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Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category — Page 2

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#26

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/18/09 at 6:07pm

"Like "Liza's at the Palace" is an artistic achievement. It's a washed-up gay icon doing a bad impression of herself and gargling out Kander and Ebb songs."


piraguaguy2 is wrong on so many aspects that it becomes incredibly laughable ... in fact I'd say 100% wrong, but nothing (no, nothing) is ever 100% anything.
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#29

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/18/09 at 7:23pm

I, for one, support the decision. Broadway is a theme park anyway, and a lot of these Special Event productions bring their show to "Broadway" as a gimmick to sell itself. That doesn't mean that there isn't room for them, but Broadway is first and foremost the venue for producing plays and musical theatre.

What I do not support, however, is that these shows can compete with plays and musicals. Designing a set for Cirque du Soliel requires different parameters for designing a set for a play. It's not fair.

Now I haven't seen CONTACT or MOVIN' OUT, but I would assume that these shows reek "Special Event" status. They're just like a Riverdance or a Stomp, no? Song & dance with thin storylines...? I would hope shows that are more in that direction would not be deemed a play or musical.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#30

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/18/09 at 7:38pm

Maybe they got confused and meant LIZA should RETIRE.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal "I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
#32

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/18/09 at 8:05pm

I agree alliez. I saw "Movin' Out" and I think to simplify it as "Song and dance with a thin storyline..." is a little rash. I found it to be beautiful and quite moving, and reducing it so, cheapens its impact. Simply because dance was the main focus, doesn't mean its not substantial theater, or a "musical". It blended, song, dance, and story like every other musical, just in another way. Even more so considering all the music was sung live, unlike Contact. Which I did not see, so I won't judge.

I did agree with a lot of what you said though CapnHook. And with most of your posts on the message boards, for that matter. :)
"...and in a bed."
#33

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/18/09 at 8:27pm

Again, I haven't seen CONTACT or MOVIN' OUT so I can't really have a say in those particular shows, I can only assume what they were from clips I've seen. But thanks. :-P
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#34

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/18/09 at 8:52pm

Broadway is a theme park anyway, and a lot of these Special Event productions bring their show to "Broadway" as a gimmick to sell itself. That doesn't mean that there isn't room for them, but Broadway is first and foremost the venue for producing plays and musical theatre.

Except that "special event" shows existed long before the category was created. And Broadway has never been exclusive to only plays and musicals in its 100+ years of existence.

Now I haven't seen CONTACT or MOVIN' OUT, but I would assume that these shows reek "Special Event" status. They're just like a Riverdance or a Stomp, no? Song & dance with thin storylines...?

Nope. They were ballets. Contact was three short ballets, each unrelated story was more emotionally and psychologically complex that the last. Movin' Out was one ballet consisting of a story about the social dynamics that changed withing a group of friends and lovers as they matured during a time of social upheaval and turmoil. Both shows featured outstanding performances, both in dancing and acting, and showcased brilliant choreography. Contact used pre-recorded music and Movin' Out featured a live orchestra and singers.

Riverdance is a spectacle with no story created to feature Irish music and dance. Stomp also has no story and is a conceptual piece based on the creative use of dance and percussive arts.

Neither Contact nor Movin' Out resemble Riverdance or Stomp any more than Swan Lake, Company B or Coppelia would.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#37

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/18/09 at 10:11pm

But WHO gets to take home the trophy?? The Gypsy Robe winner? I think that's the main thing preventing this from happening.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#40

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/18/09 at 10:35pm

Perhaps not a Tony, but a special honor that's given in the pre-broadcast with the design & special awards? Name it after a theatre figure who has a lasting legacy in ensemble-ism.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#41

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/19/09 at 12:25am

I don't see this as fair. Musicals and plays are completely different than specialty shows and concerts, so there is no good reason for them to compete in the same categories.
#43

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/19/09 at 12:36am

The powers that be at the Tonys can't make up their freaking minds. They keep adding and then taking away categories.

Remember when they were adding the two Best Replacement categories? And they had all those crazy rules and qualifications...and then they decided not to instate them after all.

I think the Tony awards should be a bit more specific as to what qualifies a "Special Event." I don't really see why or how YOU'RE WELCOME AMERICA was a special event...it was a limited engagement but it was a brand new play with brand new writing, a substantial storyline, and doesn't fit the bill at all for a "Special Theatrical Event" to me. What IS the Tony awards' idea of a "Special Theatrical Event?" If they made their qualifications a bit clearer, I think it would clear this mess up. Or maybe if they just decided to give the award to a winner without nominations every year, or at least in the years they deem a show worthy of the title.

I'm so tired...hahaha. Sorry if that's not in English.

Updated On: 6/19/09 at 12:36 AM

#44

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/19/09 at 12:38am

If "Everyday Rapture" transfers for a limited run to Broadway, it's unfortunate that it will be most likely overshadowed by the new musicals of next season rather than be considered and recognized as a theatrical event...

I feel that if the parameters of "Theatrical Event" were made more clear and stringent, it would be beneficial to keep.
#45

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/19/09 at 12:57am

I just don't think it's fair that shows which are clearly special events, like Liza at the Palace, won't be fairly awarded. At the same time, I don't think it's fair these "special events" will take nominations away from shows that are clearly musicals and plays.
A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.
#46

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/19/09 at 1:44am

Rocks took the words out out my mouth.

To elaborate, the Tony Nomination carries a huge honor. Nominating two or three shows just to have the category may have seemed (to the Tony committee) degrading to the prestige of the nomination. So, why not just announce a winner, and no nominees? It is a worth category as there are a handful of eligible events every season.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
#47

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/19/09 at 2:13am

I'm pretty sure it's so they can cram more popular tour performances in the broadcast.
Expect to see a random number from Phantom of the Opera next year.


I think this is a bad idea. Special Event was an interesting category and it allowed non-traditional theatre fare to get some publicity as well as fencing those shows off so they don't either get swallowed up by the real musicals and plays or overthrow them.
Special Theatrical Event is a necessary award.
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#49

re: Tony Awards to 'Retire' Special Theatrical Event Category

Posted: 6/19/09 at 3:50am

I really doubt they did this just so they could fit in more touring performances, I mean really, get over it.

But I really don't think this was a good move. I see no good reason as to why they would do this.

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