April 1975 :
Just made plans for my upcoming my high school prom, Put down a deposit for the limousine and tuxedo rental. My dream date and I were to have an evening of a lifetime. Prom at "The Sands of Lido Beach" followed by a trip to the city and a night of comedy at Dangerfield's. Then off to the beach to watch the sun rise. An evening to remember. But it was not to be. The next day my girl said she's through with me. I was dumped. Drop kicked and emotionally destroyed. No girl and no prom. Went home to suffer in silence. What better company than to put on the television and try to forget your troubles. Through my tear filled eyes I see this man on the TV screen with a gentle face with slick black hair, bulging eyes, conservatively dressed, accentuated by a cardigan sweater. Putting on tennis sneakers and feeding guppies in a fish tank giving his audience, the TV viewer a comforting smile. Our host facing the camera as if he was personally addressing each viewer. This friendly fellow was telling me how he's glad to see me and he like me for being myself. Immediately I was taken, captivated. Hanging on each re-assuring word by this person with the sincere sounding voice. I trusted him. My personal introduction into the Public Broadcasting Network's world of Mister Rogers Neighborhood hosted by Fred Rogers. A segue towards the recently viewed documentary about Fred's 30 plus years on Public television hosted by actor Michael Keaton. Keaton, who started out in show business working on the show as an extra and stage hand, narrates all the special moments throughout the hour plus documentary. The premise was to show that Fred really cared about his audience. Addressing issues without fancy language or his own political preference or religious practices. He would address his viewers slowly and respectfully dealing with issues about Love, tragedy, divorce and death in a gratifying ,heartwarming way. As the documentary moves along TV personalities would interject their feeling about Mister Rogers. Actors,the likes of John Lithgow, Whoopie Goldberg and Sarah Silverman would give their take on the show. Music was Fred's passion as he would frequently have musical quests come to his WQED Pittsburgh station and perform. Tony Bennett not only sang but drew a picture of one of the puppets in the make believe part of the program. World reknown Cellist Yo Yo Ma and his son would also perform on the show . Wynton Marsalis and his jazz quartet would also come by for a session from time to time to entertain and inspire young minds. Singer Esperanza Spalding was one such child who grew up watching Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Fred was never ever self conscious about himself. Fred would try just about anything on the show to awaken young minds as to show its alright to be curious about things and even if you fail at your attempts, keep on trying as to show there are no failures in life experiences. Fred would talk about all subjects dealing with life and would break out into song accompanied by house pianist Johnny Costa. That was part of the appeal. Other high lights of this documentary show the birth of a cat. Fred, "One on One" with a Gorilla communicating in sign language and the paramount moment for me personally is a visit from a physically handicapped boy telling Fred and our audience that despite his challenges, he is the same as any body emotionally and mentally. Very moving but I must tell you there are no "SPOILERS" in this review because the charm an appeal of Fred Rogers is a sight to behold. Fred without being flamboyant or using special effects always got his message across. Fred would even confront controversial issues pertaining on how a child could handle divorce or showing there's no shame in being adopted. Fred made every thing copacetic and easy to comprehend . That was his magic formula. Not flashy but simple or as I put it "The ROGERS touch". As for that summer evening as i watched the limousines pass by feeling as though I was missing something. Fred with his famous daily monologues got me through the tough times and made me realize having a girlfriend is nice. Being by yourself and liking yourself was more important. Fred was there at the right time for me. Yes on the surface he seems corny and sappy but there is strong substance behind his message for all to hear and yes like a good neighbor Fred Rogers was there.
