We LOVE Disney (we're AP holders) - Go to the parks prob 5 or 6 times a year (from NYC)
That being said... not that crazy about their Broadway projects to date- (still think "Nemo" would be a hit here, if they ever decide to bring it here-- from what I have seen of the show in DisneyWorld)
Also, think "Hunchback" would be great, given the score.
I totally understand where you're coming from. I personally love Disney productions -- amazing in their own right. But they did nothing for me when I was younger. For me it was "wow pretty, nice songs, lets go to Carmine's now." When I had actually seen a non-Disney show, Phantom of the Opera, that's when I knew I loved Broadway.
Disney is doing well because of easy-to-follow plotlines, pretty sets and something you can bring the kids to. But the fanbase for Disney shows isn't as strong as some for non-Disney shows. Die-hard fans of a show will go to see it multiple times, which Disney shows mainly attract tourists who will only see it once. This does not apply to everyone, though.
I know it seems that Disney is taking over Broadway, but it shouldn't be looked at that way. Just because Disney's name is tagged to it doesn't mean it has a good score. I think Disney should do more works such as Aida, but if they bring Hunchback of Notre Dame to Broadway, I wouldn't deny going to see it!
The German Production of Hunchback of Notre Dame was spell binding. It starred Drew Sarich and Stephen Schwartz added the new pieces to his old score. It was amazing and I hope they bring it here. They were planning on a TV version, but I think it fell through.
Also, people should take a Disney show for what it is-A Spectacle. You don't go to Spring Awakening and walk out dissapointed because there wasn't flashy things in it. You go expecting a dramatic show and you get it. And that is one of the least "Broadway" like show in a while, but highly favored. I think it is great, but I would come expecting the cast to be absolutly perfect since there is not spectacle safety net.
Stand-by Joined: 4/19/05
Well put ActorSociety.
It's kinda tragic in certain lights. Sure, Disney is sort of an establishment, but they are also helping breed a generation of theatre goers. If you go and see Tarzan and it's your first time in a real Broadway show, you're in awe. you open up your playbill and see Josh Strickland was in Rent at some point and suddenly they want to know what RENT is all about.
Foreget wheather people think Disney has artistic merit, It's healthy for the state of theatre if nothing else.
You must also remember that alot of people on this board are bitter queens who cant stand other people's successes, and once a show is financially successfull, then its crap.
"You must also remember that alot of people on this board are bitter queens who cant stand other people's successes, and once a show is financially successfull, then its crap."
Absolutely brilliant!!!
Stand-by Joined: 4/19/05
Justin D! You know some people are gonna go off on you, right? But I want to say...
You are too funny! That's hysterical! As a bitter queen I laugh! That made me smile!
Way to say something alot of us are thinking!
Justin D is pithy, but not altogether wrong--there is always a backlash against anything with commercial success in any medium. BUT the queens on this board also SEE alot more theatre than probably anyone but critics, and the more you see, the less you like.
You're also talking about aesthetics, theactor, and those vary from person to person: I was thrilled with THE PILLOWMAN while another person was repulsed by it. That's MY idea of entertainment.
People also see Disney as a product rather than a work of art and in many ways they are right.
And as for people not going to the theatre to see actors, that is totally off! Do you think GREY GARDENS would be running without Ebersole? And then there's DEUCE.
Alot of us are also much older than you are and our tastes have changed as well. It'll happen to you too.
What, his taste will change or he'll become a bitter queen?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/10/06
I'm not saying that Disney is full of dramatic masterpiece, but if they were'nt movies first then they would be highly applauded
I don't know about that, I think the movies actually keep people from absolutley detesting them.
The whole movies on broadway thing is odd because without them there would be a lot more actors out of work.
Very old argument, and one that many feel dosen't hold water.
If more new promising shows would pop up, less movie transfers would take the space.
I REALLY don't think its the lack of new shows, its the incredible difficulty they have getting noticed in the current market.
To give disney credit...they are the ones who have most successfully turned movies into musicals
HA! Maybe commercially, but not critically, which is what really matters IMO.
Why I like Disney-
-Shows are halfway-decent (Usually)
-Introduces people to theatre
Why I don't like Disney
-There shows, no matter how awful, run forever based on their name
-Tourists and familys only know Disney shows, as if they were the only good things on Broadway, and the only things family friendly, which is not true
-WAY too much buisness, I don't feel they really care or are in touch with theatre lovers or real stage craft
"You must also remember that alot of people on this board are bitter queens who cant stand other people's successes, and once a show is financially successfull, then its crap."
Thats SOOOOOOOOOOOO true!!!! Disney is great... and the talent they use is usually amazing! Cant wait for Little mermaid to come out!!!!!!
Fawk Disney. Money's got nothing to do with it. The shows suck. Plain and simple. If you want "family entertainment" with lots of pretty colors go to Disneyworld or Disneyland. Lets try to turn musical theater back into the avant garde medium it once was. Y'know...once upon a time, Hollywood actually looked to Broadway for inspiration. Isn't that strange???
"Fawk Disney. Money's got nothing to do with it. The shows suck. Plain and simple. If you want "family entertainment" with lots of pretty colors go to Disneyworld or Disneyland. Lets try to turn musical theater back into the avant garde medium it once was. Y'know...once upon a time, Hollywood actually looked to Broadway for inspiration. Isn't that strange???"
Thats lame!!!! Must be one of those bitter Broadway Queens!
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/12/04
" Y'know...once upon a time, Hollywood actually looked to Broadway for inspiration. Isn't that strange??? "
Well, things change.
And I would say that Hollywood is looking to Broadway again... chicagothephantomoftheoperatheproducershairspraymammamia...
It is not lame. I just saw Tarzan last Sunday. A show I would NEVER have spent money to see, but since I had a free ticket, I went to see it, just so I could say I saw it, but I wasn't blown away by it. Sure Tarzan and the Gorillas swing all over the place, but that does not a good show make. The show was mediocre at best, with Jenn G. who plays Jane blowing everyone else off the stage. I am sorry, but you need more than spectacle to have a good show. I enjoy all forms of theatre, something that has a good plot, songs and acting. If they all come together you have a good show. If something is a miss, then the show isn't "great" , this is just my opinion, and I know many will disagree.
The problem is that Disney isn't quality. It's spectacle.
I prefer quality, though provoking, powerful, and mature material over some commercial money making scheme trying to be passed as a quality show.
"I prefer quality, though provoking, powerful, and mature material over some commercial money making scheme trying to be passed as a quality show"
Bitter People!=-)
Bitter People!=-)
- You're the one being bitter if you can't accept someone's fair opinion on why they don't like Disney shows.
I accept it... I just dont think it is a justified argument .... but whatever!!!
Stand-by Joined: 9/27/06
I must say, up until the last 7 posts or so, I am pretty proud of this board. Most people made intelligent comments and supported their argument. To chime in, what we all must understand is that EVERYONE is different. That is what makes our world so special. Everyone has their own feelings on everything that our world has to offer. So when it comes to Broadway, if someone would rather be entertained by spectacle or entertained by a dramatic performance, then let them uphold their own opinion. For me personally, I am a technical theater student, so for me, seeing flashy, special effect shows is up my alley. It is what I want to do. That isnt to say that I think thought provoking dramatic shows are bad, they just aren't what I prefer. We are all different folks and we all enjoy our different strokes, so let whoever enjoy whatever they want. :)
Honey-chile, if it weren't for bitter Broadway queens NOTHING would get produced in this town.
Put that in your Clearasil and squeeze it.
no thanks sugar... dont need the Clearasil!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
I know THE LION KING has more actor injuries than any other show. Compensation? You've got to be kidding.
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