THEATRE GOSSIP #466: The Beanie Heads Back to Broadway to Bray as Brice Edition

Previous thread:

Awful title

less with beanie, more with big dicks, which #464 promised, but failed to deliver

I can show you Biggus Dickus

Never forget.

Also, I only discovered yesterday that Taylor C, the one who had Daniel R.'s dick pic posted/misidentified with him, is now doing porn (full-time?) with a fake porn name and everything.

And his real-life boyfriend is also a theatre/porn performer who appeared on tour with him (in the theater, that is).

R6, who is "Taylor C.?". Was he in some legit shows I would have seen?

r8:

(He's never been on Broadway though. He did a couple tours.)

Thanks, R9 / R10. I guess that's why I've never heard of him. By the way, the from-the-neck-down photo on that page that has since been identified as Daniel R. is clearly not the same person as Taylor C., because the body hair pattern is quite different from what we see in the other photos that include Taylor C's face.

I know the Tony nods aren't until next Tuesday, but does anyone want to speculate which show will post the first closing announcement?

IS EVERYONE A WHORE?

Once I was schleppah

NOW I’m Miss Mazzapa!

r12, I think it has to be Paradise Square. It's the one with the lowest grosses that needs nominations the most that it won't get.

For Colored Girls... is doing poorly, but will probably get in for revival. That's probably next. Skin of Our Teeth is also doing poorly, but is fortunately (for them) only scheduled to last to the end of the month anyway.

Just saw this being promoted on Twitter and didn't think it had been posted in the previous thread. It's a subscriber thing, so can't be read, but the title alone made me laugh.

God, Beanie looks like Rodney Dangerfield in that photo r16!

She looks like a raccoon that was just given human, barely female, form.

I wonder if the photogs have been having fun getting the most unflattering shots of Ms. Beanie.

Ramin

[R12], I think it has to be Paradise Square. It's the one with the lowest grosses that needs nominations the most that it won't get.

I would tend to agree, BUT that ex-con producer somehow seems to keep coming up with money to keep the show afloat, whether or not his methods for doing so are on the up-and-up. I didn't see it, but I heard there was recently a TWO FULL PAGE ad for the show in the NY Times. Which is pretty astounding, seeing as how that would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[quote]IS EVERYONE A WHORE? —Joan Cusack

Just the cute ones.

What are the odds I'll be presenting the Best Actress in a Musical Tony to Beanie Feldstein?

Considering you won a completely undeserved Tony yourself, Aaron, I wouldn't rule it out.

Aaron’s Tony will always have a big asterisk next to it.

Ohmygawd. I clicked on one of those Taylor Collins sex videos and saw a guy I know.

These Gen Z guys seem to have no issue at all having their amatuer porn all over the internet!

I think we found the new Funny Girl pull quotes for billboards!

“See the Raccoon sing-speak “People”

“If you open your eyes you’d swear Rodney Dangerfield was romancing Ramin Karimloo”

“Hurry and see Funny Girl before the next wedding related absence!”

Photo at R16 is of Beanie's understudy, Jonah Hill, padded.

I hate this thread. Thanks OP!

Are we still talking about big dicks and Fiddler?

Ramin's voice is practically screaming in "American Idol"manner some of the worst mode of contemporary musical style (the wrong style for "Funny Girl") that overly busy and loud orchestration of a sub-standard (and hithertofore thrown out) song from the show.

Why did they think putting a third-rate Jule Styne song in Act II of FG make the show better?

Broadway chorus boys going into porn is like strippers going into real estate. It's a natural progression.

Worst. Title. Ever.

Cinderella is closing in the West End on June 12th. It was announced on social media before the cast was notified. Stay classy, ALW.

Andrew hasn’t changed I see

Posted on FB Broadway Remembered...

Cinderella is coming to broadway next March. No, really, it is.

Who did Breaded Pork Cutlet play in r37 ? ?

^Broadway oughta be on suicide watch.

I can't wait for Carrie Hope Fletcher to release a statement how the closing has harmed her mental health.

r35 That cast probably deserved it though

Must agree: that is NOT a good song at R20, and I don't like what Ramin is doing with his voice.

I wish they'd cast the Breaded Pork Cutlet in Funny Girl!

I don't have a ticket for INTO THE WOODS at Encores, nor do I plan on getting one.

But this time next week, everyone will have an opinion about it. Strong opinions.

And maybe we'll stop talking about Beanie.

Instead of the Broiled Pork Butt they did cast?

Actually, Beanie is taking the week off so she can play Milky White.

Apparently a winner of Great British Bake Off was meant to be taking over as Prince Charming in July. Even for ALW that's some awful stunt casting

Also, pretty shitty of ALW to decide to bring his comms team in on a Sunday of a bank holiday (UK version of a federal holiday) weekend to make this announcement

Cinderella will never come over here. He’ll never get a theatre. And at some point, he’ll sober up enough to realize that he can’t lay all the blame on Covid.

Wow, that Temporary Arrangement song is awful. And can you imagine what it sounded like with Sidney Chaplin’s vocals (assuming it ever made it into the original production)?

The Shuberts will always give ALW a theater. He gave them Phantom and Cats. And if they don't have one, the Nederlanders will because of Joseph and the endless TROIKA tours that have made them millions. ALW always gets a theater.

[quote]It was announced on social media before the cast was notified

Seems the current cast were told after today's performance, about 30 mins before it was announced publicly, but it's the replacement cast, who were meant to start in July, who weren't told.

Oh, the irony...

Don't write a letter when you want to leave.

Don't call me at 3 A.M. from a friend's apartment.

I'd like to choose how I hear the news.

Take me to a park that's covered with trees.

Tell me on a Sunday please.

Let me down easy, no big song and dance.

No long faces, no long looks, no deep conversation.

I know the way we should spend the day.

Take me to a zoo that's got chimpanzees.

Tell me on a Sunday please.

From r37:

Home of the ORIGINAL TEN MILE BUFFET

I’m going to be polite. Fuck Michael Mayer.

How was it possible that one man could ruin the legacy of:

Jule Styne

Bob Merrill

Barbra Streisand

Fanny Brice

Revivals

Cut Trunk songs

Beanie Feldstein

Ramin Karimloo

Tacos

R53 that song has some of the worst lyrics ever. Don Black really had to reach to find rhymes for “please.” Surprised he didn’t use “cheese.”

R55 don’t forget me!

Take me to the dog who's covered in fleas

Take me to the aisle where I find frozen peas

Take me to the lesbian with her ring of keys

Tell me on a Sunday please.

Don’t send as escort

Dressed up in your pants

Don’t do meth and slam the horse

That is far too easy

I’d like to choose

To burn your caboose

Take me to a bar that’s got lebanese

Tell me on a Sunday bank holiday please

[quote]The Shuberts will always give ALW a theater. He gave them Phantom and Cats. And if they don't have one, the Nederlanders will because of Joseph and the endless TROIKA tours that have made them millions. ALW always gets a theater.

That was another era, another guard. You could say the same of their relationship with Cameron Mackintosh. More so, even; toss Les Miz and Miss Saigon onto the pile. But how many years did he gas on about waiting for the right theatre for Martin Guerre?

Cinderella ain’t coming in.

Neither Ethel nor Mary nor even Carol would have missed. Not ever.

Has POTUS announced a closing?

Don’t want to know who’s to blame

Your all a bunch of jagoffs

Don’t want to hang day and night

At the Welfare office

Sydney Chaplin wouldn't have oversung or screamed that song. He had proper Jule Styne musical style, having worked in 3 big Styne shows, but he most likely would have been wavering between being flat or sharp at various times. But Dinah Shore made a whole career of that...

Can we please change the subject? For the past week I've had Barbra singing People running through my head nonstop, a terrible earworm. I was thirteen when the cast album came out and it was the worst time of my life, a time I don't want to revisit.

Switch to "Volare" instead - you're welcome

Sure, r66

Don't be a fame whore and tell me on tiktok

Don't tag me on Instagram, with your closing no[italic]tice[/italic]

You bunch'a cunts

Be adults for once

So kill me. I thought Skin Of Our Teeth was beautifully realized and the sets and costumes are gorgeous. I don't think anyone in the cast understands the play, but that's ok, I've yet to meet anyone who does. But that cast is amazing. As are the dinosaurs.

R37, William Conrad in the Paul Lynde role?

He was Birdie, r71.

In my early days if I needed a comedic monologue I used to do a cobbled together version of Mr. Antrobus' speech from the opening of Act III.

I still remember throwing my right arm wide and trilling, "...and FRED BAILEY, the captain of the ushers in THIS THEATER!"

I don't remember if anyone was wowed. But doing part of that play put me in a good mood. Which god knows I needed.

For those who have seen this FG revival can you please explain that photo at r20 that I keep seeing everywhere of Ramin in a dance move that looks like he could be singing Luck Be a Lady or I've Got Your Number? Does his Nicky actually have a dance number? And what are thise 4 chorus boys doing in the number with him?

I added more...

THANK YOU! R37 and R75. I'm loving this. I can't get enough of these.

Oh god, R37/R75, those are BRILLIANT. But what about Pia Zadora in The Diary of Anne Frank? One of the blurbs could be “SHE’S IN THE ATTIC!”

So POTUS technically opened at the Wednesday matinee and had all their reviews come out, but they had the press opening/red carpet today? Everything about the production has been so weird and slapdash.

I hesitate to post this, because a certain redheaded actor was in attendance, but kind of a sparse showing, isn't it? And why does Lea Michele's head look like it's photoshopped on her body?

A video on getting fired over social media. Yeah, the whole thing sounds like a shitshow.

R79 Two hours, 44 minutes....

[quote]So POTUS technically opened at the Wednesday matinee and had all their reviews come out, but they had the press opening/red carpet today? Everything about the production has been so weird and slapdash.

Even before COVID, it was not unheard of for the press opening of a show (i.e., the performance after which the reviews would appear) to be different from the opening date with the red carpet and the after party -- usually because the red carpet and the party was already scheduled and then the press opening had to be changed for some reason. Due to COVID, it's even more understandable that that would happen now.

R80, yeah, it’s long but Summer Strallen really gets it out there as to how despicable it is to be fired on social media. On a fucking Sunday two days after a wig fitting. And her hot boyfriend calls ALW and the producers a “pack of cunts” or something. Anyway, good for her.

An agent friend of mine in London said that it’s not true the current cast was told before the news was on the Whatsonstage website.

Strallen’s bf sure does have bdf. I guess the working class London accent helps.

Now here's a show I'd love to see! Thanks R74

...er, I meant R75

Holy cow I know this a theatre thread but Teri Hatcher looks like a crypt keeper at this POTUS opening photos.

Andrew will be far too busy transposing Someset for Groan Close to bother with Cinderella on Broadway.

But cheer up, dolls, if you put on a class action: everybody gets a swimming pool!

r82 Well the cast themselves said they were told before it was made public, so up to you who to believe

I agree Cinderella won’t come to Broadway. Even ALW can’t just get things here now, unless he’s willing to pay out of his own pocket. A lot. It’s not the 80s or the 90s or even the early aughts. If Cinderella had been a sensation, this would be a different conversation, but it is not. It’s barely a blip on the radar.

So, seems what may have happened is rumours have been developing about Cinderella closing over the past few days. These rumours led to FOH staff taking a look at the future bookings, and seeing that tickets had been taken off sale from what is to be the closing date. This got back to the cast/crew, and they started asking questions of management, which forced the rather hasty announcement - it seems likely they were planning to hold off until Tuesday, but their own incompetence forced an early announcement.

Also, only the current cast in the building were told. Carrie Hope Fletcher, for example, was out on Sunday, and was only told by fellow castmates, she wasn't contacted by anyone with RUG.

The producing partner for the Broadway attempt is "No Guarantees". How fitting.

A couple of months ago ALW did take a huge NYT ad saying the show is coming this fall and I bet there was a collective yawn about that, now his quote says spring.

Impossible.

[quote] Now, I am really excited to get to work putting together a new production with [production company] No Guarantees for Broadway. Thank you very much to everyone involved, particularly our UK audiences who have loved and supported the show. See you next March on Broadway."

Deadline has the letter sent to cast and crew:

[quote] Management wrote to the “Dear Cinderella Family” tonight:

It is with regret that we’re writing to let you know that the Really Useful Group’s production of Cinderella will perform its final show at the Gillian Lynne theatre on Sunday June 12th.

As Andrew himself has commented today, Cinderella ‘led the charge to reopen the west end, ensuring that theatre and live entertainment remained relevant and in the news.While mounting a new show in the midst of COVID has been an unbelievable challenge ,we held the Government’s feet to the flames throughout their changes of heart during the pandemic …’

Some of you will already know, we’ve just informed the creative/production teams,cast,crew snd band and a statement will be released to the press and on social media shortly.Andrew and the teams at RUG and Green Light Stage would like to express our huge gratitude to everyone involved in the production and a deep sadness about coming off much earlier than we deserve .RUG and GLS are available tomorrow and beyond to discuss further details as necessary.

Thank you for your immeasurable contribution to the show .We should all be very proud of Cinderella and all that we have achieved together ,and we look forward to our paths crossing again before too long.

Sincerely,

Everyone at the Really Useful Group

Well, Strallen says that her agent was sent an email about her job status but the agent didn't read the email because it was received on the weekend.

Personally, I'd direct her to fire her agent.

What is a weekend, after all?

Europe takes its weekends more seriously than we do.

Especially bank holiday weekends.

Saw THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH over the weekend. I'm not a fan of this director at all, but she did a decent job with Acts 2 and especially 3. But Act 1 is so bad that the audience sits there stone-faced. And speaking of the audience - it was sparse. Extreme sides completely empty and only a handful of people upstairs. Why they didn't move everyone downstairs is beyond me - there was plenty of room. Oh and there was free candy at the full intermission.

R96-Free candy but not a drop of water to be found.

[quote] not a drop of water to be found

When I went, there were glasses of water put out too.

r96 and r98, did either of you pay or are they comping widely?

R75, are those spoofed or real? I grew up during that time so I know they COULD be real but I have to know. :)

Theyre spoofs.

Hey Jeremy O Harris, Met Gala tonight. What are [italic] you [/italic] doing? Any plans? I think there's a new NCIS episode if you're bored.

Real or not I'm still jonesing for the ORIGINAL TEN MILE BUFFET

They're the work of Cris Shapan, r100.

His Royal Highness Christopher Rupert Windemere, Vladimir Karl Alexander François Reginald Lancelot Herman (Yes, Herman!) Gregory James is appalled at the treatment of the Cinderella cast.

ALW wants the Imperial Theatre for Cinderella? Good luck with that, you turd.

Shoshana Bean was on the Today Show singing a song from Mr. Saturday Night (Billy at least showed up to introduce her). It's perfectly serviceable/mediocre. Hard to imagine anyone buying a ticket because of it, but maybe having Billy there to remind people he's the star was supposed to accomplish that even if he didn't perform.

Apparently the West End is to be subjected to a revival of Aspects of Love.

A song, slightly less pulse-racing than most elevator music, about accepting that your awful baby boomer parents will never change is basically exactly what I would expect from a Billy Crystal musical. It sounds like it was written by someone coming to after a colonoscopy.

Shoshana Bean deserves better material than that (and better face work, she looks like one of the Real Housewives of Orange County.)

That guy Chris (Kappan? Tappan?) who does Deluxe Fuxley is brilliant.

THIS DAY IN BROADWAY HISTORY: In 1977, the first Broadway revival of "The King and I" opened at the Uris Theatre.

You mean Chris Kattan, who probably has statues in Columbia and Bolivia for enriching their economies? That guy who was so wired on the set of The Frogs he couldn't get through rehearsals?

To be fair, Frogs is just about as interesting as watching frogs.

That song is dullsville, but love Shoshana Bean.

[quote] ALW wants the Imperial Theatre for Cinderella? Good luck with that, you turd.

r106 what else is vying for the Imp?

R115-Maybe Almost Famous? Anything but another ALW slog. They're resuscitating Billy Elliot in London.

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

Will Beanie be able to handle all of the Benko love after the bad reviews? Do you think she was shielded from hearing about the positive response? And I know I should know this - is Benko in the show otherwise?

Did you catch the mini-series of AMERICAN RUST, r117? David Alvarez has an extended nude scene in it with Beer Can Cock Director David Cromer. It was posted on DL on another thread this winter though I can't remember the thread title or the source. And, btw, it's a great series as well.

will definitely check r119

Lots of London actors and press including Robert Lindsay and Baz complaining about ALW's classless announcement.

However the Cinderella lead doesn't seem to do the show very much at all. 6 perfs a week and time off every month?

Beanie left a nice comment on one of Benko’s many FG posts. ‘You are magic.’

[quote] Apparently the West End is to be subjected to a revival of Aspects of Love.

I would rather watch paint dry then sit through that bore of a show again.

“I…I sleep with everyone…”

[quote] Beanie left a nice comment on one of Benko’s many FG posts. ‘You are magic.’

If she was really magic she could make Beanie disappear.

Alvarez and Cromer

Alvarez without Cromer

eewww, R126

Cromer is realiy down there sucking away at r126 isn't he.

Is the show good, aside from the head?

No, it's pretty terrible. It's just misery porn--sad characters having terrible things happen to them repeatedly--and too monotonous and boring to be good drama.

For eff's sake, why are those scenes lit with a 30-watt bulb? And I guess they're taking the American Rust title literally with all the brown decor.

For Cromer, it's American LUST for the D

The dark lighting lets the viewer know it's Serious Drama. Very, very, Serious Drama. It's too busy illuminating the struggles of the poor working class to illuminate the photography.

Alvarez is cuban which bodes well

Okay, I have to give them credit. The link at r78 of the POTUS opening has been updated with a lot more images, and there were a lot more people there than it originally appeared so it wasn't so sad and sparse.

Lots of C list celebs and a couple A and Bers.

Ladies and Gentlemen, still another black remake of a classic.

r137

I'm not super familiar with the play... is race a major factor?

I'm still waiting for the all white dreamgirls though

Death of a Salesman makes a lot of sense with a black cast. Miller didn’t specify race because he was trying to pitch a Jewish story as universal. If it is in fact universal, a black cast is as valid as any.

This is not a new take on the piece - people got their panties wadded up about it over 30 years ago.

r110 Cris Shapan

R139 Oh please. Can't they have plays actually written about the black experience, not shoved into white plays.

I look forward to a revival of the “universal” Brighton Beach Memoirs with Audra McDonald as the mother.

"Death of a Salesman" is very popular in China. Most plays by Western playwrights were performed by a Chinese cast in whiteface and wigs, but when "Salesman" premiered in Beijing in 1983, it was presented as a story about a Chinese family. Miller said:

"There are some cultural differences about the way things are expressed, but the fundamentals are the same." In a society where traditional family ties are strong, he explained, "Willy is as Chinese as you can get. He's a papa."

No, R139. Although the Loman family as written is presumably meant to be Jewish, their Jewishness is not important to the story because the play is about how capitalism grinds down people and summarily disposes of those who can no longer produce, which has nothing to do with one's religion or race or ethnicity.

That said, of course a black cast in this play is NOT valid from a historical standpoint, because no black man would ever have been able to get a job like Willy's at that time in American history. And one could argue that to do the play with a black Willie ignores the overtly racist attitudes of the time, because that's not what the play is about.

[quote]Oh please. Can't they have plays actually written about the black experience, not shoved into white plays.

That would require imagination and commitment from producers. It's much easier of lazy, stagnant Broadway to merely take white-centered plays and cast blacks. It's like producing musicals based on Hollywood films. They already have name recognition.

[quote]Can't they have plays actually written about the black experience, not shoved into white plays.

The good news is that, especially this past season, there have been many new plays that fit your description, and in my opinion, most or all of them were quite good. Unfortunately, this has not stopped or even slowed the ridiculous attempts to shove the black experience into old white plays, as you so aptly describe it. August Wilson would have had a LOT to say about all that.

[quote] Can't they have plays actually written about the black experience,

[quote] The good news is that, especially this past season, there have been many new plays that fit your description, and in my opinion, most or all of them were quite good

Like Chicken and Biscuits?

Ha, R147 :-) But seriously, there were a lot more plays about the black experience on Broadway this past season other than CHICKEN AND BISCUITS. And anyway, I really enjoyed that one for what it was, and for not pretending to be anything else.

The Marianne Elliot Death of a Black Salesman is a perfectly stellar production. But I didn't quite get why London critics went crazy for it.

Is the entire cast black?

Okay so this is a general question for theatergoers: what is Kenneth Lonergan's reputation? Just saw him and his wife J.Smith Cameron (LOVE her) on the red carpet for the Correspondents' Dinner. Is he a big deal? Forgive my ignorance.

Tomorrow marks the triumphant return of the Beanster!

R149, because the London critics often have shit for taste.

[R150] = Mamie Eisenhower

We really enjoyed American Rust.

A star is born.

I also really enjoyed AMERICAN RUST and David Alvarez proved himself to be a great young actor (and the nudity didn't hurt!).

[quote]The Marianne Elliot Death of a Black Salesman is a perfectly stellar production. But I didn't quite get why London critics went crazy for it.

If you feel the production was "perfectly stellar," then why don't you get why the London critics went crazy for it? You seem more than a little confused.

So what do we revive, A Raisin in the Sun or Raisin, the Musical?

The latter doesn't improve upon the former, r159.

Yeah R123, that’s the same thing she says to her cleaning lady.

Why do I think that Raisin, the Musical might be high on Lear’s Encores list?

Wow. The showbiz hyperbole at Funny Girl is as heavy as the leading lady.

Fifth rate blogger announces adequate understudy is a star. Sure.

Rephrasing R92:

Dear Cinderella Family,

You shall NOT go to the ball!

Sincerely The Phantom of the Opera

Among great American plays, Death Of A Salesman doesn't get revived in London as regularly as O'Neil's plays or Tennessee William's classics. It always seems to take to the Brits by surprise.

r141, why does it have to be either/or? Why can't there be more plays about Black (and other minority) experiences AND Black (and other minority) actors be given the chance to play characters traditionally (and repeatedly) portrayed by white actors?

And yeah, this season has seen Pass Over, Thoughts of a Colored Man, Chicken and Biscuits, Slave Play (again), Skeleton Crew, Trouble in Mind, For Colored Girls..., Lackawanna Blues, MJ, A Strange Loop... So it's not like producers aren't putting on shows by Black playwrights and/or about Black experiences. Letting Black actors do traditionally white roles isn't preventing those stories from being told.

(The cynical part of me notes that most of those shows didn't do very well, so maybe letting Black actors play traditionally white roles may be the only way to get majority white audiences to see them, since they've shown little interest in Black experiences written by Black authors... Of course, Skin of Our Teeth may prove otherwise.)

Wasn’t a Salesman revival in the works with Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf?

I like both of these actors, but I can live without seeing their Willy and Linda. (Insert jokes here.)

It was supposed to be a Rudin production so maybe he lost the rights, being a dick and all.

Please note! Marianne Elliott did not and is not directing the new Death of a Salesman.

#actually, even given all that is said above, the reception for Pierce as Willy in London was underwhelming - surprising that they would make the effort to bring it over here

pedantry alert at r171

[quote] Please note! Marianne Elliott did not and is not directing the new Death of a Salesman.

She co-directed in London, and her co-director on that is directing here.

Thank God Marianne Elliot isn’t directing. No one needs Willy Loman framed in a series of garish neon boxes.

Good morning

Two buttons and a zipper never had to work so hard to hold back an unstoppable force.

I hate to tell you, R144, but there were indeed black traveling salesmen.

There were really two economies in America at the time. So black salesmen usually did not sell to white retailers, but they did indeed sell to black retailers.

[quote][R141], why does it have to be either/or? Why can't there be more plays about Black (and other minority) experiences AND Black (and other minority) actors be given the chance to play characters traditionally (and repeatedly) portrayed by white actors?

Because the second thing (1) almost always rewrites history and makes no sense, and (2) continues to be done on a quota system, which is inherently unfair.

R177, of course, that's what I meant. The realities of a black salesman at that time would have been very, very different from what we see of Willie Loman's life.

Thank you for your service R175.

r175, two months and still only one picture....

Protests over "Cinderella" in London:

To DLers still planning on seeing Take Me Out - they are actually pretty lax about the phone thing. I have 2 phones and I put both of them in the locked pouch thing but it would have been very easy to keep one in my jacket pocket. They don't search you or check, it's all very rushed and hectic as they are trying to get everyone into the theater and seated.

Not encouraging anyone obviously, JUST SAYING, if you feel compelled to memorialize that enormous beautiful dong...

There are indeed audience photos from Take Me Out floating around. I saw some first hand. Not a great photo, but a great cock.

[quote] I saw some first hand.

and you didn't share here because..............................?

Has Patti commented on ALW's Cinderella behavior?

Are Broadway megastars obsolete? Not while Hugh Jackman and Patti LuPone are around:

2022 Tony Award Nominations Predictions:

Watch SJP walk off with Best Actress In A Play.

What's with the billionaire wife of the Black Rock president "producing" Cinderella on Broadway. What is it with these insanely rich people wanting to work with and lose millions Sir Andrew Lloyd Dickhead? Remember when multi-millionaire Bob Boyett ("Happy Days!") produced that shitty Woman in White? Lost millions. And Scott Sanders took a bath on that EVITA revival? Hey really rich people: The House always wins.

Did anyone else notice that in "A Strange Loop" when they were doing the Tyler Perry Chitlin stuff, there were some quotes from "Chicken and Biscuits." Did I hear that correctly?

Sounds like there won’t be a Beanie in the Tony noms.

And that would be a most egregious omission.

R189 for people that wealthy, it's a much needed tax write off when the show flops.

Since when is Julie Andrews not a shiksa?

[quote]R185 Has Patti commented on ALW's Cinderella behavior?

Has Dorothy Faye?

[italic]”Another capricious act by a capricious man.”

[quote]R193 for people that wealthy, it's a much needed tax write off when the show flops.

And they get to hang out with artsy types for a year.

r192...she IS NOT getting a participation award....sorry. She sucks.

ALW has always been a cunt to his many casts, years ago, when he was downing two bottles of obscenely expensive white for “dinner” at Orso, he’d careen to whatever shows he had running and bitch at various cast members during intermission or after the final curtain. No SM would dare stop him, he hadn’t seen the performances kind you, he’d just be a boozed up bitch. “You should do it like Michael did, it’s really very simple”, or “I’m going to have to hear you try the songs again, everything is wrong” and so on. He’d also leer at whatever big breasted blonde was playing whatever role, there was a dreadful Christine alternate in the mid 90’s that he was obsessed with, she’d tease him up and blow his broken dick in that horrid Trump Tower apartment he had at the time. Finally a powerful collaborator of his sat him down and went scorched Earth…he never did those antics again. Sadly in the last few years he’s enjoying the bottle again, while pretending not to, and has started torturing various actors. He oddly usually hates his casts, very strange man.

He's an ugly human being, inside and out.

How does David Zippel feel about never being mentioned in connection with "Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella"?

DEAD to me...

JOH spent all last night essentially live-blogging the Met Gala. If there's one thing Anna Wintour has done right - and there may very well be only one - that was it.

[quote]Protests Break Out In London Over ‘Cinderella’ Closure Following Andrew Lloyd Webber Decision To Move Show To Broadway

People in London must have a lot of free time on their hands.

r203 Because it's not like Broadway people jump to protest and march at the drop of a hat. At least here Equity has a point.

[quote]JOH spent all last night essentially live-blogging the Met Gala.

Jenny O'Hara?

SJP has no chance of winning. The other Parker, Mary Louise, is said to be masterful. And Plaza Suite received tepid critical notices.

[QUOTE] SJP has no chance of winning. The other Parker, Mary Louise, is said to be masterful. And Plaza Suite received tepid critical notices.

MLP really *is* masterful in the play and gives a performance for the ages. I’m still thinking about what I saw now over three weeks later, especially her final scenes in the play. I would bet that her winning is one of the surest things of the night.

Agree R207. Haunted by her performance and it's been a couple weeks since I saw it too. She was really brilliant.

Is To Kill A Mockingbird still planning to reopen on broadway?

Greg Kinnear, is that you at r209?

No, r205. JOHN O'Hara. Back from the dead.

Yikes. Dire numbers last week, and no one was at 100% capacity.

I have a question. Are Mr. and Mrs. Flyoverstan on their NYC vacation walk out of this Broadway show and even notice Beanie's vocal limitations? I mean, would a civilian pick up on it? I honestly don't know.

I saw "Miss Saigon" in Seattle in April 1995 and I'm still trying to stimulate the parts of my brain that died from boredom that night (& any DL can see that I've had little luck in THAT area).

Ugh, just let Company die already, and take Chicago and Phantom along with it.

[quote]& any DL can see that I've had little luck in THAT area

Yes, Zemen, that comes across in many of your posts.

So Jesse Green gives The Case for the Existence of God a rave? WTF! total dreck, not a believable word in it.

Those numbers are brutal. So much for STRANGE LOOP's reviews starting a stampede at the box office.

Ha! I'm outselling COMPANY and DEAR EVAN HANSEN, gay bitches.

Deb, you cunt, you have a subscriber base who is stuck with you.

So Funny Girl didn't even manage to do 100% for its opening week? Ouch.

Why isn’t HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE not in contention for Best Play if it hasn’t been on Broadway before?

Double negative, r321.

^r221

[quote] and take Chicago and Phantom along with it

Apparently they've gotten Phantom's running costs to under $500,000 a week, so it'll take a true disaster to get them to close that

Oh no I didn’t not!

[quote] I have a question. Are Mr. and Mrs. Flyoverstan on their NYC vacation walk out of this Broadway show and even notice Beanie's vocal limitations? I mean, would a civilian pick up on it? I honestly don't know.

No, only sophisticated New Yorkers such as yourself would be able to discern vocal limitation. After all, the rubes are used to only hearing country music and " The Farmer in the Dell." How can anyone other than a resident of the most elite city in the world. Civilians? Could you be more arrogant or insulting? How about the number of professional critics who thought she was fine? So, take your condescending attitude and shove it up your ass.

[QUOTE] Why isn’t HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE not in contention for Best Play if it hasn’t been on Broadway before?

Because it’s a revival of a 25 year old play. Same thing happened with THE NORMAL HEART during its Broadway premiere season. The play premiered off-Broadway in 1985 and then, twenty-six years later, finally had a Broadway production that was considered in the Best Revival of a Play category.

Best Play is reserved for brand-new works.

I didn't love everything about this revival of HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, but it's a remarkable play, far better than any new play I've seen on or off-Bway in a couple of seasons.

R216,

Thank you. Green's review baffles me as well. Case for the Existence of God would have only been bearable if David Alvarez had shown up onstage and director David Cromer had fellated him as the two drones in the cubicle shut their damn traps for a few blessed moments. Damn I hated this play, Samuel D. Hunter's worst by far.

AMERICANO!

A musical evening designed to make DL heads explode.

Is it just me or are those Brits protesting ALW and the closing of the wretched CINDERELLA overreacting just a mite? Shows close, especially wretched ones, and it's time to move on.

Also, where is The Gillian Lynne Theatre where CINDERELLA is playing? Is it where BILLY ELLIOTT played (I remember that theatre being far from the others). I spent a week in London last month seeing many shows on the West End and never came across that theatre. There also seemed to be little advertising in the tubes for the show.

Will Deb Messing, Matthew Broderick, Daniel Craig and Beanie Feldstein present at the Tonys if they're not nominated?

And if FUNNY GIRL doesn't get a nom for Best Musical will it still perform a number?

Does anyone think the SIX girls could all share a nomination a la the BILLY ELLIOTT boys?

[quote] Does anyone think the SIX girls could all share a nomination a la the BILLY ELLIOTT boys?

No. The Billy boys were all playing the lead, just on different nights. They weren’t just part of an ensemble. There’s no parallel

FUNNY GIRL is a REVIVAL; not eligible for Best Musical.

[quote]Are Mr. and Mrs. Flyoverstan on their NYC vacation walk out of this Broadway show and even notice Beanie's vocal limitations? I mean, would a civilian pick up on it?

Well, I would say that some "civilians" have better ears than others. But also, to a great degree, it's a matter of opinion and personal taste.

r232 The article says that those protesting were Equity members and deputies from other shows, so doesn't really seem an over-reaction - you'd surely expect a union to speak out when cast members are treated so poorly, especially the replacement cast who only learned they were out of a job via social media.

And no, Billy Elliot was at the Victoria Palace, which is now home to Hamilton. The Gillian Lynne was the New London, and is on Drury Lane. I mean, you could've easily Googled that.

Buh bye, For Colored Girls…

For Colored Girls has posted closing notice.

The West End theatres that feel marooned to me are the Dominion and the Playhouse.

I love Glenn but seriously......

Don’t we all r241?

re what r236 said I know a civilian who was excited to see Funny Girl with his family, and they saw it in previews and told me they were all disappointed and that 'she just didn't seem good enough'

Poor Glennie. That’s one delusional old broad.

But weren't all the actors' agents told that Cinderella was closing? Even if the notification was on a Sunday, would it have really made that much difference if it was on a Friday or a Monday? And, in any case, the replacement cast would have been out of jobs whenever........

Show Business is a cruel mistress no matter what Irving Berlin said.

A producer of Colored Girls has this insight--

[quote] “There is a slight dampening effect for us because of the title — when you read ‘suicide,’ people think it’s going to be a somber play, and not enjoyable,”

r245 That's what RUG claims

And yes, being informed on a business day, when people are expected to be checking their business emails, is very different to being informed in the middle of a holiday weekend. Fuck off, Andrew

Any updates on Colored Girls?

R244, Norma Desmond at 75?

SUNSET BLVD...the Sunset Years

I would so appreciate if Valens or whoever has it would share the Sondheim Concert from tonight. Bernadette sang “Losing My Mind” followed by Judi Dench singing “Send In the Clowns”

Andrew should hire all the colored girls to be Cinderella

These Cinderella cast members whining on Twitter it’s like…welcome to showbiz, bitches. I mean, honestly.

[quote]Show Business is a cruel mistress no matter what Irving Berlin said.

Show business is exciting!

Did the little British snowflakes think that shitty show was going to run forever? Get over it and move on.

The ladies can always do a revival of "Steaming".

Six on the Today Show this morning. Maybe it plays better in a theater where it can feel more like a concert than it does out in on the plaza in the sunlight, but this did nothing for me.

One of my Tonys, r256!

r255 No, but they expected to hear that they were losing their jobs from their employers, not from social media. Hardly seems unreasonable.

r251 Mackintosh is hinting he might do a TV broadcast or something in the future, though he whined that that he'd have to pay the talent in that case (they're doing the concert for expenses only). As it was, they did a 'cinema' broadcast but only to the Prince Edward theatre (where tickets were selling from £30 to £95!), so seems unlikely anyone would've got a download from it. Fingers crossed though.

R232: The Gillian Lynne Theatre used to be called the New London Theatre. It's where Cats played its run, halfway between the Shaftesbury Theatre and Drury Lane, way on the very eastern end of the West End theatre district.

Thank you, r259. Like some of the bitches in this thread wouldn't be shrieking like banshees if they found out on social media their employers were closing and they were losing their jobs.

R251, a friend who was there texted me at the interval that the “show is 50% BRILLIANT and 50% an equity tour of Side by Side by Sondheim. But the great bits are so good it’s worth it.”

R262 Wonder if the people who paid over £2000 per ticket felt it was worth it

Please. It's 2022.

Everybody who's anybody hears everything on social media first.

[quote]For Colored Girls has posted closing notice.

Well, shit. It's a beautiful show. Damn shame they couldn't get butts in seats.

Well, just back from the dress rehearsal of INTO THE WOODS, and I'm sorry to say that it was a triumph with a dream cast, rivalling the original! DeBessenet ain't going nowhere now. It's absolutely the hit of the season.

[Quote] It's absolutely the hit of the season.

Please.

Milky White is trans... Jack even uses his correct pronouns. 'He's the best cow'.

No wonder DeBessenet wanted to do it.

Sweetie, Into the Woods is practically foolproof, especially right after Sondheim's death. Lear has done nothing revolutionary.

R260-War Horse ran there as well.

[quote]Six on the Today Show this morning. Maybe it plays better in a theater

Nope. It's excrement.

R251 Sorry, love. I quit months ago.

Thank you for your service!

So one interesting thing about the Spring Awakening movie is that Gideon Glick is totally ignored ... what's up with that?

R274 Everyone was ignored apart from Groffy, Lea and that other annoying actor. Shame.

R274 Common sense?

Ecstatic review of Old Friends...

...and Bernie singing I Know Things Now. You're welcome for me skipping the 34 seconds of cheering

If You'reGonnaLoveTomorrow by any chance sees this - any chance of Haydn Gwynne's Ladies Who Lunch?

That's not a pretty voice.

Odd that Deadline let Michael Ball get away with that ridiculous boast about being the first man to sing Could I Leave You?, especially since the review JUST SAID that Side By SIde by Sondheim brought the composer a huge audience in the UK.

What about this Bedwetter musical?

Michael Ball is ridiculous. Deadline says that a (nameless) representative of the S S Foundation was there. Did the hubs attend as well?

I'm curious about THE BEDWETTER as well. Off-Bway musicals don't seem to get much love/attention on these threads, regrettably.

Anyone seen ISLANDER?

I saw ISLANDER. An oddity from the Edinburgh Festival, Two female singers with electronic self-adjusted equipment. Sweet voices but a very dull whimsical story. Was baffled how this got its way across the pond. 75 minutes, but seemed much longer.

How long was Beanie's entrance applause upon her return Tuesday evening?

THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO APPLAUD???

Those mother-fuckers!

Could someone post (if they have it) the audio of Bernadette’s Losing My Mind from last nights concert?

Bernadette looks incredible at 74. Adore her.

THIS DAY IN BROADWAY HISTORY: In 1982, "’MASTER HAROLD’ … and the boys” opened at the Lyceum Theatre.

Glick actually looked partially human with longer hair.

I thought Lea Michele came off really well in the doc, and her voice has sure held up. She opened her mouth in that rehearsal room and I thought- if only (instead of Beanie).

Also- WTF is up with Steven Sater?? This guy is married with kids?? He's a a total nelly bottom. And he is one of the most repulsive creatures I've ever seen. He looks and acts like Gollum.

Chubby Duncan Sheik could still get it.

This is the best they could do?

I think it's a great choice.

I've worked with Ariana. Adore her. Brilliant choice.

Who? She'll draw tens of viewers, but for Woke Broadway, she's the right gender and color.

Why isn’t Hugh hosting?

I think Hugh is aware he is not a

(1) trans woman of color,

(2) a bisexual woman of color

(3). Hipster trans man/trans man of color

So he need not apply for the Tony host job

Just a hunch: Hugh was offered, and said NO.

Why would he? He doesn't really need to promote TMM any harder, and only stands to look old/foolish/dull hosting a not very well produced, consistently low-rated awards show. Not sure I blame him.

I like Ariana, but I'm guessing she wasn't number 1, 2, or even third on the list.

[quote]What about this Bedwetter musical?

I certainly hate the title. Is it a sequel to "Urinetown"?

The Bedwetter sounds like it would be as entertaining as the musical made from Dan Savage's bullshit memoir.

Broadway Baby from Old Friends - complete with the queeniest gasp you can imagine. An honorary MARY! to the gasper

God, they actually invited that tuneless wretch Helena Bonham Carter? I guess they figured if her Mrs. Lovett didn't put Sondheim in his grave, her singing at his tribute wouldn't cause his ghost to haunt everyone.

Watching that Spring Awakening documentary from HBO - all I can think of when Michael Mayer is this thread and Beanie.

Skylar Astin looks fantastic.

^ meant to say when Michael Mayer is yapping.

The Spring Awakening doc was a lot better than I was anticipating. Groff is such a likeable guy. And Mayer is a bitch from hell, if he hates Broadway so much, leave, gurl, leave.

Agree R304, Groff is so lovely. The documentary sheds light on his loyalty to Lea. Seems like she was really there for him when he was young and struggling with his sexuality. Made me like her more.

r302 I guess Mayer and Astin are buds, since Astin is taking over the lead in Mayer's little Shop in a couple weeks along with BDF hottie Andrew Call replacing Christian Borle

What are the acting nominees predictions for the Tonys in featured actor/actress in a play?

R297, you are correct. Hugh was offered. But it’s too much with a show running. It’s not just a one-night gig. Lots of prep goes into it.

R308, Plus, how could Hugh improve on that outstanding hopping number he performed when he last hosted?

[quote]Poor Glennie. That’s one delusional old broad.

I hate when old performers refuse to a acknowledge their limitations and think they can do any old thing they want.

Also, maybe Hugh knows he isn't a shoo-in for Best Actor.

Does Helena Bonham Carter own any other dresses?

R307-I'm thinking MLP for Best Actress and Jesse Williams for Best Actor.

[quote]Sweetie, Into the Woods is practically foolproof, especially right after Sondheim's death. Lear has done nothing revolutionary.

Actually, there have been several “stinker” productions of ITW. And Queen Lear is the director and AD - she’ll get appropriate praise for this one.

Since the Tonys will only be viewed by hard core theater folk from NYC and gay men, whoever hosts is really of no concern to everyone else.

They asked me but I had a commitment.

Enjoyed the Spring Awakening doc as well - my introduction to the show.

I loved how Lea Michelle would pretend to cry and even wipe away imaginary tears. What a sociopath.

[quote] Since the Tonys will only be viewed by hard core theater folk from NYC and gay men, whoever hosts is really of no concern to everyone else.

Someone with more mainstream appeal could have helped. It's more and more marginalized. Someone from the core women 45+ segment that Broadway relies on would have been helpful, the way Rosie used to be. This will be just singing to the tiny choir.

If Ariana de Bose hosts the Tonys and no one watches. did it make a sound?

Marjoire Taylor Green - now there's a Tony host I'd watch just to see the complete trainwreck

Umm, Jesse Williams isn't winning anything outside a speedo contest in a gay bar.

Michael Mayer comes off like a jaded arrogant asshole in the Spring Awakening documentary.

If they managed to make Lea Michele look fine, it’s interesting they couldn’t do the same for him.

Lea Michelle deserves a big Broadway comeback.

Funny Girl's back on TKTS today, even with Beanie back, so either Karimloo is the real draw, not Beanie, or the reviews have taken their toll.

But she’s a queer woman of color! That matters more than if anyone watches the show

[quote] Umm, Jesse Williams isn't winning anything outside a speedo contest in a gay bar.

Oh dayum that thing packed into a Speedo would be delightful.

[quote]But she’s a queer woman of color! That matters more than if anyone watches the show

Rather that she's an Oscar winner -- but the point remains a mainstream name could attract marginally more eyeballs.

The Oscars were a scant two months ago and I've already forgotten about Ariana DeBose.

The reviews took a toll on the FG wraps. June not looking good at all..

I was going to get a ticket to a Julie Benko date in August. Should I just abandon the idea?

Years from now it might be fun to say you saw it, r329.

Ariana deBose is perhaps the worst idea—EVER— for a host. No one knows who the fuck she is.

The Spring Awakening documentary was surprisingly great. Groff exec produced it so of course he was going to go out of his way to make Lea look good. After watching it, I believe she probably still harbors feelings for him and that’s why he’s the only person she’s nice to.

Also enjoyed the SPRING AWAKENING doc, and the contrasts between the cast performing songs as teens vs 15 years later.

The score holds up. SA influenced a lot of younger theatremakers to explore a more pop, contemporary sound, regardless of the time, place, or subject matter of their shows. I wish they'd performed the original Bill T Jones choreography at the Actors Fund benefit (there were just some nods to it, but not really) since it was such a dynamic element in the original.

Wasn’t there a creative falling out with Bill T. Jones, R333? I have seen several people online asking why he went completely unmentioned in the doc.

When did Gideon Glick turn into a hottie?

[r335] think that through.

How do you know how the June wraps look for FG (or any show)?

Same on the spring awakening doc, but I was surprised there was no mention at all, even in passing, of the deaf west revival. Was that not authorized or something?

[quote] How do you know how the June wraps look for FG (or any show)?

They're probably looking at online ticket availability for June. Although TBH sales patterns are so fucked right now most everything is selling late and r328 is probably looking with pre-CoVid expectations

The omissions from Spring Awakening doc were interesting. Also, I remember Phoebe Strole and Krysta Rodriguez from the original cast and they were barely mentioned - I think we saw them for about 3 seconds in the bar scene. I guess there was limited time but they managed to get in the story about Lea showing Groff her clit. They probably could have thrown in Bill T Jones and left that part out.

294, I love how just the existence of a woman of color is somehow “woke” to you.

Why wasn’t Lea nominated for Spring Awakening? Was she in the mix? Or not really a contender.

I wish things had turned out better for her. She definitely has the talent and the drive.

They should have included how Lea ruined Jonathan's big moment of getting a Tony nomination by not speaking to him and making him feel bad. She came across as so cold. Never mentions anyone in the cast except Jonathan and Gallagher. This will not help her shake the bitch image

It was very clear that Lea is all about Leal. She came across as insufferable. But I still think that Mayer came across even worse, what a piece of an entitled asshole. He should be more humble knowing that his directing career was a major failure and his Opera direction was pathetic also. I do not think the MET might be calling him again.

And I agree that Bill T. Jones should have appeared. The choreography was one of the highlights of SA. His choreography/movements for "Touch Me" and many other numbers were sublime and all the reviewers praised his work. Artistry at its best. There must be a story for his silence. And they did not show him winning the Tony (and I think they showed almost everybody else).

Just my opinion but I think Broadway is going to see much less months/weeks early ticket buying. Many consumers, including tourists, are now wary of whether or not a show will perform on any given day and who will be performing in it. Of course. these days even buying a ticket in the afternoon doesn't guarantee exactly who and what you may be seeing that night.

Maybe this will all right itself by the end of the summer if there are less cancellations and understudy appearances.

Am I remembering correctly that SPRING AWAKENING's original Broadway run wasn't much more than a season long? I was never a fan of the show so don't know the details. But it always surprised me that audiences weren't really there for it considering the critical raves and publicity the show received.

Too much focus on Groff and Lea’s relationship which wasn’t all that interesting. John Gallagher came off as very sweet and humble

When they had Groff saying that none of the show's success ever went to any of their heads, I was thinking how the rest of the cast would likely say that's complete bullshit.

They also pretty much omitted Jennifer Damiano - who went on to do more Broadway including a tony nomination for Next to Normal.

My memory of Spring Awakening was that it was crowned as this show that was going to revolutionize Broadway (like Rent before it and Hamilton after it) and yet it disappeared pretty quickly. It was more admired than loved and the producers never figured out how to market or sell tickets to the sexy Euro-period piece with the modern pop score.

Original production ran for awhile.

Yeah, I mean, there was no footage of anyone hugging Lea except with Jonathan and Mayer. Even when everyone clapped for her song in the first rehearsal she didn’t even look over her shoulder and acknowledge her colleagues. And she was strategically placed front row to the far right next to Jonathan so no one else could make contact with her. Gurl needs to learn some generosity of spirit.

Groff and Lea Michele stayed with it a LONG time.

Thought it was interesting how they put that scene in the doc after the concert where Mayer tells Groff and Lea they did an amazing job and they cut to Lea telling the camera that they were waiting 15 years to hear Mayer say that to them.... damn.

R348, Who was Groff with during the run of Spring Awakening, Gavin Creel, Zachary Quinto or someone else?

I was in midtown yesterday between shows and overheard this from three fellow industry folks at the table next to mine:

"She can't sing it, she can't act it, and she can't dance it. She's a triple non-threat."

Didn't have to spend too much time pondering who they were discussing!

Tony nominations come out on Monday. That's when the wailing will truly begin.

Groff was already getting and giving blowjobs backstage while he was still "unsure of his sexuality".

[quote] 94, I love how just the existence of a woman of color is somehow “woke” to you.

Oh, grow up. Everyone knows that being a " woman of color" is the primary reason a person with a guaranteed non-draw name was chosen. Maybe she will be wonderful, who knows? But to pretend that her gender and color were not determining factors is her being chosen is naive and , dare I say, " woke."

R355 Neither. His first boyfriend was a dancer from his hometown and they moved to New York together.

The Off Broadway Alliance has announced the nominees for the 11th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards. Winners in all categories will be announced May 24.

Nominees: -- Best New Musical: Kimberly Akimbo, Harmony, Black No More, Intimate Apparel, Coal Country -- Best New Play: Prayer for the French Republic, Sanctuary City, Jane Anger, English, A Sherlock Carol, Trial on the Potomac -- Best Revival: Assassins, Sistas the Musical, Merry Wives, The Daughter-in-Law, Mrs. Warren's Profession -- Best Unique Theatrical Experience: Oratorio for Living Things, The Hang, Islander, Blindness, Barococo -- Best Solo Performance: Little Girl Blue, Just for Us, Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord, Is There Still Sex in the City?, How the Hell Did I Get Here?

Honorary Award Recipients: -- Legend of Off Broadway Awards: Richard Nelson and Albert Bergeret -- Off Broadway Hall of Fame: Ed Bullins, Arthur French and Lisa Banes -- Friend of Off-Broadway Award: Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora

R357 He never said he was unsure of his sexuality - he obviously wasn’t since he had a boyfriend - and no, he was not whoring around in 2006. There’s never been stories of him whoring around backstage ever.

Groff could have easily taken his Frozen money and cashed in with some more voice acting bullshit like Angry Birds 2 but instead he invested in and produced what turned out to be an actually decent theater documentary. This is why so many in the industry love him and are rooting for him.

Mrs. Doubtfire on the Today Show this morning. Probably the best choice of number, since it makes sense to highlight the transformation (and this was one of the few songs I found bearable). I didn't care for the show at all, but I'll give them credit--they probably did the best of the shows that performed on Today this week, and this performance might sell some tickets, though it's hard to imagine anyone not already inclined to see a Mrs. Doubtfire musical being won over.

He looks like a PUPPET in R362

I’m familiar with Lili Cooper but have never seen her in a show or heard her sing but damn she was, for me, the standout in the performance clips in the SA documentary. Really powerful then and now.

I have friends who saw the Wed matinee of Funny Girl. Oy, there assessment, critique. review of Beanie what Dl has been screaming about for ages. Beanie is all wrong for the role of Fanny Brice. They gave her props for trying hard, but man nothing else good from her on stage.

Saw TAKE ME OUT last night.

Not disappointing.

A few surprises:

Jesse Williams's character is not in that initial shower scene. I had forgotten that, and the fact that both shower scenes are in Act Two. Earlier in the show he disrobes, but he turns coyly to the side so that only his butt is exposed. Hilariously, that staging actually builds additional dramatic tension so that when we do see him fully frontal in Act II, it's far more titillating. His dick is impressive, as is his whole body. Plus he's just... beautiful, one of the sexiest men I've ever seen on stage. The part is perfect for him, and he's very good in it.

JTF is very good, and if you hadn't seen Denis O'Hare, you might think he was great. JTF will likely get his first Tony nod for this, and if so, it's for the part more than his portrayal. Mason Marzac is one of those dream roles actors kill for. Also, amongst all those beauties on stage, JTF looked... rather haggard and aged.

Scott Ellis had no idea how to direct Michael Oberholtzer, who played Shane Mungitt. NO IDEA. I also think the part is woefully underwritten. Otherwise, Ellis's work is fine, and his casting is impeccable.

The play holds up and is in places more powerful than in its original incarnation. What's interesting, and a little off construction-wise, is that the play ends with Mason Marzac instead of Kippy Sunderstrom. Kippy is the show's de facto narrator, and then for some odd reason, at the very end someone else finishes the play. Patrick J. Adams is very good as Kippy. Great Broadway debut.

And as for the other cocks on display... Wow. The bodies, the faces, the asses, the dicks. All hot. Eduardo Ramos and Hiram Delgado are Latin sex gods, and even Julian Cihi, best known as murder victim Tim Kono in ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, is nicely hung. Didn't expect that from the Japanese player. Most gobsmacking is that Jesse Williams is not the most hung person on the stage. He is the sexiest, and he has the best body, but Tyler Lansing Weaks, as Jason Chenier, has a long, long cock. Woof! He wins Biggest Meat from this lava-hot cast.

Very strong revival of a very good play. All the sexy meat is just the cherry on top. Go see it.

Okay, enough people have said that about Weaks I evidently need to go back (or wait for the inevitable photos to leak). When I saw it, he looked average, but maybe there was shrinkage that night (or he's gotten better at fluffing). I'm curious enough to want to see for myself.

When “fluffing” is mentioned, what exactly do people mean? I thought getting fluffed meant someone blew you right before you’re scene to make sure it appeared hard and engorged. Is the supposed fluffing that’s happening just the actor stroking themselves and getting hard?

I can’t imagine that there are actual “fluffers” backstage.

R368 I was about to ask the same thing but didn't know how to word it. Thank you.

[quote]I can’t imagine that there are actual “fluffers” backstage.

MOST sought-after job on Broadway.

fluffing themselves, playing with it until it grows put not get hard

.....so they're all in their dressing rooms tugging their dicks before the curtain goes up? Jesus.

Send in the document crew - now!

Yes, when you look at Seat Geek for June, there are plenty of seats for FG.

r371's explanation is the way I intended it. I didn't know a better term to use. Sorry for the confusion.

You have to think that at least one of the men has to get a full-on boner on occasion. I’d have no problem being naked, but be so worried about getting hard if I were in the show.

Yes seems like quite a vulnerable position to be in... playing with your dick and then going onstage to shower with a bunch of other hot guys.

That show is a real gift.

[quote] Okay, enough people have said that about Weaks I evidently need to go back (or wait for the inevitable photos to leak). When I saw it, he looked average, but maybe there was shrinkage that night (or he's gotten better at fluffing). I'm curious enough to want to see for myself.

Really? You're going to buy another a ticket at Bway prices to sit through a show you've already seen to get a fleeting glimpse from many feet away of some stranger's dick? And do what about it?

[quote] Oy, there assessment

oh dear

[quote] until it grows put not get hard

oh DEAR

[quote] right before you’re scene

OH DEAR

What the "oh, dear"ists usually look like

r377, since you asked so kindly:

1) the comment was really idle, lighthearted musing, not to be taken nearly so seriously;

2) no, I wouldn't pay Broadway prices. Nor would I have to. I have the opportunity to see the show again for significantly less, if anything at all. I haven't taken advantage of it before now because I didn't enjoy the show that much the first time and the parade of dicks wasn't enough to tempt me into enduring it again. But the rave reviews have made me reconsider in case I missed something and it was better than I originally thought. And yes, I am curious about this apparently massive dick and whether I was somehow hallucinating to see it so differently from everyone else. But, like I said, the inevitable photos will likely satisfy that curiosity with much less of a time commitment.

Thank you for your interest.

r379 That's the kindest thing anyone's ever said about R378

Nice try, R380. We see you.

Did anyone see Privates on Parade? And did anyone not get the pun in the title?

I saw the movie, r383, but barely remember it.

R344, although I thought Mayer's RIGOLETTO for the Met was idiotic -- and I've heard a crazy story about how the production concept came about -- I'm surprised and sorry to say that I believe it was quite a popular production, so I wouldn't be surprised if he does work for them again.

[quote]Scott Ellis had no idea how to direct Michael Oberholtzer, who played Shane Mungitt. NO IDEA. I also think the part is woefully underwritten. Otherwise, Ellis's work is fine, and his casting is impeccable.

I'm curious about this opinion, R366. Can you explain? Seems to me there's VERY little latitude in acting or directing that role.

Yeah, Mayer's RIGOLETTO at the Met was soooooooo popular it's already been replaced by Bart Sher's new production.

I think I just saw figure skater turned actor John Curry's ass down at the theater that used to be by Union Square. No privates were on display that I recall.

That Rat Pack Vegas Rigoletto was fun for the first scene, but then, having shot its creative wad, had no place to go.

[quote]and I've heard a crazy story about how the production concept came about

Ugh, why do people do this? If you have a story to tell, tell it. Don't do this bullshit because you want some attention first

The ENO Jonathan Miller LIttle Italy "Rigoletto" years ago was really good.

hear hear r390

THIS DAY IN BROADWAY HISTORY: In 1955, "Damn Yankees" opened at the 46th Street Theatre.

Now that Nene Leaks is suin Bravo? When she be backs on Broadway starrrin in a show?

Damn Yankees '55

when are Into the Woods reviews coming out?

Mr Saturday Night cancelled tonite. Billy has the flu.

I saw TMO last week from the 6th row orchestra, Williams cock that night was definitely bigger than Weak's

I hope the cast wasn't notified via social media

That Damn Yankees footage is fabulous.

Is Moulin Rouge what students should be seeing?

R386-Scott Ellis directed Oberholtzer to play Shane as Jethro Clampett if Jethro Clampett was brain damaged. That's not the character. The character is your typical backwoods MAGA neanderthal racist.

[quote] Betsy Wolfe has established herself as one of the most versatile and keenly intelligent Broadway performers of her generation.

Who were the other candidates?

[quote]The character is your typical backwoods MAGA neanderthal racist.

Think John Rocker, r402...

[quote]...riding on the 7 train to Shea Stadium was "depressing" because it's "like you're [riding through] Beirut next to some kid with purple hair next to some queer with AIDS right next to some dude who just got out of jail for the fourth time right next to some 20-year-old mom with four kids.

[quote]Mr Saturday Night cancelled tonite. Billy has the flu.

How quaint.

Tyler Lansing Weaks

Betsy Wolfe is just an old white woman and about as interesting as a non-tap dancing Sutton Foster.

What color are you r407?

I am not a fan of Sutton Foster, but she is delightful in The Music Man.

[Is Moulin Rouge what students should be seeing?]

High school students should be seeing my masterpiece. Everybody should be seeing my masterpiece. Then the white people will be informed that they are racist by nature .

I am a fan of Sutton Foster, but she was so wrong in The Music Man.

I'm not a big Sutton Foster fan at all, but she was delightful and a much better actress than I thought in "The Music Man".

Huh, I think her voice is just fine score here...

^ *with the score*

Sutton’s about as zesty as warm mayonnaise.

[quote] Thought it was interesting how they put that scene in the doc after the concert where Mayer tells Groff and Lea they did an amazing job and they cut to Lea telling the camera that they were waiting 15 years to hear Mayer say that to them.... damn.

That’s because Michael Mayer has always been an asshole.

Lea Michele comes off well because her best friend did the documentary. In what universe would Groff paint her as a cunt?

Sutton Foster is too “female Harold Hill” to be my idea of a perfect Marian.

R417 he was effective though. I’m got scolded by one of you on previous theatre gossip thread for trashing Lea and the doc persuaded me that she was much less of a cunt than Michael Mayer. Also, she has a beautiful voice and is quite talented.

He’s a very good friend to her.

I still believe all of the stories of Lea being a cunt to people, but I agree that the documentary moved mountains to change my perception of her. She seems like she is capable of sensitivity and maybe her past actions were because she was insecure.

She obviously is still massively talented and she has promoted the documentary aggressively when people have accused her in the past of turning her back on Broadway. Plus her candor in being in love with Groff and sharing all the embarrassing things she did to try and get him to fuck her almost brings her down to earth.

Lea mentioned her kid several times. Maybe motherhood softened her. People do change.

[quote]Sutton’s about as zesty as warm mayonnaise.

About as fresh, too.

Is Mayer shown in a bad light in the documentary because Groff doesn't really like him?

And I don't blame Groff.

Mayer and Groff worked together again on little shop

I didn't think Mayer came off badly in the doc.

[quote]Ugh, why do people do this? If you have a story to tell, tell it. Don't do this bullshit because you want some attention first

Calm down. The only reason I didn't tell the story was that it was complete hearsay and might not have had any truth to it. But, for what it's worth, I heard that Mayer had no concept at all for his RIGOLETTO and only latched onto the Vegas idea in desperation when someone else suggested it.

[quote]Scott Ellis directed Oberholtzer to play Shane as Jethro Clampett if Jethro Clampett was brain damaged. That's not the character. The character is your typical backwoods MAGA neanderthal racist.

Whatever. A friend and I both thought that Oberholtzer's performance was VERY similar to the the original actor's, Frederick Weller's, in terms of the accent, the delivery of the lines, and the overall characterization.

R426 that’s “a crazy story “?

[Quote] I've heard a crazy story about how the production concept came about

^ I agree.

That's the lamest "dish" I've read here in recent memory.

Well yes, R428. If the story is true, I would say it's crazy for a director not to be able to come up with a concept for the production he's been hired to direct and to latch onto someone else's wild idea out of desperation. Maybe you think of that as business as usual, and if so, fine. But anyway, you're a bitch.

[quote]That's the lamest "dish" I've read here in recent memory.

It wasn't pretended to be shocking or fascinating, Bitch #2.

R427- Oh, do you? Well, you're wrong. Weller was electrifying. This Shane isn't.

Overheard this evening during intermission at "Funny Girl" --- "I hate to say this but Lea Michele would have been so much better."

Oof, I had friends there tonight, r433. I wonder if that was them?

I was in the upper right balcony, R434, and they were in a row or two in front of me. I laughed, because they were right!

The Lea comeback is near.

Now that the doc has temporarily rehabilitated her rep, would Lea deign to go in as a replacement when they finally convince Beanie to leave right after the Tonys?

I certainly could see her considering it, R437. For one thing, she would know it would be her only chance to ever play the role on Broadway, and I think she would find that very tempting. Also, in her mind, it would give her a chance to show everyone that she was the one who should have been cast all along.

Probably untrue, but I've heard the same bit of Lea Michele gossip from two different sources...

...that she can't actually read.

I doubt she would’ve made it through 6 seasons of Glee if she wasn’t able to read. Pace of production and all that.

I think she should avoid Funny Girl since that ship has sailed. She’s 35 years old. It would be great to see her re-emerge in an original musical, something she can make her own.

i dunno, i'd pay to see her play the role, and i'm not even a fan of hers. but her voice cannot be denied

[quote]I think she should avoid Funny Girl since that ship has sailed. She’s 35 years old.

Who cares if she's 35? It's the Broadway stage, not a movie with close-ups.

The best part was Lea singing the Defying Gravity riff as a vocal warmup in the beginning of the doc.

I'm the funny one, R215. You just better not forget it.

Not a single review of Into the Woods so far. Isn’t that odd?

Did any of the Spring Awakening cast rip into Lea last year when the pile on was happening?

[r447] Valens is that really you? Do you by any chance have the audio or video of Bernadette Peters singing Losing My Mind at the Old Friends Sondheim London Concert from this week?

[quote]Do you by any chance have the audio or video of Bernadette Peters singing Losing My Mind at the Old Friends Sondheim London Concert from this week?

SPOILER ALERT: She cries.

Kidding, I love her.

R448 I am retired, bitch. But will have a poke around the swamps. x

Bernadette's a lovely woman. Bernadette's a very talented woman. Bernadette was just not good as Sally Durant in Follies. I saw that production and she entered the stage already set to fall apart and had no where to go with the performance. Her rendition of "Losing My Mind" was just too, too much. Note to future actresses and directors involved in Follies... watch and listen to Dorothy Collins perform "Losing My Mind".

[quote] I saw that production and she entered the stage already set to fall apart and had no where to go with the performance.

Wouldn't be a DL Theatre thread without this being said.

r439 It's not really gossip, it's more like a fan theory which is that she was a child actor so never had time to learn how to read. The 'evidence' presented for this is her using a lot of emojis on social media. And when there's actual text, that must be written by assistants.

[quote] Probably untrue, but I've heard the same bit of Lea Michele gossip from two different sources... ...that she can't actually read.

Totally explains the [italic] other [/italic] story!! There was a big sign that said [bold] WIGS. DO NOT SHIT HERE. [/bold]. And the rest is history.

Singapore/Fling has weighed in on FG . . . and Beanie is GREAT!

[italic] Please [/italic] no ATC here.

[Quote] The Lea comeback is near.

Mainly because Beanie is so bad

[quote] Did any of the Spring Awakening cast rip into Lea last year when the pile on was happening?

Yes, Gerard Canonico did. He said she treated him like shit and claimed her friendship with Groff is one sided, and that Groff does not feel the same way about her, which, judging by the doc, is not true.

At the risk of displeasing Muriel, I will state that Singapore/Fling is a pompous asshole, one of the worst on ATC.

Chicago is finally bringing in THE SEARCH FOR ROXIE winner from three years ago for a big two week run in June. I’m hoping her run is short because Pam is extending but needs a 2 week break first.

Will there be a special Tony category this year, Best Cock in a Revival of a Play?

Oh, really, R432? I'm "wrong" in my opinion? I don't know where you people come from, but wherever it is, I wish you'd return and stay away from here.

Two questions: besides Mimi Hines and Lainie Kazan and Laurie Beechman, is there video or audio of the other Fannys of years past who we imagine sang it well? Juliet Prowse, Carol Lawrence, Barbara Cook, Shari Lewis.

And a more modern question: what can be done to sweeten live vocals at a Broadway level beyond reverb, sensitive EQing, and the other long-held standard practices? Saw a show recently where a lead's solo vocals were thin and phrases were short, but then in the duets when singing with someone else onstage, suddenly this performer could sustain notes and had a much better and warmer tone.

[quote]I certainly could see her considering it, [R437]. For one thing, she would know it would be her only chance to ever play the role on Broadway, and I think she would find that very tempting. Also, in her mind, it would give her a chance to show everyone that she was the one who should have been cast all along.

Also, she may think (and I would agree with her) that her reviews can only be raves as compared to Beanie's. Probably far better reviews than if Lea had starred in the show from the beginning, though of course, there's no way we can ever know that.

[quote]Yes, Gerard Canonico did. He said she treated him like shit and claimed her friendship with Groff is one sided, and that Groff does not feel the same way about her, which, judging by the doc, is not true.

That's weird if he said that, because Groff has consistently mentioned Lea as his very good friend on multiple occasions over the years. But Canonico does seem to be a live wire who doesn't hesitate to rant about stuff on social media.

r55...

[quote]Bringing the Funny to Funny Girl, Beanie charms and shines in a delightful production that delivers the razzmatazz audiences expect from Broadway.

[quote]Despite early reports about her singing, Feldstein sang the score beautifully tonight. She’s not Barbara, and “People” sits in an odd place for her vocal range, forcing her to switch between her head and her chest, but for once, I must disagree with Helen Shaw: Beanie can definitely sing this score.

[quote]Most importantly, she imbues the evening with laughs both high and low, constantly finding delicious comic flourishes and gags, pulling a face or talking a tumble without ever losing sight of Fanny’s dignity. It’s masterful performance, and she has the audience in the palm of her hand the entire night.

[quote]She’s helped, of course, by a cast stuffed with wonderful, diverse performers and a production from Michael Mayer that admirably navigate the script’s tonal variances and lack of a strong central engine. People will always wax nostalgiac for a Broadway that can’t be achieved in our day and age, and those expecting a cast of 40 and an unending stream of scenery will inherently be disappointed, but modern audiences should be delighted by this spirited, entertaining evening - tonight’s full house certainly was.

[quote]Expect Tony moms for Beanie, Jared Grimes (exquisite, though I wish he had another tap number), the costumes, and hopefully for Jane Lynch, who nails every joke she’s given and a few that she pulls out of thin air.

There’s a video of Nicole Parker in a scaled down production of FG and she’s sublime. Sings the score beautifully.

^ r455

oops

Groff seems like a very loyal person and he feels beholden to Lea but I don't think they spend that much time together. He's constantly working. He does TV, movies and has been both on and off Broadway since SA ended. She did Glee. They are in 2 separate orbits. The stories they tell are all from years ago.

Tony noms were announced today?

Didn’t even realize and I just saw this. Funny Girl completely shut out.

Never mind. It was Time Out being annoying.

[quote]Groff seems like a very loyal person and he feels beholden to Lea but I don't think they spend that much time together.

I'm not sure how you define "that much time," but I'm pretty sure he has said they have traveled together in recent years, and I know he went to her wedding.

R469 They just vacationed together in Big Sur in February, it was all over her Instagram.

Gerard Canonico seems like he’s ready to start a feud with just about anyone for attention. He tried to cancel Andrew Rannells a few years ago after claiming Rannells didn’t respect the Broadway community.

Seriously, I've seen a bootleg recording of Pia Zadora starring in a regional production of Funny Girl.

R474, was she wonderful

Daniel Fish’s Wokelahoma! is getting raves in London.

r470/r471, I wouldn't hate it if those ended up being the actual Tony noms. They seem mostly on target. I would quibble with a few, but there's a lot more right than wrong.

Daddy, get me that Tonys Reward, please.

Isn’t there some footage of Leslie Kritzer at papermill and Christina Bianco in Europe out there somewhere?

There's a recording of Barbara Cook singing "Who Are You Now" at her famous comeback Carnegie Hall concert. It's as wonderful as you'd expect.

R479, it took me about 30 seconds to find this. Did you not have the time?

Singapore/FuckingFling is among the worst offenders over there. Really alarming that Ann keeps him. Maybe she's afraid of a lawsuit if she bANNed him.

[quote]Singapore/FuckingFling is among the worst offenders over there. Really alarming that Ann keeps him. Maybe she's afraid of a lawsuit if she bANNed him.

He's like some outrageous parody of a white-guilt wokester. Would love to eventually find out his identity, because it's fascinating to me how someone can develop a mindset like that. Also, what the hell is his ridiculous handle supposed to signify? Any ideas?

Per a photo in The New Yorker accompanying a blurb for the Encores Into the Woods, Gavin Creel STILL has that awful platinum dye job. I guess he thinks it suits him, but it does not.

There’s a complete video of Kritzer and she’s ok but it’s a typical badly directed Papermill production. Pia can handle the score but her acting is meh.

[Quote] r474 Seriously, I've seen a bootleg recording of Pia Zadora starring in a regional production of Funny Girl.

Yes.

We give you the incandescent, the incomparable, Pia Zadora:

[quote]There’s a complete video of Kritzer and she’s ok but it’s a typical badly directed Papermill production.

Right. That was the problem, unfortunately.

Pia Zadora! Adrian Zmed! Kaye Ballard! Amazing!

One YouTube poster recalls this production was in Long Beach., directed by choreographer Alan Johnson

Billy Crystal still out with the flu tonight. Apparently they don't have a standby or understudy, because there's no point in doing this show without him.

Stephen DeRosa covers Paymer and Crystal but I’m guessing he would only go on for Crystal if he couldn’t finish a performance.

[R470] “Funny Girl” not completely shut out of Tony noms.

It was nominated for both costumes and lighting.

Probably won’t win either.

R492-Old bedspreads and pink gels won't make the cut.

r492 Those are not the real Tony nominations

Honestly, Pia Zadora isn't bad in that video

How stupid is it of Time Out to let that idiot call them Tony Awards? It's a wonder they haven't been hit with a trademark infringement claim yet.

Although the annoying Adam Feldman at least tried to clarify in his intro to the article that those are not the actual Tony nominations, fools like R492 are still going to make the mistake because they don't bother to read the intro. You might think people like this would find it odd that only TimeOut NY is reporting the Tony nominations, but I guess even that's expecting too much.

P.S., R496, I assume it's legally okay to call them the TONY Awards/nominations because all caps distinguishes them from the Tonys.

"SA influenced a lot of younger theatremakers to explore a more pop, contemporary sound, regardless of the time, place, or subject matter of their shows."

And that "pop, contemporary sound" is the scourge of contemporary musical theatre. Its limited musical vocabulary, neutral emotional palette. and inability to characterize persons, place or period other than its own, is exactly why our lyric theater is in such a moribund state, to the amusement of posterity, which will consign all of these forgettable efforts to the dustbin of oblivion soon enough.

Yikes, that Leslie Kritzer clip of FG is very disappointing, and I'm even a fan of hers. Lots of made up notes. And poor thing looks like she's in search of the Ascot Races not the Hoboken Ferry.

That production of Funny Girl is worse than Covid…

Singapore/Fling’s defense of Beanie and FG is ludicrous. We are told to expect Tony noms for Beanie, Jarred Grimes, and possibly Jane Lynch.

Nobody has made those songs work like Barbra did, r499.

[Quote] That production of Funny Girl is worse than Covid…

Hahahahahaha! Hahahahahaha! HAHAHAH! Hahahahahaha! Hahahahahaha! HAHAHAHAHA!!

If I was that kid from "Lightning Thief" and Beanie gets a nomination, I would sue. He was better.

Is the list of Tony nominators public?

Not announced until Monday.

There’s a complete tape of Stephanie J. Block doing FG at Wichita. She is, needless to say. Outstanding.

The Theatre World Awards for debut performers were announced, which was really only interesting in that they named Patrick J. Adams and not Jesse Williams. Which I think is valid--Adams was stronger in the production and is likely a better actor--and was nice to see.

You could safely bet your life-savings on Beanie getting a Tony nom.

It would be great if they announced the Tony noms and someone said Julie Benko before correcting themselves and saying, "Oh, I mean Ramin Karimloo".

That's a very pseudo-eloquent statement, R498, but I don't agree that your words accurately describe the score of "Spring Awakening," which in my opinion has lots of emotion, quite a varied musical vocabulary, and does an excellent job of helping to create vivid characters.

[r450] thank you so much!!

R448 Oh, I found it. Old Friends Act One Audio.

R448 Old Friends Act Two Audio.

Pia did Funny Girl at Long Beach CLO years back, around the time Bebe and Juliet Prowse did Chicago, so that was during the LA Riots. At any rate, she was totally wrong for Fanny but the reverse of Beanie. She was glamorous and pretty. But she sang well, had a lot of stage charisma and star power. I think she could have done a lot of the roles Bernie did if she hadn't married that pimp.

[quote]Yikes, that Leslie Kritzer clip of FG is very disappointing, and I'm even a fan of hers. Lots of made up notes.

It's would be difficult to sing "Don't Rain on My Parade" as written, and if one did, it would sound boring and awkward. Streisand made up some of her own alternate notes and embellishments for the Broadway show and even more for the movie, based on the original cast recording and the soundtrack album.

[Quote] How stupid is it of Time Out to let that idiot call them Tony Awards?

The only thing stupider is believing they were the real thing

A very good, terribly written Into the Woods review from the Times by Alexis Soloski (cliched and amateurish)

(Read the review and you’ll see what I did there )

[quote]I think she could have done a lot of the roles Bernie did if she hadn't married that pimp.

Say for example, r515...Ruby in Dames at Sea?

R518, although this seems like a great revival, Into the Woods, for me, is the most lackluster of Sondheim’s work

Score-wise, I agree, r520 (though I'd probably rank it after Road Show myself). And it's not helped by the fact that it's been revived to death.

[quote]is the most lackluster of Sondheim’s work

It's arguably the most accessible.

The Lea Michele Renaissance Is Nigh:

I think Pia could have been great as a replacement Roxie in the original Chicago, at least she would have been better than Reinking.

THIS DAY IN BROADWAY HISTORY: In 2007, "Deuce" opened at the Music Box Theatre.

I still have a promo mailer somewhere around here, r525.

[r513] Valens you are a God. Thank you!!!

I'm glad some others here also think less of Into the Woods. I've never been able to get into that show and I saw the original and the Broadway revival. I couldn't be paid to see it at Encores. For me, Sondheim is Night Music, Company, Sweeney Todd and Merrily.

Funny that there are still Theatre World Awards but no Theatre Worlds any more. I grew up on those annual books and would endlessly devour all of them, memorizing everyone's names and credits and cumming over the photos.

But Enrico Colantoni?? He's been around for 40 years and suddenly appears in a big Broadway flop (Birthday Candles) and he's suddenly rewarded as a newcomer?

Do we need any more awards, for god sakes

[quote] For me, Sondheim is Night Music, Company, Sweeney Todd and Merrily.

No Follies? Sacrilege!!!

Acccckkkkkkk! How could I not have mentioned Follies?? Of course, it is everything Sondheim.

They've been around since 1945, r530.

She certainly would have been better cast than Reinking. Reinking was a Velma, not a Roxie.

Pia should have replaced Peters in Song and Dance. She actually was an Irene replacement in Crazy For You.

Watching the PBS broadcast of 42 ST, filmed in London in 2018. This is the homeliest cast I have ever seen in a professional show. The leads are about 10 yrs too old for their roles( except for Julian) and the chorus doesn't even look good behind a pound of make-up.

And there's not a real moment in the entire performance.

Pia has a strong voice, but it's hard to tell if she has the comedy chops.

She really might have made a decent Roxie in Chicago. Maybe Carlotta in Follies?

And Bonnie Langford wasn’t right at all for Dorothy Brock-she would have been good for Maggie, though.

R538, I thought she had a great deal of comedy ability in Hairspray. She was more a Michael Bennett protege, so she would have been a great Val in ACL. Fosse liked Joey Heatherton (also a Bennett protege) and she would have done great as Roxie.

Speaking of Pia and Hairspray, why didn't she get a chance at Velma during the OBC?

When was Joey Heatherton a protégée of Michael Bennett?

He did several numbers for her

Joey and Sammy Davis doing a WSS Medley. It's terrible but Michael and Donna M are both in it. Joey was on Hulabaloo quite a bit and Michael danced with her and choreographed for her. The I've Got Your Number does show where he would eventually go with Turkey Lurkey, with Joey doing those weird side to side head shakes.

Joey should have had a bigger career.

Joey auditioning for Chicago doing the courtroom scene. When she imitated the clerk's Brooklyn accent, I would have acquitted her right then.

[Quote] Enrico Colantoni?? He's been around for 40 years and suddenly appears in a big Broadway flop (Birthday Candles) and he's suddenly rewarded as a newcomer?

R529 have you seen it?

I mean, I guess Enrico apparently next did any New York theater up until now.

WOW! The Encores Into The Woods is absolutely wonderful, in a season of letdowns regarding revivals the production over delivers and then some! Holy fuck Headley is thrilling, THRILLING. If this thing would be able to move for a limited Bdwy visit it would be a winner, everything worked with perfection. Even NPH gives a solid performance with focus and care, I hope all you bitches can see it!

Mimi

I have tickets next Saturday. Hopefully everyone (mainly Heather) stays Covid free.

I never need to see Into the Woods again.

Fosse fucked Joey Heatherton, it’s mentioned in the Sam Wasson book.

[quote]I never need to see Into the Woods again.

I felt the same way, but this production is pretty wonderful. The only slight disappointment is Sara Bareilles, who is no Joanna Gleason. But then again, who is?

[quote]I felt the same way, but this production is pretty wonderful

We could use some pretty wonderful right now.

[quote] Joey should have had a bigger career.

If she hadn’t been such a nasty drunk, maybe she would have.

"Into the Woods" is so maudlin with that deadly book where the scenes simply don't follow each other in any meaningful way, it's as if Lapine never saw a musical with a good libretto to copy some structure, and those endless reprises of songs. Enough!

The act two power ballads just feel mawkish to me. The original Broadway cast was so good they mostly hid those flaws, but it was always a B minus show to me.

EVERY college theater program mounts it so frequently that for the past twenty years every college-trained actor arrives in NYC having done the show and decided it is the best show ever. High schools, colleges and conservatories have created the myth and cult of "Into the Woods".

It's a good show for the present time.

Has anyone counted the amount of times the "Into the Woods" theme song is sung over the course of the musical? To do that and worse, to hear that 8x a week must be exhausting. I like some of the music, but the theme is kind of relentless.

[quote]The act two power ballads just feel mawkish to me.

Especially "No One Is Alone." In my opinion, one of the absolute worst songs Sondheim ever wrote, maybe THE worst if you don't count his very early efforts. It's so mawkish, as you say, also tremendously heavy-handed, meretricious, and false. And some of it just makes no sense at all, for example "Everybody makes one another's terrible mistakes." Oh, and on top of all that, the main melody is the same as "The Candy Man," even if it wasn't an intentional theft.

When did Mimi Hines morph into Roseanne?

(quote) Joey should have had a bigger career. If she hadn’t been such a nasty drunk, maybe she would have.

Hey, FUCK YOU!

How come Bonnie Franklin was never a replacement in CHICAGO?

And you all know who her perfect Velma would’ve been!

Bonnie should have played Angelique, the angel of death, in "All That Jazz." She could have tapped and sung her heart out, unlike Jessica Lange.

Leave Jessie alone!

Bonnie should have played the part of the ex wife - danced by that kibitz dweller Leland Palmer.

I think I meant kibbutz…. Not kibitz.

Jesus, the running order for Old Friends was chockers.

Girl From the North Country deserves noms for its outstanding actors.

I think this is a year where the Tonys could take care of a lot of "career" awards for journeymen actors without taking away from anyone who really deserves it for performance. I would love to see mare Winningham win for Girl From North Country. There's no one this year who really deserves it, and Mare has been giving great performances for 40 years.

Also Deidre O'Connell. Another one who's been doing wonderful work for decades without being recognized. Does Mary Louise parker need a third Tony? And as mentioned in earlier threads, Austin Pendleton. Do they really want to give a Tony to JTF over someone who is celebrating his 60th year of working on Broadway, and who is a talented actor, director and acting teacher?

Johanna Day sort of falls into this category, as well, and I think of these four, she's likely to be the one to walk away with a win.

[quote]The only slight disappointment is Sara Bareilles, who is no Joanna Gleason. But then again, who is?

Sadly, not Joanna Gleason these days, who looks like someone wearing a rubber Joanna Gleason mask.

I wanna Tonee dadee!! Get me a Tonee!

[r570] it’s amazing to me that Bernadette’s surgeries made her look so good and Joanna’s looks so bad.

R571 reminded me the next title should involve the following, which this thread should have. Credit to r583 in the last thread.

Even though Bareilles wasn't Joanna Gleason, she really was wonderful in it, and was far from a disappointment. The weakest link was Lauren Mitchell as the step-mother, who had been in the original, but was completely off (at least at the dress rehearsal) and managed to kill every laugh she had and then some.

Why was Lauren Mitchell wearing her glasses as the stepmother? Why was she cast, having given up acting 30 years ago??

[quote] [[R570]] it’s amazing to me that Bernadette’s surgeries made her look so good and Joanna’s looks so bad.

With Bernadette, it's also very strict living. She's extremely cautious about what she eats, has a fierce workout regimen and has always kept from exposing her skin to excessive sun damage. Whatever work she has had done, she's not pulled and botoxed to the gods.

Bareilles would make a great Bobbi in Company. They need someone likable who can sing.

[quote]They need someone likable who can sing.

Um, helloooooo! Right here!

r577, good call. I wonder if she was asked/approached when they were casting? It's become very clear they needed a name in the role from a sales perspective, and she certainly would have qualified.

[quote] And some of it just makes no sense at all, for example "Everybody makes one another's terrible mistakes."

I'm not a giant fan of the show but disagree with you on that. People don't learn from history or each other, and find themselves making bad choices we've seen others make. I've done it and I'm sure you have too, r560

I think Deirdre McConnell's Tony chances will be compromised because her "voice" onstage was someone else's.

[quote]People don't learn from history or each other, and find themselves making bad choices we've seen others make.

I definitely agree with that, but "everybody makes one another's terrible mistakes" strikes me as a very awkward and confusing way of expressing that.

Sara B is good and gets her laughs. Her voice has some pop stylings but they're pleasant. Isn't this the first major Sondheim show in NYC for which he likely had no input or presence. I wonder what he would have thought or addressed.

How do the two choirs work in the finale? Are they tearjerkers?

Who cares if MLP doesn’t “need” a third Tony? (Does anyone?) Her performance is sensational and is fully deserving of the year’s top honor.

Johanna Day should be in the running to win featured actress too.

Will Deb Messing be presenting?

Into the words is a huge hit with the under 35 crowd. Like Legally Blonde, it's become a bigger hit and more popular as time has passed.

[r586] hole, yes

Well, r587, the themes are universal.

R587, For me, it's the least liked Sondheim musical, along with Pacific Overtures.

The beanfeast awaits!

r585

I'm having a brain cramp... who is MLP

Mary Louise Parker

New thread here:

What kind of Sondheim fan doesn’t like Pacific Overtures? It’s one of his greatest works.

r584, sounds like they enter in the aisles and sing from the audience. This part from the NYT review made me laugh:

"The night I saw it, not all of that singing was precisely on key, and the child nearest me overacted wretchedly. "

Then there's this:

"In the musical’s last moments, Into the Woods gets lost. In an effort to amplify community engagement, deBossonet deploys amateur talent into the aisles for the show’s final reprise. The Public Theater has been far more successful in such integrations with its Public Works program. Here, it feels like an afterthought to fulfill a grant requirement."

BEANFEAST BAJOUR!

The Light in the Piazza!

p

WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND!

FIN