Spelling Bee love! — Page 43

Ok but there are some things I can't get over on the OBC. Like why does Mitch Mahoney sound like such a flamer? Was he a different type of character on Broadway? Most of the other characters sound a bit too over exaggerated to me, it all feels a little more fake then I am used to.

Is the song "Why We Like Spelling" included in the San Francisco version? I don't recognize it...

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Updated On: 6/6/06 at 05:58 PM

CODY

First, refrain from using the term "flamer" on this board and anywhere else, unless it's some sort of empowerment-disempowerment tactic on your end -- which I doubt.

Secondly, Mitch Mahoney, originally played by Derrick Baskin on Broadway and on the cast recording, may sound different to you than what you imagine Mitch Mahoney to sound like, but to each his own. Remember, Baskin is a different actor and hence, a different voice. Comparing Derrick to James Iglehart of SF, they are completely different sized men, and James has a larger "black man" voice than Derrick (smaller man) does. Have you see the NYC production, or rather, did you see their Tonys 2005 performance of "Prayer of the Comfort Counselor" where Baskin was featured?

Lastly, "Why We Like Spelling" is not in any of the current stage productions. This was an extra song created/sang for the cast recording and may have been used previously. However, casts are known to sing this as a special song at events like the Broadway Festival 2006 (where the SF cast made their stage debut) and on the CBS Thanksgiving Broadcast 2005.

Updated On: 6/7/06 at 06:37 PM

Right.

I think they are doing that song tomorrow at Stars in the Alley, that's my guess anyway.

LOL...I don't agree with "torture," but that song does go on way too long.

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My fav song is "I speak six languages". I will try to video the performance tomorrow if I can.

Haha Oh Cody, if only that was insulting.
You made me laugh outloud (at 11:11pm and woke my mom up)
You don't know me. At all.

If you did, you'd know "self-conscious flamer" is perhaps the FURTHEST from the truth when describing this happy, healthy, eager, excitable, theatre-lovin', showtune beltin', witty, smart-as-hell, GAY MAN.

(I almost wanted to end that sentence with "at Montoya's, their main store, thank you very much").

But back to the topic at hand, the only reason I asked you not to use flamer is because 1. It's derogatory and this board has A LOT of members (with whom you know nothing about) and words like that can hit sore spots, and 2. Whether intentional or not, it implicated Derrick Baskin as gay. Plus, there are so many better words in the English language to express oneself.

This SELF-RIGHTEOUS HOMO is stepping off the soapbox.

Updated On: 6/7/06 at 02:16 AM

Ok. I saw the show for the second time last night, and it was just as good as it was the last time. I'm seeing it again in August, but I needed to see whats left of the OBC before anyone else leaves. I got to the theatre, and the board said Kate would be Olive, and Lisa would be Marcy. This really upset me because Celia is my favorite in the show, and I really wanted to see her. So we got to our seats, and I opened the Playbill, where the slips said that Marcy would be played by Lisa, and Kate would be playing LOGAINNE. This made me really confused, so I waited until the show started where sure enough, Celia was in, Sarah was out. That made me really happy.

On to the show. It was great. They have changed quite a few things since the last time I saw it in December, and they all work for the better. Josh's Barfee really impressed me. It was very different from Dan's, but I really liked both of them. I thought that Lisa was great as Marcy. I was upset that Deborah was out, but Lisa certainly made up for it. Kate was very good as Logainne, but I prefer Sarah. Sarah's lisp was better, but now I really want to see Kate as Olive.

The lines about the guest spellers weren't as funny as the last time, but they were still good. There was one man who was named Reverend ___, and he was wearing a button down shirt, untucked, and jeans. His line the first time he went up was "Although Rev. ___ may grow up to bceome a Reverend, he will never dress like one." The other lines were the same as what everyone has said on these boards. A boy telling his mother he's wearing shorts because it's a Spelling Bee, not a broadway show, etc.

The cast was amazingly friendly after the show, as always. There was a cell phone ringing at the part when Logainne's dad spills the soda on the floor, and while Jesse was talking he shouted "and turn that cell phone off!" I love this show so much, and can't wait to go back in August! I really want to see the Chicago and SF casts, but I don't think anyone will ever beat the cast we have here. I'm sure they're great, and I hope they come to Broadway when this cast leaves, but the original cast will always be the best for me.

I'm finally back! Yay! So, needless to say I missed the Adult's Only show because I was in NY, but I got to see the matinee of the Bee in NY on Sunday!! It was sooo great (I know why you love them so much Liotte!). There were no understudies and everything was so different from what I was used to after seeing the SF version 21 times.

My favorite cast member had to be Jesse, he really stole the show. I liked Josh's Barfee too, it was way different that the Barfee I was used to. Everyone was amazing and the theatre was awesome! I'm putting up my pic with Celia and Jesse here a in a mo, so it'll be under my pics here.

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Yes 21 times, and believe me I do go to other theatre events. It's true that the only other bay area shows I went to around the Bee run were Lestat and Martin Short's Fame Becomes Me, but I was also assistant directing a show this last semester too (Once Upon a Mattress) which kept me pretty busy so I just stuck to what I knew.
And when I was in NY I also saw Sweeney (wonderful!) and ThreePenny (don't pay full price!).

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Aww! I really wanted to message you about it but I didn't have any way to do so. If I'm ever going to NY again, I'll have to get your number Liotte!

Btw! I can't believe how different our shows really are! I adore them both though. :)

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I'd say one of the biggest differences is just the level of awkwardness, if that makes any sense. The NY cast's portrayal of the characters made the kids seem much more awkward to me.

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Updated On: 6/7/06 at 06:26 PM

Glad to hear you liked the show. I must confess I am a bit obsessed with it, but it's such a grwat show. Though I will be taking a break from it while RENT is in town.

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Aww! Very cute pics Liotte! The Chicago casts looks pretty friendly and cute. :)

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