Bruce Springsteen - special Tony Award disgust- Page 3

[Moderator]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 10:41am

Hello all,

Its probably time to get this thread re-focused to discuss Bruce Springsteen and the special Tony Award that he received. For the most part the religious discussion has been respectful, and we appreciate that, but it probably doesn't fit in this thread. So, if you would like to continue this discussion, it is probably best to do so in an Off-Topic thread. Otherwise, let's try to get the thread back on The Boss. Thanks. 

[Huss417]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 10:51am

Not a religious statement but AMEN! Thanks Moderator. :)

 

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 11:00am

I'm not a huge fan of his taking up prime real estate for I think it'll be over a year once he's done? But otherwise, I'm a fan of anyone who can pump tourist dollars into the area. Yes, he'll get a lion's share of the grosses, but imagine the merchandise, concessions, and outside the theatre into parking, hotels, bars and restaurants. And a lot of those people will likely to see a second or third show while they're into town. So there's tens of millions he'll have pumped into the local economy, and I'm all for that.

[Armie3]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 11:13am

If it's true that the theatre staff are getting paid for eight shows a week, that's great. Bruce does not deserve the plaudits though if he has jacked up the prices disproportionately to pay for it - the staff have the ticketbuyers to thank instead. It's their $$$. How many millions can one guy need? I would love to know the justification for the high ticket prices. Supply and demand does not cut it. He could easily have lower prices and a strict ID policy to stamp out touts - if he is not even paying rent...this is obscene.

[Babe_Williams]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 11:45am

Not bothering with this one. 

Updated On: 6/18/18 at 11:45 AM

[10086sunset]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 11:45am

I'll say this for qolbinau, he's consistent...

[Impossible2]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 11:50am

Armie3 said: "If it's true that the theatre staff are getting paid for eight shows a week, that's great. Bruce does not deserve the plaudits though if he has jacked up the prices disproportionately to pay for it - the staff have the ticketbuyers to thank instead. It's their $$$. How many millions can one guy need? I would love to know the justification for the high ticket prices. Supply and demand does not cut it. He could easily have lower prices and a strict ID policy to stamp out touts - if he is not even paying rent...this is obscene."

I doubt he like most artists has any idea what the promoter is charging for tickets.

He would just tell them how much money he wants and they do the rest.

Who's to know how much he receives from each ticket sold as apposed to say the greedy AF promoter.

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 11:54am

I bet most of the people here complaining about his special Tony did not actually see his show. I also bet it was a much more genuine, heartfelt, and ultimately satisfying theatre experience than some of the scraping at the bottom of the barrel the nominating committee had to do this year. All of this complaining is sort of showing how out-of-touch theatre has become with the mainstream. If it's not a project done in a certain "accepted" way that people think of as "Broadway" then it does not deserve attention or respect.

 

Jonathan Cohen said: "Unless something has changed from their original deal, Springsteen is not paying rent on theWalter Kerr Theatre. The deal that was struck is he can play therefor free, the alternative was the theater remaining closed because of Amelie's unexpected flop, and Jujamcyn keeps all of the concession sales.

Which makes the high ticket prices for Springsteen on Broadway that much more offensive. Other than his wife appearing for a couple of songs, Springsteen is doing a one man show meaning low overhead, but despite his working man persona, most tickets are between $300-$800. (I paid $800 for a pair of tickets which is no one's fault but my own, but it's still greedy. Both things can be true.)

Having seen the full show, I thought the self indulgent endless intro to My Hometown was the most irritating part the entire night, and have no idea why they used it on the Tonys.

All of that said,Bruce Springsteen's show was still better than manyof the shows that were nominated, and as he was given a Tony out of competition, his award is not taking one away from anyone else. He wasn't even the only person to receive a special Tony for a one man show this year,John Leguizamo did too.

"

The only thing I disagree with your post is Amelie being an "unexpected" flop. I think a lot of people expected that. Otherwise, great post.

The reason why Springsteen was even in consideration for a Special Tony was because people kept bitching about shows like Contact and other shows not properly being musicals. Then the Tonys created a special category for them called Special Theatrical Event, and then there weren't enough shows to have a competitive category. And now we have this weird inconsistent thing where one-man/woman shows or events may or may not be eligible for Best Actor/Actress or are eligible but are given special Tonys anyway.

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 12:05pm

Now he just needs to write a song for a TV show, and get that EGOT.

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 12:07pm

haterobics said: "Now he just needs to write a song for a TV show, and get that EGOT."

Or film Springsteen on Broadway for television.

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 12:09pm

Even easier!

[binau]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 3:08pm

I guess the major point of contention RE: Bruce is how special it really was as an event. It was certainly special in terms of commercial success. But is it really special for a performer to be singing his same songs telling the same stories in what just happened to be a Broadway venue?

In comparison (and it's not JUST about Bernadette, I'm sure there could be other equally or more special events to refer to)..I just think about Bernadette Peters in Hello, Dolly! At 70 years old Bernadette Peters is one of the few golden age performers still active - she made her Broadway debut in the 50s! She starred in the original production of Mack & Mabel almost 50 years ago by the creators of Hello, Dolly! - Herman and Michael Stewart. She is Sondheim's most premier interpreter and been at the forefront of some of the most important musicals in Broadway history. She has made her mark on Broadway in a way that only a few performers have been able to make before or since. When she walks down those stairs every night it's not just some guy who has opened up shop on Broadway for the first time - but it's celebrating decades of history and innovation in the Broadway theater. And given the small theatre Bruce is in and low number of performances he has given, I'm pretty sure Bernadette has been seen by almost hundreds of thousands more people if my math is correct. Yes - Bernadette is even doing a traditional 8 show per week schedule in two acts at age 70!

I don't understand how some guy setting up shop for the first time to sing some of his old songs and tell his old stories is as 'special' as the example above. One is a true celebration of an amazing career that changed the face of Broadway. One is a concert.

Updated On: 6/18/18 at 03:08 PM

[Cat Guy]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 3:45pm

Bernadette Peters has won awards.  Good for her!!!

Bruce Springsteen has won awards.  Good for him!!!

What's the beef?

[geoffreyC]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 4:04pm

We seem to be harboring a bit of resentment against Mr. Springsteen.  One wonders what in the world could trigger such an outburst.  What in the world.  

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 4:23pm

geoffreyC said: "We seem to be harboring a bit of resentment against Mr. Springsteen. One wonders what in the world could trigger such an outburst. What in the world."

I assume Bernie Sanders doesn't like The Boss.

[Jonathan Cohen]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 4:28pm

givesmevoice said: "geoffreyC said: "We seem to be harboring a bit of resentment against Mr. Springsteen. One wonders what in the world could trigger such an outburst. What in the world."

I assume Bernie Sanders doesn't like The Boss."

Sanders actually Tweeted a Springsteen quote 3 years ago: https://twitter.com/sensanders/status/597138223559651328?lang=en

 

 

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 4:31pm

Jonathan Cohen said: "givesmevoice said: "geoffreyC said: "We seem to be harboring a bit of resentment against Mr. Springsteen. One wonders what in the world could trigger such an outburst. What in the world."

I assume Bernie Sanders doesn't like The Boss."

Sanders actually Tweeted a Springsteen quote 3 years ago:https://twitter.com/sensanders/status/597138223559651328?lang=en"

A lot can change in three years.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 4:35pm

I don't understand how some guy setting up shop for the first time to sing some of his old songs and tell his old stories is as 'special' as the example above. One is a true celebration of an amazing career that changed the face of Broadway. One is a concert.

Then don't go.  Problem solved. 

[JSquared2]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 4:52pm

qolbinau said: "I guess the major point of contention RE: Bruce is how special it really was as an event. It was certainly special in terms of commercial success. But is it really special for a performer to be singing his same songs telling the same stories in what just happened to be a Broadway venue?

I don't understand how some guy setting up shop for the first time to sing some of his old songs and tell his old stories is as 'special' as the example above. One is a true celebration of an amazing career that changed the face of Broadway. One is a concert."

 

So by your own "logic", how is what Mr. Springsteen is doing (setting up shop for the first time to sing some old songs and tell old stories) any different than what Elaine Stritch did in AT LIBERTY, or Liza Minnelli in her several Broadway concerts? Or Patti Lupone? Or Mandy Patinkin? Or Hugh Jackman?

 

Updated On: 6/18/18 at 04:52 PM

[JBC3]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 5:00pm

qolbinau said: "I guess the major point of contention RE: Bruce is how special it really was as an event. It was certainly special in terms of commercial success. But is it really special for a performer to be singing his same songs telling the same stories in what just happened to be a Broadway venue?

In comparison (and it's not JUST about Bernadette, I'm sure there could be other equally or more special events to refer to)..I just think about Bernadette Peters in Hello, Dolly! At 70 years old Bernadette Peters is one of the few golden age performers still active - she made her Broadway debut in the 50s! She starred in the original production of Mack & Mabel almost 50 years ago by the creators of Hello, Dolly! - Herman and Michael Stewart. She is Sondheim's most premier interpreter and been at the forefront of some of the most important musicals in Broadway history. She has made her mark on Broadway in a way that only a few performers have been able to make before or since. When she walks down those stairs every night it's not just some guy who has opened up shop on Broadway for the first time - but it's celebrating decades of history and innovation in the Broadway theater. And given the small theatre Bruce is in and low number of performances he has given, I'm pretty sure Bernadette has been seen by almost hundreds of thousands more people if my math is correct. Yes - Bernadette is even doing a traditional 8 show per week schedule in two acts at age 70!

I don't understand how some guy setting up shop for the first time to sing some of his old songs and tell his old stories is as 'special' as the example above. One is a true celebration of an amazing career that changed the face of Broadway. One is a concert."

You say it is not about Bernadette but then you go on and on and on and on building a case for Bernadette Time to give it a rest or get a new angle, particular considering the nature of the TONY given to Springsteen.

[Andy51]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 5:07pm

JSquared2 said: "qolbinau said: "I guess the major point of contention RE: Bruce is how special it really was as an event. It was certainly special in terms of commercial success. But is it really special for a performer to be singing his same songs telling the same stories in what just happened to be a Broadway venue?

I don't understand how some guy setting up shop for the first time to sing some of his old songs and tell his old stories is as 'special' as the example above. One is a true celebration of an amazing career that changed the face of Broadway. One is a concert."



So by your own "logic", how is what Mr. Springsteen is doing (setting up shop for the first time to sing some old songs and tellold stories)any different than what Elaine Stritch did in AT LIBERTY, or Liza Minnelli in her several Broadway concerts?Or Patti Lupone? Or Mandy Patinkin? Or Hugh Jackman?

On the other hand, how is what Mr. Springsteen is doing different than what many musicians (who weave narrative, social and political commentary, and the like into their shows) do in concert halls and bar dives on a regular basis throughout the city?  I have never heard anyone describe what they do as "theatre," nor call for their being considered for Obie, Critics Circle, or Drama Desk awards.   What arguably distinguishes the cases you cite is that those individuals are actors who are employing the actor's craft in their shows, whereas Springsteen is not.

 

[binau]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 5:14pm

JSquared2 said: "qolbinau said: "I guess the major point of contention RE: Bruce is how special it really was as an event. It was certainly special in terms of commercial success. But is it really special for a performer to be singing his same songs telling the same stories in what just happened to be a Broadway venue?

I don't understand how some guy setting up shop for the first time to sing some of his old songs and tell his old stories is as 'special' as the example above. One is a true celebration of an amazing career that changed the face of Broadway. One is a concert."



So by your own "logic", how is what Mr. Springsteen is doing (setting up shop for the first time to sing some old songs and tellold stories)any different than what Elaine Stritch did in AT LIBERTY, or Liza Minnelli in her several Broadway concerts?Or Patti Lupone? Or Mandy Patinkin? Or Hugh Jackman?

"

There is indeed a big difference between Bruce Springsteen singing in concert vs Broadway stars singing Broadway songs in Broadway theatres. Call me when Bruce is belting out Ladies Who Lunch, Rose’s Turn or Cabaret. 

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 5:30pm

qolbinau said: "JSquared2 said: "qolbinau said: "I guess the major point of contention RE: Bruce is how special it really was as an event. It was certainly special in terms of commercial success. But is it really special for a performer to be singing his same songs telling the same stories in what just happened to be a Broadway venue?

I don't understand how some guy setting up shop for the first time to sing some of his old songs and tell his old stories is as 'special' as the example above. One is a true celebration of an amazing career that changed the face of Broadway. One is a concert."



So by your own "logic", how is what Mr. Springsteen is doing (setting up shop for the first time to sing some old songs and tellold stories)any different than what Elaine Stritch did in AT LIBERTY, or Liza Minnelli in her several Broadway concerts?Or Patti Lupone? Or Mandy Patinkin? Or Hugh Jackman?

"

There is indeed a big difference between Bruce Springsteen singing in concert vsBroadway stars singing Broadway songs in Broadway theatres. Call me when Bruce is belting out Ladies Who Lunch, Rose’s Turn or Cabaret."

So basically we should all stick to our own kind?

[Andy51]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 5:35pm

So basically we should all stick to our own kind?"

Absolutely not.  But it is perfectly sensible to maintain distinctions between different art forms and restrict giving Tonys to people who are clearly involved in theatre.

[binau]

Posted: 6/18/18 at 5:40pm

Maybe it’s cynical but does anyone think it’s a coincidence that by winning a special Tony Award Bruce happened to get more TV time and a performance that some executives would be hoping could convince people that wouldn’t normally tune in to the Tonys to tune in? The special tony award could have purely been a marketing exercise for the Tonys. And to be honest it’s a good strategy for that outcome and makes more sense than giving it to Bernadette, who might attract about 2 viewers.

Updated On: 6/18/18 at 05:40 PM