Performing Arts Library-does anybody know?

[homeimp]

Posted: 1/2/14 at 5:08pm

I am curious to learn which Matilda and which Billy Elliot were filmed for the archives. I have talked to a couple of people from the Billy Elliot cast and they didn't remember for sure if it was David, Trent or Kiril. If both musicals were filmed, I wonder on what basis the decision was made as to which actor would perform. Would they have tried to schedule the press night performer? The Opening Night performer? Just random chance? I would be grateful for any information as to who did the filmed performances of these musicals.

[MaddieBB12]

Posted: 1/2/14 at 6:39pm

I believe Sophia Gennusa was filmed for Matilda; she performed on opening night. They pulled her name out of a hat for opening night--the drawing was posted on BWW via video, actually. If she was indeed recorded for Lincoln Center, I can only imagine it was coincidence.

[cmorrow]

Posted: 1/3/14 at 11:05am

I work at the library, and can tell you that the performance of Matilda recorded for the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) features Sophia Gennusa in the title role. TOFT's tape of Billy Elliot features Trent Kowalik in the title role, and Trevor Brown as Michael.

Incidentally, both of these videos have been cataloged, and the information you're looking for can be found online at the library's website (nypl.org). If you have other questions like this about TOFT's holdings they can be answered by screening room staff at [phone].

[winston89]

Posted: 1/3/14 at 12:10pm

One thing to add is that Theatre on film and tape is not a movie theatre, and you have to have a reason for watching it. "I didn't see the show on Broadway" isn't a legit reason to be there, and they will give you an ear full if that's what you say.

Furthermore, you cannot watch shows that are currently playing on Broadway. So for Matilda, you'd have to wait for it to close prior to seeing it at the library.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 1/3/14 at 1:25pm

It's not hard to get permission to see a show at the library. It's not as "secret society" as many have made it sound over the years.

[winston89]

Posted: 1/3/14 at 7:11pm

No, it's not and even I have gone to see shows there by making up a BS reason. However, If you don't have a reason, ("I need to see it for a paper I'm doing in school", I am in the crew of an upcoming production of it, etc, etc.") and you're honest in telling them that the only reason why you want to see it is because its a show that you missed during its time on Broadway, then they will give you an ear full.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 1/3/14 at 7:45pm

"I believe Sophia Gennusa was filmed for Matilda; she performed on opening night. They pulled her name out of a hat for opening night--the drawing was posted on BWW via video, actually. If she was indeed recorded for Lincoln Center, I can only imagine it was coincidence."

I personally doubt that it's a coincidence she was recorded for Lincoln Center. It's not like the library people just show up one day. People know for a long time when the recording is scheduled and the girls schedules are not set that far in advance..

That said, I have no idea if Sophia was selected specifically ....or if they put the names in a hat again...or they took turns for appearances and this was Sophia's turn.

I just can't believe it was a "coincidence" which sounds like it just happened without thought at all. I just don't see it.

[MaddieBB12]

Posted: 1/3/14 at 7:56pm

No, I agree that choosing Sophia was not a spur of the moment thing. I'm sure the producers knew who would be filmed, but if it didn't have to be the same as opening night, then the fact that Sophia did BOTH the recorded performance and opening night (which was random) might be coincidence. If everything except opening night was set up ahead of time, like appearances and who was filmed, then the fact that Sophia got opening night in addition to the recording, was just by chance.

Updated On: 1/3/14 at 07:56 PM

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 1/3/14 at 9:49pm

Yes if you look at it that way, it might have been a coincidence...or not. I doubt we will ever know.

Hmmmm..I just re-read your post^^ and you brought up something I hadn't thought of. If Lincoln Center would like to present as much as the original cast/original production as possible, maybe because Sophia was the Matilda in the opening night cast, she was selected on those grounds. I have no idea if that's true or if it's even relevant..but it's an interesting thought.

Updated On: 1/3/14 at 09:49 PM