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NYLine E 3 IN THIS ISSUE NYLine Returns to For Final Stand-A-Thon NYLine Returns By Steve Lorenzo to 54th Street For Final Stand-A-Thon NYLine has secured permission from Clearview Cinemas to PAGE 1 hold NYLine III in front of the Ziegfeld Theatre from April 30 to May 19. While final booking is always subject to change, NYLine NYLine organizer Suzanne Sousa has met with representatives from and the Ziegfeld Clearview, and the theater chain is on board for the Ziegfeld to STANDING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A reprise its role as the base of afternoon of May 18. SHOWBIZ GIANT operations for the 19-day event. PAGE 1 The 350 members and staff of “With the release of the final NYLine will be holding a Stand- Begun, the Online installment of the ‘Star Wars’ A-Thon, raising money from Line-Up Has saga, NYLine and Clearview sponsors for each hour they PAGE 3 Cinemas are very excited at spend in front of the Ziegfeld. the prospect of another fan- For the first week of the Stand- To the Future, driven Stand-A-Thon for the A-Thon, three four-hour shifts the Horizon… Starlight Starbright Children’s will be held from 11 a.m. to TOP TEN MOMENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2005 Foundation at the historic 11 p.m. The line goes ‘round Ziegfeld Theatre,” Sousa the clock starting at 11 a.m. PAGE 3 Photo by Steve Skoll said. “The Stand-A-Thon at the Friday May 3, adding a fourth The line starts here: Members of the 1999 staff Ziegfeld Theatre has become four-hour shift gather on the stretch of 54th Street sidewalk that Where were you Continued on page 2 would be at the head of all three NYLines. in ‘99 and ‘02? a tradition PAGE 3 and ‘Star Wars’ fans from throughout the tri-state area NYLine and the Ziegfeld: I Walk the Line and from around the country Standing in the Footsteps of a Showbiz Giant FORGET CAMPFIRES AND and the world will come By Steve Lorenzo CANOES –WE’VE GOT SITH together for 19 days for what LORDS AND For many “Star Wars” fans and members of NYLine, the history STREET VENDORS promises to be a wonderful of the Ziegfeld Theatre begins Jan. 31, 1997, when the Special PAGE 4 sidewalk celebration!” Edition of “A New Hope” first roared across its screen. However, The Ziegfeld has been home to the history of the Ziegfeld is rich with show business legends. Ya gotta Amit…. “Star Wars” premieres since the Some of the biggest names in motion picture and theatrical lore GETTIN’ ZIEGGY WITH IT AFTER HOURS release of the special editions ON THE NYLINE in 1997, and it has always been can be traced to the Ziegfeld New York theaters over the next PAGE 5 considered the logical choice as Theatre and the man for whom 24 years. the location for NYLine to hold it was named, Florenz Ziegfeld. its Stand-A-Thon. Most productions of the Stay current on Born in Chicago in 1867, appeared the NYLineup for “The mission of NYLine has Florenz Ziegfeld burst onto on 42nd Street at the New Episode III in always been to secure seats the New York show business Amsterdam Theater, which is for an opening-night show in scene in 1896, having created still in use and is now home New York City! a theater with a screen and an international scandal by to Broadway’s “The Lion King.” Visit www.nyline.org sound system that meets our stealing singer from The list of talent employed by for news, updates, demanding standards,” Sousa the Folies Bergere to appear Ziegfeld during the Follies era and information on said. “In New York City, the in his Broadway production reads like a “Who’s Who” of Ziegfeld really is the best venue of “A Parlor Match.” Held and early 20th Century entertain- how to line up! to serve as a backdrop for the Ziegfeld married, and eventually ment figures, including George pop-culture phenomenon that she convinced her husband and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, NYLine has become over the to produce a Broadway revue Will Rogers, W.C. Fields and past six years.” in the style of her former Fanny Brice (whose life as a SUBMISSIONS! Parisian employer, with dancing Ziegfeld star would become the Submit stories and NYLine III will kick off Saturday showgirls in elaborate, titillating subject of the hit musical that artwork for future April 30 at 11 a.m. and will costumes. The Ziegfeld Follies launched the career of Barbra editions of maintain a presence on the The New York Clone of 1907 would be the first Streisand, “Funny Girl”). 54th Street sidewalk between [email protected] in a string of eponymous Sixth and Seventh Avenues productions that ran in various Continued on page 2 until camp is broken late in the THE NEW YORK CLONE • JANUARY 2005 • WWW.NYLINE.OR G • PA G E 2

NYLine and the Ziegfeld Continued from page 1 Ziegfeld used the success of the The impact Florenz Follies to finance the building of a Ziegfeld had on show Broadway theater on the corner of business continued long 54th Street and Sixth Avenue. While after his death in 1932. Ziegfeld earned fame and fortune In just one example, through the Follies, arguably his performers including Billie most important contribution to show Burke (Ziegfeld’s second business opened at the Ziegfeld wife) and Frank Morgan, Theatre in December 1927. who honed their careers performing in Ziegfeld While most theatrical productions of productions, later were this era were confections in the vein reunited with Ziegfeld of the Ziegfeld Follies or pastiches lyricist E.Y. “Yip” Harburg of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, on the 1939 movie “The “” was an ambitious Wizard of Oz.” undertaking. Daring to present a plot The 1927 production of “Showboat” at the Ziegfeld Theatre was the most ambitious that addressed such serious issues After Ziegfeld’s death, theatrical entertainment of its day. as racism and alcoholism, “Show publisher William Randolph Brothers building and the sidewalks Boat” also entertained audiences Hearst foreclosed on the Ziegfeld that have been a home to NYLine with songs by and Theatre and leased it to the Loews since 1999. Oscar Hammerstein II that are now chain for use as a movie palace. For considered classic Americana, such as a brief period in the 1940s and ‘50s, The “new” Ziegfeld Theatre opened in “Ol’ Man River” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ the Ziegfeld once again became a 1969 with a tribute to its namesake, Dat Man Of Mine.” showcase for Broadway productions, including screenings of “The Great including the hit “Gentlemen Prefer Ziegfeld” and “The Ziegfeld Follies,” Ziegfeld’s production of “Show Boat” Blondes,” which was eventually and a champagne reception for the ushered in the era of the modern adapted into a Hollywood star vehicle surviving original “Ziegfeld Girls.” Broadway musical, and continues for Marilyn Monroe. Memorabilia from various Ziegfeld to be produced – most recently on productions and busts of Ziegfeld’s Broadway in a Tony-winning revival After a stint in the 1950s as a studio most prominent stars were installed that opened in 1994 and ran through for the show on NBC in displays throughout the lobby and 1997. The production was adapted television, the Ziegfeld played home to concession area, where they remain to into a movie on three separate a handful of flop musicals in the early this day. occasions, first in 1929. The 1936 ‘60s; a sad denouement for what had film was helmed by “Frankenstein” been such an illustrious showplace. It A state-of-the-art theater featuring six- director James Whale, and the most closed its doors permanently in 1965; channel stereo, the Ziegfeld quickly famous version, released in 1951, in 1966 the Ziegfeld Theatre was torn established itself as a favorite for starred Ava Gardner and Howard Keel. down to be replaced by the Fisher movie fans and studios looking to showcase their best films in New York th City. A sampling of the films that NYLine Returns to 54 St either premiered or received high- Continued from page 1 profile revivals at the Ziegfeld in the and a “graveyard shift” from 1 a.m. events will be centered on competi- 1970s and ‘80s turns up a number of to 8 a.m. To help members begin tions, such as “Star Wars” board game classics, Academy Award winners, and planning their line experience, a and trivia tournaments. Other events a few titles that may have particular tentative shift schedule can be found will be more social in nature, allowing interest to “Star Wars” fans: at www.nyline.org. line members to get better acquainted and to discuss the shared passion • “The Sound of Music” Each shift on the schedule carries a that has brought them to 54th Street. • “2001: A Space Odyssey” point value; shifts that occur during Announcements and discussions of • “Close Encounters of the weekdays and graveyard shifts will prospective events can be found on Third Kind” carry a greater value than shifts on the new NYLine message boards, • “Apocalypse Now” weeknights and over the weekends. nylineboards.org. • “The Muppet Movie” Throughout the Stand-A-Thon, NYLine • “Raiders Of The Lost Ark” members will be involved in two Because of insurance restric- competitions – to accumulate the tions, NYLine will be limited to 350 The Ziegfeld maintained its status as greatest number of points and to members, including staff. Priority an “event” movie house, even as other raise the most money for the Starlight registration and shift selection will be showcase theaters around Starbright Children’s Foundation. given to those who have responded to were being divided into twin and Prizes and special benefits will be the NYLine survey. Registration dates, multiplex theaters in the 1980s. With awarded to the top point-earners and rules and other information vital to the closing of the Loews Astor Plaza fund-raisers. the survival of NYLine participants will in August 2004, the Ziegfeld is now be available first to New York Clone the largest single-screen movie theater Every NYLine shift will feature at subscribers. NYL in New York City. NYL least one scheduled event. Some THE NEW YORK CLONE • JANUARY 2005 • WWW.NYLINE.OR G • PA G E 3

Begun, the Online Line-Up Has Where were you By Simon Diaz in ‘99 and ‘02? 2005 is here and it’s officially a Star Wars movie year! The road to the release By Karen Grenke of the last new film in the Star Wars saga is winding down to its end, which for us will be on 54th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues. But while the real-world

line begins on April 30th at 11 a.m., can plan to be on the Line for your the online lineup has already begun favorite shifts right when you register. on our brand spanking new message Explore various areas of the boards, boards at www.nylineboards.org. where you can reminisce about lines past if you’re a returning member, or This is your place to hang out on the find out about all the Line’s in-jokes line NOW and make plans, make and history, so you’ll be an instant friends, and get to know everything “part of the tribe” if you’re a newbie. you’ll need to know to be ready for the sidewalk in April. Start out by Spoiler and Non-Spoiler speculation registering and lurk to your heart’s areas for generally going nuts in content. When you’re comfortable, anticipation of the movie are set up Were you on the NYLine? Was there introduce yourself at “The Bike Rack” for your geektasmic pleasure. And as a video camera in your hands? If so, in the discussion section. The Bike you post, watch your “rank” increase we want you! Actually, we want your Rack is at the head of the line on 54th through the various levels, starting tapes. If you have footage from any Street, so it’s the natural place to from “incidental passerby” to the of the previous Lines, please contact start on the boards. coveted NYLine-oriented higher [email protected] or send ratings that come with becoming “one You can check out announcements digital or VHS copies to The NYLine, of us.” Come on over now, and get to about specific activities taking place Yorkville Station, PO Box 6065, New know the Line Staff and each other during specific shifts, announced York, NY 10128. All tapes will be today! NYL every week from here on in, so you returned. NYL To the Future, the Horizon… By Simon Diaz THE NEW YORK CLONE Top Ten moments to look forward to in 2005 JANUARY 2005 • ISSUE 5

10. Finally! A chance to use your golf-sized Taun We Editor umbrella. A lot. STEVE LORENZO 9. Playing Star Wars board games al fresco. Columns AMIT SAXENA 8. Sleeping on the sidewalk with visions JEDIROB SIMON DIAZ of lightsabres dancing in your head. KAREN GRENKE 7. Reminiscing about when Walrus Man was just plain old Art Walrus Man, without being looked at funny. JOHN P. GREEN

6. Becoming “scruffy-looking.” Photography 5. Getting a pizza delivered to you in the street. STEVE SKOLL 4. “OMG, I have that shirt!” Layout DAVE CREIGHTON 3. Finding your first bag of Star Wars potato chips at the deli at 2 A.M. VISIT THE NYLINE WEBSITE AT www.nyline.org 2. Getting passersby to donate into the Starlight FOR INFORMATION CONTACT [email protected] Cup by singing “Yub Nub.” NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS [email protected] 1. May 19, 12:01 a.m. ‘nuff said.

HAVE SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUTURE EDITIONS OF The New York Clone? SEND YOUR STORIES, NEWS AND ARTWORK TO: [email protected] THE NEW YORK CLONE • JANUARY 2005 • WWW.NYLINE.OR G • PA G E 4

I Walk the Line By JediRob Forget Campfires and Canoes –We’ve Got Sith Lords and Street Vendors I was going to kick off this column with a witty look back at 1999, the year when this all began for us. A retrospective of political and pop cultural events, all with a tint of irony and tongue-in-cheek humor due to the fact that it wasn’t really that long ago. But then I remembered VH1 already did that with “I Love continuity-dissecting glory. the ‘90s.” (Curse you, Michael Ian Black!) So I’ll just skip all that poodoo and What I can’t do all the time is wake up, unzip a get on with it. This is when tent, step out onto a it began – six years ago midtown Manhattan in January 1999… sidewalk, take Now of course this is my big morning not where it all began. stretch as It all began for each hundreds of of us very differently. people rush by For myself, like many throwing me of you, there has strange looks, buy never been a world myself a hot dog, without “Star Wars.” I take a few more was born at the end of steps, sit down and the ‘70s, raised in the watch “Star Wars.” ‘80s, stumbled through I’ve never liked the ‘90s and am now camping, never here in the whatever been a big outdoors we call these years. guy. (Imagine (Halfway through and that – a “Star we’ve still got nothing!) Wars” geek who’s But in regard to this not outdoorsy.) I particular event, I will know lots of people paraphrase the novel who go camping about my favorite and enjoy it. More magician: I am born. power to them, but I grew up. I waited in it’s not for me. But line for “Star Wars.” I only know a very few who do what January 1999 is when I do. Very few go I first started investigat- camping in New ing and becoming involved York City. Art by n with the plans for what would reasons that we John P. Gree The city is what makes become our NYLine. A massive need not go into. And again, on a our line so unique. I’ve lived in the city undertaking it was, spread throughout personal level, my motivations for my whole life, I was born and raised in the whole country. Fan interest boiling wanting to participate are not the Brooklyn, and every day it makes me for 16 years, everybody wanting to same as they were six years ago. But be first, myself included. I remember happy to look out the F train windows they are just as strong. th telling people what I was going to be near Smith and 9 streets. As I said doing, and at that time no one was I could tell you about all the wonderful earlier I’ve never had a world without surprised at all. On a personal level, I people I’ve met as a result of the “Star Wars.” I’ve also never had a world was younger, in college, didn’t really line, the life-long bonds and weddings without this city. Two ever-present have a whole lot to do with my time and babies and blah blah blah blah constants in my life, and over the and, of course, was a huge nerd. blah, booooooooooooring. The thing last six years they’ve been brought There was also the fact that everyone that keeps bringing me back is the together twice; one more to go. So, was excited about this film, and experience itself. Of course, there’s come this May, you damn well better gaining tickets to a first screening was the aspect of a group of people believe I’ll be there again, for every extremely difficult. coming together who have this possible minute I can – waiting for the common interest, and more or less final chapter in my favorite film series, In the years since and up to the living together for a few weeks, and and enjoying my city. So I hope to present I’m asked, “Are you going to getting the chance to really let loose see everyone there one last time – old do that standing in the street thing on something they really enjoy. But, friends, new faces, even a couple kids again?” Now when my answer is a there are conventions for that all the who weren’t alive way back when we resounding, “YES, OF COURSE,” I time. The outlets for us geeks are started doing this. (Krikey!) So come am met with disbelief. The gathering out there, and it’s not too difficult to say hi…we’ll talk about “Star Wars”…

“buzz” in January 2005 is nowhere find brethren to bask in RPGs and and have ourselves a gyro… NYL near that of 1999, for a number of THE NEW YORK CLONE • JANUARY 2005 • WWW.NYLINE.OR G • PA G E 5

Ya gotta Amit…. By Amit Saxena you’re in to the Goth scene, then you Gettin’ Zieggy With It After Hours on the NYLine won’t want to miss out on the most I love the nightlife. And I’ve GOT to boogie. This is why I prefer to spend bloodcurdling night of them all – The my evenings at the historic Ziegfeld Theatre, where the bright center of Holiday Special Viewing Party. It’s… our universe is the magical array of lights produced by a Barco D-Cine DLP quite the thing to see. digital projector. With its velvet-covered walls, fine dining, and a ladies room But I’m just hitting the tip of the th featuring stalls as far as the eye can see (or so I’ve heard), Street iceberg. When it comes down to it, the overnights are really about the is the place to be when the lights go Lee Goldberg, and Margaret Towner, little things. Like the magic moment down in Manhattan. So join me on whom you might remember from her when the streetlights turn off around a journey across the stars and into role as Anakin’s sandstorm-foreseeing 5 a.m. Or getting your shoelaces tied the future, as we take a look at the friend Jira in a little movie called “The together when you fall asleep. Things excitement and glamour that’s in store Phantom Menace.” Some lesser-known like huddling together for warmth for you when you do an overnight personalities have also shown up and never speaking of it again, or shift with us. Welcome to the NYLine around the line, such as Kevin Smith, soliciting Starlight donations from - where we keep our blast shields Martin Sheen and Paul McCartney. prostitutes. And what good night’s down during the day, but we wear our Let me tell you, I felt like a part of my sleep could be complete without sunglasses at night, baby. childhood dreams had come to sweet awakening to a television reporter fruition when I met Jira, though. Let’s start on an average night – say seated on your sleeping bag? So it’s Tuesday May 10, and you’re And all of this is just on a standard please do join us for the most intimate ambling up the street at 1 a.m. for overnight. We also have some special of times on the line, the overnight. your first graveyard stint, thinking occasions when we really blow the There’s no better way to prepare for that this is not going to be pleasant. roof off the tent. As the clock hits the “dark” tone of ROTS than to sit on What will you find there? Only what midnight on May 8, we celebrate a pitch-black sidewalk with a group you take with you, of course. If you’re our PR Princess Suzanne’s birthday, of your fellow geeks. Because just willing to let go of your conscious self, and that night usually ends in an like “Star Wars,” all the spectacle, all you’ll find we’re full of surprises. Do incoherent mix of Jawa gibberish and the technology and all the thongs are you remember the Outlander Club her native Portuguese, with a lot of great, but in the end, it’s really about from “Attack of the Clones”? It was strange and hazy memories to follow. the people. NYL the happening little social establish- Also, we usually have cake! And if ment where Zam Wessel’s arm had a date with “Star Wars” destiny. Well, consider our entertainment district on the sidewalk to be somewhat like that, except with better video games. NYLine staffers even dress in a similar fashion to the Outlander waitresses. It’s a well known fact that a TPM line member named Sisqo was so inspired by our own Steve Lorenzo’s appearance on the line that he penned a hit song about it the following year. What you may not have heard is that the original chorus to his thong- related song went “He had dumps like an AT-AT / Thighs like Ric Olie /Baby move like 2-1B/All night long/Let me see that thong.” It’s true, you know. But I’m deviating from my present course…

What? What did you say? You’re

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t r doing all that other hot stuff that hot A celebrities do. We’re talking names like “Sister Sister” stars Tia and Tamara Mowry, local TV weatherman