Thank you for reminding everyone of the purpose of last night's benefit. There is nothing "lowly" about you as an audience member-- you were an integral part of supporting the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative.
Sutton was supposed to sing "Shower the People" with Beth Leavel, but it didn't happen (even though it was listed in the Playbill). No Julia either.
SeanMartin, someone asked Tony Bennett if he ever gets sick of singing "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," and he said that he will NEVER tire of singing that song because that is the song that first endeared him to millions of grateful listeners...and vice-versa. In fact, he ends EVERY concert he does with that song.
Given the recent success of the DREAMGIRLS movie, I think it's rather exhilarating for people to actually see the person who created the role and first delivered the song perform it live. I don't see why anyone should be critical of someone who is trying to PLEASE others. Quite admirable, in fact.
(Norn, I didn't realize it until this afternoon either!!)
"Be on your guard! Jerks on the loose!"
http://www.roches.com/television/ss83kod.html
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"If any relationship involves a flow chart, get out of it...FAST!"
I wasn't going to post any thoughts about DAME at all but I hate it when people here and on ATC say things like "wish the person hadn't been so harsh" etc...if anything, the poster on ATC was being kind. With very few exceptions, it was practically unwatchable and for what they charge for tickets, there's no excuse to present something which came off more like a talent show at a high school. DAME is usually one of the better benefits of the year, WHAT happened? Sorry that's "harsh" but true. We also couldn't believe or hide our disappointment over how many of the scheduled performers bailed at the last minute.
I am from out of town so I have never been to a benefit. Are there certain professional expectations or is it hit or miss? Should people have lower expectations since it is a benefit for charity? Thanks for clarifying.
I don't think that people should ever have to lower their expectations for any type of performance. I do think, however, that with something like this benenfit one has to take into account that performers are DONATING their time and energy. That's not to say that they shouldn't care or that they should be allowed to deliver medocrity. It just means that sometimes other circumstances arise (such as another opportunity or even health issues) that may cause a performer to cancel. I think these factors may have affected "...Dame" this year, causing many late additions/changes. Given all of this, and the reason for the benefit in the first place, I applaud everyone involved.