Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Where I'll Be

I have once again accepted an invite to show my face (and perhaps throw caution to the wind and host some panels) at the Mid-Ohio-Con in Columbus, Ohio. This year, it's October 3 and 4 and the guest list already includes Mike Grell, P. Craig Russell, Bernie Wrightson, Gary Friedrich, Tony Isabella, Fred Hembeck, Herb Trimpe, Marv Wolfman and a whole mess o' other fine folks. There's a reason why I go back to this convention year after year and it isn't just because (a) they ask me, (b) there's a great Mongolian Barbecue a few blocks away or even (c) that Tony Isabella is just so darned irresistible.

No, I like it because it's a great, friendly convention. Those of you who moan that the Comic-Con International should be smaller and more about comics should seek out gatherings like Mid-Ohio-Con. I always have a good time there.

• Posted at 12:58 AM · LINK

Today's Video Link

One finds on YouTube, a lot of video clips from amateur productions of great musicals. Usually when I click to view one, I get a vivid reminder of the difference between an amateur performance and a professional one.

There are exceptions. Here's "Jubilation T. Cornpone" from Li'l Abner, as performed at Countryside High School. My Googling suggests the school's in Clearwater, Florida and I think the name of the gent playing Marryin' Sam is Nathan Daugherty. It's not a Broadway-quality job but it strikes me a whole lot better than high school. It's also a nice reminder of why this show is so popular with schools and community groups but never gets a New York revival. Reason: It requires a big cast, which makes it expensive when you have to pay actors. On the other hand, if they're not getting paid, you can fill the stage with bodies so all their friends and relatives will fill the audience.

While I was surfing around to find some info, I came across this article about a way in which the director gave the students a special bit of education. She got the original Abner, Peter Palmer, to come in and talk to the cast. It seems to have done some good...

• Posted at 12:32 AM · LINK