The star's who can't deliver- Page 3

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 1:28pm

PhillyActor: While it is true that the performers are amplified, that is not the point. Have you ever been backstage at any of the older theatres? I have been backstage many times, and I can assure you that the conditions are less than ideal. The ventilation is horrible, the window air conditioners have enough spores growing out of them that you would think it is a Petri Dish cultivation, and in general, the conditions lend themselves to upper respiratory infections. I think that it is a shame the union, Equity, doesn't feel compelled to insist on healthy working conditions for their members. Also...when these theatres were built, not only were building codes different, but the environment outside of the theatres were different; specifically, there were less pollutants in the air, and certainly less motor vehicle traffic. The older theatres should be renovated to create a healthy condition for its employees...we pay $1.25 per ticket facilities fee...where is that money going? Take a good look outside the Richard Rodgers Theatre...nobody is going to tell me that having large ventilation tubes running from upper windows to a street air unit suggests that all is well inside.

[HamletWasBipolar]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 1:34pm

I havent been backstage at any BRoadway theates but I have worked in over regional theatres and stock all over the country, and with the exception of one time when a bronchical infection made Sololiqouy impossible for three days, I NEVER missed a performance. Another time I remember coming to the backstage and my costume for a winter production of an Agatha Christie show ( which was dreadful I might ad) had been under a burst pipe and I had to put it on half frozen for my first entrance. So I really dont buy the "poor conditions on Broadway". I would also bet they have a caliber of doctor that is not available at the Living Arts repertory Thetare Company.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 4:04pm

Uh, Ruth, the tubes at the Richard Rogers are for the inflatable set. Not for the air quality.

I've been backstage most theatres here in NYC and I've never noticed the air quality being that bad...at least no worse than most apartments actors live in!

And the $1.25 is a restoration fee to bring the interiors/exteriors back to their original splendor. And bathrooms for the audience are priority over the backstage area.

[HamletWasBipolar]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 4:05pm

Casting call: Hypochondriac: The Musical

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 4:09pm

Let's get some perspective here. Broadway theaters are not coal mines.

[HamletWasBipolar]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 4:11pm

Tell that to Coalhouse Walker, Jr.

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 5:09pm

PhillyActor: I won't get into an ongoing discussion about working conditions in stock, on the road, or other than Broadway; however, your point is well taken. The conditions for actors are far from healthy, and I sympathize with your plight. Could we not agree that life on the road might be different than being in the same workspace day in and day out? Additionally, different people have different resistance to a variety of airborne illnesses. I believe that we will probably agree to disagree.

TomMonster: First of all, your tone is totally condescending, and there is no need for that. Secondly, if the silver lined ventilation tubes are for the inflatable sets, then why were these tubes not present from the beginning of the run? Thirdly, the portable unit sitting on 46th Street is manufactured by the TRANE Corporation, and TRANE manufactures heating and cooling systems for homes and businesses; thus, they do not manufacture inflation units.
As for the $1.25 facilities fee, thanks for the enlightenment; perhaps someone should advise the Shuberts about how to spend the money, since it is clearly not going toward making bathrooms and decor more attractive to the public. I cite the Majestic Theatre...the carpeted stairway is held together by electrical tape. Let's get real: the audiences are hardly considered these days, except to shell out excessively for premium seats...which could possibly be worn.

Updated On: 7/9/06 at 05:09 PM

[west end artist1]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 8:10pm

arggggggggggh who cares

Back to topic please hehe

Ok yes i meant famous celeb's who are not from the theatre world.

lol

[jv92]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 9:39pm

How about Liza in The Act? Damned Studio 54.

[ElphabaRose]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 10:08pm

The problems at the Rogers relate to the way that the set is built. There was so much hot air in the upper part of the theatre (where many actors were due to the set) that it got too hot. This problem is unique to the set of Tarzan and was not discovered until the summer (for obvious reasons). In other words, the tubes are for the set, but not for the purpose of inflating it.

[HamletWasBipolar]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 10:17pm

I thought they were for over-inflating Josh Strickland's ego.

[Dre2387]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 10:21pm

well, one guy who is a trooper, is Jonathan Pyrce who, during a matinee performance of DRS, torn a muscle (or did something terrible to it), rested between shows and STILL went on for the evening show. could have easily taken the rest of the day oof, but didn't. and anyone who has ssen it, knows that he does a LOT of moving about in that show.


other than that, I can't think of anyone else missing a lot of performances.

[HamletWasBipolar]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 10:23pm

I have missed alot of performances.....of Wicked. No desire to go.

[west end artist1]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 10:37pm

Another Wicked basher Grrrrrrrr

[HamletWasBipolar]

Posted: 7/9/06 at 10:52pm

I have a rare neuro-condition....schwartzaphobia.

[TIGGOSAURUS]

Posted: 7/10/06 at 6:14pm

I'm quite surprised no-one's mentioned Tim Curry in this thread, especially given the high-profile story back in the day about Mike Nichols ripping the **** out of some of the Spamalot cast about missing so many performances. Sara Ramirez caught a bit of flak too, if I recall correctly, though I never saw a show they *dipped out of* before they left. I just hope TC doesn't repeat this trend when he gets to London (have bought 3rd row tkts for a friend who's a MASSIVE fan of his)!