Second Cup Café: Christine Ebersole

Tony Winner Stars in "Grey Gardens" On Broadway

(CBS)  Actress and singer Christine Ebersole is one of Broadway's hottest stars, having earned critical acclaim and numerous awards for her performances.

Ebersole visits Second Cup Café to sing songs from her current show show, "Grey Gardens."

The Chicago native started out on Broadway, appearing in several plays and landing starring roles in revivals of "Camelot" and "Oklahoma!"

During the 1980s, Ebersol was a series regular on the daytime dramas "Ryan's Hope" and "One Life to Live." She also spent one season as part of the cast of "Saturday Night Live." She has continued to work in television through the years with guest appearances on "Ally McBeal," "Will & Grace" and many others.

Ebersole appeared on the big screen in "Tootsie," "Amadeus," "My Favorite Martian," "Richie Rich," and "My Girl 2."

But it's the theater where she has found her greatest success.

She has starred on Broadway in "Steel Magnolias," "Gore Vidal's The Best Man," and "Getting Away With Murder."

She earned a Tony nomination for her performance in "Dinner at Eight," and won for her work in "42nd Street." Last year she received a Drama Desk award, an Outer Critics Circle award, and a Drama League award for "Grey Gardens."

[newschuck]

good actor

[nancy4181]

I think Grey Gardens would be beautiful song if it didn't have the words "*******" in it. Not only once, but twice. I can't believe CBS would let the Lord's name be taken in vain on national television. Four letter words are despicable and a lot of people won't listen to them, but to take the name of the Lord in vain, is quite another thing. Christine is very pretty and talented, but this turned me against her completely.

[tntruiz]

Thank you - I feel the same about the profanity. I plan to email CBS news with my thoughts. I turned the tv off immediately and will need to think twice about watching in the future.

[corvettebeth]

Since when did it become ok to say GD on the air, on regular television?

I hope that CBS News is swamped with e-mail.
I think it's wrong to take the Lord's name in vain, and on TV, no less!

This should never have been "allowed" to happen. How sad.

[djbigmike1-2009]

Oh come on, that's how the song was written for the show, the Broadway musical Grey Gardens. She didn't just add words. Let's talk about what really matters: that amazing voice! How can anyone look and sound that good so early in the morning?? I've seen the show twice and you better believe she'll win another Tony this year. I say THANK YOU CBS for including Broadway performers on the Second Cup Cafe series.

[jennavee-2009]

I am shocked and appauled that this "lady" was allowed to take the Lord's name in vain on your show that came into my kitchen at 9:45 am this morning and my 10 year old daughter was exposed to "GD" for her first time and asked me all about it and why it would be allowed on one of our favorite channels!!!!!!!!!!! The GOd we serve doesn't have or need a last name!!!!!!!!!!!! Please air a public apology for allowing this on your station...I thougt ABC was the one that was so liberal????

Jennifer Johnson

[jennavee-2009]

I am shocked and appauled that this "lady" was allowed to take the Lord's name in vain on your show that came into my kitchen at 9:45 am this morning and my 10 year old daughter was exposed to "GD" for her first time and asked me all about it and why it would be allowed on one of our favorite channels!!!!!!!!!!! The GOd we serve doesn't have or need a last name!!!!!!!!!!!! Please air a public apology for allowing this on your station...I thougt ABC was the one that was so liberal????

Jennifer Johnson

[jennavee-2009]

I am shocked and appauled that this "lady" was allowed to take the Lord's name in vain on your show that came into my kitchen at 9:45 am this morning and my 10 year old daughter was exposed to "GD" for her first time and asked me all about it and why it would be allowed on one of our favorite channels!!!!!!!!!!! The GOd we serve doesn't have or need a last name!!!!!!!!!!!! Please air a public apology for allowing this on your station...I thougt ABC was the one that was so liberal????

Jennifer Johnson

[oleander8]

To: Nancy4181 and tntruiz...

GAWD-***! are you for real???

[jennavee-2009]

I am shocked and appauled that this "lady" was allowed to take the Lord's name in vain on your show that came into my kitchen at 9:45 am this morning and my 10 year old daughter was exposed to "GD" for her first time and asked me all about it and why it would be allowed on one of our favorite channels!!!!!!!!!!! The GOd we serve doesn't have or need a last name!!!!!!!!!!!! Please air a public apology for allowing this on your station...I thougt ABC was the one that was so liberal????

Jennifer Johnson

[tntruiz]

djbigmikeone: She absolutely had a choice to edit the song to not include GD in the lyrics. The song actually was written with even more swearing than how she sang it this morning. She toned it down some so why not tone it down even more as to not take the Lord's name in vain on a live tv show? Even in the rules of these blog posting you are not to use swear words of any king, but they allow swearing on their live broadcast?

[tntruiz]

Let's not bring the war into this, that a whole different topic.

[djbigmike1-2009]

tntruiz: of course you're entitled to your opinion, but for the record - "Around the World" was not toned down or edited in any way for this morning's broadcast. She sang the lyrics exactly as written in the script. Also, fyi: the line in question is actually a direct quote from the original documentary as spoken by real-life Jackie Kennedy relative Edie Beale.

[tntruiz]

Thank you for the correction, and yes I am entitled to my opinion as you are.

[daynavyag]

I think its appalling that you would allow this lady to come on your show and use the Lord's name in vain so many times. I'm sure there were other scenes from whatever play she was promoting that would be more appropriate for morning television. If I wanted to hear someone curse and use the Lords name in vain I'd watch Jerry Springer.

[jammcreel]

I am very upset that you would allow Christine Ebersole taking God's name in vain to air. My daughter was in the room when she first sang "GD". This is a program that our family enjoys on Saturday morning. (One of the few left suitable for viewing.) But she didn't stop there...she went on to say it twice. I felt that you should have respected your audience enough to remove her from the air after the first time. Don't know what she sang next- refused to watch it. Won't be seeing "Grey Gardens".

[newyorker33]

If the CBS brass are reading these posts, I want to echo one important thing Djmike said that's getting lost here. CBS, thank you for supporting the theater. There are so few national TV outlets where those of us across the country can actually see and hear songs and scenes from Broadway shows. Know that there's an audience that appreciates it. And for the record, I thought this morning's performance was terrific.

[fann1944]

I HAVE WATCHED SATURDEAY MORNING EARLY SHOW FOR YEARS. I WAS REALLY DISAPPOINTED TODAY. CHRISTINE EMBERSOLE'S LANUAGE IN HER SONG OFFENDED PROPABLE MILLONS TODAY. I AM A CHRISTIAN AS MOST AMERICAN AND I DO NOT BELIEVE IN USING THE LORD NAME IN VAIN.

IF YOUR NETWORK HAS TO DO THIS, TRY DOING IT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHEN CHILDREN AND NICE PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE TO LISTEN TO IT.

ANN ALTMAN

[masuebee]

I was totally appauled at the "entertainment" provided this morning by Christine Ebersole.
I do not feel that the choice of song with the language it contained was appropriate for a show that was aired during daytime hours when children were able to see/hear it.
This may be suitable for Broadway but not daytime.

[mike88511]

My Comment on Christine Ebersol. My wife and I are not happy with the songs that she was singing, To take the LORD"s name in vain not once but twice. We are Shocked that you let this lady sing that song on the air. We thank that a Apology is in order. WE thougt this was a family show.

Rev Mike Jackson

[mommaduckof2]

I am so upset with CBS for allowing such language on a saturday morning. I watch this show regularly on Saturdays because I don't want to watch cartoons. But regardless of whether little ears were listening, I was offended. The language and the way she screetched it was so offensive. I have never posted before, but felt the need to share how upset I am. Her voice is great, but I would never go to this kind of offensive show and upset that it has been allowed in my house. Shouldn't a disclaimer have been made. Where is the FCC?

[bwaybaby-2009]

I'm sorry that the lyrics in one song from GREY GARDENS has upset so many people. I got up especially to watch this shows to see it. I would just like to point out that the show deals with the strong bond of a mother and daughter, lost dreams, and family responsibility. What you saw was the ONLY reference that might be considered 'offensive" and I'm sure it was not the intension to do so. I quite honestly find some of the Victoria's Secret commercials more offensive! However, I assure you all that GREY GARDENS contains some of the best performances you will see on Broadway, and some of the most beautiful songs.

[iwm73]

According to an old George Carlin routine, there are seven words you can't say on television. "*******" isn't one of them and the FCC has no role in censoring that very mild profanity.

In fact, it's a line from the "Grey Gardens" documentary - a piece of American cultural history - that was converted to song for this musical. Don't let your religious beliefs cloud the facts.

[rmflowers65]

OMG!! I cannot believe CBS found this woman to be appropriate for morning television and family viewing!! We do not allow this type of language in our home...especailly taking the Lord's name in vain...this makes me totally ill!!! I would hope for a public apology but will never watch this morning show again. Maybe in the future you will choose your content more carefully.

[ljc756]

HAS CBS NO MORALS? I AM SO DISGUSTED WITH WHAT I HEARD ON SECOND CUP CAFE. SHAME ON YOU FOR LETTING THE LORD'S NAME BE USED IN VAIN. WE TURNED TO ANOTHER STATION IMMEDIATELY!!! AND I PERSONALLY WON'T WATCH AGAIN. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??!!(EVIDENTLY YOU WEREN'T) LEONNA IN OKLAHOMA

[sarahhowton1]

I think Christines use of Gods name in vain
during her second song was offensive and not
suitable for airtime ,especially on Saturday morning when many children are watching TV .
Ireally enjoy the show ,however I see no need for profanity to poision peoples minds. We hear enough of that daily from uncaring people.
thanks

[topekagirl]

What a treat to see Christine Ebersol this morning! I have the cd to Grey Gardens and think the songs are absolutely beautiful. I've been meaning to watch the original movie it's based on, because the whole thing sounds really compelling. Christine is one of the most talented Broadway singers ever. Does anyone remember when she was on Saturday Night Live?
Katie

[youtuber24]

BRAVO EARLY SHOW FOR HAVING BROADWAY ON THE SECOND CUP CAFE. THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PROGRAMS TO WATCH EACH WEEK, AND IT WAS ESPECIALLY GREAT TO HAVE A BROADWAY STAR FEATURED THIS TIME. WHAT A VOICE! I'VE BEEN HEARING A LOT ABOUT THIS GREY GARDENS MUSICAL AND NOW I'LL CHECK IT OUT FOR SURE. WOULD LOVE TO SEE STARS OF OTHER MUSICALS PERFORM, TOO. ALSO, I THINK NANCY AND J.B. WERE A GOOD MATCH TODAY. THANKS.

[momx6boys]

I too was shocked and offended by the show this morning. I was actually enjoying the song til she belted out the profane use of God's name. Someone suggested that this was a 'very mild' profanity. Well, I think that's a matter of opinion. To any Christian or anyone who has a strong belief in God, this is one of the most insulting profanities around. It amazes me that if when an insult is made regarding almost any other religion, the incident would make national news, but insult a Christian and everyone wants to act as though it's nothing.

[vlpc]

I would like to thank the Second Cup Cafe for the vocabulary lesson for my children this morning. and less than 10 minutes before the cartoons started. While I generally appreciate the diversity of the artist that appear on the show, I would also appreciate some sort or screening of the songs to make sure that they are appropriate for morning television especially since they are 10 minutes before the "childrens programming".

[timandkimosburn]

The airing of this kind of language between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. is illegal. Don't just email CBS to complain; file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. Check out this website for details:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/obscene.html

Then file a complaint at this website:

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cib/fcc475B.cfm

(before CBS deletes this post smirk )

[etherealprod]

'Since when did it become ok to say GD on the air, on regular television'

You don't watch much beyond the 700 Club do you dear?

[timandkimosburn]

To IWM73: George Carlin may be a really funny comedian, but he is not an expert on federal law. Here is a quote from the FCC's website:

Profane Broadcast Restrictions

The FCC has defined profanity as %u201Cincluding language so grossly offensive to members of the public who actually hear it as to amount to a nuisance.%u201D

Like indecency, profane speech is prohibited on broadcast radio and television between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Those are the FCC's words, not mine. It doesn't matter what specific word is used; if members of the public consider it profane, then for legal purposes it is profane.

It's not just a matter of religion. Many people who are not religious still teach their children not to use language that society considers to be profane. And millions of childen watch TV on Saturday morning. So allowing airing of profanity during hours which are normally "family-friendly" undermines parents' rights to keep their kids from being exposed to profanity.

[etherealprod]

'The FCC has defined profanity as %u201Cincluding language so grossly offensive to members of the public who actually hear it as to amount to a nuisance.%u201D'

And the majority of people beyond the few fundies so 'enraged' here wouldn't find it offensive. They would see it fir what it was..a marvelous performance by a wonderful performer who is destined to win the Tony this year for her performance.

Oh..and you may not want to watch the Tonys this year..as you'll probably just be offended again.

[timandkimosburn]

For your information, I am a musician and have a great appreciation for musical theater. But I am also a parent, and am responsible for what my son is exposed to. I'm not saying Christine Ebersole is not a great performer. I'm saying that, as a parent, I would appreciate it if profanity would not be broadcast on a Saturday morning while my son is watching television. Are you really so narrow-minded that you can't see this from a parent's perspective??? You accuse me of being a "fundie" (I assume you mean "Fundamentalist Christian) just because I don't want my kid learning new swear words from Saturday morning TV. I'm not some right-wing nut-job, I'm a responsible parent. Do you even have children???

[jacksonddd]

It is too bad that some people were offended, but I think this whole thing sounds like an oversight, rather than anyone deliberately setting out to offend anyone. Networks aren't looking to upset its audiences. And however serious this matter is to some people (and believe me, I don't minimze how important this is to some), in general, it seems like a grey area in terms of what's "offensive."
- RJ / Middle Ground Guy

[corvettebeth]

etherealprod:

I don't watch, and never have watched, the 700 Club, DEAR.

[mgpm-2009]

I'm no "fundie" but....it's fair game to insult God....no problem. Just don't insult Jews, Islam, Women, or gaypeople. They get angry. The Lord takes it on the chin.

[random_radar]

Why do so many people assume that if you are not a religious fundamentalist you must not have any moral values whatsoever. I am not a "fundie" and I have moral standards.

People with no moral values appear to think that no one else should have feelings, and then they are offended when they find that their behavior offends other people.

[nancy4181]

Yes, I am for real. I have never written about anything before and wasn't sure if I wanted to today. I am glad that I did, because many other people had my sentiments, exactly. "Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain" is one of The Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses. It seems to me that TV stations could respect that, especially when children also watch TV. I'm an adult and I don't like to hear it either. It shouldn't have been in the "Grey Gardens" show in the first place and then it wouldn't have been in the song. It seems that you know how to lose listeners.

[momx6boys]

Random_Radar said: Why do so many people assume that if you are not a religious fundamentalist you must not have any moral values whatsoever. I am not a "fundie" and I have moral standards."

A more pertinent question is: Why do so many people assume that if you have a moral objection to something that you're a religious fundamentalist? There are many, many people with morals who have no specific religous preference at all. And the way this discussion has people turning against those object to the language in the song has me wondering how in the world have we gotten to a place where we think there must be something wrong with anyone who has a moral compass or believes in God??

[timandkimosburn]

Hi RJ / Middle Ground Guy,

I agree, the CBS execs probably weren't sitting around last week saying, "Hmmm, how can we really tick off American parents and alienate Christians this week? I know, let's air the 'GD' word this Saturday morning!" :-) It was probably an oversight (though one would think the producers would have heard the song being practiced sometime before the show and could have at least bleeped out the profanity during the live performance, but who knows).

But like others have pointed out, it wouldn't be considered a "grey area" if she had sung a racial slur, or a derogatory remark against just about any other religion, or homosexuals, etc., no matter whether it was a historical quote from a documentary or not.

There is a double-standard in this country that promotes "tolerance" of everything under the sun, except for the God of Christianity. And anyone who speaks up against that double-standard is categorically labeled as an ignorant religious fundamentalist. Thus, the very people who claim we should all be tolerant and not judge one another, are intolerant and judgmental of people with moral values.

[iwm73]

"I'm saying that, as a parent, I would appreciate it if profanity would not be broadcast on a Saturday morning while my son is watching television."

Then perhaps you should take the initiative and monitor what you let your children watch more closely. Don't leave it up to CBS to do so.

"The FCC has defined profanity as %u201Cincluding language so grossly offensive to members of the public who actually hear it as to amount to a nuisance.%u201D

Like indecency, profane speech is prohibited on broadcast radio and television between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Those are the FCC's words, not mine. It doesn't matter what specific word is used; if members of the public consider it profane, then for legal purposes it is profane."

Not only would that not apply to the term in question under any normal application of a "community standards of decency" test (the usual test in these cases), any legal decision on the matter would also have to take the copyrighted work and the historical accuracy into question.

[evans542]

Shes playing a character in a play and thats how Edie spoke so dont blame Christine
This is taken almost directly from the 1975 documentary

I am sure kids hear much worse language on any day walking down the street

Seems there are much BIGGER issues to get so upset about

[momx6boys]

Then perhaps you should take the initiative and monitor what you let your children watch more closely. Don't leave it up to CBS to do so.

You have no clue what you're talking about. If they were watching Saturday Night Live you'd have a point, but they were watching a MORNING PROGRAM that aired ten minutes before cartoons came on!!

Why is there even an argument going on here. People disappointed in the profanity have aired their opinion here so that CBS could know how we feel. No one criticized those of you who posted that you enjoyed the program. So why the need to criticize those who were offended by the profanity?

[evans542]

This was a program for adults- not like they showed it on the cartoons
Why did nobody complain about showing the story of the man who was blown up on live TV.THAT was even more disturbing for young viewers I would guess than a Broadway musical!

[iwm73]

"No one criticized those of you who posted that you enjoyed the program."

Exactly, because there's *nothing* to criticize and it's disingenuous to state otherwise.

[pharmboi-2009]

If it weren't for all the suffering and oppression christians themselves cause, I might actually feel bad and care what they think.

[pharmboi-2009]

If it weren't for all the suffering and oppression christians themselves cause, I might actually feel bad and care what they think.

[little_edie]

The performance she gives is a beautiful, nuanced portrayal of a troubled woman. The use of "******" is purely for artistic reasons here. She hardly talks this way in real life-it is ACTING. It was part of the script, and the original source for the show, the documentary. Kids see a lot worse on TV and hear it in music.