The Partridge Papers: December 2006

My Christmas Card To You
Words and Music by Tony Romeo

To you and all your family, your neighbors and your friends
May all your days be happy with a joy that never ends
May peace and love surround you
At Christmas time and all the whole year through

I'm looking out my window at the softly falling snow
That dances in the early morning light
I got my guitar right before me, strummin' a beautiful sound
Watching it a-comin' down, all around
On the fields and the farms and the road to town

And I'm thinkin' up a letter that I'm writin' in my head
A Christmas card to all the folks I love
Instead of lettin' the postman bring it,
I decided I'd rather sing it Especially for you, for you

To you and all your family, your neighbors and your friends
May all your days be happy with a joy that never ends
May peace and love surround you

At Christmas time and all the whole year through

May your life be filled with sunshine, may your every wish come true
May you find the sweet fulfillment in everything you do
May your days be blessed with the very very best
Both now and the whole year through
It says so in my Christmas card to

You and all your family, your neighbors and your friends
May all your days be happy with a joy that never ends
May peace and love surround you
At Christmas time and all the whole year through
At Christmas time and all the whole year through

See you next year!!

Partridges Fly The Coup On The i Network

The i Network has announced its January programming schedule, and it looks like The Monkees and The Partridge Family have been removed from their Friday night lineup in order to air ION Health Episodes. As viewers know, The i Network hasn't had the most stable of schedules, as programming is quite often preempted. So, remember that this is subject to change. If and when they do another scheduling flip flop, we'll let you know.

Cassidys and Shirley Jones Set For Sondheim Benefit Concert

Patrick, David and Shaun Cassidy at a 1996 S.T.A.G.E. performance

From Playbill.com:

By Side By Side By Side By Side by Stephen Sondheim is the lengthy title of the 23rd Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.), which will be held March 10 at 8 PM and March 11 at 3 PM at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills .

David Galligan will direct the concerts, which will celebrate the work of Tony Award-winning composer Stephen Sondheim. Gerald Sternbach will be the musical director for the two performances.

A star-studded cast is currently being assembled for the Sondheim fest. Already committed to appear are Shaun, Patrick and David Cassidy and Academy Award winner Shirley Jones. Additional names will be announced shortly.

Composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim has written a plethora of critically acclaimed, award-winning musicals, including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, Merrily We Roll Along, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George and Passion. He also contributed lyrics to West Side Story and Gypsy, and his newest musical, Bounce, played Chicago and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His revised productions of The Frogs and Pacific Overtures were on Broadway stages in 2004, and the Roundabout's staging of Assassins won five Tonys, including one for Best Revival of a Musical. Last season featured an acclaimed revival of Sweeney Todd directed by John Doyle; this season includes Doyle's revival of Company. Sondheim was also celebrated at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in summer 2002 with all-star stagings of six of his musicals — Company, Sweeney, Merrily, Night Music, Sunday and Passion.

The first S.T.A.G.E. benefit took place in October 1984, honoring the music of Leonard Bernstein. Subsequent presentations have paid tribute to Stephen Sondheim (1985, 1987, 1996), Jule Styne (1988), Jerry Herman (1989), John Kander and Fred Ebb (1990), Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein (1991), Irving Berlin (1992), George and Ira Gershwin (1993), Harold Arlen (1995), Cole Porter (1997), Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe and Burton Lane (1998), Richard Adler, Jerry Bock and Cy Coleman (1999), Charles Strouse, Arthur Schwartz and Stephen Schwartz (2000), Jerome Kern (2001), Johnny Mercer (2002), Frank Loesser (2003), Andrew Lloyd Webber (2004), Marvin Hamlisch and Harry Warren (2005) and Betty Comden and Adolph Green (2006).

The S.T.A.G.E. concerts are the longest continuously running AIDS benefit in the world. Proceeds from this year's event will go to AIDS Project Los Angeles.

The Wilshire Theatre is located in Beverly Hills, CA, at 8440 Wilshire Blvd.

Shirley Jones Featured on Dick Van Dyke DVD

Before he became a star from his performances in Bye Bye Birdie, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as well as on his own popular sitcom, Dick Van Dyke honed his comedy chops on television panel and variety shows.

This revelatory and highly entertaining collection of vintage performances -- many not seen since the 1950s -- showcase a comic legend in the making.

"In Rare Form" features classic monologue, pantomime and song & dance routines from the 1958-59 season of THE PAT BOONE CHEVY SHOWROOM. In those days, singer-actor Pat Boone would present fresh new talent to the nation's TV viewers… and he returns to repeat the feat in brand-new introductions made exclusively for this collection.

Highlights include some of Dick's most hilarious and beloved routines: "Babysitting Father", "Mailing A Letter On A Windy Corner", "Daddy's Little Girls", "The Pet Cat", "Sneaking In" and "The Tennis Champ" as well as song performances with Pat Boone and Shirley Jones.

MPI has announced "Dick Van Dyke: In Rare Form" a collection of footage from The Pat Boone-Chevy Showroom. The single disc, featuring 100 minutes of footage, will be released on March 27, 2007 with a suggested price of $14.98. The set also includes:

* Brand new introductions by Pat Boone
* 2 Bonus performances
* Episode of the rare 1959 panel show “Laugh Line” hosted by Dick Van Dyke

Archive Of American Television Interviews

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation's Archive of American Television has now made many of it's over 475 exclusive interviews available on Google Video. We've been showcasing Bob Claver's four-part interview over the past few weeks. We also got word that Shirley Jones's interview will be uploaded sometime next year. The site is a fascinating look at the history of television, told by the pioneers that created it. It's definitely worth perusing through their interviews. The are quite entertaining! You can get there by clicking here. Enjoy!

Part 3: TV Academy Interview With Bob Claver

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation conducts detailed interviews with various members of the television community. Occasionally, they make them available for online viewers. Recently, they made available a four-part interview with Bob Claver, Executive Producer of The Partridge Family.

In Part Three, Bob Claver talks about the end of "The Partridge Family," and working on such shows as ""Mork and Mindy," and more.

To view Part Three -- which runs 28 minutes, click here. Or, to read our exclusive interview with Bob Claver, visit the People and Places section of the website. Part Four of the TV Academy's interview will follow next week.

The Partridge Family Toy Box

Each week we feature a different Partridge Family/David Cassidy collectible!

This week, it's a rare find -- the original poster prop used in the first season episode, "My Son The Feminist." In the episode, Keith commits the family to play for a Woman's Lib rally at the request of a girl he's dating. This poster was created by the Screen Gems Prop Department for use in the episode, to advertise the Partridge Family's concert in the park! Only three poster props were known to have survived after all these years.

Photo Of The Week

This week's photo features Shirley Jones backstage at the Royale Theater in New York as she visits David Cassidy after a performance of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 1983. Shirley is wearing the "Dreamcoat" costume, which David just auctioned off through Julien's Auctions for $1,900.00, with the proceeds going towards Equestrian Care.

Video Clip Of The Week

As we near Christmas 2006, this week's video clip features a montage of holiday-themed images set to The Partridge Family's original Christmas song, "My Christmas Card To You." Written by Tony Romeo, the song can be found on their fourth LP "A Partridge Family Christmas Card," available now on CD. Enjoy!

Did You Know?

The cast of "Shirley."

In 1979 Shirley Jones starred in the NBC-TV series, "Shirley." The hour-long comedy-drama featured Shirley as a widow (again!!) who moves her family from New York City to Lake Tahoe after the death of her husband. The series also starred Patrick Wayne (son of John Wayne), Peter Barton ("The Powers of Mathew Starr," "Burke's Law," "Young and the Restless," "Sunset Beach"), Rosanna Arquette ("Desperately Seeking Susan," "The L Word," "What About Brian?"), Bret Shryer, Tracey Gold ("Growing Pains"), and Cynthia Eilbacher (who co-starred with Shaun Cassidy in "The Hardy Boys.")

The series, filmed at Universal Studios using the old "Munsters" façade, only lasted 3 months and was cancelled in January 1980.

Birdwatching: Highlights Through 12/31

The Partridge Family -- 12/22/06 / The i Network
- "This Is My Song" Danny's songwriting hints of plagiarism. Song: "To Be Lovers." 30 minutes.

The Partridge Family -- 12/29/06 / The i Network
- "My Son, the Feminist" Fem lib hits the Partridges. Song; "I Think I Love You." With Jane Actman, Leonard Stone, Fran Ryan, Sari Price. 30 minutes.

Monarch Cove -- Lifetime Television
The series has ended it's first season. Check Lifetime's website for scheduled repeats.

Breaking Bonaduce -- 12/22/06 / VH-1
"Prescription Strength" (2006) Danny attempts to manage his bi-polar episodes. 30 minutes.

Check local listings for times and channels in your area.

For more TV Highlights featuring the cast of The Partridge Family, visit the Birdwatching section on the website's Bulletin Board.

Happy Birthday, Dave Madden!

Today, December 17th is Dave Madden's birthday!
We'd like to send our very best wishes
to our favorite TV funny man!
Thanks for all the laughs and enjoyment
you've provided over the years!

A Partridge Christmas Photo Album

The cast mugs for the camera!

David and his stand-in, Jan, take a break from filming the second season Christmas-themed episode, "Don't Bring Your Guns To Town, Santa."

A Partridge Family Christmas Card: More Singles

The single on the left is from New Zealand, and features "My Christmas Card To You," an original tune penned by Tony Romeo, with the classic "White Christmas as the B side. On the right, "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" was released in Portugal.

The single on the left is from Germany, and contains "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells." The single on the right is from the UK, and has three tracks: "White Christmas" backed with "Winter Wonderland," and "Brown Eyes," from their third LP, "Sound Magazine.

Holland released this single (left) of "White Christmas"/"Winter Wonderland." Thanks to Daryl for identifying it's origin!

Do you have a single from A Partridge Family Christmas Card that's not featured here? If so, send us a scan (.jpeg preferred) and we'll add it to the mix!

Happy Birthday, Susan Dey!

Today, December 10th is Susan Dey's birthday!
Happy Birthday, Susan -- with best wishes for many, many more!

From all of your fans at www.cmongethappy.com!

A Partridge Family Christmas Card: The Singles

Bell Records didn't release any 45 RPM singles from A Partridge Family Christmas Card in the United States. However, that wasn't the case internationally. Japan, England, Spain and Australia all had Christmas singles released. The above two picture sleeves are from Japan. The photo on the left has "Jingle Bells" backed with "White Christmas." (Notice they're still using photos with Jeremy Gelbwaks, who by now had left the show.) The photo on the right is an extended play single, with four tracks: "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" backed with "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree." Lyrics for the four songs are printed on the back of the picture sleeve.

Here's another single from Japan -- courtesy of Wendy in the UK! "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" is backed with "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town." Thanks, Wendy!

More to follow!

Christmas Greetings From Sheriff Swell!

M-e-r-r-r-r-r-y C-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s!

More David Cassidy Auction Highlights

A few weeks ago Julien's Auctions announced a live and online auction of multiple items from the unprecedented career of David Cassidy, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Thoroughbred Charities of America.

We thought it would be fun to highlight a few items up for auction! This first item is an original color print on cardboard used as an insert for David Cassidy's third solo Bell Records LP, "Dreams Are Nothing More Than Wishes." Titled "Pals," it features a nude girl and a dog seated on a dock. Julien's is estimating it will go for $500.00 - $700.00.

Another item up for auction is a pair of overalls worn by David during c

oncert performances in 1974. The custom pair of dark blue polyester overalls is embellished with custom embroidery featuring a ram, parrot and alligator with rhinestone accents. The auction comes complete with two photos of David wearing this costume during an Australian concert, and a ticket stub from the performance. Julien's is expecting this to sell between $800.00 - $1,200.00.

The auction items will be available for bidding online at www.juliensauctions.com and the auction will conclude live at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA December 16th, 2006. Highlights from this auction will be at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA (December 11th - December 15th).

Danny Bonaduce on "Dr. Phil" Friday, 12/8/06

Danny Bonaduce and his wife Gretchen will appear on "Dr. Phil," this Friday -- December 8, 2006 in an episode titled "Out-of-Control Husbands."

From Dr. Phil's website:

A marriage vow says, “’Til death do us part.” But what if your husband’s behavior is so outrageous, you fear he’ll end up in an early grave? Dr. Phil’s first guest, Danny Bonaduce, was a child star on the ’70s hit show The Partridge Family, but now he’s infamous for his bad behavior. Danny has been arrested for drug possession, has been in rehab three times and has cheated on his wife, Gretchen. The couple showcases their struggle with his addictions on the VH1 show Breaking Bonaduce. Danny says he’s finally sober, but Gretchen says she can’t stop being suspicious of his every move. Is it too soon for her to trust him?

Dr Phil is syndicated, so check your local listings for time and channel in your area.

PART 2: TV Academy Interview With Bob Claver

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation conducts detailed interviews with various members of the television community. Occasionally, they make them available for online viewers. Recently, they made available a four-part interview with Bob Claver, Executive Producer of The Partridge Family.

In Part Two, Bob Claver talks about working on such shows as "Occasional Wife," "Here Come The Brides," "The Partridge Family," "Getting Together," and more.

To view Part Two -- which runs 28 minutes, click here. Or, to read our exclusive interview with Bob Claver, visit the People and Places section of the website. Part Three of the TV Academy's interview will follow next week.