Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED — Page 6

I'm still laughing at the naysayers who actually DO OWN VIDEOS OF STAGE MUSICALS. LMAO

Doug--u misread Craig. His posts were a challenge to those who were making false claims--not a challenge at you.

I think the idea is a good one--if it happened years after the run. Of course, we would PREFER to see a show live, but once it's closed that production is never coming back unless the revival is an exact recreation with the same cast, etc. I would LOVE to see a whole slew of productions--some I wasn't in NYC for--some I wasn't even alive when they ran.

And, if this were to cultivate new audiences and artists of the theatre, then it would be a huge success for theatre.

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.... says someone who obviously LIVES in NEW YORK... and can afford to see EVERYTHING. For God's Sake... We (in the hinterlands) UNDERSTAND that live and recorded are different. If I know I love a play or musical, I will seek it out live... Just Look What the Phantom movie did for tickets. But... like SO MANY new yorkers, your opinion is very "Let them eat cake."

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Let them eat cake as they watch their dvds of musicals from the 80s.

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This blows my mind that a newbie could make such comotion in one day.

BROADWAY has a ton of productions for view in the Lincoln Center Library, we don't need every show on DVD. Lincoln Center requires a good reason to why we need to view the tape, but fair enough we have tons of productions archived and saved.

I'm not sure about the Westend, but maybe you should keep your ideas or should I say "dreams" for the Westend Theatre world.

When you see a live show, part of the magic for me is you know that it will never, ever ever be the same
No. I have nothing agenst making A Rent film or The Producers remake and because those are movies, however what i go to see is live. You are ruining theater if you video it. And I totally agree about the LCT thing

Doesn't Lincoln Center make it next to impossible to view their archives?

I don't really understand what the big deal is. And I don't see now the "newbie" caused such a commotion.

"You and your company are ruining the magic of theatre"

"And UStheatre, that is a weak lie."

Someone else used the word "disgusting." I think gleefully playing angry mob and evoking imagery of pitchforks is disgusting, but that's just me.

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Ya'all, I heard they're tryin' to make movies where the people is actually gonna talk! Talkin' at a movie? What're they gonna call 'em? Talkies?

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oh I've been READING the posts here and you have been extremely caustic. Others are being extremely childish. But, your calling him a fool (which IS a personal attack) is crossing a line.

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JRB, you're barking up the wrong tree. As previously noted in other threads, 442 is an extremist and anyone that doesn't have the same worldview is a fool, trying to make theater trash, yadda yadda yadda.

Doug... FYI, you're pioneering this in the UK, but it was actually done here in the US (which some here either didn't know about or don't remember). A company called Broadway Television Network recorded tintypes, jekyll and hyde and a few others. They were offered online, pay per view and at least J&H is on dvd. Here in the US (and I suspect that musical are harder than straight plays because it involved a few extra unions) the company ultimately failed because it was too cost prohibitive and few producers had interest. That's not meant to pursuade you either way - just a recap of a company that already tried over here in the states.

So they naysayers take note - it's been done - whether you like it or not.

I'll also plug the Broadway Theater Archives (http://www.broadwayarchive.com/)

which has a TON of classics (musical and but mostly plays) available for purchase. I own quite a few and they are brilliant.

Edit to add: "to MANY people, is detrimental to "theatre" in its entirety. "

442 - not Many. A few posters on here. I guess it's all how we define MANY, isn't it? I bet if you polled every theatergoer, you'd have far more wanting this idea then not.

I'm not advocating for the taping or not taping - just that your definitive opinions - no matter how passionate they are, are hardly the majority.

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Updated On: 10/30/05 at 04:17 PM

I am really shocked at the rudeness of some people. FOOL ? Where does this guy get off ? There is nothing foolish about this idea. It might be unsettling for those who earn a living from Broadway and that might be where I'm getting the heat but it certainly isn't a foolish idea. If someone can constructively tell me why this idea should not work, then say so. Insults offer nothing but antagonism.

I have posted this thread to the editor of a UK National paper. It has certainly fueled the debate more than I ever imagined. Either way it will make good headlines -

UK THEATRE GETS BLOODY NOSE FROM BROADWAY WORLD
OR
BROADWAY INDUSTRY UP IN ARMS OVER LAUNCH OF WEBSITE
OR
BROADWAYS FUTURE THREATENED BY A SINGLE IDEA FROM AN ACTOR

Take your pick.

I've had fun and I do thank everyone for contributing, even though the idea is unbelievable and some may say unworkable, but as I keep saying writers and actors in the UK want me to do this, so I will be meeting their aspirations despite some of the protestations.

Oh, and if anyone wants to pursue the idea and knows of some good off broadway productions which need the support and publicity, I have a film crew being put together in New York and I have a presenter/interviewer at the ready. I could be ready for the first production and online before the end of the year.

Doug
USTHEATER.TV - Passionate About Theatre

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"If someone can constructively tell me why this idea should not work, then say so."

We have all been telling you. Are you not reading the responses? Just because you don't agree doesn't mean you can pretend to misunderstand the opinions of others.

This won't work because:
--First and foremost, the professional industry, union, actors, crew, producers (etc.) will not allow it.
--If it's so hard to just watch a video ONCE at the Lincoln Center Library, what makes you think it's going to be easy enough for you to post, and for everyone to access it from their computer?
--People won't support it because, a majority of theatre goers, want to be just THAT: Theatre. Goers. Going to a theatre.

I can go on, but that should give you a great idea (and summary of other posts) as to why this won't work, and why people are upset over it.

Updated On: 10/30/05 at 04:24 PM

Oh yes that too.

--This won't work because your manner and approach to advertising this thing comes off very sleazy. Your website isn't extremely professional, and people won't know if it's morally "ok" to visit your site and get videos from some guy they haven't heard of, and has no proof of affiliation with any of these shows.