Missing The TV Variety Show

I do, you know.  When I was a kid, that staple of prime time entertainment was a big deal.   And I loved a few of those programs.   "The Hollywood Palace" with its rotating hosts.  "The Dean Martin Show" with its seemingly unrehearsed banter.   And, of course, the pinnacle of them all.  "The Carol Burnett Show" loaded with guest stars, wonderful sketches, opulent production numbers, and Tim Conway.

So I've been thinking of those shows again because, in the space of five short days last week, I enjoyed two evenings at the Hollywood Bowl that made me long for those glory days of television.  Featuring two really superb performers who could easily bring back the TV variety show.

First up at the Bowl was the always reliable Kristen Chenoweth.   Now I've seen her show several times and have also relished her performances in two great Broadway musicals, the revived "Promises, Promises" and "On The Twentieth Century."  One more time at the Bowl and she never ever disappoints with her set list, her comedic bantering, and sheer honest performance.  A five tool player if there ever was one.

If there is anybody out there who could singlehandedly could bring back what we remember as "The Carol Burnett Show," Kristen could.  Surround her with the best guest stars and regular supporting players.  That could be the revival of the weekly television variety show all on its own.

Meanwhile, there used to be a prime time phenomenon as the "TV Special."  Those spectaculars that gave around once a season with a star that usually was of a more loftier pedigree.   Well, after seeing Hugh Jackman at the Hollywood Bowl several days, he certainly is the one.  

Forget all those X-Men and Wolverine movies he does.  That's small potatoes.  This guy commands a stage with singing, dancing, story telling, and a nifty turn as the late Peter Allen.  The production values of his Bowl show were sumptuous.  The kind you might have seen surrounding a special starring Sammy Davis Jr. or Mitzi Gaynor back in 1977.  

The shows by Kristen and Hugh were bi-polar opposites.  Kristen's evening was fun and small and intimate.  Jackman's production obviously cost some money and it was all there on the stage.   They were both different, but, at the same time, the same.   Wildly entertaining and reminiscent of TV variety days gone by.

Well, there's your next bright idea, television executives.   Don't screw it up.

Oh, who am I kidding?

Dinner last night:  Farfalle pasta in meat sauce.