Is there new info?
I don't know if this has already been mentioned, but this site provides analytics and projections for Kickstarter projects.
https://www.kicktraq.com/projects/1832685006/deaf-west-theatres-spring-awakening-tony-performan/
Why does it have to be the full cast? Could they not just have the guy playing Moritz sing his solo, with no set and a mic? That would represent the show at the awards for a fraction of what they are hoping to raise.
There has been no set, one or two performer numbers at the Tonys many times before.
It has to be the full cast because Ken wants his money back from his flopped show, and the only way to do that is to lie and scheme and contradict himself.
Featured Actor Joined: 7/30/13
For those asking up thread, three different cast members who don't live in NYC posted on social media today about flying into the city today so I'm guessing they start rehearsals tomorrow.
Lead producers don't usually put in their own money.
Yesterday, there were 36 backers yet 16,800 dollars raised. That means that the average backer put in 466 dollars, which I am sure did not happen.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/16
blaxx said: "Why does it have to be the full cast? Could they not just have the guy playing Moritz sing his solo, with no set and a mic? That would represent the show at the awards for a fraction of what they are hoping to raise.
There has been no set, one or two performer numbers at the Tonys many times before.
"
Hell, Book of Mormon did I Believe at the Tony's and all they had was Andrew Rannels, Brian Tyree Henry, and a couple ensemble guys. There was a box and some prop guns and that's about it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/13
KCW said: "Yesterday, there were 36 backers yet 16,800 dollars raised. That means that the average backer put in 466 dollars, which I am sure did not happen.
"
It's difficult to know without seeing a breakdown of donations. One thing I appreciate about GoFundMe, for example, is that you can actually see each individual donation and its corresponding amount even if it remains "anonymous." That being said, I just checked the backers and it appears one person has claimed the top $10,000 level, which was not the case as of early last week when I checked. So it's very possible that donation could be responsible for the bulk of your $16,800.
This whole thing is still as shady as hell, and I really would appreciate some kind of formal or written response from Ken. Given his propensity for social media and blogging, I can only assume he follows this board. Ken -- please speak up. Come here and explain yourself. You might be doing yourself a favor by doing so.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
We know he reads the board because that Veronica Mars thing was removed after someone posted it here.
It seems like a bunch of higher-tier ($2000+) donations came in over the weekend. Hm.
Does anyone know when is the Tonys lineup being announced? It's barely a week away; the full list of performers + presenters should be coming out any day now.
Valentina3 said: "Does anyone know when is the Tonys lineup being announced? It's barely a week away; the full list of performers + presenters should be coming out any day now."
I would guess they will be announced tomorrow. Just an educated guess.
Stand-by Joined: 8/26/14
Kenny D. is probably trying to bribe the Broadway League in order to delay the announcement as long as possible so he's not exposed as being a scam artist.
Leading Actor Joined: 4/3/14
The reality is, they will magically go over their 200k, it will be used as a fake feel good story, and they will go on the tony awards as was always the plan. But the sliminess will follow around Ken Davenport forever, as the internet never forgets.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/13
Jallenc32 said: "Kenny D. is probably trying to bribe the Broadway League in order to delay the announcement as long as possible so he's not exposed as being a scam artist.
"
I actually cannot wait to see what type of statement is released by Davenport's offices following the announcement, which will include SPRING AWAKENING. Someone save/print/screenshot all of Ken's social media posts, blog posts and the Kickstarter page immediately! This way they cannot go back and edit them to reflect the announcement.
Stand-by Joined: 8/26/14
Liza's Headband said: "I actually cannot wait to see what type of statement is released by Davenport's offices following the announcement, which will include SPRING AWAKENING. Someone save/print/screenshot all of Ken's social media posts, blog posts and the Kickstarter page immediately! This way they cannot go back and edit them to reflect the announcement."
I can guess what he'll say, "thanks to the strength of the Kickstarter and my confidence that it'll reach it's goal, I have decided to personally loan Deaf West the remainder of the funds needed to give the cast as much rehearsal time as possible."
I am kicking myself so hard about all of this. I loved the show so much, and got totally swept up in the excitement of the Kickstarter without thinking about the logistics. Now they're getting $50 from me when this goes through. I'm not living in poverty, but $50 is not nothing! I guess it's my own naive fault, but.... ugh. Thanks to this thread for making me see the light, even if it's too late.
Shadiness aside, I'm so glad that they'll be performing. People need to see this beautiful work.
JudyDenmark said: "I am kicking myself so hard about all of this. I loved the show so much, and got totally swept up in the excitement of the Kickstarter without thinking about the logistics. Now they're getting $50 from me when this goes through. I'm not living in poverty, but $50 is not nothing! I guess it's my own naive fault, but.... ugh. Thanks to this thread for making me see the light, even if it's too late.
Shadiness aside, I'm so glad that they'll be performing. People need to see this beautiful work.
"
In case you want it...
Can I cancel a pledge?
To cancel a pledge for a live project, visit the project page and click the blue “Manage" button that appears next to your pledge amount. From there you can click "Cancel Pledge" to the left of the blue "Change your pledge" button.
Kickstarter FAQ
Anakela said: "To cancel a pledge for a live project, visit the project page and click the blue “Manage" button that appears next to your pledge amount. From there you can click "Cancel Pledge" to the left of the blue "Change your pledge" button."
THANK YOU! I was looking for something like that! I normally couldn't fathom canceling a donation to something, but in this case... I'll take my money back.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
I was just watching Young and the Restless and a commercial for the Tony's came on and featured Marlee Matlin in it and I couldn't myself from laughing.
"The reality is, they will magically go over their 200k, it will be used as a fake feel good story, and they will go on the tony awards as was always the plan. But the sliminess will follow around Ken Davenport forever, as the internet never forgets."
THIS.
Featured Actor Joined: 7/30/13
Call_me_jorge said: "https://youtu.be/gRswbFmzSZw
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God but what about "this money is paying for flying actors to NYC and renting rehearsal space that we otherwise can't afford" like they're essentially admitting now that they don't actually need this money because someone can pay and has paid for the stuff they claim they're fundraising for.
Stand-by Joined: 8/26/14
playbill-love said: "God but what about "this money is paying for flying actors to NYC and renting rehearsal space that we otherwise can't afford" like they're essentially admitting now that they don't actually need this money because someone can pay and has paid for the stuff they claim they're fundraising for. "
Yup. Yet he says they still need to hit the goal. This is almost shadier than anything that's come before it, since if they don't know they're going to hit the goal then Deaf West spending money on the broadcast is highly unethical. Of course they do know they'll hit it thanks to Ken Davenport and that the money has already been covered.
And I hate to say it, but this video makes me never want to support another production of Deaf West's again. Ken Davenport may be the villain, but they're going along with it and misleading their fans.
Videos