I just got back
I just got back
I just got back#0
Posted: 10/7/04 at 12:25am
From seeing BROADWAY GOLDEN AGE and it was SOOOOOOOOOOO good, OMG. I loved it so much. I just sat there in awe, with my mouth hanging open wishing I lived back then to see some of the greatest musicals in history (the ones that defined the theatre as we see it today). I mean, Angela Lansbury and Bea Arthur in MAME and right next door you have South Pacific and down the road you have Damn Yankees. I mean COME ON. Just hearing stories from the people that experience broadway first hand during the "golden age" was awe inspiring and so interesting. I love documentaries and this just topped the cake. If I had to pick my favorite part of the movie, it would be where they showed a clip of a tv special (I guess it was a tv special) where Bob Fosse described some of his choreography and Gwen did the choreography to "Whatever Lola Wants." I mean I had the BIGGEST smile on my face. I love Bob Fosse and that just made my night. In fact, when I got to my car afterwards I popped in my DAMN YANKEES recording (which I haven't listened to in about a year) and just imagined what it would have been like to be int he audience and see Gwen strut her stuff. Also, they interviewed Ms. Harris who starred in LION IN WINTER and is also Aunt May in the Spider-Man movies. Me being a HUGE Spider-Man fan, that just made my day as well. All in all I had one of the greatest movie going experiences I have had in a very, very long time. I am def. buying this when it comes on DVD and cherish it with all of my being.
The only downside was that the seat I was sitting in was very uncomfortable and my butt hurt so bad, but I did not move because I was so intrigued. For those who have not seen this gem of a movie, please do yourself a favor and bring a few friends and go see it. Trust me, it will change you.
EDIT: The one thing that bugged me was that they didn't even mention Oklahoma! as being the one that changed musical theatre. I mean they showed a poster but that's it. No spoken mention of it. I thought that was weird. Also, the guy that was narrating it (the director) sounded like Marc Shaiman. Anyone else thought that?
re: I just got back#1
Posted: 10/7/04 at 2:23am
So GLAD you enjoyed it as much as I thought you would!
ROSEMARY Harris was the original Eleanor of Aquitaine in "The Lion in Winter" and is now best known as Aunt May in the Spiderman movies. Perhaps you understand why so many of us were upset that for whatever reason that the revival of Albee's "The Lady From Dubuque" was cancelled for this fall at Second Stage (who knows how often we'll get the chance to see her on stage in the future, given her age). A great, great actress (too bad you didn't see her play Agnes opposite Elaine Stritch and George Grizzard in the revival of Albee's "A Delicate Balance" a few years ago -- one of the best productions I've ever seen). By the way, her daughter, Jennifer Ehle, is amazing as well, if you ever get the chance to see her.
The Fosse-Verdon clip is wonderful. In case you don't know, the film version of "Damn Yankees" FINALLY comes out on DVD next Tuesday -- if you've never seen it, BUY IT. Her "Whatever Lola Wants" and "A Little Brains, A Little Talent" is the very definition of what star quality and charisma is all about (you understand immediately why every Broadway dancer from Chita Rivera to Bebe Neuwirth call Verdon their biggest idol and why the woman received four Tonys in six years). But, most special, is "Who's Got the Pain?" which is a virtuoso dance workout featuring Verdon and Fosse pulling out all the stops in a comedic dance number -- the only time they ever danced together on screen.
Perhaps now you understand why so many of us who saw BROADWAY: THE GOLDEN AGE months ago said that it should be required viewing for anyone who posts regularly on this board (and anyone else we know, frankly).
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/1/04
re: I just got back#2
Posted: 10/7/04 at 3:53am
wow! i can finally throw away my old worn out VHS copy of Damn Yankees! i've always wondered why this wasn't released along with "the pajama game". verdon is amazing as is ray walston. i also love the "two lost souls" number with gwen and tab hunter. i look forward to seeing this in widescreen for the first time. sorry for the threadjack.
glad you liked the film spider i'm definitely going to go see it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/6/04
re: I just got back#3
Posted: 10/7/04 at 8:55am
Although DAMN YANKEES is an OK film, it is a pale imitation of original Broadway Show.
My favorite number "A Man Doesn't Know" (terribly moving number) was DROPPED from film and replaced by some nonsense called "There's Something About an Empty Chair."
Trivial Pursuit: DAMN YANKEES was the first Broadway show about baseball THAT WAS A SUCCESS.
re: I just got back#4
Posted: 10/7/04 at 9:13am
"Although DAMN YANKEES is an OK film, it is a pale imitation of original Broadway Show."
Most shows-turned-movies are. Nothing beats seeing the show live.
Although a movie may be great, you cannot compare it with a live version of it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/6/04
re: I just got back#5
Posted: 10/7/04 at 9:17amI agree ONE THOUSAND PERCENT! :)
re: I just got back#6
Posted: 10/7/04 at 3:28pm
Yes, Margo I have seen DAMN YANKEES THE MOVIE many-a-time. Actually, it is one of my favorite movie musicals. Love it to death. And yes I understand now what all the raves were about. I want to go see it again, but last night was the last showing. 
So, I will just have to wait for it to come on DVD. Alot of those actors/actresses were a hoot. I mean I laughed my butt off at a few parts. Also, I HAVE to pick up cast recordings with John Raitt in it because his voice is amazing. When he sang the song from Carousel I was stunned. I have heard of him before but never actually "heard" him (which I feel ashamed of. But, yes I loved it so much.
re: I just got back#7
Posted: 10/7/04 at 10:40pmI aslo need to buy the original cast recording of CAMELOT. Gasp, yes.....I do not have it. LOL. But after this movie I want is so bad.
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