‘Time’ for another pop star
Isa Briones stars as the old-time, great time Connie Francis at Circle in the Square beginning April 1. It’s a musical about Bobby Darin, whose short life zoomed from teen idol to global sensation. Audiences are transported into a swinging nightclub, live band and Darin hits including his “Mack the Knife.”
I knew these stars personally. Connie was once arrested in Atlanta for refusing to put out her cigarette in the airplane. At one time she was involuntarily committed. She kept wanting to get even with those who tricked her. She had a breakup fight that cost her $200,000. Battling once again, she canceled a Vegas booking. I distinctly recall her making a date with me and then never showing up.
In ’92 she made psychic predictions. She canceled another Vegas booking. Elton John actually said: “I’m the Connie Francis of rock ’n’ roll.” ’96 she made a comeback. She told people her father was “a bum.” ’02 she sued over her songs being used in dirty movies. She talked then about becoming fat. She talked of touring. In ’03 she liked LeAnn Rimes impersonating her on TV. Connie talked constantly about maybe losing her looks. Rimes had her own struggles later, being critiqued for her appearance. In ’03 Connie sang in her hometown of Newark for the first time in 30 years. Once showed up to a party with four adult film stars. Ended up in a mental facility.
So did I know her? Oh, let me count the ways.
Connie passed on last year.
As for Bobby, he left this world December 1973. Age 37. When they met, Connie was a struggling singer. He was a struggling writer. He 20. She 19. They nearly married. The world loved them. They loved each other.
Flying high with ‘Rooster’
Steve Carell has changed offices. He’s back in HBO’s “Rooster,” a comedy about a dad who moves to the same town as his daughter’s college. Forget the good books, it’s in good hands. Comes from the vets who produced “Scrubs” and “Ted Lasso.”
Steve: “My character’s got some rough edges. The relationship isn’t the same as I have with my real daughter but I can draw from that. Sort of reminds me of my experience at ‘The Office’ in that no one’s more important than any of the others.” He’s on Sundays, 10 p.m.
Blueberries go red
A new way to meet candidates. The Santa Barbara County Republican Party works to elect Republicans. Next event’s at U-Pick Blueberries Barn, Dominion Road, Santa Maria, Calif. Attendees are invited to bring a dish to share for a potluck evening.
Ché Ahn, a husband, father and community leader, is running for governor of California. Born in South Korea, immigrated to the US in pursuit of freedom and opportunity, earned degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and has spent four decades leading faith-based and community initiatives. He and wife Sue live in Pasadena surrounded by children and grandchildren. Just letting you know if you’re out West and have any leftover stew, bring it along. It’s Friday, 5:30 p.m.
A man came into the bar. Threw his beer on the floor. Said it was nervous compulsion. Months later he returned and did the same thing. The indignant bartender said: “I thought you went to a psychiatrist to help your needs, obviously it didn’t help you.” The customer answered: “Oh, yes it did. At least I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.”
Not only in New York, kids, not only in New York.
