Although I am a HUUUUGE Wicked fan, I think it was reallllly tacky of Mr. Schwartz to do that. I mean come on? I could understand if it was a high school show or something, but these are professionals putting on a professional show.
Actually Pippin, wasn't there like a huge debate on this board alone when LaChiusa published that article? And a rebuttal from Marc Shaiman? I believe there was even an article in the New York Times.
joey, yes, from what I remember there was a big blowup from that, but I am focusing on the personal and mean spirited attacks, and that didn't happen that much in the LaChiusa-Shaiman case, at least not as much as it is happening here.
"I'm an American, Damnit!!! And if it's three things I don't believe in, it's quitting and math."
I do think there were some personal attacks involved in that one as well. Shaiman fans came down VERY hard on LaChiusa, and the backlash continued back and forth for months. Unfortunately it is part of the nature of this beast, posting about our loves and hates that sometimes people take it too far.
In this there are several considerations: Schartz has ever right to hate whatever show he wants, and leave. (as long as it is not in the middle of a the act, which I would say deserves derision) It is the case though that someone in his position is going to be held to a higher standard- his leaving the show "means" more than if I were to. He is making a statement, whether he means to or not. Especially if he mentions it to the press.
Personal attacks are out of bounds, translating something like this into a destruction of Schwartz in general is ridiculous. He has contributed greatly to the art form. His work conforms to his taste, and the taste of his fans, and just like everyone else he has great support and vicious detractors.
It seems perfectly acceptable though to debate why he may have left (yes it is speculation, as many things discussed here are) and to make personal judgements on whether someone in his position should do such a thing.
Doyle fans will defend the current Sweeney, and they should. It does not make them right and Schartz wrong.
I think that whole thing was pretty mean spirited from the very beginning.
I agree though. The attacks on Schwartz's character are strange and unwarranted. I honestly wouldn't sweat it though. I bet the guy could really care less. He does, after all, work in the entertainment industry. Slander comes with the territory. Maybe I'll pop in Pippin to show my solidarity :P But not Children of Eden. I have the right to my opinions, after all!
Usually the "Oh my god you guys are so mean" posts kind of annoy me, but I agree. I'm trying to be less mean myself. Sometimes, it's just plain ridiculous.
I don't dislike you DG but I think that the statement you just made speaks more about your character than any character assassination perpetrated by another person every could.
BSoBW2: I punched Sondheim in the face after I saw Wicked and said, "Why couldn't you write like that!?"
People on this message board (and thread) crack me up! If this was a Sondheim walked out during intermission of WOMAN IN WHITE, people would have been like, "Well, it was a sucky show and I would have walked out too" and whatnot and then it would have become one big joke and bashing of Webber. But, because it is Shwartz walking out of SWEENEY TODD, there is an uproar. None of us know the situation at hand on why he left, so it could have been something legit. I just hate hypocritical people.
And this was not directed to anyone in particular, I was just making an overall point.
"They're eating her and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!" -Troll 2
Alright Sum, you win. I have edited the offending posts so that any threat of the thread being deleted is removed.
For the record, I still think both of those posters stepped over the line, but their words can speak for themselves. And if I'm the only one who thinks it's too much, then so be it.
So I didn't know about the whole leaving during the show thing. Did Schwartz ever see the entire production? If not, I don't think it's very fair to give a take on it that he knows will obviously be debated.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
There would certainly be people who would deride Sondheim if he walked out of Wicked as, just as there are others who would wildly support him.
As public figures and ones who particular in this art the actions of either man are subject to great scrutiny. Especially such a reaction as walking out of a show.
"This is a stupid story. It never stops. But we keep making lemonade! We're opening the biggest f***ing lemonade stand you ever saw!"
-Walter Bobbie after a long day of Sweet Charity Rehersals
(Newyorkmetro.com)
Can't say I know why Stephen walked out nor do I care, or to pass judgement on him over this. I know too many people who love(ed) working with him. I also spent enough time talking with him pre-WICKED fame to say, I really like him too.
I'm with Stephen. Not that impressed with this Sweeney either.
I think, that since none of you really know why he walked out during intermission, you should all just keep out of it. Secondly, WHO CARES if he didn't like the show? It's his opinion, and this is a free country. Everyone has the right to an opinion.
http://www.beintheheights.com/katnicole1 (Please click and help me win!)
I chose, and my world was shaken- So what? The choice may have been mistaken,
The choosing was not...
"Every day has the potential to be the greatest day of your life." - Lin-Manuel Miranda
"And when Idina Menzel is singing, I'm always slightly worried that her teeth are going to jump out of her mouth and chase me." - Schmerg_the_Impaler