Sunday, May 8, 2011

‘A Fistful of Cuomos’


The dress rehearsal for the 111th Legislative Correspondents Association Show, dubbed “A Fistful of Cuomos,” provided an enjoyable night of entertainment for those in attendance Friday night at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in downtown Albany.

The show, which pokes fun at our state leaders, is the oldest political satire spoof in the nation.

I haven’t been able to attend the rehearsal the past years because Fridays tend to be hectic days at The Record. This year’s rehearsal was clever, well written, well-paced – and funny. The songs were entertaining, ranging from “Born to be Gov,” sung to the tune of “Born to be Wild,” to “Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Teachers” (better known as “Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”) to “Paladino! (I’ll never think of the musical “Oklahoma!” in the same way again!).

One of the best parts of attending the LCA rehearsal – the actual black-tie dinner and show was held Saturday night with proceeds benefitting charity – is getting to see Record alumni.

Former Record Capitol bureau reporters Kevin Hogan, Terry O’Brien and Kyle Hughes had prominent roles in the show and former Record reporter and copy editor R.W. Groneman greeted people at the door and handled backstage duties. Terry and Kyle also served on the script committee, which wrote the show, while Kyle’s wife, former Record graphic artist Margaret McIntyre, was responsible for the cover and print design for the evening’s program.

In my humble opinion, Terry O’Brien stole the show with his singing. Terry, who played Donald Trump, wowed the crowd with his rendition of “The Wonder of Me” -- sung to the tune of “The Wonder of You.” My former co-worker has a terrific voice.

Kevin Hogan got to show his acting chops, playing both Charlie Sheen and Donald Trump Jr., while Kyle Hughes show his acting range starting in Act I as Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy to portraying Duke the Dog in Act II.

Too bad Gov. Andrew Cuomo decided to skip the Saturday night show. He missed an enjoyable evening!

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