So I was just curious to see if anyone had any info on how/when Stay with me was put into the show? I watched a clip of the Old Globe production the other day and noticed that the song was not there. What confuses me is that I swear I read that when Betty Buckley was involved in a workshop as the Witch she at least claims the song was written for her. So if the song was written for her then why wasn't it in the pre Broadway run? Just a Sondheim fan wanting to see if anyone had any insight. Thanks!
The bigger question is, why is Sondheim such a spineless pushover and let's his musicals be butchered when turned into films? Can't answer your stay with me question but if you were wondering why the witch's lament fell emotionally flat in the film, I have your answer
Of course he has a say. And what is even worse is, he didn't want disney to change Rapunzel's fate. He gave an interview saying he was unhappy with the decision but ultimately couldn't do anything abouit and said he understood why disney changed it. Such BS.
Dear Disney, no one gives a rats ass if one of "your characters" dies. You don't own the character's mythology. There were not going to be riots in the streets if a live action version of your character died in a film completely unrelated to Tangled. Grow some balls and keep your hands off masterpieces like Into The woods. You didn't deserve to adapt that masterpiece.
Hamilton22 said: "Of course he has a say. And what is even worse is, he didn't want disney to change Rapunzel's fate. He gave an interview saying he was unhappy with the decision but ultimately couldn't do anything abouit and said he understood why disney changed it. Such BS."
Shouldn't that tell you that he could literally do nothing to stop it???
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
The thing is, besides being an utter toad of a human being, Riedel usually has the least knowledge of the topic in the room. He doesn't usually understand the content or approach of a show, and is always completely and unfailingly socially ignorant, which makes it really infuriating when Susan can't get a word in edgewise. A definitive mansplainer; it's always painful when he has female guests. I watch the show sporadically when I really want to see a guest, because it's the only theatre talkshow we have, but it would be so much better without this hateful clown in a dadcoat. (thanks ScaryWarhol)
Hamilton22 said: "You asked if he had a say, and I answered your question correctly. I never said his opinion was final.
"having a say" generally means that your opinion actually means something and will have an effect. It doesn't generally mean that you can give your opinion if you want, but it actually doesn't matter because they'll ignore you anyways if it goes against what they want.
toofunktastic2 said: "having a say" generally means that your opinion actually means something and will have an effect. It doesn't generally mean that you can give your opinion if you want, but it actually doesn't matter because they'll ignore you anyways if it goes against what they want. "
yes, exactly. Sondheim clearly did not have any power over the material once Disney had their talons in it. He was simply a cog in their machine.
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
I've been doing some more research and I think what makes the most sense is that Buckley played the witch in the two week workshop after Old Globe. Where stay with me was written. As for the movie. It was horrible. The Witch had no motivation for Last Midnight since Rapunzel hadn't died. It was silly and weak.
If it doesn't bother HIM, why does it bother you so much?
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.
There's a huge difference between "I am respected and the film producers will probably listen to me if I say things and try to keep me involved" and "I have actual contractual power to stop changes I don't like."
I believe that the progression of ITW is this: first the San Diego production, and then a workshop with Buckley, then negotiations with Lupone, and then Peters came on board then Broadway!