I saw the original Sugar and by today's standards it would probably win all sorts of awards. Bob Merrill is not a very clever or insightful lyricist and it shows in both Funny Girl and in Sugar, but the music in Sugar is well above average and the overture is one of my top ten favorites. In an ideal world, do a Sugar reboot--keep the music and find a new lyricist.
NJGUY said: "I saw the original Sugar and by today's standards it would probably win all sorts of awards. Bob Merrill is not a very cleveror insightful lyricist and it shows in both Funny Girl and in Sugar, but the music in Sugar is well above average and the overture is one of my top ten favorites. In an ideal world, do a Sugar reboot--keep the music and find a new lyricist."
Didn't he ghost write "Elegance" for Hello Dolly? That's a pretty good lyric.
HenryTDobson said: "Any casting rumors for this one?"
No idea, but given Neil Meron, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are all involved, then I wouldn’t rule out either Megan Hilty or Kat McPhee, depending on availability and all that!
Crazy we’re gonna have Tootsie, Mrs Doubtfire and now this all in the space of 2 years!
NJGUY said: "I saw the original Sugar and by today's standards it would probably win all sorts of awards. Bob Merrill is not a very cleveror insightful lyricist and it shows in both Funny Girl and in Sugar, but the music in Sugar is well above average and the overture is one of my top ten favorites. In an ideal world, do a Sugar reboot--keep the music and find a new lyricist
Totally Agree .Saw Sugar. It was diverting with Morse Roberts and Richard .Lyris were rather pedestrian. Doubt with state of Broadway this will land anytime soon.
The new rule for producing theater is "don't depend on boomers to show up" and so now they are fast tracking THIS to Broadway? Even if it's good, who's going to go see it?
The Distinctive Baritone said: "The new rule for producing theater is "don't depend on boomers to show up" and so now they are fast tracking THIS to Broadway? Even if it's good, who's going to go see it?"
Not me. I saw what they did to poor Charlie. That property also already had a perfectly fine musical adaptation. I’d rather listen to the Sugar cast album.
Without sounding bitter or trying to start another argument on transphobia, what is it about cis straight white male characters dressing up that people find so funny?
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
blaxx said: "Without sounding bitter or trying to start another argument on transphobia, what is it about cis straight white male characters dressing up that people find so funny? "
With the same amount of caution and compassionate sincerity, I don’t understand what people find offensive. The men are disguising themselves as women to avoid capture. They’re not claiming to be transgender. They’re not transgender characters. I don’t understand.
CATSNYrevival said: "blaxx said: "Without sounding bitter or trying to start another argument on transphobia, what is it about cis straight white male characters dressing up that people find so funny? "
With the same amount of caution and compassionate sincerity, I don’t understand what people find offensive. The men are disguising themselves as women to avoid capture. They’re not claiming to be transgender. They’re not transgender characters. I don’t understand."
While the characters may be using this as an escape or hiding ploy, the cross dressing is written purposely for comedic effect. While I understand this would have an effect in times where male stars were the models for alpha masculinity, I truly don't get what the point is in a 21st century cultural environment.
If anything, nowadays straight male celebrities are seen as inclusive and empowered when dressing up. What effect do they expect from two randoms hamming it up as band ladies? Is it really worth a 15+ million investment?
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman in ‘Stars in their Houses’ last confirmed it would be fall 2021. They mentioned how they’d already done some big workshops for it so maybe they already have a cast in mind. Megan Hilty mentioned how she was all set to be doing a workshop for a new show in nyc but it’s been postponed for the moment. I don’t think she meant Some Like It Hot.
WestEndGal said: "Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman in ‘Stars in their Houses’ last confirmed it would be fall 2021. They mentioned how they’d already done some big workshops for it so maybe they already have a cast in mind. Megan Hilty mentioned how she was all set to be doing a workshop for a new show in nyc but it’s been postponed for the moment. I don’t think she meant Some Like It Hot."
jacobsnchz14 said: "WestEndGal said: "Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman in ‘Stars in their Houses’ last confirmed it would be fall 2021. They mentioned how they’d already done some big workshops for it so maybe they already have a cast in mind. Megan Hilty mentioned how she was all set to be doing a workshop for a new show in nyc but it’s been postponed for the moment. I don’t think she meant Some Like It Hot."
I'm wondering if she's involved in Music Man."
Who would she be playing?? Sutton Foster is already Marian and, as far as I know, she is still attached
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
blaxx said: "Without sounding bitter or trying to start another argument on transphobia, what is it about cis straight white male characters dressing up that people find so funny?
"
I've been wondering this as well. This might have been a funny device when these stories were created, but I don't understand why we insist on keep going back to them. Unless writers going to provide insight or new ideas (particularly ones centered around LGBTQ issues), the "man in dress" facade has run its course.
HenryTDobson said: "blaxx said: "Without sounding bitter or trying to start another argument on transphobia, what is it about cis straight white male characters dressing up that people find so funny?
"
I've been wondering this as well. This might have been a funny device when these stories were created, but I don't understand why we insist on keepgoing back to them. Unless writers going to provide insight or new ideas (particularly ones centered around LGBTQ issues), the "man in dress" facade has run its course."
I think mistaken identity is a hallmark of comedy. The audience laughs when they know something that the other characters don't know about.
As a gay man, I've never found anything offensive in these stories or characterizations. I've never felt that they have anything to do with LGBT issues at all. In Mrs. Doubtfire for instance (and this is based on the film as I've not yet seen the musical) Daniel's disguise was a catalyst for him learning more about what it takes to be a good parent and make himself into a better version of himself. The intention was not to mock or belittle any group of people. But I completely understand that others feel differently, and that's ok too!
Call_me_jorge said: "jacobsnchz14 said: "WestEndGal said: "Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman in ‘Stars in their Houses’ last confirmed it would be fall 2021. They mentioned how they’d already done some big workshops for it so maybe they already have a cast in mind. Megan Hilty mentioned how she was all set to be doing a workshop for a new show in nyc but it’s been postponed for the moment. I don’t think she meant Some Like It Hot."
I'm wondering if she's involved in Music Man."
Who would she be playing?? Sutton Foster is already Marian and, as far as I know, she is still attached"
Maybe she’s playing Eulalie MacKenzie Shinn, but that seems a kinda small role for her? She said she was meant to be there right now doing the workshop. Not sure what other new shows had workshops planned for right now.
"Without sounding bitter or With the same amount of caution and compassionate sincerity, I don’t understand what people find offensive. The men are disguising themselves as women to avoid capture. They’re not claiming to be transgender. They’re not transgender characters. I don’t understand."
Exactly, I will never get the outrage when cis white men do this. They seem to get critical acclaim and awards. They aren't trying to be hurtful.
"Without sounding bitter or With the same amount of caution and compassionate sincerity, I don’t understand what people find offensive. The men are disguising themselves as women to avoid capture. They’re not claiming to be transgender. They’re not transgender characters. I don’t understand."
Exactly, I will never get the outrage when cis white men do this. They seem to get critical acclaim and awards. They aren't trying to be hurtful.
WestEndGal said: Maybe she’s playing Eulalie MacKenzie Shinn, but that seems a kinda small role for her?She said she was meant to be there right now doing the workshop. Not sure what other new shows had workshops planned for right now.
" Jayne Houdyshell has already been cast as Mrs. Shinn.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
I find nothing remotely funny about a man in a frock[Dustin Hoffman an exception]. Footballers throw on a wig and the masses go crazy, and that is where these shows are aimed. If it makes money and people are employed--all good, but count me out.
Wonder who will play the unattractive and rubber-faced Joe E Brown? Be also interesting to see how they handle that final scene with Jack Lemon. Two questionable sexual identities sailing off into the sunset. When did one turn bi.?
I posted this in the Bombshell concert thread, but it should really be here... it's more of a pipe dream mixed with a theory, I am looking forward to Some Like It Hot, but I wondered if that is just a guise and it will actually be a fully-realized production of Bombshell. Aside from the addition of Matthew Lopez, it's the producing and writing team from Smash, plus they had announced Bombshell was in development. NBC, who would probably own Bombshell, has not had an official association with Some/Hot so regardless this is a nice blend of the Marilyn and Smash love in a new musical.
matt1982 said: "HenryTDobson said: "blaxx said: "Without sounding bitter or trying to start another argument on transphobia, what is it about cis straight white male characters dressing up that people find so funny?
"
I've been wondering this as well. This might have been a funny device when these stories were created, but I don't understand why we insist on keepgoing back to them. Unless writers going to provide insight or new ideas (particularly ones centered around LGBTQ issues), the "man in dress" facade has run its course."
I think mistaken identity is a hallmark of comedy. The audience laughs when they know something that the other characters don't know about.
As a gay man, I've never found anything offensive in these stories or characterizations. I've never felt that they have anything to do with LGBT issues at all. In Mrs. Doubtfire for instance (and this is based on the film as I've not yet seen the musical) Daniel's disguise was a catalyst for him learning more about what it takes to be a good parent and make himself into a better version of himself. The intention was not to mock or belittle any group of people. But I completely understand that others feel differently, and that's ok too!
I don't find it offensive per se, the history of theater is full of cross dressing. Within a 21st century context, however, I find the convention trite and very low brow. Is that really all it takes to try to be a high quality musical comedy nowadays?
I didn't mind Mark Rylance a few years ago, for example, he was masterful. I hope this musical is not banking in two over-the-top, cheap performances to make it in a market that was already hard, and probably brutal to survive in moving forward.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
SweetLips22 said: "I find nothing remotely funny about a man in a frock[Dustin Hoffman an exception]. Footballers throw on a wig and the masses go crazy, and that is where these shows are aimed. If it makes money and people are employed--all good, but count me out."
Have you seen the movie? You might like it, there is more to the laughs than just guys in dresses. It is number 1 on AFI's top comedies list, interestingly Tootsie is #2.