STAGE MAGIC: Behind the Scenes at WICKED with Marybeth Abel Part 1

[Rob]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 4:08pm

Click Here to Read WORLD MasterCard STAGE MAGIC: Behind the Scenes at WICKED with Marybeth Abel Part 1

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 5:38pm

I thought this was fascinating! Broadwayworld needs more specials like this!

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 5:38pm

I thought this was fascinating! Broadwayworld needs more specials like this!

[theatreboi11]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 5:58pm

I agree! It was wonderful!

[luvbrdway]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 7:25pm

Very interesting stuff. Can't wait for part 2. What a great job for someone who loves theatre, but doesn't have the talent to be on stage. Oh wait, I just described myself.

Just curious - do stage managers make pretty good money?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 7:53pm

Great video. I met Marybeth when I first moved to NYC and was working at the original production of Les Miserable.

[ohjustjake]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 9:09pm

I love this woman!

Very interesting video and I can't wait for more - I agree, Broadwayworld should make more video's like this. It's nice to see the actors on stage and them giving a tour, but we can't forget that there is a whole another world of people putting on the show. Really made me want to intern at a Broadway Theater!

[hairspraydude1962]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 10:33pm

So, so interesting! This was a great video. I can't wait for part two!

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 10:56pm

I was fascinated by those show reports, I'd love to look at one! They seem like really friendly people who love what they do. Not in college theater, but back in high school, those stage managers were looked as, as the MT dictionary puts it, "Baby lesbians in a power struggle." I am glad they aren't like that in the big business!

[mywonderwa11]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 11:15pm

Every time they opened the stage door from the inside the shot across the street was of my apartment building...always cool to see. I eat at Cosmic Diner all the time. Such a great diner!

This was certainly a very interesting video. So nice to have insights such as these. You can never forget the stagehands. They work incredibly hard and nothing would be possible without them.

What a great team they have over there at Wicked!

[southeronbway]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 11:25pm

I loved this!

When is part 2?!

[unkwntreke]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 11:37pm

This was fascinating to watch. Can't wait for part two. I would love to see even more, maybe other departments or even shows. I am a fan of the behind the scenes just as much if not more than what goes on onstage.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/16/09 at 11:46pm

Loved when they ran into Quentin from Ragtime on the street. Can't wait for part 2!!!

[singtopher]

Posted: 12/17/09 at 12:41am

I was hesitant to watch because I thought it was going to be just another backstage video, but it was incredibly informative and interesting.

[morosco]

Posted: 12/17/09 at 1:28pm

Excellent video. More like this please. Love the focus on those that work behind the scenes. It would be really cool to see one made featuring a conductor of a musical and all the musicians in the pit and what that is like.

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 12/18/09 at 10:36am

luvbrdway,

It is pretty naive to think that a PSM position is simply something one takes if they love theatre but don't have the talent to go on stage. I know many stage managers and it is not always the case that they desired to be on stage but did not have the talent. The one I am closest too certainly never had that desire. Further, doing this kind of job takes a different set of skills. Technical theatre also requires talent and skill- just of a different kind. In some places other than Broadway, the SM not only calls the show, but also runs the lights/sound boards and in some cases, does the sound/light design and serves as company manager. And no, I am not a SM but I know one who has such a position very well.

Pay is pretty dependent on the type of production. If it is an Equity production, there are certain pay rates associated with it.

[luvbrdway]

Posted: 12/18/09 at 12:47pm

Sorry, I was mainly referring to myself as someone who has no talent, (although I stole the show in my 2nd grade play, or so my mother tells me) but would love to work in the theatre. But, too old now to change careers (domestic goddess), so que sera.

I am amazed at their range of responsibilities. Definitely never a dull moment!

[kchenofan]

Posted: 12/18/09 at 4:30pm

This was an excellent video. I give those stage managers credit for all they do. I think it's definately more thrilling to see what goes on backstage than on the stage.

I just have 1 question: Marybeth mentioned something about a raffle while she was talking about the stuffers. Does anyone know anything about that?

[kchenofan]

Posted: 12/20/09 at 1:20pm

[TJ2]

Posted: 12/20/09 at 1:28pm

The raffle was part of the collection for BCEFA. They were selling raffle tickets for $20 each and the prize is a walk-on role in Wicked.

[kchenofan]

Posted: 12/20/09 at 1:32pm

Still going on now?

[esparza 333]

Posted: 12/20/09 at 2:34pm

This was absolutely fascinating. I have always enjoyed watching the inner workings of something huge and Marybeth's and all stage manager's dedication to their jobs is truly inspiring. Can't wait for part 2.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/20/09 at 2:42pm

Still going on now?

No. The raffle ended when the fall BC/EFA collection ended.

[hazellflagg]

Posted: 12/21/09 at 7:29am

P. U. that just smells