Threepenny Opera --performance selection for Tony's- Page 2

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 6:53pm

They should have let Cyndi do her three solo verses (three?) and then segued into Jim Dale dancing around, and ended with the whole cast doing the end of the Moritat, complete with kickline!

[LA Guy]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 6:58pm

Tony numbers are all about selling tickets, and with that being the case, I think the number performed (while done very well) will not bring in an audience. "Mack the Knife" would have been more appropriate, since most people know that song (though perhaps not where it is from)... Songs out of context that are not well know generally don't come out well (I think "Lot's Wife," which was an amazing number in "Caroline or Change," didn't play well on the telecast out of context... I think the same could be said for this "Threepenny" moment.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 9:54pm

I agree that the selection was a poor choice. Out of context it just left audience members unfamiliar with the show going "WTF?"

Not the best way to bring in an audience.

[toomeytwopiece]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 12:57am

Ok, how to address this carefully...

First of all, for those of you who say it shouldn't have been nominated at all, that is just silly - especially because some of those who have said that haven't even seen the show. So why be hurtful? Shameful... if you DID see it and didn't like it, fine - but being respectful is an obligation on here... this is art. It's the riskiest thing on Broadway now - and in a long time. At least the artists that shaped the show made strong choices. It isn't a musical REALLY... it's a play with songs...
A very politically charged and confrontational play... and timely, if you ask me.

The TANGO was chosen because it featured two of the big name stars and, in the show, is a beautiful number. The arrangement had to be changed though, as you could tell from abrupt key changes - which normally happen wonderfully, as they are separated by musical dance sections. The lighting was totally different. The context is also important. The songs in Threepenny aren't pop-songs, like in Pajama Game... Musicals used to sell records and before that, sheet music. Threepenny was not crafted for that.

I might be rather biased, but I think a medley would have been nice... and putting the boy who sings soprano on would have been shocking in a delightful way... I am referring to myself It would have also been a nice break out for me... but there are too many names in the show and the Roundabout chose not to utilize my character at all. I believe that Jim wanted to attend and enjoy the night. Performing at the awards is stressful - it's not a fun process, especially when you work so hard and the numbers come off half baked. I LOVED The Pajama Game when I saw it - and in context, both of the songs they used at the Tonys were jolts of energy - IN the show - not so much on the Tonys. So it's just strange... I agree about showing prerecorded clips.

Again, all this aside - I really don't understand why people on this board continue to put down actors, designers, directors, producers, writers, etc. - regardless of the case of THREEPENNY - when they should understand that their opinions are valid, if they have seen the work they are criticizing - but that opinions should be expressed with respect.

That's all I have to say about that.
;-p

-BCR
Updated On: 6/13/06 at 12:57 AM

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 1:12am

"and putting the boy who sings soprano on would have been shocking in a delightful way..."

But then they'd have to pay the other boy to sing back up off stage.

Woops! Wrong show!
(Sorry, that was too easy) Updated On: 6/13/06 at 01:12 AM

[thea2]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 7:09am

Just to clarify. I think 3penny is fantastic, and that all of the performers do wonderful jobs. I started this thread because I just wanted to express my wish/desire to see either Jim or Brian perform live at the Tony's and not because I thought the song selection or the performers were lacking or that anyone would think "WTF" when it comes to a Broadway show.

I find the way in which this thread has developed mildly amusing, and very interesting.

[Dirty Rotten Scoundrel]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 7:39am

Did anybody else feel that a lot of people in the audience didn't quite know what to make of the performance? For some reason that's the general tone I was getting from them.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 8:27am

I was surprised that Jim Dale didn't perform, as he was the only one nominated. But I guess having the two stars will pick up sales in the closing weeks.

[Freckles1329]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 10:04am

I just think that they could've performed any other song from the show and it would have been better. I like The Ballad of a Pimp... but it just didn't seem to be the right song for the Tony's.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 10:06am

What was the name of the song that they performed?

[Freckles1329]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 10:09am

The Ballad of a Pimp

[joshy]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 12:05pm

Where's the performance on YouTube? I want to see the Sweeney one too!

[joshy]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 12:08pm

Where's the performance on YouTube? I want to see the Sweeney one too!

[Freckles1329]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 12:09pm

If you type in Alan Cumming, it should come up on that page. But Idk about the Sweeney video, sorry.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 12:12pm

Tony Awards 2006 will get you Threepenny, Wedding Singer, Drowsy (twice)...shocked at the lack of Sweeney being up there, given the number of rabid Sweeneyites.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 2:06pm

THREEPENNY @ TONYS on youtube!

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 2:07pm

Sweetness! Thanks!

[Jimmcf]

Posted: 6/13/06 at 2:48pm

To be honest, I kind of wanted to see Threepenny before the Tony's, in a nebulous sort of way. Their performance on the show made me really want to go see it now. Personally, I thought it came off the best (along with 'The Wedding Singer' - which I have already seen and enjoyed).