#1Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/7/08 at 7:23pm
Scott Eckern donated $1000.00 to the Yes on 8 campaign:
Scott Eckern/Artistic Director, California Musical Theatre / Citrus Heights, CA / $1,000
antigayblacklist
-Politics is like driving. To go backward, put it in R. To go forward, put it in D.
#2re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/7/08 at 7:35pmHe's a mormon. Some people are already planning to protest outside of the community center theatre in the next few days. Updated On: 11/7/08 at 07:35 PM
#2re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/7/08 at 7:37pm
but how can you be involved with musical theatre and be against anything involving gays/lesbians?
What a dumbass!
I once heard someone describe her (Ruthie Henshall) singing as sounding as though she's trying to swallow a whole meatball slightly larger than her windpipe. (The same person compared Michael Ball's singing to sounding as though he's sitting on a washing machine on spin cycle and Colm Wilkinson's to a man with a paralyzed lip trying to eat cottage cheese.) --- Schmerg_The_Impaler
#3re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/8/08 at 2:55am
This was originally posted on another board I frequent.Marc Shaiman posts there as well and posted that he called this guy once he found out that they had presented HAIRSPRAY there a couple of seasons ago.
Apparently Marc called him out and basically guaranteed him that as long as he was still affiliated with the company, they wouldn't be doing any more of Marc's shows.
-Politics is like driving. To go backward, put it in R. To go forward, put it in D.
nycdncr
Leading Actor Joined: 7/25/04
#4re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 2:30pmThis needs to be discussed. Please spread the word. This man makes his living from the talents of gay people and the gays who come to see his shows.
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, "I will try again tomorrow."
Q
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/05
#5re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 2:47pm
Gotta play Devil's Advocate here, and ask a couple of questions:
1 - Was the donation made privately in his name?
2 - Did he publicize the donation?
3 - Was the theater's name invoked anywhere?
#6re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 2:53pm
Coop, changing the title of this thread a little might get interested people to click on it. It's been here for two days and I've passed it by. If I'd known what it was about...
Art has a double face, of expression and illusion.
Updated On: 11/9/08 at 02:53 PM
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#7re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 2:55pmMarc! Write more shows so you can deny the rights!
Twitter @NamoInExile
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#8re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 3:19pm
1 - Was the donation made privately in his name? Answer: Yes
2 - Did he publicize the donation? Answer: NO
3 - Was the theater's name invoked anywhere? Answer: Yes, his title and the theatre company name and city are attached to the donation. That's why it caught people's attention.
He could have made it anonymously if he chose.
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#9re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 3:29pmActually, no. California law requires donors to list their place of employment on political donations.
Twitter @NamoInExile
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Q
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/05
#10re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 3:37pm
So, here's my uncomfortable feeling - As I understand it, one of the positions being argued for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act brings up the issue of churches or religious organizations not being able to fire someone just because they're gay. And it seems that that's a valid position to take, as long as the personal life isn't affecting the job performance.
WELL, if this man's job performance hasn't been affected by his political position, why should it be held against him?
Of course, at this point it's probably moot, as I doubt he can continue on without it being made an issue.
nycdncr
Leading Actor Joined: 7/25/04
#11re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:11pm
A friend forwarded me a letter that Susan Egan wrote:
A FWD from Susan Egan:
Dear Friends --
I thought you might be interested to know that Scott Eckern, Artsitic Director of California Music Theatre (Sacramento Music Circus) contributed $1000 in support of California's divisive Proposition 8, which eliminates (not just bans) the right for same-sex couples to marry and receive all of the emotional, economic, and social benefits that married couples often take for granted. Mr. Eckern's affiliation with CMT, as well as his title and the amount donated to legislate the lives of others, is public information that can be found at
http://antigayblacklist.com
Marc Shaiman, composer (most notably of "Hairspray", which was produced at CMT last year) has already contacted Sacramento's CMT and expressed his disgust with the idea that a theatrical organization, employing and making money from gay artists and audience members, harbors an executive who uses a portion of his income to publicly support hate legislation (my term). I believe Mr. Shaiman may have told them they would no longer be allowed to produce his work, and has contacted the creators of "Avenue Q" (to be produced in March of '09) to enlighten them.
I am deeply troubled by the news about Scott, as I have worked for and known him since 1993. I find his behavior hypocritical at best and, more likely, distressingly prejudiced. Many of you friends who, like myself, have worked for Scott might be floored to know this news. I think at this point I shall do my best to "out" him and any others like him. Folks who show (and make money) playing one game, but with an inner intolerance that denies everything our industry represents.
I have personally been in contact with Marc Shaiman to confirm all the information. In his words:
"Yes, it's all true! Of course, there is nothing much I can do since they've already done HAIRSPRAY, but the AVE Q guys (at least one of them) may do something, perhaps picket his own show! But, as I hope people realize, it is not really up to a writer to cancel a production that has already been licensed.
What I could do I did, which was to call Mr. Eckern directly and say what I had to say.
Reading this past week how people still actually think being gay is a choice (the only choice we make is not to lie about who we are) and that that one line from a beautiful book proves we are sinners (a book that also allows for the stoning of wives and of people who wear two different kinds of fabric at the same time), well, I am starting to feel that the only way to make people change is, I think, to now greet every person I meet and say "Hi, I'm Marc, God made me gay and I think that that He and I are both fabulous!" and leave the rest up to them."
Sacramento Music Circus holds a cherished place in my heart, primarily because of Leland Ball and the inspirational talents he would gather for his productions. I feel the spirit of Leland is lost under Scott's leadership. As a private citizen I choose not to support California Music Theatre while it operates under Mr. Eckern's tenure.
I support Marc Shaiman in his boycott of CMT, and hope others will follow -- as ticket-buyers, writers, musical directors, crew, designers and performers and more.
I feel compelled to write because I have heard from so many beloved friends the last few days. People who are in every way caring and generous citizens. Friends who are for the most part very quiet on the political front, who have had to awaken because of last Tuesday, due to their shock that their lifestyles are not "accepted" by so-called friends!! The irony of electing Obama and Prop 8 passing astounds me.
I am not ordinarily a political fighter, but I do believe in information for all, and let them decide. And more than anything I believe in "holding the space" for what is right.
In support of my gay and lesbian friends I find it a travesty that the entire arts community is not standing in solidarity for equal rights. Shame on Scott.
That our industry should be the first to raise money and awareness for AIDS to the result of awakening a country and world to the issue ... well then, marriage (and every other sort of) equality is a no-brainer ... and a duty and obligation.
I hope with this email to find others to "hold the space" with me .... full equality in marriage rights. If you should feel compelled to pass the information about Scott Eckern on to others .... by all means do.
Hoping for change .... still,
Susan Egan
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, "I will try again tomorrow."
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#12re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:29pmLast I remember, ENDA excluded churches and religious groups.
Twitter @NamoInExile
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#13re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:30pmWow. I'm very impressed with Susan Egan's letter. Thanks for posting that, nycdncr.
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#14re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:39pmI've loved her since Triumph of Love, cuz she had her dog with her at the stage door!
Twitter @NamoInExile
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Q
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/05
#15re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 12:42am
"ENDA excluded churches and religious groups."
I didn't realize that - thanks.
I'm still a little itchy with this - although, I certainly understand the sentiment. It is disappointing and frustrating. I just get nervous when people are held accountable for thoughts or feelings that don't necessarily impact the situation at hand.
And, while I certainly understand the unity and safety felt within an artistic community by gay people, it's not like it's a criteria for participation.
Ultimately, while I feel the emotional response along with others, I'm leery of an overt sanctioning because of it.
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#16re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 12:45am
I don't see anything wrong with actors and audiences refusing to work or attend shows there. A theater that caters specifically to homophobes is a really untapped niche.
nycdncr
Leading Actor Joined: 7/25/04
#17re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 7:32amQ, the problem I have with the situation is this. I worked there all summer. I'm gay. My talents (and the talents of other gay men and women, in addition to all the paying queer audiences) helped to pay this man's salary. So, he is, in essence, using money that he made from homosexuals to support this right wing agenda. That's my beef with the whole thing. I have no problem with his views, but he didn't have to publicly support Proposition 8. He made the choice to, and I hope he's ready for the artistic backlash.
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, "I will try again tomorrow."
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#18re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:01amPeople were up in arms when a big black man said the faggot word on a tv set and they called for HIS job. I think a boycott of the CMT is getting off easy.
#19re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:07am
Since the Yes on 8 folks tried to blackmail those against it, turnabout it is fair play.
Q, I hear your words, and understand your sentiment, but the Yes on 8 people not only meddled with another state's elections, they also threatened those who opposed 8.
Americablog also has a post on this.
Never EVER Cross a Show Queen.
Q
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/05
#20re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:12amLike I said, I completely get the emotion - Hell, I'd probably be carrying a picket sign! I just have some unidentifiable uneasiness - it seems like a slippery slope toward thought-policing, I guess.
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#21re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:15amHow is it different from boycotting someplace else whose beliefs you don't believe in? And royalty holders withhold the rights to their shows for much less petty reasons than this.
#22re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:18am
I think what he did is shameful and nycdncr is right, there is going to be an artistic backlash. I know he doesn't represent the feelings of the company, but their name was included in his donation which is too bad. Given his position, if he wanted to donate, he should have done it anonymously.
I am sure CMT will respond as I know they have a lot of gay and gay friendly staff including members that contrbuted to no on 8.
#23re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:24am
Political contributions are public record. He had to report his name.
Here is the public record and the database, in case you want to look up other people. The law says that you have that right.
SFGate: Proposition 8 contributions
Q
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/05
#24re: Artistic Director of California Musical Theatre
Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:38am
"How is it different from boycotting someplace else whose beliefs you don't believe in?"
Obviously, I know this could be seen as splitting hairs - but the difference I see is that it wasn't done in the name of the company. I could see boycotting HIM, but to boycott the company seems to send the message that only people deemed acceptable get to participate - BUT, the acceptability quotient is going to be based on something other than job performance.
I'm partially just playing Devil's Advocate here, but at the same time, I'm a little bothered by what I perceive as a 'they try to get us, so let's get them' attitude. I never have gone in for an eye for an eye mentality.
ON THE OTHER HAND, I must agree there is NO reason to give your money to something or someone you perceive as a threat.
*sigh* I guess I really don't have a firm foundation here - it just makes me uneasy.
