I don't know about the season...but what did you think of the awards (Tony) show?
Jun 5th, 2005, 07:06 PM
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I don't know about the season...but what did you think of the awards (Tony) show?
Never got to town to see anything, but I sure had a bad reaction to this evening's awards ceremony. I recall past productions where they lavished time on big production numbers...that not only gave you a sense of the particular show, but made you want to grab the nearest plane and stand in a ticket line, forget how long. This evening...was such a pallid version. Including that why-bother pastiche of some of the drama nominees, with no sense at all of terrific performances and scripts; a kiss-off quickie farewell to B'way legends like Cy Coleman, Jerry Orbach and others....
I'm just disappointed. Am so used to seeing an awards show that is dedicated to drawing folks to Broadway...and I don't think this evening's program succeeded in (or even aimed toward) that regard at all.
I'm just disappointed. Am so used to seeing an awards show that is dedicated to drawing folks to Broadway...and I don't think this evening's program succeeded in (or even aimed toward) that regard at all.
Jun 5th, 2005, 07:13 PM
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Well, I agree with you on that. Hugh has become such a Broadway darling...and with good reason. He has that charisma and over-brimming sense of self (and talent) that just leaps over the footlights.
Jun 5th, 2005, 07:24 PM
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I just returned from a fun cabaret and Tony Awards party at Encore in the theatre district. Lots of fun and then watching the awards on big screens. I managed to guess all the major musical categories right.
I guess you have a point, tuckerdc about the lack of big production numbers (other than La Cage), but that isn't what this season was about.
Yes, Doubt is an amazing play, and yesterday I was almost equally overwhelmed by Glengary Glen Ross, and guessed right on Liev Schreiber for best supporting actor, as well as the play winning best revival of a play. It is a "don't miss" in my book.
And speaking of Jerry Orbach, I missed him all together. Did they mention him and I just missed it?
My feeling is they try too hard to reach America by using more film and TV actors that people will know rather than many of the really great Broadway actors whom they ignore since they won't raise the eyebrows and interest of the general public.
Hugh Jackman really is good, but will theatre goers now be forever thinking of him as Peter Allan? That was the big buzz at this party.
I guess you have a point, tuckerdc about the lack of big production numbers (other than La Cage), but that isn't what this season was about.
Yes, Doubt is an amazing play, and yesterday I was almost equally overwhelmed by Glengary Glen Ross, and guessed right on Liev Schreiber for best supporting actor, as well as the play winning best revival of a play. It is a "don't miss" in my book.
And speaking of Jerry Orbach, I missed him all together. Did they mention him and I just missed it?
My feeling is they try too hard to reach America by using more film and TV actors that people will know rather than many of the really great Broadway actors whom they ignore since they won't raise the eyebrows and interest of the general public.
Hugh Jackman really is good, but will theatre goers now be forever thinking of him as Peter Allan? That was the big buzz at this party.
Jun 5th, 2005, 07:27 PM
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Loved the opening with Billy Crystal and Hugh........Hated Hughs opening number.......how could the producers put him in a 10x10 round to do so many important show tunes without the glamour of sets and showgirls. They nickle and dimed Hugh, which is a crying shame. o glad my girl won for Spamalot, she deserves it as does the show for many accolades. I just found the whole event to be chincy and cheaply done.............too bad.
Jun 5th, 2005, 07:42 PM
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gyppielou: I agree with you entirely - it's exactly what I meant in the opening thread. They kept teasing with little numbers that deserved to go big (like Jackman's opening and Jesse Martin's all-too-abbreviated stint), and then just... pulled the plug.
Patrick: From what was shown this evening, the quality of this year's musical sure made me eager for the ineveitable (eventual?) pendulum swing back to a Rodgers/Hammerstein style.
Perhaps my dinosaur wrinkles are showing, but the libretto and lyrics of plays like W.S.Story, MFL (my first two B'way shows) and so many other classic in the ten years bracketing those blockbusters...well, I just don't think they've been matched since.
Patrick: From what was shown this evening, the quality of this year's musical sure made me eager for the ineveitable (eventual?) pendulum swing back to a Rodgers/Hammerstein style.
Perhaps my dinosaur wrinkles are showing, but the libretto and lyrics of plays like W.S.Story, MFL (my first two B'way shows) and so many other classic in the ten years bracketing those blockbusters...well, I just don't think they've been matched since.
Jun 6th, 2005, 12:25 AM
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The show didn't have any surprises- everyone who won was the favorite but I thought the choices were good ones. Glad Sara Ramirez won and Norbert definitely deserved the award-I loved him in DRS.
Gyppielou-Unlike you, I loved Hugh Jackman in both the opening with Billy Crystal and in his dance medley (although a few showgirls would have been nice). With his charisma, I could watch him ad nauseam. LOL
I was pretty disappointed in the whole show, too. Thought it was pretty flat and I agree, cheaply done. Patrick, I didn't hear them mention Jerry Orbach either. They seemed to go very quickly through the farewell section and I really don't think Jerry was included. How could he be overlooked?
Patrick, I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about appealing to the general public by using more TV and film actors than some of the lesser known Broadway stars. Glad you enjoyed your evening, though. It would be so much fun to attend an event like your cabaret party. When you get back from you NY trip, hope you will tell us all about it and which shows were your favorite.
Gyppielou-Unlike you, I loved Hugh Jackman in both the opening with Billy Crystal and in his dance medley (although a few showgirls would have been nice). With his charisma, I could watch him ad nauseam. LOL
I was pretty disappointed in the whole show, too. Thought it was pretty flat and I agree, cheaply done. Patrick, I didn't hear them mention Jerry Orbach either. They seemed to go very quickly through the farewell section and I really don't think Jerry was included. How could he be overlooked?
Patrick, I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about appealing to the general public by using more TV and film actors than some of the lesser known Broadway stars. Glad you enjoyed your evening, though. It would be so much fun to attend an event like your cabaret party. When you get back from you NY trip, hope you will tell us all about it and which shows were your favorite.
Jun 6th, 2005, 02:58 AM
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A few observations:
*Of course, they are going to use big names from TV and movies. Otherwise, the size of the viewing audience would be mighty low. Don't be too critical, though, as most of them got their starts on Broadway!
*Jerry Orbach was the last name mentioned (and picture shown) in Laura Linley;s tribute to those who died in the past year. And, it came just before Jesse Martin sang "Razzle Dazzle" form Chicago, which was one of Orbach's big numbers.
*No one mentioned two of the show's high points: Nation Lane's great line about Saddam Hussein and Bill Irwin's classy acceptance speech.
*The show, overall? Okay. Not the best, but not the worst either.
*Of course, they are going to use big names from TV and movies. Otherwise, the size of the viewing audience would be mighty low. Don't be too critical, though, as most of them got their starts on Broadway!
*Jerry Orbach was the last name mentioned (and picture shown) in Laura Linley;s tribute to those who died in the past year. And, it came just before Jesse Martin sang "Razzle Dazzle" form Chicago, which was one of Orbach's big numbers.
*No one mentioned two of the show's high points: Nation Lane's great line about Saddam Hussein and Bill Irwin's classy acceptance speech.
*The show, overall? Okay. Not the best, but not the worst either.
Jun 6th, 2005, 04:38 AM
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Yep, sure did miss Jerry Orbach's picture and name (but it was noisy at that party), I thought for sure the last one shown was Fred Ebb, giving the reason for Razzle Dazzle.
I found many of the acceptance speeches classier than usual, and yes, totally agree about Bill Irwin's. Incidentally last year I saw his "almost one man show" as a mime and clown at Signature Theatre and can't imagine him in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf -- which alone shows what a great actor he must be.
I must agree it would be nice to once again see and hear some good old fashioned Rogers and Hammerstein style musicals, and I was shocked at The Light in the Piazza winning best score as there isn't a single "tune" in the entire show -- the score was the biggest disappointment to me in that show.
I found many of the acceptance speeches classier than usual, and yes, totally agree about Bill Irwin's. Incidentally last year I saw his "almost one man show" as a mime and clown at Signature Theatre and can't imagine him in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf -- which alone shows what a great actor he must be.
I must agree it would be nice to once again see and hear some good old fashioned Rogers and Hammerstein style musicals, and I was shocked at The Light in the Piazza winning best score as there isn't a single "tune" in the entire show -- the score was the biggest disappointment to me in that show.
Jun 6th, 2005, 05:35 AM
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They did not mention Jerry Orbach I don't think. (?) I think I'd like to see Spamalot a lot. 
Wish I had better access to theater. I always watch the Tony's to see what's happening. I agree that the show was not great. I too was looking for more production numbers.
Wish I had better access to theater. I always watch the Tony's to see what's happening. I agree that the show was not great. I too was looking for more production numbers.
Jun 6th, 2005, 05:36 AM
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It seemed to me that the entire show was rushed and that the producers were more interested in ending on time than showcasing Broadway. I saw Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Saturday nite and thought it was just great. I'm glad Norbert Leo Butz won, he is a true comedic actor.
Jun 6th, 2005, 06:11 AM
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Yes, that "ending on time" thing is annoying. Early in the evening some acceptance speeches were quite long and there seemed no attempt to cut them off, but when we got to the major wins and time was running short, they'd cut them off very quickly. Seems we would have been happier with longer speeches if necessary from major winners and shorter ones from the "lesser" winners (and I apologize as I realize there is no such thing as a "small win" at the Tonys).
But repeating when Howard said, Bill Irwin's speech was just so classy. It says what he needed and wanted to say. I realize that many people are responsible for a great performance, but I've never understood the idea of standing there giving a list of 25 names of those who helped get each person to that winning position. I'd rather here a more personal note than a list of thank yous.
By the way, before we are attacked for being off the subject of travel, it was interesting how many out of towners there were at that Tony party I went to. It seems a number of people come to New York every year specifically at Tony time. I talked with one couple who always come this week, and have gone to the awards a couple of times, but last year's seats at Radio City in peanut heaven convinced them they'd rather see it on TV where they can actually see. They loved this party idea.
But repeating when Howard said, Bill Irwin's speech was just so classy. It says what he needed and wanted to say. I realize that many people are responsible for a great performance, but I've never understood the idea of standing there giving a list of 25 names of those who helped get each person to that winning position. I'd rather here a more personal note than a list of thank yous.
By the way, before we are attacked for being off the subject of travel, it was interesting how many out of towners there were at that Tony party I went to. It seems a number of people come to New York every year specifically at Tony time. I talked with one couple who always come this week, and have gone to the awards a couple of times, but last year's seats at Radio City in peanut heaven convinced them they'd rather see it on TV where they can actually see. They loved this party idea.
