#1
Posted: 6/11/07 at 12:46pm
Once the telecast began yesterday I didn't bother to go online. And now, trying to read through these ridiculous comments in the various Tony Awards reaction threads is both sorry and disappointing.
Does anyone have anything intelligent, logical reactions to share here, or in other threads I perhaps overlooked?
Some of my thoughts:
1) In the video montage of other shows not performing live, why was HIGH FIDELITY's underscore not its own music from the show? Odd.
2) I thought SPRING AWAKENING winning for Choreography was quite a shock. Of all of the awards, I was not expecting that. I thought perhaps MARY POPPINS or LEGALLY BLONDE should have taken the trophy. In my opinion, SPRING AWAKENING won it because either it was well-liked and/or unconventional choreography. Which is fine - it suits the show, is designed brilliantly, and executed more than properly.
3) Entertainment-wise, I very much enjoyed the opening number featuring the cast of A CHORUS LINE and this evening's presenters headshots. Audra Macdonald's "Rauncy" was a highlight! Fantasia's R&B/Pop rendition of "I'm Here" was stunning (her performance in the Tony rehearsal was even better). The SPRING AWAKENING performance was a treat and I thought the alterations in the arrangements provided perfect transitions. I was confused by their reasoning for changing the lyrics. Of course, we're not given a reason - I would love for that decision to be explained. It doesn't mean anything to anyone who isn't familiar with the show, but to someone who knows the music - why? I will also say that the new choreography for that number, including the censoring, looks MUCH better live than on TV. On TV it looked semi-cheesy.
4) I thought it unfair that the JERSEY BOYS got to perform. I didn't mind Fantasia because of the Alliance Theatre winning, however the fact that the Jersey Boys were presenters doesn't give them the privilege to sing. If it does - why not have Stephanie J. Block, Hadley Fraser and Laura Bell Bundy present so they can perform, too? I understand that they are marketable for the ratings, however it is still unfair.
Does anyone have anything intelligent, logical reactions to share here, or in other threads I perhaps overlooked?
Some of my thoughts:
1) In the video montage of other shows not performing live, why was HIGH FIDELITY's underscore not its own music from the show? Odd.
2) I thought SPRING AWAKENING winning for Choreography was quite a shock. Of all of the awards, I was not expecting that. I thought perhaps MARY POPPINS or LEGALLY BLONDE should have taken the trophy. In my opinion, SPRING AWAKENING won it because either it was well-liked and/or unconventional choreography. Which is fine - it suits the show, is designed brilliantly, and executed more than properly.
3) Entertainment-wise, I very much enjoyed the opening number featuring the cast of A CHORUS LINE and this evening's presenters headshots. Audra Macdonald's "Rauncy" was a highlight! Fantasia's R&B/Pop rendition of "I'm Here" was stunning (her performance in the Tony rehearsal was even better). The SPRING AWAKENING performance was a treat and I thought the alterations in the arrangements provided perfect transitions. I was confused by their reasoning for changing the lyrics. Of course, we're not given a reason - I would love for that decision to be explained. It doesn't mean anything to anyone who isn't familiar with the show, but to someone who knows the music - why? I will also say that the new choreography for that number, including the censoring, looks MUCH better live than on TV. On TV it looked semi-cheesy.
4) I thought it unfair that the JERSEY BOYS got to perform. I didn't mind Fantasia because of the Alliance Theatre winning, however the fact that the Jersey Boys were presenters doesn't give them the privilege to sing. If it does - why not have Stephanie J. Block, Hadley Fraser and Laura Bell Bundy present so they can perform, too? I understand that they are marketable for the ratings, however it is still unfair.
"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
