I don’t have tons to say today or much time, so this is just a little random sharing post.
I am personally anti Encores! doing Follies (even though I love it), but I won’t spend time here railing against the selection. I mean, I believe that if you had to choose shows that celebrated the American musical revue for a series that was supposed to present rare works, presentations of Two on the Aisle or John Murray Anderson's Almanac would have been wiser; yet the choice was made and it is pointless to spend time here discussing it. I am all for looking towards the future.
With that future in mind, I am offering some things I'd like to see in coming Encores! seasons (just cause I can): I Can Get It For You Wholesale, I Do!, I Do!, It's a Bird, It's a Plane It's Superman, Paint Your Wagon, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes , Seesaw, High Button Shoes, New Girl in Town and Do I Hear a Waltz. Oh, and as Billy Finnegan said, "Jerry Herman, people!!!!" And he's right! I mean—hello—Mack and Mabel. Reprise! did it for a reason… Billy also suggested Dear World before moving on from Jerry Herman with the following suggestions: “Wildcat and Unsinkable Molly Brown—both good for Reba. How about Hazel Flagg (Jule Styne) and Henry Sweet Henry (Bob Merrill)?”
Okay, this post is very Ken Mandelbaum, so I must stop before I make a fool of myself. I respect Ken enough to know that I cannot speak about this stuff nearly as well as him. Why continue trying? Which reminds me, I’m all for people emailing me (carajoy@gmail.com) as I do need conversation topics, but sadly I can’t offer answers to questions on rare musical theater history. Again, I’m no Ken. I’m not even Jim Byk.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Don't you give up walking cause you gave up shoes...
I know I told people that starting this week I would try to post every Sunday and Wednesday night, but I’ve been feverish, so, you’ll all excuse me this slip.
I was waiting for about a month for The Wiz cast to be announced so I could write about it here and now I sort of don't remember what I wanted to say. Maybe someone else wants to comment on the dancer as Toto idea? It's very Milky White, right? If Chad Kimball was the "IT Bovine," Albert Blaise Cattafi can so become the "It Canine." I can see the EW spread now...
One of my readers said, in response to my last post, that she believed it might be against Equity policy to make changes on shows after opening. Maybe the rest of you were thinking similarly? And it sort of makes sense that it might be. So I tried to research it using the exciting online contract guidelines. It does not seem it is. To the best of my knowledge, nothing in the Equity guidelines (at least as they pertain to the Broadway Production Contract) says that changes cannot be made post-opening. Now those guidelines do state that the maximum amount of post-opening rehearsal time is eight hours a week (more for emergency replacements or understudies, I believe), which limits the amount of work one can actually get done, but, that is another matter. Again, I could be wrong, I’m not 100% confident because I didn’t read the entire handbook; all I can say is that rehearsal time-limit guideline is the only pertinent thing I found.
Now, that got me thinking that there could be some SSDC rule that says that directors/choreographers should cease working at a certain juncture. So I asked a friend of a friend of a friend who used to be involved with SSDC and that does not seem to be the case either. (The SSDC person noted that many times directors and choreographers MUST move on quickly because of scheduling, thus meaning they could not possibly continue to work on a given project, which is of course a valid point.)
There you go—we can hail Maurice Hines without fearing he broke some kind of union rule. Though I’m sure he broke some etiquette rule when he rambled long enough during his final curtain call speech that his leading lady had to grab the mike from him…. Oh, well, that is beside the point.
I was waiting for about a month for The Wiz cast to be announced so I could write about it here and now I sort of don't remember what I wanted to say. Maybe someone else wants to comment on the dancer as Toto idea? It's very Milky White, right? If Chad Kimball was the "IT Bovine," Albert Blaise Cattafi can so become the "It Canine." I can see the EW spread now...
One of my readers said, in response to my last post, that she believed it might be against Equity policy to make changes on shows after opening. Maybe the rest of you were thinking similarly? And it sort of makes sense that it might be. So I tried to research it using the exciting online contract guidelines. It does not seem it is. To the best of my knowledge, nothing in the Equity guidelines (at least as they pertain to the Broadway Production Contract) says that changes cannot be made post-opening. Now those guidelines do state that the maximum amount of post-opening rehearsal time is eight hours a week (more for emergency replacements or understudies, I believe), which limits the amount of work one can actually get done, but, that is another matter. Again, I could be wrong, I’m not 100% confident because I didn’t read the entire handbook; all I can say is that rehearsal time-limit guideline is the only pertinent thing I found.
Now, that got me thinking that there could be some SSDC rule that says that directors/choreographers should cease working at a certain juncture. So I asked a friend of a friend of a friend who used to be involved with SSDC and that does not seem to be the case either. (The SSDC person noted that many times directors and choreographers MUST move on quickly because of scheduling, thus meaning they could not possibly continue to work on a given project, which is of course a valid point.)
There you go—we can hail Maurice Hines without fearing he broke some kind of union rule. Though I’m sure he broke some etiquette rule when he rambled long enough during his final curtain call speech that his leading lady had to grab the mike from him…. Oh, well, that is beside the point.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
After the Love is Gone
I've been following Hot Feet since workshop stage, never believing we'd ever see it on Broadway. Despite all my Hot Feet knowledge, I never actually knew how it really came to be, until I read the interesting New York Times story last week. I'm still not 100% sure what Susan Weaving was thinking. Was the William Morris vice president thinking: "Maurice Hines wants to do a musical Red Shoes and Maurice White wants to do something with the music of Earth, Wind & Fire--those two things would work so well together" (if she was, she was of course incorrect) OR was she actually just thinking: "Both of these people are named Maurice--I bet they'll get along"? (if she was, she was right). Whatever the story of its inception, Hot Feet will be remembered for some not so good things. But I want to take a moment to applaud something Maurice Hines did (snarky people, shut up).
Many of you may not know that, after critics went to the Hilton, Maurice Hines continued to work on Hot Feet. Why? I like to think it was because he wanted audience members to have the best experience possible. That is a rare thing in the theater--writers, directors and choreographers typically work until the reviewers see a production and then let it go. The product viewed by critics is typically the end product unless the show moves and downsizes (like Beauty and the Beast and its now 2 dancing forks) or something is shortened for costs (as the original Les Miz was). I've often heard creatives say: "I knew it was wrong, but I ran out of time to fix it, so it is what it is."
Hines, on the other hand, kept trying to perfect his vision. (I don't know why it took so many years to do so, but, that is beside the point right now.) He cut an entire number after most press had seen the show. He didn't do it for Ben Brantley--he did it for his musical. He did what he believed would make Hot Feet better for the people paying money to see it. So, on this sad day of Hot Feet's final dance, let's take a moment to appreciate that.
I want to encourage those in the business to follow Hines' lead, on just this one point. I only know three behind-the-scenes theater people who read this blog (a Drama Desk winner, "the future of musical theater" and a soon-to-be-big playwright) and I'm sure they'll listen--I hope everyone else does the same.
Many of you may not know that, after critics went to the Hilton, Maurice Hines continued to work on Hot Feet. Why? I like to think it was because he wanted audience members to have the best experience possible. That is a rare thing in the theater--writers, directors and choreographers typically work until the reviewers see a production and then let it go. The product viewed by critics is typically the end product unless the show moves and downsizes (like Beauty and the Beast and its now 2 dancing forks) or something is shortened for costs (as the original Les Miz was). I've often heard creatives say: "I knew it was wrong, but I ran out of time to fix it, so it is what it is."
Hines, on the other hand, kept trying to perfect his vision. (I don't know why it took so many years to do so, but, that is beside the point right now.) He cut an entire number after most press had seen the show. He didn't do it for Ben Brantley--he did it for his musical. He did what he believed would make Hot Feet better for the people paying money to see it. So, on this sad day of Hot Feet's final dance, let's take a moment to appreciate that.
I want to encourage those in the business to follow Hines' lead, on just this one point. I only know three behind-the-scenes theater people who read this blog (a Drama Desk winner, "the future of musical theater" and a soon-to-be-big playwright) and I'm sure they'll listen--I hope everyone else does the same.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Big Wheel Keep on Turning
When will Roundabout announce what is going to be at Studio 54 in the fall? Come on, I'm getting bored with the speculation. I hope it's something that brings Anne Heche back to Broadway, but I guess her television series will make that an impossible dream. If it is canceled early (and, of course, I wish only the best for Anne Heche), maybe she can do something in the spring. I must plant those seeds.
Speaking of the season (forgive me for that segue), I got an email asking me if there was anything that I haven't mentioned on my list that could come to Broadway pre-Tonys. There is honestly no way of saying--there could be something genius in London, off-Broadway or at some regional theater that will come in and surprise us. That happens every season. There are two things that I do want to add to my possible list right now however--Fences and Nightingale.
I know this is a sacrilege to say, but I am not a HUGE August Wilson fan. I think some of his stuff is really good--I just have never thought his work is consistently amazing or anything. (And I would have so named a theater after Arthur Miller or Tennessee Williams first, despite their stumbles.) That being said, I have never seen Fences and I am very excited about the Ike and Tina version at the Pasadena Playhouse this fall. I mean, honestly, Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne have a good track record together (especially Akeelah and the Bee people, Akeelah and the Bee). Plus, I've always heard Fences is superb. August Wilson is a hard sell, but if it gets good reviews out-of-town, this starry mounting could come in as early as the end of October.
Now Nightingale... I bet many of you don't know what that is. Nightingale is a one-person play Lynn Redgrave wrote, inspired by memories of her maternal grandmother, Beatrice Kempson. She actually wrote it for an actress by the name of Caroline John to star in (which happened overseas), but then she realized that she is much more famous that John (that is how I imagine it happened, at least), so now she herself is starring in it. It will be at the Taper in LA this fall and it very well could come here after it finishes out there in November. Now Vanessa Redgrave (who I consider the crazy one) is already scheduled to be on Broadway in a one-person show this spring. Will we hear of a bitter rivalry? Will there be a fight to the death? Alas, more impossible dreams.
Note that I'm not saying either of these things is going to come. And I am not even touching on where the hell they would possibly go (especially Nightingale, which would need one of the very popular small houses to survive), but, I offer more food for thought. Now I'm tired. I HATE the summer.
Speaking of the season (forgive me for that segue), I got an email asking me if there was anything that I haven't mentioned on my list that could come to Broadway pre-Tonys. There is honestly no way of saying--there could be something genius in London, off-Broadway or at some regional theater that will come in and surprise us. That happens every season. There are two things that I do want to add to my possible list right now however--Fences and Nightingale.
I know this is a sacrilege to say, but I am not a HUGE August Wilson fan. I think some of his stuff is really good--I just have never thought his work is consistently amazing or anything. (And I would have so named a theater after Arthur Miller or Tennessee Williams first, despite their stumbles.) That being said, I have never seen Fences and I am very excited about the Ike and Tina version at the Pasadena Playhouse this fall. I mean, honestly, Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne have a good track record together (especially Akeelah and the Bee people, Akeelah and the Bee). Plus, I've always heard Fences is superb. August Wilson is a hard sell, but if it gets good reviews out-of-town, this starry mounting could come in as early as the end of October.
Now Nightingale... I bet many of you don't know what that is. Nightingale is a one-person play Lynn Redgrave wrote, inspired by memories of her maternal grandmother, Beatrice Kempson. She actually wrote it for an actress by the name of Caroline John to star in (which happened overseas), but then she realized that she is much more famous that John (that is how I imagine it happened, at least), so now she herself is starring in it. It will be at the Taper in LA this fall and it very well could come here after it finishes out there in November. Now Vanessa Redgrave (who I consider the crazy one) is already scheduled to be on Broadway in a one-person show this spring. Will we hear of a bitter rivalry? Will there be a fight to the death? Alas, more impossible dreams.
Note that I'm not saying either of these things is going to come. And I am not even touching on where the hell they would possibly go (especially Nightingale, which would need one of the very popular small houses to survive), but, I offer more food for thought. Now I'm tired. I HATE the summer.
Monday, July 17, 2006
The 2008 Tony Hopeful
I sadly spent the weekend being briefed on the ATPAM off-Broadway contract negotiations, so I'm sort of too fried to write anything substantial. I did want to post a quick note though--I am glad everyone is catching Legends! fever after seeing the ad, but you should know that according to the Joan Collins website (my source for all information, of course) the tour doesn't end until May 6, so it doesn't look like the show or its stars could win 2007 Tonys. If it comes, we're probably looking at next summer. Though please join me in Philly in the fall for it--we can rent a yellow school van. I can lead a rollicking version of "The Wheels on the Bus," I'm sure.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Selling a Show
I forgot Sister Act on my list of possible 2006-2007 musicals. That’s right, I forgot something campy. I know, I’m surprised too, but, it happens. Additionally, I spaced by not putting Journey’s End on the revival play list. Oh, and also, Spring Awakening looks like it is happening on Broadway, thus adding another entry on the new tuner list (yay!).
This is not another post about 2006-2007 however, this is an entry about marketing. You know I often get calls from people talking about a given ad and how it appealed to them or failed to appeal to them. Advertising and marketing is so important to the survival of a show—those teams faltered on All Shook Up and that went from a seemingly easy sell to an impossible one in a matter of months.
Originally when I heard that Kiki and Herb’s Broadway engagement was announced by Fire Island flyering over July 4 weekend, I scoffed. What were they thinking? Then I realized it was actually sort of brilliant. Let the people who are going to support the show feel like they are being given an inside track. Why not? There is no big Friday Times column item to lose anymore—no press coverage is lost by doing things this way. And meanwhile you have tons of people who feel like they’ve discovered something, something they (possibly drunkenly) decide they are excited about.
Then there is the new Legends! video ad, which I love. Click here to see it: http://www.mirvish.com/legends/Legends416sale.mov
Could it be even more brilliant? Of course, but it knows what it is selling. The product on the table is not the show Legends! (no offense to the theater queens who love spouting details of the show’s notorious original tour), it is two over-the-top television stars bitch slapping each other. This ad perfectly portrays that.
On the flip side, I have to talk about Burleigh Grime$. I’m not saying any advertising campaign, no matter how genius, could have saved this production, I’m just saying poor Wendie Malick. The audio ad for the show began: “Hi, this is Wendie Malick. That's right, Nina Van Horn from Just Shoot Me. Have you missed me? Well, I'm back and onstage in this sizzling new comedy…” Seriously, they designed their marketing campaign around people’s nostalgic feelings for Wendie Malick. Now I like Wendie Malick, I just don’t think anyone was aware she was missing. Wendie Malick was on Jake in Progress, which was on ABC as recently as earlier this year, meaning she wouldn’t exactly have turned up as part of an “Alive or Dead” web report (despite how few people ever saw Jake in Progress). Sadly the commercial just got worse after that bizarre start. Later on Ms. Malick actually delivered the line: “Enter the scotch-drinking, table-dancing backstabbing world of stocks and bonds” with tremendous gusto. Umm…. Does that sound good to anyone? Anyone? Five stock brokers out there? Hello?!
This is not another post about 2006-2007 however, this is an entry about marketing. You know I often get calls from people talking about a given ad and how it appealed to them or failed to appeal to them. Advertising and marketing is so important to the survival of a show—those teams faltered on All Shook Up and that went from a seemingly easy sell to an impossible one in a matter of months.
Originally when I heard that Kiki and Herb’s Broadway engagement was announced by Fire Island flyering over July 4 weekend, I scoffed. What were they thinking? Then I realized it was actually sort of brilliant. Let the people who are going to support the show feel like they are being given an inside track. Why not? There is no big Friday Times column item to lose anymore—no press coverage is lost by doing things this way. And meanwhile you have tons of people who feel like they’ve discovered something, something they (possibly drunkenly) decide they are excited about.
Then there is the new Legends! video ad, which I love. Click here to see it: http://www.mirvish.com/legends/Legends416sale.mov
Could it be even more brilliant? Of course, but it knows what it is selling. The product on the table is not the show Legends! (no offense to the theater queens who love spouting details of the show’s notorious original tour), it is two over-the-top television stars bitch slapping each other. This ad perfectly portrays that.
On the flip side, I have to talk about Burleigh Grime$. I’m not saying any advertising campaign, no matter how genius, could have saved this production, I’m just saying poor Wendie Malick. The audio ad for the show began: “Hi, this is Wendie Malick. That's right, Nina Van Horn from Just Shoot Me. Have you missed me? Well, I'm back and onstage in this sizzling new comedy…” Seriously, they designed their marketing campaign around people’s nostalgic feelings for Wendie Malick. Now I like Wendie Malick, I just don’t think anyone was aware she was missing. Wendie Malick was on Jake in Progress, which was on ABC as recently as earlier this year, meaning she wouldn’t exactly have turned up as part of an “Alive or Dead” web report (despite how few people ever saw Jake in Progress). Sadly the commercial just got worse after that bizarre start. Later on Ms. Malick actually delivered the line: “Enter the scotch-drinking, table-dancing backstabbing world of stocks and bonds” with tremendous gusto. Umm…. Does that sound good to anyone? Anyone? Five stock brokers out there? Hello?!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Can you stop the beat?
I could use this time to discuss the brilliance of Eileen Atkins or the ridiculousness of Encores! doing Follies (which I may focus on in a later post, if I have not gotten over it), but instead I want to take this post to address the rumors of Hairspray's possible demise. These rumors have been around for awhile and a recent Michael Riedel column fanned the flames. Could Hairspray possibly close this winter? Of course it could, but, at this point, I do not think it will. Is this me being crazy? Umm.... Well, I've been called worse, but this time I actually do have a sane argument.
By mid-September, when people expect things to get tough, Hairspray's cast will include Diana DeGarmo, Haylie Duff, Tevin Campbell and Darlene Love. Is that campy enough to warrant a return visit or what? I mean, honestly, I believe the Diana/Haylie factor will bring people in. I know many people don't understand that Haylie Duff is famous and I'm not saying she is Hilary or anything, but she has some fans of her own and she has a name people recognize. She'll push her stint well and so will Hilary, as is already evident. I was talking to my cousins--girls age 11 and 16--and they totally got excited by the Diana/Haylie power combo. If other tourists feel similarly, the fall could be perfectly fine for Hairspray and, thus, the show could weather the winter (even if there are a few losing weeks). And if things aren't too dismal--why wouldn't the producers keep the show open long enough to see if the upcoming movie (scheduled for release in June 2007) helps resuscitate the box office?
Of course a big key to this is publicity. People have to know the Neil Simon is the place to bring your teen and the Duff sisters cannot do it all themselves. Hairspray happens to have the genius publicist Richard Kornberg (he's truly a wonder) on its team and, when Diana was in previously, he really pushed her hard. No matter what people called the Kornberg office about, he changed the topic to Degarmo. And the amazing thing about Richard is it is sort of hard to dismiss him--he gets people to stay on the phone and he keeps throwing things out. If he does the same for Duff (which I have to imagine he will), at least we know people who read entertainment stories or listen to the radio talk shows will know she is in it. Ideally the Hairspray team will also invest in some advertising because the best promotion is really constant Times ads, posters, radio spots and television tauting the cast. Now I know neither of the ladies I'm discussing has a gigantic role--doesn't matter at all. It just matters that they are in it.
So, in summary, if it's not promoted properly, Hairspray could indeed close, but I have complete faith in its appeal. Someday the beat will stop--I just don't personally think that day will be in 2006.
By mid-September, when people expect things to get tough, Hairspray's cast will include Diana DeGarmo, Haylie Duff, Tevin Campbell and Darlene Love. Is that campy enough to warrant a return visit or what? I mean, honestly, I believe the Diana/Haylie factor will bring people in. I know many people don't understand that Haylie Duff is famous and I'm not saying she is Hilary or anything, but she has some fans of her own and she has a name people recognize. She'll push her stint well and so will Hilary, as is already evident. I was talking to my cousins--girls age 11 and 16--and they totally got excited by the Diana/Haylie power combo. If other tourists feel similarly, the fall could be perfectly fine for Hairspray and, thus, the show could weather the winter (even if there are a few losing weeks). And if things aren't too dismal--why wouldn't the producers keep the show open long enough to see if the upcoming movie (scheduled for release in June 2007) helps resuscitate the box office?
Of course a big key to this is publicity. People have to know the Neil Simon is the place to bring your teen and the Duff sisters cannot do it all themselves. Hairspray happens to have the genius publicist Richard Kornberg (he's truly a wonder) on its team and, when Diana was in previously, he really pushed her hard. No matter what people called the Kornberg office about, he changed the topic to Degarmo. And the amazing thing about Richard is it is sort of hard to dismiss him--he gets people to stay on the phone and he keeps throwing things out. If he does the same for Duff (which I have to imagine he will), at least we know people who read entertainment stories or listen to the radio talk shows will know she is in it. Ideally the Hairspray team will also invest in some advertising because the best promotion is really constant Times ads, posters, radio spots and television tauting the cast. Now I know neither of the ladies I'm discussing has a gigantic role--doesn't matter at all. It just matters that they are in it.
So, in summary, if it's not promoted properly, Hairspray could indeed close, but I have complete faith in its appeal. Someday the beat will stop--I just don't personally think that day will be in 2006.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
More Thoughts on Theaters
I have just returned from Sweeney Todd. I have to say--while there are many virtues to be found in the production (I wholeheartedly support Donna Lynne Champlin in everything, I really find Lauren Molina oddly great in it, etc.), that entire revival is basically about Patti for me. (I just stared at those who asked me to go see Judy Kaye.) And she is back full force! Nevertheless, I still cannot imagine the show lasting until Thanksgiving, no matter when the genius Ms. LuPone is signed until.
OK, so I've received a few: "What about the Richard Rodgers?" emails. I didn't hate Tarzan at all, I got what I expected, but because of personal reasons I would be happy if Disney had a bomb. (Why are they such meanies? And why did they not produce my beloved Little Mermaid first?!?!) That being said, there is very, very little chance that Tarzan will go away this season. The winter will be tough--do apes hibernate? these ones may as well!--but Disney is unlikely to shut it down in January, in my opinion. Thus I'd be surprised if the Rodgers opens up in time to house one of this season's planned tuners.
I should also say, someone reminded me of how late in the fall Grey Gardens is opening and that they are making changes. It's also represented by my favorite press agent, Michael "Mikey" Borowski (who can, in his short-shorts, run through the whole Madonna concert if you ask him to), so I should be nice. With these things in mind, let me say that it could last through the season. It's in a tiny house and, while I thought Ebersole was preaching to the converted when she sat on a Pride Parade float, she probably did reach a good number of queens who didn't get in previously. If they all come and the show is tightened, who knows... I still don't think tons will come and I would be shocked if years from now we'll be watching Little Edie anywhere but on DVD (or maybe at a MOMA screening), but saying it will last only a couple of months may be selling it short. I hope you supporters are happy now.
I knew about The Grinch, but that doesn't change my Pirate Queen statement. Queen is after. And my Drowsy statement seems to have been misconstrued--I'm happy it is doing so well, I just didn't know when I saw it out-of-town that it had so wide an audience. That's it.
I would ask you all to join me tomorrow at Joe Iconis' Ars Nova show, but it's sold out. Alas.
OK, so I've received a few: "What about the Richard Rodgers?" emails. I didn't hate Tarzan at all, I got what I expected, but because of personal reasons I would be happy if Disney had a bomb. (Why are they such meanies? And why did they not produce my beloved Little Mermaid first?!?!) That being said, there is very, very little chance that Tarzan will go away this season. The winter will be tough--do apes hibernate? these ones may as well!--but Disney is unlikely to shut it down in January, in my opinion. Thus I'd be surprised if the Rodgers opens up in time to house one of this season's planned tuners.
I should also say, someone reminded me of how late in the fall Grey Gardens is opening and that they are making changes. It's also represented by my favorite press agent, Michael "Mikey" Borowski (who can, in his short-shorts, run through the whole Madonna concert if you ask him to), so I should be nice. With these things in mind, let me say that it could last through the season. It's in a tiny house and, while I thought Ebersole was preaching to the converted when she sat on a Pride Parade float, she probably did reach a good number of queens who didn't get in previously. If they all come and the show is tightened, who knows... I still don't think tons will come and I would be shocked if years from now we'll be watching Little Edie anywhere but on DVD (or maybe at a MOMA screening), but saying it will last only a couple of months may be selling it short. I hope you supporters are happy now.
I knew about The Grinch, but that doesn't change my Pirate Queen statement. Queen is after. And my Drowsy statement seems to have been misconstrued--I'm happy it is doing so well, I just didn't know when I saw it out-of-town that it had so wide an audience. That's it.
I would ask you all to join me tomorrow at Joe Iconis' Ars Nova show, but it's sold out. Alas.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Theaters, Theaters and More Theaters
OK, so I haven’t posted in a while. Sorry about that. Partially it’s because I haven’t been feeling full force, but it’s also due to the fact that no one has been asking me questions that needed to be answered in a forum such as this. Feel free to ask your own—that would be huge (as Don Summa would say).
That being said, in the last week I have received a series of emails asking about theater availability for the upcoming shows. So I’m going to post a little bit about that. Note that I like some of the currently running shows that we’ll be saying goodbye to, so picture me sitting here with a tear (a single one, in preparation for Cry Baby).
Vacant theaters that do not have anything officially announced are: Cort, Longacre, Palace and the Brooks Atkinson. The Belasco has something there now, Awake and Sing!, but, because it is limited, that theater will soon be vacant without an announced tenant.
Of those, the Palace is a prime musical venue, rumored for Legally Blonde. The Brooks will house the Dylan/Tharp musical The Times They Are A-Changin'.
What other theaters could be empty fairly soon? Martin Short hasn’t even started at the Jacobs yet and it will stay afloat a while, but could be out of there come winter. Same goes for Grey Gardens at the Walter Kerr. The Helen Hayes is booked with The Two and Only in the fall, but I saw that off-Broadway and I don’t give it long on. Shows that are currently running and definitely on their way out include my beloved Hot Feet at the Hilton (which seems destined for the big-budget spectacular Pirate Queen, if that turns out better than Martin Guerre) and The Lieutenant of Inishmore (which my friends support) at the Lyceum. I also sadly can’t picture The Wedding Singer lasting throughout the season (no matter how many people my mother sends to it). Additionally, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels probably drops off totally in the fall and Sweeney Todd is barely hanging on now. (Though I support both of them!) If they closed, the Imperial and the O’Neil would be vacant.
Word on the street is that The Producers may shutter at the St. James this year, but I am not holding my breath. (They could still put in a star—Lisa Rinna as Ulla anyone?!) Drowsy, this year’s little musical that could, continues to impress at the box office—I wasn’t counting on that originally and I am unsure how long it can last, but the Marquis is probably booked for the season.
I’m pretty sure that covers it. I mean there are always the Rent and Hairspray closing rumors, but I never put much stock in them. Maybe I’m missing an announced or majorly rumored housing thing? It is possible... I’m honestly only at about 44% cara, so I could be leaning towards the sloppy side. (Though star playwright Billy Finnegan corrected only one a mistake when I read this to him, so he is on it and probably close to full force.)
That being said, in the last week I have received a series of emails asking about theater availability for the upcoming shows. So I’m going to post a little bit about that. Note that I like some of the currently running shows that we’ll be saying goodbye to, so picture me sitting here with a tear (a single one, in preparation for Cry Baby).
Vacant theaters that do not have anything officially announced are: Cort, Longacre, Palace and the Brooks Atkinson. The Belasco has something there now, Awake and Sing!, but, because it is limited, that theater will soon be vacant without an announced tenant.
Of those, the Palace is a prime musical venue, rumored for Legally Blonde. The Brooks will house the Dylan/Tharp musical The Times They Are A-Changin'.
What other theaters could be empty fairly soon? Martin Short hasn’t even started at the Jacobs yet and it will stay afloat a while, but could be out of there come winter. Same goes for Grey Gardens at the Walter Kerr. The Helen Hayes is booked with The Two and Only in the fall, but I saw that off-Broadway and I don’t give it long on. Shows that are currently running and definitely on their way out include my beloved Hot Feet at the Hilton (which seems destined for the big-budget spectacular Pirate Queen, if that turns out better than Martin Guerre) and The Lieutenant of Inishmore (which my friends support) at the Lyceum. I also sadly can’t picture The Wedding Singer lasting throughout the season (no matter how many people my mother sends to it). Additionally, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels probably drops off totally in the fall and Sweeney Todd is barely hanging on now. (Though I support both of them!) If they closed, the Imperial and the O’Neil would be vacant.
Word on the street is that The Producers may shutter at the St. James this year, but I am not holding my breath. (They could still put in a star—Lisa Rinna as Ulla anyone?!) Drowsy, this year’s little musical that could, continues to impress at the box office—I wasn’t counting on that originally and I am unsure how long it can last, but the Marquis is probably booked for the season.
I’m pretty sure that covers it. I mean there are always the Rent and Hairspray closing rumors, but I never put much stock in them. Maybe I’m missing an announced or majorly rumored housing thing? It is possible... I’m honestly only at about 44% cara, so I could be leaning towards the sloppy side. (Though star playwright Billy Finnegan corrected only one a mistake when I read this to him, so he is on it and probably close to full force.)
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Lincoln Center's Epic
Because I'm all about 2006-2007, I provide you with a question that is sure to be debated by many come mid-next season: Should The Coast of Utopia be considered one play or three?
I asked this of a few experts a couple of weeks so and the consensus was that Coast would be considered one play come Tony time. These experts cited the 2-part The Kentucky Cycle as precedent (though I'm sure there are also other examples). Back in 1994 that was nominated for Best Play as if it was a singular entity. But, here is the thing, they just announced opening dates for Coast of Utopia and the first part is opening over three months before the third (and final) part. Seriously--Part One, Voyage is opening November 5, Part Two, Shipwreck is opening December 21 and Part Three, Salvage is not opening until February 15. The total run of The Kentucky Cycle lasted about a month, so that was clearly a case where the parts followed each other more swiftly. I offer that, despite precedent, some people are going to be torn on this one. Probably the "one play" feeling will prevail, but it is an interesting question to ponder.
I asked this of a few experts a couple of weeks so and the consensus was that Coast would be considered one play come Tony time. These experts cited the 2-part The Kentucky Cycle as precedent (though I'm sure there are also other examples). Back in 1994 that was nominated for Best Play as if it was a singular entity. But, here is the thing, they just announced opening dates for Coast of Utopia and the first part is opening over three months before the third (and final) part. Seriously--Part One, Voyage is opening November 5, Part Two, Shipwreck is opening December 21 and Part Three, Salvage is not opening until February 15. The total run of The Kentucky Cycle lasted about a month, so that was clearly a case where the parts followed each other more swiftly. I offer that, despite precedent, some people are going to be torn on this one. Probably the "one play" feeling will prevail, but it is an interesting question to ponder.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
A look at things to come...
I am terribly bored by the 2005-2006 season. I don't even care who/what wins at the Tonys really. So I find myself hoping for a better 2006-2007. (Who isn't?!?) With that in mind, I offer you my list of upcoming season entries.
It should be noted that I don't have faith that we'll ever see the majority of these things this season, but, this list is based on what people have told me seriously. Being skeptical I have divided each category into two sections: "Things I'm totally or pretty sure we'll see this season" are marked in red and "Things I'm just not sure about" are marked in blue. A lot of the "Things I'm just not sure about" section is based simply on foreseeable theater availability or star scheduling, not potential quality of the product. For instance, I'm very excited about Cry Baby, but I can't bank on it definitely being here this season. What happens if there is not a theater available for it right away in the spring?
MUSICALS
Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me (Opening August 10 at the Jacobs)
The Times, They Are A Changin'
Grey Gardens (Opening in October at the Walter Kerr)
Mary Poppins (Opening November 16 at the New Amsterdam)
High Fidelity (Opening in December)
Legally Blonde (Opening April 27)
Cry Baby
The Pirate Queen
Curtains
Billy Elliot
LoveMusik
Zhivago
Tale of Two Cities
PLAYS
The Coast of Utopia (Beginning October 10 at the Beaumont)
Lousing Louie (Opening October 12 at the Biltmore)
The Vertical Hour (Opening November 30 at the Music Box)
The Starry Messenger
The Year of Magical Thinking (Opening March 29 at the Booth)
Jay Johnson: The Two and Only (Helen Hayes)
Radio Golf
The Little Dog Laughed
Legends
Thurgood
After Miss Julie
The Bottom Line
PLAY REVIVALS
Butley (Opening October 25 at the Booth)
Heartbreak House (Opening Winter at the American Airlines Theatre)
The Country Girl (Opening May 3 at the Biltmore)
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Opening Spring at the American Airlines Theatre)
The Homecoming
MUSICAL REVIVALS
A Chorus Line (Opening October 5 at the Schoenfeld)
Les Miserables (Opening November 9 at the Broadhurst)
The Pajama Game
Company (November previews)
110 in the Shade (Opening Spring at Studio 54)
The Wiz
Mame
Guys and Dolls
A Little Night Music
It should be noted that I don't have faith that we'll ever see the majority of these things this season, but, this list is based on what people have told me seriously. Being skeptical I have divided each category into two sections: "Things I'm totally or pretty sure we'll see this season" are marked in red and "Things I'm just not sure about" are marked in blue. A lot of the "Things I'm just not sure about" section is based simply on foreseeable theater availability or star scheduling, not potential quality of the product. For instance, I'm very excited about Cry Baby, but I can't bank on it definitely being here this season. What happens if there is not a theater available for it right away in the spring?
MUSICALS
Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me (Opening August 10 at the Jacobs)
The Times, They Are A Changin'
Grey Gardens (Opening in October at the Walter Kerr)
Mary Poppins (Opening November 16 at the New Amsterdam)
High Fidelity (Opening in December)
Legally Blonde (Opening April 27)
Cry Baby
The Pirate Queen
Curtains
Billy Elliot
LoveMusik
Zhivago
Tale of Two Cities
PLAYS
The Coast of Utopia (Beginning October 10 at the Beaumont)
Lousing Louie (Opening October 12 at the Biltmore)
The Vertical Hour (Opening November 30 at the Music Box)
The Starry Messenger
The Year of Magical Thinking (Opening March 29 at the Booth)
Jay Johnson: The Two and Only (Helen Hayes)
Radio Golf
The Little Dog Laughed
Legends
Thurgood
After Miss Julie
The Bottom Line
PLAY REVIVALS
Butley (Opening October 25 at the Booth)
Heartbreak House (Opening Winter at the American Airlines Theatre)
The Country Girl (Opening May 3 at the Biltmore)
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Opening Spring at the American Airlines Theatre)
The Homecoming
MUSICAL REVIVALS
A Chorus Line (Opening October 5 at the Schoenfeld)
Les Miserables (Opening November 9 at the Broadhurst)
The Pajama Game
Company (November previews)
110 in the Shade (Opening Spring at Studio 54)
The Wiz
Mame
Guys and Dolls
A Little Night Music
Monday, May 22, 2006
A postmortem
I'm a little behind on this posting, I know. It's been a long week though, so you'll all forgive me.
Very few people care what I think of the nominations (like very few people care about my reviews). So I'm just going to say that I was most surprised about Alison Pill and leave it at that.
I do want to spend some time talking about the lack of a replacement Tony Award. As anyone who reads this blog knows, I certainly know enough to speak on this matter. I do not believe at all that only 16 of the 24 Administration Committee attended Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. That figure just doesn't jive with the research I did. But, based on how the award is decided (requiring a minimum amount of votes, as it does), anything less than 24 members attending is completely unfair to the people eligible. End of story.
I have a great deal of respect for the members of the Administration Committee I know and I blame no one in that group for the issues with the execution of the award this year. This rule was simply was not well thought out. It was never clear who should get it or how it was being awarded. I mean, I posted all the previous stuff about it for a reason--because no one understood it. And, sadly, members of the Administration Committee I have spoken to also had competing views about who should receive it. Without clear guidelines, these things are always a disaster. Before next year, I hope the policies become better defined or the category is eliminated altogether. As it stands now, it is just not worth this mess.
Very few people care what I think of the nominations (like very few people care about my reviews). So I'm just going to say that I was most surprised about Alison Pill and leave it at that.
I do want to spend some time talking about the lack of a replacement Tony Award. As anyone who reads this blog knows, I certainly know enough to speak on this matter. I do not believe at all that only 16 of the 24 Administration Committee attended Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. That figure just doesn't jive with the research I did. But, based on how the award is decided (requiring a minimum amount of votes, as it does), anything less than 24 members attending is completely unfair to the people eligible. End of story.
I have a great deal of respect for the members of the Administration Committee I know and I blame no one in that group for the issues with the execution of the award this year. This rule was simply was not well thought out. It was never clear who should get it or how it was being awarded. I mean, I posted all the previous stuff about it for a reason--because no one understood it. And, sadly, members of the Administration Committee I have spoken to also had competing views about who should receive it. Without clear guidelines, these things are always a disaster. Before next year, I hope the policies become better defined or the category is eliminated altogether. As it stands now, it is just not worth this mess.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Once more with feeling...
I want to state this once again for the record:
Frances Sternhagen and George Grizzard are eligible in the Featured categories
Lynn Redgrave is eligible in the Lead Actress category
I don't care what anyone else says, this is the truth. I stake my reputation on it.
Today there was much debate over this (with the show's own press agents in the dark)--I seriously spent a lot of time reproving these facts. I argued with people affiliated with Seascape and The Constant Wife who should know. But, in the end, the above statements were proven true.
I only feel the need to post this yet again because, unless Sternhagen picks up a featured nod (which could totally happen), I know I am going to get an email from someone calling Sternagen's lack of Lead Actress nomination the snub of the decade because there are so few actresses eligible in that category. Please don't send that email. I mean, I love random Tony discussions, but that one will just annoy me.
Also, an additional note, not that any of you care, but, while it was left out of the Tony release, the Hot Feet score is ineligible because it features only six new songs.
Time to rest up for the big day.
Frances Sternhagen and George Grizzard are eligible in the Featured categories
Lynn Redgrave is eligible in the Lead Actress category
I don't care what anyone else says, this is the truth. I stake my reputation on it.
Today there was much debate over this (with the show's own press agents in the dark)--I seriously spent a lot of time reproving these facts. I argued with people affiliated with Seascape and The Constant Wife who should know. But, in the end, the above statements were proven true.
I only feel the need to post this yet again because, unless Sternhagen picks up a featured nod (which could totally happen), I know I am going to get an email from someone calling Sternagen's lack of Lead Actress nomination the snub of the decade because there are so few actresses eligible in that category. Please don't send that email. I mean, I love random Tony discussions, but that one will just annoy me.
Also, an additional note, not that any of you care, but, while it was left out of the Tony release, the Hot Feet score is ineligible because it features only six new songs.
Time to rest up for the big day.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
The end of Tony eligibility!
So today was the final Tony eligibility meeting of 2006. Huge (as Don Summa would say)!
I am not going to really get into full detail on what I think about the decision to give Sarah Jones a special Tony and eliminate the Special Theatrical category this year. I will say, I believe it simply smacks of horrible planning. Did no one realize when they decided Bridge & Tunnel was in the Special Theatrical category that just that show and The Blonde in the Thunderbird would be eligible? I can just picture the light bulb moment of a committee member once s/he realized (probably from reading it somewhere) that it was either nominate Suzanne Somers or just hand over a Tony to Jones (both things of course would have led to same result). You know, I said I didn’t want to get into detail and I’m going to let it go right now. Seriously--onto billing issues!
Most of the decisions made are in line with what I previously wrote, even The Threepenny Opera decision, which I totally guessed on. I however was totally caught off-guard with the decision to place Tim Daly (Caine Mutiny) in the Featured Actor category. I’m also really, really surprised that Hot Feet didn’t petition to have Vivian Nixon be lead. It’s clearly the starring role, even though others sing more than her. The decision not to move her up (or maybe there was no decision—it’s possible the team just didn’t think about it) is probably completely irrelevant to either the featured of lead race, but, it’s still odd.
So, for those of you that can’t follow the stories on the websites, I will break down today’s rulings by what they mean for each show that was covered.
AWAKE AND SING
--All actors will be considered in the featured categories
THREE DAYS OF RAIN
--Julia Roberts & Paul Rudd will be lead; Bradley Cooper will be featured
THE THREEPENNY OPERA
--Alan Cumming & Nellie McKay will be lead; Jim Dale, Ana Gasteyer and Cyndi Lauper will be featured
THE HISTORY BOYS
--Richard Griffiths will be lead; Everyone else will be featured
LESTAT
--Hugh Panaro will be lead
THE WEDDING SINGER
--Laura Benanti and Stephen Lynch will be lead
HOT FEET
--All featured (though, again, I do not understand why)
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
--Sutton Foster and Bob Martin will be lead; Everyone else will be featured
THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE
--David Wilmot will be lead (though he doesn’t seem to have more stage time or lines than Domhnall Gleeson)
FAITH HEALER
--Ralph Fiennes will be lead; Cherry Jones and Ian McDiarmid will be featured
THE CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARSHAL
--David Schwimmer and Zeljko Ivanek will be lead; Tim Daly and the others will be featured
SHINING CITY
--Oliver Platt and Brian F. O’Byrne will be lead; Martha Plimpton and Peter Scanavino will be featured
TARZAN
--Josh Strickland and Jenn Gambatese will be lead; Everyone else will be featured
I am not going to really get into full detail on what I think about the decision to give Sarah Jones a special Tony and eliminate the Special Theatrical category this year. I will say, I believe it simply smacks of horrible planning. Did no one realize when they decided Bridge & Tunnel was in the Special Theatrical category that just that show and The Blonde in the Thunderbird would be eligible? I can just picture the light bulb moment of a committee member once s/he realized (probably from reading it somewhere) that it was either nominate Suzanne Somers or just hand over a Tony to Jones (both things of course would have led to same result). You know, I said I didn’t want to get into detail and I’m going to let it go right now. Seriously--onto billing issues!
Most of the decisions made are in line with what I previously wrote, even The Threepenny Opera decision, which I totally guessed on. I however was totally caught off-guard with the decision to place Tim Daly (Caine Mutiny) in the Featured Actor category. I’m also really, really surprised that Hot Feet didn’t petition to have Vivian Nixon be lead. It’s clearly the starring role, even though others sing more than her. The decision not to move her up (or maybe there was no decision—it’s possible the team just didn’t think about it) is probably completely irrelevant to either the featured of lead race, but, it’s still odd.
So, for those of you that can’t follow the stories on the websites, I will break down today’s rulings by what they mean for each show that was covered.
AWAKE AND SING
--All actors will be considered in the featured categories
THREE DAYS OF RAIN
--Julia Roberts & Paul Rudd will be lead; Bradley Cooper will be featured
THE THREEPENNY OPERA
--Alan Cumming & Nellie McKay will be lead; Jim Dale, Ana Gasteyer and Cyndi Lauper will be featured
THE HISTORY BOYS
--Richard Griffiths will be lead; Everyone else will be featured
LESTAT
--Hugh Panaro will be lead
THE WEDDING SINGER
--Laura Benanti and Stephen Lynch will be lead
HOT FEET
--All featured (though, again, I do not understand why)
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
--Sutton Foster and Bob Martin will be lead; Everyone else will be featured
THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE
--David Wilmot will be lead (though he doesn’t seem to have more stage time or lines than Domhnall Gleeson)
FAITH HEALER
--Ralph Fiennes will be lead; Cherry Jones and Ian McDiarmid will be featured
THE CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARSHAL
--David Schwimmer and Zeljko Ivanek will be lead; Tim Daly and the others will be featured
SHINING CITY
--Oliver Platt and Brian F. O’Byrne will be lead; Martha Plimpton and Peter Scanavino will be featured
TARZAN
--Josh Strickland and Jenn Gambatese will be lead; Everyone else will be featured
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
A Brief One
So, if I had to do the list over again, I'd put Shining City in "I'm Thinking Lock..." and Shuler Hensley in "Ummm... Probably Not." Also, apparently David Wilmot (Inishmore) is going to be Lead. He could get a nomination, I wouldn't be surprised, but he won't win.
OK, that's it for the night. I am yet again exhausted. Though--for a final note--I want to use this public forum to try to convince Kevin/Joe Iconis to get to work on a polygamy musical. The topic will only be hot for another year, tops.
OK, that's it for the night. I am yet again exhausted. Though--for a final note--I want to use this public forum to try to convince Kevin/Joe Iconis to get to work on a polygamy musical. The topic will only be hot for another year, tops.
Friday, May 05, 2006
A Reference Guide
Anyone who knows me knows that Donna Lynne Champlin is one of my very favorite people. So I want to take this moment to tell everyone who didn't get my email that they should trek over to Ars Nova on Monday night for her Broadway Spotlight show. She's apparently going to let people pick stories out of a hat. I'm not sure I understand that concept, but I am sure it will be entertaining. I'll also personally try to be amusing before and after, though I'm not sure how... Buy tickets!
Okay, now since the Drama Desk nominations people have been calling and emailing me asking what certain shows are. I have no idea why they would do this rather than searching on the web themselves, but, they do. So, for all of you, a handy reference guide...
Nominated for: OUTSTANDING PLAY
What: Warren Leight's No Foreigners Beyond this Point
Huh?: Yeah, I didn't remember it either. But this play, based on Leight's own experiences teaching English in China in 1980, played at 45 Below in the fall. I am impressed that the Drama Desk people recalled it.
Nominated for: OUTSTANDING REVIVAL
What: The Traveling Lady
Huh?: Horton Foote has had a good year. This is another one of his works, presented at the Ensemble Studio Theater.
Nominated for: OUTSTANDING ACTOR
What: Vince Gatton for Candy & Dorothy
Huh?: This show happened at Theatre 3 (someone hipper than me would know where that is) in January. It centered on Warhol superstar Candy Darling and Catholic crusader Dorothy Day. Someone who had seen it would probably make better sense of that.
Nominated for: OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
What: Janis Stevens for Vivien
Huh?: A show about Vivien Leigh at the American Theatre of Actors. I wish I had known about it when it was running--I would have gone.
Nominated for: UNIQUE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
What: Christine Jorgensen Reveals
Huh?: I have a personal attachment to this show and its New York Times-certified star Bradford Louryk. But, even if I didn't, I'd recommend it. In New York, Christine Jorgensen Reveals played at 59E59, Dodger Stages and Theatre Row. It features Louryk lip-syncing to a recording of Christine Jorgensen. I know it doesn't sound good, but it is (and it's short).
Nominated for: UNIQUE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
What: The Frog Bride, Golden Dragon Acrobats, Rain and The Stones
Huh?: All at the New Victory. Enough said.
Nominated for: UNIQUE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
What: Peer Gynt
Huh?: This Ibsen revival was done by BAM in April and was apparently very bizarre and touching. I don't know anyone who saw it.
Okay? Everyone happy now? So you don't even have to search the web. That's it. I didn't go out post-theater so I could sleep and now I shall.
Okay, now since the Drama Desk nominations people have been calling and emailing me asking what certain shows are. I have no idea why they would do this rather than searching on the web themselves, but, they do. So, for all of you, a handy reference guide...
Nominated for: OUTSTANDING PLAY
What: Warren Leight's No Foreigners Beyond this Point
Huh?: Yeah, I didn't remember it either. But this play, based on Leight's own experiences teaching English in China in 1980, played at 45 Below in the fall. I am impressed that the Drama Desk people recalled it.
Nominated for: OUTSTANDING REVIVAL
What: The Traveling Lady
Huh?: Horton Foote has had a good year. This is another one of his works, presented at the Ensemble Studio Theater.
Nominated for: OUTSTANDING ACTOR
What: Vince Gatton for Candy & Dorothy
Huh?: This show happened at Theatre 3 (someone hipper than me would know where that is) in January. It centered on Warhol superstar Candy Darling and Catholic crusader Dorothy Day. Someone who had seen it would probably make better sense of that.
Nominated for: OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
What: Janis Stevens for Vivien
Huh?: A show about Vivien Leigh at the American Theatre of Actors. I wish I had known about it when it was running--I would have gone.
Nominated for: UNIQUE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
What: Christine Jorgensen Reveals
Huh?: I have a personal attachment to this show and its New York Times-certified star Bradford Louryk. But, even if I didn't, I'd recommend it. In New York, Christine Jorgensen Reveals played at 59E59, Dodger Stages and Theatre Row. It features Louryk lip-syncing to a recording of Christine Jorgensen. I know it doesn't sound good, but it is (and it's short).
Nominated for: UNIQUE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
What: The Frog Bride, Golden Dragon Acrobats, Rain and The Stones
Huh?: All at the New Victory. Enough said.
Nominated for: UNIQUE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
What: Peer Gynt
Huh?: This Ibsen revival was done by BAM in April and was apparently very bizarre and touching. I don't know anyone who saw it.
Okay? Everyone happy now? So you don't even have to search the web. That's it. I didn't go out post-theater so I could sleep and now I shall.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Greetings & Replacement Tony Post 705
First I want to say “Hello” to my new readers that I’m not quite sure how I acquired. You know I began this blog so I could refer people I know to it when they ask me questions. Since then, I’ve thrown in some randomness. And I’m happy that others are finding it useful or entertaining, but, when reading it, please remember that a lot of the things I write are geared towards a very specific audience that understands my tone. So, you know, try not to take anything too seriously. (And feel free to email me if you’re offended by something. I’m good with semi-impersonal communication.)
OK, now on to ANOTHER replacement Tony post. I have spent so much time on this! This is the final list of people I believe to be eligible for the Best Rereation or whatever it’s called Tony. I have heard that Rent is not submitting Tim Howar and Spamalot is opting to propose Harry Groener and Martin Moran (leaving out Steve Kazee). That could not be true, it’s based totally on rumor, but I’m doing my list with that information. With Phantom having a new Christine, I’m not sure about whether it will be Sandra Joseph or new star, Rebecca Pitcher, so I’ll leave them both on with astericks next to their name. And given that Howard McGillin will most certainly be proposed, the show can only pick one of the leading ladies. (I bet one of my favorite press agents, occasional blog reader Mikey, might know...)
It is important to note that I have no way of knowing if any given show is proposing their stars. For instance, the Avenue Q leads are on here, but Avenue Q could have opted simply not to invite the Tony Admin committee, leaving those stars ineligible. I just don’t know. Also, there is the question regarding people who started last season. We’re assuming they can be considered (and, indeed, I know at least one of them has been proposed without objection), but there is no hard rule that I know of. So it could be that Steve Blanchard, Harvey Fierstein and more actually cannot be considered. And I feel like I may be missing someone… But, if it is a man, I doubt it is someone who could beat Pryce! Though you never know...
MEN
Barrett Foa
Steve Blanchard
Jonathan Pryce
Ron Eldard
Harry Groener
John Pinette
Matt Caplan
Howard McGillin
Martin Moran
Hunter Foster
John Treacy Egan
Harvey Fierstein
WOMEN
Mary Faber
Ashley Brown
Eileen Atkins
Shannon Durig
Antonique Smith
Eden Espinosa
Megan Hilty
Sandra Joseph*
Rebecca Pitcher*
*One of these two people will not be eligible
OK, now on to ANOTHER replacement Tony post. I have spent so much time on this! This is the final list of people I believe to be eligible for the Best Rereation or whatever it’s called Tony. I have heard that Rent is not submitting Tim Howar and Spamalot is opting to propose Harry Groener and Martin Moran (leaving out Steve Kazee). That could not be true, it’s based totally on rumor, but I’m doing my list with that information. With Phantom having a new Christine, I’m not sure about whether it will be Sandra Joseph or new star, Rebecca Pitcher, so I’ll leave them both on with astericks next to their name. And given that Howard McGillin will most certainly be proposed, the show can only pick one of the leading ladies. (I bet one of my favorite press agents, occasional blog reader Mikey, might know...)
It is important to note that I have no way of knowing if any given show is proposing their stars. For instance, the Avenue Q leads are on here, but Avenue Q could have opted simply not to invite the Tony Admin committee, leaving those stars ineligible. I just don’t know. Also, there is the question regarding people who started last season. We’re assuming they can be considered (and, indeed, I know at least one of them has been proposed without objection), but there is no hard rule that I know of. So it could be that Steve Blanchard, Harvey Fierstein and more actually cannot be considered. And I feel like I may be missing someone… But, if it is a man, I doubt it is someone who could beat Pryce! Though you never know...
MEN
Barrett Foa
Steve Blanchard
Jonathan Pryce
Ron Eldard
Harry Groener
John Pinette
Matt Caplan
Howard McGillin
Martin Moran
Hunter Foster
John Treacy Egan
Harvey Fierstein
WOMEN
Mary Faber
Ashley Brown
Eileen Atkins
Shannon Durig
Antonique Smith
Eden Espinosa
Megan Hilty
Sandra Joseph*
Rebecca Pitcher*
*One of these two people will not be eligible
Monday, May 01, 2006
A tiny alteration...
I did my odds list before the Drama Desk nominations were announced, but I still don't think I'd change anything. My heart has always said Kelli O'Hara should be in 'Lock,' I got talked out of it, so there you go, that might be the one thing I'd change looking back. I still contend Felicia P. Fields is a 'Lock,' though she has so far been snubbed.
BUT the biggest thing I've learned is that it now appears Cherry Jones will be featured. They are asking for featured at least and, as I've said before, the Tony people rarely refuse such requests... So, I'd say, based on that:
Very Likely Featured Actress in a Play Nominees:
Tyne Daly, Rabbit Hole
Jayne Houdyshell, Well
Frances de la Tour, The History Boys
Cherry Jones, Faith Healer
And one more from that long list below.... I'd assume Zoe Wanamaker if she is featured. (Actually, I've never been 100% set on Tyne Daly, but everyone else seems to be, so I gave way to peer pressure there. And with her, there is only that one more slot...)
Very Likely Actress in a Play Nominees:
Kate Burton, The Constant Wife
Judy Kaye, Souvenir
Lisa Kron, Well
Cynthia Nixon, Rabbit Hole
Lynn Redgrave, The Constant Wife
I guess those are the five? Unless Julia somehow pulls one out (and, I mean, I do admire her Easter Bonnet campaign push)... That's really not a stellar bunch. I mean Lynn Redgrave, while genius, didn't even have a lead role! If Zoe Wanamaker is lead, it changes it a little bit. But, most importantly, looking at this list I think: "And the Tony goes to... Cynthia Nixon," a statement that makes me very happy.
BUT the biggest thing I've learned is that it now appears Cherry Jones will be featured. They are asking for featured at least and, as I've said before, the Tony people rarely refuse such requests... So, I'd say, based on that:
Very Likely Featured Actress in a Play Nominees:
Tyne Daly, Rabbit Hole
Jayne Houdyshell, Well
Frances de la Tour, The History Boys
Cherry Jones, Faith Healer
And one more from that long list below.... I'd assume Zoe Wanamaker if she is featured. (Actually, I've never been 100% set on Tyne Daly, but everyone else seems to be, so I gave way to peer pressure there. And with her, there is only that one more slot...)
Very Likely Actress in a Play Nominees:
Kate Burton, The Constant Wife
Judy Kaye, Souvenir
Lisa Kron, Well
Cynthia Nixon, Rabbit Hole
Lynn Redgrave, The Constant Wife
I guess those are the five? Unless Julia somehow pulls one out (and, I mean, I do admire her Easter Bonnet campaign push)... That's really not a stellar bunch. I mean Lynn Redgrave, while genius, didn't even have a lead role! If Zoe Wanamaker is lead, it changes it a little bit. But, most importantly, looking at this list I think: "And the Tony goes to... Cynthia Nixon," a statement that makes me very happy.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Tony Preview Time!
I am not commenting on the Bridge & Tunnel decision. I refuse to lower myself to discuss such things. After all—what remains to be said? I suppose the only debatable thing now is whether they will nominate Bridge & Tunnel and The Blonde and the Thunderbird or just give Bridge & Tunnel the Special Theatrical Tony when they announce the nominations (ala Blast!). I’m thinking the former, but I really have no clue. Personally, of course, I’m all for a Suzanne nomination to add to the ridiculousness of the proceedings.
OK, onto the main attraction. Below is a Tony odds list. Now, I’m not taking any major risks with it—the only people in “Lock” are people I actually believe are truly 100% locks. The main point of the list is to show who is eligible in what category as many publications have printed incorrect information. (For instance, despite popular belief, Frances Sternhagen and George Grizzard are eligible in the supporting categories for their work in Seascape.) I pretty much guarantee that all information on shows that have already faced the Tony Admin committee is accurate. The other shows, I am basing it on what I’ve heard. Like I thought Sutton Foster would be featured, but I’m now hearing lead, so I put her there. This could all change. I’m hoping they put Zoe Wanamaker in Lead Actress for her work in Awake and Sing!, but she is below-the-title and my friend at LCT told me he thought they were leaning towards leaving here there, so I left her featured for this list. My Threepenny Opera placement is a total guess. Anything could happen with shows that have yet to have their day before the Tony Admin people.
To make the list below, I started out with a long list (graciously donated by the other star of this blog) of basically everyone who has stepped foot on a Broadway stage this season. I completely removed a lot of the people—like the entire ensemble of dancers from Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life—but there are still some random folks stuck in. Also, there are many people in the “I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…” featured categories that probably don’t belong there, but they are in shows I have not seen, so I felt bad making “Ummm… Probably Not” judgments on them.
PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
The History Boys
The Lieutenant of Inishmore
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Primo
Rabbit Hole
Shining City
Well
Ummm… Probably Not
After the Night and the Music
Festen
Latinologues
A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Souvenir
MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
The Drowsy Chaperone
Jersey Boys
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
The Color Purple
Tarzan
The Wedding Singer
Ummm… Probably Not
Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life
Hot Feet
In My Life
Lennon
Lestat
Ring of Fire
The Woman in White
PLAY REVIVAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
Awake and Sing!
Faith Healer
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
The Caine Mutiny Court Martial
The Constant Wife
Seascape
A Touch of the Poet
Ummm… Probably Not
Absurd Person Singular
Barefoot in the Park
The Odd Couple
Three Days of Rain
MUSICAL REVIVAL
I Know… Lock
The Pajama Game
Sweeney Todd
The Threepenny Opera
ACTOR-PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
Ralph Fiennes, Faith Healer
Richard Griffiths, The History Boys
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Gabriel Byrne, A Touch of the Poet
Michael Hayden, Festen
Zeljko Ivanek, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial
Brian F. O’Byrne, Shining City
Oliver Platt, Shining City
Paul Rudd, Three Days of Rain
Antony Sher, Primo
John Slattery, Rabbit Hole
Ummm… Probably Not
Matthew Broderick, The Odd Couple
Larry Bryggman, Festen
Michael Cumpsty, The Constant Wife
Tim Daly, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial
John Dossett, The Constant Wife
Nathan Lane, The Odd Couple
David Schwimmer, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial
Richard Thomas, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Patrick Wilson, Barefoot in the Park
ACTRESS-PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
Cherry Jones, Faith Healer
Cynthia Nixon, Rabbit Hole
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Kate Burton, The Constant Wife
Judy Kaye, Souvenir
Lisa Kron, Well
Lynn Redgrave, The Constant Wife
Julia Roberts, Three Days of Rain
Ummm… Probably Not
Jill Clayburgh, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Amanda Peet, Barefoot in the Park
ACTOR-MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
Michael Cerveris, Sweeney Todd
Harry Connick, Jr, The Pajama Game
John Lloyd Young, Jersey Boys
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Alan Cumming, The Threepenny Opera
Stephen Lynch, The Wedding Singer
Bob Martin, The Drowsy Chaperone
Josh Strickland, Tarzan
Ummm… Probably Not
Christopher Hanke, In My Life
Hugh Panaro, Lestat
ACTRESS-MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
LaChanze, The Color Purple
Patti LuPone, Sweeney Todd
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Laura Benanti, The Wedding Singer
Sutton Foster, The Drowsy Chaperone
Maria Friedman, The Woman in White
Nellie McKay, The Threepenny Opera
Kelli O’Hara, The Pajama Game
Chita Rivera, Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life
Ummm… Probably Not
Jessica Boevers, In My Life
Jennifer Gambatese, Tarzan
Vivian Nixon, Hot Feet
FEATURED ACTOR-PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
Ian McDiarmid, Faith Healer
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Samuel Barnett, The History Boys
Stephen Campbell Moore, The History Boys
Bradley Cooper, Three Days of Rain
Dominic Cooper, The History Boys
Donald Corren, Souvenir
Dashiell Eaves, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Ned Eisenberg, Awake and Sing!
John Gallagher, Rabbit Hole
Ben Gazzara, Awake and Sing!
Peter Gerety, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Domhnall Gleeson, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
George Grizzard, Seascape
Jonathan Hadary, Awake and Sing!
Brian D’Arcy James, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Clive Merrison, The History Boys
Mark Ruffalo, Awake and Sing!
Peter Scanavino, Shining City
Pablo Schreiber, Awake and Sing!
Frederick Weller, Seascape
David Wilmot, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Ummm… Probably Not
Samuel Anderson, The History Boys
Rob Bartlett, The Odd Couple
Terry Beaver, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Jeff Binder, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Daniel Breaker, Well
Jere Burns, After the Night and the Music
John Ellison Conlee, The Constant Wife
Andrew Connolly, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
James Corden, The History Boys
Keith Davis, Festen
Eugenio Derbez, Latinologues
Robert L. Devaney, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Sacha Dhawan, The History Boys
Scott Ferrara, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Ben Fox, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Murphy Guyer, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
John Hoffman, Well
John Horton, A Touch of the Poet
Byron Jennings, A Touch of the Poet
David Patrick Kelly, Festen
Brian Kerwin, After the Night and the Music
Andrew Knott, The History Boys
Eddie Korbich, After the Night and the Music
Stephen Kunken, Festen
Peter Kybart, Awake and Sing!
Rene Lavan, Latinologues
Matthew Morrison, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Rick Najera, Latinologues
Geoffrey Nauffts, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Tom Nelis, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Randall Newsome, A Touch of the Poet
Ciaran O’Reilly, A Touch of the Poet
Jamie Parker, The History Boys
Brian Reddy, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Sam Robards, Absurd Person Singular
Tony Roberts, Barefoot in the Park
Alan Ruck, Absurd Person Singular
Joe Sikora, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Jeremy Sisto, Festen
Daniel Stewart Sherman, A Touch of the Poet
Paul David Story, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Richard Topol, Awake and Sing!
Russell Tovey, The History Boys
Paxton Whitehead, Absurd Person Singular
Lee Wilkof, The Odd Couple
C.J. Wilson, Festen
James Yaegashi, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
FEATURED ACTRESS-PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
Tyne Daly, Rabbit Hole
Jayne Houdyshell, Well
Frances de la Tour, The History Boys
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Lauren Ambrose, Awake and Sing!
Emily Bergl, A Touch of the Poet
Jill Clayburgh, Barefoot in the Park
Mary Catherine Garrison, Rabbit Hole
Julianna Margulies, Festen
Elizabeth Marvel, Seascape
Kathryn Meisle, The Constant Wife
Dearbhla Molloy, A Touch of the Poet
Alison Pill, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Martha Plimpton, Shining City
J. Smith-Cameron, After the Night and the Music
Jessica Stone, The Odd Couple
Frances Sternhagen, Seascape
Zoe Wanamaker, Awake and Sing!
Ummm… Probably Not
Leslie Ayvazian, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Jeannie Berlin, After the Night and the Music
Olivia d’Abo, The Odd Couple
Diane Davis, Festen
Mireille Enos, Absurd Person Singular
Enid Graham, The Constant Wife
Ann Guilbert, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Clea Lewis, Absurd Person Singular
Ali MacGraw, Festen
Kathleen McNenny, The Constant Wife
Kathryn Meisle, A Touch of the Poet
Pamela Merrick, The History Boys
Carrie Preston, Festen
Shirley A. Rumierk, Latinologues
Deborah Rush, Absurd Person Singular
Susan Kelechi Watson, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
FEATURED ACTOR-MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
Jim Dale, The Threepenny Opera
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Michael Ball, The Woman in White
Peter Benson, The Pajama Game
Richard H. Blake, The Wedding Singer
Danny Burstein, The Drowsy Chaperone
Kevin Cahoon, The Wedding Singer
Will Chase, Lennon
Manoel Felciano, Sweeney Todd
Chester Gregory II, Tarzan
Shuler Hensley, Tarzan
Edward Hibbert, The Drowsy Chaperone
Christian Hoff, Jersey Boys
Mark Jacoby, Sweeney Todd
Troy Britton Johnson, The Drowsy Chaperone
Kingsley Leggs, The Color Purple
Benjamin Magnuson, Sweeney Todd
Michael McKean, The Pajama Game
Daniel Reichard, Jersey Boys
Matthew Saldivar, The Wedding Singer
J. Robert Spencer, Jersey Boys
Lenny Wolpe, The Drowsy Chaperone
Ummm… Probably Not
Ron Bohmer, The Woman in White
Adam Brazier, The Woman in White
Jeb Brown, Ring of Fire
Walter Charles, The Woman in White
Chuck Cooper, Lennon
Keith David, Hot Feet
Brandon Victor Dixon, The Color Purple
Jason Edwards, Ring of Fire
Jarrod Emick, Ring of Fire
Alexander Gemignani, Sweeney Todd
Michael Genet, Lestat
Peter Gregus, Jersey Boys
Allen Hidalgo, Hot Feet
Roderick Hill, Lestat
Christopher Innvar, The Threepenny Opera
Timothy Jerome, Tarzan
Donnie Kehr, Jersey Boys
Donnie Keshawarz, Tarzan
Chad Kimball, Lennon
Eddie Korbich, The Drowsy Chaperone
Garth Kravits, The Drowsy Chaperone
Jason Kravits, The Drowsy Chaperone
Carlos Leon, The Threepenny Opera
Michael Longoria, Jersey Boys
Mark Lotito, Jersey Boys
Daniel Manche, Tarzan
Terrance Mann, Lennon
Michael McCormick, The Pajama Game
Lou Myers, The Color Purple
Dominic Nolfi, Jersey Boys
Richard Poe, The Pajama Game
Michael Potts, Lennon
Brian Charles Rooney, The Threepenny Opera
Alex Rutherford, Tarzan
Drew Sarich, Lestat
Jim Stanek, Lestat
FEATURED ACTRESS-MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
Felicia P. Fields, The Color Purple
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Carolee Carmello, Lestat
Merle Dandridge, TarzanAnn Duquesnay, Hot Feet
Georgia Engel, The Drowsy Chaperone
Felicia Finley, The Wedding Singer
Allison Fischer, Lestat
Rita Gardner, The Wedding Singer
Ana Gasteyer, The Threepenny Opera
Cyndi Lauper, The Threepenny Opera
Megan Lawrence, The Pajama Game
Beth Leavel, The Drowsy Chaperone
Lauren Molina, Sweeney Todd
Roz Ryan, The Pajama Game
Amy Spanger, The Wedding Singer
Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, The Color Purple
Ummm… Probably Not
Donna Lynne Champlin, Sweeney Todd
Joyce Chittick, The Pajama Game
Angela Christian, The Woman in White
Julie Danao, Lennon
Carol Dennis, The Color Purple
Diana DiMarzio, Sweeney Todd
Heather Ferguson, Jersey Boys
Mandy Gonzalez, Lennon
Marcy Harriell, Lennon
Kecia Lewis-Evans, The Drowsy Chaperone
Sarah Livingston, Hot Feet
Beth Malone, Ring of Fire
Maureen Moore, The Threepenny Opera
Cass Morgan, Ring of Fire
Julia Murney, Lennon
Jennifer Naimo, Jersey Boys
Liana Ortiz, Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life
Jill Paice, The Woman in White
Erica Piccininni, Jersey Boys
Sara Schmidt, Jersey Boys
Wynonna Smith, Hot Feet
Jennifer Smith, The Drowsy Chaperone
Lari White, Ring of Fire
Maia Nkenge Wilson, The Color Purple
Virgina Woodruff, The Color Purple
OK, onto the main attraction. Below is a Tony odds list. Now, I’m not taking any major risks with it—the only people in “Lock” are people I actually believe are truly 100% locks. The main point of the list is to show who is eligible in what category as many publications have printed incorrect information. (For instance, despite popular belief, Frances Sternhagen and George Grizzard are eligible in the supporting categories for their work in Seascape.) I pretty much guarantee that all information on shows that have already faced the Tony Admin committee is accurate. The other shows, I am basing it on what I’ve heard. Like I thought Sutton Foster would be featured, but I’m now hearing lead, so I put her there. This could all change. I’m hoping they put Zoe Wanamaker in Lead Actress for her work in Awake and Sing!, but she is below-the-title and my friend at LCT told me he thought they were leaning towards leaving here there, so I left her featured for this list. My Threepenny Opera placement is a total guess. Anything could happen with shows that have yet to have their day before the Tony Admin people.
To make the list below, I started out with a long list (graciously donated by the other star of this blog) of basically everyone who has stepped foot on a Broadway stage this season. I completely removed a lot of the people—like the entire ensemble of dancers from Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life—but there are still some random folks stuck in. Also, there are many people in the “I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…” featured categories that probably don’t belong there, but they are in shows I have not seen, so I felt bad making “Ummm… Probably Not” judgments on them.
PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
The History Boys
The Lieutenant of Inishmore
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Primo
Rabbit Hole
Shining City
Well
Ummm… Probably Not
After the Night and the Music
Festen
Latinologues
A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Souvenir
MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
The Drowsy Chaperone
Jersey Boys
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
The Color Purple
Tarzan
The Wedding Singer
Ummm… Probably Not
Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life
Hot Feet
In My Life
Lennon
Lestat
Ring of Fire
The Woman in White
PLAY REVIVAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
Awake and Sing!
Faith Healer
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
The Caine Mutiny Court Martial
The Constant Wife
Seascape
A Touch of the Poet
Ummm… Probably Not
Absurd Person Singular
Barefoot in the Park
The Odd Couple
Three Days of Rain
MUSICAL REVIVAL
I Know… Lock
The Pajama Game
Sweeney Todd
The Threepenny Opera
ACTOR-PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
Ralph Fiennes, Faith Healer
Richard Griffiths, The History Boys
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Gabriel Byrne, A Touch of the Poet
Michael Hayden, Festen
Zeljko Ivanek, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial
Brian F. O’Byrne, Shining City
Oliver Platt, Shining City
Paul Rudd, Three Days of Rain
Antony Sher, Primo
John Slattery, Rabbit Hole
Ummm… Probably Not
Matthew Broderick, The Odd Couple
Larry Bryggman, Festen
Michael Cumpsty, The Constant Wife
Tim Daly, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial
John Dossett, The Constant Wife
Nathan Lane, The Odd Couple
David Schwimmer, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial
Richard Thomas, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Patrick Wilson, Barefoot in the Park
ACTRESS-PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
Cherry Jones, Faith Healer
Cynthia Nixon, Rabbit Hole
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Kate Burton, The Constant Wife
Judy Kaye, Souvenir
Lisa Kron, Well
Lynn Redgrave, The Constant Wife
Julia Roberts, Three Days of Rain
Ummm… Probably Not
Jill Clayburgh, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Amanda Peet, Barefoot in the Park
ACTOR-MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
Michael Cerveris, Sweeney Todd
Harry Connick, Jr, The Pajama Game
John Lloyd Young, Jersey Boys
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Alan Cumming, The Threepenny Opera
Stephen Lynch, The Wedding Singer
Bob Martin, The Drowsy Chaperone
Josh Strickland, Tarzan
Ummm… Probably Not
Christopher Hanke, In My Life
Hugh Panaro, Lestat
ACTRESS-MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
LaChanze, The Color Purple
Patti LuPone, Sweeney Todd
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Laura Benanti, The Wedding Singer
Sutton Foster, The Drowsy Chaperone
Maria Friedman, The Woman in White
Nellie McKay, The Threepenny Opera
Kelli O’Hara, The Pajama Game
Chita Rivera, Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life
Ummm… Probably Not
Jessica Boevers, In My Life
Jennifer Gambatese, Tarzan
Vivian Nixon, Hot Feet
FEATURED ACTOR-PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
Ian McDiarmid, Faith Healer
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Samuel Barnett, The History Boys
Stephen Campbell Moore, The History Boys
Bradley Cooper, Three Days of Rain
Dominic Cooper, The History Boys
Donald Corren, Souvenir
Dashiell Eaves, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Ned Eisenberg, Awake and Sing!
John Gallagher, Rabbit Hole
Ben Gazzara, Awake and Sing!
Peter Gerety, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Domhnall Gleeson, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
George Grizzard, Seascape
Jonathan Hadary, Awake and Sing!
Brian D’Arcy James, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Clive Merrison, The History Boys
Mark Ruffalo, Awake and Sing!
Peter Scanavino, Shining City
Pablo Schreiber, Awake and Sing!
Frederick Weller, Seascape
David Wilmot, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Ummm… Probably Not
Samuel Anderson, The History Boys
Rob Bartlett, The Odd Couple
Terry Beaver, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Jeff Binder, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Daniel Breaker, Well
Jere Burns, After the Night and the Music
John Ellison Conlee, The Constant Wife
Andrew Connolly, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
James Corden, The History Boys
Keith Davis, Festen
Eugenio Derbez, Latinologues
Robert L. Devaney, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Sacha Dhawan, The History Boys
Scott Ferrara, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Ben Fox, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Murphy Guyer, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
John Hoffman, Well
John Horton, A Touch of the Poet
Byron Jennings, A Touch of the Poet
David Patrick Kelly, Festen
Brian Kerwin, After the Night and the Music
Andrew Knott, The History Boys
Eddie Korbich, After the Night and the Music
Stephen Kunken, Festen
Peter Kybart, Awake and Sing!
Rene Lavan, Latinologues
Matthew Morrison, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Rick Najera, Latinologues
Geoffrey Nauffts, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Tom Nelis, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Randall Newsome, A Touch of the Poet
Ciaran O’Reilly, A Touch of the Poet
Jamie Parker, The History Boys
Brian Reddy, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Sam Robards, Absurd Person Singular
Tony Roberts, Barefoot in the Park
Alan Ruck, Absurd Person Singular
Joe Sikora, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Jeremy Sisto, Festen
Daniel Stewart Sherman, A Touch of the Poet
Paul David Story, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
Richard Topol, Awake and Sing!
Russell Tovey, The History Boys
Paxton Whitehead, Absurd Person Singular
Lee Wilkof, The Odd Couple
C.J. Wilson, Festen
James Yaegashi, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
FEATURED ACTRESS-PLAY
I’m Thinking… Lock
Tyne Daly, Rabbit Hole
Jayne Houdyshell, Well
Frances de la Tour, The History Boys
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Lauren Ambrose, Awake and Sing!
Emily Bergl, A Touch of the Poet
Jill Clayburgh, Barefoot in the Park
Mary Catherine Garrison, Rabbit Hole
Julianna Margulies, Festen
Elizabeth Marvel, Seascape
Kathryn Meisle, The Constant Wife
Dearbhla Molloy, A Touch of the Poet
Alison Pill, The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Martha Plimpton, Shining City
J. Smith-Cameron, After the Night and the Music
Jessica Stone, The Odd Couple
Frances Sternhagen, Seascape
Zoe Wanamaker, Awake and Sing!
Ummm… Probably Not
Leslie Ayvazian, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Jeannie Berlin, After the Night and the Music
Olivia d’Abo, The Odd Couple
Diane Davis, Festen
Mireille Enos, Absurd Person Singular
Enid Graham, The Constant Wife
Ann Guilbert, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
Clea Lewis, Absurd Person Singular
Ali MacGraw, Festen
Kathleen McNenny, The Constant Wife
Kathryn Meisle, A Touch of the Poet
Pamela Merrick, The History Boys
Carrie Preston, Festen
Shirley A. Rumierk, Latinologues
Deborah Rush, Absurd Person Singular
Susan Kelechi Watson, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way
FEATURED ACTOR-MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
Jim Dale, The Threepenny Opera
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Michael Ball, The Woman in White
Peter Benson, The Pajama Game
Richard H. Blake, The Wedding Singer
Danny Burstein, The Drowsy Chaperone
Kevin Cahoon, The Wedding Singer
Will Chase, Lennon
Manoel Felciano, Sweeney Todd
Chester Gregory II, Tarzan
Shuler Hensley, Tarzan
Edward Hibbert, The Drowsy Chaperone
Christian Hoff, Jersey Boys
Mark Jacoby, Sweeney Todd
Troy Britton Johnson, The Drowsy Chaperone
Kingsley Leggs, The Color Purple
Benjamin Magnuson, Sweeney Todd
Michael McKean, The Pajama Game
Daniel Reichard, Jersey Boys
Matthew Saldivar, The Wedding Singer
J. Robert Spencer, Jersey Boys
Lenny Wolpe, The Drowsy Chaperone
Ummm… Probably Not
Ron Bohmer, The Woman in White
Adam Brazier, The Woman in White
Jeb Brown, Ring of Fire
Walter Charles, The Woman in White
Chuck Cooper, Lennon
Keith David, Hot Feet
Brandon Victor Dixon, The Color Purple
Jason Edwards, Ring of Fire
Jarrod Emick, Ring of Fire
Alexander Gemignani, Sweeney Todd
Michael Genet, Lestat
Peter Gregus, Jersey Boys
Allen Hidalgo, Hot Feet
Roderick Hill, Lestat
Christopher Innvar, The Threepenny Opera
Timothy Jerome, Tarzan
Donnie Kehr, Jersey Boys
Donnie Keshawarz, Tarzan
Chad Kimball, Lennon
Eddie Korbich, The Drowsy Chaperone
Garth Kravits, The Drowsy Chaperone
Jason Kravits, The Drowsy Chaperone
Carlos Leon, The Threepenny Opera
Michael Longoria, Jersey Boys
Mark Lotito, Jersey Boys
Daniel Manche, Tarzan
Terrance Mann, Lennon
Michael McCormick, The Pajama Game
Lou Myers, The Color Purple
Dominic Nolfi, Jersey Boys
Richard Poe, The Pajama Game
Michael Potts, Lennon
Brian Charles Rooney, The Threepenny Opera
Alex Rutherford, Tarzan
Drew Sarich, Lestat
Jim Stanek, Lestat
FEATURED ACTRESS-MUSICAL
I’m Thinking… Lock
Felicia P. Fields, The Color Purple
I Wouldn’t Be Completely Surprised If…
Carolee Carmello, Lestat
Merle Dandridge, TarzanAnn Duquesnay, Hot Feet
Georgia Engel, The Drowsy Chaperone
Felicia Finley, The Wedding Singer
Allison Fischer, Lestat
Rita Gardner, The Wedding Singer
Ana Gasteyer, The Threepenny Opera
Cyndi Lauper, The Threepenny Opera
Megan Lawrence, The Pajama Game
Beth Leavel, The Drowsy Chaperone
Lauren Molina, Sweeney Todd
Roz Ryan, The Pajama Game
Amy Spanger, The Wedding Singer
Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, The Color Purple
Ummm… Probably Not
Donna Lynne Champlin, Sweeney Todd
Joyce Chittick, The Pajama Game
Angela Christian, The Woman in White
Julie Danao, Lennon
Carol Dennis, The Color Purple
Diana DiMarzio, Sweeney Todd
Heather Ferguson, Jersey Boys
Mandy Gonzalez, Lennon
Marcy Harriell, Lennon
Kecia Lewis-Evans, The Drowsy Chaperone
Sarah Livingston, Hot Feet
Beth Malone, Ring of Fire
Maureen Moore, The Threepenny Opera
Cass Morgan, Ring of Fire
Julia Murney, Lennon
Jennifer Naimo, Jersey Boys
Liana Ortiz, Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life
Jill Paice, The Woman in White
Erica Piccininni, Jersey Boys
Sara Schmidt, Jersey Boys
Wynonna Smith, Hot Feet
Jennifer Smith, The Drowsy Chaperone
Lari White, Ring of Fire
Maia Nkenge Wilson, The Color Purple
Virgina Woodruff, The Color Purple
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
A quick post because I care...
I have no time to write a thorough analysis as I'm exhausted, but I wanted to point out what might be evidence of a change in theater journalism. In the last few days, two previewing shows have essentially been reviewed in major publications. There is the New York Magazine cover story on Julia Roberts, which sort of says her screen charm doesn't translate. The author of the theater then notably says: "This isn't a review. That would be unfair (even though my ticket was once more than $250)." More overt is the horrible Roger Friedman review of Lestat posted on Foxnews.com. I think my favorite line of that is "Almost nothing can prepare you for Lestat." Now would these things be so noticeable if they were both really positive assessments? No. Haven't columnists (Riedel and others) been making little digs like this for years and years? Yes. Nevertheless these stand out--maybe because they both attack huge targets (a gigantic movie star and a big-budget musical) or possibly because they arrived in quick succession.
What does this all mean? Is the Broadway tradition of waiting until opening falling away? I think it just might be, slowly. Personally, I love tradition, so I am sort of for the waiting. However I've often wondered why journalists continue to respect the preview period since reduced-priced previews have been all but demolished. If people who come before opening are paying the same as people who come after, shouldn't they be seeing a performance good enough to be reviewed? Are there shows that are worthy of people paying $100 but not worthy of being assessed by David Rooney? I am all about the questions.
OK, sleep time. I'm getting old.
What does this all mean? Is the Broadway tradition of waiting until opening falling away? I think it just might be, slowly. Personally, I love tradition, so I am sort of for the waiting. However I've often wondered why journalists continue to respect the preview period since reduced-priced previews have been all but demolished. If people who come before opening are paying the same as people who come after, shouldn't they be seeing a performance good enough to be reviewed? Are there shows that are worthy of people paying $100 but not worthy of being assessed by David Rooney? I am all about the questions.
OK, sleep time. I'm getting old.
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