Sunday In The Dark With Sondheim

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 10:54pm

Today, I was surrounded by bitter windbags, self deluded crackpots and fame obsessed troublemakers

No, I wasn’t still having it out here on BroadwayWorld, I saw ASSASSINS!!

What a breathtaking production.

Phenomenal acting and singing!

What a pleasure to luxuriate in the words of men with a point of view and the courage to attach their names to them!

ASSASSINS first came out when I was in my own resentful “nothing’s ever gonna happen for me on Broadway” phase…I was in California, letting shows pass me by…stupid me...

I can NOT believe it is closing...it was packed and garnered a fantastic reaction

I loved it, I loved it, I loved it

I laughed, I cried

I met iflitifloat!

And her adorable daughter!

Then I got to run (hobble) down 8th Ave. and catch the 2nd act of HAIRSPRAY...now THAT’S a show!!

And now I’m back at the beach with She Who Must Be Obeyed…WOO!

What a great day!
Updated On: 7/12/04 at 10:54 PM

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 10:58pm

I wish I could just say "I think I am going to go check out 'Welcome to the 60s' and then come home and do laundry."

[SammyGal]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 10:58pm

It's an AMAZING show!! Why is it closing

[jayem1968]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 11:07pm

Oh yessss!!!!!

When I heard the show was closing I quickly bought a ticket and used up a ton of air miles to get there on the 18th (from LA). I just couldn't let it go without seeing Denis O'Hare running up to the scaffold just one last time.

Today I bathed, brushed and pampered the doggies. Attention must be paid.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 11:13pm

it's really shocking and sad that a show like this doesn't have a longer shelf life

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 11:14pm

Howdy all! Yes, it's me in a rare PM showing, just wanted to say what a great thread this is, a broadway related, positive example of why I joined the Boards..funny, honest and personal.

And that is no ass kissin'.....well maybe a light brushing of the lips, but no tounge was used!
Seriously, why is this show closing? It's AMAZING!

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 11:15pm

Eddie Varley, I wanna bear your children!

[bwayaddict]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 11:30pm

Today was a good day. I went and watched my son compete in his first triathalon. He was just glad that he didn't drown in the swimming part and he said at least he didn't get too dehydrated during the 5 mile run because he swallowed so much lake water! I'm jealous of anyone who gets to see Assassins however since I was just refunded my tickets since they were for the 21st and I couldn't change my travel plans. This trip has been the hardest to plan between the early closings, the postponed previews and now the stike worries. At least I have Frog tickets and am looking forward to see it especially with Roger Bart. Please please no stike because I really want to see Wicked.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 1:19am

I could probably just cut and paste my gushy posts from my three previous trips to Assassins, but what the hell... Today I finally saw it from wonderful orchestra seats which allowed me to experience it in a different way. (It still worked fine up in the balcony....)

I love this show. I love the music, the set, the lighting, the performers. I love almost everything about it.

The only things with which I take exception are 1) the insertion of Something Just Broke between the Kennedy assassination and the finale (although, to be honest, it's growing on me.,,); and 2) ...as petty as it may sound, it bothers me no end that the final chord of "How I Saved Roosevelt" (Zangara's song) is changed from the original recording. On the CD, that chord....just preceding the switch being pulled on the electric chair...is dischordant and very chilling. The Roundabout production resolves the chord and makes it major. A minor detail, but for me, a major disappointment.

Anyone know if there is a recording being made of this cast? I'm guessing not, but one can always hope.

[Mattio98]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 1:22am

Perhaps the chord was resolved to work with the overall happy carnival-like feel of the show. Interesting point though.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 1:50am

iflit, not even a mention of our tet-e-tet??

[DAME]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 2:33am

Well if Iflit got a tet-e-tet I better be getting a Boom-de Boom when I go to the Pantages the week after next Mr Shaiman. Ok... I will settle for a wave.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 2:35am

Mr Shaiman,
I love that this board labels me as a legend and you merely as a star. It goest to show you just how twisted this discussion board can be.

HUSSY!

Updated On: 7/12/04 at 02:35 AM

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 2:46am

I did, indeed, have the pleasure of meeting Mr. S, live and in person at today's matinee. He hobbled over to my table, not just once, but two times to say hello and chat with me and the kid.

And we both enthusiastically enjoyed Assassins...finding common ground after a contentious few hours last night. It's nice to find that two people of strong, public, and differing opinions can have a friendly encounter during an afternoon at the theater. It definitely appeals to my "kumbaya" streak.

Any thoughts on my "chord" issue? I might be obsessing, but it just seems like a missed opportunity to have eliminated such a wonderful moment.

Updated On: 7/12/04 at 02:46 AM

Posted: 7/12/04 at 3:19am

I saw it a few weeks ago and it still remains with me. Glad you saw it, Mr. S.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 11:18am

it's nuts that it's closing

[wally]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 11:28am

The cast recording will be released Aug. 3. It was recorded day after the Tonys.

It's a shame it couldn't hold on any longer. This is an incredible production. Updated On: 7/12/04 at 11:28 AM

[DAME]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 1:54pm

Marc;
As far as me being a dizzy queen; Honey - you don't know the half of it. Thanks for the link. I think I might try to jump on a plane to NY before it closes. And I am going stricktly on your reccomendation. So if I don't like it I am will be bitch slapping you. ( just kidding; I know I will love it; But I will bitch slap you if it is something you enjoy). Outfest is in full swing right now; so it must be like exactly 4 years since I saw you perform at the Village. Have you given any thought to doing it again? I would personaly make sure the place is sold out. ( Not that you would need any help)

[BroadwayDad]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 2:22pm

I love that production so much. I never saw the original but have listened to the cast recording regularly over the years. This may be twisted, but "Everybody's Got the Right to Be Happy" on the original recording really helped get me through a very ugly divorce, gun shots notwithstanding.

I wish it had been an enormous success, to prove that Broadway can accommodate a wide range of styles and subject matter. But I guess it wasn't an easy pre-sell like Mamma Mia or Lion King.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 2:41pm

I saw it last Thursday - and only wish I'd been able to see it more than once! Isn't there ANYTHING we can do to get the Roundabout to extend their stay?!

Captivating performances.
Dramatic lyrics.
Hummable tunes.

Great theatre!

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 2:43pm

"This may be twisted, but "Everybody's Got the Right to Be Happy" on the original recording really helped get me through a very ugly divorce, gun shots notwithstanding."

Kenny, is that you???

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 3:40pm

Jarico and I are attending the final performance. I'm glad we still get to see it, at least.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 4:55pm

Yup, there's a recording coming out soon, but I thought it was coming out late July. I have it pre-ordered from Amazon, and it says it will come July 27. Has the date been postponed?

[Jon]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 5:10pm

I'm sure I'm not the only one, but, not being a big Sound of Music buff, I initally read "iflitifloat" as "If lit, I float"!

[Plum]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 5:18pm

*raises hand*

Guilty!