June 27, 2020
June 27, 2020
So do you know that scene from classic television situation comedies that presents an protagonist with reading material and a small candle? John Ritter for example, is sitting in a fine restaurant, scrutinizing the bill of fare by the light of a table votive and in doing so, he unintentionally sets the menu aflame? We've all witnessed that cliche scene. Mild chaos ensues and we chuckle at the choreographed bit because it is so ridiculous; no one would actually be so oblivious to his surroundings to allow the simple act of reading lead to an insurance claim filed by the proprietor.
Well, I did witness that. It didn't happen on a classic television situation comedy soundstage, but in a Chicago dive bar. And a Hollywood headliner wasn't the protagonist, but instead our beloved Ken Monreal. And it wasn't a menu that caught fire but a script of our friend Eric. His script was to be submitted for MTV's approval, and it was the only hard copy that Eric had. And there it was: Ken + live flame + carbon based product of emotional and gut wrenching importance. And, oh yes, alcohol was involved. The story did end well; emergency responders were deemed unneccessary, the flame retardant bar top displayed zero damage and the script was reprinted, thus affording MTV a copy of Eric's work "sans char""a la Monreal".
"Truth is stranger than fiction" is an expression that makes me think back to that moment in the Chicago dive bar. I realize that truth is not only stranger than fiction, but when it came to Ken Monreal; truth was funnier, more endearing, more honest, more jaw dropping, eye popping, thigh slapping, drop your head back and howl entertaining than any bit of fiction a situation comedy writer could develop for John Ritter or his ilk.
Ken was a modern day Spanky from the Lil Rascals. I miss so much, his infectious attitude of "Hey, Gang, let's put on a show"! Fondly I recall how he organized, developed and directed a late night comedy talk show "Drinks in Vegas". It was complete with a host, guests, an array of beautiful dancers and musicians. He made certain to include photographers and writers and anyone who needed a chance to contribute their best efforts. All were encouraged to not only enhance their performance resume, but be part of a creative, roll up your sleeves ensemble.
Showbiz wannabes were not Ken's sole audience and inspiration. He encouraged smiles and laughter from all those unsuspecting.
A favorite memory of mine was when I asked Ken to pass out Halloween candy at my house as I prepared dinner. My other guests abandonded the parlor party activities in favor of watching Ken torture trick or treaters with acting direction that Spielberg himself wouldn't have dreamed. He dangled the desired bonbon as he individually sized up every contender "Ok you are a ninja. Give me a ninja pose. Yes, that was awesome! Who's next?" His live theatre produced a roar of cheers from onlookers and camera flashes from proud parents. The intially mortified children stepped away from Ken with not just a heavier sack of candy, but with a smile of relief and new appreciation of the improvisational arts.
In addition to his creative brain and caring heart Ken had a deeply spiritual soul. He always spoke so beautifully of God and his love of his faith. I personally beseeched Ken when the 2020 pandemic took a thrice ugly turn with my parents. I called him and asked for his prayers because he was the person I knew to be closest to God. I miss Ken, but I am comforted because he is Home.
And I am comforted because we are all better for knowing Ken, for laughing with him, for learning from him, and I am personally thankful that I can be a part of those that celebrate him. We will all see Ken again and we will see each other, because Ken loved bringing people together.
For his friends that miss him, and his courage, and his inspiration and his love, please mark my words: Ken is currently organizing his celestial directorial debut. He is having side splitting conversation with John Ritter and suggesting to Charlie Chaplin, "Hey, let's put on a show!" He is considering Merv Griffin to host and auditioning the talents of Sintra for vocals. Lenny Bruce is booked for 8 minutes of stand up. Ken is also workshopping scripts with Terence McNally, analyzing the choreography of Bob Fosse. He is consulting with Shakespeare to see if the rhythm of iambic pentameter can marry with the tempo that the Gershwin brothers prefer. He has a sit down with Flo Ziegfeld as to how best market the production. Later he is doing cocktails with Marilyn Monroe, just because. And I do believe, many, many years from now, when we are all called, Ken will greet us at the theater doors and ensure we have the best seats in the house for his showcase. We will raise our glasses to him then. But for the time being, Let us raise our glasses to him now.
Thank you, Ken. Thank you. Bravo.
Well, I did witness that. It didn't happen on a classic television situation comedy soundstage, but in a Chicago dive bar. And a Hollywood headliner wasn't the protagonist, but instead our beloved Ken Monreal. And it wasn't a menu that caught fire but a script of our friend Eric. His script was to be submitted for MTV's approval, and it was the only hard copy that Eric had. And there it was: Ken + live flame + carbon based product of emotional and gut wrenching importance. And, oh yes, alcohol was involved. The story did end well; emergency responders were deemed unneccessary, the flame retardant bar top displayed zero damage and the script was reprinted, thus affording MTV a copy of Eric's work "sans char""a la Monreal".
"Truth is stranger than fiction" is an expression that makes me think back to that moment in the Chicago dive bar. I realize that truth is not only stranger than fiction, but when it came to Ken Monreal; truth was funnier, more endearing, more honest, more jaw dropping, eye popping, thigh slapping, drop your head back and howl entertaining than any bit of fiction a situation comedy writer could develop for John Ritter or his ilk.
Ken was a modern day Spanky from the Lil Rascals. I miss so much, his infectious attitude of "Hey, Gang, let's put on a show"! Fondly I recall how he organized, developed and directed a late night comedy talk show "Drinks in Vegas". It was complete with a host, guests, an array of beautiful dancers and musicians. He made certain to include photographers and writers and anyone who needed a chance to contribute their best efforts. All were encouraged to not only enhance their performance resume, but be part of a creative, roll up your sleeves ensemble.
Showbiz wannabes were not Ken's sole audience and inspiration. He encouraged smiles and laughter from all those unsuspecting.
A favorite memory of mine was when I asked Ken to pass out Halloween candy at my house as I prepared dinner. My other guests abandonded the parlor party activities in favor of watching Ken torture trick or treaters with acting direction that Spielberg himself wouldn't have dreamed. He dangled the desired bonbon as he individually sized up every contender "Ok you are a ninja. Give me a ninja pose. Yes, that was awesome! Who's next?" His live theatre produced a roar of cheers from onlookers and camera flashes from proud parents. The intially mortified children stepped away from Ken with not just a heavier sack of candy, but with a smile of relief and new appreciation of the improvisational arts.
In addition to his creative brain and caring heart Ken had a deeply spiritual soul. He always spoke so beautifully of God and his love of his faith. I personally beseeched Ken when the 2020 pandemic took a thrice ugly turn with my parents. I called him and asked for his prayers because he was the person I knew to be closest to God. I miss Ken, but I am comforted because he is Home.
And I am comforted because we are all better for knowing Ken, for laughing with him, for learning from him, and I am personally thankful that I can be a part of those that celebrate him. We will all see Ken again and we will see each other, because Ken loved bringing people together.
For his friends that miss him, and his courage, and his inspiration and his love, please mark my words: Ken is currently organizing his celestial directorial debut. He is having side splitting conversation with John Ritter and suggesting to Charlie Chaplin, "Hey, let's put on a show!" He is considering Merv Griffin to host and auditioning the talents of Sintra for vocals. Lenny Bruce is booked for 8 minutes of stand up. Ken is also workshopping scripts with Terence McNally, analyzing the choreography of Bob Fosse. He is consulting with Shakespeare to see if the rhythm of iambic pentameter can marry with the tempo that the Gershwin brothers prefer. He has a sit down with Flo Ziegfeld as to how best market the production. Later he is doing cocktails with Marilyn Monroe, just because. And I do believe, many, many years from now, when we are all called, Ken will greet us at the theater doors and ensure we have the best seats in the house for his showcase. We will raise our glasses to him then. But for the time being, Let us raise our glasses to him now.
Thank you, Ken. Thank you. Bravo.