a response from New Line re: the free screening "sistuation"

it's basically sounds like what happened was a classic good news/bad news situation. The nice lady from New Line wrote me back and said...

(I am very much paraphrasing)

these kind of promotional screening usually get an "ok" turnout. So the folks who are promoting it (the hair product people, etc) look to pad it with the give-aways.

the bad news is, so many more people showed up around the country to the screenings last night that they were completely taken by surprise and simply didn't know how to handle the situation.

the good news is...SO MANY PEOPLE SHOWED UP AROUND THE COUNTRY TO THE SCREENINGS LAST NIGHT THAT THEY WERE COMPLETELY TAKEN BY SURPRISE AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION!!

for those who left angry and frustrated, I'm sorry to find a silver lining to all this, but the idea that a MUSICAL (and yes, one that I co-wrote) could have so knocked them so for a loop attendance wise has GOT to be seen as a fantastic thing by we who love stage and film musicals. No?

Anyway, the nice gal from New Line said you guys who got turned away should Email them at Hairsprayrsvp@newline.com so that they could (and I quote) "take care of them as the film opens"

Now, I don't know if that means a free pass, a DVD extra or a back massage (I'll take the back massage) but I was very happy to see how they responded to my Email.

SO, that's the story from where I sit.

thanks,
Marc Shaiman

Oi, I can't wait till Friday when all this drama is forgotten.

Thanks Marc for being great as usually. I'll e-mail them and see what that's all about.

:)

I'll take the back massage. I wasn't at the screening but I once used some Sebastian shampoo and didn't like it very much. Of course, that was back when I had hair.

Can I get the back massage from John Travolta? I hear he gives release.

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Marc seriously. You are a doll. I want to be you when I grow up. Ok not in the creepy way...I just want to be doing Broadway yet still be with my people. That mde no sense.

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So has anyone actually received a reply?

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Has anyone heard back from New Line as yet?

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This is why Marc rocks my world... and he is cute too!

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JRybka i just recognized you in your photo... you were at the D.C. screening directly in front of me chatting up some older women. telling them how you play tracy and that it was your birthday.

for some reason i just looked at your picture and thought to myself... why does that guy look familiar? then i realized. hope the birthday went well and you enjoyed the film.

yeah i saw u guys get in pretty quickly. i on the other hand got stuck outside till the last minute even tho i was right behind u. thankfully we were the last 2 let in... annoyingly we had to watch it from the first row... but atleast we saw it.

i'll go back to see it again this weekend. you were in my neck of the woods... thats my neighborhood. :) i love that cheesecake factory.

So I guess that means no "brie and char-donnay" screening with Marc Shaiman's commentary?

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I really can't stress enough how much respect and adoration I have for Marc Shaiman !!!
The fact, that he went to all the trouble to get to the bottom of this unfortunate situation, at a time in which, I am sure he is swamped with work and stress, has me incredibly impressed !!!!
I don't think there is anyone else in the profession with such respect and love for his fans !
I sooooo hope the film will be a SMASH Hit and a critically applauded one, not only because I adore the show, but also because Marc deserves the best things life has to offer and even more recognition for his incredible talent !!!
Marc Shaiman is not only a precious gem for the musical genre, but a one of a kind human being as well !!!

(Ok, I know I sound droolingly cheesy, but I can't help my adoration for the man )

Oh, poor Foster ! I was one of the so few ones who didn't hate you on this board and tried to defend you! Guess everyone was right about you, you actually ARE mean and rude !