Friday, September 28, 2012

A cool lineup of stars awaits you at Chiller Theatre

It'll send chills down your spine, just how many stars of great classic TV shows are scheduled to appear at Chiller Theatre one month from now. Joan Collins and Pamela Sue Martin of "Dynasty." Audrey Landers and Barbara Carrera of "Dallas." Tom Wopat of "The Dukes of Hazzard." Adrienne Barbeau, the voice of Catwoman from of our beloved "Batman: The Animated Series." Virginia Madsen, who's also done voicework on the DC Animated shows. Lee Majors of "The Six Million Dollar Man." Steven Bauer -- we loved him in "Wiseguys." Lee Meriwether of Bat-fame.

It all happens Friday, October 26 through Sunday, October 28 at the Sheraton Parsippany in Parsippany, New Jersey, just in time for Halloween. And BRBTV will be there armed with press pass, scaring up some interviews. Check out the event website, and whopping guest list. We can't wait. But we'll have to.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Phil LaMarr talks about his roles and his work at the Baltimore Comic Con

A veteran of "MADtv" and a memorable role in "Pulp Fiction," Phil LaMarr is a man of many talents -- and many voices. We know him, however, as the stern voice of Green Lantern / John Stewart on the animated "Justice League" and "Justice League Unlimited" series. He's also voiced Aquaman on the "Young Justice" series, a bunch of roles on the "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" series, and so many, many other TV credits



LaMarr was in Baltimore a couple weeks back to host the Harvey Awards during the Baltimore Comic Con weekend, and he had a panel discussion with fans on the Saturday afternoon of the con. BRBTV was there, and we've got video of his comments on our YouTube channel, particularly where Green Lantern and "Justice League" are concerned ...





Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV was at the Baltimore Comic Con not only taping the above, but also doing some interviews for the D.C.-based "Fantastic Forum" TV show. Look for more on that soon ...

Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand


Friday, September 21, 2012

Announcing the "Shazam!" BRBTV Report

Ooooh, boy, do we love a product release day, and 2012 is a four-product-release year, as we've mentioned on this blog. No. 2 in that 2012 lineup is the BRBTV Report on the delicious, live-action, Saturday-morning "Shazam!" TV show of the '70s. The timing for this one is lovely, roughly coinciding with the DVD release for the series, which was originally scheduled for September 18 but rescheduled to September 23.



Jackson Bostwick is the original star of the "Shazam!" series, and we've talked to him a few times over the past couple years, both on camera (see our YouTube channel) and via email. He gave us some great insight about the show, having grown up a fan of Captain Marvel, among other heroes. For Bostwick, this was not just another role -- this was stepping into the shoes of someone he knew about and liked a lot. We appreciate that, just as we do with Lynda Carter and her well-regarded Wonder Woman! And did you know that Butch Patrick of "The Munsters" was considered for the corresponding role of Billy Batson for this TV series? We didn't, until he happened to mention it while we chatted with him at this past year's Motor City Comic Con! We followed up with him for more of the story, and you'll read about that in the Report.




We're keeping the price point for Shazam! A BRBTV Report the same as for many of the other BRBTV Reports -- just a cool buck and a half for this feature-length story and accompanying episode guide (our own synopses!), along with a full cast listing. It's the equivalent of 44 letter-sized pages in Microsoft Word, with photos that will appear in color on your Kindle or other device, if you have that ability.

We love these shows -- we grew up watching 'em, too -- so we want to share the love!

Photo courtesy of Jackson Bostwick; please do not copy without permission.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

A "Dukes" event in Georgia in 2013? Great! Meet the man behind it ...

Sakes alive, the dust just settles from Hazzard Homecoming, and there's already a new "Dukes of Hazzard" event to look forward to? (Besides the Louisiana event -- looks good, but a little far for us to drive.) Yes, organizers are now busy planning the Dukes of Hazzard Georgia Reunion for the spring.

The Middle Georgia Speedway in Byron, just south of Macon, will provide the setting for the event on March 8-10, 2013. This classic car show and music fest will feature the core surviving cast members of the show greeting fans and signing autographs: John ("Bo Duke") Schneider, Tom ("Luke Duke") Wopat, Catherine ("Daisy Duke") Bach, James ("Rosco P. Coltrane") Best, Sonny ("Enos Strate") Shroyer, Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones and Rick ("Cletus Hogg") Hurst.

BRBTV spoke to the man behind the event, Chris Jennings of Gray, Georgia.

"This event will be huge!" he says. "We have seven of the original cast members of the best television show of all time! On top of that, we are putting together one of the best classic car shows of all time! And the lineup of music artists that we are contracting (to be announced) is absolutely INCREDIBLE!"

And anytime you bring a "Dukes" event to Georgia, it's a big thing, we know, since Georgia is the birthplace of the "Dukes." It affords fans the opportunity to carry on a long tradition of bringing their Generals to photograph at some of the original filming sites of the show. Jennings wouldn't be surprised by that.

"It would be nice to tour the old filming sites," he says. "Don't believe that I personally will have the time to do so until after the event. I am hoping that the attendees of our event will have that opportunity to do so while visiting our beautiful state."

For Jennings, hosting this "Dukes" reunion is definitely a labor of love. We asked him a little about what the "Dukes" means to him, and perhaps who is his favorite character ...

"I have been a 'Dukes' fan since 1979," he tells BRBTV. "I grew up on 'The Dukes of Hazzard.' I have not had the opportunity to meet all of the actors in person. Only Sonny, Rick and James. I would say that in that aspect Sonny is my favorite. We have become close friends over the last few years. We talk on a regular basis. He is just really down to earth. But of course, they are all really nice people."


Jennings, who owned a car dealership, talks about first meeting Shroyer: "I am a member of our hometown classic car club, the Jones County Cruisers in Gray, Georgia. One of our members, Jimmy Edwards, and his son Kyle are huge 'Dukes' fans. They own a General Lee and a Hazzard County Sheriff's car. They invited my family and I to attend and ride with them in the Covington, Georgia, Christmas parade, in which Sonny Shroyer was the Grand Marshall. We had the opportunity to meet Sonny and his wife, Ms. Paula, who is absolutely adorable."

He continues, "My wife and I owned a car lot in Gray. We spoke to Sonny about maybe doing some commercials for us. He really seemed excited. After exchanging phone numbers, Sonny called me about a few weeks later. As a matter of fact, it was New Year's Day. My wife and I were in Pigeon Forge on vacation, and Sonny called to wish us a Happy New Year's. I know that he is a busy man, but for him to just call my family and I out of the blue, it really means a lot."

He says, "It grew from there. And although he never did the commercials for us, my wife and I put together a classic car show to raise money for our church's Road to Hope program. We asked Sonny to make an appearance. During planning and in conversation, I made a statement about, 'I would like to have Sheriff Rosco come, too.' He said, 'I will have him call you.' And he did. We put the show together and we were able to fund the whole program for our church. It was a HUGE success!"

So from there, came another idea, as Jennings explains: "While the actors and their wives were in town, we spent a lot of time together. We ate together, sang together, laughed together. It was great. We talked about another show at that time. My wife said I was crazy! Although it was fun, it was A LOT of work! And as a car dealer, I really have a lot on my plate. But after all, I told myself, that was SOOO much fun, I want to do it again, ONLY BIGGER!!! I love seeing all of the smiles on people's faces when they see those actors and can hug them while getting their picture made. It really makes my day!"

Thus, a fun-filled weekend for "Dukes" fans in March is born. "The event will also include helicopter rides, monster truck rides, military tanks and Humvee exhibits, bounce houses, vendors, food and much much more!" Jennings tells us.

"I guess my wife is right, I might be a little crazy!" he adds.

No, Mr. Jennings ... we fully understand ....

Be sure to "like" the Facebook page for the event and keep an eye on plans as we get closer to March. BRBTV will be there, and is looking forward to being in the beautiful state of Georgia again!


Photo courtesy of Chris Jennings; please do not copy without permission.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Bits 'n' Pieces: Stacy Sullivan, A Martinez, Byron Cherry have stuff goin' on

Stacy Sullivan was the cute little gal named Bitty in the last year of "Santa Barbara." Remember her, in that whole Ballymoor thing? Sullivan went on to some other roles after "SB" but her real love is music, and she just released a new CD on Tuesday: "It's a Good Day: A Tribute to Miss Peggy Lee." She has live shows coming up to accompany the release, at The Metropolitan Room in Manhattan:
Oct. 17, 11:30 p.m., After the Cabaret Convention
Oct. 18, 11:30 p.m., After the Cabaret Convention
Sat., Nov. 10, 11:30 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30 p.m.

See the Facebook event page for the upcoming shows. Sullivan looks just beautiful.

A Martinez, our own Cruz Castillo of "SB" who has done episodes of A&E's "Longmire" recently, is confirmed for a new movie in the "Chucky" series. "Curse of Chucky" is scheduled for a video release next year. "Went to the cast read-through yesterday and then got to spend the evening with the great Brad Dourif ('Lord of the Rings,' 'Dune' -- and the man who plays the psychopathic human behind Chucky)," Martinez said on his Facebook page, in response to a question from "SB" blogger Pier from Italy. "I had just seen Brad the night before in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' in which his brilliant performance earned him an Oscar nomination. 'Curse of Chucky' is a terribly dark story, but it's also very well-written and cast, and promises to be a fun ride for those with the stomach for flat-out, nerve-wracking horror."

The Hollywood Show is doing it again, driving us crazy with all the wonderful stars of classic TV they're serving up. The next show in Burbank is October 6-7 and features Audrey Landers of "Dallas," John Saxon of "Dynasty," Lauren Tom, who's done many voices in the animated shows we love such as "Justice League," "Batman Beyond" and "Superman." And we rue not being able to meet John Amos of "Good Times"! Rats. Check it. The November show in Vegas will include Jenilee Harrison of "Dallas."

It's great to hear that Byron Cherry of "The Dukes of Hazzard" is back in front of the camera. In our August 9 post, we mentioned some projects Cherry has in the works, and now we have an update. Cherry will play a sheriff in "The Lighthouse," scheduled for this year (Cherry tells fans they're aiming for a late October release). Danny Glover also stars in the film, and Cherry says he was great to work with. He just got back today from filming in Florida. See the plotline on the IMDb; this one sounds good. "I play Sheriff Grady in the movie and had an awesome time hanging out with alligators, big bugs, snakes in Florida," Cherry says.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Remembering Lance LeGault

As Ray Bonning on "Dynasty," he was the henchman of the mysterious Logan Rhinewood, the tall bulldog at the door with the emotionless face, swiftly preventing Blake Carrington from learning more about his powerful adversary. On "Dallas," he was Al Halliday in the latter years of the series. He even guest-starred on an episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1980's "The Runway, as Les Sloane) and "Wonder Woman" (1978's "Hot Wheels," as the swindler Otis Fiskle). Lance LeGault appeared on just about every great classic TV show you can name.

LeGault died at his L.A. home on Monday afternoon, as reported by his daughter Mary to various news agencies. He was 75.

Born William Lance Legault in Chicago, his TV career was prolific. But he got his start in stunts, actually, doubling for Elvis Presley in several movies in the 1960s. He dabbled in singing over the years, and he was a pilot. But TV roles were his game, and he had a military tough guy thing going on with that low voice, playing stern types in many roles. He is known as Col. Roderick Decker on "The A-Team" and Col. Buck Greene on "Magnum, P.I.," for instance. And the myriad other shows he appeared on -- "T.J. Hooker," "Columbo," "MacGyver," "L.A. Law," "Knight Rider," and so many more -- testify to his skill and appeal.

LeGault had another "Dukes of Hazzard" connection, voicing the balladeer in the "The Dukes of Hazzard: Return of the General Lee" video game in 2004.

BRBTV extends condolences to LeGault's loved ones.

Star Wars Celebration VI: Anthony Daniels and other sights and sounds

So why didn't Uncle Owen recognize C-3PO in Episode IV of "Star Wars"? It was little Anakin Skywalker who originally built this protocol droid, after all, and C-3PO spent a lot of time there on Tattooine, with Anakin and his family. Hmmm ... Anthony Daniels and his panel of (audience) experts tackled that question and others at Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando, Florida, a couple weeks back. BRBTV captured the fun and tomfoolery on video, and you can see it now on the BRBTV YouTube channel ...




We also have a few other fun sights and sounds from the event: Legos galore, a droid race, some Jedi Knights demonstrating their prowess, ya know, that kind of stuff ...



And finally, what's a good con without some cosplay? BRBTV gives you the perspective a cosplayer who's a pal of ours ... So, who is the Fem Vader????

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Find out more about Tom Wopat's new album, as well as upcoming appearances

When BRBTV spoke to Tom Wopat, our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," at the Hazzard Homecoming a few weeks back, he mentioned his new album. Here's the latest e-news from Wopat's PR crew, including some more info on that album ...

It's time for an update on what's been going on with Tom this summer! He went into the studio in NYC with a group of fantastic jazz and swing musicians to record a brand-new album, you can see photos HERE. The record will be released in early 2013, but we'll be sharing songs and images from the album soon! 

In fact, Tom had a photoshoot just last weekend for the album packaging, with his talented son Joey behind the camera. Watch a behind-the-scenes video from the photoshoot HERE!

We will have many more updates over the next few months, and in the mean time, take a look at the tour dates below to see if he will be performing near you! And have you ever wondered what a Tom Wopat show is like? Watch THIS video to see him perform "Maybe Someday Baby" live in Niagara Falls.

Sincerely,
Wopat Webcrew

UPCOMING APPEARANCES:Sept 29 - Dukes of Hazzard Family Reunion - Livingston, LA
Oct 14 - Missouri Theater - St. Joseph, MO
Oct 17 -
Sharon Lynn Wilson Center For The Arts - Brookfield, WI
Oct 19 - Al Ringling Theater - Baraboo, WI

2013
Jan 8 - Green Valley Recreation Center - Green Valley, AZ
Jan 11 - The Smith Center / Cabaret Jazz - Las Vegas, NV
Jan 12 - Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center - Livermore, CA
Feb 16 - UCO Jazz Lab - Edmond, OK
Mar 1 - Del E Web Center - Wickenburg, AZ*
Mar 2 - Chandler Center for the Arts - Chandler, AZ*
Mar 23 - Palm Springs Art Museum / Annenberg Theater - Palm Springs, CA
*Performing with John Schneider!

Get the news first! Follow Tom on:

Friday, September 07, 2012

Didya catch the jump of the General Lee at Hazzard Homecoming?

Well, if you didn't, you can now. Both the Saturday and Sunday car jumps, actually. BRBTV caught 'em on video, and they're part of our Hazzard Homecoming 2012 playlist. We're concluding our weeklong highlights of the event, held a few weeks back in Washington, Virginia, with a couple action-packed videos -- not only the two jumps, but some sensational stuff on stage ...


Wednesday, September 05, 2012

See the 'Dukes' cast take to the stage at Hazzard Homecoming

When "Dukes of Hazzard" star John Schneider sings "Country Girls" on stage, those country girls swoon, and when the whole core cast of the show takes to the stage for the "Dukes" theme song, everyone -- male and female! -- loves it all the more. At the second Hazzard Homecoming in Washington, Virginia, a few weeks ago, they did just that. This week, BRBTV is serving up some sights and sounds -- as well as some stars -- in the Hazzard Homecoming 2012 video playlist. In the next couple installments highlighted below you'll see the cast performances on stage, as well as a little slice of the action in the wrestling ring, one of the many activities going on at this weekend event.

Monday, September 03, 2012

Take a trip (back?) to Hazzard Homecoming 2012 with new BRBTV videos

What exactly is a gumbush? Well, one of BRB's friends wondered that while we were all waiting in line to have a General Lee hood signed by "Dukes of Hazzard" star Sonny Shroyer. (And hey, they did drive all the way from Detroit, so it's only right they ask something really meaningful!) You'll see Shroyer's response in the latest videos on the BRBTV YouTube channel, along with Tom Wopat's answer to the possibility he'll appear in more episodes of the TV show "Longmire." It was all part of the fun of the second Hazzard Homecoming in Washington, Virginia, a couple weeks back, as we reported in our August 11 and 14 posts.

BRBTV is serving up some sights and sounds -- as well as some stars -- in the first couple parts of this Hazzard Homecoming 2012 video playlist. You'll see not only those stars, but also some Civil War soldiers, some horses, a whole lot of blazin' orange 01 cars, the inside of a blazin' orange 01 bus, and a great display of "Dukes" memorabilia.