| Author |
Message |
    
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4676
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 11:18 pm: |     |
Based on the story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons...
Loved it!!! Best new musical in years. Virginia Theatre 246 West 52nd Street... They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide___ all before they were thirty. Great show, especially if you're into "Sherry", Big Girls Don't Cry", Oh What A Night", and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You"... Enjoy! |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 5
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 1:36 am: | |
Yes, I've heard of it. No relation. |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 5573
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:37 am: | |
The gal who wrote the score for my film, THE READER, is the assistant music director, conductor, and is in the onstage band playing keyboards. And she is, uh, somewhat cynical and she LOVES it.
I might actually go if only because it was staple AM music in my childhood. But that is what the producers are banking on and that makes me cringe a bit. Enough of the popular music musicals...give me a new Sweeney Todd any day.
Still and all... it is a business. |
drewdix
Citizen
Username: Drewdix
Post Number: 1099
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:09 pm: | |
Another "juke box" musical.
Oy vey.
But , to each his own. Glad ajc had fun.
And, I have not seen it so maybe it's just wonderful. But far far down on my list.
Where's the original work, and what audience has the patience for it?
Nope- it's gotta be a sure thing-... ..oh time for me to turn in. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4680
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:55 pm: | |
Drew, I find that good wine, music, and art tend to get better with age. This show doesn't take patience, actually you find yourself not wanting it to end.. And, FWIW, I think 175 million records sold worldwide will speak volumes about whether it's a sure thing or not... |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 5586
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 10:41 am: | |
ajc.. Drew is talking about the dirth of original music in broadway musicals. He, like I, wonders where the next Rodgers and Hammerstein, or Stephen Sondheim is. And his "its gotta be a sure thing" comment points to the ridiculous revival of "The Odd Couple" with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. It did something like 15 million in advanced sales on their names alone and yet every review and every person I have spoken with who has seen it says it is HORRIBLE.
The bigger point is that Broadway doesn't foster new work any more. It is a devastating finacial proposition. So they got the good idea of weaving a story around the music so many "boomers" grew up with to draw crowds. And it works. From a business standpoint. From an artistic and aesthetic standpoint...not so much.
For every "Avenue Q" there are 5 "Mama Mia" type shows. Even Urinetown, when it went from the lower east side to Times Square abandonded the very cast that made it the success it was. ( with the exception of John Cullum).
The American Musical Theater, currently, has been relegated to Juke Box shows. The sell tickets and are entertaining and that might be enough. But I want to see another Sunday in the Park With George, or Assassins, or something that genuinely takes me by surprise. As witness to this fact
Mama Mia
Movin Out
Good Vibrations
All Shook Up
Lennon
Jersey Boys
Taboo
Those shows are "juke box" musicals. The rest of the Broadway openings since January 2001 include
19 revivals and 15 originals. Of those originals, sadly we have to count "Hairspray", "Dirty Rotten Scoundrals", "Wicked", "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", "Beauty and the Beast", "Urban Cowboy", "The Color Purple", and "Dance of the Vampires" (along with the upcoming "Vampires") as derivitive of something else. So there have been very few "ORIGINAL" American Musicals in the last 4 years. 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, Caroline or Change, and Urinetown are about the only Original works from American composers and lyricists.
The last time I was surprised in a theater was at Tom Stoppards "Invention of Love" and that was too cerebral to last.
[\stepping on soapbox] [stepping off soapbox] |
Tinkrock
Supporter
Username: Tinkrock
Post Number: 101
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 2:57 pm: | |
Duncan,
I know this is very nitpicky but Taboo was actually mostly new songs with just, I think, 2 old Culture Club songs in it. I used to work for the company that cast it, so I was one of the few who saw it, and FWIW, I think it got a bad rap. It was seriously problematic, even kind of a mess, but it still managed to be interesting and featured some really good performances. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 4356
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 3:25 pm: | |
Just saw speeling Bee, woops, I mean Spelling Bee, and we all loved it! (Grandma thought it was a little raunchy?!?! Something about an unfortunate erection ) |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 5590
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 4:20 pm: | |
Tinkrock...my bad. My friend Liz McCartney played Big Sue. Never got to see her do it. So I stand corrected.
So you worked for Bernie Telsey? Great office. Had one audition for him once. Far too long ago.
I defer to your more intimate knowledge of the show. I was only pointing to the trend of taking pop music and weaving a story around the songs. Taboo didn't belong in there by my definition but was added perhaps out of guilt by association. Sorry! |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 1111
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 9:52 am: | |
I'm looking forward to a musical built around the Napster lawsuit featuring the music of Metallica. |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 5602
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 9:59 am: | |
Joe be careful what you wish for!
actually that is an outstanding idea} |
Tinkrock
Supporter
Username: Tinkrock
Post Number: 103
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 10:57 am: | |
Duncan,
Bernie's office IS really great. I miss it a lot, but I opted to stay home with the baby when she came along...
Liz was terrific. What a voice she has. |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 5603
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 12:21 pm: | |
No kidding huh?
When it comes time to cast my next film can I PL you? Might be a fun side gig that certainly wouldn't pay a whole lot.
sorry for the thread drift folks. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4687
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 1:28 pm: | |
Thanks Duncan, I've been thinking of doing something original with my free time now that I have some again...
I have two originals in mind; one is a musical and the other a drama… Has Broadway ever done a drama around a bed and breakfast, or a musical about repossessing? Listen, I could use a talented guy like you. How about collaborating with me? I see it all now, “Rodgers and Christensen”…
And, if Broadway doesn't foster new work any more, we can start off Off Off Broadway…We certainly have our own cast of characters right here in town and on MOL.
How do these titles sound?
“Mama Saisons”
“Repo’n Out”
“Good Bedsprings”
“All Shook Down”
“Lemon”
“Jersey Beds”
“Reboo”
"Hair-risen"
"Dirty Rotten Repoman"
"Wicked Neighbor’s",
"Chatty Chatty Tow Truck"
"Breakfast with the Beast"
"Urban House Guest"
"The Purple Pancake"
and "Dance of the Guard Dogs" |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 5609
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 3:19 pm: | |
Or maybe
Maplewood Mattress
Those are funny Art.  } |
macman
Citizen
Username: Macman
Post Number: 150
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 6:42 pm: | |
All this talk of musicals makes my heart warm.
Opening February 17
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
presented by 4th Wall Theatre, Inc in residence at the 12 Miles West Performing Arts Center in Bloomfield.
Check website for more details.
www.4thwalltheatre.com
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page