What's My Line? Live on Stage TV Time Machine Interview with J. Keith Van Straaten and Jim Newman

In this edition of The TV Time MachineTM, we alter the traditional fabric of our space/time continuum, weaving a unique tapestry that combines past and present—as our radio show about classic television shines a spotlight on a unique stage performance of one of the greatest game shows in television history. Performed every Wednesday evening at the Acme Comedy Theatre in Los Angeles California, What's My Line? Live on Stage, combines nostalgia with modern-day sensibilities, as it recreates the classic game show that entertained millions of television viewers over a period of more than two decades. Hosted by J. Keith Van Straaten and directed by Jim Newman, What's My Line? Live on Stage presents a witty, sophisticated, and vastly entertaining homage to a simple little game that seeks to reveal the interesting occupations of ordinary folks.

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To explain this innovative theatrical concept, we are very pleased to welcome the aforementioned gentlemen, in the forms of J. Keith Van Straaten and Jim Newman. Over the next few segments, host Jim Benson hopes to extract more than yes or no answers from our guests, as we focus on the elements that make this stage performance in the city of the angels, a heavenly experience for devotees of classic television and improvisational comedy. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to flip all the cards, feel free to sign in please, as we slip from the restraints of the present, and into a quizzical world of the past!

Segment One

What's My Line? - Then and Now. In this segment, TV Time Machine host Jim Benson quizzes What's My Line? Live on Stage panel moderator J. Keith Van Straaten and director Jim Newman about their early years in comedy, working at the Acme Comedy Theatre, and the creative genesis of What's My Line? Live on Stage. Our guests also reflect on the original TV version of the show, panelists Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, Bennett Cerf, and the infamous Hal Block. Audio highlights include a kick-save and a beauty by panelist Barry Saltzman, and cutting-edge questioning by animation artist Len Wein. (Click here to get the .wma audio.)

Segment Two

Clearing the Board of the Past. For this segment, our special panel of J. Keith Van Straaten and Jim Newman discuss various What's My Line? panelists who've appeared live on stage - including the remarkable April Winchell, and the sparkling Teresa Ganzel. Our duo also focuses on the invaluable musical contributions of Adam Chester, and the graceful irreverence of our hostess, Miss Claudia Dolph. Audio highlights include a somewhat bemused and confused former California Governor Gray Davis, an astounded Paul Williams, and a very special word from our sponsor. Contestant audio highlights include an 84 year-old woman who really digs her work, a vintage cereal box collector, and a guest who caused the panel to go absolutely bananas! (Click here to get the .wma audio.)

Segment Three

Is it Bigger Than a Presidential Candidate? Finally, our deductive duo offers incisive commentary on such issues as breadboxes, flautists, and sword swallowers. Panel moderator J. Keith Van Straaten and director Jim Newman also reveal the mystery behind booking Mystery Guests, tracking down former What's My Line? contestants, and the future of What's My Line? Live on Stage. Audio highlights include a fire and a false entrance, a visit from Michael and Kitty Dukakis, and a gentleman whose familiar name was certainly not chosen at random. (Click here to get the .wma audio.)