some of his stage and film co-stars have gone before him (Mark Linn-Baker, Christine Baranski, etc.). Here are some actors who have appeared with Nathan and are featured in this season's TV schedule:
- J.K. Simmons (Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Guys and Dolls) and Steve Ryan (Guys and Dolls) in HBO's acclaimed original series OZ
- Calista Flockhart (The Birdcage) as Ally McBeal on Fox
- Kathy Najimi (Jeffrey) in Kirstie Alley's Veronica's Closet on NBC
- The fabulous Gregory Hines (1995 Tony Awards Show) gets his own aptly title show on CBS: The Gregory Hines Show
Any more?
September 8, 1997 --
It has been long known that the Frasier people have been interested in developing a TV sitcom for Nathan whenever he wished. It looks like the day is coming. No title, no concept, no network, but they're talking (Frasier producers, Paramount, and Nathan). See Nathan and Kelsey Grammer on Frasier in 1995 (above).
Ultimate TV adds another interesting note, that Nathan "had a development deal with Fox in 1992, but nothing ever came of it."
-- thanks to Marcia and Susan for the referrals
August 15, 1997 --
Entertainment Weekly's fall film preview issue (August 22/29) includes a little review and a picture from Mouse Hunt. Also, Nathan finishes the sentence "If I ran Hollywood ..." by saying " ... I'm drunk with power just at the thought. We'd have an actor's cut released on video where you got to see all the scenes I wanted."
-- thanks to lucky Lisa who has her Entertainment Weekly already
August 13, 1997 --
It's Wonderful News:
PBS has officially agreed to tape the It's a Wonderful Life reading! The show will air during December sweeps week.
The reading is a December 8th benefit for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation at the Pasadena Playhouse. Tickets are available (minimum $150 donation) by calling Doreen Lane (yes, that's right) of PAF at 310-395-9051.
See the July 10 news item below for more details on the production.
-- many thanks to Kim for bringing the good news directly from the official source
August 11, 1997 --
You will see some reports on the guestbook about the E! Daily News show. Here are some other notes:
- On the Bowl concerts: "I've never done anything like this before and it all sounded like fun many
months ago (laugh), but then suddenly it arrives and you realize this is,
this is gonna be a lot of work."
- On The Birdcage: "A movie like The Birdcage was a great success, but when you play that kind of
role I think it's hard for people to then imagine you doing something
else....it was sort of an indelible impression."
- On his film career: "At least in the movies people are intrigued...I think they're not sure yet,
ya know, what to do with me."
-- thanks to Ariel
August 8, 1997 --
Two rumors have flown in from so many different sources, maybe there is some truth to them.
#1: Nathan may return to Forum in September or October (for up to a 10 week run) before Carol Burnett becomes the next Pseudolus. Fiction or fact? No one is saying right now.
#2: Nathan was not kidding about wanting to play Amos in the Chicago film. The Hollywood Reporter reported that Nathan has been approached to do the role.
Goldie Hawn's husband? OK!
August 4, 1997 --
Finally, a date is set for Nathan's appearance on Inside the Actors Studio on the Bravo channel. Set your VCRs for Sunday, September 21 at 9:00pm (or 12 midnight)!
This appearance was taped months ago - clips are available (see the link on the link page) or read the September schedule on the Bravo site.
August 3, 1997 (updated August 4)--
Well, the big concert series is over in L.A. All reports I have heard have been enthusiastic, though most wished for more Nathan!
A nugget of information that comes out of this performance is Nathan's mention of wanting to play Amos in the film version of Chicago (fabulous idea!).
Laurie Winer of the L.A. Times reviewed the concert. From her review:
- "There was too much Marvin Hamlisch and not enough Nathan Lane"
- She felt that "Lane seemed under the weather" and "On Friday night,
... his voice sounded tired, and he was almost drowned out on several occasions by the Philharmonic."
- But "No one has better patter than Lane, a compact funny man with the unexpected physical grace of Jackie Gleason."
The review is currently accessible on the Times site.
See the song list
Read first-person account
More comments on the guestbook
August 1, 1997 --
In another L.A. Times article yesterday, Hamlisch describes his collaboration with Nathan: "Lane will be 'doing some wonderful songs about either movies or people in the movies.'
Hamlisch refers to the star of The Birdcage as his long-lost brother. 'We have kind of a New York energy,' he says."
About planning the concert: "I first met him over the phone and then I went out and saw
him in California. This is not one of those concerts that you meet the day of and say, 'What are we going to do?' This is not only
a planned concert, but it's been planned for the Hollywood Bowl. A concert that has been tailor-made for the Hollywood
Bowl.'"
August 1, 1997 --
The L.A. Times had a very nice feature article on Nathan in yesterday's paper. The article states that Terrence McNally and Nathan are talking about doing a film of Lips Together, Teeth Apart (yes!). Also, Nathan has done a photo shoot for an article for Bon Appetit which ties in with his character in Mouse Hunt who is a chef.
The only song revealed for this weekend's concert is Cole Porter's "Don't Monkey with Broadway" which Nathan performed on the Letterman show and also at Carnegie Hall.
If you are unable to locate the article (the Times Online charges for articles after the publishing date) and would like to see the text portion, e-mail me.
July 25, 1997 --
Nathan has a new Island Pictures film project: The Best Man, a romantic comedy about a mental patient who escapes
from an institution to be the best man at his childhood friend's wedding. Talks are under way with Jerry Zaks to direct.
Jerry and Nathan. Together again. Reported by Yahoo, Reuters, Variety and CNN Showbiz.
July 17, 1997 --
The Nathan and Dave Show continues to entertain us all. Nathan was manic and funny as he usually is on this show and seems happy to be back on the east coast. He sang a two-song medley in honor of the weather: Heat Wave and Too Darn Hot.
If you have a RealAudio Player, listen to Part 1 (1.4m) and Part 2 (600k) of Nathan's Letterman interview as well as The Hot Medley (300k). Thanks to Andrew, a true Timonaholic.
July 15, 1997 --
Some quick stuff while I seek out details:
- Nathan was attendance at Whoopi's going away party (not a rumor - so was Jerry Zaks, Tony Walton, and Ben Vereen)
- Mouse Hunt is set to be released on Christmas Day of this year (this is the correct current release date)
- Hallmark has released a collector's edition of The Boys Next Door with interviews and pictures priced at $14.98 (find a store near you)
July 10, 1997 --
Planned for December 8 at the Pasadena Playhouse is a benefit for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The event will include a "live on-stage" reading of It's a Wonderful Life featuring Nathan as Clarence the angel and Danny DeVito as Mr. Potter. Also appearing will be Rhea Perlman, Christian Slater, and Edward James Olmos.
A copy of "It's a Wonderful Life's 50th Anniversary Scrapbook", autographed by the late Jimmy Stewart will be auctioned. This is one of five copies Jimmy Hawkins (the original Tommy Bailey) sent Stewart to be signed only a few weeks ago.
It really will be a wonderful life if this event is recorded for all of us to enjoy! Negotiations are underway with PBS' Great Performances for airing during the December pledge drive - I'll pledge!! Hopefully, more details will follow.
-- thanks Rebecca for the early notice of this event
July 3, 1997 --
Los Angeles-- Nathan was unable to attend, but was singled out for his philanthropic work by Laguna Shanti of Orange County, marking 10 years of serving HIV-infected clients.
At the June 29 benefit dinner, actress Judith Light and entertainer Michael Feinstein (who also performed) received the organization's Caring Heart Award. Bruce Vilanch, a comedy writer for many comics, welcomed guests and apologized to "Nathan Lane, who couldn't be with us tonight. Truth is, we had a fight last night and I bit his ear."
Proceeds will go toward Laguna Shanti's
community programs, which include home-delivered meals and outreach services providing emotional support, personal
enrichment, spiritual guidance and education.
June 29, 1997 --
New York -- William Hickey, who will appear as father Smuntz in Mouse Hunt passed away due to complications from emphysema and bronchitis. Known primarily as an acting teacher (his students included Barbra Streisand and Steve McQueen), Hickey considered his 1985 Oscar-nominated title role in Prizzi's Honor to be his "first grown-up acting role."
He was 69 years old. Read more about his career at The Internet Movie Database.
June 29, 1997 --
USA Today lists Nathan as one of Wednesday's attending celebrities at the Hollywood premiere of the film Men in Black, which stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.
Word has it that Nathan has completed his part in the filming of Mouse Hunt. Hopefully, he's taking a little R&R somewhere.
June 19, 1997 --
Still in Los Angeles, now finishing up Mouse Hunt, Nathan attended the L.A. opening night of musical Ragtime on June 15.
Jason Alexander was there, too, and MSNBC chose to run his picture.
June 7, 1997 --
MTV Movie Awards were announced. Nathan and Robin didn't win, nor did Nathan attend the taped ceremony.
June 4, 1997 --
For those of us holding our collective breaths hoping Nathan will return soon to the Forum ...
It looks like the next Pseudolus will be David Alan Grier, most known for TV's In Living Color. He was recently seen on Broadway as Jackie Robinson in the musical The First and in One Touch of Venus for Encores.
Mr. Grier began rehearsals June 9. He will perform from July 14 until November, when Carol Burnett steps in.
I've also heard rumors that Nathan has other film deals in the works to follow Mouse Hunt.
May 26, 1997 --
 Looks like the PR machine is starting already for Mouse Hunt! Nathan and Lee Evans and the mouse appeared on Entertainment Tonight tonight. They discussed the film and the mouse, well, had an accident ("It's her way of saying ... I don't like show business.")
Expect lots of physical comedy in the film, including an out of control bathtub (remember the news item about a flood?). It was announced that Mouse Hunt will be released this November.
|
May 23, 1997 --
Nathan was seen on the E! channel last night: on location shooting Mouse Hunt and a little interview.
As an E! News item, this may be shown again, so set your VCR's (and somebody, please send a tape to E!-deprived me!!).
May 22, 1997 --
The sequel to The Lion King, rumored to be named Simba's Pride and released on video is expected sometime between June 17, 1997 and the turn of the century (depending on which rumor you believe).
Read the latest from the rumor mill, including cast list and plot.
May 22, 1997 --
Nathan joined Garry Marshall to salute Neil Simon this month at a benefit presented by the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles.
Of course, Nathan had great success in the 1993 revival of Simon's Laughter on the 23rd Floor. He also appeared in Broadway Bound (1987 national tour), part of the Simon semi-autobiographical trilogy.
May 21, 1997 --
Sources say Nathan will not be at the Tony Awards this year, but the Tony Awards site is running a great weekly backstage diary feature with Tony Awards producer Gary Smith.
Read it and put on a tape of the 1995 or 1996 ceremony.
May 12, 1997 --
There is an article in the current issue of Genre magazine which includes information from Mouse Hunt producer Bruce Cohen.
He describes the filming as going "very well" and describes a nighttime filming of a flood scene!
I will add more details if and when I get the magazine.
-- thanks to Marie for passing this along.
April 29, 1997 --
For the 3rd year, Nathan will be the honorary chair for the Doodles & Scribbles auction on May 12 in New York City.
The silent auction features "original, signed drawings and poems by theatre and media celebrities; tickets to Broadway shows; dinners at fine
restaurants; merchandise, personal services and a raffle", reports Playbill Online
Reportedly, Nathan may or may not attend the event.
If he goes, it would be a perfect opportunity to do Saturday Night Live, don't you think?
5/13/94 update -- he wasn't there.
April 29, 1997 --
The Birdcage is among the top 10 films booked on domestic and commercial flights last year, according to the World Airline Entertainment Association.
April 27, 1997 --
Actor Christopher Walken has joined the cast of Mouse Hunt, Nathan's movie for DreamWorks currently in production in L.A.
April 25, 1997 --
Nathan has received a Cinema Arts Award from the Tulsa Cinema Arts Foundation in the category of Best Actor for his role in The Birdcage.
Read the whole story.
They have great taste in Tulsa!
April 20, 1997 --
Voices of Broadway and Hollywood (Star Spangled Rhythm), a new 4-CD collection, spans musical theatre/film history from the Jolson era to recent day. On one of the 81 tracks, Nathan appears with Faith Prince doing "Sue Me" from Guys & Dolls.
The set includes an 80-page booklet.
April 17, 1997 --
Just when you thought the awards season was over ... MTV announced their 1997 MTV Movie Awards nominees today. Nathan and Robin Williams are nominated as Best On-Screen Duo for their performances in The Birdcage. Robin is also nominated for Best Comedic Performance. Um ... may I disagree?
The winners will be announced at a taped ceremony on June 7 at the Barker
Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif. The "1997 MTV MOVIE AWARDS" will premiere on June 12.
Also scheduled is the "MTV Movie Awards Nomination Special" which will air on April 21 at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 (ET/PT).
Read the press release with the complete list of nominees.
April 15, 1997 --
In a new poll by People Magazine, Nathan is one of the most improved in recognizability. Read the Variety story.
I'm sure this improvement is greatly due to all of us repeatedly answering the question "Nathan Lane - who the heck is he?"
April 13, 1997 --
The episode of Miami Vice called "Buddies", which aired originally on Nov. 1, 1985, will be broadcast on the f/x channel this Wednesday at 12:00 midnight EST. Nathan appears briefly as a bad man with a short life. Tape it!
Additional note (on 4/20/97): I have now seen this show - oooh ... he is a bad comic and a bad man (Morty, the character, of course). Look for clips to come soon if you can stand it.
April 11, 1997 --
The current (April 18th) issue of Entertainment Weekly includes Nathan in their list of the 50 Funniest People Alive. He's 48th, but he's there! Robin Williams was #1. Click on picture to go to EW site.
-- thanks to LucyShoe for the alert!
April 8, 1997 --
Thanks to Melanie's persistence, we have confirmation from Bravo that Nathan will appear on "Inside the Actor's Studio" in September of this year. Set the VCRs. Well, maybe wait a couple months.
I'll let you know when the exact day is announced.
April 8, 1997 --
A bit belated, but read about Oscar Night with Nathan.
April 7, 1997 --
This summer marks the 76th season at the Hollywood Bowl.
Broadway-related music begins Aug. 1 and 2 with Nathan Lane singing and pianist Marvin Hamlisch conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The program will feature songs Hamlisch has written for stage and screen.
Will it be televised? Start praying ...
March 24, 1997 --
CNN "Pick the Winners" poll results in a Best Supporting Actor award for Nathan (thanks to the votes of all of you fans!).
Check out all of the results.
March 24, 1997 --
ABC responds to Ariel's inquiry about Nathan being on the April 30 episode of Ellen:
Thank you for sharing your views regarding "Ellen." We have forwarded your
message to the show's production offices and the ABC Programming Department.
We are still awaiting information regarding guest appearances. As of yet,
we haven't heard of Nathan Lane making a cameo. Stay tuned to ABC, and
check your local newspapers for updates.
We appreciate your interest in ABC Television. and your effort to
communicate with us.
James Canning
ABC Television
So there's the definitive answer ... or is it?
March 22, 1997 --
From the Los Angeles Times:
HOLLYWOOD
The Gothic facade of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles'
Wilshire district was transformed this week in preparation for the filming on
Palm Sunday of a scene for "Mouse Hunt," a comedy for DreamWorks SKG
starring Nathan Lane.
The studio needed to close off a block of busy Wilshire Boulevard--
easier to do on a Sunday than a weekday.
Of course, this is Palm Sunday, the start of the Christian Holy Week.
Not to worry, said church leaders. More than 250 people are expected
at 9:30 a.m. for the first joint service of the English-speaking congregation
and a Spanish-speaking congregation launched at the church last fall. In an
outdoor procession preceding the service, worshipers will leave the sanctuary
from a side door into the neighborhood behind the church and return by
another side entrance.
Everyone at the church has been accommodating, said a spokesman.
Film crews like the location: Scenes for "Picture Perfect" were shot there in
January, and the church was used last year for the Arnold Schwarzenegger
film "Eraser."
March 20, 1997 --
Tom Cruise stole yet another award from Nathan in the Extra! Cyber Awards (Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical).
March 19, 1997 --
GLAAD Media Awards (west coast version) winners were announced. The Birdcage was up for a film award, but lost out to Bound (starring Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly).
March 6, 1997 --
So far unsubstantiated, but too good to ignore: a post has appeared on Usenet stating that Nathan will appear on a Disney album featuring Paige O'Hara (currently at Radio City Music Hall and Belle from the animated version of Beauty and the Beast) to be recorded this summer.
-- 3/24 update: apparently this project has been shelved indefinitely, according to Walt Disney Records.
Thanks to Ariel Rugg for her e-mail persistence on this matter!
March 16, 1997 --
Writers Guild Awards
Nathan Lane was on hand at the west coast ceremony. The Birdcage didn't win, but The Boys Next Door did.
See the WGA site for complete information
March 14, 1997 --
The winners in the MovieFone/MovieLink poll are:
Outstanding Film: The English Patient
Outstanding Direction: Alan Parker
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor: Madonna
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor: Tom Cruise
... now, really, more outstanding than Nathan? I don't think so.
March 12, 1997 --
WGA Fete Sets Presenters
By Ted Johnson
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Nathan Lane, Christine Baranski, James Woods, Alfre Woodard,
Billy Bob Thornton and Brenda Blethyn are among the presenters Sunday at the Writers
Guild of America Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Also presenting will be Kurt Russell, John Cleese, Malcolm McDowell, Lloyd Bridges, Mike
Farrell, Swoosie Kurtz, Kelly Rutherford, Fred Willard and Beth Sullivan.
John Lithgow hosts the ceremonies.
Reuters/Variety
The Birdcage is nominated for a Writer's Guild "Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published".
The Boys Next Door is nominated for "Television Adapted Long Form".
It doesn't look like this will be televised, but I'll keep you posted.
March 11, 1997 --
Well, Nathan was nowhere to be seen at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, so it wasn't very entertaining.
He was listed in the beginning credits, but never appeared. Since they didn't air the comedy awards (except for Actress: Goldie Hawn), all I can figure is that he was supposed to present one and they ran over on time.
The show seemed contrived (only the winners were present) and a little too proud of itself. And no Nathan :(
March 7, 1997 --
Nathan will appear on the 3rd annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards show, airing live on UPN on March 11 from 8-10pmEST.
Garth Brooks will be receiving the Artist of the 90's award.
March 5, 1997 --
News from the wire about Mousehunt
February 22, 1997 --
Nathan lost the Best Supporting Actor SAG award to Cuba Gooding, Jr. But, The Birdcage won Best Cast. Nathan, Christine Baranski, and Hank Azaria were on hand to accept the award. A very flabbergasted Nathan gave a gracious acceptance speech on behalf of the entire Birdcage team. Look for a transcript of the speech later tonight.
NBC.com had a cybercast of the event and caught Nathan as he entered the auditorium:
NL: Hi out there everyone? The scary thing is that there's people out there in their underwear, put something on. Nice to talk to you all. God bless you all.
Host: Thank you, that was Nathan Lane, a very nice man.
The NBC host was preparing to interview Baranski and Nathan after the show when the power went out in the auditorium. Here is the transcript of the very little that transpired:
Host: How do you both feel tonight?
NL: I'm so dazed.
CB: Euphoric, flabbergasted, feeling good.
CB: I'm honored. These were our colleagues!!!
NL: I'm very happy and grateful and still a little stunned by the
whole thing.
Host: Unfortunately, the power was just cut off here backstage at
the Shrine Auditorium. :-{".
Host: Someone forgot to pay their electric bill. Everyone here is in a state of shock ...
no lights, no monitors, no cameras.
Host: We just keep going ... and going ... and going ...
Host: Christine Baranski and Nathan Lane have left us to join the huddled masses
looking for light.
February 17, 1997 --
From the L.A. Daily News -- No Break for No-Show:
After the television and stand-up awards were handed out, the
[American Comedy Awards] show ended abruptly, even though the
program included four film categories (funniest actor, actress, supporting
actor and supporting actress). Producer George Schlatter says none of
the winners - Nathan Lane, Frances McDormand, Cuba Gooding Jr.
and Dianne Wiest - could attend the ceremony. So he made an executive
decision to ax the categories from the show.
"I don't devote a lot of air time to repeating over and over, 'They can't be
with us this evening,' Schlatter says."
The actors who won will get their trophies, Schlatter promised, and the
show will fill its two-hour TV time slot despite the omissions.
"We have plenty of show," he said.
My opinion? I wasn't tuning in to see filler. Those who were respected enough to have been awarded should be recognized and allowed to appear through videotape. The producer of a pretaped awards show should be able to come up with a more entertaining way of handling the absence of a few winners. Sounds like Mr. Schlatter has a problem with film actors.
February 11, 1997 --
No Oscar nomination for Nathan this year, but The Birdcage received one nomination for Art Direction. View the complete list of nominees at the Oscar web site. The ceremony will be telecast on March 24 at 9:00pm EST on abc.
February 9, 1997 --
Nathan won "Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture Award from the American Comedy Awards for his role in The Birdcage. Watch the ceremony on Feb. 17.
February 5, 1997 --
Nathan Lane has been nominated in 3 categories for American Comedy Awards. The ceremony will be taped on Feb. 9 and broadcast on ABC on February 17 at 9:00pm EST.
January 24, 1997 --
The Birdcage has received three nominations from the Screen Artists' Guild.
Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria are nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The film is nominated for Best Cast.
The awards will be telecast live on NBC, Saturday February 22nd (9-11pm EST) from the Los Angeles Shrine
Exposition Center. NBC.com will also do a cybercast at the same time.
