A Tribute to Fats Waller

(Fats Waller, from Getty Images)

When the Broadway musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’, came to the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco in 1980, my then-jazz pianist husband and I had to see it. Today, the name Fats Waller is rarely heard. But in 1980, San Francisco boasted a number of hopping improvisational jazz clubs where the musical styles of greats like Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson, and Fats Waller were very much alive and well.

Waller (1904-1943) studied piano with James P. Johnson, who developed the Harlem stride school of jazz piano. This style employed a wider range of scale in the left hand, smoother dynamics, and left more room for improvisation than its forerunner, ragtime. Fats Waller became a master of stride jazz and his sense of comedy and playfulness secured his legacy as a popular comedic entertainer. His radio program showcased his comedic talents throughout the 1930s. Later, he went to Hollywood and played in the 1943 film, Stormy Weather, with co-star Lena Horne. In the same year, he became the first African-American to compose the music for a Broadway musical, Early to Bed.

Two well-known jazz standards composed by Waller are “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” He reportedly copyrighted over 400 songs, but he often sold songs to other performers and allowed them to take full credit.

Mobster Al Capone was so taken by Fats Waller that four of his hoods kidnapped the well-known pianist in 1926 and forced him to perform at Capone’s birthday party.

One of my favorite Waller songs is “Your Feet’s Too Big” because it’s funny and set to a catchy tune. It truly captures the pianist/composer’s delightful sense of humor.

(Your Feet’s Too Big by Fats Waller)

Dawn Pisturino

June 7, 2023

Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

We Can Do It!

(Photo from Professional Woman’s Magazine. Naomi Parker Fraley, the real Rosie the Riveter, died in 2018 at 96.)

I wrote a short script for a One Week Short Script Challenge early in April. After getting all the feedback, I edited the script multiple times and re-submitted it for more feedback. On May 1st, I entered it in the 2023 Pipeline Media Group Short Script Competition. I’m not expecting to win anything, but I’m proud of myself for doing it. I challenged myself, and that makes me feel stronger as a writer.

What are you doing to challenge yourself?

~

The Writers Guilds of America, East and West, are officially on strike. This is a significant strike against the major Hollywood studios and networks that will affect everyone. New movies and TV shows will not be produced or delayed, projects may be canceled, and the new season episodes we are all waiting for will be put on hold. We will see more reruns and recycled TV shows until the strike is resolved.

Writers are striking for the same reasons all workers go on strike: long hours, less pay, loss of value and respect, less creative autonomy, and fewer opportunities. The regulation of A.I. is on the list of demands.

The WGA has already sent emails to its members and members of organizations like The Black List, warning against “scabbing” and crossing the picket line. Any writer who sells a screenplay, makes a deal, or gets hired to write for a Guild signatory company during the strike will be blacklisted and banned from WGA membership for life. Their Hollywood career will be over.

Dawn Pisturino

May 3, 2023

Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Flying Fickle Finger of Fate

When the pilot for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In premiered on TV on September 9, 1967, the Vietnam War raged in full gear, the Civil Rights Movement continued to explode, and the country was split by conflict and political divide. A forerunner of Saturday Night Live, Laugh-In used provocative satire and humor to comment on current affairs. The show featured well-known actors and actresses like Henry Gibson, Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, Ruth Buzzi, Arte Johnson, and Richard Dawson. Sets used bright colors and mod art, reflecting the hippie culture of the time. Popular slang, like “Sock it to Me,” peppered the show. Strange characters, bold costumes, and mind-blowing music enthralled the audience so the show emerged again as a series on January 22, 1968, and ran until May 14, 1973.

There were no social media then and people frowned at curse words. Laugh-In compensated by inventing the Flying Fickle Finger of Fate award. Every week the hosts, Rowan and Martin, awarded some entity this award, which was the equivalent of giving the finger to unpopular governments, public officials, organizations, celebrities, and corporations. The first award was given on September 16, 1968. Over the years, winners included the Pentagon, the U.S. Congress, and the National Security Agency.

(Rowan and Martin awarding the Flying Fickle Finger of Fate to Soviet Russia.)

Dawn Pisturino

March 27, 2023

Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

The Actor – A Poem

(Cesar Romero, 1930s)

The Actor

by Dawn Pisturino

Always acting,

Never sure of his true role

Or who he really is

When out of the spotlight.

~

Happy Spring Solstice Today!

Dawn Pisturino

March 20, 2023

Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

L.A. Acting Studios

(Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in the classic 1950 film noir, Sunset Boulevard.)

My daughter has been taking acting lessons at the L.A. Acting Studios in North Hollywood, California. She tells me it has been a fun experience and well worth her time and money.

The L.A. Acting Studios teaches on-camera acting using six fully functioning, professionally-designed sets. All teachers are Hollywood professionals who actively work in the industry. Students act out scenes in front of multiple cameras, directed by Director David Rountree. During the course of the classes, students play both leading and supportive roles, giving them a well-rounded experience. Students can download their filmed scenes for their own evaluation and use. If desired, the studio can make demo reels for students at an additional cost to send to agents, casting managers, and production companies.

Classes are kept affordable and small. Acting classes are offered for children and teens. Actor David Banks teaches the Commercial Acting Class.

For more information:

L.A. Acting Studios

5435 Cahuenga Boulevard

North Hollywood, CA 91601

(818) 850-5691

Website: laactingstudios.com

info@laactingstudios.com

~

Dawn Pisturino

February 27, 2023

Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Support Your Local library

A few months ago, I suddenly realized that I had not been to the local library since before the pandemic, so I dusted off my old library card and made a point of visiting. During the lockdown, the county remodeled the whole facility and expanded the number of books available. They did a fantastic job! I was very impressed with the results and enjoyed browsing the shelves for a few good mystery books — and it didn’t cost me a dime.

When digital publishing became popular, people predicted the demise of public libraries. While bookstores in general have been profoundly affected, local libraries seem to have thrived. And, thank goodness for that! Libraries offer so much more than just checking out books.

I still remember Mrs. Brown from my childhood days, the chubby little librarian with stern eyes and short grey hair, who presided over our tiny branch of the county library. We lived out in the country then, and I used to ride my bike several miles to check out books. Whenever I chose something she didn’t approve of (I was an advanced reader and liked to check out the latest New York Times best-sellers), she would ask me: “Did your parents give you permission to read that?” Now, my parents didn’t care what I read, but I always told her “yes,” and that was the end of the conversation. I still remember her looking at me with grave doubts when I checked out The Collector by John Fowles (which is still a good book and a great movie, by the way).

One of the most famous scenes from musical theater is “Marian the Librarian” from The Music Man – a musical that will put you into a joyous and inspired mood like nothing else. The movie (1962), starring Shirley Jones, is delightful!

Have a great day!

Dawn Pisturino

January 6, 2023

Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Dance Your Blues Away

(Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash)

Dance Your Blues Away

by Dawn Pisturino

Most of us remember the romance of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers gliding “cheek to cheek” across the stage; the high intensity of John Travolta in his white disco suit gyrating under the strobe lights; and the graceful pirouettes of the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker ballet.

Dancing has always been popular entertainment in the United States. And since the 1940s, it has been used therapeutically, as well.

Dance movement therapy is a recognized form of psychotherapy which uses movement to encourage free expression in people with emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical problems.

Recognizing that the mind and body work together, dance therapists use the rhythmic movements in dance to promote relaxation, wellness, and social interaction.

Dance therapy is often used to help victims of rape and sexual abuse to express the trauma of their experiences. People with physical disabilities improve their balance, coordination, and self-esteem through movement exercises. Chronically ill and terminally ill people find temporary distraction from their pain, fear, and anxiety. Even children and senior citizens benefit from the unrestricted movements.

Dance is a form of creative expression which integrates body, mind, and spirit. In Asia, it developed largely as a form of sacred expression. The Hindu god Shiva, in the form of Nataraja — the Cosmic Dancer — is shown in ancient statues and engravings dancing the rhythm of the universe and its ever-revolving cycles of birth and death, creation and destruction. In quantum physics, he beautifully symbolizes the ever-changing energy of the universe in its many forms.

Dancing is a great form of aerobic exercise which anybody can do. Just put on some music, and let yourself go! It strengthens the muscles and improves flexibility and coordination. It reduces muscle tension and stress, increases circulation, and opens up the lungs. But most of all, it’s just plain fun!

“Dance till the stars come down from the rafters,

Dance, dance, dance till you drop.”

W.H. Auden

Published in The Kingman Daily Miner, June 12, 2007.

(Vera Ellen was one of the most energetic and phenomenal dancers in Hollywood, but she was overshadowed by more famous performers, like Ginger Rogers, Cyd Charisse, Fred Astaire, Danny Kaye, and Gene Kelly. This clip from White Christmas showcases her talent. I can’t even imagine dancing like this in high heels.)

Dawn Pisturino

2007; December 14, 2022

Copyright 2007-2022 Dawn Pisturino. All rights reserved.

Vintage Halloween Cartoons

When the cartoon industry was relatively new, animators did not shy away from making spooky, fun, and memorable cartoons that both children and adults loved. These are the Halloween cartoons that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents (depending on your age) would have watched in the movie theater.

The Haunted House (1929) – Mickey Mouse – Disney Cartoons:

Produced and directed by Walt Disney. Walt also provided Mickey’s voice! Chief animator: Ub Iwerks. Music composed by Carl Stalling. This short cartoon, which was part of a series of Mickey Mouse cartoons, was released and distributed by Celebrity Productions.

Silly Symphony – The Skeleton Dance (1929) – Disney Cartoons:

The Skeleton Dance, also produced and directed by Walt Disney, preceded The Haunted House and incorporated iconic “danse macabre” images (art which was popular during the Black Death era).

Getting in the Halloween mood?

Dawn Pisturino

October 24, 2022

Copyright 2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Bach and Halloween

How did Johann Sebastian Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BWV 565 become a staple among Halloween favorites? After all, Bach lived 300 years ago and wrote high brow classical music during the high Baroque Period — not exactly popular music for pranksters and merry-makers. And yet, this organ masterpiece has become associated with Halloween as surely as dark, haunted mansions and creepy carved pumpkins.

Bach wrote it in two parts. The first part, the Toccata (from the Italian toccare, meaning “to touch”), was meant to show off the performer’s skill as a virtuoso organist, so it is characterized by many arpeggios (broken chords) and light-fingered gymnastics up and down the keyboard. The second part, the Fugue, uses repetition in various keys (“voices”) to highlight a central musical theme. A minor scale was used to give the piece a dark, ominous, foreboding, and dramatic tone. Organs have a deep, rich, and powerful quality, so writing such a magnificent piece for the organ (especially a large, full-bodied organ with pipes) was sheer genius.

Movie audiences were introduced to Bach’s piece in the opening scenes of the 1940 animated Disney classic, Fantasia. Instead of using the organ, however, conductor Leopold Stokowski arranged the piece into an orchestral number. But the music became associated with horror films when it was used in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), The Black Cat (1934), The Raven (1935), Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972), Gremlins 2 (1990), and The Babadook (2014). And, truthfully, if you ask music lovers what images come into their minds while listening to Bach’s organ piece, many will tell you that they envision ghostly encounters in haunted houses, mist-covered cemeteries, scary pumpkins, mad organists in Gothic churches, and vampires and other creatures of the night.

But experience it for yourself!

(Organ version performed by Hannes Kastner)

(Orchestral version from the 1940 animated film, Fantasia, arranged and conducted by Leopold Stokowski)

Have a spooky day!

Dawn Pisturino

October 19, 2022

Copyright 2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

The Clown School

(Red Skelton and Lucille Ball)

When my daughter told me she was going to go to clown school, I thought, Okay, what new adventure is this? Is she going to join the circus? The rodeo? What’s up with this?

After a few chuckles, she explained to me what clown school is — a school for performing artists to learn the intriguing history of clowns, a variety of new acting skills, and a way to incorporate playfulness and fun into theatrical acting.

The Clown School, located in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, California, is one of the top clown schools in America. People from TV and film attend the school in order to further their careers. My daughter, who is a professional singer and performer, has been taking their online classes, and she loves it.

One famous TV clown was Red Skelton, but Lucille Ball was also considered a clown. Her comedy routines, playfulness, and ability to make people love her and laugh, are legendary. I Love Lucy re-runs are still on traditional TV and streaming.

Clowns have been around for thousands of years. In 2400 B.C., Ancient Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty saw priests assuming the role of clowns in order to promote social and religious concepts. Jesters were common in China as early as 300 B.C. They were used in India as interpreters in 100 A.D.

Greek and Roman theater featured clowns and mimes. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, fools and jesters entertained members of the public and the royal courts alike. They were often used to promote religious concepts for the Church. In the 14th century, clowns began to appear on tarot cards.

The Aztecs were employing court jesters for entertainment when the Spanish arrived in 1520 A.D. The Commedia del Arte established the tradition of the three Zannis in 16th century Italy, which included the character of Harlequin.

Among Native Americans, clowns were used to make social and religious statements. Their antics made people laugh and think about the message the clowns were trying to deliver.

The first circus clowns were brought to England by Philip Astley in 1768. And Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837), a British entertainer, expanded the role of the clown and earned the title “Father of Modern Clowning.”

For more information about The Clown School, click here: http://www.theclownschool.com.

Have a fun-filled, happy day!

Dawn Pisturino

September 28, 2022

Copyright 2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.