I’ve been staying away from NLT, mainly because this has been the busiest summer I ever remember having. Fortunately all my business has been enjoyable, but it’s left me no time for blogging.
One thing I’ve been up to is portraying Howard Cosell as part of this year’s Ashland Chautauqua. I did a 45-minute monologue, set in December 1983--right after his final telecast of Monday Night Football. This was followed by Q&A from the audience.
Anyway, if you live in North Central Ohio, and you didn’t have a chance to catch my Chautauqua performance, I’ll be reprising it tomorrow night at 8:00 pm at the Mansfield Playhouse. This will be a special fundraiser for the Playhouse to kick off its 40th anniversary season. Tickets are $10, and the performance will be followed by a gourmet reception (courtesy of my beautiful and talented wife). Tickets will no doubt be available at the door, but if you want to make reservations call 419-522-2883.
Howard was the best sport announcer/analyst in TV history.
While I always liked co-host Meredith,
Gifford was without a doubt the most inept sports announcer ever.
I'll always love Howard for his support of Clay/Ali and all his detractors are truly pygmies beside this man, wait! is that a "monkey" comment?
Sure seems earlier than 1970 for the premier of MNF.
Also, sure seems later than 1961 for Wide World of Sports.
Oh well, there was also the magnificent Curt Gowdy and "American Sportsman".
ABC ruled!
I only really remember him toward the end of his career, but the more I learn about him the more I agree with with you. He almost singlehandedly changed the way sports is covered in America, and today's sports shows like PTI would be unthinkable without him.
I saw John's performance a month ago and it was terrific, and will be there tonight. Y'all come now, if you can.
I liked Cosell and never really enjoyed Monday Night Football after he left. People thought it was so bloody important that he wasn't a jock so how could he have the temerity to criticize anyone. That's what I liked about him. He wasn't one of Them.
John, I hope this performance went as well as the Ashland Chautauqua performance, which was delightful. I hope you have recorded at least one of these. You could slap it on YouTube, and perhaps even put it on the front page here, couldn't you?
Thanks, Peter and Kate. Turnout was very low--only around 20 people. Still, we made some money for the Mansfield Playhouse, which desperately needs it. And Kate, my Ashland performance was videotaped, and I plan on making an excerpt available on YouTube. I'll blog on it once it's done.
Dr. Moser
I regret that I was unable to see your full performance in either venue, although I did see the introduction you gave for Jackie Robinson during that particular Chautauqua event. Uncanny!
Looking forward to your youtube release!