Transcript of Mike Hickman chat (November 1996)
Donated by Kay Autrey
Below is a transcript of the mIRC chat with actor Mike Hickman held Nov. 15, 1996. Mike portrayed Bird's-eye Taylor in both the musical and the television series. He resides in Townsend but came to the home of Kay Autrey for the electronic link-up for the chat. Nuke typed in Mike's answers to questions posed by the group. Look for "Mike|Nuke" to represent both Nuke, as the moderator, and Mike Hickman as he replied to the questions. Look for Christy-related nicknames that members of the chat adopted for the evening - pretty clever.
The chat lasted almost three hours, and believe it or not, Mike agreed that he would be willing to do another chat in the future!! Perhpas we can catch him after he plays Billis in "South Pacific" at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Pa. August 14 - August 20, 1997 and then again in Ft. Myers, Fla. directly after that. Enjoy.
*** Now talking in #CutterGap
*** Mike-n-Nu is now known as Mike|Nuke
*** Zorahh (~Tirabasso@128.146.54.228) has joined #CutterGap
<Zorahh> Hmmmm. I'm a bit early...
<Mike|Nuke> N: Hello.
<Mike|Nuke> N: We just started.
<Zorahh> Howdy there.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Who are you.
<Zorahh> I'm number 8
<Zorahh> My name is Pat.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Hi Pat.
<Zorahh> Good to see you...
<Mike|Nuke> N: Glad you could be here. Please be seated.
<Zorahh> Shall I wait until 10 and come back?
<Mike|Nuke> N: It's up to you. I'm here with Mike, going over the use of IRC.
<Mike|Nuke> N: You're welcome to stay, of course.
* Zorahh asks if you knew about the action command?
<Mike|Nuke> \ping
*** MrsMuir (slxfiles@rppp26.gvn.net) has joined #CutterGap
<Zorahh> You may not need it....
<Mike|Nuke> N: No!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Hi Sherry!
*** MrsMuir is now known as Sherry
<Sherry> Hi Mike! Hi Kay!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Zorahh - what is the action command?
<Zorahh> You may type /action and then what you want your name to do. I would type /action gets a cup of tea.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Glad to have you two here. We're still warming up.
<Zorahh> You must type /action at the very beginning of yourmessage.
* Mike|Nuke is glad to know this.
* Mike|Nuke knew how to use /me to do this same thing.
<Zorahh> Very nice!!!! ;)
<Sherry> Am I delayed?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherri - Are you experiencing any delays in our chat
<Sherry> Just a bit. Do I seem very delayed?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherry - That's pretty good!
<Zorahh> Sherry I have you on a 4 sec delay
<Sherry> Great! I've been worried all day about it!
<Mike|Nuke> N: If you haven't yet figured out our convention, N: is Nuke and M: is Mike.
<Zorahh> 2 seconds for Mr.Hickman
<Sherry> Gotcha.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherry - Everything looks fine.
<Sherry> Yippeee!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherry - Zorahh is "Pat" from Ohio.
<Sherry> Ah, I was wondering! Hi Pat!
<Sherry> Nuke, did you have a nice dinner?
<Zorahh> Thanks Nuke. That was my granny's name. I could change to my real name if it will be easier.
<Mike|Nuke> N: We'll begin 10:00. Please stay on. Now's your chance to get a Coke before things start hopping.
*** Dave13 (right_choi@71.chicago-001.il.dial-access.att.net) has joined #CutterGap
<Zorahh> will do.
<Sherry> Oooh, good idea!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Welcome "Right Choice" Dave13.
<Sherry> Hi Dave!
*** Zorahh (~Tirabasso@128.146.54.228) has left #CutterGap
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dave13 - Our convention is N: is NukeCity, and M: is Mike talking.
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*** Laurie (danalanhay@168-162-169.ipt.aol.com) has joined #CutterGap
<Dave13> Welcome Mike, from Dave & Jean - good to "see" you again. Also, your fan from Phoenix (Nancy) says HI !
<Mike|Nuke> N: Welcome Laurie. N: is NukeCity, and M: is Mike Hickman during this chat.
*** Huddlesto (rburns@207.55.158.173) has joined #CutterGap
<Sherry> Thanks so much for joining us tonight, Mike!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Hello Annette.
<Laurie> Hi
<Laurie> Glad to be here
<Huddlesto> Hi Mike!
<Sherry> Hi Annette! Hi Laurie!
*** Zorahh is now known as Pat8
<Mike|Nuke> M: Glad to be here.
<Huddlesto> Hi Sherry!
<Laurie> Thanks for taking the time out Mike
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherry - Are you logging?
<Sherry> Hey, we're getting quite a party here!
<Huddlesto> Yes, thank you!
<Pat8> We do appreciate your time!
<Sherry> I hope so!
<Mike|Nuke> M: I'll sign autographs later.
<Laurie> Mike, how was dinner?
<Mike|Nuke> M: It was great.
<Pat8> Oh gee thanks a lot for the autograph!!! LOL!
<Sherry> Where's Caro?
<Huddlesto> Yes, where's caro?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Mike will take a five min. break right now, before the show begins.
<Sherry> Annette, I love Family Secrets! Lots of Dr. MacNeill!
<Huddlesto> It only took me three times to get on.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherry - Have no idea where Caro is.
<Huddlesto> OHHHH! No!!!!
<Huddlesto> Is David receiving any kisses?
<Mike|Nuke> N: I know. This could be bad.
<Sherry> None!
<Pat8> Nuke why would it be bad?
<Huddlesto> Hmmm.
<Sherry> Don't worry, Caro wouldn't miss this!
<Pat8> Caro will be here I'm sure!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Pat8 - Caro was number one. We'll go on though.
<Mike|Nuke> N:
<Huddlesto> Who is Dave13 and Pat8?
<Pat8> Pat8 is from Ohio...
<Laurie> N - how many people do you expect tonight?
<Mike|Nuke> N: 12 max.
<Huddlesto> Oh.
<Laurie> Laurie's from Ohio too
*** Dilla (candila@mvo-ca6-13.ix.netcom.com) has joined #CutterGap
<Sherry> Hi Dilla!
<Dilla> Hi there!!
<Huddlesto> Hi Dilla! How's college?
<Laurie> Hi Dilla
<Mike|Nuke> N: Annette - Dave13 is the musical web page owner.
*** caro (caro@Cust12.Max29.Atlanta.GA.MS.UU.NET) has joined #CutterGap
<Dave13> Dave13 has received your photo's - thanks (CTM web site)
*** Mike|Nuke sets mode: +o Dilla
<Sherry> Caro! You're here!
<Dilla> Pretty good, I'm busy. Can't wait til the second week of Dec. when I'm out.
<Dilla> Hi Caro
<caro> Hi Everyone!
*** Mike|Nuke sets mode: +o caro
<Huddlesto> Oh, hi David. I make a pretty good Christy, huh?
<Dilla> BTW, Hi, Mike, and Welcome!
<Huddlesto> Hi Caro!
<caro> Hi Mike!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Welcome everyone. N: is NukeCity speaking, M: is Mike Hickman speaking.
<Laurie> Hey Caro. Glad you made it.
*** Dilla changes topic to "Welcome, Mike!"
<Mike|Nuke> N: We'll begin in a couple of minutes.
<Dilla> Is that ok?
<Pat8> Nice topic!!!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Greate\ Dilla.
<Huddlesto> That's Ok.
<Dilla> I uh, took the liberty...
<caro> Did I miss anything?
<Dilla> I just got here myself.
<Huddlesto> Everyone saying hi.
<Mike|Nuke> N: caro - not yet.
<Dilla> So he saw your outfits, Annette?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Caro, Dilla - have either of you heard from Sara?
<Huddlesto> Yes! I had reprints made.
<caro> No, I haven't heard from Sara.
<Dilla> Neat-o
<Dilla> Let me check...she called me a few weeks ago.
*** caro is now known as Caro
<Huddlesto> Huh?
<Caro> I guess I should capitalize my name!
<Dilla> No.
<Pat8> you all know each other???
<Mike|Nuke> N: We're informal around here. small case is fine.
<Dilla> Gee, I have a lot of mail. I haven't checked.
<Huddlesto> I know I wanted to type Teacher, but I forgot. How do I change my name?
<Pat8> I'm a stranger in a strange land....
<Caro> I just wanted to fit in with everyone else!
<Sherry> Hey, Caro, don't you want to use that other nickname?
<Dilla> Pat: for a while, this group is "bonding"
<Caro> Is everyone here yet?
<Laurie> Caro, you could fit in anywhere.
<Dilla> heheh
<Mike|Nuke> N: You have to have a degree to use upper case.
<Huddlesto> But Caro, aren't you the unusual? Hee!Hee!
<Caro> Merci!
<Pat8> I see Dilla.
<Caro> I have a degree in Christy!
<Huddlesto> Pat, have you ever read alt.tv.christy?
<Pat8> What is the temp tonight in Tenn.?
<Caro> Annette, are you Huddlesto?
<Mike|Nuke> N: We'll now begin. Please let write Mike bio to you. Mike grew up in Beavercreek, Ohil.
<Caro> Cold, as usual!
<Pat8> No I haven't Hudd. I would love to find it though...
<Huddlesto> Yes, Caro. I am Huddlesto--Annette. I want to be Teacher but I forgot.
<Mike|Nuke> N: a town of about 25,000 outside Dayton.
<Mike|Nuke> N: After graduating from HS, he attended Huntington College in Indiana...
<Huddlesto> Caro, how do I change my name?
<Mike|Nuke> where he earned a bach degree in Bible Studies and religion in 1977.
<Caro> type slash nick and your new name
<Mike|Nuke> N: And a Masters in Christian Ministries in 1978. Later, he went on to earn a MS degree in Speech and Theater...
<Huddlesto> Hey, Dilla--a little icon with your name came on on my computer
<Mike|Nuke> at Ball State Univ. He first became seriously interested in theater while playing=20
<Mike|Nuke> Helen Keller's brother in "The Miracle Worker" while he was a senior. Throughout his..
<Mike|Nuke> theatrical career, he's played a wide variety of roles from Billis in South Pacific...
<Mike|Nuke> (at Ball State) to Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China, for Ken Anderson
<Mike|Nuke> films. Besides his theatrical experience, Mike has also directed the play...
<Mike|Nuke> "Damascus Road" from 89 to 92 at the Smokey Mtn Passion Play.
<Mike|Nuke> He also taught theater at TN Tech, a job he truly enjoyed. So how did Mike find...
<Mike|Nuke> his way to Townsend? After wrapping up hi 83 semester at TN Tech, Mike came to ...
<Mike|Nuke> townsend where he portrayed Judas in the Smoky Mtn Passion Play in 84.
<Mike|Nuke> Mike moved to NY City where he lived from 87 to 92, although he continued ...
<Mike|Nuke> playing in the Passion Play during the summers until 92. After that,...
<Mike|Nuke> he returned to TN having decided to make this peaceful country town his home.=20
<Mike|Nuke> Then, from 92 to 95, Mike played a character we all loved to hate, Birdseye Taylor, from
<Mike|Nuke> 93 to 94 in the TV show Christy. While filming the series, Mike...
<Mike|Nuke> simultaneously played the character in Christy, the Musical - challenging!
<Mike|Nuke> On a personal note, Mike is a dog lover, owning 2 - Buddy - an Autralian shepard, and...
<Mike|Nuke> Lulu - a terrior mix along with 3 six week old puppies. Anybody want one?...
<Mike|Nuke> N: Caro - We'll now let you start our session. Please ask your question...
<Caro> Ok, give me a minute to type it out!
<Caro> Mike, your first meeting with Ken Wales and the way in which you came to acquire the part of Bird's-Eye Taylor was quite unique. . .
<Caro> Can you tells us briefly, about that first fateful meeting with Mr. Wales - I'm not sure if everyone present here tonight knows the story.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Caro - Let's see. Summer 93. I was helping people feed the horses at the theater when a van came pulling down. The driver starterd asking me questions about the amphitheater....
<Mike|Nuke> M: I answered and walked away. He pulled around and started asked if I heard of the book Christy, that he was a producer and introduced himself as Ken Wales. And I said "I'm Mike Hickman, and I'm an actor."...
<Mike|Nuke> M : We got to talking after that. Days later, I introduced him to the property owner and that was about it. I did go out and buy the book , by the way.
<Mike|Nuke> M: About a month later, they were back in town. Starting to audition. I was a gopher for the first set of auditions. And as a reward, they let me audition.
<Caro> So, before your meeting with Ken, you had no idea that Christy/company were in town?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Several call backs later, about two months, I got the biggest break of my life.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Who would have thought that I had to move from NYC to Townsend to get this break.
<Mike|Nuke> M: But I owe everything to Mr. Wales.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Caro - Another question?
<Pat8> Greetings Mike. Thanks for being here! Could you tell me what motivated you "toward" the acting profession? I love what you did with Birds-eye.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dilla - you'll be next.
<Pat8> sorry fast finger
<Dilla> go ahead and answer!
<Caro> At the time of your meeting with Ken, had any of the parts been cast yet?
<Pat8> I take it back for now. tech difficulties...
<Dilla> It's fine w/ me.
* Pat8 is red faced.
<Caro> Hey, wait your turn! Hee hee!
* Dilla knows that we're all understanding
<Mike|Nuke> N: Caro - No, I didn't and knowing how this business is, I wondered if filming would actually occur in Townsend.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Caro - I imagine Kelly and Tyne might have the first signed.
<Caro> As it turns out Mike, you got to portray Bird's-Eye in both the musical and the television show ..
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dilla - your turn.
<Caro> Which medium do you prefer and what aspects of both do you like and dislike?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Caro - we'll get back...
<Caro> You said I could have another question!
<Dilla> Go ahead...
* Dilla is patient
<Mike|Nuke> N: Please begin Dilla. Caro was only joking...
<Dilla> Ok
<Dilla> Mike, you're very kind to participate in this chat session. I'm wondering, was it hard for you to get used to the different actors playing the same roles, since you acted in both the musical and the TV show?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Dilla - Not at all. The tough part was doing the same scene but with different lines and trying to keep them straight.
<Dilla> Ahh--I never thought of that...that's pretty amazing, actually.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Caro - I thoroughly enjoyed both TV and theatre.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Dilla - Yep.
<Caro> You are very versatile, Mike!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dilla - Would you like to ask another question?
<Dilla> ok
<Mike|Nuke> N: Laurie - you will be next.
<Dilla> Did you feel like you were actually living at the turn-of-the-century, or did the cameras make that effect impossible?
<Laurie> can't wait!
<Dilla> Did you feel like you were actually living at the turn-of-the-century, or did the cameras make that effect impossible?
<Dilla> Did you feel like you were actually living at the turn-of-the-century, or did the cameras make that effect impossible?
<Dilla> Oops
<Dilla> Ever seen Multiplicity? haha
<Sherry> Thought my brain stuttered, Dilla!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Dilla - It was very easy to believe the environment (temperature, humidity, hills). But I was never able to block out the lights and cameras...
<Mike|Nuke> M: I just tried to focus on the people I was working with.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dilla - one more question.
<Dilla> So it wouldn't be like actually _living_ back then?
<Dilla> (one of my wishes--to experience life back then)
<Mike|Nuke> M: Dilla - Nah. Not with caterers, air-conditioned trailers, etc.
<Dilla> Hmmm. Actually, I'm glad you told me that... :)
<Mike|Nuke> M: Mike Rhodes, the director, was talking to me about how we now look back on the that time...
<Dilla> I imagined it differently
<Mike|Nuke> in an almost romantic sense. Only a few years after Leonora Woods left the area...
<Mike|Nuke> life had changed dramatically. Who's to say of the depression, World Wars, how that would changed anyway. Mayber Birdseye was right in ...
<Mike|Nuke> resisting that change.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Laurie?
<Laurie> ok
<Laurie> Thanks Mike for taking the time out to chat with us.
<Laurie> There's still a lot of us that support the show.
<Laurie> Now that Christy the Musical is done for the season,
<Laurie> what projects are you presently working on?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Laurie - Fixing up my cabin (winterizing). Doing the "career thing" with head shots and looking for an agent.
<Mike|Nuke> M: I've just shaved my beard, so I need different head shots!
<Laurie> Do you have any commitments to future projects?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Nope. Got a job for me?
<Caro> Wanna come rake leaves? hee hee!
<Laurie> I need a good babysitter...
<Mike|Nuke> M: :)
<Mike|Nuke> N: Laurie - another question?
<Dilla> Caro: you mean blow them over to your neighbor?
<Laurie> I've got to ask, do you think there's a future at all for the series Christy? There was once talk about an Easter special. Do you kno w anything about this?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Laurie - Never say no. Haven't heard anything though.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherry - your turn!
<Huddlesto> Not the answer I wanted!!!
<Sherry> I would love to see the Musical--would the cast support putting it on video so those of us who live far away can see it too?
<Dilla> That's a good question...
<Huddlesto> Good question, Sherry!
<Sherry> Thanks!
<Caro> They're too wet to blow now!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Sherry - There are plans to put it on video. It will be on the web site when available.
<Sherry> Great! Which would you rather do: act or direct?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Act.
<Sherry> Any particular part you've always wanted to play?
<Mike|Nuke> M: This was the first time I was ever able to create a character before someone else had done it...
<Mike|Nuke> I really enjoyed that. Hope there are others characters to play as fun as Birdseye.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherry - one more.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Mike is looking at the pics you sent Kay in the mail.
<Mike|Nuke> N: He's putting faces to words.
<Sherry> I read the book before I saw the series and I thought you played an excellent Birds-Eye! Last question: What was it like working with Kellie Martin?
<Caro> Which pics were those?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Sherry - She is as sweet as she appears...
<Mike|Nuke> M: When we started filming the first 2 hour movie, Kellie turned 18. When I was that age, I didn't know what I was going to do...
<Sherry> Awww.... thanks!
<Caro> Sweet as soda pop!
<Mike|Nuke> I couldn't imagine being on the set 14 hours a day in almost every scene, carrying the show...
<Mike|Nuke> at that age. But she handled it with such grace.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Annette - your turn.
<Huddlesto> Yes!
<Huddlesto> Hi Mike! Did you every get to keep any of Bird's Eye Taylor's costumes?
<Huddlesto> I am big time into Christy costumes!!!!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Annette - No.... I did go out and buy a similar hat. They wouldn't let me keep his actual hat..
<Mike|Nuke> M: I did grow accustomed to that style.
<Huddlesto> My favorite episode is Babe in the Woods. What was your favorite episode?
<Mike|Nuke> M: The Road Home. It was very well written, and with incredible acting.
<Huddlesto> Excellent episode!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Mike needs to take a 2 min break. When he returns, Pat is next.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Hope this chat is going well enough for everyone.
<Caro> No breaks allowed!
<Huddlesto> Darn. I had another question.
<Huddlesto> Yes, it is.
<Laurie> N - is Jim typing for you?
<Huddlesto> But what if he has to go to the outhouse.
<Mike|Nuke> N: You may have one more question. Yes, Jim is typing.
<Caro> Get back in line, Annette!
<Laurie> Kay - did you get my Halloween pictures?
<Caro> Well, then let's hope it's not far from the house!
<Laurie> Way to go Jim. Dan is typing for Laurie.
<Huddlesto> Caro, I was going to ask him an imporant question!!!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Mike is back. Annette, ask your question.
<Laurie> He's quicker than I am.
<Huddlesto> Nuke--I got your postcards today! I love them!
<Huddlesto> Dilla, Caro, Sherry, Nuke and I debate all the time who is the right man for Christy.
<Huddlesto> Who do you think--David or Neil?
<Huddlesto> I loooove David!!!!
<Caro> Neil!!!
<Sherry> Neil! Neil!
<Huddlesto> Caro, get out of the conversation.
<Caro> The writer rules!
<Laurie> Neil11
<Mike|Nuke> M: When we were getting ready to shoot the hanging scene, Kelli, Randall, Stewart and myself were talking...
<Caro> It's a million to one against you, A.
<Huddlesto> I want Mike's answer.
<Sherry> Neil to the infinite power
<Mike|Nuke> M: Randall and Stewart were arguing who's going to end up with Christy...
<Mike|Nuke> They asked Kellie what she thought, and she said....
<Dilla> suspense!!!!
<Dilla> aaaahhh
<Caro> she said?
<Mike|Nuke> Ummmmm, I think it's going to be Birdseye. I turned to them and gave a rasberry.
<Huddlesto> who?
<Sherry> Drum roll....
<Sherry> Good one Birds-Eye!
<Huddlesto> randall is too cute for this suspense
<Mike|Nuke> N: Pat - your turn.
<Caro> Bird's-Eye is going to end up with Margaret!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Sounds good to me!
<Dilla> heheheh
<Laurie> There's part 11 Caro...
<Pat8> I apologize for my blunder (whoa!)......Here we go....Thanks for joining us! I love what you did to create ol Bird's Eye! My question was pertaining to your initial interest in becoming an actor. Could you tell me what it was that initially motivated you toward the acting profession?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Pat - Gee....
<Mike|Nuke> M: In college, I thought it would be something fun to do. It wasn't until 10 yrs later that I started at it professionally.
<Mike|Nuke> M: I haven't found anything else that challenges me as much or that keeps me as interested. It was the firwst thing i was able to b\do 14 hrs a day. To be physically tired, but not mentally burned out.
<Mike|Nuke> N: To all - a ... means more to come. A ".
<Mike|Nuke> means the end of Mike's answer.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Pat - another question?
<Pat8> Beautiful! Do you ever do any other teaching or directing "on the side"? I've been looking for adult Christian drama sources.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Hmmm...
<Mike|Nuke> M: I haven't been teaching or directing for a while. I'm not aware of any particular Christian drama sources. Do you mean play?
<Pat8> Oh, yes. If you had any ideas for publishers that were good in drama.
<Pat8> If you haven't been in the loop for a while that would be a difficult question.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Yeah. I have none.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dave13 - you're next.
<Dave13> Mike, Good to "see" you again. When we visited the TV site with you, you told us about the Dr's cabin being in two different locations. Would you like to share that with the group please? And tell how the current Dr's cabin interior had multiple uses, if you would. Also, how one other house served as the "home" for two different families. (A plug for the CTM - Christy History page - see the photos.)
<Mike|Nuke> M: First season - the cabin was on the river. Between the first and second season, a flood damaged that cabin. So they built a replica up on the site...
<Mike|Nuke> where the mission house and school is located. The interior of the Dr.'s cabin was used as the interior of the tea house...
<Mike|Nuke> One cabin was used for the Allen's and at another angle was used for the McHones' cabin. ..
<Mike|Nuke> and Ruby Mae's cabin.
<Mike|Nuke> M: This was to economize.
<Dave13> Mike, Thanks. Also, what was it like to work with Tyne Daly? Thanks for being with us this evening !
<Mike|Nuke> M: You can get photos of the cabins off the CTM web page.
<Mike|Nuke> M: You're welcome. Great to hear from you. She was a dream...
<Mike|Nuke> M: The first scene I ever filmed was where Ms Alice shot the moonshine out of my hand...
<Mike|Nuke> My heart was going a mile a min when I got off the horse...
<Mike|Nuke> and way Tyne Daly across from me...
<Mike|Nuke> N: (way should be saw)
<Mike|Nuke> M: She was so kind and giving and fun to work with. She called acting "playing"...
<Mike|Nuke> and she made it that way.
<Mike|Nuke> M: A lot of fun.
<Dave13> Too much "moonshine" Jim?
<Mike|Nuke> N: The shine is fine...
<Mike|Nuke> N: Caro - your turn.
<Caro> Already? Hee hee!
<Dave13> How about the "possum"?
<Caro> Mike you mentioned the flood that damaged Neil's cabin. I remember that flood all to well!
<Caro> You are very fortunate that it didn't happen during shooting.
<Mike|Nuke> M: I had 4 1/2 ft of water inside my cabin...
<Mike|Nuke> M: the weekend before Christy premiered.
<Caro> I know that the weather influences the musical because of it's outdoor setting . . .
<Mike|Nuke> M: I remember it well.
<Caro> But while filming the television show, did the weather pose any specific problems?
<Mike|Nuke> M: We would go through rain or shine...
<Caro> Yes, our bookstore flooded in G'burg!
<Caro> What about tornado or blizzard?
<Mike|Nuke> M: In the episode To Have and To Hold, it filmed a scene between McNeil and Christy after McNeil was checking on my wounds..
<Mike|Nuke> and it was raining that day. Four days later, when we were filming the interior of that scene...
<Mike|Nuke> it wasn't raining. So they put Lundy outside and squirted water.
<Caro> I'll bet he loved that!
<Sherry> Ha! Ha!
<Caro> Well, that's better than. . .
<Caro> it it wasn't raining during the first shot and then it was raining during the second shot.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Caro - another question?
<Caro> His bath for the day!
<Caro> Ok, getting back to the musical . . .
<Caro> I noticed when I came to the show a few weeks ago . . .
<Caro> that Bird's-Eye was one of the few characters who doesn't sing. . .
<Caro> Was the role specifically written this way or is this by choice?
<Mike|Nuke> M: LOL.=20
<Pat8> ;)
<Mike|Nuke> M: Thankfully, it was written that Birdseye don't sing, he don't dance..
<Caro> Well, he could sing "Take Time To Taste The Goodness of the Dew!"
<Mike|Nuke> otherwise I wouldn't be in the musical.
<Caro> I suppose that the character isn't the singing type anyway!
<Mike|Nuke> M: I would hope not.
<Caro> And Bird's-Eye could dance with Opal!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Another question?
<Caro> Just one for old time's sake!
<Caro> me?
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<Mike|Nuke> Yes, go
<Caro> Ok!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Hi Holly.
<Caro> Mike, you seem so at home on the back of a horse . . .
<Caro> and dare I say it .. .
<Caro> with a gun . . .
<Caro> Could you ride/shoot before you were cast in the role of Bird's-Eye . . .=20
<Caro> or was there a "Riding 101" class on the set to instruct everyone in the basics of horseback riding?
<smokn> i was supposed to be 9 a little late sorry
<Mike|Nuke> M: Yes, I could ride before. . .
<Mike|Nuke> M: As far as shooting a gun, fortunately I didn't have to hit anything.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Holly, hang in there. I'll call on you, ok?
<Caro> Poor Ben Bentland had just about every scene on a horse!
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<Caro> But you seem like such a natural!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Thanks. I was faking it!
<DrillSgnt> hello alll
<Mike|Nuke> N: Drill - I'll get to you in a while, Dilla, go ahead.
<Dilla> ok
<Dilla> What was the general atmosphere on the Christy set? Did everyone get along, or were there problems?
<Mike|Nuke> M: It was totally opposite everything I had ever heard about Hollywood. . .
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<Mike|Nuke> M: People were working 14 hours a day, 6 days a week the first season,
<Mike|Nuke> tremendous hours, tremendous pressure, and and still wonderful at the very end.
<Mike|Nuke> M: I feel like I was spoiled.
<smokn> Hello mike
<Mike|Nuke> N: Anything else?
<Dilla> me?
<Mike|Nuke> Yes
<Dilla> yeah
<Dilla> Did you have to do research for your part? Are there researchers to help you with that? :) (ol' librarian-wanna-be me...)
<smokn> hello mike
<Mike|Nuke> M: I of course read the book, and spent a lot of time observing the locals. . .
<Mike|Nuke> and feeding off my memory of past associates.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Laurie, another?
<Laurie> Also mentioned in your bio, was that you grew up in Ohio.
<Laurie> I'm from Ohio too (Akron), and was wondering if you still have family there.
<Laurie> What do you like most about living in Tennessee?
<Mike|Nuke> M: My sister, borther-in-law and 2 nephews live outside Dayton...
<Mike|Nuke> as far as living in Tn, the short winters and those mountains (sigh)
<Mike|Nuke> N: Another question.
<Laurie> Do you ever have any contact with cast members?
<Laurie> Whom did you like working with the most?
<Huddlesto> good question
<smokn> Mike how are your babies
<Mike|Nuke> M: I get notes occasionally - Bruce McKinnon keeps me up to date with the happenings in Califf...
<Mike|Nuke> N: Smokin - please wait until you're called on.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Please don't make me have to choose between so many wonderful people!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Laurie, one more.
<Laurie> sorry
<Laurie> How long did it take to shoot an average episode?
<Mike|Nuke> M: :)
<Mike|Nuke> M: Eight days for a one hour show.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Sherry, your turn.
<Laurie> wow
<Sherry> How did you feel about the introduction of Neil's wife, Margaret, to the TV show? She added an interesting aspect to the show but I felt it was rather daring of Ken Wales to do bring her "back to life."
<Dilla> good q.
<Mike|Nuke> M: I agree with you. It did make for more interesting and varied story lines...
<Mike|Nuke> M: When you're hoping a show continues for years, the more options the better.
<Sherry> Right.=20
<Sherry> What's your all time favorite movie? Mine's The Sound of Music.=20
<Mike|Nuke> N: Remember gang, a "." means Mike is through answering and wants another question.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Oh boy ...
<Mike|Nuke> M: Citizen Kane.
<Sherry> Rosebud! Good one! I guess you'd better move on to the next person. I need another question!
<Mike|Nuke> N: OK, Annette?
<Huddlesto> I am a school teacher and I read Christy to my kids every year. My fifth graders have a question. . .
<Huddlesto> Have you ever thought of giving drug-free speeches using Bird's Eye taylor as an analogy?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Do they want me for their poster boy - an example of this is your brain on 'shine?
<Sherry> Hee! Hee!
<Laurie> ha ha
<Huddlesto> My kids love the book. I have one boy writing Lundy Keck on his paper. And other writing Zady on hers.
<Dilla> lol
<Huddlesto> Cute Idea!
<Caro> hee hee
<Mike|Nuke> N: Pat, you're next, then Holly.
<Huddlesto> Hey, do you think I could use Christy's schoolhouse?
<Huddlesto> Hey, what happen to me?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Go, Annette, one more.
<Huddlesto> I want the schoolhouse!
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<Huddlesto> Could you ship it to me with a window unit.
<dectec> Hello
<Mike|Nuke> N: Pat - go ahead,
<Pat8> Thanks. Mike, did you rehearse lines on the set with other actor's?
<Pat8> actors
<Mike|Nuke> M: We would go through the lines before filming a scene, but you came prepared.
<Pat8> Oh different from what I thought.
<Pat8> Who would you say was the biggest "cut up" among you all?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Pat, go ahead.
<Mike|Nuke> M: :)
<Pat8> I type slowly...
<Pat8> You?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Well, I'm not really like Birdseye. SFM - not joking or clowning around...
<Mike|Nuke> just keeping people loose.
<Pat8> I sort of thought so! ;)
<Mike|Nuke> N: Holly, go ahead, and then we'll take a quick break.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Dectec, you'll be after smokn.
<smokn> Hey mike How Are you
<Mike|Nuke> M: Great and you?
<smokn> how are your puppies(babies)
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<Mike|Nuke> M: Fat and sassy.
<Mike|Nuke> M: About ready to leave the nest.
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<smokn> well i wonder if you know who i am
<radarlove> everbody behavin
<Mike|Nuke> M: Smokn - have no idea.
<Mike|Nuke> Any clues?
<smokn> Well i am so excited to be talking to you
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<smokn> i heard you shaved your beard is it true
<Mike|Nuke> M: Yes.
<Mike|Nuke> M: After I finished the musical.
<smokn> what are you doing with your self now that christy is ended
<Mike|Nuke> M: Smokn - another question?
<smokn> what are you doing now that christy is over
<Mike|Nuke> M: Working on my cabin, new head shots without the beard, and looking for an agent.
<Mike|Nuke> N: LET'S TAKE A 5 MINUTE BREAK.
<Laurie> ok
<Mike|Nuke> N: Mike will be back. You can continue with each other though.
<Huddlesto> Hi Nuke. It is getting late. Do you mind if I leave?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Of course not. Hope you enjoyed it.
<Huddlesto> I did. Thank you for doing this.
<Caro> bye Annette!
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<Laurie> I'll be leaving soon too-I never know if my kids will sleep through the night.
<Caro> I'm glad you could make it, Laurie!
<Laurie> This has been so much fun!!
<Laurie> I'm still here for a little while, ok?
<Laurie> Caro, how are things going?
<Caro> Dave - how's the weather in Ohio? Still snowing?
<Caro> Laurie, things are going!
<Caro> I'm working hard on part 11!
<smokn> caro where in ohio do you live
<Laurie> Ohhh, I can't wait!
<Caro> No, I don't live in Ohio. I live in good ole TN!
<Laurie> I used to live in Ohio (Akron).
<Caro> Yes, we'll get back to action with Christy, DAvid, and Alice.
<Caro> I'll bet you miss the snow, Laurie!
<smokn> i live in columbus oh
<Caro> Did you have alot of snow, too, smokn?
<smokn> not yet
<Caro> Believe it or not, we had a few inches here in TN.
<smokn> they got all the sno in cleveland
<Caro> I'm working hard on part 11!
<Caro> and they can have it, right?
<Dave13> Caro - We are in IL - for another month - then its back home to S. CA - warm S. CA
<Caro> Have you read my sequel, smokn?
<Laurie> My mom said Cleve. (some parts) got over 4 feet of snow.
<Caro> Sounds lovely, Dave!
<Caro> Can I come too?
<Caro> That's more snow than we'll have all winter combined!
<smokn> what is part one
<Caro> Hopefully! :)
<Mike|Nuke> M: Is smokn Joy Lynn?
<Caro> CoTH is a sequel that I've written to the last run episode of Christy.
<smokn> no=20
<Caro> I've put out 10 parts os far.
<Caro> os is supposed to be "so."
<smokn> but your warm
<Laurie> Caro has done a GREAT job too, you should read them sometime!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Smokn - Leon?
<Caro> It's supposed to appease the appetite of the hungry Christy fans who were left hanging.
<Caro> Thank you! :)
<Caro> I did hit a dry spell there, though!
<Laurie> Your welcome! :)
<smokn> not yet
<Laurie> I really didn't notice!
<Mike|Nuke> N: WE"RE READY TO START AGAIN. FIRST UP - SMOKN.
<smokn> I would really like you to come over and make some hot chilli
<Mike|Nuke> M: OK. Got a question?
<smokn> Did you guess yet
<Mike|Nuke> M: Leon?
<smokn> ok
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dave - you can ask a question now too.
<smokn> no. How did the tear down of the show go alot of work i bet
<Dave13> Pass... Mike we will be sending you shortly some photo's taken during CTM - We have enjoyed joining with you all this evening. Dave & Jean (CTM Webmasters)
<Mike|Nuke> M: You should know... A lot like last year.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Good hearin from you. Didn't you have a new grandbaby twins?
<Dave13> Not yet - still in a holding pattern . . .
<Mike|Nuke> N: Smokn - one more question, if you've got one.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Caro - do you have any questions?
<smokn> Mike ok I will tell ya I am holly mccaw I was going to make you guess but i dont want to waste tim
<Caro> I always have questions!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Wow! I thought Holly was dectec..
<Mike|Nuke> M : smokn - Great to have you here.
<Caro> Mike, in your opinion, which actor and actress is the least/most like the character they portray?
<smokn> Dec tec was a friend who helped me down load mirc so i could be here tonight
<Mike|Nuke> N: NukeCity got you confused. Sorry.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Caro - I was the least like the character I portrayed...
<Mike|Nuke> and Kellie Martin was just as sweeet as she appeared.
<Caro> Really? Hee hee!
<smokn> that is the truth mike i dont think you have a mean bone in your body
<Mike|Nuke> M: smokn - Thanks. But you ought to see me the morning after a chili party.
<Caro> Mike, was it very difficult playing a character so different from youself?
<Caro> What's in that chili?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dilla - you can join in with your questions.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Caro - No. It was fun. Mike Hickman doesn't intimidate anybody..
<Dilla> Hmmm.
<Mike|Nuke> but I would'nt want to meet B'eye in a dark alley.
<Dilla> Oh, ok--
<Caro> Perhaps that might come in handy some day!
<Mike|Nuke> N: Dilla - Mike has your pic in front of him.
<Dilla> Earlier you mentioned something about what's happening in CA--what is happening in CA?
<Caro> If you encounter a pickpocket who has watched the show!
<Caro> Does he have all of our pics?
<smokn> Brian is sitting next to me mike he would like to say hi
<Mike|Nuke> M: Dilla - nothing. Bruce just helps to clear up rumors. Hello Brian.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Laurie - Would you like to ask a question?
<Laurie> sure
<smokn> is there any plans next year for Christy
<Laurie> Mike, how did you manage to do both the musical and the series at the same time?
<Mike|Nuke> M: No. Just a few.
<Mike|Nuke> M: It helps to "see" who he's talking to.
<Mike|Nuke> M: smokn - You would have better information than I would.
<Mike|Nuke> M: Laurie - Usually with very little sleep. During the 2nd season of the series and the first season of the musical...
<smokn> will you be a part of it if there is
<Mike|Nuke> I literally had 15 min to get from the TV set to the musical theatre.
<Laurie> Of all the theater work you've done, what have you enjoyed the most?
<Mike|Nuke> M: Went on about 4 hrs of sleep a night.
<Laurie> That's hard to keep up!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Laurie - If you mean a part, Moonface Martin in Anything Goes...
<smokn> i couldnt imagine anyone else playing birdseye but you unless of course clint eastwood
<Mike|Nuke> Billis in South Pacific...
<Mike|Nuke> M: Scotty Templeton in Tribute are my favs.
<Mike|Nuke> M: smokn - I guess they wanted somebody short for the part.
<Laurie> You've kept yourself busy.
<Mike|Nuke> M: All those were college.
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<Laurie> What about teaching? You've also taught theater. Do you enjoy teaching?
<Dilla> Hi there, David!
<DAPence> greeting all
<Mike|Nuke> M: Hello Dave Pence. This is Mike Hickman.
<Caro> Hi David!
<DAPence> Hello Mr Hickman
<DAPence> I get a lot of info request about you on the Christy page
<Caro> David gets three questions to make up for lost time!
<DAPence> sorry i'm late ... work ya know
<Mike|Nuke> M: Laurie - Yes, I enjoyed teaching. BUt I did come to a pt where I decided I could be a starving actor as well as a starving teacher.
<Laurie> I know, I was a teacher too!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Pence - Please call me Mike.
<Mike|Nuke> N: Any more, Laurie?
<Mike|Nuke> N: David Pence - would you like to ask Mike a question (we're moderating this chat)?
<Laurie> I'll let David catch up... I may scoot out of here soon, Mike it was great to have met you!
<DAPence> Ok Mike ... i missed much of the session, did playing 'Bird's Eye' have any lasting changes for you?
<Laurie> Drive carefully through those mountains!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Laurie - Great talking to you. Kids look great.
<smokn> bye Laurie
<Laurie> Thanks!!!
<Caro> Bye Laurie! Did you watch GH today?
<Laurie> Bye! Yes!!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Pence - No, I tried to keep B'eye's character from integrating into mine.
<Caro> I've got it on tape.
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<DAPence> I see ... I used to work for Paramount, and that was a common goal for the actors I knew there as well :)
<Mike|Nuke> N: David - any other questions?
<DAPence> I sure you were asked about this already, but what have you heard about Christy being brought back?
<Mike|Nuke> N: Mike's had a great time tonight. And I know we have too. But he's got an hour's drive ahead of him, and his puppies need him....
<Mike|Nuke> N: we'll be wrapping this chat up in a few more minutes.
<Caro> No!!!
<Mike|Nuke> M: David - Just rumors. Nothing concrete.
<Caro> Let's do an all nighter!
<Mike|Nuke> M: Maybe we can do this another time....
<Dilla> It was great of you to come!
<smokn> It was great hearing from you
<Sherry> There was a scene in one episode where LeVar Burton squishes yo