Worst Speech of the Night?- Page 4
Worst Speech of the Night?
popular_elphie
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/3/05
#75re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 9:00am
Does it really matter that he didn't kiss Alison afterwards? I think he was still a bit shocked. Things didn't go as everyone thought they would (Sweeney's upset, for one), and I bet he was scared that it wouldn't happen.
I think Christian made the best speech of the night. You could see how incredibly shocked he was, and how much he was crying. A friend of mine said JLY was in a state of shock at the Jersey Boys' after-party, so I'm guessing he was really frazzled while up there and started rattling something off.
#76re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 9:03am
Both Christian and JLY were in a state of shock. Especially Christian.
And for those criticizing any of the winners last night - it's indeed true that at the luncheon, they were strongly encouraged to NOT rattle off a list of names, but instead speak from the heart and share something about what the award means to them. And I personally would rather hear an anecdote or someone's feelings at the moment rather than a list of names. Unless you're in the industry - or close to it - the list of names (unless you're on it) means very little to anyone else.
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men" - Willy Wonka
defygravity2oz
Chorus Member Joined: 4/7/06
#77re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 9:05amCome on people...we all know if LaChanze didn't thank Oprah, she would have got whacked....
#78re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 11:14am
But she wasn't the first to single Oprah out, Sanders was....He put her name above the title on the marquee....I thought her speech was ok, I definitely thought that she could have named more of the people in charge. But you could see that she had drawn a blank in those short moments- she couldn't remember the name of the choreographer and writers, in fact she almost couldn't find the stairs to the stage! I congratulate her for bringing the focus back to who it belonged- Alice Walker, and for being infectious with her joy and surprise. I also congratulate her for not punching all the reporters she has interviewed with for the annoying question "what's it like working with/for oprah?" what happened to questions like "this is your first time having a leading lady, how have you had to adapt your approach" or something else about HER work?!?
and $1 million dollars out of thirteen is not a whole lot, but it was the biggest lump sum from one person, according to sanders. BTW-Felicia's retort on the red carptet was classic!
Reporter- "what kind of notes has oprah given you?" (paraphrased)
Felicia- "well as you know, Oprah is a producer, and producers don't give actors notes!" AAAAAHHHHHH Luv it!
Your Potential is greater than your problems, and your problems will bring out your potential- Vashti Murphy McKenzie.
Honey...don't be ashamed, be comfortable with who you are. Stay true to yourself.- Elisabeth Withers-Mendes
#79re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 11:21amJohn Lloyd Young was trying so hard to summon emotion and make it something rather than just saying his piece. It was actually creepy. Hated it.
Mind is Mantra.
#80re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 11:36amJLY's speech was touching, but his best was his Drama Dest speech. I think I fell in love with him that night. So go watch or find a transcript of that before you call him all those nasty names you've been calling him. Jeez.
#81re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 12:09pm
E! Online News has a crack about Julia's 'speech':
"The History Boys winning six Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Actor and Best Director; Jersey Boys winning four Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Actor in a Musical. Julia Roberts, who was not nominated for her reviled performance in Three Days of Rain, proving that she can act by playing the part of a humble presenter."
heh
E! Online News link
rflpfl2
Stand-by Joined: 10/31/05
#82re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:03pm
I can't believe John Lloyd Young and La Chanze are getting killed here when Beth Level's (or whatever that attention starving actress' name is) speech was clearly insane, over the top, COMPLETELY DESPERATE, and totally ridiculous. I mean- I saw the show- and I'm sure (or at least I hope) she was doing it to reference her character- but it was pretty embarrassing.
#83re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:05pmIm glad i wasn't the only who thought Leavel was painful to hear.
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#84re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:19pmI was glad to hear Frances de la Tour mention the backstage crew. They never get any recognition.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
defying_gravity2
Broadway Star Joined: 9/4/05
#85re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:24pmJLY's speech was okay until he used the word "womb". After that I just felt uncomfortable and icky. There should be a rule that no one can ever use that word in an acceptance speech again.
Pillowpants. 'Nuff said.
rflpfl2
Stand-by Joined: 10/31/05
#86re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:27pmLeavel was absolutely painful- she was more desperate than a sitcom actor vying for attention at the Golden Globes.
#87re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:28pm
Christian Hoff's speech WAS heartfelt and as someone who recently lost a parent, I was on the verge of tears listening to him. John Lloyd Young's speech was, to quote GG, creepy. Nothing felt real about it.
Worst speech of the night for me was Cynthia Nixon. Love the woman to death and she's a brilliant actress, but when she's just speaking without a script or written speech, she sounds like she's babbling, and it grates me. Cynthia, you knew you were gonna win. Couldn't you have written down a few lines?
#88re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:29pm
...until he used the word "womb". After that I just felt uncomfortable and icky.
heh- folks at the party I was at called it the "I might be on Broadway, but I am straight, straight, straight." speech, so the mention of the womb totally fit there. :)
Updated On: 6/12/06 at 03:29 PM
tabbynyc
Stand-by Joined: 4/3/06
#89re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:32pm
I expected more from John Lloyd Young since he was one of 2 expected to win. He did not thank anyone which was rude....even a blanket thank you to the whole show would have been enough. It was almost a copy of Christian's & he looked a little strained saying it, maybe, because he followed Christian & felt they were on the same track. But, I'm glad they both won & with experience he will do better. His acting and music are what counts anyway, not if he can give a speech!
Oprah showed her "all about me" as usual, so no surprise there.
I didn't get any "warm,fuzzy" feeling from Julia's announcement, in fact, it felt kind of matter of factly stated.
#90re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:36pm
Hoff's speach was lovely. I thought JLY was incoherant in a way. I have no previous exposure to this guy, no preconceived notions, I just thought it was trrrryyyying to be poignant.
And he's not gay??!! Ok, whatever ...i think an enormous fruit-fly hit my gaydar and put it out of whack.
And could Hal Prince have given less of a crap? Thanks for the inspirational words, Hal baby.
Mind is Mantra.
#91re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:38pm
John Lloyd Young. Was he that shocked? It was also phoney and thanked no one but his late mother and father. Sure, they're great, but what about the others who got you there? Harry Connick Jr. would have used "crazy good" a bit too much but his speech would have been a lot better.
Christian Hoff was awful too. Too damned phoney.
Hal Prince's speech was staged.
#92re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:41pm
Why do we have to lower ourselves and talk about "worst" anything? If any of us think we could tackle the pressure, the poise, the tension, the shock, the "anything" better than most people in that room of 6000 people let alone the tv viewing audience, I think we are giving ouselves way too much credit.
It is so easy to sit and judge. If you want to be a professional in the business, then act like it.
"I'm like a helmet without a head" -
Updated On: 6/12/06 at 03:41 PM
tabbynyc
Stand-by Joined: 4/3/06
#94re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:42pmI forgot about the Hal Prince tribute. The tribute was awful & his acknowleding the award was worse.
#95re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:43pm
I think it's a bit harsh to choose a worst speech. Who knows what is going through the minds of these people who are winning something that is most likely one of the most meaningful awards they have worked towards and broadcast on national television? To be a bit shocked is probably an understatement, especially for those visiting for the first time, such as John Lloyd Young. It must be overwhelming. I'm sure he watched a video of his speech this morning after the smoke cleared and said, "What the hell was I talking about? I don't remember saying any of that."
And why shouldn't LaChanze thank Oprah. Perhaps Oprah has given her a lot of support and praise on her performance. Perhaps they have become friends. Who knows? Most likely, nobody on this board.
Personally, Beth Leavel's speech was my favorite of the evening. It was fresh, funny and it looked like not only did she genuinely appreciate the award, but she was having a great time. Kudos to Beth for embracing the moment!
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Updated On: 6/12/06 at 03:43 PM
#96re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:44pmfor theatre lovers, a lot of you seem to be waaay off on judging what is "genuine" or not...Christian and John both gave wonderfully warm, heartfelt speeches and I loved them.
Sunchips: Best Kept Secret in the chip aisle!!
BSoBW2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/8/04
#97re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:46pm
Frances de la Tour's was the best, IMO.
And actors always thank the various producers. And Oprah did a lot for the show. So...whatever.
#98re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:46pm
Oh get off your high horse. Discussing the Tonys is a tradition.
I was performing for crowds of 13,000 at the Muny when I was 8. I am over all that oh-i'm so shocked business. Speaking in public is part of the gig, and you have 6 weeks to think about what you're going to say --and some people have thought about it for a lifetime.
Mind is Mantra.
#99re: Worst Speech of the Night?
Posted: 6/12/06 at 3:48pmThis was not even close to the worst speech of the night, but I really didn't enjoy LaChanze's speech. I adore her and was so happy she won, but she seemed to see the Tony more as winning or beating other people than being honored, if that makes any sense. I don't know what it was, but her speech just rubbed me the wrong way.
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