Jackie Burns - IF/THEN- Page 6

[getatme]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 12:32am

Cast members are entitled to a week of vacation time for every six months of their contract. Considering Idina has only called out due to illness, I think it's pretty admirable that she's taking THREE DAYS of vacation time while all of her other cast mates have been taking a full week. She knows full well the show's success depends almost entirely on her being in attendance and so she compromised and isn't taking a the full week of vacation she is entitled to.

It's a hard role, she's onstage most of the show, she's got a lot to sing, and it's tiring. Just because she's a "big star" doesn't mean that she doesn't deserve a little time off--and not time off where she's sick or vocally strained. Keep in mind she's got a young kid that she doesn't get to spend a lot of nights with. Cut the girl a little slack.

[delongpre]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 2:28am

I was quietly listening until this comment was made.

"It's just irritating to me that people can't see how terrible the show is. The fact that people think this choreography is actually good. Or that the story line isn't terribly confusing, or the fact that it isn't really just a Lifetime movie put to music. "

Wow, it really bothers you that people don't agree with you! Are you the theater-God to make that kind of decision? Decide for yourself and let others enjoy. Give it a break.

My feelings? The show is incredibly intelligent. The weaving of storyline and the subtleties of the language are brilliant, along with how the music connects it all. Each time I see the show I am opened to something new. The way the show is staged it to reflect the city and its people, and how life has us all moving through and around each others' lives. There's a rhythm to it.

The ensemble voices and the way they come together is like the sound of the city. The voices and music are designed to create a tone for the show, not necessarily to show off the vocalists' individual talents. Tamika has a great voice. If you heard otherwise then she had a off moment, which can happen to any stage performer.

The storyline is not at all confusing for those who actually understand the show. Perhaps that is your real beef here, because everyone I know that really gets the show loves it to death. It touches the heart and stirs the mind.

To follow the topic of the thread, I saw Jackie sing the role at Bryant park and would love to see her be Elizabeth tonight. Idina certainly can take days off for WHATEVER reason she desires, just like anyone on any job.

[TFMH18]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 8:57am

"What other shows that have been open since the spring did the MAJOR star take off for vacation?"

Audra McDonald had a full week off last month, putting the entire show on hiatus for a full 7 days.

[veronicamae]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 10:17am

Ya know, I think what's actually happening here is that RippedMan desperately wanted to see Idina and he's just so upset that he didn't get to see her, that he's attacking her for being a diva, and criticizing everything she touches - just like every other theatergoer that believes actors are machines and absence is unacceptable - and he doesn't realize he could have got a refund AND free tickets to see it another night with Idina if she called out that night (or voluntarily bought tickets to a show she was scheduled to be out and somehow making that her fault). Now it all makes sense.

RippedMan, people have different opinions. You hate the show. Others like the show. You aren't alone in your opinion, nor are those who enjoy it.

So just get off it. Nothing you say or do here is going to sway someone else's established opinion.

Will Swenson just took like 2+ months off of Les Mis to do another show in a completely different city city. Is that considered poor ethic since he left his show completely?

Updated On: 10/2/14 at 10:17 AM

[Pootie2]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 11:32am

"Ya know, I think what's actually happening here is that RippedMan desperately wanted to see Idina and he's just so upset that he didn't get to see her, that he's attacking her for being a diva, and criticizing everything she touches - just like every other theatergoer that believes actors are machines and absence is unacceptable - and he doesn't realize he could have got a refund AND free tickets to see it another night with Idina if she called out that night (or voluntarily bought tickets to a show she was scheduled to be out and somehow making that her fault). Now it all makes sense."


Oh. That actually does make sense. So RippedMan is a Fanzel.

That reminds me of what happened with Menzel called out sick in May, and some purported "fan" got on Twitter and started verbally abusing her for....being sick, how dare she. Gotcha.

[Elfuhbuh]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 12:52pm

"The fact that a woman can either have a job or have a husband is absurd."

I'm sorry, but didn't both storylines wrap up with Elizabeth eventually experiencing each thing anyways? In the Liz storyline, her husband died, but she ended up with kids AND a possible job opportunity, while Beth got the job AND met her Liz!Storyline husband (and, as the audience is left to assume, hit it off with him). So, I really don't think that the show is pushing the "husband or job" agenda at all.

[JayG 2]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 1:25pm

This garbage about taking umbrage with the creators for not allowing the character to have it all- wife and mother and superwoman in workforce- is crap. If you want to write that show, write it. They chose to write the show they have written. Some people who post here are so darn foolish. Sorry. But true. The show has its problems, but the big deal over that aspect is nonsense. Again, write your own show and try to get it on !

[JayG 2]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 1:25pm

This garbage about taking umbrage with the creators for not allowing the character to have it all- wife and mother and superwoman in workforce- is crap. If you want to write that show, write it. They chose to write the show they have written. Some people who post here are so darn foolish. Sorry. But true. The show has its problems, but the big deal over that aspect is nonsense. Again, write your own show and try to get it on !

[sharona39]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 2:17pm

I found this show to be an intelligent and very well thought out piece. I have seen the show 4 times, with several different people, my mother, my husband and various friends. I covered the gamut in demographics! No one was left scratching their heads as to what the show was about. The basic premise of the show was how decisions you make in life not only effect you but those around you. From the lyrics to the songs to the staging - everything was well thought out. Each time I saw the show, I picked up on little nuances. Beth/Liz made choices which effected her both personally and professionally and these choices also impacted those around her. Beth took the job, but then met Josh - after his "third" tour which he completed and came out alive. Leaves the audience to surmise that they will have a future. Liz chose Josh after his second tour, he deferred the third tour and subsequently died. After which, she gets the job offer from Steve who never divorced his wife in this trajectory of Elizabeth's life. The lyrics to you learn to live without speak to both Beth and Liz, the first verse to Beth, then to Liz. I also found the supporting to cast to be very strong in their vocals. I saw a video of Tamika singing Seasons of Love after an if/then performance - she mixes a c6 ! That girl has pipes. I get that some might not like it but be fair in your critique - there is a whole lot of talent on that stage and a very compelling story as well.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 4:57pm

Meanwhile, back at the ranch- I made a return visit to the show yesterday to see Jackie. I thought she did a really stellar job, she was in a tough spot, but she is more than competent to undertake the task of filling in for a star. I found her vocals to be effortless compared to Idina who I think always appears to strain a bit. I don't think she's giving a carbon copy performance, but it is close enough that she was probably directed that way, but not distracting or limiting to her abilities. The rest of the cast did a great job as well, Colella was in great voice, LaChanze and Tamika seemed a little phoned in compared to the previous performance I saw with Idina. James Snyder was again in wonderful voice. the show is what it is, I definitely benefitted from a repeat viewing. Honestly though, I enjoy listening to the recording more than seeing the full scale production.

[steven22]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 5:20pm

Seeing the show tonight. Very excited to see Jackie as Elizabeth, as I've seen Idina 5x already. I'm half hoping to see Jenn as Elizabeth, though I know that will never actually happen...

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/2/14 at 11:23pm

Y'all really are a bunch of idiots.

Veronicamae: Your example is really terrible. Swenson left to work on ANOTHER show. He's not sitting on the beach getting a tan. I'm not saying Menzel is either, I'm just saying it seems like she's been out of the show quite a bit. That's all.

And yes, we all have differing opinions, so why do you feel the need to attack mine? My review was simply how I took the show in. That's it. I wasn't saying you all were foolish for liking the show. There were some moments that really worked, but overall I just didn't like the show. No biggie. But for some reason you all felt the need to blow it up into some big deal, so now I'm forced to respond.

And I'm not allowed to dislike a show because of the creators intentions? So, if someone made a show about how it's okay to harass gay people we should all just get over it and write another show? Uh, no. This is the kind of show I hate because all it does it showcase this "fantasy" version of Manhattan where everything is clean and neat and perfect and tidy, and that's not how life is. Especially this story. Her life isn't neat and clean, so why is the production so sleek and perfect? Yes, I took "umbrage" with that. So sue me.

[goldenboy]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 12:14am

I don't care who is in it. The show is a colossal bore. If it's a Broadway Musical, then is should be entertaining. It is not.

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 12:19am

If it's a Broadway Musical, then is should be entertaining.

Is this a serious statement? First of all, "boring" is subjective. There have been many other Broadway musicals that people have found boring.

Updated On: 10/3/14 at 12:19 AM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 1:18am

I just love seeing which shows people stick up for so whole heartedly. I had no problem following the plot. I under the a-z of it. I just think it could have been fleshed out better and there were some messy moments. Like the wohle LaChanze singing her to her class moment, then we were in another scene. Sure, it worked fine, but if you stop to think about it it def. is a little weird and off.

Secondly, I think the whole design is so false. For a show that's built on life and choices, the set design is very fake. The fake trees, the tacky mirror, the "subway lights." It all just felt like a very forced version of NYC that targeted tourists and dumb people. It's the kind of show that's not heady at all, but dumb people will find heady because they can understand it. Sorry. It's just my opinion. Now go see Bootycandy because it's amazing.

[steven22]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 7:19am

Finally saw Jackie as Elizabeth last night. She was incredible. Definitely plays a more "sweeter" Elizabeth than Idina. While I do prefer Idina, Jackie gave an amazing performance. Was glad to see Anthony back as Lucas, he did look a bit tired however.

Each time I see this show I want to see Jenn Colella as Elizabeth more and more. I know it will never happen unfortunately...

If anyone has the opportunity to see Jackie when she's scheduled to go on in November, you won't regret it.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 8:25am

^^I think "sweeter" is a great way to put it. Honestly, I think her take on the role makes Elizabeth more likeable. You can get behind her and root for her Elizabeth more, just my opinion. I think you get more of a character arc with Jackie.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 10:04am

The only issue I have with RippedMan's comment was attacking Idina's work ethic. From everything I have read, she often goes one when sick, and she has been carrying that show on her shoulders since the beginning of the year. I am actually surprised with everything she has going on she has held up as well as she has.

You can love or hate the show, and that is all fine. But Idina works her behind off, has missed very few shows, and from all I have read, from a variety of sources who worked with her in Rent, Wicked and now If/Then, is a non-Diva with an amazing work ethic. I remember reading before the opening of this show former producers and directors all commenting that she was a dream to work with, and a throw back in attitude and effort.

As for Jackie being sweeter in the role and possibly more likable, I can see that. Idina has an edge to her - in both her singing voice and her personality, and that comes through on stage. I personally like it, but it would be interesting to see a different though similar take.

[ken8631]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 1:22pm

I'm going this Sunday, Oct 5. I'm assuming Idina is back?

[Pootie2]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 1:39pm

Yes (barring some emergency). Anyone can also check on Ticketmaster for planned absences: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Richard-Rodgers-Theatre-tickets-New-York/venue/24592

[goldenboy]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 2:45pm

The only reason this crap is running I can sum up in two words.
Idina Menzel. The score is monotonous; the story uninvolving and confusing.
There are some nice performances especially from LaChanze and Jen Colella but they can't save this trite Hallmark Greeting Card Tampon Commercial. One of the worst Broadway Musicals I subjectively had the displeasure of having to sit thought. I was subjectively board, unimpressed and I kept thinking about my laundry. If only I stayed home, I could have done my laundry.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 2:57pm

See, and I enjoyed it and listen to the cast recording pretty regularly. But, you have the right to hate it. Taste is subjective and if it does not work for you, fine.

My only comment was a poster bashing Idina's work ethic - as opposed to the relative merits of the show. For the record, I too wish you stayed home based upon your posts. You clearly had a negative, visceral reaction to the show. I had the opposite reaction. Both are valid for the person experiencing it.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 5:29pm

My work ethic comments mostly came because I was reading Lupone's memoir, and I remember seeing her in Gypsy and she had a tissue up her sleeve and would blow her nose and continue with the scene/song. I though that was extraordinary to see as oppose to people calling out every other show. As stated, I don't know the reason for Idina's absence and apparently it was planned, so I apologize to all that were offended for whatever reason? Unless you're actually Idina I don't understand some people's fan obsession with people. It's just a comment.

[veronicamae]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 8:01pm

^^ We have all repeatedly said Idina has missed perhaps 6 shows due to illness, and she came back before she was 100%; many people said she still sounded under the weather. And yet you continue to beat the dead horse that Idina seems to call out "every other show." This is why no one can take you seriously - you were grossly uninformed and incorrect. And yes, people will defend someone they admire or respect when they are unjustly criticized.

[sharona39]

Posted: 10/3/14 at 8:36pm

I respect other people's opinions, everyone is entitled to one. How boring the world would be if we all were exactly alike. What I am intolerant of are opinions laced with insults, "It's the kind of show that's not heady at all, but dumb people will find heady because they can understand it." I certainly don't believe that those who enjoyed and understood the show are at all "dumb". My little group in itself that saw the show, enjoyed the show and understood the show consisted of a Ph.D., an attorney, a pharmacist, and a VP of Finance for a major company - a mixed bag of people, and certainly not dumb by anyones standards. These types of comments are really uncalled for.