Predictions on Shows Closing — Page 2

yeahthatsnotmyname - if someone disagree with you, it does not mean they BASH it either.

I agree that rude is unnecessary. However, I disagree that by saying it SHOULD close or say Broadway is full of BAD musical are rude. There is nothing rude about that at all. I’m not direct this toward Lestat but as general comment.

If it can be black or white, BAD show SHOULD close so actors and audience can work and enjoy on a GOOD show, hopefully of course.

If it can be black or white, BAD show SHOULD close so actors and audience can work and enjoy on a GOOD show, hopefully of course.

I'd argue 2 points- BAD shows should not open in the first place. And what is BAD to one person may be GOOD to another.

I just think that if you're gonna sit around saying, "Oh, God I hope it closes on Sunday!" ... it's rude. And unnecessary. If you want it to close, keep it to yourself.

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I'd argue 2 points- BAD shows should not open in the first place. And what is BAD to one person may be GOOD to another.

That is absolutely true and people who say the SHOW should close are people who think the show is BAD. As much as one who love the show think the show should stay open forever ever, the one who hate it can say the show SHOULD close as well.

liotte - in response to >> "Keep in mind that almost all the shows have tickets that are not $110. Many have $20 tickets through lottos or standing room or rush, and even if you can't do those, there are rear mezz seats that are cheaper as well."

I think everyone on this board is well aware of these lotto’s and rush tickets. The general public really has no idea these exist and they are just not a viable option for the average tourist planning their next trip to NYC. The same for a New Yorker who wants to catch a show. Producers do not advertise these seats, why would they? I would be pissed if I sat down next to someone that paid $20.00 for something I paid $110.00 for. At best these are word-of-mouth tools to help create buzz. If the show is popular people on this board will probably win the tickets every night and shut out out-of-towners.

As far as cheaper Rear-mez... they are my biggest complaint. After spending $60 or $70 isn't it a real kick in the ass to have the worst seats in the house? $60 or $70 is a lot of money especially if you have friends and family or GASP… a date.

Even TKTS which is also another mess is not a real discount. It is just scam to desperately sell over-priced tickets to terrible shows.

That's exactly what I mean, though; you didn't like Sweeney Todd and The Light in the Piazza, because they're just not the kind of thing you like. They weren't enjoyable to you. But does that mean that they're in that category of "bad theater" -- the one that's detrimental to the art, and all that (even though I know it's obviously a flexible term)? I'm just saying I think it's important to be able to recognize that even if you don't *like* something, that doesn't mean it's bad, as in that there are huge things wrong with it, and vice versa.

You didn't like Sweeney; but if you break it down, can you recognize that things like the acting and the direction were good? That the show is well-written, even if you didn't enjoy seeing it? I loved Chitty, but I recognized that it had a lot of problems, and for many intents and purposes -- though not all -- it was just bad. Doesn't mean I didn't enjoy seeing it.

ETA -- yes, "universally" wasn't the right word to use, since surely there'll be one person out there who likes everything, even if it's a total wreck, in all senses of the word. But I think you can figure out what I meant, without the semantic tie-ups. There's stuff that even the untrained eye can recognize as bad, in almost all cases.

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Updated On: 5/24/06 at 12:30 PM

Into the fray!

I think it's okay to talk about what show might close and how they are doing financially and try to guess or learn what the next show that will be coming into that theatre is.

You will have some show lovers and some show bashers, but that's how it goes with people's visceral response to theatre.

If you look at the whole thing as a process, every new show that opens offers auditions and chances to get work, a glimpse into the future. And if your favorite performer is not onstage, it's a chance to get to see them again.

A show closing means a new show opening.

Buddhism says it is attachments that cause suffering. In this light, it is hard to see a show you love go or your favorite performer leave the stage.

As for Brantley, I still haven't forgiven him for his lame review of Piazza. However, critics are only cyphers, sucking their livings off the art of others. Seldom is their work elevated to the form of art (though Lahr is up there).

It is the makers of art that we have to applaud, especially when they take risks and create something new and wonderful. Most of the new and wonderful, let's face it, is coming from Off Broadway and the nonprofits. When you're really lucky, it somehow slips up to a Broadway stage.

Art is also subjective to who is interpretting it. Yes, I can recognize when shows need work- including many of my favorites.
I definitely see where opinions can differ. And that's why it's great there is such a wide variety of shows. Everyone can see something different, and each person interprets the show in their own way.

Please, Liotte.

You don't go around hapring about how much Piazza and Sweeney suck because you know you'd be boo'd off the face of the planet.

You love Tarzan and Wedding Singer, and hate Piazza and Sweeney?

Well, then my opinion is that you don't like musical theatre.

Schuyler


Stand-by
joined: 5/20/03
It's a process!
Posted On: 5/24/06 at 12:32 PM


>>What good does it do to say you wish a show would close. Is the show hurting you? When any show closes many people lose their jobs. Is that something that should be wished for?

What bad does it do to say I wish a show close? Does my wish cause the show close? Grow up!

With the recent closing of Caine Mutiny while mindless tourist trap fodder like Mama Mia and Phantom remain open brings to light the fact that too much power in this town is in the hands of a small group of theatre critics, the Kissel's, Barnes, Brantley's etc., who are so enamored with themselves and their power and don't honestly review shows without injecting their own agendas (vendettas towards assorted actors, directors, producers, etc.)that their half assed reviews cause good shows to close long before they should have and theater fans lose out.

Hairspray sells popcorn.

Wow, I've seen both those shows (more than once!) and never saw anyone eating any of that. Personally, I wish they'd be more like theatres in Toronto which allow you to eat only in the lobby at intermission. Nothing but water is allowed into the theatre.