|
WHO, ME? NERVOUS?
Xpress film critic Billy Norris was cool as a cucumber while talking with David Letterman during his appearance on the Late Show. Getting ready for his national television debut was another story.
By BILLY NORRIS
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 22, 2002
Editor's note:
"You're kidding me, right?"
That was Billy Norris' reaction to the news that the Late Show With David Letterman wanted him to come to New York to talk about his job as film critic for the St. Petersburg Times Xpress section. But Billy, pro that he is, kept his cool and sailed through the interview, attracting the attention of Good Morning America and CNN (both of which booked him for interviews the next day), radio stations around the country and of course, local media.
That's not to say butterflies didn't flutter big time as he was getting ready to go onstage at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Nothing quite like this had ever happened to the 14-year-old Seminole Middle School eighth-grader and former X-Team member.
Here is a journal of his experience, in photographs and Billy's own thoughts.
 |
| [Photos by John Filo/CBS] |
"Just relax." Easy for you to say
Late Show producer Maria Pope briefs me with last-minute details in the make-up room. What's up with that heavy jacket indoors? My dad, Bill, who is 47, and my mom, Sandy, 46, at left, are just a little bit proud. Talent coordinator Celia Converse, at right, helps keep me calm.
* * *
Okay, let's not get carried away here!
Make-up artist Michele O'Callaghan dusts my chin. Gosh, I hope no one finds out about this.
* * *
Oh my gosh, whatever you do, don't trip!
Brrrr! It's like a meat locker in here. Where can I get one of those jackets the producer was bundled up in? I'm not nervous. No, not me, I never get nervous. Wow, I'm really nervous! Maybe it's not too late to disappear behind saxophonist Bruce Kapler and just play my bass guitar with the CBS Orchestra.
* * *
Whoa! It just sunk in . . .
. . . who I'm talking to, where I am, what I'm doing! David Letterman! New York City! The Late Show! Actually, I'm describing my reaction to the prospect of being Xpress film critic.
* * *
"If my picture makes it into the paper, will you send me a copy?"
That's what Biff Henderson, Late Show stage manager, asked when he stopped by the green room to meet me (and my relatives). Could he be any nicer?
* * *
What are you pointing at? My make-up?
I think I could fit right in with these guys: Bassist Will Lee, left, with the pink hair; Paul Shaffer, band leader/keyboardist/Dave's sidekick, at right, and trombonist Tom "Bones" Malone, in back. A band can always use another bass guitarist, right?
* * *
Finally, my turn in the big chair
Now that everyone is gone, I'd like to introduce you to tonight's guest on the Late Show With Billy Norris, my 16-year-old cousin, Jason "Spike" Osman, who lives in New York and joined the family cheering section in the green room.
Here's the rest of today's Xpress
|
