Hello and thank you for being a DL contributor. We are changing the login scheme for contributors for simpler login and to better support using multiple devices. Please click here to update your account with a username and password.

Hello. Some features on this site require registration. Please click here to register for free.

Hello and thank you for registering. Please complete the process by verifying your email address. If you can't find the email you can resend it here.

Hello. Some features on this site require a subscription. Please click here to get full access and no ads for $1.99 or less per month.

THEATRE GOSSIP #243: “Pantie Get Your Gun!” edition

As you were.

by Anonymousreply 604March 31, 2019 6:02 PM

Re Roz and Gypsy, she was actually coming off A Majority of One, where she was miscast in a Gertrude Berg role. Auntie Mame was back in 1958 (the movie, I mean), though she got some Oscar action for it in early ‘59.

by Anonymousreply 1February 11, 2019 12:53 AM

Speaking of panties, Carol kept flashing hers to the extreme embarrassment of David Letterman.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 2February 11, 2019 1:03 AM

Speaking of dyslexia, I believe this thread should be 343, not 243.

by Anonymousreply 3February 11, 2019 1:16 AM

A sloppy title.

by Anonymousreply 4February 11, 2019 2:21 AM

With Kiss Me Kate and Oklahoma beginning preview soo, this thread may actually be inspired to be truly witty.

by Anonymousreply 5February 11, 2019 2:24 AM

[quote]r4 A sloppy title.

Some panties ARE sloppy!

You'd prefer [italic]Pantie Mame?[/italic]

by Anonymousreply 6February 11, 2019 4:32 AM

What's the Gossip on Caissie Levy? She was great in Hair, but I have no interest on seeing her in that princess show, and she comes off as cold (no pun intended) in interviews and in appearances like 54 below etc.

by Anonymousreply 7February 11, 2019 5:15 AM

Pantie Puts Her Hair Up

by Anonymousreply 8February 11, 2019 5:21 AM

You realize nobody is going to find this thread and eventually someone will start a properly numbered thread 343.

by Anonymousreply 9February 11, 2019 5:28 AM

^^ pantywaist

by Anonymousreply 10February 11, 2019 6:06 AM

And so it begins:

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 11February 11, 2019 6:09 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 12February 11, 2019 6:12 AM

Both are a mess.

Edition should be capped.

Annoying.

by Anonymousreply 13February 11, 2019 6:32 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 14February 11, 2019 6:34 AM

F&F r14

by Anonymousreply 15February 11, 2019 7:59 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 16February 11, 2019 3:45 PM

The Prom is hemorrhaging money.

by Anonymousreply 17February 11, 2019 10:14 PM

The Prom's days are numbered. It will be gone once the new crop of shows, like Tootsie and Beetlejuice, open.

by Anonymousreply 18February 12, 2019 12:14 AM

ugh, just the thought of TOOTSIE and BEETLEJUICE

by Anonymousreply 19February 12, 2019 12:27 AM

I want it to run so that Brooks can get a Tony nom!!

by Anonymousreply 20February 12, 2019 12:37 AM

oh dear god.

by Anonymousreply 21February 12, 2019 1:40 AM

I saw Gertrude Berg in A Majority of One. No film version would be better than the Rosalind Russell film.

by Anonymousreply 22February 12, 2019 1:51 AM

I've never seen Oh Dad, Poor Dad......

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 23February 12, 2019 6:26 PM

Wasn't Miss Francis Langella trying to make that happen with him in drag and Michael Urie as the boy?

by Anonymousreply 24February 12, 2019 11:38 PM

“Oh Dad, Poor Dad?” Really?

That’s another one Roz couldn’t pull off. They should have cast Hermine Gingold, who did the original.

by Anonymousreply 25February 13, 2019 4:21 AM

I can't see Hermione attired in this.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 26February 13, 2019 1:14 PM

I've seen the movie of OH, DAD...it's very poorly made and filmed, and I don't think you can blame the actors.

by Anonymousreply 27February 13, 2019 1:47 PM

[quote]r26 I can't see Hermione attired in this.....

It appears madam wore a chiffon caftan (?)

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 28February 13, 2019 4:56 PM

My favorite Hermione ditty....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 29February 13, 2019 4:58 PM

Hermione sure did have a way with words. When asked what she thought of the Statue of Liberty after seeing it for the first time, she responded, "How kind of them to build a statue of Judith Anderson in the harbor!"

by Anonymousreply 30February 13, 2019 5:12 PM

Ahhhhh....look, they still could do it.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 31February 13, 2019 7:33 PM

Very touching, that film clip

by Anonymousreply 32February 14, 2019 4:24 AM

I first took Majority of One out of the library watched it with my mother and we were surprised at the end that she decides to Alec Guinness. I was surprised at first because this is a time when it was too controversial and they would remain friends. And even my mother said 'So she marries him!.

I then watched it on TCM and wasn't planning to because it is epic in length. It goes on a long time. Ray Danton helps a lot. I got caught up in it again and was shocked at the end when they decide to remain friends.

Do people know this movie has two endings and they both are in release?

by Anonymousreply 33February 14, 2019 5:15 AM

'she decides to marry'

by Anonymousreply 34February 14, 2019 8:57 AM

I can't see an Alec Guinness movie without thinking of his blind butler in "Murder By Death" or his chuckling Jacob Marley presenting Scrooge with his chain in hell. When Guinness played Hitler, I kept laughing because I kept hearing Guinness saying, "I prefer Rita", and "That's your opinion, big boy."

by Anonymousreply 35February 14, 2019 1:19 PM

Oh, that's tacky r35....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 36February 14, 2019 2:50 PM

For no reason.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 37February 14, 2019 5:19 PM

God, I love that song, r37! Proof positive that even a flop from times past could have a tune or two (and 70 GIRLS 70 has plenty) that had merit.; Today? Even the "hits" are forgettable.

by Anonymousreply 38February 14, 2019 5:24 PM

I wonder why Kathryn didn't get to warble a few notes, r32.

by Anonymousreply 39February 14, 2019 7:06 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 40February 14, 2019 9:14 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 41February 14, 2019 10:03 PM

This thread is a lot cooker the other, where a discussion of the “n” word has turned into an occasion for DL racists to have a field day using it.

by Anonymousreply 42February 15, 2019 11:50 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 43February 16, 2019 1:21 AM

Flossie Klotz is practically drooling with lust as she talks about seeing Alexis Smith walking up the steps to Hal's party in that clip from This is Your Life.

by Anonymousreply 44February 16, 2019 1:56 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 45February 16, 2019 1:56 AM

That was fun, r41. Nancy Anderson as Jennifer and Heidi Blickenstaff as Neely particularly looked appropriate. And Tovah as Lee Grant! Who was the hottie who played Neely's husband?

by Anonymousreply 46February 16, 2019 2:05 AM

The hunk was one time throuple member and current midtown boy Daniel Reichard. Who just wowed them in Louisville tonight.

by Anonymousreply 47February 16, 2019 5:14 AM

Hit it.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 48February 17, 2019 1:25 AM

Who was Daniel Reichard in a throuple with?

by Anonymousreply 49February 17, 2019 1:48 AM

Was Martha Plimpton supposed to be BRUNETTE Barbara Parkins?

by Anonymousreply 50February 17, 2019 1:49 AM

Let's be real. There's only ONE Neely O'Hara......

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 51February 17, 2019 1:59 AM

And only one Ann-Margrock......

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 52February 17, 2019 2:37 PM

[quote]This thread is a lot cooker the other, where a discussion of the “n” word has turned into an occasion for DL racists to have a field day using it.

I agree about this thread. The other one also ended in a flurry of thinly disguised racism regarding Norm Lewis in "The Music Man," which some moron then used as the title of the new thread.

by Anonymousreply 53February 17, 2019 2:55 PM

Happy Sunday!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 54February 17, 2019 3:14 PM

Pat is still with us. She's 88.

by Anonymousreply 55February 17, 2019 3:21 PM

A boring bway season. Everything sucks

by Anonymousreply 56February 17, 2019 3:33 PM

Verve.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 57February 17, 2019 3:57 PM

////

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 58February 17, 2019 4:11 PM

Putonyoursundayclothes......

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 59February 17, 2019 4:19 PM

r55 Is she still rockin' the ponytail?

by Anonymousreply 60February 17, 2019 4:21 PM

How about just plain "Sunday?"

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 61February 17, 2019 4:21 PM

This is from 2006, r60.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 62February 17, 2019 4:25 PM

Marti, Marti, Marti!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 63February 17, 2019 4:30 PM

so beautiful, r61. thanks.

by Anonymousreply 64February 17, 2019 4:32 PM

I have an audio of the full Actor's Fund VOD but it was really great to see those clips! Did anyone see VOD when it played downtown at the old Circle in the Square back in the 90's? Hilarious.

by Anonymousreply 65February 17, 2019 4:41 PM

[quote] I agree about this thread. The other one also ended in a flurry of thinly disguised racism regarding Norm Lewis in "The Music Man," which some moron then used as the title of the new thread.

Care to explain that or are you just talking out of your ass?

by Anonymousreply 66February 17, 2019 4:57 PM

Just drop it.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 67February 17, 2019 5:05 PM

My apologies R53. I did not realize there was a new thread #344 and thought you were talking about #343.

by Anonymousreply 68February 17, 2019 5:16 PM

[quote]R55 Is she still rockin' the ponytail?

I would love to think so.

by Anonymousreply 69February 17, 2019 6:32 PM

Those spiky bangs that Pat Suzuki sported back then had a funny name....something like "rat-nibbled bangs" I think? Anyone remember? They were the antithesis of Mamie Eisenhower bangs.

by Anonymousreply 70February 17, 2019 6:44 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 71February 17, 2019 9:44 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 72February 17, 2019 11:52 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 73February 18, 2019 12:12 AM

Ugga-Wugga Meatball

by Anonymousreply 74February 18, 2019 1:38 AM

Just ran across this. Her Lorelei really doesn't work, does it? Tricky role.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 75February 18, 2019 1:48 AM

Jack Viertal and the fickle finger of casting

by Anonymousreply 76February 18, 2019 1:49 AM

It hadn't occured to me that for the movie, I Love What I'm Doing turned into Ain't There Anyone Here....

by Anonymousreply 77February 18, 2019 1:54 AM

Her gown is perfection.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 78February 18, 2019 2:00 AM

And five years later that dress fit on her left leg only

by Anonymousreply 79February 18, 2019 2:31 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 80February 19, 2019 1:03 AM

I have a feeling a little of Tammy Grimes went a long way. It was certainly that way for TV audiences.

by Anonymousreply 81February 19, 2019 1:15 AM

You would be correct, r81. Though had she accepted Bewitched they may have been more accepting.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 82February 19, 2019 1:47 AM

Tammy is rather Betty Huttenish in that number at R80. Of course, a little Betty Hutton went an awfully long way, too.

by Anonymousreply 83February 19, 2019 1:51 AM

^^Huttonish.

by Anonymousreply 84February 19, 2019 1:52 AM

Or Betty Grabley.....

by Anonymousreply 85February 19, 2019 1:54 AM

Tammy sure is kooky is the opening credits of her failed sitcom. I had forgotten that she had been offered "Bewitched." Coincidentally, her co-star in "The Tammy Grimes Show" was "Richard" Sargent.

by Anonymousreply 86February 19, 2019 1:57 AM

Tammy's sitcom failed, but the opening credits were clearly the inspiration for Beth Howland being traumatized by drinking straws in the opening credits of "Alice."

by Anonymousreply 87February 19, 2019 2:11 AM

So true, r83......

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 88February 19, 2019 2:24 AM

when did this become all vintage all the time ?

by Anonymousreply 89February 19, 2019 2:49 AM

Somethin' WRONG with vintage?

by Anonymousreply 90February 19, 2019 3:18 AM

It's the sequined halter straps.

by Anonymousreply 91February 19, 2019 3:24 AM

If Tammy Grimes had accepted “Bewitched,” it probably would have been canceled after one season.

Fortunately, Tammy was firmly ensconced in the huge hit High Spirits at the point where she would have had to accept. She probably kicked herself when High Spirits started to fizzle and closed after barely a year.

by Anonymousreply 92February 19, 2019 3:32 AM

Did someone mention Betty Hutton and failed sitcoms?

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 93February 19, 2019 3:35 AM

Dick Sargent was Elizabeth Montgomery's first choice for Darrin but he was committed to the sitcom "Broadside," starring Kathleen Nolan and co-starring Sheila James. It flopped.

by Anonymousreply 94February 19, 2019 3:36 AM

Thank goodness. Dick York was way better. Dick Sargent stunk.

by Anonymousreply 95February 19, 2019 3:37 AM

At least Dick Sargent looked human.

by Anonymousreply 96February 19, 2019 4:00 AM

Tammy was the runner up for Desiree in A Little Night Music.

by Anonymousreply 97February 19, 2019 4:06 AM

When it came down to Tammy and Glynis, Glynis was chosen because she seemed more "vulnerable."

by Anonymousreply 98February 19, 2019 4:12 AM

Well if vintage is a problem, r89, perhaps....um....how about.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 99February 19, 2019 2:04 PM

I'll see your "Follies" and raise you Angela Lansbury in "Gypsy."

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 100February 19, 2019 3:18 PM

TV wasn't Tammy's medium. Lucky to have seen her in both HIGH SPIRITS and PRIVATE LIVES. She was brilliant in both.

by Anonymousreply 101February 19, 2019 3:55 PM

Betty Hutton was great in movies and cinema audiences had no problem with her. It would be interesting to know why she became so difficult, needy and out of control. She's pretty frightened and desperate in her TCM interview and her children were estranged from her. There seems to be a whole chunk of her life we know nothing about and Osborne certainly did not go there.

by Anonymousreply 102February 19, 2019 3:57 PM

I remember tuning in to TCM years ago just to see what was on happening upon that interview. I was wondering, "Who's this shriveled old lady Robert Osborne is interviewing?" Then she mentioned something about "Annie Get Your Gun," and I realized it was Betty Hutton, whom I never would have recognized. Her memory seemed unreliable at that point. She kept talking about how badly she was treated during the making of "Annie," saying it was because everyone wanted Judy to play the role and not her. She made a big point of saying that, because of that treatment, she never made another movie. Robert Osborne gently reminded her that "The Greatest Show on Earth" came afterward. It was a very hard interview to watch.

by Anonymousreply 103February 19, 2019 4:08 PM

Thank you, r100. Saw her in Denver. She was the best Rose. Loved her kicks in Together.

by Anonymousreply 104February 19, 2019 4:14 PM

[quote]Somethin' WRONG with vintage? —Miss Mazeppa

If there was something new that was as good or better that wasn’t the result of pandering to douchebros deafened by Power Rangers, Eminem, boy bands, and numetal.

by Anonymousreply 105February 19, 2019 4:22 PM

Then we’d talk about that:

by Anonymousreply 106February 19, 2019 4:23 PM

[quote]The Prom is hemorrhaging money.

?In Ropsie's day she woyld have championed it.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 107February 19, 2019 4:32 PM

I love Titanic

by Anonymousreply 108February 19, 2019 4:47 PM

It doesn't get much respect on DL, but I love "Titanic," also.

by Anonymousreply 109February 19, 2019 7:38 PM

Titanic was certainly a 'Hey it's not so bad.' show.

by Anonymousreply 110February 19, 2019 7:50 PM

Titanic was dreadful, unnecessary and stupid.

by Anonymousreply 111February 19, 2019 7:55 PM

Sort of like your comment, R111.

by Anonymousreply 112February 19, 2019 7:57 PM

R48 Here kitty kitty kitty kitty kitty kitty.....

by Anonymousreply 113February 19, 2019 8:02 PM

Is there no # 344 thread yet? Is this the most current theatre thread then?

by Anonymousreply 114February 19, 2019 10:39 PM

Here you are, r114. Unfortunately the OP of 344 didn't space out the number sign and the hyphen in the thread title, so searching for "344" gets you nothing, When I search for a new Theatre Gossip thread by the number and nothing comes up, I usually then search "theatre" or "gossip" in case the OP made just such a mistake. It always gets me the right results.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 115February 19, 2019 10:50 PM

Ta, darlink!

by Anonymousreply 116February 19, 2019 10:57 PM

Sorry typo... " The Prom" in Rosie's day she would have championed it.

by Anonymousreply 117February 19, 2019 11:33 PM

It is absurd to search by the number to try to find a thread

Start with “theatre” and if there’s a gap, try “theater”

It works 100% of the time

by Anonymousreply 118February 20, 2019 3:07 PM

We haven't heard from Betty Hutton in a while.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 119February 21, 2019 3:41 AM

Just type in 'gossip' and the number of the thread. Works every time.

by Anonymousreply 120February 21, 2019 4:07 AM

^ that requires that you know the next number. Searching on "Theatre" brings up all of the threads, in date order. "Gossip" does, too.

by Anonymousreply 121February 21, 2019 12:46 PM

^except "gossip" is more generic and mixes in other topics. More rare for there to be "theatre" in the title a post except for the gossip threads.

by Anonymousreply 122February 21, 2019 12:48 PM

Titanic had so many characters, the audience ended up not caring for any of them. I remember being relieved that the old couple died.

by Anonymousreply 123February 21, 2019 1:12 PM

I cared about David Garrison. But then I always care about David Garrison.

by Anonymousreply 124February 21, 2019 1:18 PM

LOL

That show is all about the opening and closing, for sure. The ones who say otherwise are just being contrarian

by Anonymousreply 125February 21, 2019 1:19 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 126February 21, 2019 11:37 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 127February 21, 2019 11:54 PM

The UK production of Oklahoma! this summer looks like it’ll either be brilliant or a complete train wreck.

Rehearsals for the Broadway transfer of West End smash hit Ink start Monday. What do we think, will it be the next Ferryman or the next Enron?

by Anonymousreply 128February 22, 2019 11:18 AM

The new Broadway Oklahoma is going to really shock and anger audiences who don't understand what they've let themselves in for. I do wonder if it will be somehow "softened" a bit from what was seen at St. Ann's?

by Anonymousreply 129February 22, 2019 12:25 PM

I doubt it will be softened, r129; this creative team likely would forgo a transfer if it involved any tinkering. But you are correct: B'way audiences may be really shocked. Those who are angry may calm down when they realize that R&H's intent has been honored; this was always a very dark show.

by Anonymousreply 130February 22, 2019 1:14 PM

Jeanne Eagels died the year "The Letter" was released (1929). She was nominated for an Academy Award as best actress for her role, the first posthumous Oscar nomination.

by Anonymousreply 131February 22, 2019 1:52 PM

Glorius. No shame for those here who are tone deaf. This is simply thrilling.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 132February 22, 2019 4:16 PM

R130 On the current tv commercial for "Oklahoma!", the title song being sung in the background has a kind of bitter, acerbic quality, without very much harmony, which rather seems to hint that this won't be a standard version of it. I do love the vocal arrangements of the original title number though, very rich and memorable.

by Anonymousreply 133February 22, 2019 5:21 PM

I was brought up on the Oklahoma OBC and I love it a lot, so I went kicking and screaming to St. Ann's last fall and expected to hate and resent their production. It was challenging and not entirely comfortable, but it was also fresh and original in its concept and performed by really wonderful actor-singers (Ali Stroker alone is worth the price of a ticket). I'm glad to have seen it.

by Anonymousreply 134February 22, 2019 5:32 PM

r124 I always heard Garrison is seriously hung

by Anonymousreply 135February 22, 2019 5:52 PM

I have always found the seriously hung to be extraordinarily amusing.

by Anonymousreply 136February 22, 2019 5:55 PM

If they are smart, they will completely rework the dream ballet in the Broadway-bound Oklahoma! The angry dyke in a t-shirt dancing mostly solo while cowboy boots fell from the rafters was such a WTF moment.

by Anonymousreply 137February 22, 2019 6:46 PM

"Those who are angry may calm down when they realize that R&H's intent has been honored; this was always a very dark show."

Oh, please. OKLAHOMA, written at the height of the war, is a joyous celebration of American pioneer spirit, and its "darkness" is solely rooted in the worm-at-the-heart-of-the-apple threat (social, sexual, isolationist) that Jud Fry represents to the community. Once he's eliminated, the moral order is restored. Except for Ali Stroker's performance, the St Ann production has about as much joy and community spirit as a wake, and doesn't begin to honor the authors' intentions.

by Anonymousreply 138February 22, 2019 6:56 PM

A big disappointment was finding out Garrison is straight straight straight. I mean he is just so good in musicals with the sunniest of smiles.

How does anyone know he is seriously hung?

by Anonymousreply 139February 22, 2019 7:16 PM

[quote]How does anyone know he is seriously hung?

I haven't a clue.

by Anonymousreply 140February 22, 2019 7:58 PM

Garrison is close to 70 (and a bit of a dried out prune in person). Does it really matter any more?

by Anonymousreply 141February 22, 2019 8:05 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 142February 22, 2019 9:24 PM

Titanic - one big opener and a show full of dreadful music.

by Anonymousreply 143February 22, 2019 9:41 PM

Dreadful if you have a tin ear, maybe.

by Anonymousreply 144February 22, 2019 9:49 PM

Honey lamb, r144, it's not that it's dreadful, just not particularly distinguished. Let's face it, that opening is pretty thin stuff--bombastic, nicely sung, but thin--and doesn't really capture the British/Elgarian "nobilamente" sound of the period. To these professional, very un-tin ears, it has more of a Hollywood crossing-the-plains-in-a-covered-wagon Western feel to it.

But if it's thrilling you want (start at 4'20")...

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 145February 22, 2019 10:31 PM

Well aren't you just full of yourself, R145.

by Anonymousreply 146February 22, 2019 10:40 PM

Has Cynthia Ervio commented on the Jussie Smollett situation yet?

by Anonymousreply 147February 23, 2019 12:10 PM

I think r145 has previously explained to us how wonderful it is to be him, r146. Possibly it was in a music-oriented thread rather than theater gossip, but his tone seems familiar.

by Anonymousreply 148February 23, 2019 1:23 PM

R148, I suspect that R145 might be the same "highly trained professional" who is always declaring that certain Broadway singers can't in fact, sing at all. He recently pronounced on the other theater thread that Raul Esparza can't sing.

by Anonymousreply 149February 23, 2019 3:01 PM

You may be right. On the other hand, to be perfectly fair, quite a few reasonable minds agree that Raul isn't such a good singer.

I think my highly trained professional did a good deal of pontificating on a recent-ish Bernstein thread--maybe the Jamie Bernstein memoir thread. In any event, he was completely insufferable, as might be expected from someone who calls himself a "highly trained professional."

by Anonymousreply 150February 23, 2019 3:15 PM

Not quite the same as saying Raul "can't sing."

by Anonymousreply 151February 23, 2019 3:19 PM

It’s not so much that Raul can’t sing as he shouldn’t sing. He can carry a tune, certainly, but he has an ugly, strident and unpleasant voice.

by Anonymousreply 152February 23, 2019 3:23 PM

I will concede that, r152, but your attempt at judiciousness is a little late.

by Anonymousreply 153February 23, 2019 3:31 PM

it seems to get more like braying as he gets older. TTB tones were open and more appealing

by Anonymousreply 154February 23, 2019 5:10 PM

I don't braaaaaay.

by Anonymousreply 155February 23, 2019 6:38 PM

[quote]To these professional, very un-tin ears, it has more of a Hollywood crossing-the-plains-in-a-cover - ed-wagon Western feel to it.

Perhaps you might enjoy it more if you actually pulled your head out of your ass.

by Anonymousreply 156February 23, 2019 7:16 PM

Marry me, r156.

by Anonymousreply 157February 23, 2019 7:19 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 158February 24, 2019 2:36 PM

The Prom is excellent.

by Anonymousreply 159February 24, 2019 2:52 PM

R158, the same number sung by a much cuter guy.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 160February 24, 2019 2:54 PM

I saw Esparza in Anyone Can Whistle. Only time I've seen him. Enjoyed his performance very much and don't remember thinking when he sang this guy should not be doing musicals.

by Anonymousreply 161February 24, 2019 2:59 PM

Was that before or after Company. r161?

by Anonymousreply 162February 24, 2019 3:03 PM

I'm not sure. Maybe after as I knew his name. Anybody else see him in ACW and what did you think?

by Anonymousreply 163February 24, 2019 3:14 PM

I don't really want to keep the Raul argument going, but I can't imagine he'd be worse than Harry Guardino in ACW. I saw his Company and could not bear his "Being Alive."

by Anonymousreply 164February 24, 2019 3:18 PM

Saw Raul in "Company" on TV - hated that production, and Raul's singing was very hard to listen to. He was better though very overshadowed by Leslie Odom, Jr. in "Leap of Faith". I did see Raul in a Shakespeare in the Park a few years ago where they added a song for him -- was it "Cymbelline"? -- doing a kind of jazzy number and his voice had improved markedly.

by Anonymousreply 165February 24, 2019 3:44 PM

Where did Esparza do Anyone Can Whistle? Was it a concert or a full production?

by Anonymousreply 166February 24, 2019 3:44 PM

Encores.

by Anonymousreply 167February 24, 2019 3:59 PM

2010 Encores!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 168February 24, 2019 4:00 PM

Encores! did "Anyone Can Whistle" back in 2010, so it was after Raul did "Company."

by Anonymousreply 169February 24, 2019 4:01 PM

Well, maybe it was better suited to his voice. I remember reading about this--I'll bet Donna was amazing.

by Anonymousreply 170February 24, 2019 4:06 PM

Cue the "Donna sings flat" troll in 5, 4, 3 . . .

by Anonymousreply 171February 24, 2019 4:07 PM

Yes, as good as in WT. And I can't believe I enjoyed Sutton. Didn't like her at all in TMM.

by Anonymousreply 172February 24, 2019 4:14 PM

Sutton was in "The Music Man"?

by Anonymousreply 173February 24, 2019 4:16 PM

The other one.

by Anonymousreply 174February 24, 2019 4:30 PM

Sutton Foster IS Harriet Hill!

There were balls/In my pants/But I never felt them swinging/No, I never felt them at all/'Til there was you

by Anonymousreply 175February 24, 2019 4:35 PM

[quote]Sutton Foster IS Harriet Hill!

Excuse me? I was Professor CAROL Hill

by Anonymousreply 176February 24, 2019 4:40 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 177February 24, 2019 9:39 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 178February 24, 2019 9:41 PM

R171, I love Donna Murphy and think she's a great singer, but she does have a pitch problem sometimes. The only time it's ever really bothered me was in this Into the Woods clip.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 179February 24, 2019 11:05 PM

[quote]Thank goodness. Dick York was way better. Dick Sargent stunk.

I disagree. I much preferred Sargent in the part. York was hyper and completely one note. He didn't even seem like a real person.

by Anonymousreply 180February 24, 2019 11:51 PM

Not particularly on topic, but I just came across this.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 181February 25, 2019 1:26 AM

Donna Murphy has pitch problems often. Her body is in extreme tension when she sings. She is not a great singer--or even a good singer. She can occasionally be an effective performer.

by Anonymousreply 182February 25, 2019 1:39 AM

I'll take effective, r182!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 183February 25, 2019 2:11 AM

Dick York was fascinating and offbeat. The other Dick was a stick of wood and predictable. I preferred York.

by Anonymousreply 184February 25, 2019 2:14 AM

Raul Esparza can’t sing. Deal with it.

by Anonymousreply 185February 25, 2019 2:35 AM

Is Merrily, We Roll Along really that awful as the reviewers say,

Posters on AllThatChat were having orgasms over how wonderful it was ..until the reviews came out. Now they hate it.

by Anonymousreply 186February 25, 2019 2:42 AM

I saw it in previews and hated it.

by Anonymousreply 187February 25, 2019 2:53 AM

Everyone always said Urinetown was killed by a bad title and bad marketing, but I think its biggest problem was being unfinished. It tried to do the same thing Spamalot/Something Rotten did by throwing a bunch of musical theater pastiches together instead of actually developing new jokes. Spamalot was successful because of the name recognition and Sara R's miraculous performance, Something Rotten was successful in Britain because theatre audience's there have no taste (it rightfully crashed and burned here). Urinetown is probably score to book the best show of the three, but it still runs out of steam plot wise, and could really use two or three rounds of punching up.

by Anonymousreply 188February 25, 2019 3:01 AM

I saw Spamalot just after Sara Ramirez left.

I didn’t laugh once

by Anonymousreply 189February 25, 2019 3:06 AM

Something Rotten has never been staged in Britain.

by Anonymousreply 190February 25, 2019 3:07 AM

I love Donna Murphy. She was absolutely perfect in Wonderful Town

by Anonymousreply 191February 25, 2019 3:07 AM

r190... uh, yes it did? Shakespeare was born there!

by Anonymousreply 192February 25, 2019 3:13 AM

Well that's a compelling argument. Doesn't change the fact it's never been staged in Britain.

by Anonymousreply 193February 25, 2019 3:19 AM

Urinetown did quite well. It gets done a lot regionally and in schools. There was concern that the title would kill it before it opened. But since it was a hit, no one says that any more, R188

by Anonymousreply 194February 25, 2019 3:22 AM

Sargent was the one note actor. Nothing to the character but a bitchy unhappy unfunny bitter queen with the sexual appetite of a slug. Even lying down York had more energy with Montgomery.

In the show there was nothing between Sargent and Montgomery. Just air.

by Anonymousreply 195February 25, 2019 3:23 AM

r193 Ok, well technically you are correct that it was never "staged" in Britain, it just OCCURRED in Britain, and it was very, very successful.

by Anonymousreply 196February 25, 2019 3:29 AM

R196 Even that's not right, the entire point of the show is that the main character has no success so he has to resort to trying to steal from Shakespeare.

by Anonymousreply 197February 25, 2019 3:37 AM

R186, I bought tickets to it because my co-worker liked it so much. We shall see.

R195, that's interesting given that I heard Sargent and Montgomery were great friends in real life. I did not mind him as Darrin, though York of course was much better.

by Anonymousreply 198February 25, 2019 3:38 AM

R198 that's why I said 'In the show.' I know they were good friends but as playing man and wife they had no chemistry. York was a way better actor than Sargent.

by Anonymousreply 199February 25, 2019 3:42 AM

This Merrily is ruined by some very bad casting, truly ugly design and sloppy direction.

I still think it's a wonderful show waiting for that production that finally gets it right.

by Anonymousreply 200February 25, 2019 4:06 AM

Saw this Merrily. Badly cast.

by Anonymousreply 201February 25, 2019 4:27 AM

[quote]r200 I still think it's a wonderful show waiting for that production that finally gets it right.

It's terrible how they NEVER give that show a second chance!

by Anonymousreply 202February 25, 2019 4:41 AM

I never feel like Donna Murphy is so off as to be unpleasant to my ears. Maybe she's just a very talented actress who can sell a song even if she's not singing it brilliantly. Kinda like Tyne Daly in Gypsy. People still talk about how her singing hurt their ears during the show, but I never noticed her going far off pitch and she seemed to know when she was incapable of holding a note and would allow it to drop off before it got uncomfortable.

by Anonymousreply 203February 25, 2019 5:30 AM

[quote]Something Rotten was successful in Britain because theatre audience's there have no taste (it rightfully crashed and burned here).

Are you drunk? Besides never having been done in Britain, it didn’t crash and burn here. It ran successfully for 742 performances, and is in the third year of a national tour.

by Anonymousreply 204February 25, 2019 5:39 AM

Dick York scared me as a child. He had no sense of humor and all he did was act exasperated and shout. I was glad when he left. He was loud and insane, Gladys Kravitz ( with both Alice Pearce and Sandra Gould) was loud and insane, Uncle Arthur was loud and insane, Dr. Bombay was insane if not loud. And Sam and Endora were vivid and colorful. The show needed a straight man.

by Anonymousreply 205February 25, 2019 5:45 AM

[quote]The show needed a straight man.

Because they cast so many gay men and women? (And yes, I know that’s not what you meant by “straight man”). But it was surprising how gay this cast was.

by Anonymousreply 206February 25, 2019 8:50 AM

I agree about Donna Murphy in Wonderful Town. She was fantastic. Too bad she's never played Rose in Gypsy. Is it too late?

by Anonymousreply 207February 25, 2019 11:40 AM

[quote]Raul Esparza can’t sing. Deal with it.

R185 isn't terribly bright. He doesn't understand the meaning of the word "opinion" and can't seem to accept that other people's opinions might differ from his.

by Anonymousreply 208February 25, 2019 2:37 PM

I just ran across this. Is it worth listening to?

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 209February 25, 2019 2:52 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 210February 25, 2019 2:54 PM

wow!

by Anonymousreply 211February 25, 2019 3:04 PM

Dench, Mills, and Gable together in one musical? I would have died.

by Anonymousreply 212February 25, 2019 3:51 PM

That recording is a stitch. It basically screams BAD ENGLISH MUSICAL. (And I say this as a fan of bad English musicals.)

by Anonymousreply 213February 25, 2019 4:31 PM

R208 is a stupid tasteless cunt, and he objectively cannot sing. Period. Suck on that, twat. And you’re blocked for being a stan and a moron.

by Anonymousreply 214February 25, 2019 4:53 PM

Some of GOOD COMPANIONS is wonderful. Johnny Mercer and Andre Previn come up with a few winners ("Dance of Life", "Camaraderie", "Stage Struck Me"), and the whole thing is entertaining most of the time and at the very least well-crafted and competent always.

The show was actually a critical hit, but out of touch with the times and the political situation in London then. The York did it as a Mufti a few years back.

Mercer's last theatrical score. Bing Crosby covered one of the tunes (Pleasure of Your Company) in a duet with Mercer.

by Anonymousreply 215February 25, 2019 5:04 PM

A LITTLE TRAVELING MUSIC is probably the most delightful song in the score.

by Anonymousreply 216February 25, 2019 6:25 PM

For no reason.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 217February 25, 2019 7:33 PM

R217 Ruth Williamson is a musical theater treasure, having seen her playing Lady Beekman opposite Alice Ripley as Lorelei in the L.A. Reprise production of "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" or dramatically exclaiming, "Chez Jacqueline!" in the 2005 revival of "La Cage Aux Folles". I've seen a video of her Eulalie McKechnie Shinn, but I had seen the other Ruth (Gotschall) who replaced her towards the end of the run.

by Anonymousreply 218February 25, 2019 7:43 PM

Something Rotteb May have run for a year and half on Broadway but it only recouped 15% of investors principal when it closed. That number will have increased due to the tour but it was a financial success. And many investors were upset that it recouped so little after its 700 performances.

by Anonymousreply 219February 25, 2019 8:36 PM

Ruth Williamson was also pretty amazing in that off-Broadway musical, “The Green Heart.” I kind of enjoyed it.

by Anonymousreply 220February 25, 2019 9:16 PM

[quote]Too bad she's never played Rose in Gypsy. Is it too late?

She’s only 61. Barely old enough!

by Anonymousreply 221February 25, 2019 9:49 PM

I saw a production of "The Good Companions" in SF about 20 years ago. I loved the score, all the songs except "All Mucked Up," and thought it was charming but rather twee. I can see why it couldn't last during a time when London was under siege from IRA bombers.

by Anonymousreply 222February 26, 2019 1:04 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 223February 26, 2019 1:20 AM

I'll take a twee musical any day rather than a Broadway musical based on the life of Dolly Parton. And I like Dolly Parton.

by Anonymousreply 224February 26, 2019 5:06 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 225February 26, 2019 4:35 PM

[quote] Dick York scared me as a child. He had no sense of humor and all he did was act exasperated and shout. I was glad when he left. He was loud and insane.

I thought York had much better comic timing (as the straight man for all the crazies around him). He could do a slow burn and a tantrum. But keep in mind that when they did the switch, they may have wanted to calm Darren down a bit. After all, York played the role from when Darren and Samantha were first married. By the time Sargent came along, Darren had seen and experienced so much in the way of witchcraft that I would imagine Sargent's less exasperated take on the role felt like a natural progression for the character. How many times can you blow your stack at the same thing? After a while you just stop reacting the same way, if for nothing else than to conserve energy.

by Anonymousreply 226February 26, 2019 5:13 PM

But did they have to have a Darren who did nothing but look pissed?

by Anonymousreply 227February 26, 2019 5:16 PM

What other songs do fans of Yestons TITANIC like?

For me, the duet over the Morse code is stunning. Beautiful music theatre, in writing and in performance. I’ll see if I can find a link.

by Anonymousreply 228February 26, 2019 7:22 PM

I did like the ominous moment when the food cart started slowly rolling by itself.

by Anonymousreply 229February 26, 2019 7:48 PM

“No Moon” which was unfortunately marred by the stupid toy boat as the curtain fell.

by Anonymousreply 230February 26, 2019 8:18 PM

Here's rehearsal video of "The Night Was Alive" (the Morse code duet) from the 2014 reunion concert at Avery Fisher Hall with the original cast members, Brian D'Arcy James and Martin Moran.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 231February 26, 2019 8:30 PM

Thanks R231.

I really love so much of that score. I blame much of the failure of the Bway production on the director, the staging, and the hideous production design.

I’ve been saying for 20+ years that TITANIC is a great American musical just waiting to be found.

by Anonymousreply 232February 26, 2019 8:40 PM

Signature Theatre outside D.C. did a very well-received production of "Titanic" a couple of years ago. I saw the original in 1997 and thoroughly enjoyed the Signature version, even though it was directed by Eric Schaeffer, who can be something of a hack.

by Anonymousreply 233February 26, 2019 8:58 PM

Well I mean if you're going to do a musical version of the Titanic it does not only need an ingenious director but a lavish budget and this looked cheap as hell. You need it to be emotionally and visually overwhelming. And the producers were clearly not going to spend the money needed for it to be a visual tour de force like Phantom. If you want to see a disaster musical on Broadway you want to see the disaster especially now when it's only the tourists that can make a musical with a large cast a success.

I still though enjoyed that original production.

by Anonymousreply 234February 26, 2019 9:01 PM

The Signature production of Titanic was genuinely terrific. I think it moved to Korea in a proscenium version which they’re now trying to get to Broadway.

by Anonymousreply 235February 26, 2019 9:44 PM

What about the production of titanic on a platform on a lake? I give that production credit for having gumption!

by Anonymousreply 236February 26, 2019 10:29 PM

That's really lovely, r231. Thanks.

by Anonymousreply 237February 26, 2019 10:34 PM

The Signature "Titanic" got some of its inspiration from the Cameron movie (which opened several months after the musical in 1997). Effects after the sinking included floating bodies and props (suspended on wires).

by Anonymousreply 238February 26, 2019 10:45 PM

For anyone that says Raul can’t sing.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 239February 26, 2019 10:58 PM

Like it or not, the Broadway Titanic production and costume design did not come cheap, even if it looked cheap.

Looking for a fresh path into the material, The Dodgers hired edgy Brit director Richard Jones, mostly known for avant garde opera and radical takes on classic theater, and he hired Scottish designer Stewart Laing, who had a similar aesthetic and, like Jones, had no commercial credits of note and certainly no experience on Broadway. The entire creative team was not looking to produce any kind of old-fashioned spectacle nor, for that matter, any sort of reality.

Ultimately, it all looked awkward and insubstantial and was not compelling.

by Anonymousreply 240February 26, 2019 11:08 PM

Raul can definitely sing, but he is sorta cold. He's like the male Betty Buckley. He was definitely wrong for Bobby which is a charm role if ever there was one. In fact, it's one of the most shallow characters ever written. He's there to be charming and make his friends laugh. For that character to work, you need someone with a great personality and a certain likability and Raul doesn't have that.

by Anonymousreply 241February 26, 2019 11:35 PM

R188 is the Bunny. Don't be the bunny.

by Anonymousreply 242February 27, 2019 6:52 AM

R241 Bobby should really be charming -- he was originally played by the uber-adorable, handsome and affable star of many Disney films, Dean Jones.

R225 Scott Jarvis later went into "Oh! Calcutta!" and appeared totally nude in the their show's book that was for sale (not the Playbill). Very handsome guy who died too young.

I love "The Good Companions". I believe it got fine reviews, but business dropped off when there were a lot of iRA bombings in London at that time. John Mills had a very nice singing voice, Judi Dench is just right for her role, Christopher Gable must have been wonderful and Marti Webb had a powerhouse voice. The score is very enjoyable, and it should have been very popular among theater folk, as it is about a traveling group of actor/singers. I saw the Mufti some years ago, and I really thought it deserved a longer run.

by Anonymousreply 243February 27, 2019 7:03 AM

There's also an earlier musical film version (1933) of "Good Companions" (without the Previn/Mercer score) with Jessie Matthews and a young John Gielgud which is worth checking out.

by Anonymousreply 244February 27, 2019 7:06 AM

I figured Titanic cost a lot of money. It just looked like it didn't. A regional theater production with a somewhat better than usual budget.

by Anonymousreply 245February 27, 2019 12:20 PM

The reviews say: "Dit dot dot dit dot dit; Pity you're not a hit; Quit you're a piece of shit; Go away"

by Anonymousreply 246February 27, 2019 12:38 PM

so not clever

by Anonymousreply 247February 27, 2019 6:20 PM

I saw the production of Titanic in DC, too, and it wasn't much of an improvement over the original. The opening was fine as was the (same) last song. There was one moment when the chandeliers started swaying that was effective. The rest of the time, I was bored to tears (again). You just don't get too involved in any one set of characters to really care about them. The score is not good enough to overcome the book. It will flop again if they revive. Consider that the other big late-90s show Ragtime was already revived and didn't do well AND it's a much better show AND that was a much better-directed production.

by Anonymousreply 248February 28, 2019 12:07 AM

r248 is nobody holding out for a Civil War revival? That was peak 90s style turgid melodrama cast of 100 characters nobody cares about schlock.

by Anonymousreply 249February 28, 2019 3:36 AM

Killer dress on Miss G....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 250February 28, 2019 3:43 PM

Oh look, she got another wearing out of it!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 251February 28, 2019 3:49 PM

Jessie's gown could only be described as "gossamer", r244.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 252February 28, 2019 3:56 PM

Jessie had a bit of a Joan Collins thing going on.

by Anonymousreply 253February 28, 2019 6:34 PM

New trailer for Fosse/Verdon.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 254February 28, 2019 6:45 PM

She's prettier than Verdon. I guess if you were as great a dancer as Gwen but were at her level of looks you wouldn't have gotten the role.

by Anonymousreply 255February 28, 2019 7:13 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 256March 1, 2019 2:38 AM

Broadway Rhythm!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 257March 2, 2019 1:48 AM

Like the execrable Come From Away, Titanic is one of those craven productions making bank off the backs of its tragic victims.

by Anonymousreply 258March 2, 2019 2:03 AM

Really? I have a feeling you haven’t seen either show.

Is Fiddler making bank off the pograms? Or Nabucco off of Jewish slaves?

by Anonymousreply 259March 2, 2019 2:10 AM

Oh well.............

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 260March 2, 2019 2:15 AM

Shakespeare made bank off of Caesar’s murder, And the princes in Richard III. And the

by Anonymousreply 261March 2, 2019 2:16 AM

Roots made bank off slavery!

And Assassins makes bank off of, well, assassinations.

by Anonymousreply 262March 2, 2019 2:33 AM

It’s never “off of.” Use “from.”

by Anonymousreply 263March 2, 2019 12:19 PM

Documentaries make bank off of tragic events where many people are victims of all sorts of terrible things.

Has one film critic ever cried Exploitation! at any of the Titanic films?

by Anonymousreply 264March 2, 2019 12:26 PM

[quote]Has one film critic ever cried Exploitation! at any of the Titanic films?

I did the moment James Cameron did that smarmy and utterly self-serving moment of silence at the Oscars.

by Anonymousreply 265March 2, 2019 1:50 PM

Making money off of the Nazis!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 266March 2, 2019 2:51 PM

The Titanic sank more than 100 years ago. If you don't want to see a musical or a movie based on a famous historical event, then don't. But it's silly at this point to characterize it as an exploitation of the victims. What about all the movies made about World War II? Those made during the war were often aimed at rallying support for the war (in terms of War Bond sales, etc.). Were those made since making money off the many who died?

by Anonymousreply 267March 2, 2019 2:55 PM

Do a musical about the War of 1812 for a change.

by Anonymousreply 268March 2, 2019 3:15 PM

What would Fourth of July fireworks displays be without the War of 1812 Overture?

by Anonymousreply 269March 2, 2019 3:19 PM

[quote]What would Fourth of July fireworks displays be without the War of 1812 Overture?

The closing credits of the [italic]Annie[/italic] movie.

by Anonymousreply 270March 2, 2019 3:39 PM

[quote]r264 Documentaries make bank off of tragic events where many people are victims of all sorts of terrible things.

Almost like THE WIFE did, with Glenn's rat face.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 271March 2, 2019 3:55 PM

R265 Did he really?! That is both hilarious and horrible. What a nasty man. Well not if he gave the profits of the film to the descendants of the victims.

by Anonymousreply 272March 2, 2019 4:01 PM

The victims of the sinking or the victims of having to sit through three hours of Leo’s unbearable smugness?

by Anonymousreply 273March 2, 2019 4:15 PM

So if Leo dies at the end we can say it was the first film about the Titanic to have a happy ending.

by Anonymousreply 274March 2, 2019 4:19 PM

But it did have a happy ending! Leo and Kate are happily reunited in the afterlife, to the delight and applause of all the other people who died in the sinking!

by Anonymousreply 275March 2, 2019 4:27 PM

^^ They're blissfully thinking, "It was all worth it!"

by Anonymousreply 276March 2, 2019 4:28 PM

^^That's exactly how it comes off!

by Anonymousreply 277March 2, 2019 4:32 PM

[quote]when did this become all vintage all the time ?

When clinically obese showtune queens in muu-muus took over the theatre threads.

by Anonymousreply 278March 2, 2019 4:34 PM

How shocking and unexpected that theater threads would attract musical theater queens who enjoy talking about classic shows rather than the dreck that's currently on Broadway.

by Anonymousreply 279March 2, 2019 4:38 PM

Are we supposed to be discussing Branson on the Hudson? That's not theater. It's dinner theater without the dinner.

by Anonymousreply 280March 2, 2019 4:41 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 281March 2, 2019 5:02 PM

The fabulous invalid is no longer fabulous.

by Anonymousreply 282March 2, 2019 5:15 PM

You don’t have to be an elder gay to be unimpressed with what passes for musical theatre in 2019.

by Anonymousreply 283March 2, 2019 5:23 PM

Amen to that.

by Anonymousreply 284March 2, 2019 5:40 PM

Maybe if Leo had given Kate Winslet first billing for the film, she'd have suggested there was room for him on that thing that saved her from drowning. Look at it -- there was room!

by Anonymousreply 285March 2, 2019 8:09 PM

She wanted him dead so she could mourn him for the rest of her life.

by Anonymousreply 286March 2, 2019 9:32 PM

As I recall. R285, at one point Leo starts to climb aboard, and it sinks under his weight, so he gives up on the idea.

by Anonymousreply 287March 3, 2019 12:24 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 288March 4, 2019 2:19 AM

That scene from Picnic is fascinating. Meeker projects a very different image than Holden in the movie. And the dance between him and Rule, though not the set piece it is in the movie, still has a raw power.

And Meeker’s butt is a joy to behold.

I love the way they still have the shirt-ripping moment. The male as object. Typical Josh Logan style.

by Anonymousreply 289March 4, 2019 2:41 AM

Next up on Dancing With the Stars, William and Kim.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 290March 4, 2019 3:18 AM

Meeker projects a different image because he is the right age for the character. Holden appears way too old for Hal.

I suspect that the dance and blocking were condensed to fit the space and time restraints of the Sullivan show.

by Anonymousreply 291March 4, 2019 4:55 AM

Holden's great looks and incredible charisma pull him through. The film still works beautifully and his age doesn't matter. He and Novak have wonderfully chemistry. A noticeably younger actor having all those older middle-aged hearts a flutter would make those women distasteful.

by Anonymousreply 292March 4, 2019 2:03 PM

The only time Holden's age really takes me out of the story is when he and the fresh-faced Cliff Robertson talk about having been in school together.

by Anonymousreply 293March 4, 2019 2:23 PM

Can you imagine an hour-long network show that featured the gamut of the entertainment world? Opera, rock and roll, stand-up comedians, plate spinners, a lengthy scene from a Broadway drama.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 294March 4, 2019 5:28 PM

Yes R293.

by Anonymousreply 295March 4, 2019 5:33 PM

Wishing Andrea Martin a speedy recovery. She has backed out of "Gary: A Sequel To Titus Andronicus " after breaking four ribs. After her acrobatic musical number in "Pippin", it is sad she undergoes a stage injury while on the stage, although an injury from being on the trapeze in "Pippin would have been undoubtedly worse. Kristine Nielsen has taken over Andrea's role from a supporting one, and Julie White is taking over Kristine's aprt.

by Anonymousreply 296March 4, 2019 5:49 PM

Nielsen & Nathan as costars. That sounds like agony for the audience

by Anonymousreply 297March 4, 2019 6:58 PM

Well, that helps me make a decision of what NOT to see when I'm in NYC next month.

by Anonymousreply 298March 5, 2019 7:07 PM

Can Kristine Nielsen utter even a single line of dialogue any more without commenting on it with her weird tics and winks?

by Anonymousreply 299March 5, 2019 7:33 PM

Such an......odd...movie.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 300March 9, 2019 1:10 AM

What fabulous project is Jake Gyllenhaal cooking up for a return to his first and best love, live musical theatre?

Why doesn’t he do ENCORES? Great visibility for a few weeks work?

Let’s find a show for Jake!

by Anonymousreply 301March 9, 2019 1:32 AM

But does Jodie have Broadway chops ?

Has she ever done live theatre? I don’t know if she even did plays as an undergrad at Yale.

by Anonymousreply 302March 9, 2019 1:46 AM

I think she did one, r302.

by Anonymousreply 303March 9, 2019 1:55 AM

[quote]But does Jodie have Broadway chops ?

Has she ever done live theatre? I don’t know if she even did plays as an undergrad at Yale.

Jodie was trained as a stage actress at Yale. According to people who were there she was an excellent actress and out to the theater department. She was also living with Tina Landau who would go on to her own fame as a director.

Then came John Hinckley, worldwide coverage, and paps everywhere on campus. Imagine dealing with that when you're only in your late teens. Jodie became uncomfortable with being onstage when there could be nuts in the dark of the audience.

She opted for the more controlable security of film sets and has always been super private. Hinckley was released a few years ago and is banned from any contact with Jodie. Yeah, restraining orders work so well too.

by Anonymousreply 304March 9, 2019 2:59 AM

[quote]Yeah, restraining orders work so well too.

Tell me about it.

by Anonymousreply 305March 9, 2019 5:04 AM

Rebecca Schaeffer did not have a restraining order on Bardo.

But, yes, they are pretty useless.

by Anonymousreply 306March 9, 2019 11:48 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 307March 9, 2019 2:58 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 308March 10, 2019 12:40 AM

More!!

by Anonymousreply 309March 10, 2019 1:41 AM

R306 Yeah, what a pundit you are. There's nothing funnier than a young woman being shot in the face by her stalker. Asshole.

by Anonymousreply 310March 10, 2019 2:21 AM

R310 here. That should have been for R305, not 306.

by Anonymousreply 311March 10, 2019 2:22 AM

[quote]r300 Such an......odd...movie.

Could that second chorud girl with the HEAD TOSS @ [bold]00:23[/bold] be a budding drag queen who's snuck in??

by Anonymousreply 312March 10, 2019 2:36 AM

GRIND

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 313March 10, 2019 10:11 PM

A rather millinery number......

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 314March 11, 2019 1:06 AM

Ann Sothern kicking up her heels with Chevalier

by Anonymousreply 315March 11, 2019 2:04 PM

Yale University has no undergrad theater department.

The Yale School of Drama is a graduate program.

Jody did not take any theater courses.

by Anonymousreply 316March 11, 2019 2:23 PM

I thought Jodie was a French major.

by Anonymousreply 317March 11, 2019 2:32 PM

R314 "What's all this fuss about gays in the millinery?"

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 318March 11, 2019 2:42 PM

Miss Lillian Roth.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 319March 11, 2019 4:43 PM

Lillian was delightful especially in that duet with Lupino Lane in The Love Parade 'Let's Be Common.' A wonderful talent. I wish I had seen 70 Girls 70 but it closed too quickly. And jesus it was about VERY old people. I didn't know at that the time who she was being so young. Remember the photos outside the Broadhurst.

by Anonymousreply 320March 11, 2019 5:56 PM

Miss Lightner certainly had a timeless belt.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 321March 13, 2019 1:00 AM

Be More Chill belongs on Saturday morning TV.

by Anonymousreply 322March 13, 2019 1:04 AM

Jodie Foster was not trained as a theatre actress. She did one play and that’s it.

by Anonymousreply 323March 13, 2019 1:10 AM

Yes, I already mentioned that, r323.

Can you not read?

by Anonymousreply 324March 13, 2019 1:40 AM

Anybody see this on stage (via Tune)?

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 325March 13, 2019 1:59 AM

Jodie had a decent singing voice and would be great in a musical, but I want to say I read somewhere that she's scared of the stage.

by Anonymousreply 326March 13, 2019 4:14 AM

R324 you’re posts aren’t worth reading.

by Anonymousreply 327March 13, 2019 5:13 AM

Your.

by Anonymousreply 328March 13, 2019 5:14 AM

Betty ain't got no ass!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 329March 14, 2019 4:24 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 330March 14, 2019 4:28 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 331March 14, 2019 9:53 PM

Hugh Jackson as Harold Hill...yeah! Not sorry. I go to see shows to enjoy them not rip them apart. Plus he called me mate once.

by Anonymousreply 332March 14, 2019 10:16 PM

What?

by Anonymousreply 333March 14, 2019 10:19 PM

Hutton was only 43 when she filmed that Burke's Law episode, but she looks a lot older.

by Anonymousreply 334March 14, 2019 11:29 PM

OMG, by today's standards Betty Hutton looks like she's 73.

by Anonymousreply 335March 15, 2019 12:23 AM

That white lipstick really makes Betty's mid-60s look.

by Anonymousreply 336March 15, 2019 12:27 AM

It's not white, r336....

by Anonymousreply 337March 15, 2019 12:57 AM

[quote]Hugh Jackson

Oh, dear.

by Anonymousreply 338March 15, 2019 3:03 AM

This guy's playing Harold Hill?

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 339March 15, 2019 3:48 AM

Frosted, whatever, it's still hideous.

by Anonymousreply 340March 15, 2019 3:49 AM

Betty's problems with depression and alcoholism are well known. Thanks be to the nuns who took her in as a cook and housekeeper when she hit rock bottom and took care of her enough that she was later to kind of revive her career. And for giving me the chance to post this well known clip on DL where she is a not quite adequate replacement Miss Hannigan in the original Annie but which preserves the original staging and the wonderful replacement performances of Rita Rudner and Gary Beach:

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 341March 15, 2019 5:32 AM

I never tire of that clip or the Alice Playten clip from the Sullivan show where she sings Poor Little Person from Henry Sweet Henry with the original Michael Bennett staging. I am indeed just an eldergay show queen.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 342March 15, 2019 5:40 AM

First time I've seen that Annie clip posted without the poster or someone adding "Go, Gary, go!"

by Anonymousreply 343March 15, 2019 5:46 AM

Gary done gone.

by Anonymousreply 344March 15, 2019 9:47 AM

Thanks for posting r100 but she’s no Googie Gomez.

by Anonymousreply 345March 15, 2019 10:24 AM

Betty tappin' in wedgies....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 346March 15, 2019 7:34 PM

Betty H isn't bad in that Annie clip. I don't see why she couldn't have become a character actress in the 80s, played someone's loudmouthed mother on a sitcom or something.

by Anonymousreply 347March 15, 2019 9:31 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 348March 16, 2019 1:17 PM

Wow. That was great, r348! And she did it live too.

by Anonymousreply 349March 16, 2019 2:37 PM

And now.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 350March 16, 2019 4:00 PM

[quote]r345 Thanks for posting [R100] but she’s no Googie Gomez.

For the uninitiated

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 351March 16, 2019 4:32 PM

Miss Cook.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 352March 19, 2019 2:07 AM

Painfully s-l-o-w splits......

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 353March 19, 2019 2:18 AM

Hutton is so big it's amazing she was a major movie star. You would have thought she'd have been too much on a movie screen but she's quite wonderful.

by Anonymousreply 354March 19, 2019 2:21 AM

[quote]You would have thought she'd have been too much on a movie screen

You mean like in Annie Get Your Gun? I find it unwatchable because of her.

by Anonymousreply 355March 19, 2019 8:11 AM

I get the dancing, millions of Dad's drooling at Raquel thrusting in their living rooms in the 70's but why is she singing "California Dreaming" in Paris? It's like singing "New York, New York" in Beirut.

by Anonymousreply 356March 19, 2019 9:36 AM

Paper Mill Playhouse next season. Of all the musicals they have to bring back "Cinderella" already?

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 357March 19, 2019 9:41 AM

That's a pretty lousy season at Paper Mill.

by Anonymousreply 358March 19, 2019 5:23 PM

When was the last good Paper Mill season? The year they did Follies and nearly went bankrupt from it?

by Anonymousreply 359March 19, 2019 7:44 PM

But I love Dion and his song catalog, everything from Teenager in Love to I Wonder Why to Runaround Sue to Ruby Baby to The Wanderer to Abraham, Martin and John. That's quite a wide range and a bio musical could be interesting.

And Jeremy Jordan would be perfect as Dion!

The question is: Is the audience of Dion fans still alive?

by Anonymousreply 360March 19, 2019 9:20 PM

How rude, r360 Yes, we're alive, but possibly much too tired to schlep into town for a Dion jukebox show.

by Anonymousreply 361March 19, 2019 9:30 PM

I was in 7th grade in 1961-62 when Dion and Runaround Sue were just about the biggest hit of all time. Everyone was singing it everywhere. I was in a school play back then and they incorporated the song into the plot just because. His music was very sexy and I think it still is.

by Anonymousreply 362March 19, 2019 9:35 PM

I was a junior in high school. As you say, r362, everybody sang it everywhere.

by Anonymousreply 363March 19, 2019 9:44 PM

And what does it have to do with theater, music or musical theatre?

by Anonymousreply 364March 19, 2019 10:50 PM

Papermill doing an ALW review? Really?

by Anonymousreply 365March 19, 2019 11:03 PM

Garland's life was heartwarming and sweet? Nobody's life is heartwarming and sweet.

Least of all Garland's.

by Anonymousreply 366March 19, 2019 11:14 PM

Do NYers really take the train out to the Papermill?

by Anonymousreply 367March 19, 2019 11:19 PM

The train to Paper Mill from Penn Station is very easy and cheap and just a short (30 minute?) ride. And you can walk to the theater once off the train, plus there's lots of nice restaurants in town on the way to the theater. It's quite a pleasant jaunt despite the varying quality of the shows.

by Anonymousreply 368March 19, 2019 11:22 PM

[quote]Papermill doing an ALW review? Really?

Yeas, brand new. It was supposed to go last season but they postponed. My friend works there and hopefully Andy will be hanging around.

by Anonymousreply 369March 20, 2019 4:39 PM

"Desi gave me permission...."

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 370March 20, 2019 5:06 PM

FIRST DATE!

TINTYPES!

OH BROTHER!

by Anonymousreply 371March 20, 2019 5:50 PM

[quote] Garland's life was heartwarming and sweet? Nobody's life is heartwarming and sweet. Least of all Garland's.

I don't think that Paper Mill spokesperson has actually seen the show to have described it that way. Chasing Rainbows doesn't go lightly on Garland's early life. Because it depicts everything leading up to The Wizard of Oz, it's not as dark as the movies or shows like Me and My Shadows or End of the Rainbow that focus on the extremes of Garland's later life. But it still depicts Garland's domineering mother, closeted father, and the studio finding her too fat and plain to appear on camera. The "pep pills" she was fed are also included. It's definitely an entertainment, but I wouldn't say it's either sentimental or sanitized.

by Anonymousreply 372March 20, 2019 6:03 PM

Fine, r371, wouldn't mind seeing Miss Thigpen again....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 373March 20, 2019 6:07 PM

There should be more panty focused musicals in NY.

by Anonymousreply 374March 20, 2019 6:08 PM

[quote]wouldn't mind seeing Miss Thigpen again....

Me too, she went way too early.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 375March 20, 2019 6:19 PM

[quote]There should be more panty focused musicals in NY.

Now that Ann Reinking is effectively retired, who’s taking up that particular mantle?

by Anonymousreply 376March 20, 2019 6:22 PM

What’s going to happen with the homophobic Brit actress, Oluwaseyi Omooba, set to play “Celie” In UK revival of “The Color Purple”. She should be dropped from the cast immediately.

by Anonymousreply 377March 20, 2019 6:29 PM

She was.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 378March 20, 2019 6:32 PM

That Tintypes number is terrific. Need to dig out that CD again.

by Anonymousreply 379March 20, 2019 8:49 PM

[quote]The question is: Is the audience of Dion fans still alive?

Not only are his fans still alive, DION himself is still alive.

by Anonymousreply 380March 21, 2019 1:17 AM

And featuring Mr. Jerry Zaks!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 381March 21, 2019 2:25 AM

I saw Lynne Thigpen twice earlier today playing a judge in Law & Order reruns. God Bless L&O for the opportunities to see New York's best stage actors strutting their stuff. In one episode, the murderer was Victor Garber, who had co-starred with Thigpen in the film version of Godspell. Good stuff. I really miss that show.

by Anonymousreply 382March 21, 2019 2:27 AM

Naked City also used the working NYC actors of the day.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 383March 21, 2019 2:35 AM

Lucy calls Carole a bitch.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 384March 21, 2019 2:57 AM

Loved Lynne Thigpen. Such a great actress.

by Anonymousreply 385March 21, 2019 4:03 AM

There is more wit and charm in the staging shown in those two Tintypes clips than all the musicals on Broadway now.

by Anonymousreply 386March 21, 2019 8:57 AM

>> >>There should be more panty focused musicals in NY.

>>Now that Ann Reinking is effectively retired, who’s taking up that particular mantle?

Tovah, of course. It's time for her New York Rose!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 387March 21, 2019 9:22 AM

Is Tootsie going to run?

by Anonymousreply 388March 21, 2019 10:21 AM

That Tintypes clip at r381 is just thrilling. So much talent! Thanks for posting.

by Anonymousreply 389March 21, 2019 12:19 PM

Does Tootsie flash her panties? Here’s hoping!

by Anonymousreply 390March 21, 2019 1:23 PM

[quote]Is Tootsie going to run?

Only if she wears flats instead of high heels.

by Anonymousreply 391March 21, 2019 2:01 PM

Isn't the Marriott cursed?

by Anonymousreply 392March 21, 2019 3:54 PM

Cursed...with ugliness.

by Anonymousreply 393March 21, 2019 4:01 PM

There's an article that say Santino Fontano is shaving and/or waxing his chest and legs for "Tootsie"; maybe his pits too? Does he go shirtless at some point in the show? Was there a lot of chest hair that need to be shaved? I saw him in the Karam play a few years ago, and he was shirtless though I don't recall how hairy he was. I

by Anonymousreply 394March 21, 2019 5:23 PM

"There is more wit and charm..."

And IDEAS, r386, don't forget ideas.

by Anonymousreply 395March 21, 2019 6:37 PM

I've enjoyed Santino on stage but he comes off as very dull and witless in that NY Times profile.

And I'm curious to see if he dares play the male part of his role in Tootsie as obnoxiously as Dustin Hoffman did. IMHO (especially after just re-seeing it recently),it was that daring that really made Hoffman's performance brilliant.

by Anonymousreply 396March 21, 2019 9:28 PM

Jesus, someone revive Tintypes right now. We could use it. I'm sure I saw it on PBS, lo these many years ago (back when PBS recorded plays and musicals regularly). I'd prefer the revival be off-Broadway or at least in a small Broadway house. Can we scrape up five performers who can do it justice or are they all soulless automaton belters with MFAs? Did Tintypes have a life on the festival circuit? It could again. (See also: Hollywood Ukraine.)

by Anonymousreply 397March 21, 2019 10:18 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 398March 21, 2019 10:23 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 399March 21, 2019 10:59 PM

I just recorded "Tootsie" when it aired on TCM a couple of weeks ago. Haven't had a chance to watch it yet but will as soon as I'm done moving (ugh). Unlike the rest of humanity, I didn't think it was all that the first and only time I saw it years ago (and sure as hell didn't find anything Oscar-worthy about Jessica Lange's performance) but willing to give it a second try to see if my reaction will be different this time. I think the only reason I'm interested in giving it a second chance is because I have an interest in the stage musical but wouldn't want to see it without having the film fresh in my mind with which to compare it.

by Anonymousreply 400March 22, 2019 12:48 AM

The movie TOOTSIE is extraordinarily well crafted, and Lange is nothing less than perfection in it.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 401March 22, 2019 1:25 AM

Yeah, I think we’re well past tolerating notions that Jessica Lange was somehow “less than” in Tootsie. It’s an updated, post women’s lib take on Sugar Kane, convincing as a woman uncomfortable with her own independence and utterly convincing as a soap opera actress - played with the required lightness and buoyancy but with her signature, underlying intensity intact. Now please fuck off Mr. “I Never Liked Tootsie.” Go wear hat badge of honour elsewhere. (And if you didn’t like it, why on earth would you care about the musical? Insufferable twat.)

by Anonymousreply 402March 22, 2019 1:58 AM

^^Without Lange’s performance, Hoffman’s wouldn’t work.

by Anonymousreply 403March 22, 2019 1:59 AM

I rarely ever make sweeping pronouncements like this, but anyone who doesn't immediately recognize the brilliance of Tootsie is an idiot. There are very few things in this world that are pure perfection. Tootsie is one of them. There isn't a false note in the entire film.

by Anonymousreply 404March 22, 2019 2:14 AM

It has dated in the sense that there aren't many soap operas anymore on tv. I think the new musical of "Tootsei" doesn't take place on a soap, but in the Theater since soaps are dying and not as many people might understand the archetypes of them.

by Anonymousreply 405March 22, 2019 2:49 AM

"Tootsie", that is

by Anonymousreply 406March 22, 2019 2:49 AM

"There isn't a false note in the entire film."

I like TOOTSIE, I've seen it many, many times over the decades. It has many splendid moments. But my first impression remains my lasting one: there is something off about the narrative and comic rhythm in the first part of the film, perhaps because there were too many chefs involved during its genesis. Case in point: the cut from Michael getting the idea to the medium-shot street scene of him walking in the crowd towards the camera, dolled up as Dorothy. is too abrupt and unsatisfying....there is a beat missing there, a transition scene that seems to have gone astray, and the exposition is the poorer for it. IMHO, of course.

by Anonymousreply 407March 22, 2019 3:23 AM

There could be a scene there ... but I don't think there NEEDS to be a scene there. It keeps the bouyant pace up to skip it.

If Michael were a plumber in Nowheresville, we'd think, "How would he get that stuff?" But he's a lifelong NYC actor, so, it's not far fetched he could come up with the stuff on his own, and dive right in.

The thing I think is odd is they hire Dorothy without even seeing her resume ... but a coworker of mine went on a vacation to LA once without packing any resumes, and ended up with a week long role on a soap. So - -

by Anonymousreply 408March 22, 2019 3:51 AM

[quote] The thing I think is odd is they hire Dorothy without even seeing her resume

That's not odd at all. Actors have been asked to audition or even been cast on a particular look. I think maybe the odd thing you're thinking is that they would see Dorothy without her being on the list. However, I always assumed Michael called over to the office and told them they were sending someone over from George Fields' office, and because of the relationship the show probably had with the agency, they didn't question that they hadn't approved it beforehand. I also got the idea they were having a very hard time finding the right actress for the role.

If you want to be bumped by something, consider Sandy actually getting an audition for the soap. How would Sandy, who likely doesn't have an agent, get seen for the soap? Now, we don't know she doesn't have an agent, but she's portrayed as someone who never works and isn't a particularly talented actress, so it's unlikely, but not impossible, that she would have an agent.

by Anonymousreply 409March 22, 2019 4:06 AM

Laura Benanti would be a hoot as the Anna Held soprano in Tintypes. Jackie Hoffman as Emma Goldman?

by Anonymousreply 410March 22, 2019 4:36 AM

The only thing Jackie Hoffman ought to be doing in a theater is ushering.

by Anonymousreply 411March 22, 2019 5:01 AM

My problem with the film of Tootsie is simply that Dustin Hoffman isn't in the slightest way convincing as a woman and the plot seems to revolve around the fact that he should be. The rest of cast seems inexplicably stupid for not recognizing his crude drag act.

by Anonymousreply 412March 22, 2019 10:45 AM

I have a similar problem with Victor/Victoria

by Anonymousreply 413March 22, 2019 10:52 AM

That clip of Lynne Thigpen singing "If I Coulda Been" from Working is amazing. Is that one of the songs that Stephen Schwartz wrote? Schwartz said that he and Lynne Thigpen drove each other crazy personally, but he used her in as many things as he could because he thought she was so blazingly talented.

The clip from the opening of Tintypes is heartbreaking - so much talent, and such a great show. I saw it soon after it moved to the Golden, and it was terrific - after the show closed early (I think maybe four months after opening, if that), the whole thing moved to the Mark Taper Forum. I saw it there two or three times, and it was even better than at the Golden, I think because of the thrust stage and the intimacy. Plus, the show was a huge hit in LA, sold out every performance, which must have made a nice ending to the experience for them.

Odd trivia - the two cast members from Tintypes who have passed away, Thigpen and Trey Wilson, both died suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage, Wilson when he was 40 and Thigpen when she was 54. We know what became of Jerry Zaks, and Carolyn Mignini finally moved back to NYC after raising her kids in LA, and has been working fairly consistently. But whatever happened to the quirky Mary Catherine Wright?

by Anonymousreply 414March 22, 2019 11:15 AM

Not a false not in Tootsie, R404? Other than its bizarre contrivances (soap going live when technical video problems?) and unconvincing drag (as someone else said earlier, it makes all the other characters appear stupid that they cannot see it is a man in a dress).

It seems to take place is a weird fantasy land which blunts the impact of a story that would mean more (and be funnier) if it were more "real world."

by Anonymousreply 415March 22, 2019 11:33 AM

That actually used to happen, r415. Soaps were live originally, and once they went to tape, the situation as in Tootsie could still happen.

And yeah, we get it, you hate it. You've made your point, and no one agrees with you. You can stop now.

by Anonymousreply 416March 22, 2019 11:56 AM

R416, I worked on a soap for a year before Tootsie came out. That sort of thing never happened. Even people who did not work in television bumped into that when it came out.

Most people love Bill Murray in the film. A lot of people enjoy the film as a whole. But only on the internet do you find people who love it.

by Anonymousreply 417March 22, 2019 12:10 PM

The number one obscenely unbelievable and unfunny element of Tootsie is that an out of work actor has ANY more options as an out of work actress. Especially when it comes to the invisible age.

by Anonymousreply 418March 22, 2019 12:24 PM

My only memory of Tootsie is that I thought the script treated Teri Garr's character terribly. As I recall, the message seemed to be that some women are just disposable.

by Anonymousreply 419March 22, 2019 12:28 PM

Hoffman as a woman is about as convincing as Elliott Gould would be as a woman. The Milton Berle routine. That's why the film doesn't work for me though I admit it works for most people.

Garr as always give the best performance in the film.

by Anonymousreply 420March 22, 2019 12:36 PM

As I have discovered over the years, r408, sometimes a script needs a scene that is not dramaturgically but, rather, emotionally true in order to engage the audience.

by Anonymousreply 421March 22, 2019 12:59 PM

Well, I love Tootsie and I' guess I'm able to see it through a sort of "magic realism" filter. I just saw it again recently on TCM and was riveted to the TV.

The brilliance of the scene of Michael auditioning for the Soap is the casting of homely redhead character actress Doris Belack as the producer who sees something in Dorothy because she recognizes herself.

Do those here who can't see why Michael's disguise would fool anyone feel the same about Lemmon and Curtis in Some Like It Hot?

by Anonymousreply 422March 22, 2019 1:18 PM

I always had a problem with Hoffman's performance as Dorothy. It's not only that he doesn't look like a real woman at all, but that his falsetto acting is laughable. But the film works in spite of it. Compare Hoffman to Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire. The film isn't nearly as good, but Williams is brilliant and totally believable as that character.

by Anonymousreply 423March 22, 2019 1:35 PM

[quote]My problem with the film of Tootsie is simply that Dustin Hoffman isn't in the slightest way convincing as a woman and the plot seems to revolve around the fact that he should be. The rest of cast seems inexplicably stupid for not recognizing his crude drag act.

You tell ‘em, girl!

by Anonymousreply 424March 22, 2019 2:32 PM

[quote]I have a similar problem with Victor/Victoria

Finally, somebody said it. That movie is dated as fuck. Carroll Todd says something to the effect of choosing to become a homosexual. That’s Anita Bryant-level homophobia right there, even in jest. And the lines about how “there are some professions where practice does makes perfect” now ring hollow coming from Victoria for obvious reasons.

The stage version is even worse. Late in act two, Victoria cries to Toddy, “I don’t want to be a man anymore,” to which Toddy replies, “neither do I.” Between the movie and the play of V/V, Blake Edwards made [italic]Switch[/italic] with Ellen Barkin about a sexist man who ends up in the body of a woman, gets kissed by a real woman who is a lesbian, and then dies of diabetes after getting pregnant and giving birth.

by Anonymousreply 425March 22, 2019 2:46 PM

Sophisticated ladies'll cry tomorrow.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 426March 22, 2019 3:35 PM

Any info on Santino Fontana's shaving/waxing and where for "Tootsie"?

by Anonymousreply 427March 22, 2019 7:18 PM

Yes, you see through Hoffman's drag act because you're watching through current day eyes. In 1982, drag was still underground and cult, and you could believe someone would pull it off because it wouldn't occur to anyone that it would happen. Hoffman actually makes Dorothy a separate character and a separate, believable person. Dorothy was a female character, she wasn't a joke. And that went a long way to getting the people around her to believe her and the audience to believe her.

But no, if you come to the film post mid-90s, then it's not going to work for you. This is why To Wong Foo didn't work. By 1995, drag had invaded pop culture. Even people in the sticks knew what a drag queen was, so the conceit that any of those men were able to fool anyone was ridiculous. Plus the fact that the characters themselves were jokes didn't help.

If you look at it at the time Tootsie takes place, then there should be no reason why it doesn't work. That doesn't make it dated, it just makes it of its time. There's a difference. Tootsie still has a lot of relevant things to say.

by Anonymousreply 428March 22, 2019 7:27 PM

No drag had a long history. Men dressed up as women was always been seen as hilarious in popular widespread entertainment. What are you talking about?

by Anonymousreply 429March 22, 2019 7:34 PM

[quote]I rarely ever make sweeping pronouncements like this, but anyone who doesn't immediately recognize the brilliance of Tootsie is an idiot.

There's a good reason for not making sweeping pronouncements like this. Whatever you may think, it's still just your opinion.

by Anonymousreply 430March 22, 2019 7:40 PM

Yes, as an outsized joke. If you're talking about someone like Milton Berle or Lemmon and Curtis, the drag was completely overdone and put on as a joke. Dorothy did not come across as "DRAG." I'm talking about the concept of both crossdressing and drag in mainstream as being something that was not present in 1982. Let's say Dorothy Michaels was the lead character of Too Wong Foo- she might have pulled it off. Because Dorothy wasn't a drag queen. She was, for all intents and purposes, a woman. You have to be able to separate the two concepts. In 1982, people were still looking at drag as the punchline of a joke.

by Anonymousreply 431March 22, 2019 7:40 PM

[quote] There's a good reason for not making sweeping pronouncements like this. Whatever you may think, it's still just your opinion.

I stand by my statement. I'm sorry you found out you were an idiot. You'll be okay.

by Anonymousreply 432March 22, 2019 7:41 PM

I guess in '82 I just saw Hoffman immediately as a joke in the vaudeville tradition, just uglier, so the conceit did not work for me. If you could buy it then it would work. Maybe in Hot it works for me because it's a comic farce. Also both Curtis and Lemmon were better looking with something slightly off.

by Anonymousreply 433March 22, 2019 7:59 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 434March 22, 2019 8:35 PM

Ask the Tootsie Troll if he likes Bedknobs and Broomsticks... :)

by Anonymousreply 435March 22, 2019 8:41 PM

Ask the Tootsie troll if he likes The Story Of My Life.”

by Anonymousreply 436March 22, 2019 8:47 PM

Chasing rainbows is TERRIBLE. have seen many incarnations. None are good. It’s just the Andrea McArdle movie rainbow

Why do people keep doing it

by Anonymousreply 437March 22, 2019 9:12 PM

I can remember going to Provincetown in the very early summer in the 1980s and it turned out to be a weekend convention for cross-dressers. They all looked like Dorothy Michaels, not cabaret drag queens. Lots of shirt-waist dresses, sensible shoes, cardigans and pearl button earrings.

It was a revelation for me that not all men who desired to dress in women's clothes wanted to wear satin with sequins and feather boas.

by Anonymousreply 438March 22, 2019 11:02 PM

I remember a critic saying, when Andrea McArdle's "Judy" tv movie came out, that Judy's primary quality was vulnerability. "And what's the one quality Andrea McArdle is missing as a performer? Vulnerability."

And he was right.

by Anonymousreply 439March 23, 2019 12:24 AM

[quote]Ask the Tootsie Troll if he likes Bedknobs and Broomsticks... :)

Yeah, I thought that might be the case.

by Anonymousreply 440March 23, 2019 12:25 AM

Here, Matt "The Loon" will school you in what good drag really is!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 441March 23, 2019 12:31 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 442March 23, 2019 2:03 AM

R428, I and a lot of people saw Tootsie when it was released. Even then and even people who liked it said that Hoffman was not a convincing woman.

The comparison to the very convincing Mrs Doubtfire is worth making.

by Anonymousreply 443March 23, 2019 4:09 AM

Yaddah, yaddan, yaddan. Yes, we get it, you've made your point, you hate Tootsie. Yes, you're right, you and a lot of people saw Tootsie when it was released. We get it, we get it. Jesus. Do you have anything of interest to say, or is it all Tootsie all the time?

by Anonymousreply 444March 23, 2019 10:27 AM

Oh, sit down, r444.

by Anonymousreply 445March 23, 2019 1:23 PM

Fight the Tootsie lies!

by Anonymousreply 446March 23, 2019 2:14 PM

Dorothy Michaels is still not a woman and something about that movie still rings false. Maybe it’s because of Dustin Hoffman’s real-life treatment of women.

by Anonymousreply 447March 23, 2019 3:00 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 448March 23, 2019 3:05 PM

[quote] Yeah, I thought that might be the case.

Except it isn't. The only accusation people around here fling more than "Matt the Loon" is "Trumpster." I'm one of the people discussing Tootsie in the affirmative and I can say I'm not the only person doing so, so your theory is already out the window.

I don't even think this Matt person exists. (Well, no, I know he did exist because I remember the threads that went crazy with hundreds of the exact same posts that drove everyone insane. I just don't think he posts here anymore.) But I think it's morphed into a catch-all to use for when someone posts an opinion you don't like and then actually has the ability to back it up with some decent logic.

by Anonymousreply 449March 23, 2019 3:08 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 450March 23, 2019 3:57 PM

So, apparently Tootsie wasn’t a documentary.

by Anonymousreply 451March 23, 2019 4:31 PM

Correct, r451. Who cares if Hoffman was convincing as a woman r443? It’s a movie, it’s a STORY for fuck’s sake. Go with the flow instead of trying to resist. Even with all that I hope the show bombs

by Anonymousreply 452March 23, 2019 5:47 PM

There are people who don't think Tootsie is wonderful. Now get therapy if you can't deal with it.

by Anonymousreply 453March 23, 2019 5:59 PM

Wonderful or not, it’s not about whether he was convincing.

by Anonymousreply 454March 23, 2019 6:07 PM

He wasn't convincing enough to pass as a woman does matter - because a woman as ugly as him would have been treated like shit in an entirely different way and everyone knows this.

The movie was just too fucking soft on Hoffman's ego.

Mrs Doubtfire, ironically, had Williams playing the kind of woman that is instantly invisible/ignored due to her age, weight and over the top attention seeking fluttering. It was a funnier movie, the drag was more on point and that aspect of a male pretending to be a woman actually worked. He passed because people make such a point to not look at women like that. But it also seems like a shit idea for a musical.

Tootsie is a terrible idea for a musical.

by Anonymousreply 455March 23, 2019 9:24 PM

Yeah, well they made one in spite of your proclamation, r455. It must be so frustrating that no one asks you to weigh in when they are deciding what musicals to create. I know it's traumatic, but deal with it.

by Anonymousreply 456March 23, 2019 10:15 PM

[quote]I'm one of the people discussing Tootsie in the affirmative and I can say I'm not the only person doing so, so your theory is already out the window.

If you're pro-Tootsie, then of course you're not the Loon. He's one of the Tootsie haters (or perhaps the only one). One of his telling earmarks is that he can't just state an opinion and move on. He has to browbeat anyone who disagrees with him, then he has to keep stating his opinion over and over again.

He hated Mary Poppins (because he was abused by whoever took him to see it, supposedly). By extension, he also hate Julie Andrews.

He of course hated Mary Poppins Returns, too, and by extension derided Emily Blunt continuously.

He hated Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford. He worships at the Faye altar.

He's a proud Trumper/conservative, in spite of being gay.

He hates all trans people, and looks for the "antigay" in everything so he can protest.

He's a proud racist, as well.

He has Asperger's, apparently. Or some kind of mental condition, so he considers himself disabled and is on the lookout for abuse/discrimination against disabled people.

His name is Matt, and he lives in Salinas. At one time, someone posted his Twitter id, but I have no idea what it was. It was clearly him, though, saying all the same things.

Yes, he still posts on DL. All the time. He's a little more careful because he knows his colorful choice of words were giving him away. He tries not to response to Julie Andrews/Mary Poppins provocations because he knows they reveal him, but sometimes he just can't stop himself (like during the release of Mary Poppins Returns).

Here's something positive: He lost a ton of weight. His FB page revealed he no longer was the fat lump that he is in that cable episode where he is in drag as a fat female receptionist.

Here's one of his change.org petitions.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 457March 23, 2019 10:25 PM

Look, r457, you can say more or less whatever you want about an annoying poster, but you really have to stop short of diagnosing spectrum disorders. You're not qualified, and people like you who think it's smart to do this diminish the people who actually live with these disorders.

Why don't you be an adult, and a mensch, and knock it off.

by Anonymousreply 458March 23, 2019 10:33 PM

R457 Jessica Christ, get a life honey, you seem really fucking sad and obsessed

by Anonymousreply 459March 23, 2019 10:42 PM

Thank you, R457. Some people either don't know the level of crazy that the Loon brings to the table or are the Loon himself. It's good to see that many others recognize the tell-tale signs.

by Anonymousreply 460March 23, 2019 10:56 PM

R460 Does he talk to himself?

by Anonymousreply 461March 23, 2019 11:33 PM

This thread has devolved into Barbara Nichols territory.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 462March 24, 2019 3:21 PM

R457 made the case against [italic]Tootsie[/italic] and absolutely anything Julie Andrews or Ryan Murphy had anything to do with all by himself with his stalking, his projection of his own racism and ableism, his conspiracy theories about a single poster generating all criticism of a criminally overhyped and overrated movie, his thinly veiled sexism and homophobia that he projects onto others as tr*nsph*b** which isn’t even a real prejudice anyway because tr*ns is a choice and being gay isn’t. I bet you call lesbians TERFs, too, don’t you, you fetid traitor to the gay community?

And how have your grandparents enjoying Buenos Aires these past 64 years?

by Anonymousreply 463March 24, 2019 3:28 PM

Dorothy Michaels was a break-through lady. That’s why they picked up her option for another year.

I love Tootsie (saw it on opening day) and the only thing that kind of doesn’t make sense is the Sandy/Michael storyline which seems to exist in its own time. All the other relationships develop over a year but the idea that Michael would be able to avoid/put off Sandy for a whole year doesn’t make a lot of sense. Maybe 6 - 8 weeks but a year? No.

There’s a terrific Making of Tootsie book that states Pollack’s biggest concern was keeping it light, buoyant and briskly paced and at that I think he succeeds.

All this other stuff about “they didn’t make soaps that way,” etc. is just nonsense. It’s called “suspension of disbelief” cupcakes and it’s inherent in all dramatic forms.

Mrs. Doubtfire was total CRINGE. Can’t believe anyone would watch that dreck more than once.

by Anonymousreply 464March 24, 2019 3:34 PM

[italic]Mrs. Doubtfire[/italic] did more to bring gays into prominent supporting roles of a film that also had children in it. That’s a big deal.

by Anonymousreply 465March 24, 2019 3:37 PM

Well, it did put Harvey Fierstein in the gay role with a foghorn voice that might have been played earlier by Eddie "Rochester" Anderson or Lionel Stander.

by Anonymousreply 466March 24, 2019 3:40 PM

What if we take a break from Tootsie? This is a theater gossip thread. It’s not a Who Loves the Movie Tootsie thread.

by Anonymousreply 467March 24, 2019 3:40 PM

George Gaynes hitting on Dustin Hoffman only counts as bisexual at most.

by Anonymousreply 468March 24, 2019 3:41 PM

Sally Field actually has a gay son. Put that in perspective.

by Anonymousreply 469March 24, 2019 3:43 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 470March 24, 2019 3:43 PM

R467, there are so many theatre threads running at DL right now, you really do have your pick of conversations. You can choose from Gypsy, Follies or...Follies, Gypsy. Take your pick.

by Anonymousreply 471March 24, 2019 3:46 PM

Someone needs to do a medley of “Losing My Mind” And “Ladies Who Lunch” And call it “Losing My Lunch.”

by Anonymousreply 472March 24, 2019 3:48 PM

Oo-be-doo...

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 473March 24, 2019 4:41 PM

[quote] All this other stuff about “they didn’t make soaps that way,” etc. is just nonsense. It’s called “suspension of disbelief” cupcakes and it’s inherent in all dramatic forms.

amen r464

by Anonymousreply 474March 24, 2019 5:36 PM

How about an all female Company retitled The Ladies Who Munch.

by Anonymousreply 475March 24, 2019 5:40 PM

How about comparing cute guys who've done productions of "The Full Monty" and "Naked Boys Singing"? That's worth a thread if ever there was! How about a thread title: "From Laura Noses to Naked Theater Guys' Hoses"?

by Anonymousreply 476March 24, 2019 5:42 PM

Noses Supposes his hoses like Roses So Noses Supposes He follows Gypsy.

Roses supposes that noses smell roses and Roses and hoses are plenty to see!

by Anonymousreply 477March 24, 2019 5:48 PM

If a work fails to achieve a willing suspension of disbelief in its audience, then if fails.

The concept is meant to explain why we are willing to accept a tap dancing chorus of commuters from Yonkers or twins separated at birth coming face-to-face, or some other improbability.

It is not a license for poorly plotted scriptwriting.

by Anonymousreply 478March 24, 2019 5:52 PM

And for all the numbskulls who always go about how Jessica Lange didn't deserve an Oscar, she is so clearly not Julie in Tootsie, whereas Teri Garr IS undoubtedly Sandy Lester. And I love them both.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 479March 24, 2019 5:56 PM

The Sandy Lester/Michael Dorsey relationship just barely pre-dated the Teri Garr/David Letterman dynamic that they played out on Late Night throughout the '80s.

by Anonymousreply 480March 24, 2019 6:00 PM

R460 made the case for both hate speech laws and capital punishment.

by Anonymousreply 481March 24, 2019 6:28 PM

The other factor in Lange's Oscar win for Tootise was her stunning performance in that year's Frances.

by Anonymousreply 482March 24, 2019 6:58 PM

Is Neverland in Encino?

by Anonymousreply 483March 24, 2019 7:15 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 484March 24, 2019 7:20 PM

Jessica Lange is no Fay Wray who seriously was a wonderful actress.

by Anonymousreply 485March 24, 2019 7:25 PM

r483 Nowhere near.

by Anonymousreply 486March 25, 2019 3:25 AM

Like......

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 487March 25, 2019 10:25 PM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 488March 27, 2019 12:40 AM

[quote]r409 Now, we don't know she doesn't have an agent, but she's portrayed as someone who never works and isn't a particularly talented actress, so it's unlikely, but not impossible, that she would have an agent.

I don't assume Sandy's a bad actress. Michael wants her to star opposite him in his roommate's play.

by Anonymousreply 489March 27, 2019 2:05 AM

[quote]r482 The other factor in Lange's Oscar win for Tootise was her stunning performance in that year's Frances.

Yes. She's phenomenal in that. It was therefor easier for voters to say, "Yeah, she's great. FRANCES was a downer, but we'll give her this supporting Oscar, no question."

Terri Garr has always been bitter that Lange was in the supporting catagory for TOOTSIE. Because she really is the leading lady.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 490March 27, 2019 3:38 AM

It's still a supporting role. The movie is not about Julie, Julie doesn't drive the story and the movie could survive without Julie's character.

by Anonymousreply 491March 27, 2019 3:41 AM

Well, you could say that about so many "leading" female roles where there's a male costar. They could practically ALL be snipped out.

by Anonymousreply 492March 27, 2019 3:43 AM

yes, and their roles are still supporting. They may have the biggest female roles, but they're still supporting. You don't automatically become the lead actress because you have the largest role of your sex a film.

Besides, Dorothy was the lead female in Tootsie.

by Anonymousreply 493March 27, 2019 4:37 AM

Only if you think Hoffman was convincing as a female which nobody today does. If you were a dim bulb in '82 then yes.

by Anonymousreply 494March 27, 2019 11:23 AM
Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 495March 27, 2019 2:15 PM

Quite a gal.....

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 496March 27, 2019 7:21 PM

R485 is posting from 1976.

by Anonymousreply 497March 27, 2019 8:29 PM

There was no internet in1976.

by Anonymousreply 498March 27, 2019 8:31 PM

Wow, now that’s vital information we really needed, r498!

by Anonymousreply 499March 27, 2019 9:49 PM

R494 assumes because it has an opinion, that everyone else agrees. Hi, Matt!

by Anonymousreply 500March 27, 2019 9:50 PM

I love Matt.

by Anonymousreply 501March 29, 2019 4:50 AM

Does Walter Bobbie have jobs lined up? I still get such a bad feeling from him and that musical director trying to bully that CHICAGO cast member into quitting, so he wouldn't have to be bought out.

What a creep.

by Anonymousreply 502March 29, 2019 5:03 AM

Walter Bobbie is still involved with Chicago. I think the very brief period when he was in semi-demand ended years ago. He’s lucky he has those Chicago royalties to live on.

by Anonymousreply 503March 29, 2019 6:13 AM

R502 and R503 are why there is a Britney Spears musical.

by Anonymousreply 504March 29, 2019 11:08 AM

R499 and R500 are also wanted for questioning in the death of the American Musical.

by Anonymousreply 505March 29, 2019 11:09 AM

Don't believe everything you read on some blog, r502.

by Anonymousreply 506March 29, 2019 12:01 PM

I saw Walter Bobbie in Grease. No talent even then.

by Anonymousreply 507March 29, 2019 12:09 PM

Paper Mill is looking for their Judy Garland. C'mon Queens, line up.

by Anonymousreply 508March 29, 2019 12:18 PM

Second Stage doing revival of "Take Me Out". Jussie Smollet had just come from a reading in NY the day of his incident.

by Anonymousreply 509March 29, 2019 12:20 PM

Yes, r509, there's some discussion on the other theater gossip thread.

by Anonymousreply 510March 29, 2019 12:28 PM

speaking of the other theater gossip thread, I BEG you not to start a new one when this one ends and then we can finish up 349 and get back to one at a time plus a Broadway sex thread

by Anonymousreply 511March 29, 2019 1:09 PM

BEG, r511?

by Anonymousreply 512March 29, 2019 3:21 PM

R512 YES!

This was is literally a type-o -- at #243 when the current theater thread is #349.

The next thread would have to be #350 but we all know some loon is going to make a quick link before the thread closes to a "new" #244.

It is tiresome.

by Anonymousreply 513March 29, 2019 5:10 PM

But tiresome enough to make you....beg?

by Anonymousreply 514March 29, 2019 5:41 PM

Ain’t too proud to, R514.

by Anonymousreply 515March 29, 2019 6:03 PM

there's just not enough good gossip to sustain 2 threads and keeping track of both is a pain. I BEG too. Plus the typo that r513 cites

by Anonymousreply 516March 29, 2019 6:11 PM

I saw Tootsie in Chicago. It is funny, but not for anything having to do with "Tootsie." The show if full of these random Neil Simonlike one-liners that often work, and then the show goes back to being this very average musical. The problem in Chicago was it didn't really make the case for being a musical -- the songs were dull and it was sort of scene/song, scene/song. My guess is they've done a lot of work. It needed it. Santino was surprisingly one-note all night. I was surprised. I like his work and thought he'd be more exciting. And in some weird way, he's totally unbelievable as a woman. You know he's a guy from the moment you see him,.

by Anonymousreply 517March 29, 2019 6:14 PM

I really missed the dancing in Oklahoma!,especially in Everything's up to Date in Kansas City.

The second act opening dream ballet was perplexing.

But Poor Jud is Dead was mesmerizing and Ali, Aunt Eller, Will and Ado Annie got all their laughs...!

And the song Oklahoma! was rousing, but how could it not be?

During The Cowman and the Farmer the band was way too loud, drowning out most of the lyrics, which were otherwise clarion-clear in the other numbers.

by Anonymousreply 518March 29, 2019 6:28 PM

Is all the waxing and shaving Santino did on display? Is he shirtless or in undies at some point?

by Anonymousreply 519March 29, 2019 6:43 PM

All this talk here of whether or not Dustin Hoffman was believable as a woman but can't anyone see that the outrageous "look' of him as Dorothy is what absolutely makes the movie. He looks kind of grotesque but everyone has seen middleaged women who look just like that.

There was nothing generic about Dustin as a man or as a woman and Santino, talented as he is, has very generic forgettable good looks (and a bad nose job).

It's so typical of our times and bland aesthetics that even Dorothy Michaels had be "neutered" for today's Broadway audiences.

Bad casting!

by Anonymousreply 520March 29, 2019 8:52 PM

Does anyone else here ever read the chat room posts on BWW?

I trust frequent poster WhizzerMarvin's reviews (which are often of the first previews) more than any other theater reviewer working today. He has far more taste and insight and knowledge of theater history, and his reviews often contain a lot of intelligent constructive criticism. Is it well-known among theater people who he (or she) is?

But on the Hadestown previews thread there, I also found it hilarious reading all of the posters who expressed their amazement to find that, after seeing the show, they realized Hadestown was pronounced with 3, and not 2, syllables. I hope they're very very young.

by Anonymousreply 521March 29, 2019 10:25 PM

One of the many aspects I didn't get of this Oklahoma revival is the casting of Will Parker. He's the one character who they left pretty much conceptually as he is in the original, except this guy really doesn't sing or (especially) dance with any particular charm. And he's not remotely sexy.

Except for being in a wheelchair, Ali Stroker is actually a totally conventional and very winning Ado Annie. And I mean that as a compliment. I think she's a lock for Best Featured Actress.

by Anonymousreply 522March 29, 2019 10:31 PM

Ado Annie is NOT in a wheelchair. Sorry to that novelty Ali Stroker.

by Anonymousreply 523March 29, 2019 10:33 PM

Stroker is no novelty. She's a very accomplished and engaging actor, and she's especially good in this production. It will be very odd indeed if she's not Best Supporting.

by Anonymousreply 524March 29, 2019 10:37 PM

Stop posting, Ali. Back to ATC, ok?

by Anonymousreply 525March 29, 2019 10:38 PM

Ali was the best thing in Oklahoma! at St. Ann’s. The audience loved her.

by Anonymousreply 526March 29, 2019 10:57 PM

The only thing.

On another note entirely, I happen to read about some new shows going into production in the next year. It never ceases to amaze me that, musical theatre writers who have never had a single critical or commercial success in their entire careers continue to get their least scribblings produced while other potentially great scripts languish in development hell, year in and year out. Talk about failing upwards.

by Anonymousreply 527March 29, 2019 11:08 PM

Name some these potentially great scripts.

by Anonymousreply 528March 29, 2019 11:14 PM

I agree with the first part of your complaint, r527, but am wondering what creatives are, to your knowledge, being overlooked in favor of these mediocre talents

by Anonymousreply 529March 29, 2019 11:32 PM

Is BWW Broadway World?

by Anonymousreply 530March 29, 2019 11:35 PM

yes, r510

by Anonymousreply 531March 29, 2019 11:35 PM

sorry. r530

by Anonymousreply 532March 29, 2019 11:36 PM

[quote]Paper Mill is looking for their Judy Garland. C'mon Queens, line up.

They're not accepting people from Manhattan or Brooklyn?

by Anonymousreply 533March 29, 2019 11:40 PM

[quote]I agree with the first part of your complaint, [R527], but am wondering what creatives are, to your knowledge, being overlooked in favor of these mediocre talents

One assumes r527 is talking about a dazzling new play written by the egregiously overlooked r527.

by Anonymousreply 534March 30, 2019 12:56 AM

Best Actress Tony will really be hard to predict between Glenda, Elaine and Laurie......and maybe Kristine Neilsen?

I guess they could also include Annette Bening but I hope she doesn't invest in an expensive gown.

Somehow, I think Elaine will win.

by Anonymousreply 535March 30, 2019 1:42 AM

Was Will Parker originally a big dance role when Lee Dixon played him? He's listed on the OCR as "comedian". Ws it the movie version with DL "Follies" fave Gene Nelson that turned it more into a dancing part or did the original Will dance a lot too?

by Anonymousreply 536March 30, 2019 2:27 AM

Dixon was a phenomenal (and sexy) dancer. You can see him in 30s film musicals, like READY, WILLING AND ABLE.

OKLAHOMA! is, first and foremost, a dance show. KANSAS CITY alone has seven pages of instrumental dance music, ALL ER NOTHING has three. And I'd be surprised if the proficient Lee wasn't featured in the other big set-pieces in the show.

by Anonymousreply 537March 30, 2019 2:45 AM

Thanks for that! He died very young unfortunately at age 38 apparently from alcoholism.

by Anonymousreply 538March 30, 2019 2:55 AM

Lee Dixon is the one tap-dancing on a giant typewriter with Ruby Keeler in Ready, Willing and Able.

by Anonymousreply 539March 30, 2019 3:18 AM

Looking at a bunch of Lee Dixon videos....he really was hot.

by Anonymousreply 540March 30, 2019 3:40 AM

So why isn't the Will Parker in this revival a hot dancer??

by Anonymousreply 541March 30, 2019 3:49 AM

Lee Dixon at his hottest

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 542March 30, 2019 3:53 AM

[quote] Best Actress Tony will really be hard to predict between Glenda, Elaine and Laurie......and maybe Kristine Neilsen?

No it won't. The only thing Elaine May has going against her is that her show is closed, but they kept that albatross running at a loss so everyone could see her. And frankly, she was the only thing in it worth watching. For that alone she deserves the Tony.

And King Lear is a really tough sell. No one seems to care about it. it's on tdf every fucking day. Early word on Hillary & Clinton is not great, and Metcalf ain't gettin' a third Tony in a row. She only got the second one for 3TW because people felt sorry for her losing the Oscar to Janney.

And if that means it's between May and Nielsen, Nielsen can stay home.

by Anonymousreply 543March 30, 2019 4:47 AM

I hadn't realized that Lee Dixon was a name when he appeared in "Oklahoma!"; he's actually second billed in that film with Ruby Keeler. He was really very, very good and had a nice voice, which of course, I was familiar with his vocals of "Kansas City" and "All 'er Nuthin" from the classic OCR.

by Anonymousreply 544March 30, 2019 6:21 AM

If Stroker wins Best Supporting, she can thank her wheel chair in her speech.

by Anonymousreply 545March 30, 2019 11:14 AM

Poor Lee Dixon. I think it was his homosexuality that led him to booze. He was fairly openly gay, and it eventually did his career in. Supposedly he had a brief affair with another boozer, Larry Hart.

This is him at his sexiest.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 546March 30, 2019 11:19 AM

A big weekend for Stevie Sondheim in London. He did a wonderful talk early evening yesterday with the very sweet and talented Dominic Cooke, director of FOLLIES, and then stayed on to watch the production last night -- one that is even better now without Imelda Staunton and with the great Joanna Riding as Sally. Then tonight crosses the river for the final performance of COMPANY, where people have been camping out overnight for day seats. It must be beyond moving for him newly 89 years old to have these two ravishing productions as probably the last major versions of either show that he will see, unless COMPANY does transfer to Broadway - which, as of now, is not in any way a dead cert.

He told the audience last night by the way that his latest show has had two workshops and that he has written 7 songs for it, but that writing gets slower as you get older.

by Anonymousreply 547March 30, 2019 11:25 AM

I don't think this new show will ever be complete, but I'm happy to see him having such a wonderful year with these two London productions and the Fiasco Merrily.

And where the hell is that Benedict biography??

by Anonymousreply 548March 30, 2019 1:33 PM

I think there's every reason for him NOT to complete the new show -- it gives him a reason to "go to work" every morning, as it were

The Benedict biography has been pushed back a year, I hear, but that's not been confirmed. Maybe they're waiting till SS is dead???

by Anonymousreply 549March 30, 2019 2:27 PM

Tootsie is a classic movie and doesn’t need musical treatment on Bway.

I have absolutely no interest in forking over hundreds to see the movie placed directly on the stage as all these movie transfers are.

Bway has just run out of idea but greedy to make more and more money

by Anonymousreply 550March 30, 2019 2:58 PM

Oklahoma might have been a revolutionary show when it first premiered but now it’s just a quaint theatre piece.

What a boring bway season

by Anonymousreply 551March 30, 2019 3:00 PM

The audience doesn’t love Ali Stroker. They feel for her so they laugh extra loud, but it’s more pity. It’s sad and distracting.

by Anonymousreply 552March 30, 2019 3:02 PM

Thanks,r448. I suppose SS might prefer the book to be released after he's dead, if it's really going to be a deep dive into his life.

by Anonymousreply 553March 30, 2019 3:07 PM

[quote] to see the movie placed directly on the stage as all these movie transfers are.

R550 you have to keep up—everyone notes that Tootsie has changed more than most adaptations, with the show now taking place in the milieu of a Broadway show instead of the soap opera, several major character changes (the co-star is now a young hunk instead of a George Gaines-type) and on and on. It’s still not any good but it’s not the movie onstage. Now it’s a not very good creative adaptation.

by Anonymousreply 554March 30, 2019 3:14 PM

I'm surprised reading all the negative comments on Hillary and Clinton in the chat rooms. I thought the combo of Hnath and Mantello was unbeatable.

by Anonymousreply 555March 30, 2019 3:44 PM

Ado Annie in a wheelchair is that same unfortunate conceit as Lady Thiang with a cane. Both performers obviously need them but transform the characters and audience reaction to them into pity having nothing to do with the writer’s intent.

by Anonymousreply 556March 30, 2019 4:06 PM

"Oklahoma might have been a revolutionary show when it first premiered but now it’s just a quaint theatre piece."

Done right (and I'm not referring to the current revival), you'd be surprised how un-quaint it can be. A few years back, I saw American Dance Machine perform the Dream Ballet in its entirety, and it remains one of the strangest goddamned things you've ever seen in a musical. And putting it into the context of the actual show makes it even weirder. The tensions of the show come from its complete absorption and integration of early musical comedy, vaudeville virtuosity, operetta, classical dance, Shakespearean structure (romantic/carnal couples) and Freudian psychology into a singular dramatic entity. It is a miraculous achievement, but it requires a director's touch that adroitly balances all of the above elements into a unified whole.

by Anonymousreply 557March 30, 2019 4:07 PM

Now they tell me they let Female Musical Stars perform in wheelchairs

by Anonymousreply 558March 30, 2019 4:24 PM

The Oklahoma producers think their shit don’t stink

by Anonymousreply 559March 30, 2019 5:01 PM

Jesus r559, what is wrong with you?

by Anonymousreply 560March 30, 2019 5:13 PM

Watch the movie in its Todd AO version and some of it is mighty strange. Even 12 years after its opening on Broadway. The problem is it takes genius to direct and stage but they no longer exist. The best we have today is efficient. Performers can do the moves but they can't embody them. I love the dancers in the film. The two sweetest sort of when they're not being vain and willful in Many a New Day turn into faceless scary dancehall girls(whores) in the dream ballet.

Lee Dixon looks like one of those eccentric dancers in the Buddy Ebsen mold. Supposedly he was so beloved by everyone which is why fierce disciplinarians like DeMille and Rodgers were willing to take a chance on him doing 8 shows a week. Can you imagine dancers today with this much personality coming out of university programs?

by Anonymousreply 561March 30, 2019 5:58 PM

I think I read that Celeste Holm used to complain about Dixon's breath, so perhaps he was drinking a lot during the run. But then again Celeste apparently could be pretty difficult. Maybe it wasn't just that "Good Morning" on "All About Eve" that turned Bette Davis off against her.

by Anonymousreply 562March 30, 2019 6:02 PM

Holm sounds very much like Bacall. Very appealing charming and self-deprecating in interviews but extremely unpleasant to deal with personally unless you were at her level or above.

by Anonymousreply 563March 30, 2019 7:27 PM

Did Celeste insist on shoulder pads in her coffin?

by Anonymousreply 564March 30, 2019 7:33 PM

In fact she did, r564.

by Anonymousreply 565March 30, 2019 8:54 PM

[quote]Both performers obviously need them but transform the characters and audience reaction to them into pity having nothing to do with the writer’s intent.

I don't think that's the case with Lady Thing at all. Ruthie Ann Miles had no way to do the show in London without a cane. And it wasn't a wheelchair. It didn't distract from her doing the part the way the wheelchair does with Stoker. If you saw the broadcast version, you saw that. The wheelchair Ado Annie, on the other hand, is a stupid idea, and I hope they get roasted for it.

by Anonymousreply 566March 30, 2019 9:39 PM

Actually, unless you are a Trumpie and can't abide the mere FACT of disability, the wheelchair in Oklahoma! is part of who Ali Stroker is. I can't believe the inanity of the vitriol on this board.

by Anonymousreply 567March 31, 2019 1:48 AM

How the fuck does she make it through the cornfield in her chair?

by Anonymousreply 568March 31, 2019 3:33 AM

Zero desire to see OKLAHOMA! I listened to bits of a bootleg audio. Ali Stoker seems to being playing very broadly with a cheap accent ( I felt the same way about Ebersole back in the day). I think it’s actually funnier more dead pan and more hick, less hillbilly.

The “ballet” (as such) sounded electronic and dissonant.

And after the title song and Jud murder, the acting and line delivery sounded positively funeral and spoken in monotone.

No, thanks!!

by Anonymousreply 569March 31, 2019 1:44 PM

By rolling, R568

Are you really that stupidly outraged by the sight of a wheelchair? Pull yourself together. They were actually fairly popular in the US after the civil war for both war veterans and 'invalid ladies.'

by Anonymousreply 570March 31, 2019 1:58 PM

R570, go find a twitter thread to add your fist to. I don't think you're cut out for the DL.

by Anonymousreply 571March 31, 2019 3:13 PM

[quote] I don't think that's the case with Lady Thing at all.

I call my Lady Thing Judy.

by Anonymousreply 572March 31, 2019 3:14 PM

[quote] They were actually fairly popular in the US after the civil war for both war veterans and 'invalid ladies.'

If you’re hoping for a “true to life” Oklahoma, this one ain’t it

by Anonymousreply 573March 31, 2019 3:49 PM

Someone here or in the other thread mentioned the Dream Ballet as the opening of Act II. Is that true? In the original, the ballet follows intrinsically from the end of Out of My Dreams to close Act I. Laurie's dream after she sniffs Ali Hakim's poppers. That's been changed?

by Anonymousreply 574March 31, 2019 4:00 PM

^ Sorry, Laurey.

by Anonymousreply 575March 31, 2019 4:03 PM

I've read that originally R&H conceived of the ballet as a kind of circus dream until rehearsals were well under way and someone finally approached Richard Rodgers to say "I think you better go have a look at what Agnes is doing in the basement."

by Anonymousreply 576March 31, 2019 4:06 PM

All things considered, isn't it odd and rather presumptuous that the character of Ali Hakim is not played by an actor of Mideastern origins in this radical new revival?

by Anonymousreply 577March 31, 2019 4:13 PM

R576 Someone probably reminded Rodgers that the circus dream had already been done in "Lady in the Dark", one of the other progressive musicals like "Pal Joey" that doesn't get as much credit as "Oklahoma!. "Oklahoma!" wasn't, PR (and lots and lots of PR) aside, the first musical where the songs moved the story forward.

by Anonymousreply 578March 31, 2019 4:23 PM

How is Ali Hakim portrayed in the current revival, r577? Doesn't he present himself in the text as "Persian"? Although maybe the audience was supposed to understand with a wink and a nod he was a gypsy or Roma or whatever term is PC correct these days?

Absolutely, agreed, r578, go back to Show Boat and even Rose-Marie for the songs advancing the plot (both Hammerstein, of course). Wasn't there a note in the program of the original Rose-Marie that the songs were not being individually listed because they were too integral to the entire show, or words to that effect?

by Anonymousreply 579March 31, 2019 4:32 PM

I wasn't going to theater around that time, but I'll take your word for it!

by Anonymousreply 580March 31, 2019 4:34 PM

What do you mean, r580? The original Rose-Marie was only 95 years ago.

by Anonymousreply 581March 31, 2019 4:42 PM

[quote]the co-star is now a young hunk instead of a George Gaines-type

Oh, dear. Now more than ever.

by Anonymousreply 582March 31, 2019 4:57 PM

I just checked out BWW yesterday and today but i couldn't tell who the intended reasfership is.

Is it for Broadway insiders and professionals, or for tourists and locals looking for discounts, or both, or some other population...?

by Anonymousreply 583March 31, 2019 5:05 PM

readership

by Anonymousreply 584March 31, 2019 5:07 PM

BWW is mostly young kids in high school and college who are into musicals, and mostly musicals. Most of these kids don't want to see plays, as most of the posts are overwhelming in favor of yes, musicals.

by Anonymousreply 585March 31, 2019 5:11 PM

Yes, r585. For most of the current BWW posters, Rent and Wicked are really old musicals they don't know much about. Just a few years ago, it was a much more informed and interesting place to post.

by Anonymousreply 586March 31, 2019 5:14 PM

[quote]All things considered, isn't it odd and rather presumptuous that the character of Ali Hakim is not played by an actor of Mideastern origins in this radical new revival?

Ali Hakim is a Jewish peddler. This is one of those thing that did not have to be spelled out to the audience in in 1943 as the events in Oklahoma! we only 36 years old. His "Persian" act is just as much hokum as everything else he sells.

by Anonymousreply 587March 31, 2019 5:23 PM

The few BWW posters who had some knowledge or decent information seem to be gone. The others are teenagers or pretty immature young adults.

by Anonymousreply 588March 31, 2019 5:27 PM

Someone named "Ali Hakim" today would probably find himself on the No-Fly List.

by Anonymousreply 589March 31, 2019 5:38 PM

Back then they didn’t even have air travel to speak of.

by Anonymousreply 590March 31, 2019 5:40 PM

Ali Hakim was originally played by Joseph Buloff who was very famous for having started in the Yiddish theater in NYC.

by Anonymousreply 591March 31, 2019 5:45 PM

There was no air travel in 1909, the Wrights got the planes up,and down but thre was still a lot of work to be done.

Hey, i just had an idea for a new show...

by Anonymousreply 592March 31, 2019 5:48 PM

Say, Betty, wouldn't it be marvelous if Nora in "A Doll's Life" slammed the door and we saw what happened to her?

Probably how "A Doll's Life" happened

by Anonymousreply 593March 31, 2019 5:51 PM

substitute "A Doll's House" for the first one

by Anonymousreply 594March 31, 2019 5:52 PM

we got it, r594.

by Anonymousreply 595March 31, 2019 5:53 PM

Ugh, I hate it when that happens, a clever little post undone by an overlooked typo.

by Anonymousreply 596March 31, 2019 5:53 PM

Almost "Bajour" time!

by Anonymousreply 597March 31, 2019 5:55 PM

THEATRE GOSSIP #349: "Toot-Toot-Tootsie" Edition, here we come

by Anonymousreply 598March 31, 2019 5:57 PM

Fuck Bajour!

The Happy Time!

by Anonymousreply 599March 31, 2019 5:57 PM

Plain and Fancy!

by Anonymousreply 600March 31, 2019 5:58 PM

Away we Go...!

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 601March 31, 2019 5:58 PM

Minnie's Boys

by Anonymousreply 602March 31, 2019 5:58 PM

Yes Ali Hakim was a variant of Jewish and Dutch "vas-you-dere-Charlie" immigrant types, stemming all the way back to Harrigan and Hart, and beyond.

by Anonymousreply 603March 31, 2019 6:00 PM

Gantry!

by Anonymousreply 604March 31, 2019 6:02 PM
Loading
Need more help? Click Here.

Yes indeed, we too use "cookies." Take a look at our privacy/terms or if you just want to see the damn site without all this bureaucratic nonsense, click ACCEPT. Otherwise, you'll just have to find some other site for your pointless bitchery needs.

×

Become a contributor - post when you want with no ads!