Nostalgia Trip

I'm in Niagara Falls, NY, after a very long drive across most of the Empire State (and a stop at the base of the Adirondacks for a show). It was a much better driving day today: blue skies, dry roads, NPR stations all the way there. However, I think anything would have been better than yesterday. After being rear-ended, I was run off the road by a truck, which turned into a spin-out and sent me into a ditch. Had it not been for the very nice man with the 4-by-4 and a leather strap, I would probably still be there now.

On a brighter note, John Burstein, the original Slim Goodbody and my producer, called me from outside the country to check in, after hearing of my exciting drive through Pennsylvania. He also bought me dinner that night, and I dined on Linguini with Clam Sauce and Tuscan wine. Italian-American comfort foods. Which I really needed. Thanks John!

Anyway, the show today reminded me that Slim Goodbody is, for much of my audience, a fond nostalgia trip. Before today's performance, a young-ish teacher approached me as I was setting up and inquired if I was going to be doing the presentation. When I said that I was, she started to get really excited. "Slim Goodbody was one of my favorite shows growing up," she said. "Can I get a picture with you?"

When I started up the Musical Health Show (and, by the way, the handstand is back in, and garnered plenty of "Oohs" and "Aahs" from all ages), I was pleased to see that the kids were really excited and attentive. But I was most surprised to see the teachers chatting and excitedly pointing in the back. As I landed the final beat of the opening song, I caught a snip of conversation from one of the closest teachers: "I was a big Captain Kangaroo fan. Is the original guy still around?" Amazingly, at this show, there were times when the teachers were more excited to participate than the kids -- I actually wound up having a few teachers raise their hands when I asked for volunteers. And, afterward, one teacher eagerly pulled me aside and told me, in confidence, that "I was so excited to hear that Slim Goodbody was coming to our school! I wish he was still on TV!"

So, I guess, I'm not just playing for the recommended K-6 age ranges. For a sizable chunk of the audience, my shows are a trip down memory lane. Some of the songs, and some of Slim's bits, are pulled directly from the early TV show, and that causes a sort-of recognition. And, now that I'm starting to get a little more comfortable with the show, I'm starting to enjoy watching my audience respond to me. There's the expected shock at the top of the show (Michael and I put in a five second "moment for the costume" immediately after I enter) but, generally, shock quickly gives way to smiles, laughter, some pointing and, for many, a momentary return to their childhood days. Which is certainly not something I anticipated.

Call tomorrow: 8:20am, Crowne Plaza parking lot.

Kid quote of the day: As my audience filed in, I hid behind the backdrop. Apparently, I was sort-of in view for a small segment of my audience at one point, because a very observant little girl screached, "I see a shoe! A shoe!! And a leg!! TWO LEGS!!!"