Taboo's Boy George Dilemma-ala Funny Girl&Gypsy

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 6:17pm

I have read a few times that a perceived problem with Taboo is a lack of interest in Boy George.

Isn't it very possible that some of us may have a greater interest in Boy George after seeing Taboo?

If the show is great and holds our interest it will intensify interest in the subject. So much is in the telling of the story as opposed to the story itself in musical theater.

A musical about Fanny Brice being a success when she had been dead for years and years and the world was moving into rock music? Yet, Funny Girl has indeed created knowledge of Ms. Brice for generations. I dare guess that the Streisand film will be the world's greatest knowlege of Fanny Brice in generation to come.

The same is true of Gypsy Rose Lee. There is no great surge of Gypsy Rose Lee popularity in the world, and yet the show based on her story is a legend unto itself. It doesn't require an interest in Gypsy Rose Lee to love Gypsy.

It is possible Taboo will create a Boy George who never really existed. Perhaps he will become an important musical theater "character" like Fanny or Gypsy.

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 6:57pm

Interesting idea, but to me it create's more interest in the late Leigh Bowery.

[LC]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 7:07pm

Have you seen it yet? I've heard very mixed reviews from the handful of (genuine) posters on this board and the other one who've seen it. Some have loved it, some have hated it. Someone who didn't like it in London, loved it here. Someone who loved the London version, hated this one...

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 7:12pm

I am putting off seeing this one for a few weeks when its pulled together more. I have the London CD and both of my favorite songs were cut for the NY version But I will see it soon and post my reiew:P Updated On: 11/1/03 at 07:12 PM

[LC]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 7:14pm

What were your favourite songs?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 7:48pm

How can any sane person even THINK that a ragtag musical like TABOO can ever wind up in the same category as FUNNY GIRL or GYPSY?

I suggest that TEACHER OF THEATER (and don't you ever forget it!) get a firm grip on reality.

Updated On: 11/1/03 at 07:48 PM

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 7:52pm

whoohoooo Dollypop

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 8:29pm

I have not seen Taboo. This discussion was about a musical being based on a figure of the entertainment world and the importance of our having knowledge of the figure's career in order to enjoy the show.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/1/03 at 8:34pm

Still, do you think a has-been like Boy George is in the same category as Fanny Brice or Rose Hovick? TABOO was the laughing stock of London when I was there last summer!

[Miss Peppie Le Puew]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 6:21pm

hEY YOU!
I can tell you that George ain`t no `has been`!!!!!! He`s constantly busy these days, he never stops working. Has been my arse! You obviously know nothing about the man!

[Miss Peppie Le Puew]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 6:26pm

how rude!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 6:33pm

Oh, Mrs. O'Dowd, pipe down. Some of us love your son.

[LC]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 6:34pm

lol...I don't think Dinah is an internet person

[barbrasfanny]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 8:48pm

rather bitchy and caustic comments, and so gay! 33million records world wide the majority of which bought in the usa is george and culture clubs legacy, even the eskimos have heard of george,need i say more?

[barbrasfanny]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 9:16pm

do we all look at mississippi mud pie and say oooh i'm not trying that it's tasteless- go see the show it actually is humorous and the new songs are excellent-then bitch if you don't like it

[barbrasfanny]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 9:19pm

rubbish i can think of a few that went under taboo lasted over a year and is gonna tour the uk in dec 2003

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 9:44pm

i gotta agree with dolly on this one and not just cuz i gots big ol' honkin' ears. in the current production the george character kinda plays 2nd fiddle to philip whether that's writing or whether i just can't get past raul getting the 11 o'clock number, i'm not sure. but to put it in the same category as gypsy and funny girl? maybe in 10 or 20 years we can have that discussion, but then who will remember taboo by that time? and as far as taboo touring the uk, that's a totally different show that conatins some of the same music and characters.

[barbrasfanny]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 9:58pm

george actually wanted his character to be understated, Taboo was a nightclub in the west end of London frequented by different characters equally as interesting as himself,I can't speak for taboo broadway havn't seen it but the songs are excellent art to me is about painting a picture, standing back from it, altering it, altering it again, then again until you get a beautiful picture, taboo is actually an evolving musical which is what contemporary productions should be about, the staid samey formulas of yesteryear are totally boring,taboo challenges your ignorance in a non cliched way.

[barbrasfanny]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 10:03pm

taboo will survive and is carrying on in the uk it's not a turkey or even a dodo

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 10:07pm

Ya know as much as I like both Dolly and Teacher. I have to agree that we may not be as interested as Boy George here in America but he is still very huge in the dance circuit and the European circuit.
He is a well respected DJ and stays very busy with that.

With that said, I woudl like to see Taboo cause I am one of those weird theater people who wants to see everything. But, I have to say my feeling about what TOT said may or may not be true. I guess we will just have to find out.

AS FOR THE SUDDEN POSTERS.... I smell something SHILL FISH (and it ain't fresh)

[barbrasfanny]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 10:13pm

well i'm all for people having a mind of their own and you are right boy george has made millions dj'ing around the world, his compositions go into the hundreds many of which havn't been airplayed, i don't like to say it but it smells of homophobia

[alterego]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 10:13pm

I'd like to see Taboo get a run on Broadway. While it may not be great art I'd like to think that shows like Taboo can sit comfortably next to The Producers, Avenue Q, Wicked and The Boy From Oz. after all 'variety is the spice of life'.

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 10:59pm

I really hope this show can work out its kinks and have a successful broadway run. The music is great. George's boyfriend Marcus needs real fleshing out for the audience to care. once that is done, i think theyve got themselves a really great show. I wish them a lot of luck tomorrow night. And, I may be mistaken, but didnt Dollypop rave about this show in an earlier thread? Maybe im wrong, but it seems ogg now how DP seems to be bashing it. I certainly dont think ABBA was THAT popular, but Mamma Mia sure became a success, despite being a weak show.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 11/12/03 at 11:07pm

ABBA was huge in the 1970s. Dancing Queen was played in every disco from here to Frisco.

[DavidMegg]

Posted: 11/13/03 at 1:22am

Homophobia on this board?? I assume you mean with the general theatregoing public, which I would tend to disagree with. I mean, there may be a minority of people who ARE homophobic, and would choose not to go see Taboo, but I think the majority of people who decide to skip it, aren't doing so because of a homosexual theme... probably every reason BUT!
(no pun intended!!!)
-david.