XANADU TONY Performance: Why?

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 10:57am

Of all the songs to do...why "Don't Walk Away?"

I mean I can kind of understand why they were trying to do a song that was more toned down so as not to seem "too gay" to the viewing public. But, if I were someone shopping for a show to see, that song certainly wouldn't have done it for me.

XANADU is such a feel good show and they had a slew of big numbers they could have chosen from...I just don't know why they picked that one.

Nevertheless, I hope the exposure does something for the box office.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 11:01am

This, possibly along with Friday's "Early Show," was probably the best public showcase the show's had. Previous medley attempts haven't played very well and by including bits and pieces of other parts of the show, including Pegasus and onstage seating, they gave a decent taste of what the show is like. Plus Lily Tomlin's intro focused on the loopy tone of it all.

[MuseOfComedy]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 11:03am

I think a big reason why it worked so well was that it is one of the few songs that works on it's own, with little background or explanation given. It's well taken without any context. It's also pretty epic and dramatic. And the vocals, wow. Maybe to show that it has some emotional depth. I loved it!

[LiTtLeDaNcEr729]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 11:08am

I was watching the awards with about 10 people who didn't know anything about Xanadu.

After the performance they all responded in similar ways:

"I don't know what just happened, but I'm so happy right now"

They all loved it and just had a great time watching- many commenting that they wanted to see it JUST so they could leave the theatre that happy.

I think THAT was the point of the performance- and the point of the show in general. Its just fun. You go to have a good time.


Just my two cents.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 11:18am

It includes the entire cast and is simply the best vocal and musical arrangement of any song in the show. I was thrilled they chose the best number in the show to showcase rather than something obvious (title song), something that makes little sense out of context (All Over the World), something that doesn't utilize the wonderful chorus and supporting cast (Suddenly, Suspended in Time) or something that doesn't really feature Cheyenne's powerhouse vocals (I'm Alive).

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 11:20am

The camera really loved Cheyenne.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 11:43am

Who/what DOESN'T love Cheyenne?

Cheyenne Jackson IS love!

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 11:45am

I thought the performance was okay, nothing compared to In The Heights or Gypsy, just alright.
Cheyenne and Keri's beauty just completely stole the show.
Now the nation will know the wonder that is Cheyenne Jackson's thighs.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:25pm

Xanadu was my favorite performance of the evening. To me, it really looked like a Best Musical performance. Patti's performance was wonderful as expected, but I guess I've just seen too many Gypsy numbers in recent years to get overly enthusiastic. In the Heights gave a nice performance, but the material wasn't such that I wanted to run out and see the show. I enjoyed it, but I sort of gave up on trying to follow along.

[Dancin Thru Life]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:27pm

I haven't seen this show, so could someone tell me if Tony Roberts really comes out of the audience singing during the actual production, or was that just to get him inviolved last night?

I can understand why fans of the show might be pleased with the the TONY performance last night, but for a room full of us who haven't seen it yet, it was, sadly, quite confusing and did little to make us want to know more about it or to buy a ticket.

I'm lost????

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:27pm

I think showcasing Cheyenne was a very smart move on their part--- big problem is that he is going to be out of show for basically the entire July.

[Broadway212]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:29pm

Dancin Thru Life that was just to get Tony Roberts involved. He sings that song when he is on stage in the show. I liked their performance they did a great job. I think it was the best performance of the night. It was put together really well.
Updated On: 6/16/08 at 12:29 PM

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:29pm

I also felt XANADU was the best number of the night and really captured the spirit of the show.
Tony Roberts singing and rising from the audience was a delight.
And I loved Lily's intro.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:32pm

Kerry usually isn't involved in the song and inherited some of Tony's lyrics...so this was their way to work him in. And no, he doesn't emerge from a seat in the real show although there a minor bits of business that do take place in the audience area.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:32pm

It certainly gave the impression the show has emotional depth. What a vocal performance!

[adamgreer]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:32pm

I thought this number, along with Gypsy, came off the best on the television broadcast.

My non-theatr friend, who I forced to watch the show with me, said the two shows he would like to see are Xanadu and The Lion King, so take from that what you will.

I think they chose this number because it works well out of context, and features the best vocals of any number in the show. Also, don't hate me for saying this, but it does not make the show appear to be "too gay." (remember that Cubby video?)

"I haven't seen this show, so could someone tell me if Tony Roberts really comes out of the audience singing during the actual production, or was that just to get him inviolved last night?

I could be wrong, because I've only seen the show once, but doesn't he sing this bit from one the boxes in the mezzanine?

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:51pm

I don't know what anyone saw in this. Cheyenne was fine but the number was lackluster, to be kind.

[achangeinme]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:55pm

I watched this with someone who isn't familar with the show and it was their favorite number of the night and now they want to buy the cast recording AND see the musical.

Isn't that the desired outcome?

As someone who loves Xanadu but has been dissapointed with all of their TV performances, I thought they did marvelous. They tied with Gypsy for most memorable, stand-out performance.

[into_the_woods2]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 12:56pm

i really enjoyed it, but i thought they should have picked more of a kerry song to celebrate her nomination for best leading actress

[TooDarnHot]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 1:46pm

GREAT Performance!

I loved it. All of you haters can kiss my little cute bum... you too, JoeKevvy!

Cheyenne was absolutely amazing and it's a great song. I'm glad they didn't give in and do something like the "Xanadu" finale. They stuck to their guns and did a better song (in my opinion).

Let the haters complain. They can go see WICKED and RENT, instead.

[Jonny boy]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 1:55pm

I was actually really suprised that I liked thier performance. I have no desire to see the show before last night. Now I am excited for the tour to come to LaJolla next fall!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 2:06pm

I just spoke to a friend of mine who hated the film and had no desire in seeing the show. After watching the Tonys, it was their favorite performance and now they can't wait to see the production in Chicago.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 2:08pm

Xanadu's and Gypsy's numbers were the best in the Tony show. Somehow, even the magic of South Pacific didn't come across as potently as it does on stage -- and I can't say why. I think the Xanadu company was smart enough to know that this was their now-or-never moment and they lived up to the challenge brilliantly. I'm not so sure that PS's or (yes) even ITH's performances did anything to enhance viewers' interest in seeing those shows -- meaning that, I suspect it didn't win any new converts based on the TV show. The fact that ITH won will probably do more to stimulate interest than the selection that was aired.

[TheBoyDownstairs]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 2:31pm

I thought Xanadu's was definitely the best performed of all the performances, I'm still not sure it was the best song though.

I'd have preferred a song that highlighted Kerry a bit more, considering she was the only nominated actor in the cast, and its just not the most fun song.

Its hard though, there isnt a song that is fun, features Kerry & Cheyenne and would make total sense out of context.

I think I would have chosen "Suddenly", though it would suck to leave out the rest of the amazing cast.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 2:32pm

They should have done XANADU....but, I have to say even though it was a poor decision in song, the performance was pretty good.