Lincoln Center Archieves
Lincoln Center Archieves
#1Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/17/11 at 7:54pmI understand that every Broadway show is professionally filmed and stored in the Lincoln Center. I was wondering if it is possible to view any of the old library? If I can, what do I need to do?
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#2Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/17/11 at 8:02pmMY understanding is that you just need to arrange it in advance. I believe you are suppose to have an educational need -- like research of any sort. If I remember correctly, you are allowed to watch any given video exactly one time only.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#2Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/17/11 at 8:03pm
See the link below. They are very amenable; however, it's best to make an appointment in advance.
http://www.nypl.org/locations/lpa/theatre-film-and-tape-archive
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#3Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/17/11 at 9:42pm
I understand that every Broadway show is professionally filmed and stored in the Lincoln Center.
Unfortunately, that is not true. Countless Broadway shows that have closed never were honored with getting filmed/archived for the Lincoln Center Archives. Also, they didn't begin filming Broadway shows until the early 1970's, so any shows pre-1975 or so only survive in audio recordings, manuscripts and in the memories of those who saw the shows.
Also, countless Broadway shows were filmed/archived several years after the show opened so the cast filmed/archived is a replacement cast and not the original Broadway cast.
For example, the Lincoln Center Archives' film/archive of the original Broadway production of DREAMGIRLS features the final cast before the show closed. None of the original Broadway principals are in this film/archive.
#4Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 1:17am
I always tell them I'm an acting student (I'm not) and a friend of mine says he's a college student (he's not). While you have to write down the name of the school you go to, it's not like they actually check, or ask for student IDs. Just have an NYPL library card, and be sure to make an appt beforehand, they don't take drop-ins anymore. If the show is currently running (like Phantom), you won't be able to see it unless you're a member of the current cast. But I've seen some fantastic stuff there on video. It's a tremendous resource!
Edited to add: Every time I've been there, the other viewers have given off out-of-work actor vibes, so you can always say you're an actor, I would think.
Updated On: 9/18/11 at 01:17 AM
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#5Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 8:26am
I think I remember hearing this...but can ANYONE get a NYC library card? And by that, I mean non residents? And if so, how long does that usually take?
I have a colleague that mentioned she'd love to take advantage of the archives.
TIA
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#6Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 8:36am
Anyone can get an NYPL card; however, if you're not an NYC resident, it costs money. I don't know what the fee is today, but it was something like $100 when I first moved to New York.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
Updated On: 9/18/11 at 08:36 AM
winston89
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/18/06
#7Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 7:29pmThat's not true. Anyone who either lives,works or attends school in NY state can get one. It isn't restricted to city residents. For example, I went to high school in NYC, therefor I was able to get one because of that. However, even though I am four years out of high school I would still be able to get one because even though I don't live in the city I could still get one
"If you try to shag my husband while I am still alive, I will shove the art of motorcycle maintenance up your rancid little Cu**. That's a good dear"
Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll
#8Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 7:33pmI don't even live, work or attend a school in NY (I was on holiday from Australia) and I got one for free...gave my Australian address. This was from the Lincoln Center library itself. Either the rule doesn't exist anymore or they can be quite lax about it..
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#9Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 7:41pmThings must have changed. My experience was 10 years ago.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
#10Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 9:52pmWhen did they start taping shows?
Poster Emeritus
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#11Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 10:03pm
I believe there is a videotape of the 1971 national tour of COMPANY that is considered the very first one in the collection, though most say its the 1975 videotape of the original cast of A CHORUS LINE, which was filmed at the Public Theatre before the show transfered to Broadway.
Also, don't expect to find CHICAGO, PIPPIN, or DANCIN' or any other Bob Fosse show. He refused to have any of his shows filmed saying that theater has to be experienced 'live', not on a videotape. On that note, yes... the 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO is in the collection but this production does not feature Bob Fosse's original staging nor choreography -- it features Ann Reinking's choreography 'in the style of Bob Fosse'.
Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
#12Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 10:05pm
Thanks
To bad the original Follies was not done.
Poster Emeritus
BrodyFosse123
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
#13Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 10:11pm
The original Broadway production of FOLLIES does survive in countless silent home movies shot during the development of the musical. The footage is quite extensive and thanks to countless 'live' audio recordings made, many archivists have combined both elements so the silent footage now has sound, so to speak.
I believe ALL of this 'edited' footage can be found on YouTube.com.
philly03
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/07
#14Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/18/11 at 10:35pm
Not every show is in full either - I was hoping to reference something in the recent "A Tale of Two Cities" (which opened 3 years ago on the day), but it's a whopping 22 minutes I believe, or last time I checked. There's the concert, but I was looking for specifics in the production.
There's some other premieres and what not as well, if I remember correctly.
#15Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/21/11 at 8:01pm
I am not American, but British, can people from overseas use the Lincoln center resources?
Where is the Lincoln Center Library?
How much does it cost?
How much notice do I have to give?
I want to see Chess and if it was really awful as a book musical, me and a mate are over mid November and both would love to see this.
theatreguy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/31/03
#16Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/21/11 at 9:36pm
I haven't been in a while, but I usually called a day or 2 before to schedule a time and it's never been a problem. There have always been empty spots when I've gone in.
The Library is between The Metropolitan Opera House and Lincoln Center Theater:
#17Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/22/11 at 6:50am
Theatreguy you are a real diamond geezer.
I have been to the Vivian Beaumont theatre once before and remember the fountain, so vaguely remembers, should be a piece of cake to find, so day planned already, breakfast, trip up to the archives to see Chess, nice walk in Central Park, supper, then a show in the evening, they day is sorted, thank you.
Do I need to work in education and need a library card to access the archives please?
#18Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/22/11 at 9:50am
You'll need a library card, and just say you're a theater student. (It's no lie, we're all students of theater!) There is a sheet you fill out when you go in, saying who you are and why you wanna see your films - just write down the name of some random school, they don't check.
You do need to call and make an appt ahead of time, but you can get your library card the same day you go to the archives. When you walk into the archive building, there's a desk where you can get your library card.
Wilmingtom
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
#19Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/22/11 at 12:20pmYou don't need a library card. They will issue you an "Access" card (with a photo of you that they will take)that's specifically for the research libraries. I don't recall ever having been asked why I wanted to view one of the videos. You have the check your bags but you're allowed to take paper and pen to make notes as you watch. As others have said, you want to make an appointment but you can usually get in the same day you call. And they're very nice and accommodating.
#20Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/22/11 at 12:23pm
Although it's not always needed, it is good to have a legitimate reason in mind before you go. I have been asked why I'm viewing videos more than once and they have asked me to be as detailed as possible. It can really be anything, but it's just good to have some idea in mind. I've used everything from a paper on modern vs. classic shows to a research paper on musical adaptations.
Good luck and have fun!
Wilmingtom
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
#21Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/22/11 at 12:34pmMormon, I don't doubt what you say but I really don't recall being asked why. And if I was, I'm sure I said something like I missed the show on Bway, or I loved it and want to see it again, or I'm considering doing the show and am not real familiar with it. I certainly didn't need to devise an elaborate ruse.
#22Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/22/11 at 5:44pmWilmingtom, have you been recently? I don't think they do ACCESS cards anymore. You just need a NYPL library card.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#23Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/22/11 at 6:43pm
"You'll need a library card, and just say you're a theater student. (It's no lie, we're all students of theater!)"
That answer had me stoked and made me really lol. Thanks to everyone who is assisting me, it is very much appreciated, I have a ruse lined up just in case...........
The Library card, how much do these cost please?
#24Lincoln Center Archieves
Posted: 9/22/11 at 6:51pmFree
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
