There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Al Dente
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#0There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 9:32am
I know there's another thread about this but I hardly ever start thread, however, I am so disgusted at what I (thankfully), Tivo'd last night, that I'm embarrassed for the theatrical community.
The most horrific display of "where were the producers, directors, idea people for this show", HAD to be that tragic performance by the unbelievably out of tune Jesse Martin. You've got the legendary Chita Rivera in the building and you have Martin poorly croak out a verse and chorus of what is, IMO, one of the least exciting Kander& Ebb numbers of their entire catalogue??
You open the show with the same tired "Another Opening? You have Jackman make a fool out of himself doing a ridiculous medley and then have him sing with a WAY past her prime Aretha Franklin who apparently couldn't manage to learn the three words required? What were they thinking by bringing her on the show to begin with? WHY? It made Beyonce' Knowles seem like an absolute genius on the Oscars by comparison and that's saying a lot.
You would also think (or hope) that a show dedicated to awarding the BROADWAY season would be better at filming musical numbers. I didn't get ANY sense of the staging, choreo, or anything else for that matter. The muscial numbers were, for the most part, dreadful and didn't make me think I've really missed much at all. And if Spamalot and Ramirez are the show and performance of the season, respectively, than I'm staying right where I am. And let's not forget, I'm a huge Ramirez fan.
I could go on writing, but I do have to get on with the day. Note to the ladies, if you're going to tug at your dresses on national T.V. DON'T wear strapless gowns (Ramirez). And for my last quibble, I so wish that the winners could have spent some time memorizing their speeches. I find it so charmless when people (theater actors no less), pull out a speech that most likely could have been memorized (Folger, Jones, Clarke). And I know she's Cherry Jones and she can do whatever she wants, including passionately kiss Sarah Paulson, but come on, at least pretend it's a surprise, humour me.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#1re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 9:37amWhat a charming post Al Dente! Glad I'll never have to watch an awaards show with you!
Matt_G
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/1/04
#2re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep i
Posted: 6/6/05 at 9:37am
"Noah, someday we'll talk again. But there's things we'll never say. That sorrow deep inside you. It inside me, too. And it never go away. You be okay. You'll learn how to lose things..."
Updated On: 5/10/06 at 09:37 AM
Al Dente
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#3re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 9:39am
Go ahead and refute any of my points. What about my post was a lie? People are constantly wondering why the Tony's are so poorly recieved and why theater is perceived the way it is outside in the real world, well last night is a perfect example of why.
And the "surprise upset" of the evening, Bill Irwin, gave the most eloquent speech out of any of the "veterans" and/or favorites.
Updated On: 6/6/05 at 09:39 AM
sharon1
Broadway Star Joined: 6/3/03
#4re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 9:42amI have to agree
#5re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 9:50amWhy did Gregory Jabara get dressed up in his costume for? Certainly wasn't to "perform" during the DRS number. At least John Lithgow said something during the number.
The truly beautiful should be lawfully restricted from wearing clothing; and the truly butt-ugly should be lawfully mandated from going naked.
thirdrowcenter
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
#6re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:00am
Last year's "One Night Only," was so exciting. I expected something flamboyant (but I was happy to see him anyway.)
I wish he sang without Aretha.......
#7re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:01amwell Al, I dissagree. Jesse L. Martin, while not his BEST performance, was far from dreadful. Aretha is a ledgend, and I don't know what you're complanining about. Hugh was great and charming as always, how did he make "a fool outof himself"? And wha tthe heck is wrong with "Another Opening, Another Show"?? They didn't do that song last year. I'm all for constructive criticism and always making things better, but you just sound really mean and bitter. Try looking on the bright side once in a while, you'll be a happier person! Although I DO agree that it is just tacky when people pull papers out...but it didn't ruin the night, and I thought it was an entertaining awards show.
Sunchips: Best Kept Secret in the chip aisle!!
joeybiltmore1
Leading Actor Joined: 2/22/05
#8re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:02am
I am always amazed at the number of people (producers usually - or Elaine Stritch!) who begin their thank you speeches so slowly and grandly and self-importantly and then act surprised when the music starts to cut them off.
Do they think that after YEARS of watching award shows that they will magically be granted extra time to drone on!??
Al Dente
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#9re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:03am
Yes, that's it, I'm bitter, that's all my lucid and precise observations boil down to. I'm wondering if you would have even bothered to respond had I not mentioned a RENT alum. You can be a fan, but that shouldn't make you blind.
I started this thread bc I fear that if the show continues on this path, soon, the only place you'll be able to watch the Tony awards will be on PBS.
Updated On: 6/6/05 at 10:03 AM
#10re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:05amI've heard alot about Aretha here and on allthatchat.com and I think Broadway people don't have an appreication for Aretha Franklin. I really didn;t think she sounded bad. I mean, one thing is Christina Applegate not being able to sing but for Aretha, its purely her style. She has a very unique style of singing and believe it or not, she hasn't gotten any better or worse from years past (check out Divas live 1998 for a reference)
Happy...Everything!
Kaye Thompson
#11re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:09amI've seen Tony shows that made this one look like a masterpiece by comparison. It wasn't great, but then, it hasn't been great for a while. This was par for the course for the last three or four years at least.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
jezzebelle
Featured Actor Joined: 4/19/04
#12re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:11am
I am a fan of Jesse Martin and I have to agree with Al, the performance was dreadful. Yes, I'm going as far as to say dreadful. I was scratching my head as why they used that particular song in tribute, as opposed to the numerous number of other Kander and Ebb songs they could have used instead. The entire number (especially the last note) was completely off-key.
Overall, did not find the show as enjoyable as in years past. The numbers sounded extremely "echoey",if that makes any sense. I don't know if something was up with the sound system or what, but I couldn't understand any of the lyrics to the opening of "Light in the Piazza", and I've seen the show !
nmartin
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/3/05
#13re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:17amAll of the posters on this site obviously love the theatre; however, there are far too many posters who rush to defend shows and performers just for the sake of defending them. On B'way you have to take the good with the bad. Unfortunately, the bad was more on display last night on the Tonys more than the good. Do-gooders of cyber space, feel free to attack now.
rockfenris2005
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#14re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:19am
Shut ya bitchin
Who can explain it, who can tell you why?
Fools give you reasons, wise men never try
-South Pacific
theatreboi11
Broadway Star Joined: 5/9/05
#15re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:22amI agree with majority of what Al Dente said. Yes! Aretha is a legend but that is no excuse for her god awful performance! Eventhough I do agree a lot went wrong, I do not feel it was a waste of time and I applaud everyone for their effort, dedication, and energy!
(Martha Graham from a letter to Agnes de Mille) "There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening That is translated through you into action, And because there is only one of you in all time, This expression is unique. If you block it, It will never exist through any other medium And be lost. The world will never have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, Nor how valuable it is, Nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, To keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware Directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, A blessed unrest that keeps us marching And makes us more alive than others."
#16re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:29am
I think what made the Franklin performance awful was Hugh. Don't get me wrong, he's fine enough singer....it's was just a terrible match- up. What does Hugh have to do with Aretha? The two styles clashed....in my opinon. I love the Aretha's version of that song....you can find the solo version of it on the CD One Hand, One Heart.
Updated On: 6/6/05 at 10:29 AM
erinrebecca
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/29/04
#17re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:37amAl, I agree that Jesse's performance was disappointing. However, the reason he was the one chosen to sing Razzle Dazzle was that it was a tribute to Jerry Orbach. I can't believe how many people didn't realize that.
#18re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep it to one thread,
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:39amHave you ever noticed that if you have "RENT" anywhere in your signature then people automatically "put you down"...I am with you about the Tony's last night, they were okay, I enjoyed last years better, but last nights was fine...It had its fair moments of blunders and I even found myself saying, "what the?", but you go on, you get over it...
Parents of future RENTheads unite!!
JbaraFan1
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/04
#19re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep i
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:41amGregory Jbara [just 2 a's in the last name, not 3 :) ] may not have said/sang anything last night, but he was performing nonetheless; he was completely in character during the DRS number. As I recall, he was doing what he does in the show during that number. The song was to highlight Norbert anyway. I'm just glad Greg was there for me and other fans watching last night to see.
jezzebelle
Featured Actor Joined: 4/19/04
#20re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep i
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:49amI understand that Mr. Martin was singing it in tribute to Jerry Orbach, but I found the song choice to be bizzare nonetheless and not a great tribute to the late Mr. Orbach. And this is coming from a huge Jesse fan.
erinrebecca
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/29/04
#21re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep i
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:52amWhy was the song choice bizarre? It was specifically chosen because Jerry originated the role of Billy Flynn. Are there really so many people here who don't know that?
#22re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep i
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:52am
I'll just go ahead and say it, whether or not you agree with me is fine...
I'm tired of seeing Hugh Jackman tacked on to be the representative of the Broadway community when it comes to Tony time. He hasn't really done anything this year and I think he's a pretty poor performer. Now don't ask me to name anyone else who could have hosted. . .because I think you could name just about anyone and they would have been better than Hugh.
Overall it was a pretty dismal Tony's. Sad, really. I thought that the Spelling Bee performance has hysterical, the best of the evening--'course there wasn't THAT much singing, but man are those some committed actors; hilarious! SPAMALOT...nice. I love Sara, even when she strained and was a tad flat. Her face and her voice--killer. Didn't see all of DRS, PIAZZA was interesting, I suppose; I thought it was a nice piece ot pick because of the ending--it left you wanting to find out what happens next!
But yes, that's my short rant. Good-bye Hugh, hello someone new! PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS SACRED.
[Edit: Pardon my release-date ignorance, but is the Spelling Bee obcr out yet?? i must have. pm me with info!! thanks all.]
whatever and ever amen - ben folds five
Updated On: 6/6/05 at 10:52 AM
Al Dente
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#23re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep i
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:53amThanks for pointing that out Erinbecca. I didn't put that together at all. Makes it even sadder that it wasn't a much better moment.
nmartin
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/3/05
#24re: There was SO much wrong with the Tony's last night, it's hard to keep i
Posted: 6/6/05 at 10:57amThibodeaux, you make some good points. But not nearly as good as your avatar. Oh, my!!
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