Children on Broadway

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 9:53pm

How do you feel about this? I mean, in a way, it takes away the thrill us teens are having working our way up to the top...finishing school, getting accpeted to college, etc. Do you know what I mean?

Updated On: 12/20/04 at 09:53 PM

[PJ]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 9:54pm

I think if you can get started earlier than most, I say go for it. You can go to college anytime to get your Bachelors.

[Wicked .. For Good]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 9:55pm

have you ever seen THE BOY FROM OZ. That kid was amazing! He deserved to be up there.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 9:58pm

That is not what I am saying...it would just ruins that dream all of us have. I guess they never have the chance to experience that feeling.

That "boy" is from my hometown, so of course I support him.

Any kid who has the talent deserves to be up there...

Updated On: 12/20/04 at 09:58 PM

[kangaroo]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 9:58pm

as true as this may be, some of these kids are just great. they add something to the show.
Sorry to keep bringing up Les Miserables, but Gavroche is a great person in the show because he is so innocent. He is a big tear-jerker. But you have to have the right Gavroch... I personally loved the 10 Anniversary guy Adam Searles was just great. He put a big smile on my face.

But on the other hand, many do work really hard through years of college just to audition as a chorus member. Broadway is hard to become a part of.

I guess I didn't really answer your question... oops.

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:00pm

Yay Mitchel David Federan! And I have a nephew in TV and I'm paranoid he'll turn into McCually Kulkin.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:01pm

Once again, I think they are needed onstage, it just seems like the parents push them to be up there...

[PJ]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:03pm

Yes but those children are doing what many prospective college students, such as yourself, can only dream of one day doing. Not everyone can get a job in NYC theatre. That's why I said if you get the chance, whether you're 5 or 55, you best take it. It couldn't hurt.

And you're original post wasn't very clear.

[kangaroo]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:03pm

I think that if the child really wants to be onstage, then you can see it when they are there. The ones that are forced have a tendancy to be not as good... it shows if you're not enjoying something.

[jjdude2000]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:04pm

I 100000000% agree. What bugs me is when parents push children into auditions. It also depends on the nature of the show...

[Wicked .. For Good]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:06pm

It kind of reminds me of American Junior, when you saw the parents SCREAMING at their kids. Pathetic. I agree though, if a kid is auditioning for people, people won't choose them if they don't look dedicated enough.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:07pm

The fact is that there is much less competition for children than adults on Broadway. If you can get a foothold in theater when you're young, it's your best shot. The odds grow tremendously once you hit adulthood.

[jjdude2000]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:07pm

Unfortunately, thats the dysfuction that comes from these kinds of things..

[jjdude2000]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:09pm

Sorry, I know I just posted...but I had to respond to this:

"The fact is that there is much less competition for children than adults on Broadway."

That's only true when there is a shortage of musicals involving kids. Right now...no competition. But when Gypsy and Les Miz were open, the competition was EXTREME.

Updated On: 12/20/04 at 10:09 PM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:12pm

jj - you can't compare the number of children who audition for shows with the number of adults who do. No matter what the nature of the business from one day to the next.

[Plum]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:12pm

Um, I think Rath meant it the other way. As in children don't have as many other children to compete against in auditions as do adults once they start auditioning.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:21pm

Thank you, Plum, that is what I meant - didn't I say that?

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:23pm

Once again, I agree that if they can get into the business now, they better do it. I am just saying that best feeling in my life is the one I am feeling now, working my way up to the top to become a professional. They will never feel that. That's all...

Updated On: 12/20/04 at 10:23 PM

[PJ]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:24pm

Oh poor them! They have to skip year after year of participating in third rate productions w/ bad lighting. Not saying it isn't great experience, but c'mon.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:35pm

Hey, those third rate shows that I am involved with have amazing lighting...lol.

[Plum]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:36pm

Hee.

[Sporti2005]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:38pm

if their participation is kept in perspective and the parents aren't overbearing stage moms/dads...then sure, that's great. i just hate seeing poor little kids on stage SCREAMING their brains out and blowing their voices. i know first-hand, though, that parents can totally get in the way. one mom wrote to the local newspaper saying that my being cast in a musical was just because i'm an "ego-maniacal princess who will lie and steal from others to get what she wants."
now...if any of you knew me at all, you would laugh at this. i am so into things being fair ---- and this just goes to show that when parents get too involved, it can actually turn out worse then if they had just let opportunities run their course.
so - if the parents are good about it: awesome, let your kid have a coveted moment in the spotlight. but if not:it's a dangerous thing.

[Plum]

Posted: 12/20/04 at 10:41pm

The local paper actually printed that?

[OrdinaryJukebox1]

Posted: 12/21/04 at 12:14am

To be honest, I can't stand children in shows or in film. They just ruin it for me. I loved "Gypsy," but I had to almost look away when all of those children were on the stage, same goes for "Caroline, or Change." They have the same voices, forced vibrato, loud and annoying, and just hammy!! I'm sorry, it's one of my pet peeves. Okay, I'm done!

-Vinny

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 12/21/04 at 12:19am

But you have to have the right Gavroch... I personally loved the 10 Anniversary guy Adam Searles was just great. He put a big smile on my face.

Adam Searles is also on the brilliant London 1996 revival recording of "Oliver!" in the role of the Artful Dodger. It's a must-have recording, with gorgeous new orchestrations. (The show itself, directed by Sam Mendes, was also phenomenal.)

OK, back on topic....