BROADWAY SECRETS: Wherein we confess our controversial opinions- Page 18

[valeposh]

Posted: 4/23/15 at 1:01pm

"Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one sick and tired of Hamilton, and Lin-Manuel, always on social media about what famous people saw the show that night. We're happy for you, but for god's sakes, we get it. Stop rubbing our faces into it with these daily selfies like this is some special party we'll never get invited to, at least until July.
On a related note, if the Public really cared about new audiences getting to see that show back before it was officially Broadway-bound, they'd offer more than a few seats a show to the lottery/rush kids, instead of letting half the house be held by the producers to give or sell to their A-list friends, or Broadway folks with an in with the cast."

 

I adore Lin-Manuel, but I kinda feel the same way, especially for the part about the Public holding so many tickets for VIP people. It always happens, but in this case it particularly annoys me.

[kdogg36]

Posted: 4/24/15 at 1:39pm

I'm hoping the nature of this thread makes it a "safe space" of sorts, so here goes:

I strongly disliked the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" at the beginning of On The Town. I know this was part of the original production, and I recognize that it was probably quite appropriate then. However, given what the U.S. government is doing now, I have come to despise the particular strain of nationalism that's been developing in recent years. In 2015, the beginning of this show felt like an attempt to coerce participation in a nationalistic movement that I hate. It put me on an adversarial footing with this production literally from the first note. (I resisted the coercion and remained in my seat.)

[Broadwaywest]

Posted: 4/24/15 at 1:55pm

Alright here we go.

-I can't stand The King and I, although I find some of the music beautiful, the show is a chore to sit through

-I prefer the stage production to the film version of The Sound of Music.

-I prefer Lea Michele's or Lillia White's version of "Don't Rain On My Parade" then Miss Streisand.

- I really enjoyed the broadway version of Little Shop of Horrors.

- I liked Young Frankenstein over The Producers. In fact, I really was not a fan of The Producers

- I thought one of Sutton Fosters best role's when is in Shrek. Proved she was a terrific comedian. Hell, I really enjoyed Shrek.

- I think Beauty and Beast is the worst broadway show I ever saw. Love the film though.

- I enjoy watching "Sunday in the Park with George" as oppose to listening to the soundtrack.

 

[theatregoer3]

Posted: 4/24/15 at 2:25pm

"Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one sick and tired of Hamilton, and Lin-Manuel, always on social media about what famous people saw the show that night. We're happy for you, but for god's sakes, we get it. Stop rubbing our faces into it with these daily selfies like this is some special party we'll never get invited to, at least until July. 
On a related note, if the Public really cared about new audiences getting to see that show back before it was officially Broadway-bound, they'd offer more than a few seats a show to the lottery/rush kids, instead of letting half the house be held by the producers to give or sell to their A-list friends, or Broadway folks with an in with the cast."

I adore Lin-Manuel, but I kinda feel the same way, especially for the part about the Public holding so many tickets for VIP people. It always happens, but in this case it particularly annoys me.

 

I also agree here. I feel like this is going against what the Public was established to do. I don't feel like the public is getting to see this but Madonna certainly scored a ticket.

[Broadwayhunk]

Posted: 4/24/15 at 4:27pm

Would you care to elaborate on "what the U.S. government is doing" that has caused you to take such a stand?

[kdogg36]

Posted: 4/24/15 at 5:13pm

So as not to take this thread totally off the rails, I've responded to you by private message. I'd be happy to do the same for other board members.

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 9:18am

Kdogg36: I haven't seen "On the Town" (I've wanted to; just haven't been able to fit it in). Your post is the first time I've heard about the national anthem being sung. I think my reaction would have been similar to yours, and would have been even more acute prior to, oh, say, late 2008. I don't say this to open any political discussion on these boards and I won't engage in one. I just thought you described your concerns well and wanted to offer you that support. 

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 10:45am

I actually love the singing of the National Anthem, but not because of "Nationalism". When I saw "On the Town" I was seated next to this couple who were talking up a storm and I sensed that they weren't going to shut up until after the show had started. I've been to so many shows where it takes the audience a long time to settle, they'll talk away during overtures or the first several minutes of shows to finish conversations(It only happens on Broadway, DC audiences are amazing and I have never seen it happen here). I was really worried because I know the show starts with no overture, just the amazing sounds of  "I Feel Like I'm Not Out of Bed Yet" and I didn't want it ruined by jabbing. The Star Spangled Banner started, everyone rose and started singing along, including the two next to me. It ended and everyone sat and waited for the first notes including the two who were yacking at each other. They were now vested in the show and Philip Boykin, who led the Anthem as he walked into place on stage, could start the show with a completely silent and focused audience. Perfect! I wish all shows could get an audiences attention so effectively.

Updated On: 4/25/15 at 10:45 AM

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 11:56am

Every year, the Public presents two productions stuffed with world class actors and production values and gives away the vast majority of tickets for free- what other major theatre company in this city does that? Is it frustrating that they hold some seats? Sure, but they're a non-profit, and every single major non-profit in the city has to do that, so it's not really fair to single them out. And it's not like there wasn't plenty of opportunity to get a ticket for Hamilton a few months ago. 

 

As for Lin-Manuel's social media presence, just don't follow him if it irritates you so much. 

[skies]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 12:05pm

" Perfect! I wish all shows could get an audiences attention so effectively."

I think using the National Anthem as a way to get people to shut up is a bit of a stretch.

 

[romain2]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 12:34pm

OK, here goes:

--despite the endless parade of musicals based on movies (some, like Once, have been good), this has been the most exciting time for Broadway in years with producers taking chances with shows (mostly plays) that wouldn't have made it to/on Broadway in the '80s and '90s. 

that said:

--the scene with the actors dressed as farm animals in the most recent revival of Pippin almost killed an otherwise great show.  It took me a long time to get back into the show's spirit because it was such an inane touch.    

--the Broadway revival of La Cage Aux Folles with Kelsey Grammer felt like tourist trap theatre.  Seriously when they brought out the beach balls and knocked them into the audience?  I couldn't believe it and asked myself "why did I trick myself into thinking I'd enjoy a show based on a movie I never really liked, and a revival of a show I never liked in the first place?"  It was all so desperate.

--Kieran Culkin should be the Featured Actor in a Play front runner for This Is Our Youth.   It's a supporting performance, and he knocks it out of the park.

--the fact that Urinetown stopped its run when the Henry Miller theatre closed in 2004 is incredibly sad.  Like Avenue Q, the show should have transferred to an off-Broadway house and should still be running today. 

--the Under Attack number in Mamma Mia! is imaginative and fun, one of the best stagings number of a musical number I have ever seen.  (confession:  saw the show in Vegas not on Broadway).  No, I'm not crazy.

--instead of going gaga over Smash and Glee, fans of NYC theatre really should be obsessing over The Good Wife, which is a treasure trove of stage actors killing it on the small screen.  Just check out the show's IMDB page, scroll down the cast list and see what I mean.  As a Chicagoan, I do laugh at the show's attempts to give us a contemporary Chicago (the Steppenwolf spoof in one episode was particularly bad--more a spoof of War Horse than anything that would actually play at Steppenwolf).

 

Updated On: 4/25/15 at 12:34 PM

[romain2]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 12:50pm

I totally understand what you're saying, but I'm as leftie as they come, and I liked the National Anthem being played at On the Town.  It was meant to take you back to 1944.  However, I consider it a rather subversive touch because our 3 main characters aren't these saintly larger than life American mythological military heroes but rather 3 average horndog guys hoping to get lucky the night they are on leave.  On that level, people with more patriotic leanings could argue that having it played could be considered tasteless.  Whatever, I have never been at a show that had it played before, so I found it a unique touch.  I don't think it will start a trend, and people can sit it out if they want to...

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 4/26/15 at 1:40am

*I agree about The King and I.  It does have some truly beautiful music and it's a classic show.  But I hope it doesn't take many awards this time around.  Been there, done that.  Especially when you have two other revivals that are absolutely outstanding.

*I think Mamma Mia, Kinky Boots and Book of Mormon are highly overrated.

*Bullets Over Broadway (from last season) and Finding Neverland (this season) are highly underrated.

*As for the National Anthem at OTT…well, if they did that during the original production it makes sense.  A nice throwback.  And considering that was back when this country was more patriotic than it is now, it probably was richly received.  I don't see this country as being like that anymore though so I don't think anyone has to worry about remaining seated during the NA if they choose to do that, and I don't think you'll get much pushback on here about doing so.  Personally I will continue to stand in memory of those who lost their lives. I don't always agree with the choices our country makes, and it's possible some of those men and women who lost their lives didn't always agree with what our country was doing either. But someone needs to remember their sacrifice, especially in light of the fact they lost their lives so we could remain seated during the NA if we so choose.  That's my take on it.

 

 

 

[Phillypinto]

Posted: 4/26/15 at 1:49am

Extraordinary in the Pippin Revival was soo creative and HILARIOUS!! The chickens were AMAZING!! 

[kdogg36]

Posted: 4/26/15 at 1:53pm

I want to thank everyone for their varied - but invariably polite! - responses to my "confession."

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 4/26/15 at 2:17pm

I never understood the appeal of Ethel Merman. Her recording of Annie Get Your Gun, for example, is godawful. When she sings "I Got Lost in His Arms", she shows no sense of tenderness or vulnerability. She belted out every song in the same way, without any sort of feeling for the lyrics. 

[Drewski Vanderbilt]

Posted: 4/26/15 at 5:57pm

Here are my Broadway confessions...

I Think Love Never Dies is an amazing show and it show come to broadway (even if it doesn't last it still deserves a chance!)

I love Miss Saigon and I want a revival.

Bonnie & Clyde Deserved to stay open longer.

Phantom is a good musical, but when i saw it in October 2014 the backround dancers in Hannibal seemed to not care about the show, throughout the whole show the all had looks on their faces like they didn't care and they didn't want to be there. (Norm Lewis was an Amazing Phantom and I loved his performance)

Besides Phantom and Love Never Dies, I hate ALW's musicals.

Chicago is an amazing show.

The Les Miserables movie is sometimes overrated and the fan base for the movie can get annoying (one social media account is dedicated to movie Enjolras and movie Grantarie having a gay relationship, What the heck!?!?!?! Why???)

I don't get why there is such a dedicated and devoted fanbase to rent.

The CABARET movie w/ Liza Minnelli is crap, it's nothing like the musical and I hate it.

Also the 2004 Phantom movie is crap.

Into The Woods gets old, very fast.

Mamma Mia is stupid.

The Stage Versions of The Sound Of Music are better then the movie (don't get me wrong I love the movie but the songs like How Can Love Survive and An Ordinary Couple, are missing from the movie and are very good)

Peter Pan Live sucks.

Though Wicked deserves all the love and fanbases, sometimes its fanbase can get a little annoying.

with that being said ^ I hate Frozen and It should not be coming to broadway. Mulan deserves to get to the great white way first.

I hate rude audiences and though i do like to sometimes watch old shows that were closed (via Videotapes) i hate people taking videos and using phones during shows.

 I hate when people eat food and drink beverages during show, Its distractings and besides water, everything else is annoying...

and one last thing... I HATE LATECOMMERS!!!! it takes away from the final performance of Cabaret when people are shuffled through to the table next to you during Alan Cummings Final Performance of Willkommen. they take a long ass time to sit down and they are annoying, *swearing alert* the show starts at a certain F*CKing time, get there on time its not that ****ing hard to make a 2:00 Show, me and my father walked from 37th street to ****ing 54th street and we still made it with 30 minutes to spare! how can you be late its idiodic.

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 4/26/15 at 11:37pm

I also have never seen what's so great about Merman.  I get that she originated a lot of fantastic roles and she deserves some credit for that, but her voice is loud and flat and emotionless.  Maybe you had to be there.

I actually love the orchestrations of the most recent A Little Night Music revival.  I heard a lot of bad things about it, but I loved its elegant sound that made me feel like I was sitting in a music box.  The production itself was not my favorite though.

John Doyle's direction of Sweeney was enchanting and gave me chills.  I can't wait to she what he's done with The Visit and it's wonderful score.

[Fantod]

Posted: 4/27/15 at 12:40am

Title change, because some of these responses are ridiculous.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 4/27/15 at 12:52am

"Title change, because some of these responses are ridiculous."

 I have to disagree. I wouldn't call most of these ridiculous, but rather controversial or unpopular... which is why this thread was created...

it seems you're the only one to have an issue 18 pages in. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/27/15 at 10:56am

No, he's not the only one.  Very few of these, if any,  are "controversial" at all.  Most of them are not even uncommon.

[Charley Kringas Inc]

Posted: 4/30/15 at 3:43pm

The 1974 Candide is the best (possible) version of the show, and, conversely, the massive three-hour full version is a bloated slog, even in an opera-house setting. Yes, a lot of the cut songs are fun, but they're also better suited to a generalized Bernstein revue concert. The '74 version keeps everything essential, cuts everything that doesn't move the plot, and is fast enough that it doesn't get boring before it's over.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/30/15 at 3:58pm

Latecomers don't bother me.  Sh*t happens.  If it's never happened to you, count your blessings, but it doesn't make you a better person.

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 4/30/15 at 4:36pm

I really loved ALW's THE BEAUTIFUL GAME.

[jemjeb2]

Posted: 5/1/15 at 11:31am

""- FOLLIES sucks

-Sweeney Todd isnt really good."

Actually, that IS the popular opinion--- among the actual theatregoing public, that is.

It's only that small coterie of entrenched elitist snobs-- the ones, unfortunately, who get to set the media agenda --- who believe otherwise.

"

 You're well informed apparently, but when was this extensive poll of "actual theatregoing public" taken?

Updated On: 5/1/15 at 11:31 AM