ACADEMY AWARDS OPENING NUMBER

[willrogers2008]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 10:13am

Is it true that Baz conceived and staged it ? Any information ?

[blaxx]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 11:50am

Is "Baz" your buddy?

[jo]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 11:50am

From many accounts and speculations -

*The opening number, as written about by one of the writers ( Joel Stein of Time.com), it seems will be a combination of Hugh welcoming the audience, maybe saying a few amusing things (some jokes, maybe?), and then there is a musical portion. According to Bruce Villanch who is part of the writing team for the show, the opening number will be unusual and also musical. There was some rumor that Anne Hathaway will be singing ( and dancing?)as part of the opening number.

*The musical number to be staged by Baz Luhrmann and Broadway choreographer Rob Ashford is said to be performed midway during the show. The speculation is that this will be one of the genre tributes and will be a nod to movie musicals ( Judd Apatow was announced as doing a film short as a tribute to comedy...maybe there will be tributes, too, to other movie genres). Hugh has confirmed that he will be performing this number together with the Mamma Mia movie pair of Amanda Syfried (sp?) and Dominic Cooper and the High School Musical movie pair of Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron, both musicals being big film hits of 2008. There is a rumor that Beyonce will be joining this number ( she was reportedly doing dance rehearsals with Hugh at the Mikhail Baryshnikov Dance Center in NYC), and while Hugh did not want to disclose too much when asked about it, he did say that he is not fully denying it either. There is some speculation that the number may include a nod to classic movie musicals ( such as Top Hat)as Hugh was seen in a rehearsal video with a top hat, a baton, dancing shoes and singing " put on my top hat...".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRjPaTUD3N4

Also,Queen Latifah is supposed to be singing " I'LL BE SEEING YOU" during the memorial tribute. In an interview she did say that she was taking part in the most emotional portion of the show.

But these are all part speculations, part leaked information -- so who knows?? The producers ( Condon and Mark from the movie musical version of Dreamgirls) have said that they will be changing the format and atmosphere of the show. Thus the many speculations and buzz. Maybe, just tune in and find out?





Updated On: 2/21/09 at 11:50 AM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 12:35pm

Maybe, just tune in and find out?

Amen!

I'm sick of all these impatient freaks with no passion for the element of surprise.

The goddamn show is tomorrow night -- JUST WAIT AND SEE IT AS IT HAPPENS!

[willrogers2008]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 3:36pm

To blaxx:
Not my "buddy".Actally he is my father.Ok ?

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 4:33pm

I want to see the nude part.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 4:40pm

While the internet continues to ruin any surprises television may offer, it DOES help create a strong buzz for shows. Blessing in disguise. I say whoever wants to have the show ruined for them, let them dig for the information. Otherwise, everyone else will have the joy of surprise.