New Original Musicals By Black Playwrights In The Last 10 Years On Broadway Aug 12
2019, 04:09:14 PM
People of color have had to relate to white people’s stories for all of history. It’s possible for white people to relate to a black person’s story. I’m not white or lesbian and don’t have a closeted father who killed himself, but I related so much to the story of Fun Home. In the same way, A Strange Loop is so specifically about a black, gay, femme, bigger man who likes “white girl music,” but in that specificity, the story was so relatable. Again, people of color have been seeing themselves in
New Original Musicals By Black Playwrights In The Last 10 Years On Broadway Aug 12
2019, 11:28:21 AM
I’ll also say that many producers take risks with shows like Fun Home, What the Constitution Means to Me, the Oklahoma revival, even works by playwrights like Lucas Hnath and directors like Ivo van Hove. They all have the potential to not be financially successful, so it’s not just about “money talks.” People need to take more “risks” with the countless other shows being created by “others.” Maybe even works created by women?! You can say we have August Wilson and David Henry Hwang, but they’re
OffOnBwayHi said: "Right, but for me the problem comes from the work being produced regularly off Broadway but not transferring. It would be very different if we simply were not making things.
After all the buzz and hype 'Strange Loop' received, I'd be amazed and dumbfounded if it doesn't transfer. That would be very telling..."
I absolutely agree with you. The work is being done. The talent is there. And yet...
New Original Musicals By Black Playwrights In The Last 10 Years On Broadway Aug 12
2019, 09:52:49 AM
Besides Lin-Manuel Miranda, there are hardly any writers or composers of color on Broadway, period. It’s also an issue across the board in basically every department in theatre. It’s definitely a huge problem.
Islander_fan said: "This reminds me of a facebook post I read a few years back, when LCT was doing The King and I. During the whipping scene, a boy with autism, who, up until then had been quite and causing no disturbances started to vocally act out, gripping on the hand railing to not leave etc. Now, there were a lot of posts on Facebook etc about how, someone like that, should not have been in the theatre in the first place. However, one of the actors on stage in that scene wrote o
How did Phantom lose Best Score?? Jul 30
2019, 12:12:42 AM
I believe Into the Woods contains some of Sondheim’s best lyrics. Let’s not forget, as the name of the award itself states, it is an award for “Music and/or Lyrics Written for the Theatre.” The lyrics of Phantom are...not lyrics Sondheim would write. While there are musical motifs in Into the Woods, like in Phantom, they’re full of intent, even when a different character sings the repeated melody. There are even lyrical motifs (“I know things now,” “and you know things now that you never knew be
Road Show coming to Encores! Off-Center Jul 24
2019, 02:38:28 AM
It does feel more like a staged concert than a fully realized production, but there is staging, movement, and choreography throughout. I don’t blame them for this approach since the score is quite difficult and binders are necessary to reference the intricate lyrics and vocal arrangements.
Road Show coming to Encores! Off-Center Jul 24
2019, 12:47:48 AM
I want to give a shoutout to Jin Ha, who has a wonderful voice and is a soulful presence in this show. Mary Beth Peil is also giving a lovely performance, with her “Isn’t He Something” making you lean forward in your seat until the very end of her extended final note. (Also, I died at the beach ball tosses...)
I admit to not knowing the show very well. The radio play concept is a clever way to present this staged reading, but I also thought some action and progression of time got muddle
New Disney MTI Jr/Kids Shows Jul 15
2019, 04:50:44 PM
From what I hear, the entire romantic subplot has been removed from Newsies, Jr.
Dressers Jul 15
2019, 02:09:44 PM
At that point, though, they would be SM subs and under union contracts, right?
Dressers Jul 15
2019, 11:10:03 AM
Production assistants definitely do more than that. Are they typically around after a production is open?
Dressers Jul 15
2019, 10:31:59 AM
Yes, you must be a member of IATSE to be a dresser on Broadway. All positions on Broadway shows are union, even the ushers.
Promenade @ Encores Jul 12
2019, 04:29:41 PM
I believe the index card concept was something Fornés did.
Promenade @ Encores Jul 12
2019, 10:32:18 AM
That NYT review is very insightful. I quite enjoyed this production, while I realize it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Al Carmines and his works were off-off-Broadway, avant-garde works that spoke about social awareness. He was ahead of his time and quite prolific. The Lobby Project show mentioned he wrote Joan of Arc and Hamilton/Burr musicals in the early 70s, and he also wrote a predecessor to Assassins and a musical depicting homosexual life as normal. He’s a fascinating study and not much of
The Prom Will Close 8/11 Jun 22
2019, 08:38:09 AM
“The songs mostly seemed like less exciting knock offs of other songs.”
Regardless of opinion, I think they were going for “knock offs” when writing the score since every song is a parody song. Just like their score of The Wedding Singer.
Slave Play Jun 21
2019, 03:15:19 PM
I saw the play. Is it racist? No. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. Will it elicit a wide variety of opinions? Yes. But it’s not racist. It certainly explores racism and sexuality and psychology and how slavery has impacted society.
RippedMan said: "It employed a lot of people for a long time. So !
But Im personally not a fan. Cheap design. Over choreographed. Forgettable score. But the main 4 were terrific and wish they had spent more time on them instead of pandering to the Dear Evan Hansen crowd. When she sings that song on her bed, and the cast comes out and stands on boxes, the show jumped the shark. That was just awful. "
It’s funny, I’ve seen you rag on this show so
Gary closing this Sunday Jun 11
2019, 12:52:06 PM
Honestly, this was one of the highlights for me all season. I still can’t believe everyone attached said yes to this show or that it made it to Broadway at all. What an absurd, garish, beautiful, touching, ridiculous play this is. I’m thrilled the Tony nominators responded to it, even if the voters didn’t. I want Taylor Mac every Broadway season even if to see what judy would wear to the Tony Awards. I think Taylor has so much to say about humanity and society and we need more of that. And more
