broadwayguy2 said: "Also, a snarky remark about how the entire set can be saved on a thumb drive is *really* *REALLY* insulting and offensive to the HUNDREDS of people who designed, built, installed, and operate the set and props for that and are currently unemployed through no fault of their own, no fault of their production, and no fault of their audience. I appreciate some good snark, TRUST ME people know that, but this time and this subject... that is beyond tacky."
Covid aside - if those sets were conventional sets and not an LED wall, chances are the IA crew would be much larger. How many carps are replaced with one or two video operators? So really they already lost out...to a thumb drive.
Well I loved mean girls, and the set*, and I still found it funny. But of course I realise people don’t like jokes since about 2012.
* while I appreciate the humour, I personally found that of course it’s difficult to dismiss the mean girls set as being ‘just’ on a USB. The investment, quality and artistic use of those projections in my opinion were of a high standard - nothing like very very cheap projections I’ve seen on many a show before (especially outside Broadway). And much much better than the cheapest of the physical sets we could see elsewhere.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Also worth noting that video often doesn't cost less than a physical set. You have to rent those LED tiles - unlike a set that you own - there is more frequent and costly maintenance on them, and you add another designer to the payroll and royalty pool.
A video wall like that does not actually reduce the size of the crew in a notable way. They may be apportioned by a department slightly differently, but that is all. If you are running a smaller crew because you have a heavy LED component, you are staffing the show incorrectly.
Some people just like to be offended and indignant. The joke was funny. Maybe it needs some sort of disclaimer: no designers or crew members were hurt during the sharing of this joke?
For the record, I believe broadwayguy2 should have every right to be indignant and offended about a joke that demeans the people who worked hard to create and run that set. But as I said in my last post, the joke wasn't demeaning those people.
Thank you. Am I telling anyone to like I set? No. But I will tell you what. That snark may be real cute to you and funny in most years when a show closes and another one is on the way in and everyone can look for the next gig. It's quite another when there is literally NOTHING. Thanks.
Remembering this thread while walking to dinner in NYC last night, I stopped to take these photos of the August Wilson Theatre on W. 52nd Street. Things are still intact and the lobby is clear and empty like normal (not cluttered with packing boxes, etc.).
HogansHero said: "stick a fork in this thread, BF123.
Has been for days. I'm sure there are more worthy subjects of your estimable photographic skillz."
Will do, mon ami. Also, I sent the Venmo earlier. Let me know if you need anything else before I head out to take more photos. It's a gorgeous day here in NYC.