As we theater fans prepare for the Broadway numbers on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I'd like to take a moment to give thanks.
Thank you...
...to all of those television programs that feature Broadway shows. While I am so fortunate to see most of these shows in their entirety, and appreciate getting to revisit them in this way, it makes me happy to know that these appearances might some how satisfy and nurture the love of live theater for those who don't get the opportunity to see much of it.
...to those who use Twitter and other social media to celebrate all that theater can do. Lifting up and supporting, rather than dragging down and tearing apart.
...to understudies, stand-bys and alternates. You work hard, are rarely seen, and when you are, people may be disappointed that the "star" isn't on. But I (and many others) appreciate you very much. Just this past weekend, I was reminded of this twice!
...finally, to all of you who come to this site regularly or once in awhile. You make working on it worthwhile.
Every day, the world becomes more and more technology dependent. A lot of good things come from that, but one bad thing (I think) that comes from that is a lack of human to human connection. Texting has replaced conversation, for example. Heck, even when we are together, our ears are plugged and our attention is fully on our device screen.
So far, theater remains one place where we still have direct connection with each other. People are watching other people play out stories about the human experience. But there are other people involved in this exchange that make it all possible. It is for these people that I offer my gratitude on this Thanksgiving Day.
The box office staff:These people have the patience of Job. I can't imagine answering the same questions over and over. "Will Ben Platt be in the show on Wednesday evening, March 3rd, 2020?" "What do you mean I can't get tickets for tonight's show? I didn't think Hamilton was that popular still." "Where is the best place to sit?" "Are these prices for real?" They go into superhero mode when they have to make exchanges when Glenda Jackson calls out. Thank you, box office staff!
The cleaning crew:I don't know about you, but I personally have almost fallen flat on my face more than once after slipping on a Playbill left on the floor. And how about those wet, sticky sippy cups with wine left in them? Unfortunately, I guess that's to be expected. People are pigs. Add to that every show that shoots confetti, party streamers or snow into the audience and you have a mess on your hands. Enter the cleaning crew who gets every piece of trash, pesky piece of glitter and every nasty spill off the floor, aisles, steps and seats. Then imagine doing that on a two-show day. Thank you, cleaning crew!
The merch staff:This is one area I can speak about with some authority, having worked merch for two different national tours. It is largely a fun job, actually. You get to meet people with the same enthusiasm for theater. Most people are really nice. But you also get to see the uglier side of people. People pushing and shoving, complaining about prices ("Do you know how much I've already spent to bring my family to see this!!??"), not moving out of the way when they are done, and the one that has caused actual fist fights: butting in line. What ever happened to class? I was fortunate to work behind spacious booths. I really feel for those folks who stand pressed against a wall in a puny Broadway lobby, next to what amounts to a microwave cart. Thank you, merch people!
The security team: It is a sad state of affairs that security teams are even necessary. I am glad we have people willing to do the job. Even if all it does is offer a small peace of mind, I'm glad for it. I take some further solace in the knowledge that there is more security in place than we are aware of. Thank you, security team!
The ushers:Another area that I have first-hand experience with. The unsung heroes of the live theater experience. Most patrons are kind and excited to be there. But then there are the ticket holders who arrive late and blame you because you can't seat them until 15 minutes into the show (or later), or the people who complain when you tell them they can't drape their coat over the balcony and then blame you when their coat starts smoking because it's on a hot light (true story, hand to God). And contrary to popular belief, an usher can't simply remove a patron for talking, taking pictures or recording. That is someone else's job (for the most part). There's a lot more to the job than handing out Playbills and pointing out seats. It's basically a ratio of 1 usher to every 150-200 patrons. Thank you, ushers!
I'd like to give personal thanks to a particular usher at the Golden Theatre. For the past three shows I've seen there, she's been stationed at the top of the first set of steps from the lobby to the mezzanine. She is the best. Knowledgeable, friendly and genuinely enthusiastic about the show she's working. When we went to see The Waverly Gallery, she told us to be sure to come back for the next show, "by that nice young playwright, Lucas Hnath!" The Shuberts are getting their money's worth with this gem of a lady.
Have a wonderful holiday, readers. I'm so thankful for every single one of you.
Jeff
Well, two and half years ago, when I started this blog, I was really doing it mostly for me as an outlet to write about theater. And in the beginning, it really was mostly me - I'd get 5 or 6 hits a day, and I admit it was a thrill. It is hard to imagine that now, most days, I get 1,000 or more!
My favorite pictorial subject: Charlie Williams!
During our time together, I've learned what works and what doesn't. And I've learned that I have two groups of readers, though I am certain there is overlap. There is the group that reads anything and everything to do with Broadway Boys and Ladies (including Broadway Bares, and the ridiculous, but popular "HOT/HOTTER" tournament. The other group seems to be the more studious theater-goer, who reads my reviews, my history pieces and my analysis of show art, logos and commercials. I'm glad to be able to appeal to and satisfy such a wide range of theater fan!
My favorite show: next to normal
I probably would keep doing this even if it was only for me because I love the outlet. But it sure is nice to share it with you.
Over the last 1,000 blogs, I've met and worked with a lot of people. And I'd like to thank you!
My fellow bloggers and Twitter friends: Esther, Tyler, Jonathan, Chris, and dozens more who stay in contact on and off!
My Broadway friends who have been so gracious with their time, thoughts and photos: Kristin Chenoweth, Curtis Holbrook, Betty Buckley, Jeff Calhoun, Alex Wyse, Teddy Toye, Josh Segarra, Lindsay Nicole Chapman, and others.
The folks at Broadway Records and Applause Books who send me stuff to review and share with you.
Everyone at Serino Coyne and MCC Theatre for their generosity in ticket giveaways for you!
All of you (including several anonymous parents of Broadway babies) who email me and share your opinions, thoughts and thanks.
And to the Broadway companies of next to normal and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark for giving me the most to write about these past 1,000 days (with 58 and 80 blogs each, respectively).
And, finally, to my best theatre loving friend and editor (and frequent contributor), Mike. I couldn't have done this without your help, support, and honesty.
My most written on subject: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
I am now going to celebrate this achievement, by going down south to see Mike and take in Xanadu at Signature Theatre in Virginia!
Best regards to all of you!
Jeff
P.S.: Please be sure to make your nominations for the 2nd Annual JKTS Awards! Ballot 2 closes tonight at 8PM, and the final ballot goes live tomorrow at 9AM!
P.P.S.: I leave you with a fun video made by the London Cast of Ghost The Musical. Enjoy those abs!
Just around the time this posts, I'll be sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, the early hour necessitated by a family member who has to work on the holiday. Hey, turkey and stuffing is good in my book at any hour... and I am sure we will be grazing all day, anyway.
Well, I can't believe this is my THIRD Thanksgiving blog. And every year it seems like I have even more to be thankful for, this year included. I've managed to stay healthy and employed. And my friends and family all continue to prosper and thrive. And that is saying a lot these days.
And, as this is a theatre blog, let me mention a few things for which I am especially thankful:
1. My fellow theatre bloggers and blog followers! I really love sharing my thoughts with all of you, and am astonished every week that you are even listening! It is especially nice to chat back and forth about shows with people who have the same passion for the art form. Your enthusiasm, interest and criticism inspire me.
2. Sh-K-Boom and Ghostlight Records!I can't imagine Broadway without them, can you? They record all the shows no one will touch, and now have some shows in their catalogue that other companies wish they had! Just this year, they have recorded Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (a flop that would probably have gone unrecorded), Catch Me If You Can (a score that might have been recorded, but probably not with all the bells and whistles this version got), the seasonal hit Elf: The Musical, and the one everyone else wish they had signed up for: The Book of Mormon!
3. Off-Broadway! These days, the theatre scene down stairs is as exciting, sometimes more so, than shows with a Times Square address. Of course, the really good stuff moves uptown. But not for some time has the off-Broadway show attracted such a high caliber of established talent. For every Alex Timbers trying out his professional legs like so many before him, there is a Maury Yeston, an established genius trying out a challenging piece in a more economical way. And unknown actors mix freely with Tony nominees and even Tony winners - just ask John Behlmann how he likes sharing the marquee with Alice Ripley!
Another thing I'm especially thankful for is the new crop of Broadway babies that are so incredible, we need not worry that the Fabulous Invalid will die anytime soon. Here are 5 boys and 5 girls that have made 2011 a year to be thankful. (Double click on any photo to view them as a slideshow!)
Adam Chanler-Berat next to normal Peter and the Starcatcher RENT
Jennifer Damiano next to normal Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
Asmeret Ghebremichael Elf The Book of Mormon "Submissions Only"
Jay Armstrong Johnson The Pool Boy Catch Me If You Can Wild Animals You Should Know
Jeremy Jordan West Side Story Disney's Newsies Bonnie and Clyde
Andrew Keenan-Bolger Disney's Mary Poppins Disney's Aladdin Disney's Newsies
Telly Leung "Glee" Godspell
Lindsay Mendez Grease Everyday Rapture Godspell
Patti Murin Xanadu Disney's The Little Mermaid Give It Up!/Lysistrata Jones
Laura OsnesGrease South Pacific Anything Goes Bonnie and Clyde
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday. Thank you for reading!
Jeff
3.087
During the heat of summer, a lot of businesses haul out the holly and decorate for Christmas in July sales. I always find the combination of oppressive heat and songs about snow and hot chocolate to be jarring and soothing at the same time. How about you? Anyway...
I got to thinking about the other big holiday at the end of the year, Thanksgiving, and figured out that six months ago today was Thanksgiving 2010, and six months from yesterday is Thanksgiving 2011. So why think about all of this? Well, I suppose, if we stop and think about it, we have a lot to be thankful for, considering that this time last week, millions of people were bracing for the end of the world...
The Tony Awards: Will it be The Book of
Mormon or The Scottsboro Boys' night?
Because the end of the world did not happen, I am thankful for the following things:
The Tony Award winners will be announced. How cruel to know the nominees and not the winners?
We found out that Hines Ward is the Season 12 Dancing with the Stars champion! (Chelsea Kane was by far the best dancer - let's get her in a Broadway show - and Kirstie Alley was the most improved dancer in many season, and at 60, has inspired a lot of people, I'm sure, while Hines was the perfect storm: improvement, decent dancing, charisma beyond what should be legal, and a fan base that is enormous.)
(TOP) The Glee cast between takes atop the TKTS booth
(BOTTOM) Cheyenne Jackson and Matthew Morison
Glee had a great finale! Go Kurt and Blaine! Go Finn and Rachel! You'll get 'em next year, New Directions! (Now, producers, if you could work in a shirtless showdown between Matthew Morrison and Cheyenne Jackson, I'd be more than thankful.)
I got to listen to the Broadway Cast Recording of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown more than once and fall in love with the show all over again.
Women on the Verge: "Madrid is My Mamma"
I still have a chance to see the last Broadway theatre I haven't been in: The American Airlines Theatre.
Anything Goes still has time to record their cast recording.
Wicked can still be made into a film. (Lea Michele and Diana Agron, please!)
You can still vote for the 1st Annual Awards That Tony Forgot!
I have more chances to Tweet!
And most of all... we will get to see if Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark will finally open and be a huge hit!
But, seriously, considering everything that is actually happening in the world, I have much to be thankful for. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, nuclear meltdowns, war... Maybe it is a good idea to take stock twice a year instead of each November. These days, just surviving is enough for giving thanks.
I think that the Broadway show contribution to this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade can best be summed up by a comment my brother-in-law made as they were announcing the Elf: The Musical segment: "You know, I'd probably go to a Broadway show if there was ever anything original showing." There you have it.
The first Broadway show represented on the telecast was Memphis with the song "Steal Your Rock and Roll," a show-stopper in the theatre, and a song that played well in the parade. Chad Kimball and Montego Glover have wonderful chemistry that says at much with a glance that less compatible actors sometimes never get. And the dancing was terrific, too. All that energy! A great way to start the show. Still, as appropriate as the costumes are to the show, the overall look of the number was kind of lackluster. High energy, medium impact. B+
Elf: The Musical was last up, and, again, they picked a great number to do for the parade, "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" - high energy, fun choreography, and an energetic lead performance by Sebastian Arcelus. But that was in the theatre. On screen, the dancing still looked great and the fun props usage played well, too. But Arcelus' performance got pretty much lost in the widescreen filming of the segment, thus half the magic was missing, too. B+
In between, we got one cop out and one"signature moment," both of which were flat as a pancake, and out of context not really a help in selling the shows they represented. At least both of the above numbers were representative of what the shows are really about.
The cop out came in the form of "Good Riddance" from Green Day's American Idiot. I say cop out because it is still, arguably, the most well-known song of the band's nationwide. But does it represent the show? Not in the least. Just like in the theatre, it is just a song - one that has NOTHING to do with the show itself - that isn't done in a particularly memorable arrangement, even. Instead of a showy, hard-rocking number, like, say "Holiday" done with ever so slightly tweaked lyrics and creatively staged would have really sold this struggling-at-the-box-office show. It didn't even showcase the talents of its two greatest assets, John Gallagher, Jr. and Rebecca Naomi Jones. Instead we were treated to camera/stage hog Gerard Canonico who was buried amongst the crowd like E.T. in a room of stuffed animals doing nearly one entire verse of the song. And let's face it... 20 people playing guitars in unison while standing in a straight line is hardly exciting compared to 200 high school kids playing instruments and doing complicated formations in the same space. Zzzzz D
Finally, the "signature moment" (if a relative flop show can have one) this is on their ads and photos outside the theatre is when the Million Dollar Quartet jams together while one is standing on a string base, another wails on the piano, and still another is literally bent over backwards playing the guitar. A medley of marginal hits, capped by "A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" works in the context of the show, but since none of the actors does an impression but rather "an approximation" who in middle America recognizes anyone in the show? Interestingly, my sister (a semi-regular theatre goer) did notice Elizabeth Stanley and the guys on the bass and drums. "The pretty woman sure can move!" said she. And it is true. The problem with MDQ on a telecast like this one is that it never moves. And is, therefore, not all that fun to watch. C-
This year, I asked straight out, after apologizing for forcing them to watch this year, "which of these shows do you want to see?" My brother-in-law answered with his own question, "Is there anything original coming to Broadway this year?" I had to think about it, going down the list in my head mentally. "Spider-Man, with songs by U2 is an original story, based on the comic books, and Wonderland is an original story based on Alice in Wonderland... wait! The Book of Mormon is completely original, and it is by the guys who write South Park."
"That is the show I want to see this year."
Again, that really says it all, doesn't it?
Comments? Leave one here, email me or Tweet me!
Jeff
2.88
Today, as we reflect on all that we have to be thankful for - and all of us have plenty despite the current economy and world events - I'd like to give my second annual "Things about theatre to be thankful for" list.
Of course, it goes without saying (but I will anyway) that I am thankful for the opportunity and ability to see many shows a year. And I am thankful for this blog, which has given me hours of personal pleasure and the distinct honor of having "met" so many people with the same passion and interests that I have. And extra special thanks to my (as of today) 13 followers! On a more personal note, I'd like to express my thanks for my best friend, frequent theatre companion, and my tireless editor and thought-provoker, Mike. This blog wouldn't be what it is without him.
But in the grander scheme of things, here are the 10 Theatrical Things I Am Thankful For:
10. The Broadway Gift Shops: As frequently as I get to NYC, I never tire of making the rounds to the "Big Three": The Broadway New York Gift Shop at the Marriott Marquis, One Shubert Alley and Theatre Circle. Sure they all carry the same stuff, and it changes so rarely, but I never miss hitting all three. I mean how can anyone who loves Broadway NOT take the chance to see the cashier (he's a tall guy with a goatee and small glasses) who sings along with every CD they play and offers unsolicited comments constantly, sometimes to the air in front of him! Or the poor guy on the weekend crammed behind a little counter in the closet space known as One Shubert Alley. Or the claustrophobic tunnel between the gift shop and the "library" section of Theatre Circle; not to mention they have the best and classiest windows in the theatre district!
9. The Playbill Binder: They have something in every price range, for the passing Broadway fan to the serious collector. I love these books that hold my prized Playbills. When I started out, they only had the vinyl covered kind with the metal rods. Now they have archival quality books, and while they are a bit pricey, they are invaluable. As my collection ages and browns, it is nice to replace the old with the new and save my priceless memories.
8. Telecharge: OK, I am NOT thankful for their still outrageous fees, and I resent all of those companies for charging me to print my own tickets, with my own ink, on my own paper - which is why I always demand an ACTUAL ticket. But I am thankful to this company for its ease of use, convenience, and the ability with EVERY show they sell, to fish around for the seats I want. Their competition is even pricier and difficult to navigate - PLUS if you don't like the seats they offer, you have to wait til someone buys them to get different ones offered to you for the same performance! But the best thing about Telecharge is that if you want to talk to a human being, you can do so with only a few buttons pressed on the phone!
7. Broadway Box/Seasons of Savings/All Theatre Discount Programs: How great that you don't have to live in the city anymore to get a discount! Broadway Box and Seasons of Savings offer a clearing house style to their discount offers, which are very easy to navigate and have very clearly stated exceptions and rules. Playbill Online and Theatermania also offer great discounts all in one place. This has really made paying full price for all but the most popular shows a thing of the past. And it allows people with varying amounts of cash flow to still attend the theatre.
6. The News: For years, Broadway was the forgotten stepchild of the entertainment business as far as being in the news and on TV in general. But as Broadway once again becomes more mainstream, the networks are again covering openings, the entertainment news shows are doing all out stories, and Broadway continues to proliferate talk shows morning, noon and night. Not too long ago, the Tonys were te only time you ever heard about a show. Now, shows like Spider-Man, The Lion King and Women on the Verge make actual headlines,. not just the gossip columns.
5. Television: Since I, like most theatre lovers, can't get to a show every day or even every week, it is nice to see the Broadway stars on TV, and see that musicals in particular are no longer the taboo they once were. It seems like every long-running show eventually gets around to a musical episode (this week, Grey's Anatomy through its hat into the ring!). And shows like The Good Wife and Law and Order (any version) not only feature Broadway actors in their main casts, but their guest lists read like a who's who of the Great White Way. And then there is the crown jewel of musical television, Glee, which has made the production number hip, being a geek chic, and being different the new normal.
4. Peter Filichia: This amazing columnist/critic offers me three rays of sunshine a week, via his blog on Theatermania.com. If you are unfamiliar with his stuff, I'd suggest becoming a regular reader of his. He's been in the biz for decades and literally travels the world to see anything and everything theatre! His Monday column gets me jazzed for the new work week, Wednesday gets me over the hump, and each Friday he starts my day off with a smile and gets me even closer to the weekend. He is smart, funny and not even a little snarky. You leave each column better off than when you got there.
3. Stars of Tomorrow: I am so thankful to see a new and great crop of talent really coming into their own. People like Jennifer Damiano, Lea Michele, John Gallagher, Jr., Jonathan Groff, Cody Green, Elizabeth Stanley, Aaron Tveit, Kyle Dean Massey, Wesley Taylor, Benjamin Walker, Joshua Henry, Montego Glover and Chad Kimball are just a few relative new comers who are really starting to make a name for themselves in this business. They represent a vibrant and exciting future.
2. So many new shows despite the recession: Did you ever think that so many new shows would be opening this year, given how bad money is these days? The number of new musicals alone is newsworthy, don't you think?
1. Broadway making a difference: Every year there seems to be a new cause to get behind, and every single time, the Broadway community ponies up. Be it the annual fundraising events like the Broadway Flea Market, The Easter Bonnet Competition, the Gypsy of the Year or Broadway Bares, or the of the moment causes like Broadway Responds to Katrina or most recently, the "It Gets Better" Campaign, if there is a need people from the ushers to the fly guys to the stars of the show give up their time and often offer their personal lives in the name of whatever cause needs them at any moment. Their generosity is inspiring and offers me so much hope for humanity. And that is worth giving thanks for!
Here's hope the holiday brings you good times with family and friends, and that, in between turkey and football, you take a moment to look around you and be thankful for all of the blessings you have.
