Bulletin Board: God Loves Tiny Tim, by and with Spats White – a review

Original Post By: Paul Cundari Date: 4/7/2008 9:18:28 PM It was doubly rewarding to attend Spats’ show at the NY Uke Fest. First, for at least 80 minutes or so, he was precluded from causing mischief on this forum. But, more importantly, I got to see a tour de force performance. A stool on an empty stage, a wig, an inspired jacket & tie, a vintage Martin Soprano, a spotlight, and, oh yes - Spats. For the next 80 minutes, Mr. White, in character as Tiny Tim circa late 1980’s, enthralled the audience with stream of consciousness oral biography as Tiny Tim himself would have told it in his own inimitable style. The mellifluous words were interspersed with snippets of songs sung and played in authentic Tiny Tim falsetto. I’m old enough to have experienced Tim via his many television appearances. Spats nailed his essence. It’s not easy for a solo performer to enthrall an audience for a solid hour and 20 minutes. Spats accomplished this with ease. The monologue was superbly written and performed. Congratulations Spats. Posted By: NinaC Date: 4/7/2008 10:11:25 PM Paul, you are so funny. And I am SO glad for Spats, curmudgeonly cantakerous smartass that he is, god love 'im. I am so thrilled his show went well. I hope that it was recorded in some way, or maybe he'll have an opportunity to do it again so we can see it. Congrats, Spats! Posted By: Arch Larizza Date: 4/7/2008 10:20:25 PM I had no doubt at all that this would be a hit. Spats is an extremely talented professional with a wealth of experience and knowledge that most cannot even imagine. Combine that with true passion and compelling material and, well; ya just can't lose. Congrats, you old stinker. Posted By: ookey Date: 4/7/2008 11:00:08 PM Glad you had a great time in NYC uke fest. And also glad to know that Tiny Tim still has some fans. Personally I think the guy alot to damge the reputation of the ukulele.(not intentionally of course). Fortunately we have many stellar players now like Jake to repair the damage to its image. But glad you had a good time and thanks for the update. Always good to hear differing reports back from the event. Posted By: Jim C Date: 4/8/2008 12:22:47 AM   (Updated: 4/8/2008 12:24:10 AM) I hate that I missed it. I was at the uke fest but a very delayed Sunday brunch with NY friends caused me to miss Spats' show. If a recording ever becomes available I'd love to see it. Posted By: Arch Larizza Date: 4/8/2008 12:29:19 AM ookey; I think Spats' efforts are doing something to repair the "damage" which is, in fact, better described as "misunderstanding". What are you doing about it? Posted By: Ernie Date: 4/8/2008 1:15:11 AM I also HATE that I couldn't be there! Spats- I'm glad to hear you're a hit, and I really, really implore you to have the show filmed or taped. for those of us unable to make the trip!! I'll buy a ticket just to watch the tape! Posted By: ToeBone Date: 4/8/2008 1:34:48 AM I'm glad that you and so many others had such a good time. I hope I can join you next year. And I sure wish I had seen the act of such an avid presence on the FMMB. Great to hear he was so entertaining. Posted By: Kirbster Date: 4/8/2008 8:06:46 AM I'm glad the show went well for Spats. I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I was all set up to go on Sunday, but, best layed plans......... Congratulations Spats. Maybe next year. Posted By: Debra Date: 4/8/2008 11:41:18 AM I was in the audience, too. I guess because I was so focused on the workshops that I had expected Spats' show to be more of a lecture. I would have enjoyed that, too, but this was really special. Spats did an impression -- not an impersonation -- of Tiny Tim; capturing just enough of the mannerisms and vocal pattern so recognizable to those of us who remember watching him on television. Because everything is done in the first person, you get the information without the salacious details or perspective that an onlooker might have brought, and that made for a very intimate, authentic feel to the presentation. I was really moved, and if it popped up at another venue I wouldn't mind seeing it again. Posted By: Spats Date: 4/8/2008 7:35:17 PM wow, paul! i'm speechless! (which i'm sure was your intention since that's the state you prefer me to be in!) God bless you. it was great seeing you. thanks, nancy. i think! and arturo, my friend, thank you for the kind words. i just hope you feel the same way about me when you're sober! debra, thanks. i really appreciate your coming. ernie. terry and kirbster: thanks for the good wishes and sorry you missed it. and my heartfelt thanks to everyone who sat through it and gave me (and Tim) such a wonderful reception and response. i'm really overwhelmed. spats www.spatswhite.com Posted By: UKESAIDIT Date: 4/8/2008 8:31:41 PM Well, this is great. When one puts one's passion, talent, knowledge, experience, friendship, heart and spirit into a project like this, it would be hard to get it wrong, and it seems like Spats got it all right. No surprise, I only wish I could have been there. Posted By: Spats Date: 4/8/2008 8:53:11 PM thanks so much, vinny. i wish you'd been there, too. www.spatswhite.com Posted By: Kelli Rae Powell Date: 4/9/2008 1:36:22 PM Congratulations, Spats White! I'm honored to know you and sad that I couldn't be there...but trust that I'll be *first in line* for your next production! Love, Kelli Rae Posted By: NinaC Date: 4/9/2008 1:39:36 PM Spatsie, any chance that you'll do this again sometime? And talk about a PBS special, this would be ideal. Posted By: Pat LaFleur Date: 4/9/2008 4:47:09 PM How about a tour, Spats? Posted By: ChefJeff Date: 4/9/2008 6:13:24 PM Spats, I couldn't get to NY but like others I'd love to see your impression of TT if you took it on the road, did a PBS special or made a DVD. I've always suspected there was more to Tiny Tim than the buffoon he played on Laugh-In and Carson. Since you knew him, I'd love to see your take on this American institution of sorts.

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