#Like when Ricky and Jane started dancing after the new birthday song

[scrambledd3ggss]

Majestic rep theatre’s production of Ride the Cyclone my beloved <333

I think it’s officially my favorite production of rtc. I just love the way they portray the characters so much 😭

[undescribed1mage]

QUICK

tell me about ur ideal production of rtc if you had complete control over EVERYTHING

OOOOOOHHHHH OKAY

Ideally Ricky would be played by a disabled transfem actor.

Costume wise it'd be as close as possible to the original 2016 costumes. Jane would have a ribbon tied around her kneck, Mischa would be wearing a wedding wring(a makeshift one), both Ocean and Jane would be wearing lockets, and Constance & Ocean would have friendship bracelets. Ricky's mobility aid would be decorated with stickers.

Songs:

Uranium Suite — they'd all be slightly off from each other. Mischa would be a few beats late, Noel would push Ocean out of the way, Ocean would attempt to take Mischa's phone from him.

During the boys line(The smart ones all packed up and went why stay if you can't pay the rent?) Ocean & Constance would dance together

During the girls line (Empty Streets and Empty Shops,Shuttered rows of mom and pops) Noel & Mischa would dance together

What The World Needs:

The Choir members mocking the actions Ocean is detailing(someone fetching her a coffee, someone shining her shoes, etc).Mischa would just casually pick her up everytime she says she gets up.

Would switch the Ricky lyric to 'We're bringing back the girl who plays the tambourine?' and everything that correlates w that.

Yk the movement Tiffany does during the 'teen sex kills!' line?That when the Ocean says 'he's never gonna breed!'.

Super epic Taylor Swift based outfit change for Ocean!!

Noel's Lament:

Outfit is HEAVILY inspired by Lola Lola. Long Haired Noel if possible.Entire song sang VERY aggressively.Beret's for the girls!!Bowler for Mischa!!!

Nischa dance before the kiss, which is less making out and more just a VERY passionate kiss(think Ohio production). Mischa mouthing 'I think I am in love with you.'

Home theatre type vid for the background of the 'my child,' scene.

Ocean, Jane, Ricky & Constance busily walking around Noel during a few parts(specifically during the 'eight months later!i catch typhoid flu!' bit, to emphasize that no one really cared.)

Every Story Has A Lesson:

TAP DANCING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Song Is Awesome:

Super Cool Sunglasses.

Switch Noel & Ocean during the 'Here comes the hotties, here comes the valet.' line.

Not much to say for the rest of this, but epic mic drop at the end(Ocean catches it)

Talia:

All the girls get flowy dresses & projections I keep going in between Noel in a wedding dress as Talia(not in like a 'Noel is Talia typa way') and there isn't anyone playing Talia.

If Noel is Talia:

Spacedolls & Blackrose dance together on the side.

If Noel isn't Talia:

Everyone switches dancing partners every now and then.

All the girls would have pretty flowers in their hair :)

Noel & Ocean gossiping when they dance during Talia.

Space Age Bachelor Man:

Title and lyrics would probably be changed.She would get a very pretty space themed outfit and I'd give her spacebuns.

We are KEEPING IN the space babies line!!!!

The cats would have furry tails.I would aim to make the meowing as comfortable as possible.

Either Karnak or Virgil as Count Dog-U-Lous!

Ocean being the only one to say 'Ricky, should we pull the switch?'

Only the cats saying 'That son of a bitch!'

Ricky sounding panicked during 'Why are they asking me?I'm a lover not a fighter!'

The Ballad Of Jane Doe:

She'd start out on the ground, looking around at all the choir members(who are imitating what would be her funeral).

As she's raised up she continues reaching out for each choir member, obviously unable to grab them.

She clutches her uniform at every religious reference(her only sense of identity being that she went to a Catholic school).

The tone of 'Just John and Me!' being hopeful.

The tone of the song slowly getting darker and slower until they reach the end.

The New Birthday Song:

It would imply Jane eating the cupcake AND the candle.She would also try to touch the fire.

Jane would hug Ricky after she's given the name Savannah, and then a scene of her pulling the lever(like in mccarter) would happen.

Mischa would ruffle Noel's hair while saying that Noel is tragic.Then Noel would hug Mischa.

During the Blackrose scene everyone else would be visible in the background.

Both Constance & Ocean would get progressively more upset but for VERY different reasons, until Constance finally punches Ocean.

Sugar Cloud:

Purposefully rocky vocals at the beginning before Constance eventually gets more comfortable with her voice.

Ocean nodding during the 'There is nothing wrong with the nicest girl in town!' line.

Noel & Ocean dancing together at some point!!!(THEY'RE FRIENDS TRUST).

Ocean holding up the microphone for Constance, Noel & Mischa dance together, Ricky & Jane dance together!!

It's Not A Game//It's Just A Ride:

Ocean singing the majority of it during Penny's life montage, everyone else joins in near the end.

Mischa shielding the rest of the choir as Karnak breaks.

Everyone copying the movements from their songs during the second half of the song!!!

The Order they stand next to each other is:

(Left to right):

Ricky,Constance,Noel,Ocean,Mischa.

DIALOGUE TIME:

Everyone jumping together as Karnak begins to speak.

'No, I mean me moving against my will.' would be kept in.

Somehow I would merge the improv scene & the porno is magical scene.

Mischa & Ocean both laughing at Noel's Taco Bell photo.

Ocean would be shoved out of the way for Noel's introduction.

Jane would be more life-like(Little Miss No Name based as well).

Ocean speech would include the 'every single one of you is a fricken rockstar!' line and she'd point to the audience as well.

Mischa would attempt to run away from Ocean when she says 'Mischa...I love you!'

This is all i have for now.

[frankenruth]

What I would do as : Jane Doe !

-Karnak’s Dream of Life is a behind-the-curtain headless illusion (think Station RTC)

-Getting really up into the choirs faces during her entrance, then (not as close, but still up in there) to the audience for the “Why?”s

-“Do you want to know what really freaks me out” *once again gets reeeally up into Constance’s face and starts to untie the bow around her neck - Constance smacks her hand down immediately*

-“Sometimes so jealous he EATS the children” *quickly and aggressively squeezes/hugs the doll*

-“I find that idea terrifying!” *as if genuinely terrified*

-*makes hands kiss like little hand puppets after “i liked the part where the two boys kissed”*

-*excitedly pulls down lever and is devastated when she hears “jane doe” - and it doesn’t make her any happier when she doesn’t even get a tiny bit of info about her past*

-Walking through the audience in the first half if her song (like what 2015 did in the second half), leans over to a few audience members as if asking them the questions that are in the song - obvi not as close as she got with a choir but rather a head turn and a slight tilt

-Second half she’s being chased by the choir with funhouse mirrors (on stage not in the audience anymore)

-“Isn’t there anyone to-“ *trips and falls* “tell me who I am?!” *starts clawing at the side of Karnak’s box*

-Very surprised that they threw a birthday party just for her (like Station RTC) (her TNBS costume is a tiara and a cat blanket cape)

-“Happy birthday dear-“ *face lights up* “Hmmm-mm…” *looks down and starts sniffling*

-This one would kinda fit into a me-as-Ocean post but I don’t think I’m gonna make one of those so I’ll add it here ; *whisper-shouting* oh! oh shoot she’s crying uh uhm.. Ricky! *shoves him towards wherever the accordion is*

-The New Birthday Song does not cheer her up unfortunately, but they do however light the cupcake candle and clap for her when she blows it out (she is still very, very sad)

-Ricky offers the Savannah name while still thinking of one, so he says it like “Suuuuuh.. vannah!” - she thinks this is how it’s supposed to be pronounced and says it like that both times

-The little arm-lever thing like in McCarter

-Ricky tried to high-five her but instead gets it returned by the dolls hand instead of hers

-Gives Constance her tiara for Sugar Cloud

-Very reluctant about being brought back (ily cjt rtc)

-Gives Constance a big ol hug before leaving (which she hesitated about at first, but Constance actually started the hug so)

-Also gives Constance her doll. For good measure.

-“Her name..” *head swings over very excitedly* “Is Penny Lamb” *starts smiling - which is super confusing and new to her and she touches her face super surprised*

-Final wave goodbye to everyone, wipes a tear and is very confused at what it is. perhaps.

-Seen at the very end skipping and spinning and dancing around while holding her doll by the hands (now both with their heads)

[perfectdolls]

ohio rtc second show notes woop woop!!

Started four minutes late

Karnak's Dream of Life was in full this time! Yay!

Ricky moved his head to the music in Uranium Suite

Mischa jazz hands at the end of the first part Uranium Suite

I adore this Uranium Suite choreo

Ricky sings at the end of Uranium Suite

Mischa sniffed the Iron Maiden t-shirt D-:>

Ocean shoved Noel after his catchphrase thing

Noel clapped + gave Ricky a thumbs-up when he clicked his heels

Ricky waved to Jane's doll

Jane played the bongos Constance had during Ocean's intro

Holy fuck Jane's taller than literally everyone

Ocean tossed the coffee in WTWN at Constance

Jane almost hugged Ocean during her "I love you guys" rant

Noel's actor skipped a line in his pre Noel's Lament monologue

Mischa and Constance laughed at the Taco Bell picture

The change into the Monique Gibeau outfit and the overall setup for Noel's Lament took a long time

Noel put Mischa's money into the top of his dress/bra

I love how the choreography is in time with the stomps at the end of Noel's Lament

Noel kicked his feet when Mischa said his song was dope

Constance laughed when Mischa said his song would only have profanity in chorus

Mischa and Ricky were lip-syncing the scripted improv scene with their sock puppets

Jane made her sock puppet her doll's head

Mischa had headphones on that were very much not plugged in during his intro

I could barely hear Ricky's lines in TSIA

Jane + Noel danced together in TSIA

A verse was improvised in TSIA because Mischa's actor forgot the whole last verse (he covered it up by saying "I got too emotional" at the end and it was really funny)

Mischa forgot some lines in the Talia monologue

The end bit of Talia wasn't as awkward but the music transition just does not work well

No videos at all during Talia, just one still image of Talia

SABM + Ricky's intro lights go hard

Mischa, as Ricky's dad, kissed Ricky's shoulder

Ricky's intro is just so beautifully choreographed I love it

Is Ricky's SABM costume meant to be Han Solo?

Jane's meows are so loud

The cat-women of Zolar are bathing themselves

Everyone but Jane and Ricky twerk during SABM

The camera went very unfocused during TBOJD but quickly fixed itself

The choir circling Jane in TBOJD is genius

Jane replicates the same pose as the rest of the choir at the end of TBOJD but without the props because they have an identity and she doesn't

Noel's birthday hat fell of during The New Birthday Song

Jane gave her cupcake to Ricky

MISCHA GRABBED THE SIDE OF NOEL'S FACE

Noel "heart eyes" Gruber

Mischa spat some alcohol at Noel then wiped it off

Jane put her head on top of a headless mannequin's neck

There was a ton of emotion in Sugar Cloud

Sugar Cloud made me cry

Everyone looks so happy + proud of Constance

Sugar Cloud lights! :-D

JANE CLAPPING HER DOLL'S HANDS I'M SOBBING

Everyone during the final vote section is doing the ending poses of their songs holy fuck

"Date with a rat named Virgil" got changed to "appointment with a rat named Virgil"

Jane coming back to life made me cry again

Blackrose hold hands throughout like all of It's Not A Game

CONSTANCE DANCES WITH JANE'S DOLL IN IT'S JUST A RIDE

The Nischa dance in It's Just A Ride was so long and so wonderful

[lunarmothmann]

RTC SONG RANKING!!

this is all just my opinion, and I dont expect everyone to agree with me, but let's get into it anyway!!

STARTING AT THE BOTTOM (for climax reasons)

12. Every Story's Got a Lesson

- dont get me wrong, its a fun number (and I am an Ocean lover), but its kinda boring. The funny moments are spoken AFTER the song ends, so you dont even get to hear it in the cast album

11. This Song Is Awesome

- this song IS awesome, but it just doesn't sit with me that well compared to the other tracks. Its a fun song, but I never end up listening to it as often as the rest.

10. Space Age Bachelor Man

- DONT MURDER ME BUT LIKE- this whole track makes me feel so weird and I end up having to skip through it if im listening to it. It's only higher than TSIA bc of the riffs, Ricky himself, and how he sings "i am just a man. a space-age man, thats all I am"

9. Karnak's Dream of Life

- QUESTIONABLE I KNOW. It's really short, but im a sucker for ballad-like songs, regardless of length. If this was a full-length song, it would 100% be in my top 3.

8. The New Birthday Song

- you cannot tell me that this number isn't absolutely adorable. it may be the fact that Ocean and Jane are my favs, but I honestly really like this track.

7. Sugar Cloud

- okok you can fight me on this one. I just never was that connected with Constance, but I really like the beat and ive definitely had it stuck in my head a few times bc its SO CATCHY.

6. Uranium Suite

- while I do prefer Fall Faire Suite, its still a bop. I especially love the ending, with the overlaying harmonies and the line "earth is sky, the sky is ground. did we finally leave our town?".

5. It's Not a Game/ It's Just a Ride

- before I watched RTC, I just thought it was some sappy finale song and didn't LOVE it. afterwards tho- I cant listen to it without almost sobbing and thats a GOOD THING.

4. Talia

- this is the epitome of romance. i want someone to love me how Mischa loves Talia (regardless of whether she is real or not, but we'll talk abt that another time).

~TOP 3~

3. What The World Needs

- what did I say, im an Ocean lover. its so upbeat, and I can dance to it alone in my room at 3 am with ZERO SHAME. only the best for my favorite emotional support ginger <3

2. Noel's Lament

- its just groovy, and I love groovy stuff. its the perfect amount of raunchy and dark that it doesnt make me uncomfortable (looking at you, SABM)

1. Ballad of Jane Doe

- we all saw this coming. what RTC ranking isn't complete with this absolute MASTERPIECE at #1. i could get into the flawless vocals, the lyrics, or even the visuals when watching the show, but then this post would be about 200+ words longer. I LOVE THIS SONG.

[lov3rs-go]

I am now realizing that I never asked you any questions so here we go!!

1. I'm aware that we are both nischa fans...sooo what moment got you to ship the two?

2. when was the first time rtc made you cry?

3. do you have any other ideas in mind for a rtc fic? or maybe pairings you want to write?

thanks for being one of the few people who interact with my chaotic rtc posts djdjsj

ahh ty for ur ask!!!

1) when i was first getting in2 it i watched 'waiting for tge drop' on repeat and when they slow dance????? that was prolly what started it !!! (slow dancing always gets me i think it's so cute)

2) DURING THE NEW BIRTHDAY SONG holy shit my heartttttt it was just such a sweet moment for all of them, and esp cause it's right after Jane's ballad <3

3) i mean i def wanna do more w that au we were talking abt + like nischa in general BUT i would love 2 do a character study for mischa cause i imagine he feels v isolated in his current circumstances (and that Talia is like his rock) and also something where it's jane finding her footing in the choir and making friends w ricky and constance ! nischa is rlly the only pairing that i ship but im def open 2 hearing other interpretations n ships !!

and np!! i love ur posts they are so so good! tY for interacting w mine lolz, also interested in hearing ur responses 2 the questions !!!! :D

[papermoonloveslucy]

LUCY AND LAWRENCE WELK

 S2;E18 ~ January 19, 1970

Directed by Herbert Kenwith ~ Written by Martin A. Ragaway

Synopsis

When Vivian visits, she expects Lucy to fulfill her promise to arrange a date with Lawrence Welk. Lucy doesn't know Welk, so she borrows a wax dummy of the bandleader and convinces nearsighted Vivian to give up her glasses. When the kids secretly convince the real Lawrence Welk to come to dinner, everything ends “wunerful wunerful”!

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter), Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter)

Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter) does not appear in this episode, although he does receive opening title credit. Harry is said to be playing golf.

Guest Cast

Lawrence Welk (Himself) was a musician, accordionist, bandleader, and television impresario, who hosted the television program “The Lawrence Welk Show” from 1951 to 1982 on ABC. His style came to be known to his audiences as ‘champagne music.’  His catchphrase was “wunerful, wunerful” spoken with his slight German accent. Welk's trademarks included his "uh-one, uh-two" song intro and a perpetual bubble machine. He died in 1992 at the age of 89.

Vivian Vance (Vivian Jones) was born Vivian Roberta Jones in Cherryvale, Kansas in 1909, although her family quickly moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she was raised. She had extensive theatre experience, co-starring on Broadway with Ethel Merman in Anything Goes. She was acting in a play in Southern California when she was spotted by Desi Arnaz Sr. and hired to play Ethel Mertz, Lucy Ricardo’s neighbor and best friend. The pairing is credited with much of the success of “I Love Lucy.”  Vance was convinced to join the cast of “The Lucy Show” in 1962, but stayed with the series only through season three, making occasional guest appearances afterwards. This is the second of her half a dozen appearances on “Here’s Lucy.” She also joined Lucy for a TV special “Lucy Calls the President” in 1977. Vance died two years later.

Vance uses her birth name as her character name in all of her “Here’s Lucy” guest appearances. Vivian Jones (the character) is from Cherrvale, Kansas, just like Vivian Vance.

Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane Lewis) makes her fourth series appearance as Mary Jane. Croft played Betty Ramsey during season six of “I Love Lucy. ” She also played Cynthia Harcourt in “Lucy is Envious” (ILL S3;E23) and Evelyn Bigsby in “Return Home from Europe” (ILL S5;E26). She played Audrey Simmons on “The Lucy Show” but when Lucy Carmichael moved to California, she played Mary Jane Lewis, the actor’s married name and the same one she uses on all 31 of her episodes of “Here’s Lucy. Her final acting credit was playing Midge Bowser on “Lucy Calls the President” (1977) with Vivian Vance. She died in 1999 at the age of 83.

Nancy Howard (Secretary) appeared with Lucille Ball in Yours, Mine and Ours (1968). This is the third and final appearance on “Here’s Lucy.”

This is the first of five episodes written by Martin A. Ragaway, who won a 1961 Emmy Award for his work on “The Red Skelton Show.”

When this show first aired, Lucille Ball and her children were actually in New York City, having been introduced from the audience of “The Ed Sullivan Show” the night before, January 18, 1970.  

The date this episode originally aired (January 19, 1970) CBS launched Operation 100, a plan to beat NBC's ratings in the last 100 days of the season, using the slogan "The man can't bust our network."  This was a riff on the campaign CBS Records (Columbia) used to appeal to the youth market in the late 1960s.  

Also on this date, actor Hal March (born Harold Mendelson) died at age 49 of lung cancer. March had appeared in two episodes of “I Love Lucy”, a 1966 episode of “The Lucy Show” (above), and the Lucy film A Guide For the Married Man (1967).

This episode was first aired on the 27th anniversary of one of the most-watched episodes of television to that time, “Lucy Goes To the Hospital” (ILL S2;E16). It is estimated that 72% of the American public who owned a television tuned in to see the birth of Little Ricky.  The event was even more remarkable in that it coincided with the birth of Desi Arnaz IV (Craig Carter here), who turned 27 years old on the day this episode aired in 1970. 

Both Lucille Ball and Lawrence Welk were known for their frequent (and unique) use of the word “wonderful.”  

In February 1969, Lucille Ball had appeared on “The Jack Benny Birthday Special” which also featured Welk and singer Ann-Margret, who will guest star on “Here's Lucy” two weeks after this episode airs. Other “Lucy” supporting actors who participated in the special: Dennis Day, Carole Cook (ghost singer), Gail Bonney, Larry Blake, Robert Foulk, Frank Gerstle, John Harmon, Ray Kellogg, Tyler McVey, Benny Rubin (above, with Welk), Rolfe Sedan, and Olan Soule. It was written by Sam Perrin and George Balzer, who wrote several episodes of “Here's Lucy” and choreographed by “Here’s Lucy” choreographer Jack Baker.

On the series DVD the episode is introduced by Norma Zimmer, one of Welk's Champagne Dancers, who also was featured as a Kildoonan Townsperson in the dream musical episode “Lucy Goes to Scotland” (ILL S5;E17). Although not featured in this “Here's Lucy” episode, Zimmer recalls that Welk, who did not consider himself an actor, was thrilled and proud to be asked to share the screen with Lucy.  

Gary Morton's loud laughter can clearly be heard on the soundtrack. Some sources mistakenly report this to be Desi Arnaz Sr.

KIM: “All the girls are ironing their hair!”  

The episode opens with Craig ironing Kim’s hair with a clothes iron on an ironing board!  As odd as this seems, this was actually done during the 1960s when straight hair became fashionable. In the 1970s, straight hair became easier with the advent of the hair iron, made specifically for hair use.

The studio audience starts applauding for Vivian Vance as the doorbell rings and before she's spoken or entered!  

Vivian Vance wears the same type of white-frame eyeglasses she wore as Vivian Bagley on “The Lucy Show.”

When Mary Jane also gushes about Lawrence Welk, Lucy remarks “He turns on more people than warm Postum.”  Postum is a powdered roasted-grain beverage once popular as a coffee substitute. It was developed by the Post Cereal Company (hence the name) in 1895 and is still sold in limited areas today. Later seasons of “I Love Lucy” were sponsored by Sanka, a similar caffeine-free coffee beverage. 

Lucy says that Welk is in town performing at the Palladium. The Hollywood Palladium is a theater built in 1940 and located at 6215 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. It has a dance floor including a mezzanine and a floor level with room for up to 4,000 people. Coincidentally, the Palladium is across the street from what was CBS Columbia Square, the home of CBS's Los Angeles radio and television operations from 1938 until 2007.

When Welk's secretary announces that there are a couple of teenagers (Kim and Craig) to see him, he asks if they are picketing and hostile. In the late 1960s teenagers were in the news as frequently involved in protests and marches involving the Vietnam War.  

Lawrence Welk is first seen practicing his golf stroke in his office. Like Desi Arnaz Sr. and Gary Morton, Welk was a big fan of golf and in 1964 founded a company known as Welk Resort Group which still operates properties in North America including golf resorts.

Mary Jane tells Lucy that they have a wax figure of Lawrence Welk at the Movieland Wax Museum where her friend is the manager. She adds that they also have one of Cary Grant, both of which require nightly lipstick removal from amorous visitors! Grant was last mentioned in “Lucy Protects Her Job” (S2;E14) as well as several previous episodes of this and Ball's other sitcoms. 

The real-life museum was located in Buena Park, Caliifornia. In addition to a wax Welk, a wax Lucille Ball was installed in 1963. Needless to say, the actual museum wax figure of Welk (seen above) was not used in the episode. The museum closed permanently in 2005.    

Lucy phones Sam Lutz to find out how much Lawrence Welk is paid. He tells her that Welk gets $7,500 a night. Sam Lutz (inset) was the name of Welk's real-life manager and the producer of his television show.

Vivian is reported to be doing touristy things like visiting Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. When Ethel Mertz was a tourist in Hollywood, she wanted to visit Knotts Berry Farm, but jealous Lucy was too angry with Ricky to enjoy it. “The only knots you'll see today will be on Ricky's head.”  Disneyland would open a month later and be mentioned in “Lucy the Bean Queen” (TLS S5;E3) in 1966.  

When Vivian returns from the Universal Studios Tour she says she saw:

John Wayne's Saddle - In “Lucy Dates Dean Martin” (TLS S4;E21) John Wayne's saddle was an auction item for the Bank Charity Ball. Wayne played himself on a season 5 episode of “I Love Lucy” and did  so again on a season 5 episode of “The Lucy Show.” The last time Vivian Jones visited Lucy Carter on “Here's Lucy” she lied and said that she was in town to be in a movie with the western star.

Doris Day's Bicycle - In real life, Doris Day was an avid bike rider. She rode to the studio on many occasions and pedaled around Beverly Hills until the police finally told her they couldn't guarantee her safety.

Dean Martin's Bartender - This is a joke at the expense of Martin's reputation as a heavy drinker. It is coincidental that it follows a mention of John Wayne's saddle, which was seen in “Lucy Dates Dean Martin” (TLS S4;E21).  

Vivian visited the studio commissary and sat in the very chair Bob Hope sat in, which was still warm. Vivian Vance and Bob Hope worked together on “Lucy and Bob Hope” (ILL S6;E1).  

VIV (To ‘LAWRENCE WELK’): “I watch your show every Saturday night!” 

“The Lawrence Welk Show” began airing in June 1955 and had a remarkable 16 year run on ABC TV before being syndicated for a further 11 years ending in 1982. Welk was as associated with Saturday nights as Lucille Ball was with Mondays. Two days before this episode first aired (January 17, 1970) Welk’s guest was Ted Mack, legendary bandleader and talent scout. 

This episode is closely modeled on “Lucy Meets Harpo Marx” (ILL S4;E28). Vivian takes on the part of the nearsighted Carolyn Appleby and Mary Jane helps Lucy arrange the deception much like Ethel (Vivian Vance) did in 1955. The premise somehow comes off as more believable here. Lucy does not have steal Viv's glasses but simply convinces her to take them off to look better for her date. Instead of Lucy wearing a disguise, she borrows a wax mannequin of the star.  

Lawrence Welk was one of the most-mentioned celebrities on “The Lucy Show” (1962-67) despite never appearing on it in person. He rectifies that here.  

In “The Loophole in the Lease” (TLS S2;E12), the plot hinged on Lucy stealing Viv's white-framed eyeglasses.  

Although this is the first time Welk has actually been on set with Lucille Ball, his face was seen on a record album that Lucy Carmichael won at a bank picnic in “Lucy and Clint Walker” (TLS S4;E24).

In “Lucy and the Starmaker” (TLS S6;E4), Mr. Mooney cuts off Tommy Cheever’s (Frankie Avalon) 'audition’ after just a few notes. Lucy remarks that “Dizzie Gillespie would have had a better chance with Lawrence Welk!”  Gillespie was famous for free-form jazz riffs on the trumpet, while Welk was best known for the polka, waltzes, and more structured genres of music. 

When Viv goes to shake the wax Welk’s hand, quick thinking Lucy extends her own hand for Viv to shake instead. The gag also got big laughs in “The Handcuffs” (ILLS2;E4), “Lucy The Music Lover” (TLS S1;E8), and “Lucy Meets the Burtons” (HL S3;E1). 

In the second episode of “Here’s Lucy”, When Kim and Craig are on vacation at Jack Benny’s home in Palm Beach, Kim compares her brother’s ping pong game with Lawrence Welk. This line was likely an ad-lib by Lucie Arnaz to time the hitting of the ball over the wall. 

Welk facetiously claims to be writing a song for The Beatles. In “Lucy's Birthday” (S1;E18), Welk was contrasted with Ringo Starr, the drummer for the Beatles, when the kids are trying to find their mother a date for her birthday.   

In “Lucy The Shopping Expert” (S1;E20) a year earlier, Lawrence Welk was the punchline of a joke when Lucy insists on shaking the canned goods and listening to the noise they make. 

In “Lucy and the Drum Contest” (S3;E4), Craig says that Buddy Rich is his favorite musician. Uncle Harry says his is Guy Lombardo, who Lucy tells the kids is the Lawrence Welk of Harry’s generation. Lombardo and Welk were both popular bandleaders and cultural icons. The above photo of the two men (and Gila Rosenhause) was taken in 1971. 

Sitcom Logic Alert! 

The premise of this episode seems to ignore the fact that Vivian visited Lucy in Los Angeles less than a year before. She says that Kim “must have grown a foot”! 

When talking to the kids about Vivian, Lucy refers to “back East” which confirms that Lucy previously was from New York, but ignores that Vivian was last living in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  

Lucy lies about knowing Lawrence Welk, but in “Lucy the Matchmaker” (S1;E12) it was Vivian who lied about knowing John Wayne.  

While Lucy Carter admits to her children that she's lied to Vivian about knowing celebrities, she forgets that she has met (to date) Jack Benny, Van Johnson, Oscar-winner Shelley Summers (aka Winters), novelist Eva Von Graunitz (aka Eva Gabor), Carol Burnett, country singer Ernie Epperson (aka Ernie Ford), Patty Andrews, Johnny Carson, and Liberace!  

The ultimate lapse in believable coincidence comes when Welk wears the exact same outfit to the dinner date as the wax figure (above).  

Vivian really should be able to recognize Lucy’s deep voice saying “wunerful wunerful’.  

Inexplicably, Welk (the character) seems to want imitate the waxworks instead of be himself.  

Not being an actor, Welk's eyes often distractingly glance over at the teleprompter for his lines. He smiles at his own jokes, and anticipates rather than reacts. 

“Lucy and Lawrence Welk” rates 4 Paper Hearts out of 5

This is a really funny episode that is also a treat for Lucy lovers who know its inspiration. Of course, the classic Harpo mirror routine is a classic compared to a wax figure sitting at a dinner table, but in many ways this episode feels less contrived and more real than Lucy Ricardo's costumes and gruff voices. Welk, as expected, is a total fail as an actor, but it doesn't really matter. It is wonderful to see Mary Jane Croft play an integral role in the plot. Her facial expressions at dinner are priceless! Not having Gale Gordon involved is never noticed thanks to the glorious presence of Vivian Vance.  

[lunarmothmann]

finally watched the roller coaster safety tutorial so here were my thoughts throughout

~OBVIOUSLY SPOILERS FOR RIDE THE CYCLONE IF YOU HAVENT SEEN IT BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT~

- VIRGIL. HE PLAYS BASS. I LOVE HIM.

(its a bit of a mess so bear with me)

- how the hell did they make Jane look headless in the intro, thats so cool

- the expressions on everyone's faces when Jane is introduced is hilarious

- OCEAN AND HER WHITE GIRL DANCE MOVES

- i hate that they got rid of Ocean's riff at the end of What The World Needs

- Karnak is the expert of giving information just a little too late

- BORTHDAY.

- "your cousin was in grade 4, he had to get his stomach pumped" is unironically funny

- GIVE JANE A HUG ISTG SHE HAS HER ARMS HELD OUT AND EVERYTHING

- i think Noel might be a masochist, just saying-

- Noel's life is honestly really sad. I feel so bad for him

- NOT HIM CALLING OCEAN A SUCCUBUS LMAO

- ngl he makes the dress work

- MISCHA??? HELLO??? THATS KINDA FRUITY

- that chair is a paid actor bc its been through so much in just this number alone

- HELP CONSTANCE TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM JANE IS SO FUNNY

- "not in my Bible, baby. BONSOIR" I am struggling so hard to keep my composure while typing

- THE HIP THRUST WHEN OCEAN SAYS "teen sex KILLS"

- THE PORN MUSIC. HELP ME IM DYING OUT HERE

- "im not mad at you, im just frequently disappointed" you know what I felt that

- I dont agree with them saying Mischa as the angriest boy in town, he was just mistreated and had a hard life :( he has so many nice moments with the other kids

- OCEAN AND HER FAN THAT ISNT EVEN TURNED ON-

- seeing Mischa talk abt Talia makes me so sad

- Talia is such an underrated song, this makes me wanna sob

- idk why but Ocean touching Mischa's cheek at the start of Talia did something to me I cannot explain

- the projections are making this so emotionally distressing to watch

- THEN THE FUCKING UPBEAT POP SECTION

- CONSTANCE'S GUILTY LOOK AT THE VIRGIN LINE

- oh god here comes Space Age Bachelor Man

- DID RICKY STICK HIS FINGER IN OCEAN'S MOUTH????

- what the hell i am so uncomfortable

- I hate those cat masks so much

- "it gets weird" ITS BEEN WEIRD WHAT

- WHAT IS HE WEARING. im not even gonna talk abt the fake abs.

- this choreography is so sexually charged and im so confused

- Jane makes me so unbelievably sad why cant they treat her better

- no comments, just The Ballad of Jane Doe.

- ok one comment, the ACTING. the VOCALS. ITS ALL PERFECT.

- THE BIRTHDAY SCENE IS SO SWEET LIKE THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE JANE FEEL BETTER

- the new birthday song 🥺

- Jane's little sway aww

- BORTHDAY PT 2

- Savannah with the greenest eyes 😭

- THE BOOB PUNCH. "you just punched me!! in the freakin boob!!"

- Constance's favorite ride was the one that killed her :(

- IM SORRY CONSTANCE DID WHAT?

- THE TATTOO WAS WHAT????

- oh no this is so sad

- the impromptu dance moves during sugar cloud bc they arent being controlled by Karnak are so cute

-Ocean's white girl dance moves pt 2

- RECORDER SOLO WOOHOO

- OCEAN SOUNDS SO BROKEN WHEN KARNAK TELLS HER ITS HER DECISION TO MAKE THE FINAL VOTE

- "you knew all along I couldn't do it" "what?" "choose myself" IM DYING OUT HERE HELP

- "id gladly take my seventeen years over nothing" WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME

- the sad little "democracy rocks"

- is the video meant to show Jane's life as she crosses over? or is it just showing imagery of life overall bc of the theme of this show

- It's Just a Ride after everything I just witnessed is like a punch in the gut

- they seem so happy :,)

- im in physical pain over this show.

[papermoonloveslucy]

Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map

S5;E18 ~ January 30, 1967

Synopsis

Trying to think of a way to help bring the town of Bancroft's story to the rest of America, Lucy and the town fathers stage a gun battle to get national news coverage.  

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carmichael), Gale Gordon (Theodore J. Mooney)

Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane Lewis) and Roy Roberts (Mr. Cheever) do not appear in this episode. 

Guest Cast

Mel Tormé (Mel Tinker) returns to play Lucy's neighbor Mel having previously played the role in “Lucy in the Music World” (S4;E3) and “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;E17). Tormé was a musician nicknamed ‘the velvet fog’. He was best known as a singer of jazz standards. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, drummer, an actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books. He composed the music for “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”) and co-wrote the lyrics with Bob Wells. He died in 1999 at the age of 73.  

John William Sublett (John Bubbles) was known as the "Father of Rhythm Tap,” and was the original Sportin' Life on Broadway in Porgy and Bess (1935). Since he did not read music, George Gershwin had to teach him the songs note by note. Sublett was his birth name but his stage name was Bubbles, which he uses as his character name here. He appeared in the previous episode “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;17). He had a stroke and had to retire from show business. He died in 1986.  

Although not the first black face on a Lucille Ball sitcom, Sublett has the distinction of being the first to be be billed as a guest star and to be an integral part in the storyline.  

Paul Winchell (Doc Putnam) previously played himself in “Lucy and Paul Winchell” (S5;E4). He was born Paul Wilchinsky in 1922. Coming into the public eye in 1948, he became one of the most famous ventriloquists since Edgar Bergen. He hosted the enormously popular children’s television show “Winchell-Mahoney Time” (1964-68) in which he shared the spotlight with Jerry Mahoney, one of his most popular characters. Winchell is fondly remembered as the voice of Winnie the Pooh’s pal Tigger and (later) Papa Smurf. He played Doc Putnam in “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;17), as well as doing two episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Surprisingly, Winchell was also an inventor who is credited with the artificial heart, among other innovations. He died in 2005.

Paul Winchell was most famous as a ventriloquist, but he does not do ventriloquism in this episode. He cherished the opportunity to act without his dummies. Winchell learned to play violin for this episode. 

Hal Smith (Mr. Weber) is probably best remembered as Otis Campbell, the town drunk, on “The Andy Griffith Show,” even though in real life he never drank alcohol. He appeared with Lucille Ball in the 1963 film Critic’s Choice. This is the third of his three appearance on “The Lucy Show.” He reprises the role of Mr. Weber last seen in “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;E17) and did one episode of “Here’s Lucy” in 1972.

In the previous episode Mr. Weber could not get his tuba from around his waist. In this episode he is still wearing it! 

Burt Mustin (Old Uncle Joe) was born in 1884. He didn't do his first film until age 67, although his stage and radio career started earlier. He was generally cast as the stereotypical little old man. He is probably best remembered as Mr. Quigley on “All in the Family” and Mr. Lanson on “Phyllis.” He played Old Uncle Joe in the previous episode and did a 1973 episode of “Here's Lucy.” Mustin also played Uncle Jeff in Lucy’s Mame (1974). He died at age 92.

Carole Cook (Aunt Carrie) played Thelma Green on the series when it was set in Danfield. She was a protege of Lucille Ball’s during the Desilu Playhouse years. Although born as Mildred Cook, Ball suggested she take the name Carole, in honor of Lucy’s great friend, Carole Lombard. Cook also went on to appear in five episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”

Aunt Carrie is a relative of Mel Tinker. The character did not appear in the previous episode. 

Dan Rowan (Dan McGowan) was the comedy partner of Dick Martin, who played Lucy’s boyfriend Harry on season 1 of “The Lucy Show.” He is best known as the co-host of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” which aired from 1968 to 1973 and earned him a 1972 Emmy Award. In 1966 he had appeared with Lucille Ball on “The Dean Martin Show.” This is the second of his two appearances on “The Lucy Show.” He died in 1987 at age 65.

Dan McGowan is a TV reporter with the National News Service.

Roy Barcroft (Police Chief Tinker) had more than 375 screen credits from 1931 to 1970. He played the Marshall in the screen adaptation of Oklahoma! (1955). This is his only appearance with Lucille Ball.  

The character is the father of Mel Tinker.

Bennett Green (Cameraman with National News Service, uncredited) was Desi Arnaz’s stand-in during “I Love Lucy.” He does frequent background work on “The Lucy Show.”

Some of the Bancroft Townspeople (uncredited) are played by:

Walter Bacon was last seen in “Lucy Wins a Racehorse,” a 1958 episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” Bacon played 'townsmen' on many TV westerns.  

Joan Carey was a frequent background performer on “I Love Lucy” and “The Lucy Show,” where she often served as Lucille Ball’s stand-in. 

Nick Borgani appeared with Lucille Ball in the 1937 film Stage Door. He will also be seen in two episodes of “Here's Lucy.”

Victor Romito was last seen as the Bartender in “Lucy Meets John Wayne” (S5;E10). He also appeared in four episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”   Romito was an extra in the 1960 Lucille Ball / Bob Hope film Critic’s Choice.

Glen Walters was a Canadian actress who's career spanned from 1926 to 1973. This is her only appearance with Lucille Ball.

Judith Woodbury makes the seventh of her eight (mostly) uncredited appearances on “The Lucy Show.” She also appeared in one episode of “Here’s Lucy.”

The actor with the gray beard and overalls who is referred to as 'Farmer Brown' in the previous episode “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;17) returns in this episode. 

Other citizens of Bancroft are played by uncredited background artists, most of whom were likely in the previous episode as well.

This episode was filmed in mid-December 1966, shortly after the completion of “Main Street U.S.A.” (S5;E17). Although stand-alone in their plots, this episode is a continuation of the previous one, which also takes place in the small town of Bancroft. 

This is the only episode of season five that is still under copyright protection and not in public domain.  

Coincidentally, this episode first aired on Dick Martin’s 45th birthday. He previously played Lucy Carmichael’s boyfriend Harry on the series. His comedy partner Dan Rowan plays a reporter in this episode.

The dance sequences were choreographed by Jack Baker.  

Bancroft is supposedly located in California, but feels more like a mid-western or northeastern town. Although this is a fictional location, there is a Bancroft outside of San Francisco.  At the time of filming, however, it was known as Hookston, is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County.  

Mel Tormé wrote the original song “Main Street U.S.A.” especially for these two episodes. It was first sung at the end of the previous episode and is reprised at the start of this one. Here we learn that it was Lucy Carmichael who wrote the songs lyrics to Mel Tinker’s music. Torme also wrote and sings the ballad “In Our Home Town,” a tribute to small town life. In 1944 he had a hit with another ‘town’ song titled “Stranger in Town” and in 1959 released an album titled Back in Town.

As ‘Carrot Top Carmichael’ Lucy says she plans to be the “most vicious, cold blooded killer since Ma Barker.”  Kate Barker (1873–1935, inset photo) was the mother of several criminals who ran the Barker gang. She traveled with her sons during their criminal careers. FBI director J. Edgar Hoover described her as “the most vicious, dangerous and resourceful criminal brain of the last decade.” Barker was last mentioned in “Lucy and the Great Bank Robbery” (S3;E5). Ma Barker was parodied as Ma Parker in a 1970 episode of “Here’s Lucy” (above) starring Carole Cook (who plays Aunt Carrie here).

Behind the TV camera atop the station wagon is a shop called Grandma Thompson’s Bakery. This is likely a tribute to director Maury Thompson and producer Tommy Thompson, who were not related.

Marl Young is credited with the dance music for John Bubbles. 

Callbacks!

Back in Danfield, construction of a new freeway was the cause of the destruction of their roadside cafe when “Lucy and Viv Open a Restaurant” (S2;E20).

The residents of East 68th Street planned a big block party when Ricky Ricardo came home from Hollywood in “The Homecoming” (ILL S5;E6).  

Blooper Alerts!

Sound Slip! Mel plays “Our Home Town” on an old upright piano, but on the soundtrack it is not a piano, but a harpsichord.  

Popular Print! The painting above Lucy’s left shoulder in the Tinker parlor was previously seen in Lucy’s Danfield living room and later in Viv’s bedroom. 

Smile For The Camera(s)! When Lucy and Mel break into song for the TV news, they perform with their backs to the camera, which is still atop the station wagon behind them.  

Bloody Bad Idea!  Even though the gun battle is staged to woo reporter McGowan to Bancroft to publicize a good cause, a pile of bullet-ridden corpses and a whopping lie seem a dubious way to bring attention to the joys of small town life. Ironically, right after the corpses get up, Mel sings “it's peaceful and quiet, there's never a riot, in my home town.”

Soft Goods at the Hardware Store!  A sign in the window of the Hardware Store advertises an unusual item - Matador Scarfs!  Why would a small-town hardware store stock matador scarfs? 

Ready! Aim! Kerplunk! When 'Carrot Top Carmichael' surrenders, she throws her guns aside and knocks a bright yellow tea kettle off the hardware store porch. When the tin kettle hits the deck, the lid pops off and rolls across the set! 

Roll Call!  Bancroft's Mayor (played by Barry Kelley in the previous episode) does not show up for the big block party / gun battle. Surely this would be an occasion suitable for the Mayor’s participation. Perhaps he disapproved of the entire escapade?  More likely Desilu needed to keep their budget in mind in this expensive episode. 

FAST FORWARD!

Years later, Paul Winchell’s daughter April wrote about her father’s relationship with Lucille Ball, her mother Nina, and this episode:

Not everyone loved Lucy. My mother, for example, couldn't stand her. And Lucy returned the favor. In fact, they had a showdown on the set of ‘The Lucy Show’ that remains the most artful display of bitchery I ever witnessed. 

It all started when I was about six years old. I remember my dad getting off the phone and yelling for my mother. He had just been given a recurring role as Lucy's Grandfather [*], and he was as excited as I had ever seen him.

It was a demanding part. He had to dance quite a bit, and even learn to play the violin. And since he was only about 45 at the time, he had to do it all wearing heavy old age make-up and a full wig. He spent hours under the hot lights, sometimes getting lightheaded in his three-piece tweed suit. All things considered, it was probably one of the hardest jobs my father ever had. And he loved every minute of it. My dad, Paul Winchell, was a ventriloquist, and by this time, he was already a very successful man.

Naturally, a puppet-free gig like this was important to him, and he took it very seriously. He rehearsed difficult dance routines in our garage at night, and worked long days on the set without complaint. And along the way, he and Lucy developed a lasting friendship based on mutual respect, a common work ethic and a shared affection for recreational drugs. Yes, my father loved his drugs. My mother, determined to save their marriage, began watching him vigilantly, and attempted to rid him of every acquaintance he used with. Unfortunately, she couldn't broom Lucy from their lives. And so the three of them tried to find an uneasy peace, which was impossible. 

It all came to a head during rehearsals for an episode called, "Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map". This was a big two-parter, with lots of guest stars. On this particular day, my father was rehearsing a parade scene. This was a big, complicated musical number with close to a hundred people on the soundstage. There were majorettes, townspeople, a marching band, and of course, Gale Gordon, Vivian Vance [*] and Lucy herself, wearing white go-go boots and a white patent leather vest. My mother and I sat in the bleachers that would later hold the studio audience, watching my father work. And he was working very, very hard. Over and over again, he would run out into the middle of the street, do a jig, play a violin solo and disappear back into the crowd. My father had polio as a kid, and one of his legs was shorter than the other. 

All the standing and dancing was taking a toll, so when Lucy stopped the action to look through the camera, he politely asked her if he could take a break. She was very understanding, and told him to sit with us for a while. She asked if he was thirsty, and when he said yes, a glass of orange juice instantly appeared. Dad made his way over to the bleachers, and we watched the scene for while. After drinking about half of the juice, he handed the glass to my mother, who took a sip. Suddenly, Lucy stopped the rehearsal.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute, cut, cut, cut," she shouted. 

The playback music of the marching band stopped abruptly, and everyone fell silent. Lucy turned and looked at my mother. 

"What are you drinking?" she yelled. 

"Who, me?" 

"Yes, you. What are you drinking?" 

"Orange juice." 

"Did I buy that orange juice for you?" 

"I gave it to her, Lucy," my father said sheepishly.

"That's not the point, Paul. I bought that juice for you. If I knew she was going to drink it, I'd have made her pay for it." 

This was bad. This was very bad. My mother was not afraid of anyone, and I really expected this to get ugly in a hurry. She rose to her feet, and I braced myself. All the blood drained from my father's face. Time stood still. Then she did something surprising. My mother turned to me, and held out her hand. I took it, and we began to leave. I looked over my shoulder and saw the entire cast watching us, stock-still. My mother pushed through the heavy stage door into the sunlight, and we were on our way.  

By the time we got back to the studio, everyone had gone to lunch. My mother understood where my father was, and headed straight for Lucy's trailer. She led me up the steps to the door, and without knocking, went in. Lucy and my father were sitting on the couch, eating lunch. When he saw my mother, he froze in terror, certain that the angel of death was passing over his career. 

"Lucy," my mother said, "I have something to say to you." 

Lucy eyed my mother cautiously. "Yes, Nina?" 

"I want you to know how sorry I am about what happened this morning." 

My father's shoulders sagged with relief. 

Lucy was stunned. "Well, I . . . that's okay, Nina. Don't worry about it." 

"No," my mother continued, "I feel badly to have taken advantage of you when you've been so kind to us." 

"Forget it," she said. 

"I will. But only after you've accepted this gift."

My mother held out a gaily-wrapped box from Saks. Lucy genuinely did not know what to say. She looked at the box, then at my father, then at my mother, then me, then the box again. She took the box and carefully opened it. Inside was a pullover sweater made of glittering gold yarn. Metallic knits were all the rage those days, and it was obvious that mom had spent a good deal of money on it. Lucy held it up against herself, delighted. It set off her red hair and blue eyes beautifully. She looked up at my mother, who was smiling beatifically. 

"Thank you, Nina." 

"You're welcome, Lucy." 

My father was beaming. The next day, Lucy showed up on the set wearing the gold sweater. A few hours later, my mother arrived, wearing the exact same sweater in silver. I learned an important lesson that day. You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. And once you catch them, pull their little fucking wings off.

[*] These small facts are slightly incorrect. The character is not Lucy’s Grandfather and Vivian Vance was not in the show or on set. Chalk it up to the memory of a six year old!

“Lucy Puts Main Street on the Map” rates 2 Paper Hearts out of 5