Dave Malloy commets on Oak's Leave- Page 3

[Jarethan]

Posted: 7/28/17 at 8:31pm

VotePeron said: "This is just so sad. Even sadder when you realize if they had won some more awards, that they rightfully deserve, the situation would be so much different. Makes me laugh the most innovative, diverse, and creative Broadway show of the year lost to a show that's the exact opposite. 

 

I actually do think it should have won for its direction (of course I don't think it should have won for the lighting, which gave me a headache).  But there was nothing else that it was ever in serious contention for.

I am very impressed with Dave Malloy...he already knew HE wasn't going to sell tickets; i wonder if he actually thought Oak would or just stayed out of the selection process when the chose Oak.  If the gimmick of the composer appearing can't sell tickets, why would an unknown?

 

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 7/28/17 at 8:54pm

Double post.

Updated On: 7/28/17 at 08:54 PM

[10086Sundays]

Posted: 7/28/17 at 9:26pm

Jarethan said: "10086Sundays said: "froote said: "Terribly sad, Broadway can be a cruel business. What a shame that the Tonys didn't share the love with other deserving shows instead of just ones that were already big hits. Absolute respect to Dave."

This.  I met him and he seemed like a such a genuine, great guy. I feel for everyone who could soon be out of a job.

It's really unfortunate that come Labor Day we could lose 3 shows at once. (GHD, Bandstand, GC)

And not War Paint?  Is there bias there or do you really think it is going to survive the mid-August business drop?"

No bias at all, just forgot about it. 

So, that's 4 shows.  Unless 1 decides to stick it out to try and get the folks who had plans for the closed shows.

Updated On: 7/28/17 at 09:26 PM

[bear88]

Posted: 7/28/17 at 10:14pm

From the time my family and I decided to go on a relatively last-minute trip to New York this spring, I have been fairly consumed with Great Comet and War and Peace. I started reading the novel on the cross-country flight, skipped ahead to the section covered by the musical the night before, then saw the show - which I thought would be fun but found wonderful and moving. Since then, I slowly finished the novel, wrapping it up earlier this month. And I have spent plenty of time listening to the cast recording. 

So the escalating disasters of the last few days have made me very sad. I understand some of the reasons why it happened, and there was always a big question of how the show would manage without Josh Groban. 

But this isn't like being a fan of Hamilton, which prints money wherever it goes, or even Fun Home or Hedwig, both of which toured successfully. I wasn't likely to see Great Comet on Broadway again, because I won't be in New York soon. But I didn't think it would be gone within weeks, most likely, even though my practical side had doubts. And that makes me more emotional than I should be, mostly on behalf of the cast and creative folks behind the show.

Dave Malloy, with help from Rachel Chavkin and many others, created a unique musical, albeit one that didn't seem likely to have a long run. To have it end this way, caught between commercial pressures and clumsy production decisions, breaks my heart. Of all shows, to have Great Comet conclude its run abruptly, surrounded by ugly accusations of racial insensitivity, just feels wrong.

That's 2017, I guess. But the musical was awesome. And that's what counts, even in the business of show.

Updated On: 7/28/17 at 10:14 PM

[Eliza2]

Posted: 7/28/17 at 10:28pm

bear88 said: "Dave Malloy, with help from Rachel Chavkin and many others, created a unique musical, albeit one that didn't seem likely to have a long run. To have it end this way, caught between commercial pressures and clumsy production decisions, breaks my heart. Of all shows, to have Great Comet conclude its run abruptly, surrounded by ugly accusations of racial insensitivity, just feels wrong."

 

This perfectly sums up how I feel. While I realized this show likely wouldn't have a long run, I'm so disappointed in the events of this week because I would hate for such a wonderful show to have such a cataclysmic ending. It breaks my heart.

 

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 7/29/17 at 4:47pm

Azudi Onyejekwe, an ensemble member who has been with the show since the first tent incarnation, posted a very thoughtful series of tweets. Whether you agree with him or not, I found it to be very articulate and I like that it's a response from someone actively involved in the show and who just happens to be a POC.

Azudi Onyejekwe: I want to make a few things clear

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 7/29/17 at 5:27pm

I agree with him.  What I got from his statement is that PoC still struggle to find rewarding roles on Broadway and lack of diversity is and always has been a big problem, but Comet is not the show to attack for this.  The show is in trouble and the producers had to make a hard decision and it kind of blew up.  It's really unfortunate for the cast and crew who all seem like they will be unemployed very soon.

Why attack this show though?  Why not Anastasia or Bandstand?  They went after the most diverse show on Broadway.  It's just so absurd.