Updates from Elm Street

A Celebration of Life: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID RAPPAPORT!!!

Every 23rd of November there is much joy throughout the land as we celebrate the life of David Rappaport.  This year, however, the brilliance of this occasion sparkles even brighter because it marks what would have been his 60th birthday.  That's right, Cats and Kittens....the BIG 6 0.  Judging by the messages left around the internet and submitted via email, private celebrations are happening worldwide, which (all added up) makes for one fantastic public do in his honour.  (Important Reminder: don't forget to bring the mischief and anarchy, or it just wouldn't be a proper David Rappaport party)

There is no one word to best describe David Rappaport.  Nor, does any one performance in his amazingly full and eclectic career embody him more than another.  Hero or Villain. Devil or Saint. Comedy or Drama. Musician or Mime. Delivering scripted speeches or ad-libbing a public address. David Rappaport has, and continues to, capture the attention and inspire one and all to think, as well as live, far beyond the outside of the box.

Think you know everything there is to know about David Rappaport's career?  Think again...and, Stay tuned throughout this special anniversary year for all the mischief, mayhem, and surprises sure to come your way.

Many thanks to all those who have sent in their remembrances to the Rappaport family.  These messages have certainly added much sparkle to their own treasured memories.  If you haven't written in yet, please consider doing so.  Thank you!!

Messages may be sent to: [email protected]

David Rappaport 60th Birthday Invitation

Wednesday, 23 November, will mark what would have been David Rappaport's 60th Birthday.  To celebrate this special anniversary, you are cordially invited to share your David Rappaport story with his family.  Please email your story / message to [email protected]  This is the first time in 21 years such an invitation has been extended, so please don't let this opportunity pass you by.  The Rappaport family has been greatly cheered by all of the wonderful messages received so far.

Did David Rappaport have a positive influence on your life?  Which performances / public appearances have you seen?  Which would you like to see?  (These are only example topics, of course.)

Messages do not need to be submitted in English if this is not your first language.

Again, the email address is: [email protected]

Thank you for helping David Rappaport's family celebrate his life.  And, don't forget to celebrate by making a bit of merriment and mischief!!

Congratulations, Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz & 'Soul Surfer'!

Once again, the movie 'Soul Surfer' has been nominated for an award. This time the nomination comes from The People's Choice Awards, which means, once again, the winner is decided by the fans.  The category is "Best Adapted Book".

If you loved 'Soul Surfer', please make sure you let your vote be heard loud and clear.  You can get to the voting log-in screen (to either vote as a Guest or Registered User) by clicking on this link:

People's Choice Award Voting

Congratulations to our own Michael Berk and Douglas Schwartz, and everyone on 'Soul Surfer'!!

David Rappaport & 'The Wizard' Official Facebook Pages

Facebook Pages, Profiles, and Groups can be very confusing even to the most seasoned Facebook user.  "Profiles" are a person's private section on Facebook. "Groups" are Facebook's answer to Fan Clubs, which can be created by fans freely.  "Pages" are meant to be created only by a company or famous person, or their authorized representatives.  However, there are many Pages on Facebook which have been created by unauthorized persons who should have created Groups instead.

Fans of David Rappaport and 'The Wizard' have no doubt run into several instances of unauthorized Pages, which have made finding information and answers to questions very difficult and confusing, indeed.  This blog post is to clarify the issue.

Until license/rights negotiations are complete with 20th Century Fox, there will NOT be an authorized Facebook Page for 'The Wizard'.  Negotiations are currently ongoing, so this situation should be rectified very soon.  In the meantime, there ARE two official Facebook Groups for 'The Wizard':

Rescue The Wizard:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/rescuethewizard/

'The Wizard' Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thewizard1986/

There IS an official FacebookPage for David Rappaport, which is controlled by the David Rappaport Estate:  http://www.facebook.com/David.S.Rappaport

The "David (Dave) Rappaport" Facebook Page is already host to some very unique photos from David Rappaport's life and work, as well as news celebrating special events and current affairs of his mates and former co-workers.  We hope all of Dave's fans on Facebook will join us there.

Stay tuned for news and updates.

Michael Berk Interview on Nevada Public Radio

Today, co-creator of 'The Wizard', Michael Berk, was interviewed on National Public Radio regarding his career, and the near-death experiences that shaped his life and work.

Listen to the interview on KNPR's website: http://www.knpr.org/son/archive/detail2.cfm?SegmentID=8135&ProgramID=2304

Michael Berk Interview in the Las Vegas Review-Journal

This week, one of 'The Wizard's creators is featured in an interview regarding his work on the movie 'Soul Surfer'.  You can check out the article on the Las Vegas Review-Journal's website:

 

http://www.lvrj.com/view/screenwriter-captures-young-surfer-s-tale-of-survival-in-movie-script-127815418.html

'Emperor and Galilean'

This week we spotlight Dave’s mate (and ours), Nabi Shaban,  who is embarking on the final four performances of Henrik Ibsen’s ‘EMPEROR AND GALILEAN’ at The Royal National Theatre this week (8-10 August).  Nabil portrays Emperor Constantius on the same stage in the Olivier Theatre where Dave portrayed Nano in ‘Volpone’ 34 years ago.

 

The current production of ‘Emperor and Galilean’ is a painstakingly abridged version of Ibsen’s nine hour Epic.  It can truly be called a premiere because this play has never been staged in the UK before.  A cast of fifty well-chosen performers, a very modern staging, and wonderful special effects create a superb mix of depth and energy.  As well as a haunting reminder that this story in the battle of religious supremacy is just as timely today as when it took place in the 4th Century.

 

For more information on show times, tickets, or just to peruse the video and photo galleries, Please visit the National Theatre's website.  Nabil is featured in photo # 2 of the Production Gallery, though not in his gold leaf splendour.  Hopefully we will be able to share an image of that someday soon (if his bearers don't run off with him to sell him for the gold).

 

    National Theatre's 'Emperor and Galilean' page

 

Rescue The Wizard Update

So, you want to know why you should bother taking the time to write emails and letters, add your name to a global petition, and vote on the TV Guide website 'TV Shows on DVD' when everything seems to look so hopeless and impossible?  Take a moment to visit 'The Wizard's website home page and let Simon McKay tell you personally:

www.thewizardtvfansite.com

(the video is not for distribution or sale)

As someone wrote in the other day, taking the step of helping often takes courage.  Both David Rappaport and 'The Wizard' touched many people very deeply, whether in person or on the screen.  Dave's tragic death and the cancellation of 'The Wizard' touched a nerve.  But we are here today to reunite and overcome our grief together in order to bring the magic of both to new audiences all over the world.  Each one of us must remember it isn't just about us...and we are not alone.  Please help the Rappaport family make your wish, and their's, come true this year!!

Rescue The Wizard Global Petition

TV Guide's TV Shows On DVD Website

The number of signatures and votes you find on these webpages will never increase unless you join in.  There are certainly far more than 2,000 or even 6,000 fans in the US alone.

Thank you for all of your time and help in Rescuing The Wizard!!

'Observations' by Arthur B. Rubinstein

Looking for an out-of-this-world soundtrack to enhance those summer evenings under the stars?  'The Wizard's own Arthur B. Rubinstein (the man who composed the theme song that sets your imagination ablaze), in association with Intrada Records, has a new album that's just what the astronomer ordered.

Recorded in 2009, 'Observations: from Galileo to the Space Age' is a Symphony in the Glen concert celebrating the International Year of Astronomy.  The title piece is presented in both the original version narrated by Leonard Nimoy, and as a purely orchestral recording.

'Observations' is currently available at the following locations:

Intrada Records

iTunes

Amazon.com MP3 Downloads

Symphony in the Glen Concert Program is a free, family-friendly, accessible music series held in Los Angeles' Griffith Park.  Check out their website for more information and concert schedules.

'Soul Surfer' ESPN Best Movie Voting

The following message is from 'The Wizard' co-creator and executive producer Michael Berk:

"The film I wrote, SOUL SURFER has been nominated for a prestigious ESPN Award. Awards are given to the movie that gets the most votes from Fans.

Please help us win a 2011 ESPY Award and support the movie that has changed so many lives.

To vote go to:

www.espn.go.com/espys/#!/voting/

Then, click on the box that says “CLICK TO GET STARTED”
Then, click on the small box that says “ VOTE BY CATEGORY”
Then, click on “SPORTS MOVIE”

Click on SOUL SURFER,
Then click on box that says VOTE.

The deadline for voting is July 7th…so hurry and vote today!!

Thanks,

Michael Berk