Welcome to a new Wildcard Wednesday! This week, as we wrap up coverage on the best of Evening Shade, I want to pay tribute to one of its finest talents — the late, great Michael Jeter, who joined the new series right after a Tony Award-winning run as Kringelein in the 1989 Broadway musical adaptation of a Pre-Code classic, Grand Hotel (1932).
Here’s a clip of Jeter (with Brent Barrett) at the 1990 Tonys, just months before Evening Shade would begin production. If you haven’t seen this, it’s glorious!
While Jeter recreated his role on the 1992 cast recording, I’m offering — for subscribers who comment below to alert me of their private, non-commercial interest — access to an untracked “soundboard” audio of the Original Broadway Production (including original cast member David Carroll). Here’s a taste of the grand, good-time fun — a tribute to Jeter!
Come back next week for a new Wildcard! And stay tuned Tuesday for more sitcom goodness!
He always reminded me of Don Knotts with his physical comedy.
Hi, Track! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hmm… I think Knotts’ persona always included more false bravado than Jeter’s simpler brand of awkward timidity (juxtaposed against occasional flashes of surprising suavity) — and this distinction reveals itself in both of their approaches to physical comedy — but I *do* agree that they shared a similar physicality via their similar body frames.
As for the clip above, I love Knotts, but I don’t think he could have ever pulled off what Jeter did every night while on Broadway in GRAND HOTEL!
Yes, I am personally interested in receiving any audio of the late, great Michael Jeter!! I remember seeing his joyful performance at the Tonys live on CBS!
Hi, Edmond! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your me address.
One of the most memorable performances I have ever seen. I would love to hear this. Thanks!
Hi, Reed! Thanks for reading and commenting.
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I would love to have that recording!
Hi, Isaac! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your westigers address.
That Grand Hotel performance is my favorite Tony moment ever. I watch it multiple times every year. I’d love to hear the soundboard audio. What a tragic loss of David Carroll, too.
Hi, Cheryl! Thanks for reading and commenting.
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That is surely one of my all time favorite moments on the Tony Awards. It never fails to lift my heart. I loved the tour of this production when it came through Los Angeles. I’d love to hear the audio recording, Jackson, and thanks as always.
Hi, Greg! Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Hello,
Please send the soundboard recording of Grand Hotel
Thank you,
F. R.
Hi, F.R.! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your sascholar address.