Marc Shaiman's on the board!

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 4:53pm

Welcome, Mr. Shaiman!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have some BIG, BIG fans on this board! Everyone, give a nice, warm welcome to one of Broadway's brightest new composers!

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 4:57pm

Hello, Sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 4:57pm

WELCOME! hehehe but may a ask, whats your bww sn?

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 4:58pm

Something you'd NEVER guess.

"Marc Shaiman".

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 4:59pm

Why Billy, how you talk

what can I say...I like to watch

Actually, I just like to cut to the chase with some of these postings I read that are written by people "in-the-know"...

The Internet is like one huge game of "Telephone"...I like to think I'm like the Sprint Guy, clearing up the connection!

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 5:08pm

Mr. Shaiman,

Question for you: One of the attendees at the meet the other night said that Felicia Finley said (is that sounding like junior high school yet? :) ) that what we post on these theatre message boards can seriously affect careers. I find that hard to believe -- but then again, maybe I'm naive. What are your thoughts on that assertion?

Oh, by the way, saw HAIRSPRAY two weekends ago on the coldest Friday night in Christendom. It warmed me up. Does Harvey know how to walk through a performance? I think not!

Thanks,

rlbgbc

[robbiej]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 5:30pm

Well I AM in the know and I have it on good authority from someone very high up that Marc Shaiman will be starring as Oscar opposite Billy Crystal's Felix in the B&T of The Odd Couple, starting Feb. 29th at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

And don't you b*tches correct me cause I am IN THE KNOW!

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 5:34pm

meow!robbiej

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 5:39pm

Welcome Mr. Shaiman! I'm so happy to have you here!

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 5:48pm

Yay! Welcome to posting:) I think you rock!

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 5:57pm

do these boards seriously affect people's careers?

well, they are a part of the "buzz" that can push a show up the hill or be a speed bump to the process...people in meetings sometimes bring up message board chat, but unless there are a LOT of people saying the SAME thing, I don't think you need worry that a person's livelihood is at stake.

sure, creators in a moment of self-doubt might latch on to something someone writes online, but for the most part, the audience tells you everything right and wrong, and that's the only real barometer of how things are going on a show.

but, as Tevye would say, "on the other hand"...

like anywhere else in life, rumors and gossip can plant a seed in someone's (an employer's) head about people they may be working with...and the anonymity of the Internet allows anyone to say ANYTHING about someone...it's quite unfair and that's why I decided to post here under my own name...put my name where my mouth is, so to speak

speaking of Tevye, I saw the invited dress of FIDDLER the other night...and I would NEVER think of writing about that production here after a dress, though other's feel it's ok...but I do think it's fair to state that at The Minskoff you can hear one of the greatest book and scores ever created...Oh my God, I truly believe they were touched by the hand of God...I actually read people online calling the score "chessy" or judging it by current classroom theatre guidelines...well, "SABBATH PRAYER" and even "SUNRISE, SUNSET" don't move the plot as some folks seem to think EVERY song in a musical must, but they sure do move the audience and let us see what's in the character's hearts...I could marvel at that score forever...

but for now, here I am, slinking back into my spider-hole

p.s. Yes, robbie, Billy & I ARE doing The Odd Couple for one night only, and then we hope you'll join us for a bus & truck of "THREE SISTERS-The Musical"


Updated On: 1/26/04 at 05:57 PM

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 5:59pm

great, just what we need another freakin' talented, intelligent... composer *shudder*...welcome and happy posting.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 5:59pm

Welcome! I'll be attending your second benefit show in Chicago. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to meet you in person. My partner and I are big fans of your work. We look forward to hearing more in the future.

I like to know that some of the "knowns" are actually listening to the "uknowns". For every silly, gossipy, bitchy post, there is one of intelligence, thought, and heart. At least, I certainly hope so.

[robbiej]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 6:07pm

Make no mistake, Marc.

My Masha will make grown Republicans weep.

PS...I would like the sporano obligato in the Act One closer 'Headin' Down Moscow Way'

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 6:30pm

Welcome, Mr. Shaiman. It is great that you have made yourself known on the boards and not hide. Your work is sensational and I would like to congratulate you on your success.

Updated On: 1/26/04 at 06:30 PM

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 6:43pm

May I begin by saying welcome Mr Shaiman...
I have a question to ask you- well a couple...What is your opinion on the massive number of movies being turned into musicals (Rocky, Legally Blonde, etc)? What makes you think that Catch Me If You Can is worth bringing to the stage? Is there a musical idea that you have (and could talk about) that you think really stretches the boundaries of musical theater and advances the art form? Does that matter to you? Is there an idea you would love to try but you don't think would be able to find the backers?

Just a few questions on my mind. I figure as long as your here on the board I would ask.

[BwayCowboy]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 7:33pm

Mr. Shaiman...first off, KUDOS!!!! WELL DESERVED awards...(you deserve more....especially the OSCAR)

Can't wait to meet you at the feb 9th event in Chicago at Gentry!

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 7:35pm

Ah, BestOfBroadway has questions! ok...

What is your opinion on the massive number of movies being turned into musicals (Rocky, Legally Blonde, etc)?

Well, I suppose the glass half empty person would say it's simply due to the fact that they are easily marketed.

The optimist though would say a good story is a good story, only a snob would have a problem with from whence it came. And films have already (conveniently, since we are all SO lazy) figured out a way to tell the story in a 2 hour-ish time frame.

I belong to the latter group and wonder why anyone would have a problem with where the source material came from. It's the end result that matters, no?


What makes you think that Catch Me If You Can is worth bringing to the stage?

It's a great (and true) story with lots of opportunities to both ENTERTAIN and to make use of the emotional themes it contains about both fathers & sons and society's obsession with judging a book by it's cover. Scott & I came across it's script while browsing for ideas in The Drama Book Shop, where, believe it or not, we go to buy plays and books!


Is there a musical idea that you have (and could talk about) that you think really stretches the boundaries of musical theater and advances the art form? Does that matter to you?

Well, I am reminded of a great quote. I wish I still had the book to remember who it was, but someone said to Oscar Hammerstein "You wanna be different? Be good, that will be different enough!" Well, that's my motto!


Is there an idea you would love to try but you don't think would be able to find the backers?

Well, I wrote 4 musicals in my 20's that NEVER could find backers and have the bruises on my heart to prove it. But I still would never concern myself with "backers" if something grabbed my heart and imagination. Shocked?


Well, any more (rhetorical, perhaps) questions, BestOfBroadway? My two favorite subjects to talk about are theatre and myself, so keep 'em coming!

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 7:44pm

I love the frankness, Mr. Shaiman. :) Inspiring. I will no longer be afraid to talk about myself! :)

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 7:47pm

Not too many questions, people. We will scare him off!

[tkts]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 7:52pm

Welcome to you Mr. Shaiman. If you need bodyguards let me know. I gets rough around here sometimes. :)

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 8:06pm

I find it amusing that the advice, "You wanna be different? Be good, that will be different enough!", was given to a man who completely changed the face of musical theater (or invented it- whatever way you look at it.) He was ALWAYS trying to push boundries and created the musical theater that we all know today. He obviously didn't listen to whoever told him that all it took was to be "good." This can be seen in his productions of Show Boat, Oklahoma, Carousel, Allegro (the first concept musical)...the list goes on and on.

You know what my moto is "When BETTER is possible, Then GOOD is not enough."

I would beg to differ that a lot of the movies turned musicals are good stories. Certainly all that matters is the end result, but when the source isn't very good itself it's hard for me to believe that it's going to work (and I'm not talking about Catch Me If You Can.) But hey, prove me wrong! What do I know.

"Well, I wrote 4 musicals in my 20's that NEVER could find backers and have the bruises on my heart to prove it. But I still would never concern myself with "backers" if something grabbed my heart and imagination."- And yet it affected the 4 musicals? But nevermind you answered my question. I doubt that you will ever have any trouble finding people to back your work.

Best Wishes Updated On: 1/26/04 at 08:06 PM

Posted: 1/26/04 at 8:09pm

This is very cool. Welcome Mr Shaiman. I had the opportunity of seeing you perform as part of Outfest at the Village a few years ago. Is the show you are doing in Chicago similar? And might you be able to share some thoughts on how you all are going about casting key replacements in your show? ( B'way as well as touring). Thanks again and congragulations on all your success. Updated On: 1/26/04 at 08:09 PM

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 8:11pm

Whatever happened to your New Year's Resolution? Lol, I know...it is VERY hard to ignore the message boards.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/26/04 at 8:14pm

welcome! you're wonderful!