Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
#0Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 5:57pm
Hello all. Some time ago, I posed the same question to Miss Patti LuPone. She responded: "How about you have taste?" Personally, I love the larger than life characters that musical theatre stars show on the stage. I've seen Miss Patti in: "Sweeney Todd" (San Francisco & NYC) and "Regina" (Washington, D.C.), plus in several of her concerts. "Norma Desmond" is one of my favorite musical characters and saw "Sunset Boulevard" in Houston, San Antonio and Austin, with the amazing Miss Pet(ula) Clark. I know why I like musical theatre, but I would be intrigued to know how other guys feel about musical theatre, past or present. Please include favorite shows and stars. from Roman in Austin, Texas...
P.S. The top picture of Miss Patti in her "Norma Desmond drag" (her words) is from the book: "10086 Sunset Boulevard: From Movie To Musical" by George Perry). I asked her if she didn't mind signing the photo from this particular book. She gladly signed it, when I saw her in her dressing room after her "Sweeney Todd" perf. The second picture is from November 2003, backstage after a Houston concert.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#1re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:02pm
I honestly dont get it. Whenever you say that you like Musical Theatre people instantly think your gay. Why is it if you are a straight man do you have to like sports and wear baggy ugly clothes. Its all these stupid stereotypes... but I like Patti's responce too!
"The hallmark of aristocracy is responsibility. Oh brother, that got me, that did me in!"
Updated On: 3/19/06 at 06:02 PM
#2re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:07pmOh my. I thought that was fairly obvious (moi). I'm not saying that all gay men love musical theatre. I do think that many/a lot/ quite a few..... gay guys love it. Present company included. from Roman in Austin, Texas
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#3re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:11pmIt's an amazing-yet-amusing coincidence, nothing more.
#4re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:14pmMany films and shows spread that sterotype as well. Avenue Q and Rod anyone? I agree with Patti. Class is clearly a thing many gay men possess. Broadway has also always been a frontrunner in the fight for gay rights, and there are many strong gay characters in shows.
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
#5re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:16pm
My personal take on this on this as a performer who is gay, is because, when you perform, you're someone else.......you can not be yourself. You can have confidence, when you normally , maybe, wouldn't have it. You can be comfortable in something that is so natural and normal to you. Then back to reality when you're off-stage. Does that make sense?
And, aside, from the obivious..........people who like Musical Theatre - doesn't matter if you're straight, gay, tall, short, male, female, Republican, Democrat, black, white, etc.......have good taste!
#6re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:16pm
Why is it that straight people take such offense to being called gay? Why not consider it a compliment?
You people wouldn't have musical theatre if it weren't for gay men.
Gay Men are drawn to musicals because there is usually and outsider involved.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#7re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:20pmIf gay men have such wonderful taste why do they like Patti Lupone?
#9re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:24pmIn a cameo she did on "Frasier" (remember that show?) she mentions this little quote: "They either love me or hate me." I chose to admire Miss Patti. from Roman in Austin, Texas.. T.O.P.L.F.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#10re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:25pmIt was on Will and Grace where she said that.
Parks
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/5/04
#11re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:25pm
Patti LuPone=the bomb diggity bomb.com.
Well, to me.
Wait--is that not what this discussion is about? 
"If it walks like a Parks, if it wobbles like a Parks, then it's definitely fat and nobody loves it." --MA
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#12re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:29pmOh I'm just feeling bitchy-- which I guess is the natural reaction whenever generalizations get tossed around. I'm pretty neutral on Miss Patti actually-- Curious to see her tackle Mrs Lovett and can't wait to hear her try Madame Rose.
LouW95
Leading Actor Joined: 9/27/03
#13re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:30pmShow business, especially the theater, has always been a progressive and welcoming environment, especially for those considered "different". However, it is foolish and wrong to stereotype. I know many gay men who dislike musicals and many str8 men who love them. The point of this thread is ????????
#14re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:38pmI am mistaken... it was on "Will and Grace."
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#15re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:39pm
I guess the real question is why would anyone post such a huge photo of themselves in a thread like this?
#16re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:43pmI don't know, but I am straight and I LOVE musical theatre.
"They're eating her and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!" -Troll 2
#17re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:16pm
Patti LuPone FANatic:
Ha, Sorry if I confused you. I wasnt saying that I dont get what you were saying, I was saying I dont get why it is always assumed that if a guy likes broadway he is gay. I was trying to say my personal experience but I guess I wrote it kind of wierd. It wasnt written as an attack on your comments or anything, but I can see how it could have been read like that now. Sorry for the confusion!
Anyway, I think gay men loved it because much of it is over the top, as are many of the characters. However, this is also appealing to me as well and I am not gay so I am just not sure...
"The hallmark of aristocracy is responsibility. Oh brother, that got me, that did me in!"
Updated On: 3/19/06 at 07:16 PM
#18re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:19pmWhen I post a picture, I dont' really know how big it is going to appear. I certainly don't do it intentionally, if that is what some might be thinking. I utilize www.photobucket.com to transfer pics to a site like this. "That's all I have to say about that." (from "Forrest Gump") RC in Austin, Texas..
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#19re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:41pmI don't like sports, I'm kinda quiet, I LOVE musical theatre. People think I'm gay. But I'm not and it's rude, not to me but to gay people. I absolutely loathe stereotypes and in america, they're unavoidable, especially in high school!
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
To Kill A Mockingbird
To Kill A Mockingbird
#20re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:42pmTry fitting the stereotype and being told you do all the time. It's great fun.
#21re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:44pmThat is what I was trying to say before. I get crap like that all the time too.
"The hallmark of aristocracy is responsibility. Oh brother, that got me, that did me in!"
#22re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:45pm
Roger in The Producers had it right:
"Chorus boys in very tight pants."
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#23re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:58pmwell..gee..i am not a gay man and even i am a little offended! LOL
#24re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
Posted: 3/19/06 at 8:01pmI am still not sure what I am ,I just label myself as gay cause it saves me the trouble of explaining anything
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December 5th- Hamilton, On Your Feet
December 19th- Noises Off, Edith Piaf Concert at Town Hall
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