What will they perform at the Tonys? — Page 8

Valyitz said: "bdn223 said: "Comet's production team probably still trying to figure out how to sell the show via televised performance, if you look at the completely difference performances on GMA and the Today show which were 2 weeks a part. Prologue into Pierre didn't work well, but Balaga into the Abduction one of the most thrilling parts of the show does't have that signature ending and ended somewhat flat on the Today show. If they can change it so that it has a definitive ending, I would go with Balaga/The abduction."

Just curious, what didn't you like about the Prologue/Pierre performance on GMA? I thought it worked quite well and would make sense for the Tonys, especially as they showcased the three nominees. Although yes potentially they could use Dust and Ashes instead of Pierre. 

I also enjoyed the Balaga/The Abduction performance but I think that works a lot better within context.

 

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I honestly thought it felt very rushed. My favorite part of the prologue is not so much the character intros as the choruses. As the cast sings them they become more playful and yet simultaneously more restless with the audience as the song builds. The GMA performance rushed through them so they could have Groban sing a truncated Pierre.

Updated On: 5/4/17 at 11:15 PM

Ah makes sense - I can see that. Yeah, I mean I don't see that they necessarily have to cut into a Pierre song if they wanted to feature Groban given that he starts off the song anyway, but I'm assuming that's what they will be doing so that with that in mind it worked for me in that format, but I get that view.

RJ14 said: "Someone should start a kickstarter for the Falsettos performance tbh"

That only happens on Ken Davenport productions.

 

I know it's expensive to have a closed show (or any show) perform at the Tonys... is the cost coming from getting people back together to rehearse, renting space, accompanist, figuring out a digital set, etc? Or is it literally a high fee to perform at the Tonys? I ask because if it's the former, surely Falsettos could do something simple that wouldn't require much preparation. 

theatregeek6 said: "Does anyone think it's possible Bette won't perform at the Tonys?"

No. Why on earth would she not? She's nominated, the show is heavily nominated, she's the star of the show...?

 

I don't think it'd be the best idea to have Josh perform one of his solos; sure, "Pierre" and "Dust and Ashes" are two of my favorite songs from the show, but he's gone a month after the Tonys so it might not help them sell that many tickets beyond then. I think it'd be a much smarter idea to highlight Denée and Lucas somehow, since I'd assume the two of them are sticking around for a while longer and they're also nominated (and Lucas has a fairly decent shot of winning).

I'm not sure what they could do, though. "No One Else" might bore people, and Lucas doesn't really have a solo song. Maybe they can do a bit of "The Ball" or even "The Duel." 

JudyDenmark said: "I know it's expensive to have a closed show (or any show) perform at the Tonys... is the cost coming from getting people back together to rehearse, renting space, accompanist, figuring out a digital set, etc? Or is it literally a high fee to perform at the Tonys? I ask because if it's the former, surely Falsettos could do something simple that wouldn't require much preparation. 

 

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It's very much both rehearsals and the fee to perform. These costs can be minimized, yes, but not eliminated. 

Great Comet has some tricky challenges. Can they convey the fun, unique and innovative aspects of the show for TV, in a different space?

Do they highlight Groban when he's leaving the show in a few weeks? That seems like a bad idea, although he certainly should be in the performance.

Plus, Great Comet isn't going to get 8 minutes. "Prologue" is four minutes by itself, and chopping it up doesn't seem to work if you want to include one of Groban's solos, which is necessary given how it ends. I would love a combination of the full prologue and "Pierre" or "Dust and Ashes" too, but I would be surprised if they got that much time.

A trimmed-down version of 'Letters' appeals to me, and includes key nominees, even if it's not as innovative and fun as other songs.

I feel like Comet has a lot at stake at the Tonys. A strong performance will emphasize that the show is the star, and there is plenty to see besides Josh Groban, as wonderful as I thought he was as Pierre. A mess or a boring TV show appearance would hurt.

Updated On: 5/4/17 at 03:44 PM

I wouldn't be surprised.  "Dust and Ashes" is a Josh Groban showstopper, and works effectively in helping tell Pierre's story. But it's also the closest thing to a concert solo. People would watch it, say Groban was great, and then find out he's leaving the show in three weeks.

It would only reinforce the impression that Great Comet is worth seeing only for Groban. And chopping two or three songs up won't work, because it never works.

Last year, Leslie Odom Jr. would have brought the house down with "The Room Where it Happens." But Hamilton went with "The Battle of Yorktown," which features the ensemble and choreography more than the stars.

Great Comet has a fascinating challenge, but a tough one given the time constraints and the producers' interest in promoting the show after Groban leaves.

dotseurat2 said: "I really think Groundhog Day should do "One Day" from Phil's entrance to the end. Really showcases the ensemble too. "

I agree.  This is a great group number.  I love the song and scene.

The performance they did on the Today show was an odd choice.  it just seemed chaotic with them running around, and not much singing.  "One Day" would be a much better choice.

 

dotseurat2 said: "I really think Groundhog Day should do "One Day" from Phil's entrance to the end. Really showcases the ensemble too."

"One Day" is long and one of my favorite songs from this show, but Phil's entrance is where it really kicks in. I love the buildup around the "Okay Phil, we're on in 5...4..." loop to when he stops the whole thing with "What do you know, it's groundhog day!" and then that big ensemble chorus comes in.

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