PBS 'Passing Strange'
PBS 'Passing Strange'
MamasDoin'Fine
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/28/08
#1PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 6:31am
From Variety
PBS picks up Spike Lee's 'Strange'
by Dave McNary
PBS' 'Great Performances'has acquired Spike Lee's film adaption of the Broadway rock musical 'Passing Strange' out of the Tribeca Festival and has announced plans to air the project in 2010.
Th producers of 'Passing Strange' said they're exploring a limited theatrical release for the film in the late summer or early fall this year.
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#2re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 10:05amhttp://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003065.html?categoryid=14&cs=1
RippedMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
#2re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 1:17pmNice! Can't wait to finally see the show. I'm not in love with the recording, but I'd really like to see it live.
#3re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 1:18pm
I'm so happy that I'll finally be able to see it.
But I have to wait a whole year? *Grumble*
You're reminding me of people you hear at the movies asking questions every ten seconds, "Who is that? Why is that guy walking down the street? Who's that lady coming up to him? Uh-oh, why did that car go by? Why is it so dark in this theater?" - FindingNamo on strummergirl
"If artists were machines, then I'm just a different kind of machine...I'd probably be a toaster. Actually, I'd be a toaster oven because they're more versatile. And I like making grilled cheese" -Regina Spektor
"That's, like, twelve shows! ...Or seven." -Crazy SA Fangirl
"They say that just being relaxed is the most important thing [in acting]. I take that to another level, I think kinda like yawning and...like being partially asleep onstage is also good, but whatever." - Sherie Rene Scott
"If artists were machines, then I'm just a different kind of machine...I'd probably be a toaster. Actually, I'd be a toaster oven because they're more versatile. And I like making grilled cheese" -Regina Spektor
"That's, like, twelve shows! ...Or seven." -Crazy SA Fangirl
"They say that just being relaxed is the most important thing [in acting]. I take that to another level, I think kinda like yawning and...like being partially asleep onstage is also good, but whatever." - Sherie Rene Scott
#4re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 1:23pm
I hope to see it get a theatrical release. I would LOVE to see it on a big screen. I'm thrilled just knowing I will see it on PBS, though.
God, I miss this show!
#5re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 2:14pm
Big Time Yay!
28.5 hrs till PS Premiere! Anyone going? (57th st? Send PM, pls.)
Updated On: 5/1/09 at 02:14 PM
blaxx
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/05
#6re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 3:54pmYAY! :) Though I'm still confused as if they taped the whole show, or it's just a documentary.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
#7re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 4:46pmHi Blaxx, Spike Lee originally was only going to film 1 live performance on the last weekend, but ended up taping 3 of the last 4 live shows. In addition, before and (after the show closed) addt'l camera shots, scenes, minimal backstage shots were done also. What's in the final product? I'll let ya know late tomorrow night! It's supposed to be a "filmed" fairly accurate version of the stage play...(I was standing next to one of the cinematographers during the last show (in the back orch), so the little that I viewed from his wide angle camera looked excellent).
blaxx
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/05
#8re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 5:01pmAwesome, can't wait to read your review.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
#9re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 7:33pmBlaxx, a coupla of other SCARYOS will be there, too,...I may post late, or the next day....T- minus 24 hours!
#10re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 8:36pmI will be there Sunday night. Can't even tell you how excited I am!
My blog- http://okayentertainment.blogspot.com/
#11re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/1/09 at 11:02pm
Hey, BenKy - Which location are you seeing it at? I think WhizzerJasonTrina... is going on Sunday too....do you know him?
BTW, did you buy the "book" yet? (lyrics & bk). It's great to really be able to read every word.
#12re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/2/09 at 3:12pmI've never been to a Tribeca screening. Are those going to the PS screening today dressing up all fancy? or is more casual?
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
blaxx
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/05
#14re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/2/09 at 3:24pmI'm jealous of all Scaryotypes that can attend.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
#15re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/2/09 at 5:05pmDitto on being jealous of all those who will be there. I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts!!!
#17re: PBS 'Passing Strange'
Posted: 5/2/09 at 5:48pm
Wherever it's showing Sunday night at 7. I believe it's on 12th street. I do not know WhizzerJasonTrina personally, but I know "of" him.
And yes, I do own the book, as well as the vocal selections.
My blog- http://okayentertainment.blogspot.com/
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
#18Passing Strange -- The screening
Posted: 5/2/09 at 11:56pm
It was a bit like a rock concert.....started 45 minutes late and there was a lot of confusion. I don't know how many rushers got in as there didn't seem to be enough seats for those who were lucky enough to get tickets ahead of time.
But it was totally worth it. The movie is fast paced, loud and crystal clear...so you will see a lot of nuances that you might not have seen in the live production. Everyone looks great in HD.....especially Chad's abs!!
In general, I liked the camera work and some of the sound mixing made me hear parts of the score from a completely new angle. Some of the "Christian Cams" were not at the best angles and occasionally people seem to be drenched in one moment and relatively dry in the next.
Almost all of the show was shot at the Saturday matinee. The encore comes from the Sunday matinee, with Saturday night's filming used to catch what was missed on Saturday afternoon. The close-ups and crane work were done on Monday.
After the film Stew, Heidi and Spike talked a bit about how the project came about and how the collaboration worked. The audience questions ranged from self-promotional (ie. Hi. My name is (blank) and I'm an actor/director and I was curious about the emotional........) to generic (Spike what drew you to the material?) to the funny....(One story about how a woman yawned in the front row during a performance at the Public and Stew got all in her face -- Stew admitted that the same thing happened on B'way and that he went "All German" on the guy...and it turned out that the guy couldn't see well and that's why he was making weird faces all through the performance.)
For those who didn't get to see Stew at Lincoln Center -- they are now selling T-shirts emblazoned with "What's inside is just a lie"....Stew says they are up for sale on the stewsongs website....
That's about it for now. As reported they have sold the rights to PBS and are having discussions about a limited release.....All in all -- a really fun night. Hope you all at tomorrow's screening enjoy it, too!!
gregj63
Stand-by Joined: 5/8/08
#19Passing Strange -- The screening
Posted: 5/3/09 at 12:35am
Thought the film was great, Spike Lee did a great job capturing the essence of the show and adding to it with his choices of shots. Also really liked the (very brief) backstage shots in the film.
Didn't love the theater, though. Have to see it again somewhere where I can see more than the back of the guy's head in front of me. And maybe start on time too.
#20Passing Strange -- The screening
Posted: 5/3/09 at 10:53pmBenKy and others - can you post your thoughts later, on tonight's festivities?
#21Passing Strange -- The screening
Posted: 5/4/09 at 1:09am
IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!
Sorry, but, it was!!! I just got back, and I'm a bit tired, but I just have to say that it was a work of cinematic genius!!! There were some outstanding shots and angels that captured the piece so beautifully. The way they filmed "Must've Been High" and "Identity" was amazing!!!
I really hope more people get to see this outstanding film!
My blog- http://okayentertainment.blogspot.com/
xerotheory7803
Stand-by Joined: 10/16/06
#22Passing Strange -- The screening
Posted: 5/4/09 at 1:25amI openly admit that Passing Strange was not my favorite show of all time, and I'm not a fan of the recording too much. BUT, having said that, seeing the filmed version of Passing Strange tonight might have been a better experience of the show than actually seeing it live. Spike Lee captured it, plain and simple. The ending might have been one of the best things I've seen in a movie theater, and I actually felt a bit emotional (I've been a part of closing casts before, and it drew those memories). I highly recommend the movie for fans of the show, and even those who werent crazy about it, give it another shot. You wont regret it.
#23Passing Strange -- The screening
Posted: 5/4/09 at 2:14am
I just got back from seeing it tonight and I really loved it. It brought back so many wonderful memories.
When they announced the closing last year I feared it would be the end of it. I CANNOT express my gratitude enough to Spike Lee for filming this amazing show. The audience this will now reach can so much greater.
My heart overflows with love for this show! I'm truly on cloud 9.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
zagat3
Swing Joined: 3/30/04
Videos