Official Kickstarter to get Spring Awakening to perform on the Tonys — Page 12

Along with all the other things he is, he's also a hypocrite! Great.

I went on Twitter to get a feel for how the campaign is being viewed amongst their fans, and I was disheartened to see that many still believe that raising the money is essential to making this happen. One fan is taking it so seriously that she's breaking down how much is raised day by day.

https://twitter.com/13mtm80/status/738220203138527232

And the cast continues to tweet their support. It's just sad that they have no problem supporting the deception of people who believe in them so strongly and don't know enough about the industry to recognize the shiftiness of this entire ordeal. It's especially off-putting that someone as successful as Marlee Matlin is so actively partaking in the deceit of people far less fortunate than her for such a self-indulgent cause.

Cupid Boy2 said: "I went on Twitter to get a feel for how the campaign is being viewed amongst their fans, and I was disheartened to see that many still believe that raising the money is essential to making this happen. One fan is taking it so seriously that she's breaking down how much is raised day by day.

https://twitter.com/13mtm80/status/738220203138527232

And the cast continues to tweet their support. It's just sad that they have no problem supporting the deception of people who believe in them so strongly and don't know enough about the industry to recognize the shiftiness of this entire ordeal. It's especially off-putting that someone as successful as Marlee Matlin is so actively partaking in the deceit of people far less fortunate than her for such a self-indulgent cause.


Oh that poor girl just needs to stop. I feel bad that she is putting in all this unnecessary effort. Also, I have to agree with the sentiments about Deaf West's website. It is one of the poorest websites I've ever seen for a theatre company.

I don't think Matlin is being self-indulgent. I want this production to perform on the Tonys. I just wish this wasn't how it was playing out.

The Artistic Director of Deaf West is D.J (David Kurs). You make a beautiful organization sound like an undercover drug ring. Just ugh!

Updated On: 6/2/16 at 10:15 PM

yeah who the heck is that

E. riley said: ""self indulgent cause'

Bringing inclusiveness and awareness of Deaf Culture to the Tony Awards is a self-indulgent cause?

Having these talented actors expand the possibilities of what deaf performers can do? That actors with disabilities can also find a home and inspiration in the theatre. Can take part? can see themselves?"

To start, I should have been more explicit in defining who I believe the self-indulgent individual to be. That's clearly Ken Davenport. I apologize for my wording and how it could be interpreted as suggesting that Matlin is the one wanting this all to happen for the sake of her own name. I am just disappointed that an incredibly successful actress like herself sees no problem with supporting the deceit of of fans who are not nearly as well off as she is.

With that said, E. Riley, this stunt is indisputably more about Davenport's bank account than the talent. That's the issue. He's using these disabled actors as props for his own gain. No one is against spotlighting deaf talent. It just shouldn't come at the cost of exploiting the fans, and that's especially true for an appearance like this.

In all honesty, the reach that this performance will have is questionable, which is what makes the argument regarding its social impact a shaky one. Only certain demographics tune into watch a telecast like the Tonys, and it's likely that many of those people will have already been aware of this production. And not to mention, the possibility that a national tour will come to fruition now looks slim. In my mind, Davenport's desire to flaunt what an "important" producer he is at the expense of the production's fans is the true reason this is happening.

It's important to recognize that most actors (and most people) do not spend time reading or thinking about what is discussed in this thread. They are told something superficially and respond to it, much as people sometimes support candidates without understanding much about them. That's the world we live in.

I therefore would not assume that any of the actors or other supporters of the company and show are necessarily aware of the scam. This is not about them, and it is not about the show, nor is about whether they will perform or not. There are even people here, who have presumably read this thread, who seem oblivious to the obvious wrong that has been explicated here.

E. riley said:"
Maybe you're uncovering and enlightening but maybe your missing the big picture and the good with all the negativity and shade. This thread is not helping anyone.
"

You don't think people should be critical of a campaign that frankly makes no sense, regardless of what the end goal may be? A campaign that is potentially misrepresenting itself and misleading people?

Updated On: 6/3/16 at 08:34 AM

There are so many elements involved here (well beyond just rehearsal and the moneys due to the Tonys), including many added by the fact that the show is not running and thus people have to be brought together to both rehearse and perform this. Are they planning to buy walk up tickets for flights? What set shop is building the set pieces on spec? How is the performance being scripted and arranged and copied? The list goes on and on. No, there is no maybe here.

MaddieBB12 said: "Hmmmm....look what I just found:

https://www.theproducersperspective.com/my_weblog/2013/03/why-the-veronica-mars-movie-backers-got-screwed.html

Interesting read..."



I'm getting a page not found error with that link. Doesn't surprise me Davenport would take it down.

Mic drop:

I can tell you right now . . . if I ever crowdfund another Broadway or Off Broadway show and I don’t promise you a piece of the profits in exchange for your money . . . do not . . . I repeat . . . do not give me any money.