ROSIE'S THORNY SPAT - nypost.com

[Rob]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 9:33am

http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/41910.htm

Is there a line, or should there be a line, as to how much of a shows inner-workings are dissected before they even step out on stage?

A couple of friends had tickets for Taboo last night, and when they went by the theater to exchange them, Rosie was there giving out free t-shirts and keychains to everyone who had purchased tickets along with a limited number of tickets to Boy From Oz that she had purchased as well.

I guess that's less newsworthy though...

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 9:52am

The best thing about that trashy article was picturing Raul running around backstage in his underwear.

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 10:00am

I think Raul was out of line. She was giving him a note that would help him in the end.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 10:32am

Ah, oversized egos...they tarnish my feelings, even toward people I admire. On the other hand, they make for an entertaining, if disappointing, read...

I would never trash talk where I work to someone outside my department. If one cares enough to be part of something, then a certain amount of decorum should be maintained. My clients don't need to know that I think their surgeon is an a--hole as long as he's talented, or that I'm pissed off because my office is small and I work too many hour for not enough pay, as long as their case is being managed well. To do so seems tacky and unfair to the people who are going to pay a lot for one's expertise.

Oh Lord, I'm sounding older by the minute. And my comments are despite the fact that I am always happy to see Raul in a show.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 10:32am

Interesting.

[Princess MimiChica]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 10:48am

Wow. Just wow. Does this mean its true that Raul really does have a huge dick? ive heard stories, but...

[JO125]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 10:57am

I personally wouldn't assume anything Reidel has to say is based on actual facts. If there was a disagreement or a walking out of rehearsal, then there are probably two other sides to that story besides Reidel's. I'm sure there are "moments" during every show rehearsal, you just don't read about them all in the paper. Everyone has their days, and considering the postponement of the show, the people involved might be a little on edge about getting it right. How about giving everyone involved the benefit of the doubt.

As far as reports of Raul bad-mouthing the show, if it were so, wouldn't Reidel have reported it long before now, since he seems so bent on giving Taboo negative publicity. I would like to hear from someone besides Reidel before making snap judgements.

Sorry, but Reidel has been annoying me with all of his articles lately. I don't find him to be particularly concerned with checking his "facts".

[DofB5]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 11:13am

And I bet the understudy is saying to himself, "Yeah, Let the understudy do it! Let me strut my stuff and I won't have to do it my underwear!"

D

[Kelly]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 1:10pm

I believe the understudy is Asa Somers - that would work fine for me

Edit: Oops - nevermind. Asa is Euan's understudy.

Updated On: 10/25/03 at 01:10 PM

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 1:18pm

listen, producers give notes all the time. Directors hate it. But a strong director solves concerns from the backers or tells them why it can't happen that way. If the facts are as reported, Esparza (who i've posted elsewhere is a brilliant performer) needs to learn about collaboration. i'm sure Rosie's abrasive...everyone gets that way during previews. It's not the first time Esparza has seen that. At least Rosie's public statement seemed professional. The hardest thing to do during those ten/twelves is keep the good of the overall show in mind, but if Jackman can do it with OZ, then TABOO should be able to manage it too. Rumor has it that the "money" and the "captain" over there have their tempers too.

[LC]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 1:20pm

Donnie R Kershwartz is the standby for Boy George (Leigh Bowery) and Raul Esparza (Philip Sallon)

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 1:25pm

Does anyone know if Mr. Esparza is doing housecalls?

[Becky]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 1:27pm

I just wanted to add that I've learned that there is always more to a story than meets the eye. If things got heated yesterday, I'm sure there was more to it than just a note about an exit he was supposed to make. It was the night of what *should* have been the first preview and I'd be willing to bet things were tense and frustrating with everyone involved in the show with all the problems, cancellations, etc. Raul has always been the consummate professional and the most grounded guy I know. Consider the source reporting and give the guy a break.

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 1:31pm

let's not also forget that much like the "NOW they don't like Bernadette" buzz on GYPSY, it could be spin in order to get ink.

[JO125]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 1:37pm

Becky, thank you for that perspective. I would tend to agree with you. We don't know any of what might have really led up to the reported spat and walk-out. One spat between people who work so intensly together should not be this big a deal in the scheme of things, in my opinion. I will take the wait and see attitude.

[WSS2]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 3:14pm

This is the same Rensahw who directed "High Society"?


Hmmmmmmm.....

[Benzy92]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 3:24pm

Ya know what, Rosie is putting her own ten million into this show so I think she can say whatever the heck she wants! Besides, it wasnt even a mean note, it was something that would help him. He was sooo out of line.

[Becky]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 3:36pm

"Besides, it wasnt even a mean note, it was something that would help him. He was sooo out of line."

You are assuming that the " production note" is the only thing that caused a disagreement, which is unfair. No one knows what is going on behind the scenes. MICHAEL RIEDEL isn't known for having the complete truth - and his tabloid-ish reporting irritates me anyway.....

[Sunfish]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 7:09pm

Strangely compelled to read these tacky "insider" articles when they cross my path, I still do not believe anything Reidel writes. There may be a grain, a seed, of truth in there somewhere, but I never accept Reidel's interp. The truly wretched truth is that a lot of people DO...put it in print and it becomes fact (regardless of the "truth").

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 7:56pm

As noted, this type of brouhaha happens all the time as a show is about to open. Classic ten outta twelve strife. There are many pieces that must fit -- and in TABOO, apparently, the show's limelight is divided among several players. The fact that one is a notorious rock divo(a), who also composed the score, and one is a hot up and coming b'way star suggests great chance for explosive alchemy, potentially powerhouse performances. And perhaps explosive behavior backstage. Who knows? Anyway, if they had taken this to Boston, or Detroit, or Miami, it wouldn't be happening near Shubert alley, and its impact wouldn't seem so immediate. Or such a harbinger. When you add cancelled previews, this is classic gossip fodder. The show's strengths, artistic merit, you name it, may have zero to do with any of these crises. Some of the best shows on b'way have emerged from far more troubled crucibles than this one. Some times, when things are really cooking, people start to panic and tempers flare. It doesn't necessarily mean the show is falling apart. The crepe-hanging -- the Post's speciality -- feels premature. But as noted, it sells papers and keep the show in the public eye, too.

[LC]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 8:05pm

Speaking of which, I imagine Taboo's first preview is guaranteed huge non-Broadway related coverage on Tuesday, as it's the opening court date for Rosie's $100m lawsuit as well!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 10/25/03 at 9:21pm

Rosie has never been known for her "people skills". This just makes the obvious even more so.

[JO125]

Posted: 10/26/03 at 6:25pm

This NY Post coverage, while depicting negative back-stage events, in effect has put Taboo further out there in the public eye. Regardless that these events were probably not as big a deal as reading the article would lead one to believe, the front page headline will catch the public eye. Non theatre-savvy people will read and say "Who is this Raul guy?", interest will be piqued, who knows, the whole thing could end up selling tix that would not have otherwise been sold.

[robyn525600]

Posted: 10/26/03 at 7:32pm

Being in Rauls presence a few times and knowing a few people who have worked with him (and said he is a consummate professional), I find it hard to believe that there isn't alot more to this story than what was written. I have also been in Rosie O'Donnell's presence several times and she is an incredibly sharp-tongued, nasty person. I'm *not* saying that it was her fault but with my experiences with both of them, I would bet my last dollar that Raul's buttons were pushed to the limit and he lost it.

And what kind of pathetic, trashy GOSSIP is that about him prancing around in his underwear?! What, on God's green earth, does that have to do with the issue at hand?! That kind of "reporting" (and I say that loosely) sickens me.

They also claim that Rosie said he has been bad-mouthing the show around town. Thats funny since EVERY interview I've read of his PRAISES the show! Ugh - the media makes me mad. Riedel should go work for a trash mag like the Star or Enquirer since trash is the only thing he knows how to write about.

I have tix to TABOO for Nov. 3 and I am going to be heart-broken if he doesn't continue with the show but if he makes the decision to leave, then I know it is in his best interest and I, as I'm sure many people will, support him in that.

[LC]

Posted: 10/26/03 at 7:43pm

He was still in rehearsals yesterday