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Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

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#1

Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 5:57pm

Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

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)
#2

re: 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

#3

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:07pm

Oh 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)
#5

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:14pm

Many 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
#6

re: 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!
#7

re: 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.
#10

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:24pm

In 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)
#12

re: 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? re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?
"If it walks like a Parks, if it wobbles like a Parks, then it's definitely fat and nobody loves it." --MA
#13

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:29pm

Oh 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.
#14

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:30pm

Show 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 ????????
#15

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:38pm

I 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)
#17

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 6:43pm

I 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
#18

re: 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

#19

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:19pm

When 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)
#20

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:41pm

I 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
#22

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 7:44pm

That 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!"
#25

re: Why Do (Many) Gay Men Love Musical Theatre?

Posted: 3/19/06 at 8:01pm

I am still not sure what I am ,I just label myself as gay cause it saves me the trouble of explaining anything
Herbie: "Honey, Don't you know there's a depression?"
Rose: "Of Course I know, I Watch Fox News"
-(modified)Gypsy
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