Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim- Page 6
Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
#125Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/2/12 at 11:36pm
Yeah. It makes JRB and his friend look oblivious, JRB like a name-dropper, and Sondheim like a delicate egotist.
And I have to wonder about the truth behind it, too. If it were indeed Putting It Together, would Sondheim really have been so wounded? Would JRB and "Franz" have had such high hopes for it?
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#126Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/2/12 at 11:38pm
PalJoey, you're more of an expert on Laurents than I, but didn't he like SWEENEY TODD? I thought I read that in one of the many Sondheim books out there. Who cares? Arthur's dead, but I want to make sure I'm not "losing my mind." (Speaking of that show, Arthur hated it too. Surprise!)
#127Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 12:24am
"Certainly nobody here has argued that Sondheim has to take orders from 20-year-olds."
This is true. I was more responding to some of the other responses I've seen outside of this thread that have more of a "How dare he ruin the theatre by telling everyone to be dishonest to each other" tone to them, which is kind of a strange thing to do here rather than on those actual responses, but it was late and here we are.
#128Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 12:34am
I think the story makes everyone involved look kind of foolish. Like I said earlier, he and his friend didn't discuss during intermission or on the way to dinner how they were going to have to face Sondheim in the face of not liking his show? "
Passion doesn't have an intermission 
But I agree.
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#130Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 12:43amOh my goodness, it's an amusing story that hinges on the bravado some young people hide behind to (not particularly successfully) mask their inexperience and the vulnerability of people others consider mighty lions. It's an anecdote.
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#131Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 2:46am(Yes, I am still going on about this.) That's why I really don't get why JRB is STILL harping on it. Was this a key moment in his life he just can't drop, and has to keep bringing up with variations until he's happy? (Isn't there a play about something like that?)
#132Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 5:34am
Oh my goodness, it's an amusing story that hinges on the bravado some young people hide behind to (not particularly successfully) mask their inexperience and the vulnerability of people others consider mighty lions. It's an anecdote.
^^^ This. Namo neatly traces the bottom line.
Nonetheless, I think this conversation has been useful. Most of us deal with the dilemma of when and just how much honesty is helpful to our friends and coworkers. It can't hurt to talk about it here now and then.
#133Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 10:48am
Forgetting, for a moment, the details of the story, I think Brown makes a good point in his piece.
Brown and his buddy were not invited as show doctors or critics. Although, I can imagine that, in their inexperience, they thought that Sondheim might respect them more for having an opinion (or in in this case, remaining silent).
When a friend (and it was clearly Sondheim's view that he was inviting these two self proclaimed fans, as friends), invites you to an exhibition of their work, they have a right to expect your full support. Period. That's not what critics do, but it is what friends do.
If honest criticism is requested, if Sondheim had said "I'm inviting you as peers to give feedback during this creative process." that's another story. But unsolicited critique, especially beyond the point where it can be implemented, is no longer constructive.
Unless you are seriously pressed for honest critique, I've learned, having been on both sides of that experience, that when a friend says "Please come see my work." they mean "My work is about to be judged by the harshest critics imaginable, please come support ME."
It's impossible to support your friend in their most vulnerable state, by telling them their work is disappointing, "needs work", or worse.
After Eight
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
#134Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 11:04am
"Would you have just said "it stinks", ordered the lobster and champagne and left?"
You don't seem either to read or to understand very well. I already stated twice what the situation demanded. I'm not going to repeat it a third time.
On another note, I find it interesting that certain people here whose language and subjects of conversation seem to have been steeped in a sewer now deem themselves fit to propound on the social graces. I'm sure the irony of that totally escapes them.
I also wonder if the dudgeon would be quite so high if the injured party were not the Great One, and the show in question not a personal pet. If say the composer had been Wildhorn and the show Wonderland, the duo's boorishness would have been applauded for being honest and forthright.
#135Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 11:26amAre you cross-eyed from staring down your nose at everyone yet?
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Wilmingtom
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
#136Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 11:54amI find it peculiar that JRB doesn't name the musical in question. I understand protecting the identity of his pal but not identifying the show in question just seems coy to me.
SporkGoddess
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/27/05
#137Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 1:43pmYou'd think that you could think of at least one nice thing to say. I love Passion so maybe I'm biased, but I think even people who dislike it would say that it contains some very beautiful pieces of music. Why not mention something like that?
Jimmy, what are you doing here in the middle of the night? It's almost 9 PM!
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#138Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 1:44pmHe was only 23, guys. His brain wasn't even fully formed yet!
Plum
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/4/04
#139Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 1:58pmHaha, yes. 23-year-olds are just old enough to be out of college. Total infants. :P
Wilmingtom
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
#140Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 2:21pm
A 23 year old as consumed by Broadway as JRB evidently was has NOTHING to say to Stephen Sondheim? Even if your staunch character makes it impossible to say something positive about his new show, certainly you could make conversation. "How did Robbins and Mostel get along when Robbins came in to help on Forum considering their strained relationship after the whole HUAC debacle?" "Who came up with the concept for A Weekend in the Country - you, Wheeler or Prince? "How was it working with Larry Fuller on Merrily? I don't think he's had the career he deserved." I mean, how hard can it be to come up with something to talk about when you're sitting across the table from Stephen Sondheim?
Updated On: 11/3/12 at 02:21 PM
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#141Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 2:24pm
He did have something to talk about it! He talked about the weather, the food, the décor, and what shows were coming in that season!
Updated On: 11/3/12 at 02:24 PM
Wilmingtom
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
#142Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 2:33pmI stand corrected, Phyllis. I'm fixated on filling those long, uncomfortable silences.
#143Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 3:08pm
I guess I'm a hard ass then. I EXPECT my kids at work to exhibit BASIC courtesy and manners. If they don't, I don't care if they've never been taught it, they will get an ear load from me that they will never forget.
You won't believe the number of children I've encountered in the last decade that have NO concept of politeness, gratitude, much less humility. Entitlement is the order of the day.
As for this story, there's a time and a place. Let's keep it simple, eh?
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.
Updated On: 11/3/12 at 03:08 PM
bk
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/03
#144Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 4:04pmIt's Passion and it's not real difficult to figure out who the other young composer is.
#145Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 4:27pmI'd guess either LaChiusa or Ricky Ian Gordon.
#146Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 4:36pm
Which one of them is "a little older" than Jason Robert Brown, "devastatingly charming" and "impossibly talented"--and confident and smooth enough to be occasionally referred to as "The Waring Blender"?
Wilmingtom
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
#147Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 4:45pmI considered Guettel for a moment (6 years older) but he's known Steve all his life and wouldn't be writing him such a letter. Hmmm...
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#148Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 4:46pmI think it was Jeanine Tesori.
#149Jason Robert Brown on How (Not) to Insult Sondheim
Posted: 11/3/12 at 4:59pmMichael John LaChiusa is 8 years older than Brown--but is a "Waring blender"?
