1776's Sara Porkalob Brutally Honest Vulture Article - Page 6

[Chase Miller]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 7:47am

Is it possible that this controversy might help ticket sales? 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 8:59am

Chase Miller said: "Is it possible that this controversy might help ticket sales?"

Nope. I highly doubt the average theatergoer is even aware of this story.

[leefowler]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 9:24am

"Chase Miller said: "Is it possible that this controversy might help ticket sales?"
Nope. I highly doubt the average theatergoer is even aware of this story."

I doubt it will help in the long run, but I had a group of friends who went last night simply because of the article.

[BJR]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 9:34am

The two things I find remarkable:

1) This wasn't a profile of her, it was an interview to promote the show, likely arranged by the show's publicist, She took an opportunity she had not earned alone to place herself above everyone she works with.

2) She did not lift anyone else up. Find the point where she name drops other artists in the show or broader community worthy of praise. None. It's all about her.

A disgrace,

[GoSmileLaughCryClap]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 10:11am

This will have ramifications on the producing side of the business. I can see entire production staffs - and not just limited to performers having to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement at the time of hire. My husband and I have both had to sign them at various times in our careers. For Broadway it would be appropriate if it is given the formal name ‘Porkalob Agreement.’

I also see productions having to hire larger publicist staffs, with all performer interviews being monitored by a producer representative. If a generation of actors are going to start talking to the press the way they do to their psychiatrists then producers need to get a formal grip on their assets.

And for those finding this person’s behavior less than objectionable, keep in mind that millions of dollars have been spent on this production of 1776, and some of that money is being used to pay Porkalob.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 11:05am

Page deleted the “SADH” part of his Facebook post, lol.

A few cast members have “liked” it too…backstage has gotta be an interesting environment right now…

Updated On: 10/16/22 at 11:05 AM

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 12:18pm

Reading her comments on the Vulture article is....WOW. The "Sarshad" account is absolutely her, and I don't know why she continues to wade into this. The comments she's making now are absurd and so entitled (including that her 75% is better than a "regular" performer's 100%.). Any sympathy or understanding I had for her in this situation has flown out the window. She is absolutely imploding. She won't get that Tony nomination now and likely won't work in NYC, at least for a long time (and does she not understand the same people who work in commercial Broadway theater also work Off-Broadway, in non-profits, in regional theaters...such a truly bizarre course of action).

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 12:39pm

Can anyone clarify what SADH stands for? I tried to find in it previous pages but may have missed it. 

[Chase Miller]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 12:44pm

I doubt it will help in the long run, but I had a group of friends who went last night simply because of the article."

I have friends getting tickets because of the article as well. That’s why I asked. 

[leefowler]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 1:09pm

The spectacle of "woke" people savagely attacking each other is not without its pleasures.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 1:10pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "Can anyone clarify what SADH stands for? I tried to find in it previous pages but may have missed it."

I couldn't find anything through Google, but I'm assuming it means, um, "go orally pleasure a man, strumpet." He was right to delete it. I agree with everything else he wrote, but that was pretty problematic.

[joevitus]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 2:07pm

BJR said: "The two things I find remarkable:

1) This wasn't a profile of her, it was an interview to promote the show, likely arranged by the show's publicist, She took an opportunity she had not earned alone to place herself above everyone she works with.

2) She did not lift anyone else up. Find the point where she name drops other artists in the show or broader community worthy of praise. None. It's all about her.
 
A disgrace,"

I mean, they doesn't name-drop, but they do say "My favorite thing in the whole process is my cast. So the social aspect and the salary aspect are fulfilling." They're saying they admire the cast they're working with. One could say "my cast" is a bit pejorative, as if they are in charge of the cast or the cast belongs to them. Usually, one would say "my fellow cast members" or something like that.

I do think it's amusing that they put down 1776 as a relic for, essentially, for being written by, as they say, "two white dudes," then go on to praise Hair, which was written by...two white dudes.

More than anything, though, they just sound young to me, which may be why I find little that they say upsetting. They're passionate, and like a lot of passionate people, they seem to see themselves as absolutely right, what they are opposing as absolutely wrong. There's a strong imperative that the world as it stands must be corrected, and they're tilting their lance at those windmills with full force. But, you know, I did that in my 20's (and had radically unfair responses to works of art that didn't align with my own outlook and preferences). I don't think it's that uncommon a condition in one's youth.

Whether they have now doomed themself in the theatrical community, or at least the New York theatrical community, or not, I don't know. I kinda wish people weren't piling on so hard in the comments section of that article or on Porkalob's social media account. Someone here has said they are posting responses under another name under the article. I really can't blame them if they are. I mean, they're being attacked, and justly or unjustly, basically anyone's response when attacked is to attack back.

Sure, it would be better for them to be honest about it, or just withdraw from the conversation, but what do you know, people are imperfect (the very message of 1776, as it happens). To me, that level of hostility  they are facing is the downside of the internet. And please don't take that to be my saying people don't have a right to respond or share their point of view. They do. I just wish it didn't have to be so overwhelming or intense.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 2:49pm

Talk about entitled millennial crap - They clearly are so self absorbed and lacking in any sense of community by not lifting up other Creatives.

 

 

[fosterfan2]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 3:06pm

She makes Patti LuPone look like a meek little kitten. And I say this as a longtime Patti fan.

[cleverer]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 3:31pm

I have no interest in delving into whether or not I agree with what Sara has said, or whether they should have said it—everything that can be addressed there has already been addressed and my opinion is moot—but what leaves me speechless is the response from Jeffrey Page. Broadway seems to have latched itself so hard onto being a "community," it forgets at the end of the day that it is an industry and a workplace. If this were any other workplace and someone was insubordinate or disparaged the company, you would look for ways to have them terminated or reprimanded through officially documented channels. In absolutely no situation would/should a workplace superior respond to that situation by publicly calling said employee a "trick," a "h**," or "rotten to the core," and telling them to "SAD." That's a harassment lawsuit, or at least the threat of one, waiting to happen. What in the world has gotten into theater folk that makes them think that's normal business behavior?

All I can say is the PR team for 1776 must be having a goddamn field day. What an embarrasment.

Updated On: 10/16/22 at 03:31 PM

[binau]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 3:54pm

I am literally stunned reading the following QA. These do not sound like someone who really grasps the reality and difficulty of what it means to have a career in professional arts or Broadway theatre. I don't think 'ungrateful' is the word I'd use, more just completely removed from reality (which I think is why the Director's 'Matrix' comment is apt). Unless this person ends up being the next Lady Gaga or something, these comments will haunt the rest of their career (however it lands). 

And I can't help but wonder if the Editor of the article is 'in' on the joke, kind of like exploiting vulnerable people who do reality TV shows. I guess they don't owe anyone anything and their words and their own, but is there a point where you need to put a stop to the article to protect the person from themselves? 

Can someone also please get Sara Porkalob a ticket for "Merrily We Roll Along" at NYTW? I genuinely think she will learn a thing or two or ten from the show, both right now and in time.

------

What do you hope you get out of being in 1776 on Broadway?
A Tony nomination, good reviews, and a smart, personable, hard-working agency that’s ready to rep me. Also, I guess more Instagram followers and more community here in New York. I don’t want just a career. I could make a career just being in commercial Broadway musicals.

You could.
I could. I guess the money would be fine.

The money would be better!
It would be better! But I don’t want that to be my life.

Updated On: 10/16/22 at 03:54 PM

[joevitus]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 4:48pm

binau said: "I am literally stunned reading the following QA. These do not sound like someone who really grasps the reality and difficulty of what it means to have a career in professional arts or Broadway theatre. I don't think 'ungrateful' is the word I'd use, more just completely removed from reality (which I think is why the Director's 'Matrix' comment is apt). Unless this person ends up being the next Lady Gaga or something, these comments will haunt the rest of their career (however it lands).

And I can't help but wonder if the Editor of the article is 'in' on the joke, kind of like exploiting vulnerable people who do reality TV shows. I guess they don't owe anyone anything and their words and their own, but is there a point where you need to put a stop to the article to protect the person from themselves?

Can someone also please getSara Porkalob a ticket for "Merrily We Roll Along" at NYTW? I genuinely think she will learn a thing or two or ten from the show, both right now and in time.

------

What do you hope you get out of being in1776on Broadway?
A Tony nomination, good reviews, and a smart, personable, hard-working agency that’s ready to rep me. Also, I guess more Instagram followers and more community here in New York. I don’t want just a career. I could make a career just being in commercial Broadway musicals.

You could.
I could. I guess the money would be fine.

The money would be better!
It would be better! But I don’t want that to be my life."

I don't know if you're familiar with the Seattle fringe theater scene (I know impassioned theater fans who still mourn the loss of the Fringe Festival), but there is a whole genuinely rich theater community of playwrights and actors and technicians in that city who has no interest in a career or reputation beyond Seattle, or even in what would normally be called "professional" theater.

I think, even though she's obviously eager to develop a New York-based career and win awards, she still basically operating out of that mentality. There may even be a struggle going on in her mind about whether, in doing this show and trying to cultivate a New York career, she's selling out. This may be intentional self-sabotage. 

[bear88]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 4:57pm

cleverer said: "I have no interest in delving into whether or not I agree with what Sara has said, or whether they should have said it—everything that can be addressed there has already been addressed and my opinion is moot—but what leaves me speechless is the response from Jeffrey Page. Broadway seems to have latched itself so hard onto being a "community," it forgets at the end of the day that it is an industry and a workplace. If this were any other workplace and someone was insubordinate or disparaged the company, you would look for ways to have them terminated or reprimanded through officially documented channels. In absolutely no situation would/should a workplace superior respond to that situation by publicly calling said employee a "trick," a "h**," or "rotten to the core," and telling them to "SAD." That's a harassment lawsuit, or at least the threat of one, waiting to happen. What in the world has gotten into theater folk that makes them think that's normal business behavior?

All I can say is the PR team for 1776 must be having a goddamn field day. What an embarrasment."

If the SADH reference means what we have all guessed it means, and I had no idea at first, this now goes beyond a PR problem for the show but a legal one. Page is Porkalob’s boss, after all.

 

Updated On: 10/16/22 at 04:57 PM

[felixleiter]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 5:30pm

If Porkalob was on the bubble or about to be fired for violating a non-disbaragement (different from the now verboten non-disclosure agreements) agreement, that has now been certainly put on the backburner due to  the unprofessional "SADH" post from the AD of the production.  

Suffice it to say that all is not well in 18th century Philadelphia, and based on this public behavior, it hasn't been well for a while.

What a mess.  

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 5:52pm

Page’s Facebook post has now either been deleted or hidden from public view. I’m guessing entirely deleted. 

Updated On: 10/16/22 at 05:52 PM

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 6:24pm

Strange that he deleted the post. Legally, I imagine he was safe since he didn’t mention her by name. However, they are definitely not going to fire her now since his post could theoretically be used in court if she were to file a wrongful termination lawsuit or something like that. I’m assuming that the tour after the Broadway run is a separate contract and that she simply won’t be offered one, which is basically being fired.

I have to say though, the supportive comments she is getting elsewhere on the internet really shock me. The things she said in her interview were most definitely not “dismantling white supremacy” and all the other nonsense she is now spouting about herself. The fact that a large number of people think this kind of behavior is admirable says a lot about where our society is right now.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 6:30pm

I've seen people on twitter saying that if you don't agree with what she said and when and how she said it, you are racist and misogynistic, among other things. This is the problem with places like twitter - there is no room for nuanced conversation. I'm sure her critiques were accurate (I haven't seen the show) and that she is an amazing performer. But anyone in any career talking like that publicly about their current employer is unprofessional and should assume they could be fired. If I posted something like that on Facebook for everyone to see, I would expect a meeting with HR the next day. I even have no issue with the 75% comment. You can't speak that poorly about your boss and/or company and think people should laud you for it.

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 6:32pm

This whole masquerading-on-the-Vulture-comments-section really is a sociopathic level of trying to keep the house of cards from falling. I wonder if there’s something there waiting to be diagnosed. 

Updated On: 10/16/22 at 06:32 PM

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 6:41pm

Just close the show already.

[bk]

Posted: 10/16/22 at 6:53pm

cleverer said: "I have no interest in delving into whether or not I agree with what Sara has said, or whether they should have said it—everything that can be addressed there has already been addressed and my opinion is moot—but what leaves me speechless is the response from Jeffrey Page. Broadway seems to have latched itself so hard onto being a "community," it forgets at the end of the day that it is an industry and a workplace. If this were any other workplace and someone was insubordinate or disparaged the company, you would look for ways to have them terminated or reprimanded through officially documented channels. In absolutely no situation would/should a workplace superior respond to that situation by publicly calling said employee a "trick," a "h**," or "rotten to the core," and telling them to "SAD." That's a harassment lawsuit, or at least the threat of one, waiting to happen. What in the world has gotten into theater folk that makes them think that's normal business behavior?

All I can say is the PR team for 1776 must be having a goddamn field day. What an embarrasment."

I hope you're not a lawyer. And it's bad for Mr. Page to say it but it's okay for her to call anyone who disagrees with her BS a hoe? Have I got that right? I thought Mr. Page had every right to post what he did - I mean, if this person in the Vulture article had the right to spew her manure, why is it an issue for Mr. Page to spew his? 

Updated On: 10/16/22 at 06:53 PM