#26
Posted: 10/10/05 at 4:08pm
It's a sit-down, not a tour. The tour will launch later in the year.
Chicago production of Spelling Bee? — Page 2
#27
Posted: 10/10/05 at 4:46pm
HURRAH!!! YAY for Chicago! Now we'll be know as more that just "the other Wicked town" Not that I don't love Wicked, obviously... but this is another great boost for Chi town theater. i can't wait till it opens!
Everything in this room is *eat*able. Even I'm *eat*able. But that is called cannibalism, my dear children, and is in fact frowned upon in most societies. ~Willy Wonka
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#28
Posted: 10/11/05 at 10:02am
Apparently Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times Critic is not welcome:
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-lockout11.html
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-lockout11.html
#29
Posted: 10/11/05 at 10:52am
Did you read the whole article? What's up with people filing complaints about being used in the press conference? Lighten up, people! It's a fun show, and they did the press conference in the spirit of the show!!
#30
Posted: 10/11/05 at 10:53am
I saw that. After her incomprehensible review of Wicked, I don't blame Stone. It's one thing to not like a show, but when she doesn't like a show, she often makes absurd comparisons. She didn't like Miss Saigon's recent tour and took it as an opportunity to bash the French. I have no idea why she is still employed.
#31
Posted: 10/11/05 at 11:44am
Louis Lazare is a stuck-up old queen in a bow tie. He has no sense of humor.
#32
Posted: 10/11/05 at 11:56am
The thing is, if you read the full article, it's not her review of Wicked that caused him to keep her out, it's her behavior. And I think the only reason she has a job is that she stirs up controversy, and the people want to read her column to see what crazy opinion she has this time! It sort of falls into the category of "even bad publicity is good publicity".
#33
Posted: 10/11/05 at 12:30pm
Hedy Weiss keeps her job because her bosses at the Sun-Times like her and her neo-con views fit the paper's editorial page. She doesn't sell tickets because, for the most part, the Sun-Times' audience is mostly blue-collar and not theatergoers (and if they do go, it's to the downtown touring shows that she doesn't care for).
Just so you'll know where she's coming from, she doesn't care much for commercial light entertainment outside of the classic musicals (although, as a former dancer, she'll like things with a lot of movement). With that in mind, she is incapable of an objective view of movement-based companies like Lookingglass and Redmoon and looks down her nose at dysfunctional family plays and anything avant-garde *and* political (if it's apolitical, she'll love it). And as proven in the "Wicked" case and her reviews of Jewish comedies, musical or not, she prefers Issac Bashevis Singer and folk tale adaptations and Holocaust dramas to contemporary comedies or anything that makes fun of Judaism. She's also not that wild that gays unless they're cute and helpless (see the Tony Kushner case) and she has the willies about lesbians (see her review of a piece by the former Chicago performance artist Paula Killen when Killen was exploring bisexuality--you'd think that Hedy thought that Killen wanted to grab her from her seat and have sex with her).
The potshot at Lewis Lazare comes from his days writing an arts industry column at the Reader, the town's primary alt-weekly, where he was known to attack theater companies, mostly for being *too* artistic. He's now advertising writer at the Times and I found it an interesting conflict of interest that he participated in the "spelling bee" when as of late he's been thundering in his column about that New Yorker issue a while ago sponsored by Target that had the ads that looked like New Yorker illustrations (with the Target logo included).
Just so you'll know where she's coming from, she doesn't care much for commercial light entertainment outside of the classic musicals (although, as a former dancer, she'll like things with a lot of movement). With that in mind, she is incapable of an objective view of movement-based companies like Lookingglass and Redmoon and looks down her nose at dysfunctional family plays and anything avant-garde *and* political (if it's apolitical, she'll love it). And as proven in the "Wicked" case and her reviews of Jewish comedies, musical or not, she prefers Issac Bashevis Singer and folk tale adaptations and Holocaust dramas to contemporary comedies or anything that makes fun of Judaism. She's also not that wild that gays unless they're cute and helpless (see the Tony Kushner case) and she has the willies about lesbians (see her review of a piece by the former Chicago performance artist Paula Killen when Killen was exploring bisexuality--you'd think that Hedy thought that Killen wanted to grab her from her seat and have sex with her).
The potshot at Lewis Lazare comes from his days writing an arts industry column at the Reader, the town's primary alt-weekly, where he was known to attack theater companies, mostly for being *too* artistic. He's now advertising writer at the Times and I found it an interesting conflict of interest that he participated in the "spelling bee" when as of late he's been thundering in his column about that New Yorker issue a while ago sponsored by Target that had the ads that looked like New Yorker illustrations (with the Target logo included).
#34
Posted: 10/11/05 at 1:19pm
The Sun-Times Editorial page is liberal, not neo-con.
#35
Posted: 10/11/05 at 1:20pm
Twenty-five years ago--it hasn't been left-leaning since Rupert Murdoch bought the paper and the owners since then have kept it right-of-center.
#36
Posted: 10/11/05 at 1:34pm
You're thinking of the Tribune.
#37
Posted: 10/11/05 at 1:39pm
The Tribune is the one that endorsed Bush last year, not the Sun Times.
#38
Posted: 10/11/05 at 1:42pm
Both. :)
And the Trib is not as rabidly conservative as it was during the Col. McCormick of so long ago (or like the WSJ, NY Post or Washington Times), but both papers lean to the right in editorials.
Since the Fields sold the paper, the Times has endorsed more Republicans than Democrats for President. (Yes, they endorsed Kerry last year, but they endorsed Bush in 2000.) They only endorse Daley for mayor because--well, consider that the Republicans ran a children's parties' clown against Daley one year. That's all you need to know.
That's all I'm saying about the Chicago dailies' editorial policies--we're getting off topic here.
And the Trib is not as rabidly conservative as it was during the Col. McCormick of so long ago (or like the WSJ, NY Post or Washington Times), but both papers lean to the right in editorials.
Since the Fields sold the paper, the Times has endorsed more Republicans than Democrats for President. (Yes, they endorsed Kerry last year, but they endorsed Bush in 2000.) They only endorse Daley for mayor because--well, consider that the Republicans ran a children's parties' clown against Daley one year. That's all you need to know.
That's all I'm saying about the Chicago dailies' editorial policies--we're getting off topic here.
#39
Posted: 10/11/05 at 1:52pm
Man how exciting! This story has everything: A great use for the Drury Lane WT, a new productions for Chicago and best of all, another chance to marvel at the career of Hedy Weiss.
While I am not crazy about reporters being banned from press events, I have to hand it to Stone for a great line: "Hedy Weiss is in detention." If only. What a clever way to launch the show--except that by springing it on the Chicago writers he probably did more harm than good, putting the already defensive Chicago reviewers on the spot. Let's hope they don't take it out on the show.
The Drury Lane is a perfect spot for this; a very underutilized theatre that hadn't been able to connect with audiences in it's new "Dinner Theatre" configuration, despite the oceans of ink spent covering it. It's also right next door to the Lookingglass's new space, known to tourists everywhere as "David Schwimmer's Theatre!"
And The Sun-Times is in no way shape or form "Liberal." It is perhaps slightly less knee-jerk right wing than the Trib, but still way to the Right of the people of Chicago.
While I am not crazy about reporters being banned from press events, I have to hand it to Stone for a great line: "Hedy Weiss is in detention." If only. What a clever way to launch the show--except that by springing it on the Chicago writers he probably did more harm than good, putting the already defensive Chicago reviewers on the spot. Let's hope they don't take it out on the show.
The Drury Lane is a perfect spot for this; a very underutilized theatre that hadn't been able to connect with audiences in it's new "Dinner Theatre" configuration, despite the oceans of ink spent covering it. It's also right next door to the Lookingglass's new space, known to tourists everywhere as "David Schwimmer's Theatre!"
And The Sun-Times is in no way shape or form "Liberal." It is perhaps slightly less knee-jerk right wing than the Trib, but still way to the Right of the people of Chicago.
#40
Posted: 10/11/05 at 2:12pm
Joe - Funny you should mention "David Schwimmers Theatre." Our venue for The Fantasticks is being renovated (as in, walls are being torn down) and so as of last night we're rehearsing in the Lookingglass space.... The girl playing Luisa and I spent the whole night on the lookout for Schwimmer:)
Yay Spelling Bee.
Yay Spelling Bee.
There's always room for pathos - and jazz hands.
#41
Posted: 10/11/05 at 2:48pm
And while I get the chance, let me plug "The Fantasticks"--Theo Ubique knows how to do good musicals in a cozy space, with a hip dinner theater atmosphere (yes, it can be done) in an otherwise underused vintage pre-Starbucks coffeehouse.
When it opens, make sure that if you're in Chicago while it's around, go see it--despite the fact that the neighborhood it's in is not exactly yuppieville. Theo Ubique does good work.
When it opens, make sure that if you're in Chicago while it's around, go see it--despite the fact that the neighborhood it's in is not exactly yuppieville. Theo Ubique does good work.
#42
Posted: 10/11/05 at 3:06pm
What dinner theatre operates in Chicago? I don't recall any.
#43
Posted: 10/11/05 at 3:07pm
...without sounding like a shill, let me add to what uncamark said:)
The Fantasticks
presented by the Theo Ubique Theatre Co.
@ the No Exit Cafe
6970 N Glenwood Chicago, IL
November 4 - Dec 11, 2005 (with possible/likely extension into January
but not to shill, of course...
The Fantasticks
presented by the Theo Ubique Theatre Co.
@ the No Exit Cafe
6970 N Glenwood Chicago, IL
November 4 - Dec 11, 2005 (with possible/likely extension into January
but not to shill, of course...
There's always room for pathos - and jazz hands.
#44
Posted: 10/11/05 at 3:15pm
Nothing within the city, outside of the Theo Ubique shows at No Exit. In fact, since Candlelight's closing and Pheasant Run's conversion for Noble Fool, there's no such thing as a classic dinner theater in the Chicago metro.
Where Drury Lane has potentially been hurt downtown is the fact that they don't have a theater and restaurant under one roof, as they did at the original Evergreen Park location and they do in Oakbrook Terrace. The secret weapon is the banquets and wedding reception biz that fueled or fuels those operations and perhaps paid or pays for the theater.
Marriott and Theatre at the Center are called "dinner theater" by some, but the restaurants and theaters are in separate rooms, like the Drury Lanes (and TOC, I believe, only does Sunday brunch).
Drury Lane Water Tower has a good relationship with Lettuce Entertain You's Mity Nice Grill upstairs from their space, but they don't get the banquet action--and you still have to go outside to get to the theater from the restaurant.
Where Drury Lane has potentially been hurt downtown is the fact that they don't have a theater and restaurant under one roof, as they did at the original Evergreen Park location and they do in Oakbrook Terrace. The secret weapon is the banquets and wedding reception biz that fueled or fuels those operations and perhaps paid or pays for the theater.
Marriott and Theatre at the Center are called "dinner theater" by some, but the restaurants and theaters are in separate rooms, like the Drury Lanes (and TOC, I believe, only does Sunday brunch).
Drury Lane Water Tower has a good relationship with Lettuce Entertain You's Mity Nice Grill upstairs from their space, but they don't get the banquet action--and you still have to go outside to get to the theater from the restaurant.
#45
Posted: 10/11/05 at 4:09pm
I'm so happy to live in this city.
#46
Posted: 10/11/05 at 4:33pm
"Where Drury Lane has potentially been hurt downtown is the fact that they don't have a theater and restaurant under one roof"
Well, it hasn't hurt the Oriental, Palace, Shubert, Chicago, or the Auditorium. If you think that Chicagoans only go to theatres that have restaurants, you really don't understand the Chicago theatre market at all. Most of the theatre groups in Chicago are fringe groups that lease all types of spaces, from churches to storefronts to basements of various businesses. They attract all types of audiences. Dinner theatres are out of vogue in Chicago for the lack of prestige of going to a dinner theatre and the perceived lack of legitimacy by the public: "if it's dinner theatre it's not real theatre" (I will hold off on my opinion of dinner theatres). The big problem with a lot of theatre in Chicago is lack of presence. Drury Lane's location practically hides it from the public. Spelling Bee will give it much more visibility, so when that show does close the theatre should be more successful with its productions.
Well, it hasn't hurt the Oriental, Palace, Shubert, Chicago, or the Auditorium. If you think that Chicagoans only go to theatres that have restaurants, you really don't understand the Chicago theatre market at all. Most of the theatre groups in Chicago are fringe groups that lease all types of spaces, from churches to storefronts to basements of various businesses. They attract all types of audiences. Dinner theatres are out of vogue in Chicago for the lack of prestige of going to a dinner theatre and the perceived lack of legitimacy by the public: "if it's dinner theatre it's not real theatre" (I will hold off on my opinion of dinner theatres). The big problem with a lot of theatre in Chicago is lack of presence. Drury Lane's location practically hides it from the public. Spelling Bee will give it much more visibility, so when that show does close the theatre should be more successful with its productions.
#47
Posted: 10/11/05 at 4:38pm
I know better about the theater market--I was just pointing out that Drury Lane has had in its original and Oak Brook locations the advantage of having an ancillary business that provides a little bit of an insurance policy against a show flopping--having a steady banquet biz makes you less dependent on needing every show to be a hit.
I'm not pretending that that's the only reason a theater can survive (and I agree with your reasons why dinner theater is dead in Chicago), but that is a major factor in Drury Lane's success in its other locations over the years.
I'm not pretending that that's the only reason a theater can survive (and I agree with your reasons why dinner theater is dead in Chicago), but that is a major factor in Drury Lane's success in its other locations over the years.
#48
Posted: 10/11/05 at 5:11pm
David Stone is a very shrewd businessman and I thought he was very savvy when it came to the press.
I think his decision to barr Heidi Weiss from the press conference derived in part from her totally off-base review of Chicago's Wicked. She accused the production of anti-Semitism and likened costuming to Hitler's army and concentration camp prisoners. Her criticism was so baseless and bizarre that it in my opinion justifiably infuriated those associated with Wicked. I found her review to be irresponsible and without merit.
I just hope Stone has not alienated the press and that his actions don't negatively impact the critics response to Spelling Bee
I think his decision to barr Heidi Weiss from the press conference derived in part from her totally off-base review of Chicago's Wicked. She accused the production of anti-Semitism and likened costuming to Hitler's army and concentration camp prisoners. Her criticism was so baseless and bizarre that it in my opinion justifiably infuriated those associated with Wicked. I found her review to be irresponsible and without merit.
I just hope Stone has not alienated the press and that his actions don't negatively impact the critics response to Spelling Bee
#49
Posted: 10/11/05 at 5:20pm
Weiss also said CAROLINE OR CHANGE was anti-Semitic because, among other things, the black characters had better music to sing than the Jewish characters.
#50
Posted: 10/11/05 at 5:24pm
I apologize, the person barred was Hedy not Heidi. I've got Heidi Wasserstein on the brain who I admire.--- Hedy is another story....
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