A New Kind of Reality Show: 'Word of Mouth' Debuts on LMC-TV

Although TV networks seem to be saturated with a certain kind of formulaic programming that simulates “reality,” a new show called “Word of Mouth” on LMC-TV hopes to eschew this method and provide viewers with commentary on arts, literature and movies from the local artists, musicians and authors that have a passion for them.

It was the idea of Mamaroneck as a “cultural hub,”—with the Mamaroneck Library, Emelin Theatre and LMC-TV all located near one another on Library Lane—that originally sparked Friends of the Mamaroneck Library Board President and the show’s creator, Lee Stringer to consider the possibility of collaboration between the organizations.

A staunch supporter of the arts, who also sits on the Village of Mamaroneck Arts Council and is the author of the critically acclaimed Grand Central Winter, among other books, said that the show is an effort to both promote local arts institutions/organizations and celebrate the community that supports these efforts.

“The idea is to get local citizens talking enthusiastically about arts and culture, books and the library on TV making ‘stars’ of them in the process. My thought was this is a very compelling way to up the public's interests in these things and the institutions which provide them, and that this would, in turn, create positive 'word of mouth',” he detailed in an e-mail.

“Word of Mouth” will be an amalgamation of short documentary footage of featured guests, many of whom have a connection to the arts; interviews and a guest’s review of a local art event, book, movie or other material that is available at the Library.

The show will also include commentary from Mamaroneck Library Director Susan Riley and Arts Council President Phyllis Gutterman and will be hosted by Helen Rafferty, the former president of the Library’s board.

Still in its nascent state, three pilot episodes of “Word of Mouth” will be taped on Wednesday, Jan. 9 in front of a live studio audience at the Library (the public is encouraged to attend). So far, confirmed guests will include Chris Brown, a local songwriter, singer and Journal News illustrator; Ella Chinn, a budding poetess and daughter of Steph and Mallory Chinn; visual artist, Laura Heiss; retired lawyer turned library sciences student, Ronald Glick; actor/director and former Mamaroneck High School PACE program student, Jackie Sadofsky, and recently married library enthusiast Priscilla McCarthy.

Those interested in attending the taping should arrive at the Library between 7:30-7:55 p.m. on Wednesday; no one will be admitted after taping begins.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article misspelled the name of Laura Heiss.