If you could see one Lincoln Center Recording- Page 2

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 12/10/08 at 10:23am

Also, while the link that Gothampc provided is very helpful, you should know that not everything that's in the collection is listed online. I don't know why they haven't managed to do that, but they haven't. If you're looking for something in particular that's not listed online, you can ask them by calling.


Let me put my knowledge of this collection to use here. Since this is a very special (one of a kind in fact) collection, it is very difficult to keep up with the cataloging. It is all original cataloging and they do a very detailed job, as you can see. (A lot goes into it.) Since this is the case, it takes a long time to enter new acquisitions into the collection, meaning they have other tapes, they're just not in the system yet. So, yes, you are well advised to call and ask if you want something and don't see it in the list.
Also-I recommend making an appointment. It takes less time if you do-they will have your video waiting for you and all you have to do is sit down and relax and enjoy.
Have fun!

[nobodyhome]

Posted: 12/10/08 at 6:18pm

George Chakiris is not in the video. The video was shot near the end of the tour, after Chakiris (who's actually pretty good on an audio of the tour) had left and been replaced by Allen Case and then by Gary Krawford. It's Krawford who's in the video. He delivers a very moving "Being Alive." Krawford was also Robert for the last few weeks of the Broadway run.

I tried to describe the quality of it as best I could in one of my earlier posts in this thread, mormonophobic. Don't know what more to say.

[nobodyhome]

Posted: 12/10/08 at 6:29pm

"Let me put my knowledge of this collection to use here. Since this is a very special (one of a kind in fact) collection, it is very difficult to keep up with the cataloging. It is all original cataloging and they do a very detailed job, as you can see. (A lot goes into it.) Since this is the case, it takes a long time to enter new acquisitions into the collection, meaning they have other tapes, they're just not in the system yet. So, yes, you are well advised to call and ask if you want something and don't see it in the list."

I wasn't trying to criticize the collection in my post. But there's a production from 12 years ago that's in the collection but not listed online. Perhaps it's just been overlooked but I don't think it's not listed online because they're behind.

That's not to say they're not behind. I'm sure they are. And again I'm not criticizing them. They're understaffed, which is probably only going to get worse again. I'm sure they'd prefer not to be understaffed.

I've been told there may be some very negative changes on the way in the research collection of the Library of the Performing Arts because of new leadership of the NYPL, who, amazingly, just don't get the need for the Performing Arts library to have any sort of substantial research division. I hope I've been misinformed or that the new leadership gets bounced before they can do too much harm.

[Architechtw/aCamera]

Posted: 12/10/08 at 10:30pm

Man, I'm planning a trip up to NYC Jan 2nd-6th and never even thought of this! I'd love to be able to watch the original recording of Company and Sunday in the Park. Do you think if I called they'd accept the cover of an Architecture student doing research on set design? I am actually considering the switch to a set design major as soon as I complete my undergraduate work so it's not tooooo much of a stretch.

...You can't blame me lol, I love Broadway, but there's not a lot of opportunity to see original productions for an NC guy on a very tight budget. :/ I told my entire family to forgo all Christmas & Bday gifts so that I could get cash instead and finance this trip.

Also, off topic, but does anyone know of anything else special going on in that time frame? My last trip 4 years ago, I was fortunate enough to catch Christo & Jean Claude's "Gates" in Central Park which was spectacular.

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 12/13/08 at 7:49pm

I decided (but am still kind of going back and forth) to see the original (touring) production of Company. While I re-read (and really appreciate) the detailed description by nobodyhome, I do have some other questions. With this particular video, do you need permission from anyone? I only ask because some people mentioned other videos needing permission from certain estates.
Another thought - since I'm going to be there for a nice amount of time (a little more than two weeks), do you think it would be possible to see more than one video during my trip? Or do they pay close attention to these things? I've never been and I'm sure one trip will be more than enough, but I really don't go to New York that often. Again, thank you for all your help. :)

[nobodyhome]

Posted: 12/13/08 at 11:17pm

You don't need special permission to view it, or at least you didn't a couple of years ago. Just be prepared to write down a reason (no one's ever actually asked me to state it out loud to them) and an organization connected to that reason. It can be a theatre company, it can be a school, it can be a newspaper or magazine. Some research reason. Make it sound plausible but you don't have to drive yourself crazy.
Updated On: 12/18/08 at 11:17 PM

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 12/13/08 at 11:20pm

Woo. Thank you. All this info is greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to seeing this production, regardless of quality. The show is one of my favorites, but the only production I've actually SEEN is the recent revival, which is so different from the original. Thanks again.

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 12/14/08 at 3:33am

I actually do have another question. Does anyone know if Side Show or Grey Gardens were recorded/if they are available? Neither is listed in the catalog, but as was said here, the catalog isn't really up to date. Just wondering if anyone has seen these two gems via the Lincoln Center Recordings. They are just two (somewhat) recent shows I missed that I would love to see. Same with Drowsy Chaperone.

[Phantom10906]

Posted: 12/14/08 at 5:03am

So do you think i would need an appointment to see the original taping of Phantom of the Opera?

[binau]

Posted: 12/14/08 at 6:19am

AFAIK, you can't see shows that are still running.

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 12/14/08 at 9:51am

First piece of info. I can offer-unless you are entering the cast of a show or working on a show you are not allowed to view the video while it is running on Broadway.

Both Grey Gardens and Side Show should be available. (I know both the Playwrights and Broadway videos of Grey Gardens are available.)

As for seeing more than one show, come up with a good comparative topic in theater and enjoy the films.

[jayclay]

Posted: 12/17/08 at 10:10am

My daughter would like to view some videos here for her theater class, but I will also be with her as well as her sister. Will we all be able to see the video or are they strict about just the researcher seeing it?
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Any info on this situation would be appreciated. We could just go do something else while she's watching, but if we can all see it, why not? Thanks!

Updated On: 12/17/08 at 10:10 AM

[mfshutte]

Posted: 12/17/08 at 12:04pm

Delurking here to answer some questions (full disclosure, I work for NYPL):

Each monitor has 2 headphones, so that's the maximum number of people who can view a view at one time.

I'd highly recommend making a reservation. This will speed up the time it takes for your video to begin. Not all the videos are on the online catalog and some have viewing restrictions. Your best bet is to call first.

Also, keep in mind that TOFT is open different hours than the Library. Check the website, linked below, before you go.

I know it's a pain that not everything is online, but we're working on upgrading our online catalog system.

TOFT is entirely funded by Library donors. Each taping can cost approximately $16,000. If you love TOFT and want to support it with a gift of any amount, please visit www.support.nypl.org and indicate TOFT as the designation for your gift. NYPL greatly appreciates it.

Library for the Performing Arts

[jayclay]

Posted: 12/17/08 at 2:32pm

Thanks for the info!

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 12/17/08 at 8:08pm

Thankfully givesmevoice mentioned this in another thread, so I revisited this. Thank you again for all the info. Very glad to hear about Grey Gardens and for the specific information regarding viewing. Will have to start working on that topic for a comparative paper soon. Anyone have any ideas on how to compare Grey Gardens to the OBC of Company? Hmmm...

[sgv123]

Posted: 12/17/08 at 10:11pm

you have to register for an access card. You can then search the titles here:

http://catnyp.nypl.org/

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 12/17/08 at 10:19pm

Wait a second, you need to get an access card to see the recordings? Because that link says I need a proof of address and ID. Isn't it just as simple as making a reservation and going? Just wondering because I really want to see something.

[sgv123]

Posted: 12/17/08 at 10:23pm

i think you need one, to check anything out. I could be wrong.

Here is what it says about the researchers access card:

"The New York Public Library Research Libraries are expanding the functions of the online catalog, CATNYP, through the introduction of the ACCESS card and new software features. The ACCESS card allows researchers to request and use materials from the Research Libraries’ closed stacks. The collections, as always, will be available free of charge, for use on site only.

ACCESS cards are required when submitting call slips for closed stack materials, so apply now."

All of the shows I looked up are only open to researchers.

Updated On: 12/17/08 at 10:23 PM

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 3:18am

Well thank you for that, sgv123. I'm just wondering why there hasn't been any mention of getting a card before. Since the site also says you need proof of address, does that mean you need to have a New York address or not? Or would I just get one of the temporary cards it talks about? Just wondering. Thanks again.

[nobodyhome]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 4:36am

I can't remember if they asked to see my access card the last time I watched something at TOFT.

[sgv123]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 5:15am

mormonophobic: I am kind of confused too. It says that you have to go to the library to finish the registration process, so maybe that does mean you have to live in the city. I would maybe email them.

[jayclay]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 7:42am

http://www.nypl.org/books/cards.html

ACCESS cards from the Research Libraries of The New York Public Libraries are free to all researchers, regardless of their place of residency. A replacement fee may be charged for lost cards.

To apply for a Research Libraries' ACCESS card, see the Access Card information page, or pick up a paper application at any Research Library. General researcher cards with a three year expiration date are available to all applicants 18 years of age and older who can present photo identification with proof of name and address, preferably a photo driver's license or state identification card.

Young researchers, those under 18 years of age, may request an interview with a librarian and receive an ACCESS card if it is determined that the Research Libraries' collections hold appropriate material to meet the researchers’ needs. These cards have a 6 month expiration date. School ID is required.

A temporary, non-renewable card, is available for researchers who do not have appropriate ID on the day of their visits. This 3-day card can be converted to a General card upon presentation of identification.

Each Research Library has a desk where ACCESS cards can be obtained.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 2:08pm

Yes, you need an Access card and ID. They check both.

Why hasn't it been mentioned? It's a library: isn't it a given that you'd need a library card?

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 5:08pm

Thanks for the information. Will try applying through the site. And while it is kind of assumed that you need a library card, it still isn't that clear how to go about getting one if you don't live in New York. It says to bring a proof of address, so I am just curious.

[Marie Christine2]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 8:51pm

Side Show is available. I watched the recording back in 2002.