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The Theatah - Page 2

post #51 of 89
I loooove the new A Little Night Music recording. The added bits of dialogue really add urgency to it.
post #52 of 89
I love it when they add in dialogue to Sondheim's recordings. It showcases how seamless he is working his music into the plot and vice versa.

Leighann Larkin deserves a Tony nomination for her work as Petra. She really was stunning.
post #53 of 89
This is old news, but this seems oddly fitting: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/20...l-on-broadway/

Now all that remains is whether he can sing or dance.

I also see that Trey Parker and Matt Stone are teaming up with one of the Avenue Q guys to "adapt" the story of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Yeah. That's not going to be trouble at all.
post #54 of 89
I really wish I could see Next to Normal.





post #55 of 89
Alice Ripley wins the award for best Tony acceptance speech EVAR.
post #56 of 89
More like Alice Craycray.
post #57 of 89
Seriously, you guys, it's really good, and not at aat all campy. Even though it goes to some dark, brutal places, it's very accessable, even in a way that Rent wasn't.

Also, Jennifer Damiano (who I didn't see, unfortunately) is super-cute. And she was on Gossip Girl, which I bring up only to say that Matthew "Ronald Spiers" Settle will be headlining Chicago as Billy Flynn. Ell oh ell.

(The guy playing the father in Next to Normal* is leaving next month, leading to lots of speculation. I'm just gonna say this now: John Slattery John Slattery John Slattery.)

*Fuck you, I won't abbreviate it to N2N.
post #58 of 89
Wow, Addams Family got fucked in the ass by the Tony noms today.
post #59 of 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_Cellophane View Post
I love it when they add in dialogue to Sondheim's recordings. It showcases how seamless he is working his music into the plot and vice versa.

Leighann Larkin deserves a Tony nomination for her work as Petra. She really was stunning.
I really don't get her performance, in the clips I've heard or on the recording. I know she's a talented performer, so I have to wonder if it's the direction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xOY3Jnb2uo

3:14 to 3:20..eek.
post #60 of 89
I'm seeing Everyday Rapture on Friday. It's supposed to be pretty good.
post #61 of 89
I kind of hate you right now, Rath.

But I <3 Sherie
post #62 of 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_Cellophane View Post
I saw the revival of Glengarry Glen Ross with Liev Schreiber, as well. Liev was absolutely fantastic, and the entire production was electric.
Me too. The whole cast was great, including Jeffrey Tambor, Alan Alda, and Tom Wopat!
post #63 of 89
Everyday Rapture was delightful. It was both a musical, a one-woman show, and a cabaret performance. Sherie Rene Scott should have Bette Midler's career in a decade. The message/theme was a fairly standard one, but she put enough of a spin on it that it really worked. Fred Phelps is a recurring character throughout it, which surprised me.

Oh, and there's a teenager in it who should totally play McLovin in the not-inevitable-and-should-never-happen "Superbad: The Musical!"
post #64 of 89
Sherie is incredibly talented. I saw her a few years ago in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and was surprised by how powerful she is live.
post #65 of 89
She's a fab performer and very funny.

Backstage with Sherie Rene Scott
post #66 of 89
post #67 of 89
There are two ways of thinking about that: 1., a move to Bravo would probably be smart, because Bravo would probably let them air the creative awards (writing, lyrics, the honorary awards), which would be great for people who don't get New York 1. 2. While I don't disagree with what they're saying, there's a reason Broadway brought in over a billion dollars in ticket sales during a crappy economy, and those reasons include Alfred Molina, Christopher Walken, Catherine Zeta Jones, Denzel Washingon, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johannson, Daniel Craig, and Green Day. While I do think it's disheartening that a lot of contemporary theater/musicals based around the idea of the "jukebox musical" (though Everyday Rapture is a good example of how to do that shit right), I also understand that you don't really get work produced these days without some kind of gimmick, and in a lot of cases, it's the jukebox musicals that support more risky productions.

3. It really doesn't matter where the telecast airs, if they continue to award medocrity like "Memphis" over innovative musicals like "Fela!" (Plus, as the girlfriend points out, awarding Fela would have meant a couple of things, including the phrase 'Tony-award winner Jay-Z'. Plus, being nice to Jay-Z means paves the way for Beyonce on Broadway. And I think we all want to see that.)
post #68 of 89
Quote:
PC: Could you comment on Hunter Foster's Facebook campaign, "Give The Tonys Back To Broadway"? Is it just sour grapes?

SJ: You know, I pounded the pavement for years and I know what it's like to struggle as an actor. A lot of it is luck and, certainly, a lot of it is opportunity - and the lack of that. So, I totally understand the frustration there. There's not much else that I can say about it, really...

PC: It's a sensitive issue.

SJ: I mean, I am very sympathetic to that. I totally understand it. A lot of my friends who are struggling actors are going through the same thing. But, I can't apologize for it. I have worked my ass off to get to where I am so I understand that struggle. For me, it's more about hiring the right person for the job. You know, who fits that description. If somebody is cast because they are a name but they're not right for the job, well, it's very frustrating. I see that. As an actor, you're trying to get one foot in the door all the time. It's the most competitive and challenging, one of the most competitive, though, for sure...

PC: Definitely the most competitive. But, with you, there's no equal grounds for competition to be had, for sure!

SJ: Aww, you're too sweet.

The following is the e-mail I just received a few moments ago from Ms. Johansson further explaining her thoughts on the controversial issue of the Facebook campaign (unedited):

"Please pass this on to Pat regarding his Facebook campaign question to bring theater back to Broadway:

I thought more about your question and would like to add that the actors we've seen this season that we recognize from film - Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Liev Schreiber and Catherine Zeta-Jones, etc. - have not only made a huge impact on ticket sales but have given tour de force performances and all started their careers as stage actors, dedicating themselves to making an impression in the theater. This goes to show that actors are actors, whatever the outlet, and with perseverance and drive, can cross the boundaries of the medium. In VIEW, I had the privilege of working opposite Morgan Spector, a relatively unknown actor who gave a luminous, educated performance as 'Rodolpho'. Greg Mosher could've had his pick of recognizable film actors who would've jumped at the opportunity to fill the part, but he saw something worth pursuing in Morgan and our production was the better for it."
http://www.broadwayworld.com/article..._Plus_20100618
post #69 of 89
I'm going to introduce this thread to this great little play company in Brooklyn.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video....9377661&ref=mf

Any NY chewers see a listing for something by The Debate Society, do yourself a favor and check it out.
post #70 of 89
My mom has offered to buy me tickets to this play

But I'm not sure if I want to go. Stewart is not someone who I'd readily think of when I try to picture actors who can deliver Mamet's trademark metered dialog. When I went to STEADY RAIN last fall, the train trip to NYC was a nightmare and it's hard to gear up much enthusiasm for making that slog again. Am I wrong? Would Stewart doing Mamet be more awesome than I might initially realize?
post #71 of 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Princess Kate View Post
Would Stewart doing Mamet be more awesome than I might initially realize?
I'd watch Stewart doing Tyler Perry.
post #72 of 89
I saw Wicked for the first time last month at the Durham Performing Arts Center in NC and was absolutely blown away. What a fun, fun show. I had goosebumps during Defying Gravity. I don't think I'll ever look at the Wizard of Oz the same way again. And that building is unbelievably beautiful. The staff went out of their way to be friendly, helping people to their seats or to find the bathroom. The acoustics in that place are unbeatable.

Saw The Phantom of the Opera during a trip to Vegas and it was fucking awesome. The chandelier flying over my head during the overture was a massive geek-out moment for me, since I've been dying to see the show live for years.
post #73 of 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Princess Kate View Post
My mom has offered to buy me tickets to this play

But I'm not sure if I want to go. Stewart is not someone who I'd readily think of when I try to picture actors who can deliver Mamet's trademark metered dialog. When I went to STEADY RAIN last fall, the train trip to NYC was a nightmare and it's hard to gear up much enthusiasm for making that slog again. Am I wrong? Would Stewart doing Mamet be more awesome than I might initially realize?
I would say go, but that is from my perspective where any opportunity to see theatre at that supposed caliber should be acted upon. First things first, it's not just Stewart, but also TR KNIGHT. He alone should merit interest. Stewart is just a majorly added bonus. The chance to see Stewart live is incredible. Second, Stewart is a trained Shakespearean actor. Mametspeak, like Shakespeare, is a heightened form of dialogue, and so he should be fine in making Mamet's dialogue crackle and sparkle as it should.
post #74 of 89
Fair enough, and thanks for the perspectives, everyone. I'll have to play it by ear and consider this over the next few weeks. I had such an awful time traveling to NY last year that I think that more than anything is what would keep me away. And yes, I guess you are right about the fact that as a Shakespearian actor perhaps he'll adapt well to Mamet
post #75 of 89
Going to see this on Sunday. I'll let you guys know what I think.. I've heard good reviews, but I doubt it can live up to ROME*

*PS I'm kidding, I've seen the original film (we watched it in JCL back in the day) and I know I shouldn't expect PULLO ON STAGE from AFTHOTWTTF
post #76 of 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_Cellophane View Post
A Little Night Music: The best musical theatre acting I've seen on Broadway. Angela Lansbury is great (of course) and Catherine Zeta Jones does very well. (though her singing felt very pushed and forced) The woman playing Petra was fantastic and her solo at the end (The Miller's Son) is the best in the show. Trevor Nunn creates a very brisk feeling show from a lengthy Sondheim piece, and creates some fantastic symbolic musical staging. The entire ensemble is filled with wonderful singers, and Sondheim's music sounds beautiful.
Do you think you might re-visit the show now that Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch are in it?

BWW TV First Look: Peters & Stritch Star in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC!


Quote:
Originally Posted by HarleyQuinn22 View Post
I saw Wicked for the first time last month at the Durham Performing Arts Center in NC and was absolutely blown away. What a fun, fun show. I had goosebumps during Defying Gravity. I don't think I'll ever look at the Wizard of Oz the same way again. And that building is unbelievably beautiful. The staff went out of their way to be friendly, helping people to their seats or to find the bathroom. The acoustics in that place are unbeatable.
Here's the original Glinda and Elphaba doing Defying Gravity:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XwmA0jyWMk
post #77 of 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainZahn View Post
Do you think you might re-visit the show now that Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch are in it?
I'd kill, maim, sell anyone or anything to be able to, but seeing as I'm only able to make it out to New York about once a year it's not going to happen.
post #78 of 89
Anyone going to see Rent at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend?

I had no idea Nicole Scherzinger could sing like this

Nicole's "Over the Moon"
post #79 of 89
post #80 of 89
My sister works for the Ahmanson, so I'll be checking out Leap of Faith this month sometime. Hope it's good. Don't think I ever saw the movie.
post #81 of 89
post #82 of 89
I'm an off- and on- subscriber at the Ahmanson/Geffen/Taper, but have kind of soured over the years to the various movies-turned-musicals that have infected the medium ("Legally Blonde" = the Dane Cook of musicals, think there's not a song worth singing in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," etc.), but have to say, there's really something there in "Leap of Faith." Caught the first preview last night and it's not just Esparza, who I'd seen on Broadway/is the entire reason I took a chance with a ticket, but some really great songs and some stand-outs in the cast (not really Shields, but it was obvious she knew that).

It's not perfect, the second act's better than the first, but compared to, say, the not-hopelessly-awful-but-still-not-great "9 to 5," you can see that this could potentially be a big show as there are some real highlights amongst the songs, Esparza knocks it out of the park and the final half-hour is a stunner.

Best of all? Esparza isn't even trying to be Steve Martin (something I thought hurt "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels") and if he did an interview where he said that he hadn't even seen the movie I'd believe him.
post #83 of 89
And hey, New Yorkers - "Ruined" is in L.A. now with an entire wall of awards and critical praise, but sounds dire. Worth seeing?
post #84 of 89
post #85 of 89
The excellent recording of John Doyle's superb staging of Company is up on Netflix Instant if you haven't seen it. Also up: Passing Strange.
post #86 of 89
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/20...-few-good-men/

The girlfriend and I totally wasted a good ten minutes fantasy casting this thing. We think Franco would be better for the Kiefer part, and Will Swenson would rock the shit as Kevin Bacon. And anyone from Liev Schreiber to Schuler Hensley to Raul Esparza to the chilling Cervasis could rock the Jessup part. I'm excited for this, y'all.
post #87 of 89
This movie is one of my favorite guilty pleasures of my courtroom drama addiction. If I ever catch it on TV I am required to watch it.

You read it here first, kids: Justin Bieber as Kaffee.
post #88 of 89

So, who's seen The Book of Mormon? Is it all it's cracked up to be?

post #89 of 89
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