Last night on Hollywood Blvd., me and my sidekick, Ed Biagiotti, were lucky enough to learn a thing or two from the epitome of 1970's cool: Telly Savalas. With his trademark line from the hit ABC New York cop drama, Kojak, "Who loves you, baby?" Savalas gave it to us straight. Well honestly, Telly Savalas is dead, but lucky for us he has been given the opportunity to come down from the heavens and give the paternal advice I assume God feels we all need.
Telly Savalas has been granted a limited time to come down and spread his message on what's amiss in today's world and tips on how we can set things right. But because, as he puts it, "I don't have the pull I used to." The only venue he could nail down was a mere forty minutes at the iO West Lounge. This didn't seem to discourage Mr. Savalas, "I could make forty minutes purr." And he did as he proceeded to enlighten, entertain and most importantly school us in the art of love, passion, and first-class no-nonsense masculinity.
"Telly's back so be good for teacher." as Mr. Savalas puts it so aptly.
Telly Savalas has been granted a limited time to come down and spread his message on what's amiss in today's world and tips on how we can set things right. But because, as he puts it, "I don't have the pull I used to." The only venue he could nail down was a mere forty minutes at the iO West Lounge. This didn't seem to discourage Mr. Savalas, "I could make forty minutes purr." And he did as he proceeded to enlighten, entertain and most importantly school us in the art of love, passion, and first-class no-nonsense masculinity.
"Telly's back so be good for teacher." as Mr. Savalas puts it so aptly.
Savalas reminded me of everything I miss about guys like him. He didn't preach, he won me over with style and charm. It was what we all craved; that "hit you right between the eyes" type of fatherly advice that soon after the sting wore off you appreciated. But before I had the chance to thank him, he was gone. Back to heaven with the rest of the gang that I am sure includes, Sinatra, John Cassavetes, Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Peter Falk and of course his beloved brother George Savalas (who made a brief appearance last night too).
Although I am sad he couldn't be around with us longer I do have good news for all my close friends. As I drifted off to sleep my father's ghost seemed to whisper in my ear, "Hey, I hope some of that stuff Telly laid down sunk in, but just in case it didn't he'll be back one last time, same place tomorrow night, Sunday, June 26th, at 8pm. Make sure those candy-asses you call your friends don't miss it, I'm sure they'll be glad you twisted their arm. Oh and one more thing before I take off, I'm proud of ya kid, you did good."
Although I am sad he couldn't be around with us longer I do have good news for all my close friends. As I drifted off to sleep my father's ghost seemed to whisper in my ear, "Hey, I hope some of that stuff Telly laid down sunk in, but just in case it didn't he'll be back one last time, same place tomorrow night, Sunday, June 26th, at 8pm. Make sure those candy-asses you call your friends don't miss it, I'm sure they'll be glad you twisted their arm. Oh and one more thing before I take off, I'm proud of ya kid, you did good."
Go see “Who Loves You, Baby?,” at the iO West, 6366 Hollywood Boulevard, a salute to a time gone by starring Tom DiMenna as Telly Savalas. The iconic, “Kojak,” has come back from the grave to give the hipsters of today a good kick in the pants, reminding them of the lessons of love their fathers forgot to teach them. Tom DiMenna transforms into a pitch-perfect impression of that iconic symbol of unflinching 70’s masculinity. Directed by Taylor Negron. Starring Tom DiMenna. Written by Hunter Nelson. www.TellySavalasLive.com
This special engagement is part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
Don't miss this (last) chance of a lifetime, Sunday, June 26th at 8pm at iO West, 6366 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA, 90028. Tickets $10.
Click here for tickets or you can purchase at the door.
BTW, I am not writing this because I got free tickets, aka "industry comps" as a bribe. No, I paid full price and would gladly do it again. But for those who aren't as much a gambler as I and would prefer the odds stacked a little more in their favor then I suggest you "Like" the "Telly Savalas Live" facebook fanpage which entitles you to special VIP discount $5 tickets! Click here to "Like" and get your discount tickets for tomorrow's performance.
This special engagement is part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
Don't miss this (last) chance of a lifetime, Sunday, June 26th at 8pm at iO West, 6366 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA, 90028. Tickets $10.
Click here for tickets or you can purchase at the door.
BTW, I am not writing this because I got free tickets, aka "industry comps" as a bribe. No, I paid full price and would gladly do it again. But for those who aren't as much a gambler as I and would prefer the odds stacked a little more in their favor then I suggest you "Like" the "Telly Savalas Live" facebook fanpage which entitles you to special VIP discount $5 tickets! Click here to "Like" and get your discount tickets for tomorrow's performance.
Telly Savalas rarely invites men backstage after a performance so Ed and I know the big man upstairs must've put in a good word for us. "Who Loves You, Baby?"
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