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#26

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:00pm

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. It is funny, witty, has great music and an awesome cast. Alot of people overlook her, but Sarah Gettelfinger is worth the price of admission herself. She is absolutely hysterical and perfect for the part. I just loved it....That being said, Spelling Bee is really funny too, but i think it can last longer without an allstar cast. I fear that once Gleason, Scott, Butz and Lithgow leave, not many people will stick around.
"The only way we live beyond our lives is to connect and carve ourselves into the souls of those we love." -Little Fish
#27

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:01pm

If I had choice of seeing Spelling Bee or DRS, I would have to go with DRS. DRS is a musical that fits the current wave of Broadway mega musicals and has a large set, great costumes, fantastic songs, and as Wickedrentq said, one of the best casts I have ever seen. Norbert is indeed a valid reason to see the show because its funny to watch people go see the show never hearing about him and when leaving, proclaiming how incredible he was. Of course, John Lithgow, Sherie Rene Scott, the extremely personable Gregory Jbara, Joanne Gleason, and Sara G. are well worth it too. Spelling Bee, on the other hand, falls into the Avenue Q type of musical that is very non-megamusical, using a small but effective set and cast to tell a very funny story. The cast here is great and the songs, while somewhat forgetable, are fun. I honestly enjoyed my time at the show as well so if you are in the mood for a non-traditonal musical, go see Spelling Bee. You are in truth, in a win-win situation. Hope that helps.
#28

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:07pm

Just chiming to say that I think that both the choreography in DRS and Spelling Bee is pretty mediocre. But DRS has more actual dance scenes, and therefore less of an excuse. At least Bee's choreography is funny when it needs to be.

As for DRS's all-star cast, only Lithgow fully delivered. I love me some Joanna Gleason, but her part was so bizarrely written it's a wonder she did as much as she did with it. Norbert Leo Butz was energetic, all right, but he seemed barely capable of modulation. Spelling Bee's cast wasn't perfect either, but their Tony winner actually deserved it.

*puts on asbestos suit*
#29

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:08pm

Stephen, notice I pointed out the difference in liking/taste and better. Of course you're right to not like the set or think it is ugly, just IMO when you compare the...work put into the two, the utilization of the 2, err etc...if you don't wanna say DRS' is better, I can't see how you can say Spelling Bee's is, it's just too simple, which perfectly fits the show, but still on its own IMO can't compare. I suppose I see what you're saying personally about environment, still I think there's a difference between "set" and "environment."

Gclef, totally agree about Sara, if nothing else, think how amazing it is she goes through the Ruprecht scene every single not never cracking up? John and Norbert can't do that lol.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
#30

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:11pm

The passion posters feel for each show is a great tribute to both SB and DRS.
Here is a reason not mentioned for why I prefer Spelling Bee. In addition to everything already eloquently expressed by others, I care much more about the characters. Olive, Barfee, Logainne,Leaf, Marcy and Chip are youngsters that are so vunerable and endearing. There is such nobility in their struggle.
The characters in Dirty rotton Scoundrels lack any integrity which certainly heightens the comedy but doesn't make me want to root for them or take their plights to heart. , I found nothing redeeming or admirable about these opportunists where as my heart broke for each of those middle school misfits.

#31

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:17pm

See Lunatic, while I could argue that i personally care for the DRS characters, I certainly acknowledge yours as a valid point, just trying to show I'm not being biased, but just don't see validity in the other claims.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
#32

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:18pm

It's funny you mention that, wickedrentq. Just today, one of my professors, who happens to be a set designer, told me, "Remember this if you ever direct: Telling a designer to create something simple does not ever mean easier. In fact, it's when sets are simple that every line or detail you put into the design has great importance to the overall design."
But yes, it is my opinion that the DRS set is not that good, although large.

~Steven
#33

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:27pm

WickedrentQ.
I think you are very invested in DRS and appreciate your loyalty. I loved Joanna Gleason and Greg Jabara as well. I also will acknowledge that the costuming is beautiful. I actually found it quite enjoyable and really wish the poster who sparked this thread were able to see both .
I have this fantasy that Norbert Leo Butz and Dan Fogler will come back to Broadway after their sitcoms and movies and perform together in a show.
#34

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:39pm

"WickedrentQ.
I think you are very invested in DRS and appreciate your loyalty."

Gee, what would give you that idea? I mean you know seeing it 11 times isn't THAT much re: Spelling Bee or DRS

I agree it would be great to see both. See I have issue w/ Mr. Folger, I do greatly appreciate his performance, but I don't know...from the first time I saw all the performances, I...still...personally think Matthew Morrison deserved the tony over Dan. I dunno, both were great and had difficult parts, and unfortunately, I think that feeling has prevented me from being a huge fan. I dunno, the first time I saw Spelling Bee, I even thought Jose and Jesse deserved nominations over Dan. :shrug: I've seen it 3 times since, and...kinda still feel that way. Can't explain why. Maybe I'm missing something. Oh well, he's very talented, but I just happen to be a bigger fan of other actors.

Yaay for Joanna and Greg love. I'm trying not to be too biased, as I do love and enjoy many shows, it's just difficult to hold myself back of unofficially shilling it, that's all. Certainly hope I'm not underrating other shows in my love for it.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
#35

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 4:58pm

i have seen both shows and i prefer Bee. BOth are very entertaining but something about bee was just much more fun and engaging. I don't think you will regret seeing it.
"At the opening night party, they had clowns on stilts, jugglers, a chocolate fountain, popcorn, hot dogs. [My son] looked at me like I had been holding back. Like, 'This is what you do?' I had to tell him, 'No, no, darling. Opening nights don't usually look like this.' It's usually a dark bar with a bottle of vodka." ?Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's Jan Maxwell plus i proudly share the title of the shortest member over the age of 10 with wickedrentq!
#36

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 5:02pm

Moral of the story Beacon...just both Bee and DRS and skip...I dunno...skip Barefoot in the Park re: Spelling Bee or DRS
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
#37

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 5:08pm

Hi- I have seen both and loved both very much. However, I have gone back to see one of them 2 more times....Spelling Bee. I definitely would recommend seeing this show.

At least we know that Norbert is contracted until July so that gives you plenty of time.

I have read on this board that SB cast is contracted until April. Does anyone know how soon to expect hearing whether they will extend or renew their contracts, or if the show will continue with a new cast or be cancelled?
#38

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 5:14pm

I would have to say Spelling Bee. Neither have amazing scores, but Spelling Bee's book is worth the admission! Both have amazing casts and obviously Spelling Bee's sets, costumes, and choreography are much more simplistic... If you like a big GLAM show, then go with DRS, but I would definitely choose bee.
#39

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 5:18pm

WickedrentQ--Although we will have to agree to disagree about Dan(who I love) F-O-G-L-E-R (I'ts Barfay!!!) I respect your right to your own opinion---
but do agree with you that Beacon should see both shows. May DRS and SB have long successful runs!!!--
#40

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 5:20pm

(It's kind of a joke Lunatic, Mr. Wilson is in Barefoot in the Park, and if you know anything about Beacon...that's why I suggested she not see it)
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
#41

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 5:21pm

Spelling Bee will be around for a long time. I'd go with DRS.
#42

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 5:22pm

Guess the joke eluded me . What don't I know about Beacon?
#43

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/16/05 at 5:27pm

WickedRQ-- just went back to Beacon's original post--Okay--I now not only get but appreciate your suggestion for what to skip.
I think Beacon may have left the building, however...Let's see if your post smokes her out..
#45

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/17/05 at 8:27am

No question for me - DRS.
I'm glad I saw Spelling Bee, but once was enough. DRS is definitely worth repeating.
www.thebreastcancersite.com
A click for life.
mamie4 5/14/03
#46

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/17/05 at 8:57am

HAHAHA Beacon. Why, as we started joking about similar things on the Greg thread...

How do you know that I am in fact not actually Mr. Wilson himself??
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
#47

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/17/05 at 9:12am

I saw both--but went back to see DRS again..and will one more time. They are both entertaining, so catch them both if you can, but DRS is more so. And let me be among the dissenters--Dan Fogler's character was not endearing to me, and the breathing out of one nostril thing made him difficult to hear. Enjoyed Jose and Jesse FAR more.
#49

re: Spelling Bee or DRS

Posted: 11/17/05 at 12:22pm

umm, wish I got what you mean...did you mean in general or in response to you? (Can't even humurously respond by typing I'm shaking and crying, would I have to write like...ooohhh wweelll ?)

But you know for the record if I am Mr. Wilson or associated w/ him, I/he recommends DRS re: Spelling Bee or DRS
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli

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