Does it seem like there is a lack of New Musicals this season? — Page 2

Well atleast you are doing better than the West End!

We've had no new musicals in the West End since Dreamboats and Petticoats musical tour came in, and only two more booking for any time in the foreseeable future (Legally Blonde and Love Never Dies).

BrianS... could not agree more

We have the "Burnt Part Boys" (I think that's the title?) opening Off-Broadway, and American Idiot could always swoop in.

There really isn't anyone writing anything exciting. I mean if "Ordinary Days" is where the new musical genre is going, then I'm not so sure I'm excited.

Hi Brian. In defense of myself I'd fist like to ask that you come down off that very high horse you seem to be sitting on. I'll take your point on Ave Q, Next To Normal and most of the rest of the fine shows that you mentioned but let's not pretend that this site is some sort of Yale Club-esque gathering place for serious and contemplative discourse. Actors, shows, directors, producers, TV shows (and on and on) are routinely trashed; performers genitalia and pubic hair discussed on a fairly regular basis. Did I comment on Ms. Miller's performance? Yes I did. With no more spite or vitriol than a vast majority of folks on this site. You do fail to mention however that in that same post I praised Mary Louise Parker and took up the contrary and apparently unpopular opinion that she is a talented and respected theater actress. But I won't hold that too much against you. You were obviously more interested in attempting to find a very belabored and thin metaphoric comparison between my name and, what exactly? A Harpy? Haven't heard that one since High School and certainly not since then from a person who then proceeded to attempt to chide me for trollish behavior. But, my fondness for irony and its ability to disable arguments aside, I will concede that there have been some very fine and original pieces of musical theater produced lately. But to what end? And to what audience? Fela! gives me hope, yet watching Passing Strange get brutalized on this and other sites gives me pause. In The Heights seems to be doing the most in terms of drawing a vibrant and new audience to the musical theatre, but with ticket prices sky-rocketing and money short I have a very hard time seeing how musical theatre is much more than a curio to be seen when well off white tourists visit New York. Is there a community here that is invested in it? Sure, but its shrinking. And yes, yes stats and figures showing more money made than ever before and blah, blah; if you actually take into account the insane and prohibitive ticket prices those numbers become massively inflated. Mind you, I would love nothing more than theatre of either the musical or straight ilk to become a deeply appreciated and supported part of our culture but I'm not seeing it. I am open to hope though, so if you're willing to forgive my snideness, bundle up your cheekiness and give me some examples of how the theatre is culturally relevant in the Daily Show age, I'm all ears.

harper, at the risk of arguing with the fool and having people not know the difference... here goes:

"Thank God there are fewer musicals this season."

you started off by wishing my very nice and talented stage and crew friends continued unemployment in a difficult economy and you're surprised I came after you?

"You were obviously more interested in attempting to find a very belabored and thin metaphoric comparison between my name and..."

I spent 6 words on your name. Do you even know what belabored means?

"And yes, yes stats and figures showing more money made than ever before and blah, blah"

blah, blah?? Those are grosses indicating that theater is still very popular since that means butts in seats, not just high prices. The exact opposite of your initial point about it being less relevant today. Especially when combined with this:

"I'll take your point on Ave Q, Next To Normal and most of the rest of the fine shows that you mentioned"

meaning that those record past few years included tickets sold to interesting and innovative shows. My whole point. Again, you completely contradicted your first, negative post. And that's always the way it's always been. You don't think there were a bunch of mediocre shows (that were maybe even financial hits a la 'Mamma Mia') the year Oklahoma! came out that are now forgotten?

"I have a very hard time seeing how musical theatre is much more than a curio to be seen when well off white tourists visit New York."

As opposed to when? The '50's? Again, it's always been this way so what's your point? I'm dumbfounded on this one since you then mention that modern theater is now bringing us shows like 'Fela' and 'In the Heights' which are ushering in new voices. I love the changes happening in our industry. Again, you defeat your own arguments before I can even reply. you're 3 for 3.

I think the person who wrote the following sums up best why I think you're wrong for wishing for fewer musicals:

"I will concede that there have been some very fine and original pieces of musical theater produced lately."

well said and thank you for countering all your own arguments before I had the chance. To return the favor, may I now direct you here?:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clozapine

Sincerely,

Your new friend.

P.S. due to Mr. Shaiman's track record and contributions to our profession (not to mention the brilliant south park soundtrack), doesn't he at least get the benefit of the doubt until you've seen his show as opposed to being your example of bad movie/musical translations?

---