=

(CJL) Chris Lewis, Museum Director

Click for enlargement

Cjl says, "hello and welcome"

Moderator presents the speaker with question #2 from James: how old is jerry?

Cjl says, "Jerry was 71 on March 16th."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #3 from Rahz: Chris, what time is it in London?

Cjl says, "It is now 9:05pm."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #5 from Dianne: Is the Senior Mr. Lewis on this chat today?

Cjl says, "Glad to see you here Rhaz."

Cjl says, "He will be shortly."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #4 from Dianne: Are you bringing Damn Yankees to Las Vegas?

Cjl says, "I understand that this is the plan after the final run on Broadway."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #6 from Dianne: Did you have a pleasant trip? What will you be doing while there -- and how long?

Cjl says, "Yes the trip was very nice, we are working here until the 17th."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #8 from Wyatt: How is the England tour going so far?

Cjl says, "Very well, the reviews have been very good, and the shows are fantastic."

Cjl says, "WIth me here right now is Dennis Kelly, one of the stars of Damn Yankees. He plays Joe Boyd."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #9 from James: how many people can the Adelfi Theater hold? How many spectators have attended Mr. Lewis' performances over the last few days?

Cjl says, "The theater holds about 1400 people, and the shows have been very full."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #10 from Trigger: Does Jerry miss Pierro's in Las Vegas? I met him twice while he was with Sam (his wife)

Cjl says, "Yes, he does. Pierros is one of his favorites."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #13 from Trigger: I know Pierro's miss him.....especially the busboys. *laughs*

Cjl says, "I would give anything for some of their pasta right now."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #17 from Maree: Has Jerry had any formal vocal training. His voice is amazing.

Cjl says, "He never had any formal training. He was just born with a great voice. Nice to have you here Maree."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #15 from Maree: How does Mr Kelly like working with Jerry?

Cjl says, "He is having a blast. Aactually, Dennis is the only actor that has done every show since Damn Yankees started in San Diego at the Globe Theater in 1993."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #20 from Ryan: If a DY movie is created, will Jerry and the cast reprise their roles?

Cjl says, "He is currently talking with the producers about a film. The cast would probably remain much the same as the touring company."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #18 from Jlgirl: Dennis, will you be able to stay in DY once equity requires some new cast members?

Cjl says, "As long as the old bones hold out."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #26 from Maree: Any chance of seeing DY in Australia?

Cjl says, "There has been some talk about doing a tour of Australia. It could happen within 2 years."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #14 from Dianne: When is the official end of the Damn Yankees Tour?

Cjl says, "There has been no set date. The plan is to end up on Broadway for 1999."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #16 from Allison: What did Jerry think about Eddie Murphy's version of "The Nutty Professor"

Cjl says, "Jerry was the Executive Producer, so he was very happy with the results of the film."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #21 from Jlgirl: How long will Jerry be performing in London next year-thru May or til when?

Cjl says, "I believe that he will be here thruough August."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #19 from Dianne: Does Mr. Lewis receive a standing ovation most nights?...every night?

Cjl says, "He has gotten one almost every one of his 803 performances."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #27 from Dianne: Have you ever had a part in one of your father's projects? Have a picture of all of you in a "Way Way Out" promo

Cjl says, "Yes we were all dressed up for the permier party at 20th Century Fox in 1966."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #29 from Stanley_belt: How soon will tickets go on sale for the '99 show?

Cjl says, "But I was not ever in one of the films."

Cjl says, "As quickly as the producers can justify it."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #28 from Maree: Does Jerry have his two puppies with him in London?

Cjl says, "No, they could not make the trip, and he is very upset about it."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #30 from James: Did Mr. Lewis ever recover his stolen suit? and what did he wear until it got back?

Cjl says, "No, the outfit was not ever recovered, and a new one was made."

Cjl says, "Jerry is here with me now."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #35 from Jlgirl: How soon after the Telethon will Jerry have to return to London?

Cjl says, "The end of September."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #22 from Jlgirl: Does Jerry help to select the cast members of DY?

Cjl says, "Yes he has final approval on every aspect of the show."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #33 from Rahz: Let's talk a little more about your stagework...

Cjl says, "Pass."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #39 from Stanley_belt: Can we ask Jerry questions?

Cjl says, "Yes."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #38 from James: What is Mr. Lewis' favorite tea? That is, if he drinks tea....

Cjl says, "English breakfast tea."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #40 from Ryan: Jerry, Which of your films are you most proud of?

Cjl says, "That is like asking which child one likes best, but probably The Bellboy or Nutty Professor."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #43 from Jlgirl: until what month in 1998 will you be performing in London?

Cjl says, "Probably August."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #44 from Maree: Is it true there might be a remake of The Bellboy?

Cjl says, "Yes, it is being discussed."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #45 from Rahz: Which child do you like the best?

Cjl says, "You know them Ray. What do you think."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #48 from Stanley_belt: Jerry, who could possibly be cast in the leads for the rumored remakes of "The Errand Boy" and "Cinderfella"

Cjl says, "There are lots of very talented actors out there. It could be any number of choices."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #47 from Maree: Greetings from Australia Mr Lewis. You have a lot of fans here.

Cjl says, "Thank you, it is a beautiful country."

Cjl says, "Jerry had to go on stage for act 2."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #49 from Jlgirl: How do I get those nuts past customs?!!

Cjl says, "He will be back in a while."

Cjl says, "Many of us nuts made it just fine."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #52 from James: Chris, how many people are in the room with you, watching you type? :)

Cjl says, "There are between 5 and 10 at any given point. The actors have differnt cues and come and go."

Cjl says, "Jerry is about to do his Good Old Days number."

Cjl says, "For those who have seen the show, you know what I am talking about."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #25 from James: what does jerry think of Rasputin Jr.? Is he using it yet?

Cjl says, "He has not touched it. I won't let him."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #55 from Maree: Those out-takes on Rock-a-bye your baby - were they for real. So funny.

Cjl says, "Yes they were all authentic. I wish we had many of the outtakes that were lost."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #51 from Dianne: Mr. Lewis -- is there any possibility at all we will ever get to see "The Day The Clown Cried"?

Cjl says, "That is something that we all hope will happen in the coming years."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #57 from Jlgirl: what is rasputin Jr?

Cjl says, "Our lap top computer, that can't be trusted."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #58 from Superjerryfan: How is it that Jerry has so much energy and stamina? What is his secret?

Cjl says, "He gargles every morning with lighter fluid."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #59 from Maree: Any possibility of a recording of out-takes not lost?

Cjl says, "We are currently working on several video and CD projects that will include film and recording out takes as well as prank phone calls from the early 1960's."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #61 from Jlgirl: Chris, are there clips or audio bites available of Jerry doing "Because We're Kids", Pugpy Dog Dream, The Nagger?

Cjl says, "The Kids number can be seen on the original Comic Relief tape from 1986, but we don't have permission to use it. And the others may be coming soon."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #63 from Jlgirl: Chris will we be able to see a clip or purchase the Unicef "Boy" movie?

Cjl says, "I don't know the answer to that yet. I have been trying to contact the people who exhibited it to see where the rights stand."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #62 from James: Lighter fluid.... does that mean that he can breathe fire........

Cjl says, "Mr. Applegate can do anything."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #65 from Stanley_belt: Is a second installment of Jerry's autobiography something we might see soon... or at all?

Cjl says, "He is currently working on a book that will include much of the early years in show business."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #67 from Trigger: Chris, you need to get a copy of Jerry doing the "Announcers Test" as a soundtrack..i am sure people would love to hear your dad doing it. I saw it at the SAHARA in 1979

Cjl says, "I am getting that on this trip."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #66 from Dianne: Will Mr. Lewis' version of The Jazz Singer ever be available -- or is it lost to us?

Cjl says, "We actually have a video master of the show which aired on October 13, 1959, but the rights are still owned by NBC, so we are working on getting the rights released."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #70 from Trigger: Will your father ever publish his Creed book?

Cjl says, "I don't think so. He considers those things very private. I argue with him constantly about letting me share those things. I won the one about the Being A Person book in our Museum Store. He considered that very personal, but I convinced him to let me make it available, because it has so much to be learned in it."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #71 from Allison: Are there any of the Damn Yankee canes left in the online store to purchase? I purchased one from you and now my sister wants one. .... Are the ones from Europe different?

Cjl says, "We still have a few, and no the ones from Europe are the same. They are all hand made by a craftsman in Las Vegas."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #54 from Ryan: Who designed the famous caricature of Jerry?

Cjl says, "This was sent to him by a fan in about 1947. He like it so much that he paid her for the rights, and has used it ever since."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #73 from Allison: A suggestion: a special package of all videos currently available as an item to purchase from the store. How many are available at the online store right now?

Cjl says, "There are about 20 available from different studios, and we are trying to get all the remaining ones released by next year. Some packages and series are planned for 1998. I haven't counted lately how many are currently in the store."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #77 from Jlgirl: "Being A Person" is Soooo Special! How did Jerry get to be so Wise?

Cjl says, "The University of Life and How to Survive it."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #80 from Trigger: I would love a copy of the tape your father released about ten years ago "JERRY LEWIS LIVE" and you should release the HBO Special with Sammy Davis Jr. on here as well

Cjl says, "The JL Live tape can still be found in some video stores, but the company that produced it is no longer in business, and the rights are very expensive for us to purchase. The Jerry & Sammy tape will hopefully be available in our Museum Store soon. I have found some."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #83 from Maree: Do any of your siblings work with Jerry too?

Cjl says, "No. I am the only lucky one. I have worked with my dad since 1983, when I was his road manager, stage manager, lighting and sound director, and full time bag carrier. A job that I wish was still available."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #56 from Jlgirl: Will Dennis Kelly be allowed to stay on in DY or will he be forced to leavedue to Equity rules in 98?

Cjl says, "I don't know the answer to that question. I have seen rules modified for special purposes, but I don't know if this falls into that category."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #87 from Allison: Do you have any particular memorabelia with you that you can have your father sign today in the dressing room that I can buy. I really want to memorialize this amazing event. I'll pay almost anything (well, almost).

Cjl says, "I have a cane that he retired last night. I can have him sign and date it for you. Just place your order in the store, and I will hand carry it home."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #88 from Allison: Will you be sure to let us know when Jerry is in the room with you? I have so many questions, but am sure I'll only get one or two chances and want to make the best of them !

Cjl says, "Yes I will, he is still on stage."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #53 from Stanley_belt: If "D.Y" comes to the big screen, might Mr. Lewis be persuaded to direct?

Cjl says, "This is part of what is being discussed."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #75 from Maree: Where would I find a total list of all Jerry's musical (funny or otherwise) recordings? Available ones of course.

Cjl says, "We are working on getting all available recordings for our store. It is just taking some time to get the rights to reproduce them."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #76 from Superjerryfan: Are the canes being sold in the store all RED, or some back or red and black?

Cjl says, "All of the canes are red with white tips."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #79 from Jlgirl: What kind or brand of vitamins does Jerry take? A lot of younger cast members can't take more than 6 mos. of appearances?! That he washs down with the lighter fluid....

Cjl says, "He just eats right and takes multi vitamins."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #92 from Dianne: Chris -- if there is another cane, I would love to have it autographed also...

Cjl says, "Dianne, for you, I will go down to the stage and have him retire one for you."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #93 from Jlgirl: who added that line?! About the lighter fluid ...

Cjl says, "What did I tell you about those cybergremlins? Don't worry, I know who they are."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #94 from Dianne: Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Cjl says, "Jerry Has just returned."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #96 from Jlgirl: How does he decide when to "retire" a cane - do they make a special sound when they fall?

Cjl says, "They get chipped from being thrown on stage. If they get too chipped, he hurts his hands on them."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #84 from Danielle: What does Jerry think of all the references to him on The Simpsons? (There are countless ocassions)

Cjl says, "He thinks they are very funny."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #72 from Jlgirl: Is there any chance at all that the producer will try to video the live DY performance somewhere?

Cjl says, "I don't think that is possible, but the Lincoln Library video taped the show. You can see it if you go there, in New York."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #95 from Ryan: Will any other pieces of memorbilia from Damn Yankees be sold in the Museum Store,( ie. Jerry's costumes)??

Cjl says, "No, the costumes are staying with the show. But you never know if a hat may be retired."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #99 from Allison: Jerry, you are a wonderful man. How is your daughter?

Cjl says, "Just fine thank you. She is beautiful."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #101 from Jlgirl: Jerry, did you actually get to meet B.T. when you played with the NY Giants?

Cjl says, "B.T.?"

Moderator presents the speaker with question #105 from Allison: How about telling us a joke right here and now Jerry?

Cjl says, "I just did a show, you sould have been there. But there are a few good jokes I can tell when nobody is around."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #107 from Allison: Jerry, is Chris as good looking as you?

Cjl says, "Not even close."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #108 from Ryan: Jerry, will you be recording a soundtrack to Damn Yankees soon?Would it include dialouge and your joke portion of "Good Old Days"?

Cjl says, "But he is tyoing, so must be kind."

Cjl says, "We have to see when we get with the writers and producers."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #110 from Allison: Chris, is Jerry as good looking as you?

Cjl says, "Not even close."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #81 from Stanley_belt: What determines the fate of the films currently not available on video?

Cjl says, "THe studios that have distribution rights. SO we have to make deals with them."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #112 from Allison: Jerry, what do you think of your web site?

Cjl says, "Its the best. Universal Internet and my son did a great job, and continue to do so."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #78 from Maree: Chris, has Jerry ever authorised a biography?

Cjl says, "Yes, he wrote "Jerry Lewis In Person" in 1983."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #64 from Maree: Don't forget to let us know when those recordings are out?

Cjl says, "We will send out an announcement."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #114 from Dianne: Mr. Lewis -- if you had chosen Baseball over your current multi-careers, what team would you have played for? L.A. Dodgers?

Cjl says, "Probably any one that would have me."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #116 from Allison: Jerry, your appearance recently on Larry King Live was great. Do you have any other TV interviews scheduled?

Cjl says, "Jerry has just walked out for a moment."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #117 from Jlgirl: Did Jerry get to meet B.T.? B.T. ---- Bill Terry

Cjl says, "He did have tea with Princess Diana on June 3rd."

Cjl says, "I will ask him when he gets back."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #74 from Jlgirl: Do you know if Jerry helped in the selection of DY cast and cities it toured in USA?

Cjl says, "Jerry just got back and sid that he remebers Bill Terry, a catcher, but he doesn't remember if he met him."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #121 from Jlgirl: Any chance of seeing the interview JL did with Tom Snyder a year ago?

Cjl says, "Yes he helped with the cast."

Cjl says, "I have to go in about 5 minutes."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #124 from Rahul: What is Jerry's favorite country to visit?

Cjl says, "France."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #123 from Dianne: Mr. Lewis -- who does your favorite Jerry Lewis impersonation? Do you appreciate all the young comics today that try to emulate you -- and those that give great credit to you for their careers?

Cjl says, "I don't know about the Tom Snyder interview."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #125 from Jlgirl: Chris, When are the projected travelling museums expected to start ?

Cjl says, "Probably Billy Crystal. And yes it is flattering."

Cjl says, "I hpe by the end of this year."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #100 from Dianne: Mr. Lewis -- I hope you always know how much your fans love and appreciate you!

Cjl says, "Thank you Dianne, and I liked your letter very much."

Cjl says, "We have ot go now, we are late for a late dinner."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #128 from Jlgirl: How do I get those nuts past customs!

Moderator presents the speaker with question #126 from Ryan: Would Jerry retire and autograph the hat he used in todays show for me??

Cjl says, "We love you all, and thank you for coming."

Cjl says, "London, signing out from the Adelphi Theater."

Moderator presents the speaker with question #129 from Rahul: I just want to say that Jerry is the *best*!! Vive la Jerry!