What about an all black version of FOLLIES? — Page 2

I'm not sure this sort of "all black" production is at all viable in this day and age.

But Ben Vereen as Buddy!

Updated On: 6/21/07 at 10:27 AM

yes. That's a joke... read a little earlier about Donna in "blackface".

Well I mean if you've got Ben Vereen you might as well put Donna in blackface. As great as he is in a lot of things, I get minstrel from him a lot when he performs...just big eyes and jazz hands.

Updated On: 6/21/07 at 12:05 PM

I don't have big eyes or jazz hands but still....

It really pains me to have to come down on the same side as Jazzysuite, but he was referring to minstrel acts, which were indeed all about big eyes and jazz hands. Unless you actually are a minstrel, I'm not sure why you're taking offense at that.

If you're going to create threads like this then some of you who respond need to SERIOUSLY learn not all black people like the terms, "blacks."

That's fair enough, but can't the same be said for the term African-American?

ETA: Even though WordedGrace edited out the lines I quoted, I'm leaving my post as is.

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Updated On: 6/21/07 at 12:24 PM

Kringas, I edited my original message. I was a little ticked from speed reading them all but then I reread when and changed to what I found most offensive. Black face/minstrel acts have similiar significance in terms of things done to be offensive. Don't believe me look it up. I don't need to debate racial whatevers with people I don't know online. Not my style, so I won't!

As far as African-American versus blacks..c'mon I'm not going to debate that one. I'm a person of color, blessed, and happy. That's all that matters.

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>> The premise would be that they are returning for the demolition of something like The Cotton Club.

Considering that was a club built mostly for the entertainment of rich white folks who wanted to come slum in Harlem every now and then, I'm not sure that's such a wise idea. It would automatically lay a political veneer on everything that the source material probably cant support.

However, if it were something like the Apollo, *then* you might have something.

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Why? Is it about a Cotton Club reunion?

OK LOL first of all Worded Grace LOL you're so busy being offended by things that you didn't stop to think that...maybe I'm black and I STILL find Ben Vereen a bit minstrel-like in his performance...and I think the rediculousness of Donna in black face is comical...until someone actually does it...BUSTED.

Also, Do all things black have to have an african american perspective? How would one write from that perspective? Do we have to talk about struggling and race? Do we have to be rocking and moaning a spiritual in the corner? Can't there just be a story about a couple and not have it deal from any perspective?!

Secondly,

ljay889

If "Could I Leave You?" Isn't a belters song...what is it? When thinking rage in musical theatre one thinks belt. It certainly shouldn't be sung in one's head voice. Just because non singers have sung it doesn't mean it's not meant to be belted...I refer you to Dee Hoty, who's prob done my fave version so far (I haven't seen Donna do it). I'm sure Donna belted the crap out of it. It's a belters song. If not belter than what? What voice would you classify it as?

Updated On: 6/21/07 at 01:28 PM

I saw an all asian production a few years back and it was good. Race had nothing to do with the strengths or weaknesses of the produciton.

So an all black productin ...I'd pay to see it.

An all black Color Purple is pretty silly. Follies isn't about being white in America, while Color Purple is a lot about being black in America.

Can you imagine Diahann Carroll singing I'm Still Here? WOW!

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I was sooooo glad to hear about that production. First of all the fact that there are asain AND indian actors makes me smile. I mean so often we hear about color blind casting, race, affirmative action or whatever and people think Black. WHY?! All these things apply to asians, latinos, and indians. I'd LOVE to see an Indian Mary Poppins. There are more minorities out there that don't have ALL "whatever" casts.

Whoops. Never mind. He's older than I thought.

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Updated On: 6/21/07 at 04:04 PM

"OK LOL first of all Worded Grace LOL you're so busy being offended by things that you didn't stop to think that...maybe I'm black and I STILL find Ben Vereen a bit minstrel-like in his performance...and I think the rediculousness of Donna in black face is comical...until someone actually does it...BUSTED.

P.S. aside from any context a show is written shouldn't it just be about the performance versus race?

Jazzysuite, I don't care if you're green, nor that your spelling sucks. That's not the point. I didn't say I was offended I said it was offensive. There's a big difference. I am not looking to argue buddy just was making a point.

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Updated On: 6/21/07 at 04:15 PM

I'd love to hear Diahann Carroll sing "I'm Still Here."

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