Hunter Foster creates "Give the Tonys back to BROADWAY" campaign- Page 15
Hunter Foster creates "Give the Tonys back to BROADWAY" campaign
#350Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 1:22amI love that people think if that if these people were not given their roles or being able to present at the Tonys that they would be utterly in the dark. I am sure Scarlett had Arthur Miller plays rammed down her throat in HS English class like me, that CZJ owns her share of Sondheim-penned OCRs, and that Mark Sanchez knew 'the Jets' were not just the name of a football team. There could be a viable argument in that FB group but it is drenched with cynicism and jealousy.
#351Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 1:23am
People are saying that "The Tony Awards should be about this" and it "shouldn't be about that" and "HOLLYWOOD SHOULD STAY OUT OF THE TONYS!"
While it is true that the Tony Awards are ABOUT the theatre community, the ***TELECAST*** of the Tony Awards are about RATINGS. They are TWO SEPARATE THINGS.
The Tony Awards have ALWAYS been about the theatre community. The Tony Awards CEREMONY is ABOUT PROMOTING BROADWAY SHOWS. It's a huge commercial to promote theatregoing. The awards are just an EXCUSE to air such a commercial (in the eyes of CBS). Without the guise of giving out trophies, Broadway doesn't get the national exposure that is gets. Within our community a Tony Award means the world! To CBS, they LOVE when you have Denzel Washington vs. Christopher Walken vs. Alfred Molina vs. Jude Law vs. Liev Schrieber!!
One thing is for CERTAIN -- the Tonys provide an attendance booster for winning Broadway shows, but the TELEVISED Tonys can provide an attendance booster for ALL SHOWS, whether they win, don't win, or aren't even nominated!
But to televise the TONYS, you need a show that gets ratings. Without ratings, the 3-hour program's commercials do not get seen by the amount of coverage that advertisers want and CBS could lose their business. So while individuals at CBS may love Broadway, they still have a business to run, and if the Tonys do not pull in the ratings, it will get dropped. Simple as that.
So the League/ATW have to make sure that the event will get the ratings. Back when theatre was a part of popular culture, people cared. The Tonys received its highest-ever recorded viewership in 1974 when over 20 million people tuned in. We've never seen numbers like that since. Hell, in the past DECADE we haven't even done *half* that. It's just a simple fact that the average household just doesn't care. They can't afford to go to the theatre, let alone take a trip to New York. So why bother knowing what's even PLAYING on Broadway? Here's the history of the ratings of the Tonys:
Day Date Telecast Time Rating/Share # of Homes # of Viewers
SUN 6/13/10 8:00PM-11:00PM CBS 7,470,000
SUN 6/07/09 8:00PM-11:05PM CBS 4.8 8 5,532,000 7,417,000
SUN 6/15/08 8:00PM-11:02PM CBS 4.4 8 4,958,000 6,268,000
SUN 6/10/07 8:00PM-11:01PM CBS 4.2 7 4,613,000 5,704,000
SUN 6/11/06 8:00PM-11:00PM CBS 5.2 9 5,722,000 7,716,000
SUN 6/5/05 8:00PM-11:00PM CBS 4.5 8 4,944,000 6,503,000
SUN 6/6/04 8:00PM-11:00PM CBS 4.6 8 4,975,000 6,464,000
SUN 6/8/03 8:00PM-11:00PM CBS 5.4 9 5,771,000 7,859,000
SUN 6/2/02 9:00PM-11:00PM CBS 5.6 9 5,900,000 7,983,000
SUN 6/3/01 9:00PM-11:00PM CBS 6.3 10 6,467,000 8,935,000
SUN 6/4/00 9:00PM-11:00PM CBS 6.2 10 6,221,000 8,504,000
SUN 6/6/99 9.00PM-11:00PM CBS 7.0 12 6,911,000 9,155,000
SUN 6/7/98 9.00PM-11:00PM CBS 8.4 14 8,232,000 11,748,000
SUN 6/1/97 9.00PM-11:01PM CBS 9.6 16 9,267,000 12,967,000
SUN 6/2/96 9.00PM-11.02PM CBS 6.5 11 6,273,000 8,750,000
SUN 6/4/95 9.00PM-11.00PM CBS 7.7 14 7,346,000 10,226,000
SUN 6/12/94 9.00PM-11.06PM CBS 7.7 14 7,253,000 10,475,000
SUN 6/6/93 9.00PM-11.05PM CBS 8.7 15 8,100,000 11,118,000
SUN 5/31/92 9.00PM-11.08PM CBS 8.9 16 8,197,000 11,721,000
SUN 6/2/91 9.00PM-11.20PM CBS 8.9 16 8,290,000 12,227,750
SUN 6/3/90 9.00PM-11.22PM CBS 7.6 13 7,000,000 10,120,000
SUN 6/4/89 9.00PM-11.19PM CBS 9.3 16 8,410,000 12,329,060
SUN 6/5/88 9.00PM-11.21PM CBS 9.5 17 8,420,000 12,099,540
I've said it before and I'll say it again: the root of the problem has nothing to do with the Tony telecast. It has everything to do with GETTING BUTTS IN SEATS. We need to lower ticket prices, expose national communities to the arts, and support arts education. The goal is to re-introduce the theatre to the average American household as an affordable means of entertainment.
As a teenager, my grandfather would discuss with his friends in the hallway at high school which show they would want to go see that weekend. As a teenager, my father said that theatre became more expensive so he would choose to take his dates to the movies instead. Me? I cannot afford full price tickets. I rely on comps and rush policies.
If we get Broadway back into mainstream entertainment, there will not be such a thing as a Hollywood actor being a significantly bigger draw name than a Broadway actor. And ratings will increase not because popular rock bands are performing, but because BROADWAY names and shows are on the program. Like in the "golden age."
But easier said than done.
In its current state, it is inevitable that CBS will drop the Tonys within a number of years. It's only a matter of time. There's nothing Green Day, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hunter Foster, Patti LuPone, or Alice Ripley can do about it.
The question is: is it worth it to sacrifice a 100% theatre community-involved ceremony so that 7 million people can watch a Broadway commercial on TV?
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
sondhead
Broadway Star Joined: 10/25/06
#352Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 1:24am
@bettyboy - YES
Maybe I'll change my mind when they stunt cast with Paris Hilton or Heidi Pratt or something... but just because they didn't beat the boards in NY doesn't mean they shot to stardom instantly for no reason in LA.
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#354Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 1:54am
Yes but in all honesty Capn, aren't all award shows in the s@#*ter right now? I mean the Oscars, Golden Globes, etc. Ratings stink for all of them. Television is not the "go to" source for information anymore. Families don't gather around the TV like in 1974. Most people know that all the good moments will be streamed online so why waste the time watching live. Plus now they can get live tweets with each winner.
The dilemma is not just for the Tonys, but for all award telecasts-how do you make yourself relevant in the age of technology?
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
#355Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 2:08am
Bettyboy -- not really comparable. The Tonys show a semi-steady decline by the decade.
The Oscars have been averaging 40 million viewers since 1974. Sometimes up to 10 million more or down to 10 million less, but the up and down figures level off at about 40 million over the years.
The Golden Globes had been getting 20+ million viewers 1998-2004, however in the past 5 years viewership averaged 15 million.
The issue with film/tv awards is that there are so many awards shows that people get sick of them. There's only one nationally televised awards show for theatre.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
#356Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 2:49am
"The issue with film/tv awards is that there are so many awards shows that people get sick of them. There's only one nationally televised awards show for theatre."
Now people have the tonys to be sick of. 
#357Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 2:50am
I don't care to comment on the actual group itself, but Phyllis, can we end next year's private luncheon with a lovely whipped chocolate mousse?
I feel like that mousse could settle this WHOLE dispute.
Some people paint, some people sew, I meddle.
#358Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 8:46am
The difference being that most people are aware of Nathan and BeBe's countless shows. No i don't think they audition anymore, but im pretty sure they paid the dues to not have to.
Why do most people have to be aware of anything? What are the minimum requirements that need to be met for it to be acceptable? What if you paid your dues elsewhere, just not on Broadway? Honestly, the only real complaining we hear are about the Hollywood actors, especially if they are young and/or popular. Anyone else gets a pass.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#359Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:18am
Does Equity know those people are paying dues elsewhere? Surely they will want their cut.
And theatrkid, I think a nice mousse is a great idea. And we'll do a salmon mousse as the amuse-bouche so there will be a nice sense of closure at the end of the meal.
#360Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:30am
Good morning! this thread is still at the top, how long will it remain here?
jsyk Phyllis, you are my morning coffee entertainment. :) please find something delicious to put up. I am not going on that page. lol
"it's a dirty little war"
#361Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:38amMatt, their standards are more arbitrary than that. They're in a tizzy over Denzel Washington referring to the ATW as the Tony Committee in his speech. Denzel Washington won an Obie back when Hunter Foster was still kissing his sister in the elementary school musicals and Jennifer Cody was- well, probably already 45 and pounding the pavement- but still. He "paid his dues", on New York stages no less, and it's still not good enough for them.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never knowing how
Wanting life but never knowing how
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#362Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:39am
This is a good one from Christopher Sieber's page that I missed yesterday. I love so much about this one. I love that the guy refers to Sondheim as "Steve," as though they are close personal friends. Perhaps they are, but I doubt it.
I also enjoy that now it's not that Cathy bought the award, but that she slept with .... some people (I'm not sure who) to get it.
I just think it's funny they are slamming the Tonys performance when it was clear that she was obviously not in top voice. I'm in Chicago and knew she was sick. What's their excuse?
Updated On: 6/19/10 at 09:39 AM
#363Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:44am
Well, you call 'em "Cathy" and "Angie," Phyl. What does that say about you?
Come to think of it, I call you "Phyl." What does that say about me?
Maybe we're all part of that allegedly giant herd that Michael Forman claims #*%&@ Cathy so she could get her trophy.
What a jerk!
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#364Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:47amThis whole thing just gets dumber and dumber.
#365Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:48amI wonder what Stevie has to say about all this.
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#366Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:51am
I always thought it was understood I did that out of mockery, B12B (everything else I do is usually understood that way, whether I'm mocking or not!). I do admit that I'm the one who started calling her Cathy, but with Angie I was just following a trend. And I make fun of people here for it, too!
And yes, I know you are just kidding. As am I. :)
#367Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:51am
Wow...just reading through all those comments on the wall, it just makes you feel sad for those people. It's absolutely ridiculous and downright vicious and nasty. So now Catherine Zeta-Jones didn't buy the award, now she slept with someone for it. Don't they realize how they're coming off? That they sound like a bunch of sour, bitter pansies?
"You drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!" - Betty Parris to Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Updated On: 6/18/10 at 09:51 AM
#368Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:52am
Wait, did Cathy buy her Tony, or did she sleep with tons of people to get it? Or did she buy people who slept with that "Tony committee" Denzel was talking about?
Or did she sleep with a Tony Award just so she could buy people?
Let's get our misinformation and bogus accusations right. I mean after all, this is only the Internet.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#369Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:54amIn other news - because I'm getting tired of screencapping and the damn page is open to all - it's also a travesty that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith were seated in front of Bernadette Peters.
#370Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:57amI have a bootleg of Cathy humping a Tony Award. It's pretty awesome since they're bigger this year which she keeps screaming about.
#371Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 9:59am
Forman cannot have it both ways. CZJ did not destroy "Steve's" song by being unable to sell it while not also mentioning that the Tonys/CBS truncated "Poor Steve's" "non-singer" (isn't that a tad patronizing to Steve?) song which makes it harder to sell. But he is just concerned with making CZJ, an Oscar winning actress, desperate (I am putting that in the most polite terms) to, I don't know, be halfway there on the EGOT.
Updated On: 6/18/10 at 09:59 AM
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#372Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 10:02am
Here is my two cents -
LIVE THEATRE IS ABOUT THE MOMENT! TO SHOW IT ON TV IS LIKE PUTTING A FACE ON AN AMISH DOLL! HOPEFULLY THE TONY MEN ARE ON FACEBOOK AND WILL TAKE THE TONYS OFF TV AND KEEP IT OFF - WHERE IT BELONGS!
#373Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 10:04am
I wish we saw this Tony more often.
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#374Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/18/10 at 10:05amHE IS NOT BROADWAY HOW DARE HE BE ALLOWED TO BE CALLED TONY I DEMAND HE CHANGE HIS NAME
Videos