A friend of a friend posted the following when the second wave of allegations against Franken broke. It seemed incredibly apt to me at the time, and wanted to put forth to this crowd here.... Especially in light of this thread:
"A good theatre group is like a good D/s relationship. The boundaries are clearly outlined, everyone should be having fun, and the moment it stops being fun for someone, everything stops. Everyone talks about why they were uncomfortable and either reaffirms or renegotiates the previous boundaries."
The biggest problem with Broadway, it is a very close knit industry. Actors are pressured not to report it, as they will risk never being cast on Broadway. Once you get the reputation of being a trouble maker, producers, directors, and casting directors will avoid casting the actor for a variety of different reasons.
Just wanted to pop in and say that Telsey being pulled from Carousel and Hello, Dolly didn't have anything to do with Huff's firing. Rudin fired Telsey last week over something else.
And as far as I’ve heard, only directors, choreographers, and some casting people are likely to be named in this looming Times piece. I’ve heard nothing about actors or writers, or other creatives.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Aristotle was never a playwright; he was a critic. Perhaps the poster who made the list above was thinking of Aeschylus. The latter is usually linked with Sophocles and Euripides.
(ETA Thanks to Pal Joey for giving me the "A" playwright I actually meant in a later post (and ever so graciously as PJ didn't even call me out by name). Aristophanes wrote comedies; Aeschylus is the "father of tragedy".)
Reminder here as we've removed several messages this morning...
While we absolutely condemn any form of sexual misconduct in the theatre community, anonymous personal attacks are against the rules of the boards.
Speculation and naming those that you 'think' might be included in future reporting on this issue is not appropriate for this public forum - both for your own libel protection and to ensure that no one is named that hasn't been thoroughly investigated.
If you do have information on these important issues, please PM me and we can put you in touch with one of the journalists who is investigating the allegations.
Thanks, Rob, These will be difficult times for Broadway. It would be a good moment for the message board to take a collective step back, let justice--and the new way of exercising justice--take their course. We might all consider taking a deep breath and trying not to become a chorus of Madame Defarges, cackling with glee at the misfortunes--and misdeeds--of others. (Something I admit I may have done once or twice in the past.)
These are serious allegations with serious consequences, and what happens in the next few days and weeks will change the way the business is conducted, the way the business has been conducted since Aeschylus first asked the boys auditioning for the chorus to give him their best eight dithyrambs.
As somebody who ran away rather than submit to the intense pressure to "trade" for career progression, there is no way I am excusing the conduct.
But for heaven's sake, it's been around forever- there's even jokes about it in '42nd Street'!
Surely nobody can pretend they don't know that there are those in positions of power in the entertainment industry who obtain sexual favours on the promise of the work they can offer?
I'm afraid any star who claims to be shocked and horrified at the revelations now is just a flat out liar. Like the director of the Royal Court in London said, "We all knew. We ALL knew."
There’s no way to know for sure. Based on the fallout from other cases, this has become something that at the very least will put a career on ice for the immediate future.
If the reactions to Telsey are any indication (and note, the Telsey situation is not simply one person. It is an institutional issue that goes beyond Justin Huff), there will be firings. Whether the fires will be replaced or the projects put on hiatus is impossible to determine right now.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
I have to say, I hate Donald Trump. I think anyone who voted for him is either stupid, greedy, or has been deceived (the most generous option). That is my opinion, and I know this isn’t a political board so we need not litigate here. BUT... with that said I think we have him to thank personally for this moment in history. I really truly believe it’s because of his sexual allegations going totally ignored by his supporters and him assuming the presidency anyway that people hit a breaking point. All of this energy to snuff out sexual misconduct, I believe, is consciously or subconsciously directed at the President. So maybe some good can come from his election after all. But we should brace ourselves because Broadway has a really big problem on its hands and it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
bwayboy22 said: "How do we think these accusations will affect the Broadway bound shows that the accused are currently working on?"
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
I'd love to know where all the insider info is coming from? When the NYT article finally does drop, I have a feeling I won't be surprised. Been visiting these boards for a long time...now I have a good reason to post something valid. I have been at the receiving end of countless "attempts" by people who work a ton and get tons of respect and accolades. I also made choices NEVER to work with them again...and yes, didn't care if it affected my career. Sadly, that is the stance I felt comfortable taking because I have seen over and over that "retreating" was the best antidote. Though I knew I was not alone, I felt alone because of the "show must go on" attitude, to say the least. These people in power, these abusers, were never held responsible. On some occasions it was laughed off. Another occasion: a USELESS stage manager told me to go shake it off. Yes, I will be speaking to those I feel can help me. And guess what, AEA...can't count on them AT ALL!
A friend was just wondering aloud to me today about when a story involving Levine would break. It's been quite the open secret in the opera world; this is even more upsetting as it involves underage boys.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
"Met officials acknowledged they had been aware of the police report since last year, but they decided to begin an investigation after media inquiries about Mr. Levine’s behavior." Not a great look.