DRAMA BOOKSHOP opening June 10th, 2021- Page 2

[unclevictor]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:06am

iluvtheatertrash said: "Wanting more for hard working employees isn’t “making the opening about me”. It’s acknowledging the fact that the people who made the place special deserve more loyalty and respect for their contributions to the shop.

And by the way, since you seem to know soooo much, some of the former management is involved. So, yeah, they know who all of us are.

I’ve seen your bullying attitude on a number of posts and it’s really ridiculous. "

You’re the bully, not me. YOU’RE the one that wants to make a stink cause no one reached out to u to sell books. YOU’RE the one that wants to get a petition started to disrupt the opening of a beloved bookshop cause no one reached out to you for a job. Get over yourself. No one owes u anything. 

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:11am

They very well could have. I’m just disappointed and angry for my coworkers. I applied out of a morbid curiosity, but didn’t expect anything as when I left it was after a loooong dispute on salary but I really do feel for my coworkers who didn’t even get interviews despite being a part of the shop for years. I also think folks who went to the shop regularly will miss that.

From what I understand, a lot of hiring has been to merchandise folks. And I guess that’s fine, but will they have the knowledge we all had to recommend scenes and monologues? We helped thousands of actors over the years.

Just very disappointed. I so hoped to see my amazing colleagues back at the shop.

And to anyone who thinks I’m making this about me, sorry you feel that way. (I added UncleVictor to my ignore list cause really don’t care what they have to say.) I just think a store with this kind of legacy should’ve made an effort to reach out to its loyal former employees.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:12am

And I never wanted to start a petition, nor did I start one. I’m just saying the truth. So, UncleVictor really needs to get a grip.

[unclevictor]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:14am

iluvtheatertrash said: "And I never wanted to start a petition, nor did I start one. I’m just saying the truth. So, UncleVictor really needs to get a grip."

I’m on the ignore list cause u feel attacked. Well great. 

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:15am

I just want to add that ANYONE who thinks we “sold books” and that was all we did clearly never went to the book shop. It is wildly insulting to suggest that’s all we did.

Of course I’m happy it’s returning. We need it. But I’m disappointed - rightfully so - for my colleagues. And I’ve every right to feel that way. Done with this dialogue now.

[unclevictor]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:20am

iluvtheatertrash said: "I just want to add that ANYONE who thinks we “sold books” and that was all we did clearly never went to the book shop. It is wildly insulting to suggest that’s all we did.

Of course I’m happy it’s returning. We need it. But I’m disappointed - rightfully so - for my colleagues. And I’ve every right to feel that way. Done with this dialogue now."

Bye Felicia!

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:22am

Unfortunately, you can still see folks on the ignore list when you’re replying to a thread apparently?? (I don’t understand this but, it is what it is).

No, UncleVictor, you are on the ignore list because you’re nasty and because you sling allegations with no founding, and when called out on it, you refuse to acknowledge you were wrong and what is true.

I never said I wanted to start a petition. In fact, in this thread I said I don’t think it was the right thing for us to do. And your insinuation that all we did is sell books is wildly insulting, and incredibly wrong.

So, no, I didn’t put you on the ignore list because I “feel attacked”. I put you on it because I’m tired of seeing your posts. Not just in this thread, but in every thread. I’ve watched you “attack” (your word, not mine) people on this board on the daily. You’re often cruel, you’re often rude and you’re often wrong (which you’re incapable of admitting). So, I just don’t feel like engaging with you any longer.

Sadly, the BWW ignore feature isn’t all that great and I’ll still occasionally see your posts when I go to reply to a thread. But this is the last time I’m going to waste my energy on you.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:29am

iluvtheatertrash said: "Wanting more for hard working employees isn’t “making the opening about me”. It’s acknowledging the fact that the people who made the place special deserve more loyalty and respect for their contributions to the shop.

And by the way, since you seem to know soooo much, some of the former management is involved. So, yeah, they know who all of us are.

I’ve seen your bullying attitude on a number of posts and it’s really ridiculous."

Maybe Mr Roxy put a hex on you for your ongoing bullying of him.  Karma can really be a bit**.  Treat others how you want to be treated.  When you don't and cry outrage, it's hypocrisy.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:32am

unclevictor, it might have benefitted you to "read the room" so to speak. Virtually everyone in this thread has expressed support for iluvtheatretrash's plight. I'll admit that this issue isn't enough to ruin my excitement over the re-opening, but it's still a nasty blow. And in any case, iluvtheatretrash isn't advocating for anyone to boycott the shop, or even start a petition. I was the one who brought up the idea of a petition, and iluvtheatretrash declined. 

I'm curious to know if you were a regular customer, because most people who regularly visited the shop know that the old staff was a huge part of what made the shop a vital resource. 

I will also say that I didn't know Nederlander (Trump supporter) was involved as well. That makes things even worse. Between these two issues, I'm now starting to question whether I want to go support them. I don't know. 

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:34am

Roxy uses our board to spread QAnon conspiracies, constantly puts down the theatre community, and only logs on to spread misinformation about a city he doesn’t live in. If you think I’m bullying him by calling him out, you’re free to think that and I’m sorry you feel that way.

JBroadway, thanks for your kind words and support.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 10:36pm

I hate to feed a troll, but wanted to point out some tweets from Freddy, who worked at the shop for 19 years. And who is beloved by many.

https://twitter.com/bkspidey/status/1395523182216503297?s=21

https://twitter.com/bkspidey/status/1395235451347292162?s=21

This isn’t about “me”. It’s just something I think warrants some attention.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 5/20/21 at 11:13pm

iluvtheatertrash said: "I hate to feed a troll, but wanted to point out some tweets from Freddy, who worked at the shop for 19 years. And who is beloved by many.

https://twitter.com/bkspidey/status/1395523182216503297?s=21

https://twitter.com/bkspidey/status/1395235451347292162?s=21

This isn’t about “me”. It’s just something I think warrants some attention."

No idea who Freddy is “beloved” by — but just looking at his Twitter feed, it appears he’s a professional victim. 

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/21/21 at 5:46am

Freddy worked at the shop for 19 years and is known by many in the community. “Professional victim”?

Y’know, this board really has become a cesspit of trolls. I’m out.

[unclevictor]

Posted: 5/21/21 at 10:21am

iluvtheatertrash said: "Freddy worked at the shop for 19 years and is known by many in the community. “Professional victim”?

Y’know, this board really has become a cesspit of trolls. I’m out. "

You’re a troll. Bye troll! Take a few others with u

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 5/21/21 at 10:28am

Well, this thread took a turn.

Back on topic, while I’m sad to hear the old staff will not be around to help with mine and others’ very specific questions, I’ll be there opening weekend. Mostly to see the new space, but I know I’ll walk out with purchases (and maybe a coffee?). I’m so thrilled it’s back.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/21/21 at 12:06pm

Iluvtheatertrash - I sent you a pm

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/24/21 at 4:02pm

Have heard that some of the original staff have now been re-hired. Very happy to hear this news! I don’t know what the full story is, but hearing even just some are returning makes me a very happy camper. I worked with amazing people who deserve it!

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 6/6/21 at 10:33pm

How Lin-Manuel Miranda and Friends Made an Old Bookstore New from New York Times 6/6/21

"The interior — 3,500 square feet on the main floor, plus a 3,000 square foot basement — is designed by David Korins, the “Hamilton” set designer. There’s an octagonal banquette inspired by a piece of furniture in the 1940 film “The Shop Around the Corner” and, for “Hamilton” fans, a pair of armchairs that are replicas of the one George Washington sits in during the musical’s cabinet battles.

...

Six people who worked at the store’s former location are rejoining the staff, a spokesman said."

And several pictures.

(edited to add quotes and comments)

Updated On: 6/6/21 at 10:33 PM

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 6/7/21 at 1:17am

Very happy to hear there will be former staff. Several of us were pretty disturbed by some things and it’s a relief to hear they’ll have some of the amazing folx from before.

Thank you to whoever helped to apply pressure. My colleagues were all amazing and I am so happy they’ll have this opportunity.

[BroadwayGuy12]

Posted: 6/10/21 at 2:02pm

It's opening day! If anybody here visited the new shop today, I'd love to hear about your experience/impressions/etc.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/10/21 at 6:31pm

Had a late day reservation. It is really nice. Lots of sitting areas. Beautiful shelving and nice layout. Staff was excited and very friendly and helpful. I THINK it may be bigger than the old one. I honestly can't remember as it has been so long but this one is smaller than I expected. Probably just because of the video and pics I saw. Made it look bigger. They have a table of really cute mini books. I almost grabbed the Sondheim lyric book. I got a mug and bought the $5.00 Bookstore logo tote bag instead of doing paper. Anything to to help make it a good day for them!

They were good about controlling the crowd however there were some people who set up camp and just hung out. My friend went earlier than me and said he had to wait past his reservation time as people were not leaving. Since it was the first day and there were 2 lines of people (they have a "standby" line), those people should have been a bit more aware and considerate. I think they did ask a few people who were camped out to leave. But once things open up more, it will be a really cozy place to hang out for coffee, a snack and a book.

They have 3 or 4 non gender specific bathrooms. The hallway to the bathrooms is lined with a lot of framed window cards. No event so the downstairs was closed.  Wishing them well. It is a beautiful space.

[SoCalDirector]

Posted: 6/10/21 at 7:08pm

I was there right when they opened. It was more amazing than I imagined. I bought the first cup of coffee at the cafe opening day. That was a mistake since it is hard to look at books and be careful with a cup of coffee. Plus you are supposed to have your mask on in the store. I sat at the front counter to drink it.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/10/21 at 7:13pm

uncageg said: "No event so the downstairs was closed. Wishing them well. It is a beautiful space."

 

Pretty sure that I very recently heard that downstairs was not yet complete.

 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 6/10/21 at 7:32pm

I went after work and had a lovely time. I agree it’s smaller than the photos make it appear, but it’s still not lacking for space. And it is really beautiful. I think there’s still a few bugs to be worked out, but it’s an impressive operation.

It was great seeing (some of) the staff from the old shop there - I had some nice, incredibly helpful interactions with them. The new staff are also good, but when asking questions to them, there was a clear difference between the old and the new staff. Not to disparage the new staff at all - it’s literally the first day, and they were great. But decades of experience are bound to make an employee stand out.

For anyone wondering, they ARE honoring the punch-cards for the “Buy 10 acting’s editions, get 1 free” deal they had at the old place. Apparently this decision was made late in the day - the employee told me that managed had decided to change this policy literally 10 minutes before I asked. Sorry to anybody who tried earlier in the day!