Jamie McG is My New Hero! Congrats on a Stellar Pippin Concert!!!!!

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 3:08am

I know there's another thread already! But I think it was such an impressive, special evening that it deserves a separate thread as congratulations to Jamie and anyone else involved with tonight's unbelievable performance!

Truth be told, I was never a huge fan of the show, the score, or Michael Arden. I've seen many a bad production of PIPPIN and have never been too enthusiastic about seeing or hearing it. But after seeing the concert tonight, seeing the songs and story performed by the best in the business, I am now absolutely in love with the show. And as for Michael Arden, he impressed me in BARE, but this concert convinced me that he wll be a major force on Broadway for years to come. What an all-around charming, capable actor! And that tenor voice!

I don't want to go to the trouble of picking apart the various aspects of the production, but let me just say that I thought it was a gorgeous success that left me teary-eyed for several hours afteerward.

Of course there are things to criticize in any performance (Rosie's singing) but mainly I just fell in love with the actors, the designers, the staff, and the characters as they were portrayed tonight. Arden is a star, no doubt. Terrence Mann proved to one and all that his voice is as healthy as ever, and his acting remains among the best in musical theatre. I got a major thrill during the whole Pippin For Emperor sequence, in which Terrence Mann (in character) snuck into a balcony seat literally RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!!! So anyone who was there, when the spotlight hit him in the balcony and Charlemeagne delivered his decrees, I was the grinning idiot in the row behind him.

God Bless Ben Vereen, and God Double Bless Billy Porter and Darius De Haas for captivating the audience throughout the night with their contributions to the 5-headed Leading Player. And Charles Busch is just a classic in every sense of the word.

The biggest standout of the evening for me was the stunning Fastrada that Julia Murney provided us with. I've loved her voice on recordings, but this was my first chance to see her in person. After her enticing performance and showstopping musical number tonight, I am absolutely enamored and stunned at how spectacular this woman is on stage! We need her on Broadway soon!

Mainly I just wanted to let Jamie and Company know that this was an incredible night for me and many many others. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you folks who did this for such a great cause. Thank you for being passionate enought to orchestrate these events and tasteful enough to do such a fabulous job with them! Keep 'em comin' and I'm sure the audiences will be there to help support you beautiful people.

who else was there tonight?

Updated On: 11/30/04 at 03:08 AM

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 4:09am

That was great Jamie!!!

*gasp* Julia Murney...ah, Julia Murney. I love her. I adore her talent, and let me just say, seeing her perform live was something else, indeed. I instantly fell in love with her voice when I bought The Wild Party recording, but actually seeing her live was even better. She is brilliant. I love her. The end.

[jczelyph]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 4:46am

What about an audio recording of the show? That's a CD I'd love to own. I thought I read somewhere that the CD was to released in February.... I'd provide a link but I have no recollection of where I saw it, so sorry about thatI could be completely wrong.

[BWIDB Charlie]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 1:36pm

I believe you may be thinking of the "Hair" concert having a cd released in Feb. But I know I definately would pick this cd up as quickly as it came out.

Congrats everyone! I only wish I was able to be there !

Charlie
[e-mail]

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 1:39pm

PLEASE GOD, LET THERE BE A RECORDING

Posted: 11/30/04 at 1:41pm

PLEASE GOD, LET THERE BE A RECORDING

How about...

PLEASE JAMIE, LET THERE BE A RECORDING!!

I would have gone if it were physically possible for me to be there. Law school blows!! Updated On: 11/30/04 at 01:41 PM

[jczelyph]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 5:58pm

Oh God, you are sadly so right magicpiane...I was thinking of the HAIR concert. Poo. Never mind. Any news on a release for this?

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 6:02pm

I was there... and SO disappointed we didn't organize a gathering so we could all meet.

It was an incredible night!

[adampascalgal]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 6:22pm

How about...

PLEASE JAMIE, LET THERE BE A RECORDING!!

I would have gone if it were physically possible for me to be there. Law school blows!!

I would just like to third the request for a recording!!! I know how ya feel Faile, only of course I would just replase "law school" with "Michigan" lol

Updated On: 11/30/04 at 06:22 PM

[JamieMcG]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:33pm

WOW...
Thank you guys all SOOO much. I am so thrilled you guys enjoyed the concert so much.

As you may have been aware of, there were some logistical nightmares occuring...what with 2 small elevators moving 1200 people up seven flights, a box office manager who due to unforeseen circumstances, cannot make it to the event, and a star that comes in 3 hours prior to the performance...there were some stressful moments. But I am so proud to hear from you all that despite all that, you enjoyed yourselves. If we had known about some of these logistics prior to renting the space, believe me-we would have done more to alleviate the problems.

I am so grateful to the team of people we had to work with. Including Stephen DeAngelis-our casting director (who of course I forgot to mention last night, but without whom the event probably would not have happened), Steven Yuhasz-a brilliant producer who stepped in somewhat last minute to pick up a lot of the loose ends that Kate and I couldn't deal with, and Josh Halperin and Michele Traub in stage management-brilliant. And of course the people I did get to thank last night, Gabe, Andy and Mark-their work was just unreal! The designers who just kick ass all around. Traci Klainer, our lighting designer (which rhymes...just thought of that) and I have become officially married-(don't fear Phantom2, she means nothing to me)- Whenever we needed anything, Traci would be on top of it...the first of many who went above and beyond the call of duty to make this concert a great success.

Then there are the performers...Michael Arden centerstage, the choir and ensemble behind him, Darius holding the crown over his head at the end of "Morning Glow" is a moment I will never forget. Rosie, Ben, Laura, Kate, Billy, Julia, Charles, Terrence, Harrison, Johnny T, Cameron (sigh), the ensemble, dancers and choir were just brilliant.

Again, logistically, I wish there was more that we were prepared for. But with one night events, we don't really have the luxury of a preview to work out kinks and sometimes need to hold off on opening the house. When Ben Vereen needs an extra 5 minutes onstage...we don't question it.

So thank you again for bearing with us last night and I'm glad that the good far outweighed the bad.

As far as a recording goes...I'm really sad to say that it looks kind of doubtful at this point. The cameras that were there last night were purely press (Theatermania, NY1, Extra!, Kentertainment) and due to the rules that govern these events, they can only tape a certain amount of footage for B-roll to use on their news stories. The costs and logistics of stepping back into a studio to record are somewhat beyond me. If someone you know would like to provide financial backing, feel free to contact me, and we can talk about it.

Again, Thank you all so much for being a part of last night and for being so truly supportive of events like this one. It is so compelling to see a community that has grown here, that so miraculously supports and encourages all things theatrical. So again, from the bottom of my heart. thanks.

Much Love, Jamie

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 7:36pm

Sounds amazing, and Jamie....I promise that there will be no torches and pitchforks coming your way about the recording. But, I am still wishing since I was not able to go.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 10:00pm

Jamie, the logistics were quickly forgotten once the first note was played...it was a MAGICAL night!

Bravo and congratulations!

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 10:02pm

How was Laura Benanti?

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 10:23pm

beautiful but under-rehearsed

[Phantom2]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 10:44pm

Jamie- You are the best! Great icon!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[BWayBoy88]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 10:47pm

Congrats Jamie! It was a wonderful show. Looking forward to what you have in store for next year.
I will say I am kind of sad that there will be no CD made.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 10:50pm

Jamie - it was great meeting you at the afterparty :) Thanks for a great show!

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 10:54pm

Jamie, I'm curious to know what Stephen Schwartz had to say afterward. And I have rarely laughed so hard as I did when Michael messed up a bit in EXTRAORDINARY then followed it up with the comment about not being able to read music and "I'm sorry Stephen!"

Updated On: 11/30/04 at 10:54 PM

[jczelyph]

Posted: 12/1/04 at 7:14am

Aww, shame about the recording but never mind, I imagine that coordinating these things must be tough! Thanks for a useful response though Jamie.

[JamieMcG]

Posted: 12/1/04 at 10:40am

Hey there,

Again, thank you for all your fantastic responses. They are all very much appreciated.

As for what Stephen Schwartz had to say...he called me very early the next morning, expecting to get my voice mail...but of course I was awake, having to head over to The Manhattan Center to meet trucks for prop, lighting and instrument load-outs.

He was very congratulatory and very happy with the evening. All along the way he has been excited about the casting. But he was particularly impressed with how well the multiple-leading player idea worked. It seemed that he and I shared a favorite moment in the show-"Morning Glow." For me, it was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen on a stage, thanks so much to Gabe, Traci-the lighting designer, and of course the brilliant group of people onstage.

So that's it...watch NY1 onstage this weekend as they covered the event as well.

Thanks again so much for all your very kind comments.

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 12/1/04 at 10:45am

"Morning Glow" was thrilling and transporting and what musical theater is all about, BRAVO!

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 12/1/04 at 11:15am

Eddie, I agree about Morning Glow completely! It may have been because I was right by the speaker, but that chorus sounded like it was 200 people in that song! It was simply incredible to witness the music being performed with such power.

[taboo17]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 12:36am

Thanks again Jamie for all your hard work. The "Pippin" Concert was wonderful. Michael Arden was fantastic as well the rest of the cast. I especially enjoyed hearing Michael perform "Corner of the Sky" and "Morning Glow" with the chorus was phenomenal. Updated On: 12/2/04 at 12:36 AM