Profile for Alivis

teddy1996 said: "Yes. It starts off in a contemporary kansas. This will be very modern but will stay true to the original. I'm really hoping they don't mess up one of my favorite musicals."Contemporary Kansas?" -that already worries me. I remember the movie and how they messed that up with a contemporary spin.I can't get the image of Dorothy and company easing on down pass piled up garbage bags in front of the NY public library. Who's insane idea was that? Please keep the land of Oz as a fant...

After posting this message and following the thread today I went to You Tube to see what new clips from Yeston's Phantom have been uploaded. I discovered an interview with Maury Yeston himself about the creation of Phantom. There are also some well filmed clips of some of the best musical numbers performed by various companies. There is also a complete performance of the show that is filmed with a steady hand from what looks like the center front mezzanine. The problem is the sound is terribl...

Just wondering- Why is the production of Cinderella currently on Broadway nominated in the revival category of the Tony awards? I know there were three television versions starring Julie Andrews in the 50s, Leslie Ann Warren in 1965 and Brandy in 1998 but there was never a Broadway version of the musical before now. Since this is the first Broadway stage version why isn't it nominated as a new Broadway show?

Thanks MCfan2 for offering your thoughts. I vaguely remember a TV miniseries. Wasn't that a non musical version?

Who has seen Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera AND Maury Yeston's Phantom? Which do you prefer? Which do you think is the better musical version of the novel? Or IS one better than the other? Maybe your take is they're different while both have wonderful elements. I've seen both shows several times and while the Lloyd Webber version is a classic I prefer the Maury Yeston version. The score of Yeston's version is truly spectacular- some of the best music written for the theater ever! ...

I've noticed in more shows recently (Jekyl & Hyde,Spring Awakening)that the performers are wearing mikes on their cheeks. I started going to the theater in the late 60's and although shows were miked you never saw them. Mikes were hidden in wigs or bosoms or somewhere in the costume. What is the thinking behind this new trend? To me it's very distracting and not necessary.

PIPPIN is a classic as far as score goes. Every song is wonderful and what can top Bob Fosse's innovative staging? I saw the original Bway production several times and wish it would be revived. The Papermill Playhouse did a production a few years ago which (in my opinion) was TERRIBLE. All of Bob Fosse's staging was gone and the actor playing the Lead Player paled in comparison to Ben Vereen. Godspell's score is also a favorite of mine. Absolutely beautiful!

I like the 1992 revival with Nathan Lane and company. Interesting also is the 1976 all black cast recording starring Robert Guillaume.(sp?)Ken Page's rendition of "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat" is not to be missed.

Was that a misprint? Don't they mean Patti LaBelle? I know she has joined the cast of Fela.

Here's another one: Pippin. Not the revamped version that was done at Paper Mill Playhouse(which was AWFUL-IMOHP) a few years ago but- a recreation of the original including the Bob Fosse staging and choreography. AND how about another staging of Crazy for You-that wonderful Gershwin musical?

I would love to see revivals of The Wiz, Seesaw, Mame and how about a new production of Hello Dolly starring (don't laugh) Queen Latifah? Whenever I see her I think about seeing Pearl Bailey as Dolly-my first Bway show- back in 1969 when I was just a kid. Oh, one more thing: How about a first time Bway production of Yeston & Kopit's Phantom? If that's not possible why not a televised PBS Great Performances production?