Kennedy Center Honors '18- Page 2

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 3:07pm

I think I might have been less disappointed with Lin's inclusion- at age 38- if they had five legends- and then awarded this special award. right now he is taking the place of an artist who has earned this honor with a lifetime of commitment to the arts during a lifetime of projects. Then, if they want to give one- two -three- special awards- fine by me. Perhaps Black Panther could be included- Beyonce is a trailblazer- and on and on....

Updated On: 12/3/18 at 03:07 PM

[Bettyboy72]

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

I think the Hamilton team deserves an award for the phenomenon they created, not the musical. They pushed the boundaries of casting, remarkably highlighted diversity issues and started conversations about non traditional casting. They re-ignited young people's interest in theatre and got music from the show to chart. They came together to make something wonderful.

That being said, I recently saw the tour. Completely enjoyed it but wondered what all the buzz was about. It seemed like RENT, history version. Also, in terms of diversity the women do NOTHING but talk about and react to MEN. That truly sucked for all the "werkkkk" bs. Also, they were selling Hamilton books for BC/EFA signed by LMM for $2500. I know its for charity but come on. Sondheim, Mc Nally, etc have sold BC/EFA signed tomes for $250 max. Those men are legends of theatre.

LMM has created very few pieces of work to be lauded in such a way. Let's see where he is in 40 years.

[LuPita2]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 3:40pm

I agree, Lin should have been awarded this in 30 years, along with his star in Hollywood.

"I think we, in our own small Broadway world, take the show for granted now that we're 3+ years out from its creation."

It took him seven years to create it and it debuted in January 20015, so four years.  I think most people have moved on, not taken it for granted.  

[LuPita2]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 3:40pm

I agree, Lin should have been awarded this in 30 years, along with his star in Hollywood.

"I think we, in our own small Broadway world, take the show for granted now that we're 3+ years out from its creation."

It took him seven years to create it and it debuted in January 2015, so four years.  I think most people have moved on due to time, not taking it for granted.  People move on to other things in entertainment, simple as that.

Updated On: 12/3/18 at 03:40 PM

[quizking101]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 5:35pm

FWIW, Cher Show had a performance yesterday afternoon and opening night is tonight, and after a 9 show week (per Stephanie’s Twitter), I assume there was no feasible way to make that happen

[JBC3]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 6:16pm

BroadwayConcierge said: "Hamiltonis, indeed, the greatest contribution to American performing arts culture of the 21st century thus far. You may not like it, but that is a fact.

Also,the KC Honors acknowledge that theHamteam wasn't given a lifetime award; they were specifically given the honor as "trailblazing creators of a transformative work that defies category." If there's any property for which to make a historic exception, it's Hamilton.I think we, in our own small Broadway world, take the show for granted now that we're 3+ years out from its creation."

No problem at all with them doing this recognition OUTSIDE of the Kennedy Center Honors which has a longstanding history and specific criteria for which awards are granted. All you have to do is look at the photo of this year's honorees and see how out of place the back row is in relation to the decades of contributions of those seated in front.

[Mike66]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 6:21pm

Some of the posts here prove that people will never be happy.

Here you have a moment when a BROADWAY SHOW is something that everyone is talking about, and that media markets want more of.  As someone noted, expect the Hamilton segment to be the last one of the show because CBS is trying to hold onto eyeballs.

What a great moment for those of us who think that Broadway should get more exposure.  The life tv shows these last few years have been, in my opinion, pretty awful.  Yet it's wonderful to see so many people seeing Broadway style productions.  I hate to be the old guy in the room -- but it wasn't a lot of years ago that mentioning life theatre to most folks would cause an immediate glaze over.

I thinks the KC show will be great -- even if you hate Hamilton.  And I'll bet that every Broadway and Road venue producer thinks the same.  

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 7:29pm

Completely beside the point- of course we are all happy Lin is getting exposure- and Broadway is getting exposure- that does not mean it should get an award for lifetime achievement. He got Tonys- he got huge acclaim- deservedly so- everyone who loves theater is- I am sure- happy for him. Does he deserve a lifetime achievement award- NO. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 7:34pm

It is not a lifetime achievement award as has been referenced more than once above, but go ahead and believe whatever you want...

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 12/3/18 at 8:09pm

YES- I KNOW- IT IS A SPECIAL AWARD- it takes the place of a career achievement award- and that is that. It is not right- but there are bigger things going on in the world. Lin or not- the show usually gets low ratings- though I love it- and I bet this will not help. Congrats to Lin and all who got the award. Happy for all of them.

[JudyDenmark]

Posted: 12/4/18 at 10:52am

BWAY Baby2 said: "I think I might have been less disappointed with Lin's inclusion- at age 38- if they had five legends- and then awarded this special award. right now he is taking the place of an artist who has earned this honor with a lifetime of commitment to the arts during a lifetime of projects. Then, if they want to give one- two -three- special awards- fine by me. Perhaps Black Panther could be included- Beyonce is a trailblazer- and on and on...."

Totally agree with this. I understand why they're giving Hamilton a special award - the phenomenon is unprecedented on Broadway, and I think it deserves recognition as the musical theatre gateway drug it is, but I don't like that it's at the expense of a fifth lifetime achievement award.

I think I would've preferred if they did the Kennedy Center Honors as usual, and then a Hamilton tribute separately. (Either by extending the show on CBS or running a second special.) Could still be a special "Kennedy Center Honor" with the rainbow necklaces.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/24/18 at 12:51am

Anyone else think the people who they choose to perform for the honorees can be an omen of near future nominees. If so, do we think that Cyndi Lauper and Kristin Chenoweth could see themselves nominated soon?

[JBC3]

Posted: 12/24/18 at 2:21am

Miles2Go2 said: "Anyone else think the people who they choose to perform for the honorees can be an omen of near future nominees. If so, do we think that Cyndi Lauper and Kristin Chenoweth could see themselves nominated soon?"

Lauper? Perhaps
Cheno? Never

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/24/18 at 10:41am

Am I correct that Patti Labelle has never been honored? I know she hasnt had the biggest career in regards to number of charting singles/albums, but she has proven longevity and has one of the great voices of R&B/pop music.

[Steve C.]

Posted: 12/24/18 at 3:58pm

It's way to early for Cyndi or Kristin. What about Angela Lansbury, Diana Rigg or Maggie Smith. Lansbury has won Oliviers and BAFTAs..Rigg and Smith are theater and television royalty.

As for this years' show, our hair guy, John, was one of "more than the usual number" of wig/hair/make-up people this year. He said the show has some phenomenal moments. The "Schuyler Sisters" are absolutely tremendous; it is possible to blow the roof off the Opera House!! 

Kristin does it for Reba. Cyndi came out first, for introduction for Cher, then came back with Adam Lambert who I'm told almost steals the show from Cyndi. John said they taped the dress and may be editing from both; it was a very long shoot... As for Cyndi, I love her; but John said her introduction was spot on terrific; but when she came back to do the Sonny and Cher with Adam, she appeared to have been "a little different" in demeanor and on stage ( and I don't think it is Cosentix)...so discuss...At any rate, this year should be great with deserving honorees and the stellar on stage performers. CBS 12/26   

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 12/24/18 at 4:37pm

Ms. Lansbury was honored in 2000

[AADA81]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 7:23am

Since George Stevens, Jr. ended his tenure as the show's producer, I think the changes they've made have been for the worst.  There use to be more diversity in the artistic disciplines but now it's top heavy with pop culture recipients who are either undeserving or are honored prematurely.  The thing I most loved about KCH was seeing artists from dance, opera, classical music, jazz, etc. and discovering who they were and what they'd accomplished.  Now, the attempts at a ratings grab are obvious and I think it cheapens the honor.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 10:30am

South Fl Marc said: "Ms. Lansbury was honored in 2000"

Yes.  Yes indeed:



 

[Babe_Williams]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 10:51am

LuPita2 said: "I agree, Lin should have been awarded this in 30 years, along with his star in Hollywood.

"I think we, in our own small Broadway world, take the show for granted now that we're 3+ years out from its creation."

It took him seven years to create it and it debuted in January 20015, so four years. I think most people have moved on, not taken it for granted."

It seems like LMM and Hamilton really brought Broadway into the digital age as far as their use of social media to promote shows. In addition to the show, that should be recognized TBH

[JBC3]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 8:27pm

Oh goodie. Standard Chenowith shtick.

I miss the old school Kennedy Center Honors producers who crafted a unique narrative and emotional arc for each honoree. Now it feels like most every other award show.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 8:33pm

I dont recall them starting with the honorees on the stage before. Is that new? And were the lifetime honorees in wheelchairs? It certainly looked that way.

[JBC3]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 8:47pm

Starting on stage is new. It could have been driven by the fact that the Hamilton men are not in the box or a new approach overall.

Shorter definitely is in a wheelchair. Updated On: 12/26/18 at 08:47 PM

[GF21]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 8:52pm

Third slot, after Reba and Wayne Shorter.

[WayTooBroadway]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 9:04pm

That KING LEAR commercial congratulating Mr. Glass was by far the coolest thing of this telecast.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/26/18 at 9:18pm

My local network is pissing me off. After the Schuyler Sisters, they came on to talk about our thunderstorm and are refusing to return to the show. I get that there are high winds and all, but it feels like theyre just want to show off their technology and dont even get me started on those stupid storm trackers. Hope I can find the show somewhere on On Demand or elsewhere.