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Transcript of Robert
Armin's online chat with Linda Purl |
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[RobertArmin] Good evening and welcome to the Fynsworth Alley Chat Room [RobertArmin] I'm am delighted to welcome my guest, Linda Purl. [RobertArmin] Good evening, Linda. [LindaPurl] Hi there [RobertArmin] This is my first REALLY long distance chat. We're on different coasts! [RobertArmin] As you may or may not remember, I have been a big admirer of your singing long before your first album came out. [LindaPurl] yup. my first ever chat so its all new [RobertArmin] I heard you sing at 88s in New York... [RobertArmin] But I have admired your acting since the FIRST time you were on Happy Days. [LindaPurl] yes. long time ago. it was a blast [RobertArmin] You have an interesting background... [RobertArmin] You were born in the states, but you spent your childhood in Japan. [LindaPurl] okay help Robert [LindaPurl] can't figure out how to scroll down on your dialogue [RobertArmin] Hmmm, it's not doing that automatically? [RobertArmin] Technical problem -- Let me deal with this a moment. [LindaPurl] yes okay better. [LindaPurl] sorry [RobertArmin] Okay, that was easy. [RobertArmin] So tell me about Japan and how you got started acting. [LindaPurl] my Dad was in business in Japan [LindaPurl] I grew up there [LindaPurl] and had an interest in the theatre so started working. such fun. [RobertArmin] Your parents also had a theatre company there? [RobertArmin] You actually played Helen Keller as a child? [LindaPurl] yes. I did "Miracle Worker" in Tokyo as a child. [LindaPurl] but yes my folks were active in the English speaking theatre there [RobertArmin] So, how old were you when you returned to America? And what was your first professional acting job? [LindaPurl] let's see...came back to the States at 15 [LindaPurl] my first job here was in NY on "Secret Storm" a CBS soap [RobertArmin] You did a great many guest appearances when you were quite young. [RobertArmin] As I mentioned, you played Gloria on the first season of Happy Days [RobertArmin] and then you got involved in making TV movies. [LindaPurl] there were so many dramas on then...unlike today with so many (too many reality shows) [LindaPurl] I did everything from "Hawaii Five O" to "Lucas Tanner" [LindaPurl] Must be dating myself. [RobertArmin] For a while you and Elizabeth Montgomery seemed to be the queens of TV movies. [LindaPurl] they were a blast to do. [RobertArmin] "Little Ladies of the Night" was a very popular movie. [LindaPurl] I did every affliction known to teenage America [RobertArmin] You seemed to specialize, for a while, in very put-upon young ladies. [LindaPurl] then moved on to every affliction known to folks in their 20's, etc. [RobertArmin] I think you even played a man -- or at least a woman disguised as a man on The Love Boat. [LindaPurl] "Little Ladies" for 20 years held the highest tv movie rating. weird, no? [RobertArmin] I always used to be surprised that you didn't receive more credit for the high ratings of your films. [RobertArmin] I know I was watching for you. [LindaPurl] oh yes...what would you call it? not drag...but yes I played a man...cross dresser that's it [LindaPurl] we laughed 'til I cried! [RobertArmin] Like many TV actresses, you rarely got to show the musical side of your talents. And yet you appeared in musicals as a child. Weren't you in a Japanese production of the King and I? [LindaPurl] yes. I played Louis, Anna's son [LindaPurl] In Japan men frequently play women's roles and visa versa [RobertArmin] When did you start singing publicly in America? [LindaPurl] I really started to miss singing, being involved with music [LindaPurl] I was introduced to David Galligan and Ron Abel through the divine Tom Rolla who owns LA's Gardenia [LindaPurl] they started me off in my first cabaret umpty nine years ago [LindaPurl] and we've been working together ever since [RobertArmin] I remember seeing you dance in the first episode of the New Alfred Hitchcock Show. It was a revelation to me. [RobertArmin] Up till that time I had no idea you had that talent as well. [LindaPurl] I had had a childhood dream of being a dancer [LindaPurl] but I'm really knock kneed so I knew my chances of having a serious career as a dancer were nil [RobertArmin] You were terrific in that show. [LindaPurl] acting was second best [LindaPurl] but I always kept up with my classes [RobertArmin] For people living in New York, we have had very few opportunities to see you in the theatre... [LindaPurl] so happy I got to use my dancing a little professionally [RobertArmin] And yet you have been VERY active in the L.A. theatre scene. [RobertArmin] My first memory of you was as Juliet in an outdoor production of Romeo and Juliet [LindaPurl] always always in the theatre [LindaPurl] Oh yes R and J [RobertArmin] You did a couple minutes on the Merv Griffin Show (I think) that still stands in my memory [LindaPurl] What a privilege it was to have done Juliet [RobertArmin] Very seductive and youthful at the same time. One of the best Juliets, I think. [LindaPurl] I saw Merv a few days ago and got to thank him again for having us on his show [LindaPurl] it was a funny afternoon as I recall [RobertArmin] Who was your Romeo in that? [LindaPurl] Tom Harrison (Romeo) and I were in Merv's studio rehearsing with cameras for the balcony scene [RobertArmin] Yes? [LindaPurl] suddenly the stage manager said we'd have to interrupt the scene in the middle, as the advertisers would not stand for 17 minutes w/o commercials [RobertArmin] !!! [LindaPurl] How do you cut the balcony scene? [LindaPurl] we were in a bind [RobertArmin] I only know what I saw -- and it looked great! [LindaPurl] Merv waltzed in and saved the day...said he'd take the heat from the advertisers personally and we were able to do it in its entirety [RobertArmin] What are some of your other favorite theatre roles? You’ve done some amazing plays. [LindaPurl] hands down favourite was "The Baby Dance" [RobertArmin] We saw that in Connecticut and New York. [RobertArmin] I was so mad that you didn't get to do the TV movie!!!! [LindaPurl] My best friend Stephanie Zimbalist and I commissioned it from Jane Anderson [RobertArmin] That would have been a breakthrough, I think, had you done the movie. [LindaPurl] and co produced it with Suzie Dietz at the Pasadena Playhouse [LindaPurl] We performed that beautiful play for two years, ultimately taking it to NY [LindaPurl] that was a sad day for all of us when we didn't do the film [RobertArmin] Were you considered for the film? [LindaPurl] long story [RobertArmin] Or did they just skip over you? [LindaPurl] yes but I think Jane who ultimately directed the film felt more comfortable working with a fresh cast [RobertArmin] Ah. [LindaPurl] this way she could really own the project [LindaPurl] we're all friends again with her now for which I am most grateful [RobertArmin] It was a good movie, but I think you were even better. [LindaPurl] but it was a painful passage for all of us [RobertArmin] But I'm prejudiced, perhaps. [RobertArmin] You've also appeared in Beyond Therapy, A Doll's House, The Real Thing, and many other classics. [LindaPurl] I did not see the film for obvious reasons but I have to agree that the original cast would have been better [LindaPurl] I have to explain that [RobertArmin] Go ahead. [LindaPurl] we had had the supreme advantage of having worked together for two years...a long time [LindaPurl] we melded together and came to know and trust each other within the context of Jane's fabulous work [LindaPurl] It’s like a stew or an aged wine [RobertArmin] As I said, I saw you in both Connecticut and New York and I agree with your statement completely. [LindaPurl] time does improve things and had greatly improved our work [LindaPurl] thanks for saying so. very kind. [RobertArmin] In fact, my wife just told me that she chose not to watch the movie for much the same reasons. [RobertArmin] She wanted to preserve the original memory. [RobertArmin] Have you commissioned any other projects for yourself? [LindaPurl] commissioned...no...thought about it...but no [LindaPurl] I have embarked on a big scary project though if you'd want to hear about it? [RobertArmin] Yes, of course. [LindaPurl] okay [LindaPurl] thanks to your wife as well [LindaPurl] I'll pass that along to the other Baby Dance cast [LindaPurl] Okay here goes [RobertArmin] heh heh heh [LindaPurl] it’s called the Colorado Festival of World Theatre [LindaPurl] big title [LindaPurl] the plan is to have an International theatre fest in Colorado starting in 2004 [RobertArmin] Like the Edinburgh Festival? [RobertArmin] Or the Fringe Festival in New York? [LindaPurl] in five venues spaced between Colorado Springs up through Ute Pass which goes West into the Front Range of the Rockies [LindaPurl] reaching as far as Divide about 30 miles away [RobertArmin] How do you select the shows? [RobertArmin] That is, are you on the Board of this project? [LindaPurl] The setting is staggeringly beautiful [RobertArmin] Sounds wonderful. [LindaPurl] we have three theatres so far [LindaPurl] and two need to be built [LindaPurl] know anyone who would care to donate their life savings? [RobertArmin] I can lend you $14.56. [LindaPurl] I'll take it [LindaPurl] just kidding [RobertArmin] But I would gladly contribute my time. [RobertArmin] Sounds exciting. [LindaPurl] you’re on! [LindaPurl] I feel very challenged and excited by it [RobertArmin] Ellen asks: Does this include the outdoor stages in Estes Park? [LindaPurl] What with our dear world struggling with so much divisiveness I feel strongly [LindaPurl] that theatre on an international basis could make an important contribution [LindaPurl] reach a few people [RobertArmin] How do you select the projects. Can people submit them? Or what? [LindaPurl] contribute to cultural tolerance and understanding [RobertArmin] I know of at least one play that fits your criteria nicely. [LindaPurl] Our plan is to bring in productions from everywhere from Beijing to Prague [LindaPurl] To that end we have International Directors at the ready all over the world [LindaPurl] looking searching, finding the pulse of their artists [RobertArmin] So it's a bit similar to the Lincoln Center International Festival -- though on a grander scale, it sounds like. [LindaPurl] we'll bring over 15 productions, gulp, and produce three ourselves [LindaPurl] yes yes exactly [RobertArmin] Very exciting. I look forward to hearing more about it as it develops. [LindaPurl] one difference is that we'll be in the Rockies [RobertArmin] Definitely a big difference! [LindaPurl] Thanks. Hold a good thought! [RobertArmin] Ellen asks: Are you using the outdoor spaces, as well? [LindaPurl] we'd like to but the weather is too unpredictable there [RobertArmin] True. [LindaPurl] we'd like to be able to have matinees as well [LindaPurl] so we'll need enclosed spaces to be able to have control over the elements [RobertArmin] Do you have a home in Colorado? What's your connection there? [LindaPurl] love the West [LindaPurl] love to ride, ski, hike, climb, etc. [LindaPurl] my folks also retired there and Mom is a great cook [RobertArmin] You've done a lot of world traveling as well? [LindaPurl] yes. love to travel. have adventures [LindaPurl] feel like my exposure overseas and having lived overseas will come in handy with the Festival [RobertArmin] I know many people will want me to at least mention your work in New York. [RobertArmin] You haven't had the best of luck with the three shows that have made it here. [LindaPurl] you said it [RobertArmin] But you were wonderful in The Baby Dance, as we discussed earlier, and certainly Tom Sawyer was a wonderful performance. [RobertArmin] I liked Getting and Spending, too! [RobertArmin] Although it was a tough sell in NYC [LindaPurl] have to say though I wouldn't trade any one of those experiences for the world [RobertArmin] I feel that I'm on the wrong coast, some times, considering all the things you're doing out there. [LindaPurl] G and S was a wonderful play [LindaPurl] think maybe our timing was off [RobertArmin] Great cast! [LindaPurl] it had a deep spiritual core I felt [RobertArmin] New York critics can be very difficult. [RobertArmin] But, again, audiences were with you. [LindaPurl] so odd...we had a super review from the London Times [LindaPurl] something like, if this is indicative of new American playwrights Broadway has much to look forward to [LindaPurl] I mean...as if a Fairy Godmother had written it [LindaPurl] would that that review had come out before the NY critics had the chance to see the show [RobertArmin] I really liked the play, so I can't really understand the critical reaction. [RobertArmin] But I think there should be a wider latitude given to plays that are a little different from the norm. [LindaPurl] who knows I think sometimes if folks go into an experience with a positive frame of mind they have a positive reaction [LindaPurl] human nature, no? [RobertArmin] Yes, that works during previews. [RobertArmin] Audiences think for themselves! [RobertArmin] Unfortunately, audiences in New York are overly dependent on one newspaper. [RobertArmin] Are you still auditioning for New York productions -- you would have been great in Enchanted April. [LindaPurl] different times right now [RobertArmin] And I want to see you in more musicals! [LindaPurl] my schedule is very much locked into doing homework at night [RobertArmin] You have a family now. How old is your child? [LindaPurl] being a Mom really doesn't lend itself to a Broadway sched [LindaPurl] he's "all groned up" as he's fond of saying [RobertArmin] I remember seeing you on a talk show -- you mentioned that you are a lady. That is to say, a REAL lady. As in Lady Linda. [RobertArmin] What exactly is your title? [LindaPurl] so silly really its not as if I did anything to deserve a title [RobertArmin] On the contrary... [LindaPurl] maybe I'll let that question slide [RobertArmin] Meany [LindaPurl] my boy calls me Lady Mommy and that's my favourite! [RobertArmin] I think it's quite a funny piece of trivia about you... :-) [RobertArmin] Lady Mommy! (LOL) [RobertArmin] So let's talk a moment about your recordings. [RobertArmin] Alone Together is a beautiful album. [LindaPurl] thanks [LindaPurl] such fun to have done [RobertArmin] For those who are not familiar with your musical talents, it comes as a major surprise. [RobertArmin] Your acting career just hasn't included that aspect of your personality. [LindaPurl] we chose the songs because they each have a story to tell and they each could be whispered in bed [RobertArmin] Yes, very seductive. [RobertArmin] A very consistent feel to the album. [LindaPurl] what would my Catholic school nuns have said? [RobertArmin] "Very nice, Linda." [RobertArmin] So, what kind of things are you hoping to do in the future -- other than the Colorado festival, of course? Any particular roles? [LindaPurl] I'd love to do another album [RobertArmin] any theme for that album? [LindaPurl] theme...no not yet...few ideas but nothing firm [LindaPurl] Going to do 'Streetcar.." in the spring at the Rubicon in Ventura [RobertArmin] What are the dates of Streetcar? [LindaPurl] through the month of May [LindaPurl] five-week run I think...last week of April on through May [RobertArmin] I'd love to see you do an Encores here in New York. Have you done Reprise yet? [LindaPurl] no not yet [LindaPurl] I'd love to [RobertArmin] Kris and I are supposed to come out to California one of these years. [RobertArmin] Maybe we'll aim for May. [LindaPurl] let me know [LindaPurl] that'd be great [RobertArmin] I can't believe the great plays you've done out there. [RobertArmin] When I lived in L.A. there were something like six theatres... [LindaPurl] I feel very lucky [RobertArmin] Given your choice, what classic musical role would you want to revive? [LindaPurl] fun question [LindaPurl] what do you suggest? [RobertArmin] Well, I have several suggestions, but two of them are in my own shows... [LindaPurl] goodie [RobertArmin] I still have hopes that you will star in my Vernon Duke musical, Madly In Love. [LindaPurl] great [LindaPurl] thank you! [RobertArmin] And I have just rewritten Budd Schulberg and Ervin Drake's What Makes Sammy Run? which has a great role for you. [RobertArmin] They're premiering it at Hofstra University in March. [LindaPurl] wonderful [RobertArmin] So I, too, just need to find someone with a lot of money. LOL [RobertArmin] The story of our lives! [LindaPurl] the story of the theatre! [RobertArmin] Too true. [LindaPurl] I so hope the musicians strike has a happy outcome [RobertArmin] They still haven't resolved it, I think. [LindaPurl] grrrr [RobertArmin] The producers are fully prepared to use synthesized recordings. [LindaPurl] unimaginable [RobertArmin] That's fine for the rock shows, but most shows will sound TERRIBLE. [RobertArmin] Unfortunately, one of the outcomes of a compromise is that producers will opt for smaller orchestras far too often. [LindaPurl] oh boy [RobertArmin] We will lose the great Broadway sound. [LindaPurl] please God we're not headed for soulless theatre [RobertArmin] But, I want you to give me some ideas for your next big Broadway show. [RobertArmin] What show do you want to do? [LindaPurl] it won't be Broadway [LindaPurl] the music I mean [LindaPurl] I love creating new roles [LindaPurl] the process is just fascinating [RobertArmin] Well, as I said, if you have a theatre, I have a new show for you. [LindaPurl] there is so much we need to be saying, discussing, exploring, venting now [RobertArmin] Enough of my self-serving comments. [RobertArmin] What show would you want Reprise to do for you? [LindaPurl] it’s a ripe time for new playwrights to be exercising their voices [RobertArmin] Well, I guess that answers my question. You're not interested in revivals. [RobertArmin] Except Streetcar, of course. [LindaPurl] missed Follies...sorry minds a blank [RobertArmin] You'd actually be a good Phyllis in a few years. [LindaPurl] would like to do more Shakespeare [LindaPurl] Ibsen [RobertArmin] A little too sophisticated for Sally. [LindaPurl] Hedda [RobertArmin] You did Nora. Any chance of doing an audio recording of Hedda? [LindaPurl] Yes did Nora a couple of times. still didn't get it right [RobertArmin] You also appeared in Broken Glass and The Odd Couple for LA Theatreworks. [LindaPurl] yes [LindaPurl] did Nora on radio too [RobertArmin] That's a great opportunity for actors to preserve classic plays. [LindaPurl] Bergman's adaptation of...with David Dukes...still can't believe he's gone [RobertArmin] Yes, I was just listening to his recording of Chapter Two the other day. [RobertArmin] He was terrific. [LindaPurl] what a loss [RobertArmin] Just curious, what directors do you admire -- or would like to work with? [LindaPurl] I loved working with Scott Ellis and Joey Tillinger [LindaPurl] So different and so very gifted [RobertArmin] They are both favorites of mine. [RobertArmin] I think both are somewhat underrated. [RobertArmin] Tillinger always gets great performances from his actors -- even on minor plays. [LindaPurl] yes [RobertArmin] And Scott has done some very fine work even in straight plays. [LindaPurl] he's smart and incredibly hard working [RobertArmin] Sorry you didn't do 1776 with him. [LindaPurl] me too [RobertArmin] You would be a great Abigail. [LindaPurl] that'd be fun [RobertArmin] Ellen asks: Have you worked at Sacramento Music Circus? [LindaPurl] oh yes...did "Grease" years ago [RobertArmin] Obviously I'm on the wrong coast! [RobertArmin] Well, when your child is a little more "growed", we'll have to get you back to Broadway! [LindaPurl] I'd love that! [RobertArmin] Because I'm not moving back to L.A.!!!! [RobertArmin] I'll work on it. [LindaPurl] I'll just have to stick to concerts in the meantime [RobertArmin] And that second album. [LindaPurl] yes [RobertArmin] You should certainly do a live recording of one of your cabaret shows. [LindaPurl] yes I will [RobertArmin] I'll look forward to it. [LindaPurl] thanks [RobertArmin] So, other than Streetcar, have you any other projects we can look forward to in the coming months. [RobertArmin] Films? TV? [LindaPurl] no not for now [RobertArmin] Well, best of luck with your Colorado festival. It sounds very exciting. [LindaPurl] well...did a "Crossing Jordan" [LindaPurl] thanks very very much [RobertArmin] I'll watch for it. [RobertArmin] Thank you so much for joining me this evening. I mean it when I say that you are one of my all-time favorite performers. [RobertArmin] It's been a real kick for me. [LindaPurl] Bless you and thanks for taking your time! [RobertArmin] Well, you have my email address. Keep me informed. [RobertArmin] Thanks to everyone who participated tonight. [LindaPurl] do I? send it again...cyber space is challenging for me [RobertArmin] I'll write in a few minutes! [LindaPurl] super [RobertArmin] Next week, my guest is the fabulous writer and songwriter -- Rupert Holmes. [RobertArmin] Good night, Linda. And thanks again.
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