Roundabout cuts a dance sequence from Birdie

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:15am

Ok, this is one of those shows I know next to nothing about...is it that pivotal a scene?

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/RIALTO_CHATTER_Gershon_Reveals_Famous_BIRDIE_Scene_Cut_For_Revival_20090824

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:17am

Not really pivotal, but iconic a la Steam Heat.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:22am

Exactly, it's not important to the plot, but the dancing/choreography can be thrilling. A true shame this has been cut. There's video of Chita performing it and she's perfection.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:29am

Here's Chita dancing "The Shriner's Ballet" from the 1992 "That's Singing: The Best of Broadway":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZldWwNZMmc

You can buy the VHS tape of "That's Singing" here:
That's Singing: Best of Broadway [VHS]

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:32am

Well, it's not essential to the plot, but it does reveal to us (and to herself) that Rosie is not the wild woman she professed to be in her previous number ('Spanish Rose'). At the beginning of the 'Shriners Ballet' she is confident and sassy, but when the men respond, she quickly realizes that she's in over her head (pardon the pun) and, when Albert shows up at the end to rescue her, she's only too happy to fall into his arms and let him 'save' her.

It's a very strenuous number, with Rosie at one point getting thrown about the stage, and I wonder if Ms Gershon, at age 43 and not known as a dancer, was not up to the task.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:41am

If you've seen Gershon in BOEING, BOEING... you'll know that physically she is up to the physicality of it. "The Shriner's Ballet" can be re-worked to suit a non-dancer easily as its more a comic number than a true dancing showcase ala "America" (from WEST SIDES STORY") or anything from CHICAGO.

[WestVillage]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:44am

Oh no .. here we go again ... another choreographically watered-down production. Why aren't dancers hired for dancer roles, instead of cutting or watering down the dances to accommodate non-dancers?

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:48am

I hate the "gang rapey" excuse that's being used as the reason to make this cut. It's ridiculous. It's a comic dance sequence, and has always been one of the shows highlights.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:53am

Gina is in excellent shape and could do the sequence. It seems more like being limber than being a dancer is the key. I think that some older theatre pieces do put women in situations or have them sing songs that are somewhat dated and questionable. I know there are two camps of people: those that say leave things alone, its a period piece and it shows the times and others who feel that tinkering is fine.

I know I hate a few popular theater songs like "Cain't Say No" which make me skeeved. I worked in a Rape Crisis Center for years and I just don't like those messsages in songs.

I think Gina makes a provocative statement about the scene being "gang-rapey" which Im not sure the producers will be thrilled she said, but I applaud her. She is a woman and has a valid point of view. Ask any woman who has been victimized or harassed by a group of men and they might not like the scene either. Im fine with them tweaking it.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 10:55am

Frankly, I've always thought it was an unnecessary number, tacked on to the end of the show to showcase Chita's abilities.

As far as crimes against the regrettably diminishing dance tradition on Broadway, this one is nothing compared to the watered-down, dumbed-down dances in the current West Side Story revival.

[madbrian]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:03am

What Pal Joey said.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:06am

What?! They cut this?! It's definitely not pivotal to the plot, but it's a lot of fun... and one of my favorite scenes in the show. I don't really see the "gang rapey" thing, either. It's meant to be humorous. I'm kind of pissed. Lame.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:07am

Agreed with Peej and Brian. It's a shame that it's cut, and their reasons for cutting it are stupid, but it's not pivotal.

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:12am

from the full article:

"It seemed a little too gang rape-y."

That should come as interesting news to countless high schools, parochial academies and theater camps where this number has been performed for nearly 50 years

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:13am

"but it does reveal to us (and to herself) that Rosie is not the wild woman she professed to be in her previous number ('Spanish Rose')."

Except that in the original script it takes place well before "Spanish Rose," which doesn't happen until the end of the show. "Spanish Rose" was placed before the "Shrinters' Ballet" in the Jason Alexander/Vanessa Williams made-for-TV version. I'm not sure if that change was seen previously in any stage version.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:14am

Yeah, what PalJoey said.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:16am

Hushpuppy, that is exactly what I suspected when I read the article. Hiding behind the PC banner will create a lot of backlash.
Plot wise it does reconcile Albert and Rosie.

At first I though the dance sequence being cut was the ballet where Rose imagines different ways to kill Albert. (It is in the detailed synopsis published by John Chapman in Broadway's Best 1960.) In all the productions of the show I have seen I have never seen this ballet done.

[perfectliar]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:23am

When I opened this thread I was sure the dance sequence in question would be the 100 Ways Ballet, which is funny but pointless. Why would they keep that and cut the Shriner's Ballet? Stupid.

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:23am

Disappointing news ..... shame on you, Roundabout!

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:26am

"but it does reveal to us (and to herself) that Rosie is not the wild woman she professed to be in her previous number ('Spanish Rose')."

Except that in the original script it takes place well before "Spanish Rose," which doesn't happen until the end of the show. "Spanish Rose" was placed before the "Shrinters' Ballet" in the Jason Alexander/Vanessa Williams made-for-TV version. I'm not sure if that change was seen previously in any stage version.

AEA AGMA SM: You are absolutely correct. My addled brain got it wrong. It's been many, many years since I've seen the show on stage.

(But I still love the dance number and do wish it was staying in the show)

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:37am

I don't mind the sequence being cut. Yes, it's a humorous scene. But it was completely tacked on just to showcase Chita and has just never been cut. It's not at all pivotal to the plot and, frankly, feels out of place.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:43am

Hmm. It's not my favorite number, that's for sure.

But now if they cut her ONE BOY dance and replaced it with LET'S SETTLE DOWN, I will have major problems.

This also makes me worried they will use the more PC version of SPANISH ROSE from the TV movie.

ps. I think most companies cut the 100 WAYS Ballet, I am sure that will be gone too. Updated On: 8/24/09 at 11:43 AM

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 11:44am

I know saying this on a Broadway message board is just asking for it, but I'm okay with cutting just about any long, dance-only numbers. I have yet to see one I felt really added something to the story. Maybe I'm just not choreography literate.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 12:03pm

I've never felt it was integral to the story in any way, and WAAY too long. I can also (but to a much lesser extent) see the sexual content concern...in this day and age. Manhandling, and her needing to BE rescued is of concern. Kind of illustrates the boys will be boys defense. I know it was never MEANT that way, but with time, things take on different connotations. (Perhaps her choice of words were a bit ill chosen.)

Now, whether that's an excuse or not, I have no idea. But I agree with others that it was really only put there to showcase. the amazing Chita, in the first place.

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 8/24/09 at 12:04pm

This is definitely one of the more memorable moments in the show for me and I'm pretty upset it's cut.