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!!

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

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

In Loving Memory: David Rappaport

Today marks the 21st anniversary of David Rappaport's death after a year long battle with a severe allergic reaction to prescription medication. As I do every year, I would like to take a moment to send love and best wishes to his family, friends, and loved ones -- all of whom have been infinitely more kind and generous than anyone has the right to expect.

To everyone else, I leave a list of ways you can send messages and help the Rappaport family during this amazing year. You see, 2011 also marks not only the 25th anniversary of 'The Wizard' in September, but what would have been David Rappaport's 60th birthday in November, as well. What a fabulous time to let his family know what his legacy of work and life means to you, and pass that inspiration on to both new and future generations!

As mentioned in the previous post, negotiations are underway to release 'The Wizard' from the vaults. That means messages, Petition signatures, and Region 1 votes are more important now than ever before to make sure there's no turning back or giving up. And 'Rescuing The Wizard' doesn't stop there. Once that series is released we will also work on releasing and preserving as much of the rest of his work as possible. If David Rappaport's life and work reached you in a positive way this is a wonderful way to pay it forward.

Thank you to everyone (past, present, and future) who has taken the time to write and vote!!

Send Private Email Messages to:
[email protected]

Send 'Rescue The Wizard' Messages and Petition Signatures to:
[email protected]

Web Sites and Pages:

David Rappaport's Official Website:
http://davidrappaport.co.uk

David Rappaport's Official Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Dave-Rappaport/118202871537709

'Rescue The Wizard' Petition Webpage:
http://www.thewizardtvfansite.com/petition.htm

'Rescue The Wizard' Official Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-z-Ezg2fTk&feature=channel_page

TV Guide's TV Shows on DVD Website (Region 1 Voting Only):
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Wizard/4706

Find-A-Grave Webpage Memorial:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=9306

post written by Jessica (The MGT)

Rescue The Wizard Campaign Update

Despite myriad of obstacles causing a long delay between public updates, the Rescue The Wizard campaign has never taken a break. Negotiations are underway to release the series, which means the positive encouragement and inspiration generated by messages, votes, and Global Petition signatures are more important than ever before. If you haven't let your voice and vote be heard yet, now is the perfect time to do so.

The tallies as of this post:

Global Petition: 686

TV Guide's TV Shows on DVD voting website: 314

We are very thankful to all of the fans in Region 1 (US, Canada, US Territories) who have taken the time to register and vote on the TV Shows on DVD website. And, of course, all the fans around the world who are sending messages, adding their names to the Global Petiton...and those who are spreading the word about the campaign. THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!

Where can you go to help:

Add Your Name to the Rescue The Wizard Petition: http://www.thewizardtvfansite.com/petition.htm

Email Messages To: [email protected]

Watch and Pass Along the Link to the Official Rescue The Wizard Video (the only official Wizard video anywhere): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-z-Ezg2fTk&feature=channel_page

Region 1 Viewers can also vote on TV Guide's special website: http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Wizard/4706

Thanks, again, to everyone for all of your time and help in Rescuing The Wizard!!

What makes a Fan a Fan?

This very important question was posed by producer Irving Rappaport during our meeting in the UK earlier this month:

Fans are an important part of the entertainment industry.  But what, in your honest opinion, are the qualities that take a person from simply being a member of the audience to a full-fledged Fan?

We would love to hear from everyone.  Use the Comments in this blog to send us your answers and opinions.

Thank you!!