The Original. ALW Fears Musical Future — Page 3

I don't hate Webber, I don't love Webber. I enjoy Webber, sometimes a lot, sometimes not so much (depending on the show). even if you like Cats... I don't understand how someone who wrote that can criticize other shows for being nothing but fluff.

I wouldn't call the ending of Evita upbeat, but it's not deep, heart-wrenching, and the most powerful, meaningful thing ever.

Cats aside, look at what he is doing now.

Mr. Webber, who is currently looking for a Maria for THE SOUND OF MUSIC, says "Can you name me an interesting new one? The feel-good factor seems to be the main thing."

^Does anyone else see the irony?

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The man certainly has earned the right to express his opinion and be listened to. No other person in modern day theatre comes close to his long running hits: CATS & PHANTOM. Like these shows or not, they have sold more tickets and employed more members of the theatre community than any other shows. You dont argue with that kind of success.

Hey, calm down, I think the reality tv is a bright idea. It makes musical theatre more popular and more approachable to many future theatre goers. Bombay Dreams was a flop in the US, although it ran for 9 months. In London it recouped and made money...so if you think every show that didn't last 5 years is a flop, then i guess it was a flop.

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I think it's a good idea, w/e.

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Well, I still think his show will attract a lot of people to the theatre and I still think it's a brilliant idea. It's not gonna change my mind whatever you, or LuvtheEmcee says, and she always disagrees with stunt castings and it might not be the best idea for a show, but the truth is that it makes money, and Broadway shows want to make money. Look at Hairspray, the show was the only show that went up on the grosses while most shows had a slow week.

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I'm not trying to change your mind, I'm stating my opinion, which I've as much right to do as you.

I'm sorry, I don't think that cheap publicity stunts are any good for the state of the theatre itself. I would rather see shows close before they resort to casting people like Haylie Duff. I'm not trying to change your mind, but I stand firm. For God's sake, The Sound of Music is a classic, and it's going to be ripped to shreds in the name of making a buck. That's a disgrace. Artistic integrity shouldn't be sacrified because it's all about the money, and I disagree with cheap publicity stunts LIKE stunt casting because maybe, just MAYBE, I have a point. It shouldn't be excused just because it makes a buck or two.

ANYway, I think when you're discussing "flop" versus "hit," even though there is one "true" definition for each, you need to specifiy if you're talking critically or financially, because people tend to mix up the two.

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Updated On: 8/3/06 at 11:54 PM

Who gives a ****? Webber is dead and we're all alone, as far as I'm concerned. Except for "The Likes of Us" (didn't like it) and "Cricket" (which I've never heard), everything I liked was a collaboration with Tim Rice. In particular, JCS is one of the few musicals I can sit through.

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Meh. Lloyd Webber is just stating his opinion, which everyone else does as well. So what? I guess people get upset because he's one of the most successful musical theatre composers in the world. Like his shows or not, nobody can deny the unbelievable worldwide commercial success he has had with Cats, Phantom, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, Starlight Express, and Evita. A catalogue of successes that can only be rivaled by Richard Rodgers. So yes, I believe his opinion is as valid as anyone around here. Why the hell not?

I know it's cool to say Cats was crap, but I liked it and I can certainly see why it was such a huge hit for so long. It was innovative, original, visually stunning and entertaining. Is it my favorite show? No. But when it opened, it was an amazingly unique theatrical spectacle that could not be topped until Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera came along. the general public like spectacle and entertainment, two things Cats provided for many years. Did it stay open too long? Absolutely, but as long as it made money, it deserved to run.

For the record, I loved The Beautiful Game (with the exception of a cuoople of songs) and Aspect sof Love remains my favorite Lloyd Webber show.

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My favorite ALW show is "Sunset Boulevard". I got "The Likes of Us" the other day and I think it's quite interesting. It's so obvious to me his love of Rodgers & Hammerstein when listening to that score. There's some spots of these two scores (Sunset & Likes) I find incredibly creative.

Evita is a masterwork. Hnads down.

Most of his other stuff I could take or leave. But it all has it's redeeming moments. But then again let's be honest, Rodgers & Hammerstein aren't remembered for "Pipe Dream" or their lesser known shows, they're remembered for the biggies. Everyone has their few big shows and their other lesser known-duddy ones.

I'm really quite disgusted with some of the people on this thread. Does international success (monetarily) make someone more creditable? I thought people on BWW agreed that the general public who's seeing these shows doesn't usually understand or see what is good theater. For god’s sake, Tarzan is still running!

Maybe Webber has some halfway decent work, but turning musical theater into a reality f’in TV show really just gives more of an opportunity for things like Legally Blond to come to the stage. He’s contradicting himself, and looks completely stupid while doing it.

Though Webber has the right to express his opinion (we all do, obviously), he doesn’t have to make a fool of himself.

"Maybe Webber has some halfway decent work, but turning musical theater into a reality f’in TV show really just gives more of an opportunity for things like Legally Blond to come to the stage. He’s contradicting himself, and looks completely stupid while doing it"

Im not thrilled to see "Legally Blonde" , actually, i didn't even like the movie. I wasn't thrilled to see TWS either and when i saw the musical i ended up loving it. So judging shows before you see them, is an ignorant thing to do.

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Updated On: 8/5/06 at 11:51 AM

As I share the same initials I am sometimes confused with Lord LW. Certainly his words confuse me. I found EVITA underwhelming, PHANTOM a gorgeous candy with flashes of real emotion, ASPECTS pretty yet tedious, SUNSET patchy and WOMAN IN WHITE an operetta in all but name.

He is best when writing rock operas. JCS is probably his best score, and there is some cool stuff in TELL ME ON A SUNDAY and WHISTLE. I never got to CATS and can't say I regret it although you have to admit MEMORY has given comfort to millions of elevator passengers.

In short, he has a way with a tune, but does not have the musical skill to develop it.