Hunter Foster creates "Give the Tonys back to BROADWAY" campaign — Page 18

I'm a little late in getting into this brouhaha, but, for the little it's worth:

1. Totally agree that it should be on PBS or one of the non-commercial networkds.
2. Historically, the networks AWAYS schedule some major sports event at the same time as the Tonys -- NOTHING is going to make a major difference in the ratings, which are ALWAYS dismal. Whoever's interested in the New York theatre is going to be watching it anyway. Frankly, this year's dismal event would discourage any non-theatergoer from even giving it a try.
3. Totally agree that it's unfair that the "lesser" awards are delegated to a small box that goes on and off so fast you hardly notice it.
4. Here's one that I'm doomed on, but: STRICTLY limit the time allowed for acceptance speeches -- do the Patti Lupone bit and hustle the windbags off the stage.
5. That lineup of producers for the Memphis win was ridiculous. ONE producer -- pick straws or whatever and let ONE individual accept the award on behalf of ALL the producers.
6. Hold the event in a BROADWAY theatre, not an oversized movie palace.

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Mister Matt, bravo.

I've been trying to keep up with all of this for the past couple days, and the whole thing has gotten so out of hand. I honestly didn't expect it to go this far, and by the hands of people I use to admire and respect. It's impossible to pinpoint exactly what their intentions are now, as they've veered so off course of their original mission statement. Publicly bashing CZJ's win has just thrown me for a loop.

Hunter needs to take the group down before this gets even more out of control. If his intentions are, in fact, completely rooted in the awards show itself, he needed to make that more clear from the beginning, and not indulge people who are there to insult other actors. Film, tv, stage, what have you - they are all actors. They all grew up with the same goals and who has the right to say that a theater actor trained harder than a film actor? It seems that many people have the impression that every celebrity rose to celebrity status overnight. Not everyone pays the same dues.

And anyway, as far as the awards are concerned, they're only reflecting society and the entertainment industry for what it is today. The show was awful this year because they did not have an impressive season to back it up. Plain and simple. If he's concerned with the creative awards being featured in the broadcast, I would get on board. But as far as I can tell, it's the least of his concern.

uncageg i think the difference is that Tonya is a brilliant singer and her voice was fatigued from doing the show.

I dont really think brilliant singer when czj comes to mind. i think more smoldering, sexy, good actress.

The two arent one the same imho.

Updated On: 6/18/10 at 02:15 PM

Thank you Western, that's exactly what I meant.

And Jules, if I remember correctly her voice wasn't just fatigued, didn't she have a bit of a cold or flu? I seem to remember talk of her saying she wasn't up to doing the song on the telecast but was asked by Wolfe to please do it, so she did. It has been a while but I think that's what I read.

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If Catherine Zeta Jones wins another Oscar(or Tony), which one of these theatre actors is going to pull a Kanye?

I imagine a great number of those people simply clicked "join" without having read any of the nonsense. I've had several people tell me they have left the group upon realizing how nasty it is.

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Also, as we've seen on this board (and Facebook), a lot of these people aren't that bright.

jules, it was talked about here but glad you understand what I meant.

I think all of the people posting over on Facebook have totally gotten off track, even with Hunter explaining what he meant. it has also been in the back of my head as to whether this may snowball and get to the film community on the West Coast. Will these stars feel unwelcomed because of this? Just thoughts.

I also think that these Hollywood stars want to do Broadway. I have heard a lot of them say that it is a challenge and much different than doing film. And lets face it, Zeta-Jones, Washington and Roberts aren't in it for the money. And it is not like they are "looking" for work. Part of me can see the argument about them taking roles away from Broadway/theatre actors but these stars are performing every role in a show. I assume these shows do employ Broadway actors. Or most do. Just my random thoughts.

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'I also think that these Hollywood stars want to do Broadway.'

And, one would think, these Broadway stars might want to do Hollywood...be it TV or film. Why would you put your name to something like this? It may not be a career killer...but a hindrance, sure.

It's beyond puzzling!

I think it's laughable (and hypocritical) that Hunter Foster sent out that mass e-mail with these so-called guidelines on posting to his pathetic, bitter facebook group. He *now* asks people not to bash other performers/performances after he so blatantly ripped CZJ 's performance on the internet for everyone to see. Yeah, right.

Updated On: 6/18/10 at 03:44 PM

I joined the Group so I could taunt the people, but the gazillion messages I'm getting about posting my Tony suggestions are very obnoxious.

Also, most of the suggestions people are making are ridiculous.

I just don't get what Hunter hopes to accomplish.
I mean does he really think that either the TONY telecast producers or CBS cares what these actors think?

What is his goal, I guess is what I'm asking.

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