The cover of a 1960 comedy album showed Orson Bean holding a "Fir Tree" (made from rolled-up newspaper) which started the search. While in the Los Angeles, California area, I learned that Orson Bean had an interest in magic and even belonged to the Academy of Magical Arts.
In a fortunate turn of events, The Magic Word Podcast was able to visit the home of legendary actor and comedian, Orson Bean, and his lovely wife (and talented actor in her own right), Alley Mills. What started out as a search into Orson's background and interest in magic led to a fascinating discussion through time and television history.
Orson and Alley were also putting the final touches on their new one act play, "Alright Then" that is "a true story of two people who fell in love and overcame insurmountable odds to forge a successful marriage." Their intent was to take it to the Mark Twain Library in Redding, CT (which they did this past July) then return to Los Angeles and present it there. During this podcast, Orson and Alley present a snippet from the play.
During our conversation, we start with magic but the real magic unfolds as we hear remarkable stories about Hollywood legends such as Johnny Carson, Ernie Kovacs, Bob Hope and so many, many more. Alley Mills also chats about her work on "The Wonder Years" TV show and the friendships that bonded the cast for life. Towards the end of this recording, Orson and Alley presented (and rehearsed) a bit of their new play "Alright Then"
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