"Lucy" Night - at the Burbank Barnes & Noble!
What an amazing LUCY night - last night at the Burbank Barnes & Noble.
Thank you to Thomas J Watson, Michael Stern, Frank Gorey, and Jimmy Garrett, who delighted us with a surprise guest appearance!
Each of these gentlemen played and continue to play such an important part in the beloved legacy of the one and only Lucille Ball.
I and all who attended the festivities last night were honored to be in their presence.
Mr. Watson, with his precise and encyclopedic knowledge, wisdom, and insight into all of Ms. Ball's television productions, films and stage productions (along with this technical expertise in producing so many pristine "Lucy" DVDs, as well as his astounding contributions to the CBS prime-time color specials of "I Love Lucy") ...Mr. Stern's near-life-long dedication to Ms. Ball's entire life and career...Mr. Gorey's loyal and trusted service as one of Ms. Ball's closest colleagues...and Mr. Garrett's talented and amiable presence on "The Lucy Show" (on which he played Lucy's young son with such likable precision)....each of them brought to the evening their own unique contributions that will remain cherished and appreciated forever by way of Lucille Ball and beyond.
A very special thank you as well to:
* Rick Carl for loaning to the event his amazing portraits of Lucille Ball (representing "I Love Lucy, "The Lucy Show," and "Here's Lucy")
* Media historian, and top-level Lucy fan, Rob Ray, who is on the Board of Directors for the Classic TV Preservation Society
* The dedicated and loyal Elaine Ballace, whose beautiful and shining presence and enthusiasm for the "Throwback Thursdays" events always adds the perfect balance of sparkle and intelligence
* Diane Sands Brooks, Community Relations Manager for the Burbank Barnes & Noble, and without whom LUCY Night - or any "Throwback Thursday" would not be possible.
Blessings and deepest gratitude to you all.
Herbie J Pilato, The Classic TV Preservation Society (www.classictvps.blogspot.com)