THEODORE (GOTTLIEB)--A REMEMBRANCE

Before the month of April leaves us with its cold and chill this year I thought it a good time to remember a performer of cold and chilling tales -----THEODORE--later known as BROTHER THEODORE. He died in April, 2001 at age 94.

This was originally supposed to be posted on THE ALMOST DAILY ROOSTER. Since, however, that I had the pleasure and honor of an interview with this wonderful performance artist for TRADITIONS it seemed more appropriate to do this item on this site.

Let us start at the end, even though my first contact with him came in the 1950s at midnight in Greenwich Village. We start at the end with my interview with Theodore. This interview revealed so much of him, his great intellect, and tragic history that I had never known of.
This all came about on an evening when I attended a performance by THEODORE at the, then, 13th St. Rep and was delighted to see that some people brought other generations in to see this man. THEODORE was at that time 92 years of age.

Some 2 months after that evening I was able to meet with him at his tiny apartment on 74th Street in NYC. We talked for over an hour in this tiny apartment lined with an amazing array of books covering so many varied subjects. The sign of more than a performer. A wonderful intellect.

We spoke of many topics and his history. A tragic one that he overcame with the most profound accomplishments.

THEODORE and I spoke of his birth in Germany before the Nazi onslaught, his family's hugely successful publishing business, their incarceration and ultimate deaths in Dachau. He told us of his release because of his promise to turn over all their assets to the Nazi regime and his emigration to Switzerland, Austria and, finally, to the U.S. Here he worked as a janitor at Stanford U. and also did a bit of chess playing---and hustling--amongst the students. He was an expert chess player. THEODORE had gotten married at some point during that time but it ended in divorce after he moved to NYC. He had played a few bit parts in some B movies and also in an Orson Welles film before that.

Once in New York he worked at restaurants while polishing some material which he performed in very small venues. As he says, his audience was one---his ex wife and she only came because he gave her comps. Well, probably another reason she became an ex.

Today most people know THEODORE only as BROTHER THEODORE because he is mostly known for his appearances on TV with the likes of Letterman, Griffin, and Steve Allen.

A good time to jump back now to the 1950s. Before TV's dominance and when Greenwich Village attracted the strange and interesting performers at hours that were well beyond "prime time" on TV. Before Andy Kaufman and before Sacha Baron Cohen there was THEODORE. Midnights at The Circle In The Square. Picture it. You are young, you bring your date at midnight to this place in Greenwich Village and you are confronted with THEODORE. He was, what is now called a performance artist. It wasn't called that in those times.

A description since he cannot be seen again: A darkened room, one spotlight (or as the person introducing him says---he taught me all there is to know about lighting), and a man in a black outfit and hair combed to a point on his head. Then the stories---Dr. Herman Rashoko of the shredded fingernails, the parents of THEODORE who produced and sold Oleum Canus (Oil of Dog Vitamins) , the sad story of his love for Bernice --the dead Bernice, and let us never forget that THEODORE love his raincoat. That is a story unto itself and goes well with his diatribes--believed by many in the audience---of leaving the stage because of the insolence of the audience and the constant "neckering" of the young couples which are annoying to him.

Time goes one and THEODORE has midnight performances at Carnegie Hall---yes, before Andy Kaufman. And just as well attended and followed by the attracted cult.

TV brings him into a whole new world of fame. Larger than the loyal followers of the 1950s. Merv Griffin, David Letterman, and more. Now he becomes BROTHER THEODORE. He explained that in my interview with him. He had left the Merv Griffin show one day and someone stopped him (dressed in his usual black)---you are--or what is it---Father----oh---and THEODORE said---I am Brother Theodore. It stuck.

A few more films followed. Not memorable. Such as "The Burbs". Enough said there. Yet his appearances on David Letterman and Merv Griffin always surprised viewers for their unexpected moments. Such as Alexander King did in and earlier day with Jack Paar. Those days are now, sadly, long gone. The days of artists presenting totally unrehearsed and brilliant commentary that is unscripted.

Allow me a few personal thoughts about Theodore (Gottlieb) now.

At age 92 I was so delighted and honored that I finally got to meet someone who I so admired in my youth. My youth---great term. Makes me sound like an elder statesman and, frankly, 11 years ago seems like yesterday. In any case, moving on, I was both delighted and shocked when I arrived at THEODORE'S simple abode. A man who has been on national TV, Carnegie Hall Concerts, Greenwich Village programs, and myriad other projects living in this sad and simple little one room apartment in New York City. We can do jokes about what an apartment in NYC costs that is small later---THEODORE was there before that and he was not in a mansion or in an expensive co-op. A Rent Controlled (stabilized) unit. Yet, his apartment was lined with what I mentioned earlier. Intellect. His history was tragic and yet he overcame it. To the delight of many and those many did not even know his tragic past. I, for one, am humbled that he shared that with me.

THEODORE had his lighter moments. Let me offer a few: After we stopped recording he told me of his 35 year old girl friend and showed me pictures of her. He was concerned that she might find a younger man. I pointed out that might well be someone 85---so why worry! He laughed and said that he was afraid that he was boring---only interesting on stage. I, then, pointed out to him that his"boring" is more exciting than some younger people who watch nothing but boring TV. Last I heard they were still together.

THEODORE---my remembrance of you, my youth, and a wonderful performance artist before the term came into common usage. And I still wonder if you really are going to leave the stage---but my date is still hanging on to me in fear of you----Bless You---and you did not even sneeze!

You have, sadly, left the stage of life but your wit, characters, and persona live on.

Program Notes and Reminders

Sunday Simcha: You can scroll down a bit and find out more about the hour that will be spent with a commemoration of Yom Hashoah on Sunday April 15. I do believe you will find it interesting, meaningful, and, hopefully, touching.

Traditions: On April 22 I welcome Deborah Holland to the studio. Deborah, from the left side of the country---as WFDU is the left side of the dial---has visited us some 5 years ago. I am happy to welcome her once again to WFDU and TRADITIONS in her latest foray to the coast of the earlier time.

Her new album

Bad Girl Once....Good Girl Now

will be featured as well as her upcoming appearances in our area. Deborah Holland , you may recall, has had a few other CDs that have been aired here. Traditional music and music of the depression. The CDs are Book of Survival and The Panic Is On.

The rest of the program will be taken up by some of the topics that have been relevant, musically, these past few weeks and also some old favorites along with some new people of great interest.

Sunday Simcha: After our Yom Hashoah program, which can read about below, we follow with an introduction to some new artists and some old favorites. As to new artists. Well, for this program at least we have a CD by Mare Winningham
Mare, who, as you may know is an actress who has had many Emmy awards, a nomination for the Oscars (St. Elmos Fire) and other bona fides has converted to Judaism. Conservative Judaism. You can find out more about her on her website and also on Wikipidia. Her CD has to do with her commitment to her new found faith. She was formerly a Roman Catholic but felt that being Agnostic was not her final destination and then searched for more meaning. She, apparently, found it in Judaism. This gives us a new CD which captures her strong feelings.

My very brief review of this CD is that it is very good save for one overly simplistic song---The Converts Reel. As to why it ends with Hatikvah--who knows.

Finally a review that says something positive along with the negative.

It will be featured on the April 22 airing of Sunday Simcha.

TABLETALK: In May we are delighted to welcome the Israeli author Eva Hatzion-Halevy to the program. Her new book The Story of Hannah will be of interest all. Dealing with interfaith marriage, tolerance, and understanding of outsiders (to a community) is something that is current and should be heard in these times.

The Coming Attractions

TABLETALK: Since this has to do with film why not have that title---Coming Attractions. Promise---no long trailers or commercials that you are subjected to when you pay your $10.00 at the local multiplex. Not even a grand movie palace of yesteryear.

The picture is of the two stars of the film "The Impossible Spy". Eli Wallach and John Shea. Harvey Chertok, the producer and creator of this film is my guest on Tabletalk on April 15.

The film is an unusually interesting and poignant story. A story that is still on going to this day as it relates to Eli Cohen---The Impossible Spy.

Harvey Chertok will be giving us all the details about Eli Cohen and how this film came into being some 20 years ago and is now getting a renewed life around the country and started at the Spy Museum in Washington DC.

Appropriately enough, this conversation takes place on April 15. Yom Hashoah. If you look at the earlier post you will see that Sunday Simcha will be spending the entire hour in the commemoration of that sad and tragic era.

TRADITIONS/SUNDAY SIMCHA/TABLETALK: Permit me a few comments about what I like to call "...the eclectic weekend sound of WFDU". You will note that I usually end the Simcha program that way. WFDU is one of the rare stations left on the dial that can present to you programs that are eclectic, live, and connect personally with their audience.

While the week is formatted and still connects with the listeners more than any station that I can think of the weekend has a truly eclectic mix of Poetry, Interviews (Tabletalk), Jewish programming, Gospel, Jazz, Traditions ( traditional music in all its incarnations and its evolution), and a visit to Doo Wop with Group Harmony Alley.I have to add here that on Fridays Ron Olesko hosts a program that was on the weekends for a time and is still as valid and eclectic as before--Sessions.

All the hosts of these programs are proficient and expert in their knowledge of the material they are presenting.

Finally, as you saw at the start it is one of the few places left on the dial with such eclecticism and audience connection. The key word is "left". The Left Side Of the Dial---The Right Place To Be. To paraphrase the slogan.

If you love radio and personal connection the best thing is to --as it is said---stay tuned. If you have a soldering gun you can fix 89.1 on your dial quite easily---if not---just tune in and---as I always say---stay in touch and stay well.

Program Notes for Future Reference

As the title suggests---Program Notes. While there are times that there are profiles and bios of artists and other material it is hoped that you are kept informed of upcoming things of interest on all the programs. So--Sunday Simcha.










April 15, 2007 is the date this year for Yom Hashoah. Holocaust Remembrance Day.

This program will commemorate the occasion with readings from a book put together by the father of Daniel Pearl ---read by Bill Hahn---music to mark the day. The music will not only address the Holocaust and its remembrance but also the bigger picture of Man's Inhumanity To Man. It will end on an uplifting note and also a piece that is performed by one of the greatest voices of all time and is used in the liturgy of Remembrance.

TRADITIONS: A week before this --April 8-- a confluence of two major holidays that are ever so meaningful in the Judeo / Christian Tradition. Easter and Passover.

That confluence will be celebrated on the April 8 edition of Traditions. We start with what I always start with ---a joyous piece from Croffut and Addis. The holidays will blend, through music, after that. From Bluegrass to liturgical you will get it all if you are tuned in.

New York residents can rest easy since their alternate parking rules have been suspended for more than one week due to the confluence of these holidays. Praise God. Don't praise the Parking Authority---we leave for them a later holiday that will encompass horrors and ghouls.

In addition a few new CDs of special interest will be aired and then a few thematic surprises having to do with the relationship of what I consider one of the best Bway musicals I have ever seen to sea chanties and how well it all blends. The year for this musical---1958. The show was New Girl In Town and was based on the story of Anna Christie. The Eugene O'Neil work. It featured an amazing cast---Thelma Ritter, Cameron Prudhomme, Gwenn Verdon, and so many more. Strangely, it is never revived. The music shows the perfect blend of Broadway takes on Sea Music and Traditional Sea Music. As you will see some music you think is traditional is not and some you think is not is "traditional".

For those interested the idea for this came about from a piece by a very interesting duo---Curtis and Loretta--and a traditional piece of theirs about "bugs". They will be featured on the program as well and their bio and background will be talked of then.

Back for a moment now to New Girl In Town.

The show was on Bway in 1958---seats were priced at about $10.00 for Orchestra. Thought you "boomers" might like that fond long ago memory.

As to the show. If you do not know of it let me give you some of the details---Harold Prince produced (who else) it and it featured a book by George Abbot, choreography by Fosse, and music by Bob Merrill (How Much Is That Doggie In The Window)(not Robert Merrill, Opera). The performers---Gwen Verdon, Thelma Ritter, Cameron Prud'homme, and George Wallace (no---not the lovable Alabama gov.) All this is based on a Eugene O'Neil tale---Anna Christie. Great material for a musical. Right?

It may well be the only musical that is akin to West Side Story and its Romeo and Juliet theme. You will not see its likes again. You have Lloyd Webber and the Disney productions on 42d St. now.

Perhaps one day it will be revived as others have been. It has only been done once, it seems, in an Encores presentation.

A last thought is to compare it to other productions that have been revived. Fiddler, Oklahoma, and Chicago. Just as touching, deep, and personal as all of them. Perhaps someday it will be revived. A timeless tale with great music.

West Side Story, as well, should be revived. Admittedly the subject matter is dated but the Shakespearean basis is timeless.

KATE CAMPBELL PROFILE

I hope you will look at the earlier posting regarding the Sunday Simcha Program for April 1 and tune in.

I had said that from time to time I would like to feature or profile an artist that I feel should be commemorated or profiled. Much like the piece I did about Kate Wolf. I thought that this would be a perfect time to talk about an artist that has truly captured me and, I hope, you as well.
Kate Campbell

Back in about 1999 I, reluctantly, set up an interview with her. Having seen the photo on the cover of her CD --Visions of Plenty---wherein she had what seemed to be a whole bevy of tattoos on her arms . I expected some sort of a "country rock queen". What I found just blew me away. A consummate artist with the greatest ability to translate history into wonderful music.

Not to denigrate tattoos---she did not have any. It was red henna, as she explained to me.

Kate Campbell has been a teacher of Southern History at a Southern College, she has translated her own history into a wonderful blend of music and lyrics that give us historical insights into that history and that of the South.

Her discography, for someone so young is quite impressive. Some 10, and still counting, CDs now.

I first noticed her from her Visions of Plenty CD. A brilliant piece of work that encompassed the civil rights movement, the busing she was involved in (Bus 109) that her father (a preacher and an activist) had her do. Practice what you preach. I bet she might have said "..that's what my Daddy felt". Other pieces on that CD include Visions of Plenty, Deep Tang, Funeral Food, and much more. Funeral Food is truly an all encompassing piece that can relate to people of all faiths at a time of grief.

As I said, she has quite a discography.

Moonpie Dreams came out before I knew Kate. There you find such wonderful pieces that can bring you back to another place and time. Think of the 1950s and a Ford Fairlane, See Rock City and much more. Wandering Strange is a truly interesting and unusual piece of work. Worthy of much greater attention than it has received. One of her later CDs, Blues and Lamentations is a work that may be one of the best. On this album you will hear her wonderful interpretations of folk and gospel and with a wonderful bevy of guest artists that include Guy Clark, Maura O'Connell and many more.

Which brings us to this CD---The Living Of These Days. Many, if not all, of Kate's recordings have featured Spooner Oldham and have been recorded at the historic Muscle Shoals Studios in Alabama (or as Hank Williams might say---Alabam). This CD has so many meaningful songs on it that it is hard to pick any that would stand out---they all do. From the Woody Guthrie compositions to the ones done by Paul Robeson, Kris Kistofferson as well as her own compositions.

It has to be said that every now and again an artist comes down the proverbial pike that one has to perk one's ears up and say that one has just come into contact with a new force. Kate is such a force.

A final thought on Kate and her great talent. There is a piece on her album ---Monuments--Joe Louis' Furniture. If you ever want to hear a piece that, in just a few minutes, can encapsulate a dream and a life this is the one. As I said to her, in conversation, "...you and Harry Chapin have a lot in common---aside from the beat".

So---as I also said to her once---"does the name Kate have significance for great talent and insights since you and Kate Wolf share that first name".

One last thought. Her CDs are great but if you can ever see Kate on a stage it is something not to be missed. It has to be added, however, that she is one of the few artists who's recordings can make you feel, as you sit in your room listening, that you are in her presence.

A Few Program Updates

SUNDAY SIMCHA: The program airs on WFDU at 10 A M (Eastern Time) on Sundays. On April 1 a very special Passover Program has been prepared just as your Passover meals have been prepared---with love, sincerity and, hopefully, insights.

It will be a joyous celebration of the holiday and explore, through music and conversation the community Jews, African Americans, and all people share in our existences.

In the picture you see from left to right Rabbi Kligler, Reggie Harris, Kim Harris. My picture you see all the time on the right side of the page---for a more current one-- Kim and I at the WFDU Studios a few months back.
Hopefully you will be there and celebrate what Kim, herself, says---A Joyous Passover. She will also explain the origins of the song "O Mary Don't You Weep"---after all "Pharaohs army got drownded".

We celebrate the community and we will not break bread---just matzo.

TRADITIONS: On April 1 my co-host, Ron Olesko will welcome as guests Danny Bakan---truly electric performer and the ever popular and long lived duo of Aztec Two Step.

TABLETALK: On April 8 we commemorate ---a week late---April Fools Day. We do this with a brilliant group that will take the air for the entire time---

THE CAPITOL STEPS The group will have you laughing ---well, I suppose it might be to the bathroom. Who knows. Topical, Fresh, and any other superlatives I can add I would. WFDU and TABLETALK are delighted that we are one of the few station in this area that are priviliged to air their great humor. If you can see them live do not miss it.