One could say that Joe Cristalli tweeted into existence his position as co-showrunner and executive producer of the upcoming sitcom “Frasier.”
Ten years ago, Cristalli, a fledgling TV writer and “Frasier” superfan, created a Twitter account where she posted “random jokes” about the sitcom and character created by Kelsey Grammer in “Cheers” and “Frasier.”
“It was pointless and received little attention.” “At its peak, I believe I had around 3,000 followers,” he reminisced in a recent interview.
Cristalli utilized the ten-year hiatus of ‘Frasier’ as ‘an outlet to practise writing because I was such a huge fan and I just adored the style of joke-telling; therefore, I would work on it’.
Cristalli learned a few years later that Grammer harbored intentions of revitalizing the character. Grammer’s team received a prototype script and examples from his “Frasier”-focused Twitter feed via his agent’s direction. Together with “How I Met Your Mother” writer Chris Harris, he was ultimately recruited as co-showrunner of a new “Frasier” series that will premiere on Paramount+ on October 12.
‘Frasier’ Returns To TV But You Don’t Need To Be A Superfan Of The Original To Laugh At Its Jokes.
Grammer reprises his role as the eminent psychiatrist in “Frasier” while he is returning to Boston. Frasier recognizes the importance of prioritizing his relationship with his adult son, Freddy, who is currently employed as a firefighter. This is similar to how the character initially intended to establish a connection with his retired police officer father, portrayed by John Mahoney, in the original film. Anew, he commences an academic profession as a professor at Harvard.
According to Harris, writing for the character is an enjoyable challenge because “flowery language comes to mind when you think of Frasier Crane speaking.” Time constraints prevent the use of Frasier-speak in every queue. Harris stated, “We reserve those moments for specific occasions.”
Additionally, they intelligently and sparingly reference the original series, an act of restraint that Cristalli claims Harris assisted him in comprehending.
“I inserted a precise allusion to an episode from the fourth season of Frasier, and I recall Chris whispering, ‘Do you think we ought to include jokes that will make everyone laugh?'”
“While there are references and analogies to the previous program, we make every effort to avoid doing so shamelessly,” Cristalli explained. “We will not simply incorporate a Jack Russell or a recliner into the arrangement, as if our intention were to do so elegantly and subtly.” Therefore, please manage to catch them; however, our entire discussion does not hinge on those jokes. Although I adore (the references), Chris has a very valid point. “We want this show to appeal to audiences other than myself.”
‘Frasier’ Returns To TV But You Don’t Need To Be A Superfan Of The Original To Laugh At Its Jokes.
In that it is a multi-cam comedy recorded in front of a live audience, the program is a relic. Today, most comedies are shot with a single camera and without an audience.
Harris expresses optimism regarding the show’s potential success and its ability to revitalize the multi-cam format.
Harris stated, “I can say that nothing feels more like show business than a tape night.” “One experiences a sense of working without a net, wherein they are essentially exposing their entire body of work and creative endeavours for evaluation by others.” “Until you receive that immediate response, you won’t know something works, but that response is phenomenal.”
James Burrows, a renowned sitcom director (“Taxi,” “Friends,” “Will & Grace“) and former collaborator of Grammer on “Cheers” and “Frasier,” has agreed to oversee the production of two episodes.
“It’s such a relief that he wasn’t required to perform the show,” Cristalli exclaimed. “He was not obligated to assist.” However, during the audition, he read the scripts, pitched jokes, and legitimately laughed and enjoyed himself. “However, that simply made everyone more at ease, given how much pressure there is to bring back something of this caliber.”
Andrew Keith as David, Frasier’s nephew and the son of Niles and Daphne, and Jack Cutmore-Scott as Freddy were among the newcomers on “Frasier” who heeded Burrows’ counsel.
“I tell them that Kelsey is at a 50% level during rehearsals.” His level of performance in front of an audience is one hundred percent; if you’re not at that level, you risk being completely astounded.’ I used to inform guest stars on ‘Cheers’ precisely that… “Time is being marked during rehearsal.” “You will be eliminated from the audience if you do not perform at their level when they enter the stage and begin to laugh.”
Cristalli stated that Grammer transforms gradually into the character.
“On the first day of rehearsal, he will be dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, and everyone will be like, ‘Hold on. That is not the case. Who is that individual? Frasier is not present.’ His attire changes from longer trousers the following day to a blazer the following day. “And suddenly, I thought, ‘Oh, wait a second, I see him now,'” Cristalli exclaimed. “The contrast between Frasier and Kelsey Grammer is crystal clear, but he fits into those shoes extremely effortlessly, and it’s a seamless transition.”
Composers and father-son tandem Bruce and Jason Miller were enlisted to revise the original “Tossed Salads & Scrambled Eggs” for the show’s theme. Bruce Miller originally composed the “Frasier” theme. Grammer sings this version as well.
Initially, the composers created a “hipper” rendition “that had energy and motion,” according to Bruce Miller. Grammer listened and suggested that the sound symbolized the character’s advancing age and his current pursuit of tranquility. They returned with a smaller ensemble, which the audience will hear.
While this ‘Frasier’ does feature a bar, it is not the bar that became infamous in ‘Cheers’. Its moniker, Mahoney’s, is an ode to the 2018-deceased John Mahoney. This set conveys the contrast between the Martin character and his sons, just as the Martin character was distinct from them. It is designed to serve as a gathering place for academics and firefighters.
“It is an older pub, one that one might encounter in the Cambridge vicinity,” described the set director, Glenda Rovello.
Burrows stated, ‘There is a touching line in which Frasier is in Mahoney’s and says, ‘I may have spent too much time in a particular pub.’ I made certain the boys retained that line because it was a magnificent tribute.’
SOURCE – (AP)
