Why No West Side Story ?
Why No West Side Story ?
Myron
Stand-by Joined: 8/20/04
#1Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 10:30amI am curious why the cast of West Side Story are not performing this year at Bryant Park. Any reason?
#2re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 10:38amBecause Matt C's voice would make all the birds and animals in the park go crazy.
I'm a professional. Whenever something goes wrong on stage, I know how to handle it so no one ever remembers. I flash my %#$&.
"Jayne just sat there while Gina flailed around the stage like an idiot."
#2re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 10:45amThe Hair cast isn't performing either, which I find extremely odd.
The choice may have been mistaken, The choosing was not... "Every day has the potential to be the greatest day of your life." - Lin-Manuel Miranda
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#3re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 10:52amI'm sure they were both given the opportunity and just chose not to take it.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#4re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 11:03amBoth shows are selling extremely well. I'm sure the producers decided the free advertising wasn't worth paying the large ensembles for an extra performance.
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
"He's a tramp, but I love him."
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
Myron
Stand-by Joined: 8/20/04
#5re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 11:07amI must be naive. I never thought that the performers were paid extra for performing at Bryant Park. I thought they did it as a free ad for their show, helping to guarantee their incomes.
#6re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 11:25am
Performers are always paid for promotional appearances. Equity wouldn't have it any other way.
Even when the performance is for charity, performers get paid (although many of them donate their fee back to the charity).
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
"He's a tramp, but I love him."
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
#7re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 11:29am
Quote from Yero: "
Even when the performance is for charity, performers get paid (although many of them donate their fee back to the charity)."
So you are saying that when a show does an Actors' Fund benefit performance, the cast is paid? Even though they always announce that they are NOT being paid?
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dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#8re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 11:36am
There are guidelines that determine what they get paid to do and what is done for free as well as what is required. Many things the actors have TOTAL choice whether or not to particpate.
Very often, the understudies perform instead of the leads, as well. (Well, the times I've been there, anyway.)
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#9re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 1:56pm
So you are saying that when a show does an Actors' Fund benefit performance, the cast is paid? Even though they always announce that they are NOT being paid?
I have never been to an Actors Fund performance, so I was not aware of that announcement. Maybe, since that is a charity specifically for Equity actors, Equity allows them to do it for free?
Every other situation that I am aware of, the actors are paid for all appearances and performances.
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
"He's a tramp, but I love him."
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
fgreene1938
Leading Actor Joined: 10/25/06
#10re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 2:00pmAnd I would agree...WSS and Hair are currently selling out virtually every performance. My guess is the producers of both shows didn't want to pay their casts for possibly unnecessary promotion. Also, if people want to see the shows, they know where to go.
millie_dillmount
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
#11re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 2:12pm
Jersey Boys performs at Bryant Park this year, and they are selling out every week as well.
Wicked performs as well. I know part of the reason is because it draws a large crowd at the park, yet they don't really need the promotion either.
I have a feeling if one week is canceled due to rain and a show is unable to reschedule on one of the remaining weeks, West Side Story or Hair may step in to perform one week. I believe similar situations like that have happened past years.
"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611
Tom's Cat
Leading Actor Joined: 2/21/09
#12re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 2:22pmBilly Elliot is performing 8/13, they have a huge cast, and I understand that they're sold out - at least through the summer.
Meow!
fgreene1938
Leading Actor Joined: 10/25/06
#13re: Why No West Side Story ?
Posted: 7/20/09 at 2:24pm^ That would be great. I've seen JB and Wicked at some events but I'd really like to see WSS and Hair.
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