Hunter Foster creates "Give the Tonys back to BROADWAY" campaign- Page 5
Hunter Foster creates "Give the Tonys back to BROADWAY" campaign
#100Give The Tonys Back To Broadway!
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:04pmbest12bars, thank you so much for articulating your point on this thread so beautifully and fully... I agree 100%.
[title of show] on Broadway. it's time. believe.
#101Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:05pm
An absurd facebook page with an even more absurd idea.
I mean with all the things to spend energy on he chooses this?
What an absolute waste.
....but the world goes 'round
#102Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:13pmI <3 Mister Matt!
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
#103Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:13pm
He's talking about the awards show and its blatant pandering and growing obsession with pop culture. Not about the content of the musicals
But they're linked! You can't fault the Tonys for pandering to pop culture when the shows themselves are pandering to tourists in the same way. At least half the new shows opening on Broadway are either based on popular movies or use previously existing pop music. If Green Day's music is going to be on Broadway in the first place, you have to tolerate them performing at the Tonys. It's not as though CBS decided to let Green Day perform a 10 minute mini-concert when they have nothing to do with theatre- like it or not, they're a part of Broadway now and had just as much right to be a part of the Tonys this year as Stephen Sondheim would.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never knowing how
Wanting life but never knowing how
#104Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:21pm
^
Yes, Green Day is now rightfully a "part" of the Broadway community. Just as Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison are "parts" of the Broadway community. But I don't think anyone can really deny the telecast kind of presented them as the "stars" of the evening. I mean the number of teases for Lea and Matt had to reach the double digits lol.
I hate to keep going back to last year's telecast, but there was just as many stars given air time (Elton, Dolly, and Poison in the opening alone). However, they were nicely integrated into the show and we're presented as "parts" of the Broadway community
Wicked Tour (2/26/08); Wicked Bway (7/1/08); HAIR (7/1/09); Rock of Ages (7/2/09); Wicked Bway (7/3/09); Mary Poppins Tour (8/2/09); Wicked Tour (11/18/09); Wicked Tour (12/5/09)
#105Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:28pm
Anika Noni Rose was, in fact, introduced as a Tony-winner when she performed on the Oscars. So...
And really...how is this year any worse than the year they had Mary J. Blige squat and sing WHAT I DID FOR LOVE (which was awesome tv, by the by). Green Day wrote AMERICAN IDIOT. Their inclusion was far less egregious than some other stunts pulled by the Tonys. And, can we just face the fact that Broadway and the Tonys are actually a part of pop culture. It doesn't exist outside it. Theatre as an artform does...but not Broadway.
I also don't understand how we can't admit that one of the big reasons for the lack of Tony viewers this year was the sh*tshow season we had to endure. People were interested last year because BILLY ELLIOTT was a great, big fat hit. This year was just abysmal. It's not CBS' fault. It's not the Wing's fault. It's not Catherine Zeta Jones' fault (who, despite an unfortunate Tony show performance, actually gives a marvelous performance in the show and deserved her award).
I don't think the Facebook page is a smart idea from any angle. Why would you further want to ghetto-ize Broadway by insulating it from the rest of the entertainment industry? It simply baffles me.
#106Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:35pm
"I hate to keep going back to last year's telecast, but there was just as many stars given air time (Elton, Dolly, and Poison in the opening alone). However, they were nicely integrated into the show and we're presented as "parts" of the Broadway community"
But last year we had a variety of shows. This year not so much- and this was a season that was DEFINED by big names, in both plays and musicals. And even with all the big names at the awards this year, numbers still dropped. This was a season that, for all of its big names, did not have a big hit that could represent the season.
The Tonys perfectly reflected the season this year.
A lot of these Hollywood stars that were on Broadway this season have a great list of theatre credits. It may have been CZJ's Broadway debut, but hardly her stage debut.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#107Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:40pm
"It's not Catherine Zeta Jones' fault (who, despite an unfortunate Tony show performance, actually gives a marvelous performance in the show and deserved her award)."
I don't know what performance you saw, but it wasn't Tony worthy when I saw it. But no, it's not her fault.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#108Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:41pm
I have read most of this thread but not the whole thing so apologies if I am repeating something.
My thought is that you can't exclude film stars and music stars from the telecast if they have contributed to the season. It's like, "Thanks for giving good performances and selling a lot of tickets but we don't want you to be represented on the telecast". And that would be impossible to do if they are nominated.
I posted on the Facebook page that, for me, the two things that should be addressed is the change in who gets to vote and the coverage of the awards. The Tonys are not covered near as much as the other awards (Oscars, Globes, Grammys). I watched EXTRA the day after the awards and their "Coverage" was basically what Zeta Jones and Scarlet wore to the ceremony. The coverage bothers me more than anything. Just my random thoughts.
Just give the world Love.
Updated On: 6/17/10 at 12:41 PM
#109Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:41pmI completely disagree. And that's that.
AEA AGMA SM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
#110Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:42pm
I understand best12's frustration with the way people on this board are interpreting Mr. Foster's intent. However, that just goes to show how Mr. Foster did not think this through at all. Reading through the posts on the group wall reads much the same here, only magnified to reflect the wider audience/membership that Facebook has. Yes, he appears to be only talking about the Tony Awards telecast, but many people on that group have taken it and run with the "let's ban all of Hollywood/pop culture from any aspect of Broadway" angle that we are seeing here.
I also have to agree that it is rather foolish to believe that if CBS dropped the telecast that any cable network would pick it up. If the numbers continue to stay low/decline on a major broadcast network can you imagine what they would look like on a niche network like Lifetime or Bravo?
#111Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:43pm
Why would you further want to ghetto-ize Broadway by insulating it from the rest of the entertainment industry? It simply baffles me.
Because Broadway belongs up on a 110-story platinum pedestal under the protection and care of 999 divas, drag queens, gay men and Sondheim apostles. Any exposure to outside elements will cause the immediate collapse of theatre worldwide. so it is vital we all continue to perpetuate the idea that Broadway will always be something of much higher integrity than it actually is and has always been, which is a hub of commercial stage entertainment. Shhhh...Don't tell anyone! Apparently, it's a huge secret.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Stage Door Sally
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/4/09
#112Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:45pm
Regardless of the amount of Green Day and Glee infused into the Tonys, they still sucked.
A friend of my daughter's came into our living room when she heard Green Day. She watched the number, and when it was over left the room never to come back.
While this kind of trickery may give the broadcast a temporary ratings surge, I would be surprised if the viewers attracted just by Green Day or Glee stayed with the whole show.
I agree there was too much non-Broadway this year. I found the broadcast overall unenjoyable.
The one positive is that there is a kumbaya, "we are one" synergy on display between Hollywood and Broadway. And it's about friggin' time.
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#113Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:47pm
The one positive is that there is a kumbaya, "we are one" synergy on display between Hollywood and Broadway. And it's about friggin' time.
I'm not sure I understand that, on its own or in the context of what it was like "before."
#114Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:48pmFoster isn't the only one, though. I wasn't on Facebook the night of the Tonys (other than posting something about Cheno's short dress). The next day, I decided to go back over and see what people were saying. I can't tell you how shocked I was at all the folks I know who are or were in Broadway shows bitching about the Hollywood/Pop thing. I actually thought it was kind of ugly. And slightly ironic, considering some of those people bitch and complain about the nasty comments here.
#115Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:49pmMatt, the funny thing is that a lot of people look at theatre that way. I have family and friends that do. However, they will go to see P-Diddy or Denzel in a show on Broadway. Hardly any of them even knows what "Wicked" is.
Just give the world Love.
Phyllis Rogers Stone
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
#116Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:50pmBut - at least if you believe what some of the stuff that they themselves post online - they are better people than the rest of the world. They work for a living. They are blessed by god with the work they do. They hold themselves to a different standard. Or something.
#117Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:51pm
To clarify my comment re Katie Holmes and Julia Roberts from the first page- What I meant to say is that the Tony committee doesn't just give awards to celebrities because they are celebrities, and I used the two of them as an example of people who weren't even nominated (because indeed they were so bad) even though they were celebrities. I didn't mean to say that they were "snubbed."
I completely agree with uncageg's comments.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
#118Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:53pm
The one positive is that there is a kumbaya, "we are one" synergy on display between Hollywood and Broadway. And it's about friggin' time.
Well judging from the reaction to last Sunday's awards not only here but on other internet theater sites and print media, it seems there are many people who prefer that Hollywood have nothing to do with Broadway at all. Which is completely two-faced, considering how many Broadway actors cross over and do films and TV.
"You drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!" - Betty Parris to Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's The Crucible
#119Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:54pmSorry but you know me and I'll always come to defend Julia who gave a great performance.
#120Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 12:56pmJordan, I meant to add her to my list in my post.
Just give the world Love.
#121Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 1:01pm
Uh-oh. Somebody pissed that they lost to a star?
That's not even funny. Kate knew she wasn't going to win and was just excited to be there. Her facebook status on Sunday was "Kate Baldwin appreciates all your well wishes and intends to clap heartily from her seat when the winner is announced." Just because she thinks that the Tonys should be more Broadway-centered doesn't make her bitter. She is one of the most gracious people I have ever met.
#123Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 1:07pmBjh, It was a joke, relax. People make nasty comments all the time about performers and productions I like. I will still try to defend them if I can, but I stopped taking it to heart.
#124Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 1:09pm
Perusing that group's wall, you see a variety of agendas and opinions. Some are extreme and some make sense. It's almost like a gay tea party movement.
Again, I have no problem with CZJ winning or Green Day performing or even Mark Sanchez saying--hey, theatre is cool.
My gripe is the way the creative categories are treated. I tend to agree with those who feel the awards have sacrificed honoring the theatre with the desperate need to grab ratings that simply aren't going to happen.
It's like the Rent movie. They fooled around with it trying to grab the MTV audience and ended up alienating most everybody, especially its core audience. Why not make it good and grab people who want quality? I know that seems awfully risky, but if you build it, won't they come?
#125Hunter Foster Whines with other non Hollywood actors
Posted: 6/17/10 at 1:11pmI joined. I hated this year's ceremony. I thought it was ill concieved and stupid. But my main concern is that in three hours, they (whoever they is) can't find time to honor those who design, orchestrate, compose and write.
