Marc Shaiman's on the board!- Page 4

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:05am

You'll never eat blintzes in this town again, Stevos. All the HEAT in the world can't save you now.

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:06am

She wrote more than 80% of the score. The source is--OH MY GOD--A MOVIE MUSICAL!! It is these campy movies turned into musicals that I hate. Millie was a MOVIE MUSICAL. The SOURCE is a MUSICAL! I think it works because the movie was a MUSICAL. It has a musical history behind them. That is the only way I know how to tell you why. And until someone shows me a non-musical movie that works FOR ME on stage that's the way I see it. I'm simply tired of the Footloose, Saturday Night Fever phenomenon. They weren't that good as movies, so why bring them to the stage? And I'm sure some people do think these movies are good, but I don't.

Stevo- Oy Updated On: 1/27/04 at 01:06 AM

[King Stevos]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:06am

Millie may have a good source material and a great idea for a book, but I feel that the choreography lacked when I saw it, imho it came across as a revue, where people with talent gave individual performances that did not come together as wholely as they possibly could have if the book was pieced together a bit better, i.e. how does Millie have the emotion to sing Gimme Gimme, just because Muzzy says: don't have a green glass love, go for the emerald? Just doesn't compute to me.

KING STEVOS

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:08am

Millie really wasn't that good a movie. It's beloved by some, the way Valley of the Dolls is beloved by some, but not because either of them are particularly good movies.

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:09am

It's all opinions.

[JeffG]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:10am

Namo, you are wasting valuable time point out BOB's hypocricy. Remember my "A" comment to you in PM? It applies here..

I just sifted through dozens of this guy's posts and is seems he can dish it out but can't take it. He doesn't want to worry about his spelling or grammar but criticizes others. He says he doesn't jump on anyone who likes Hairspray, yet criticizes anyone who likes any of the stars, music, choreography, direction, book, etc. A show is a sum of its parts or for some, individual parts in and of themelves. He fails to see this. He thinks that if someone had an great time at Hairspray because they liked the music - they are nuts. If they likes Matt Morrison or MJW they have no standards, etc, etc

As Jack42 stated, he will backpeddle or squeeze the square peg into the round hole to prove his points and allow his shows to rise above any conversation he is currently having.

I would guarantee if Millie were to be "in the works" right now, we would be reading posts from BOB going WHY WHY WHY

[JeffG]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:13am

Oh. One more thing (sorry everyone)

BOB - for someone who doesn't like Hairspray or any member of the creative team responsible, you sure do go out of your way to post in all the threads about it.

I won't even BEGIN to psychoanalyze what that might mean :)

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:16am

I think the truth is more along the lines of the part where BoB says "maybe it was a bad day" when he saw Hairspray. It was. I remember the history. He and his friends had driven hours and hours and hours from Carnegie Mellon to see some shows, including Hairspray, which had glided into town on incredible word of mouth. Exhausted and over-excited, the intrepid group made their way to the Neil Simon. The audience buzz was electric before the show. The lights went down, the excitement crackled. Spotlight on Marissa and BoB did not see God. Nothing short of this could have lived up to his unrealistic expectations.

And since then he has sort of been after the show, and the woman who broke his heart (Marissa) like the jilted young swain he is. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling let down and jilted.

What's bad is pretending it's all about some bogus standards one's willing to overlook in many other instances. In my opinion. And it's all opinions.

Updated On: 1/27/04 at 01:16 AM

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:16am

Okay...
I have been away for a while. Life has handed me some horrid gifts since the new year but I just had to write when I heard that one of the people who made me totally cry when watching the Tony Awards last year. The kiss heard around the world. (No not the damn Britney/Madonna/Christina one) My mother called me and said.. did you just see that? Why can't that be somehting that is normal.
Anyway, I live in Baltimore and had the fun of reading a weekly update on the musical in our Baltimore Sun paper. I have, unfortunately not been able to afford tickets as of yet. But I must say that when it comes around again (and I heard it is...) I am going... my pennies are being saved right now.
I love the whole thing about the show. I have popsters and cds and such of this show and I have never seen it. Why might some people ask? Cause I live in the city! I am part of Baltimore and I love it. I can walk down and see the places they talked about. it is fun and people get a kick out it when they here me say I live here.
Okay, I am rambling. I apologize.....but please understand that this kid from sacramento believes in all things musical theater and believes in you Mr. Shaiman (and you partner too! I mean he did help ya a little bit right? LOL)-- you are why I love the theater and what it all stands for. (Well you and Linda Eder but that is another gushing post for another time.)

May someday I have the honor to meet someone like you.

[Craig]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:19am

Interesting debate going on. Re: Hairspray - although characters didn't sing, many of John Waters movies are "musical" and very specifically so. "Movie Musical" is an interesting concept because I don't think to be a movie musical, characters HAVE to be singing....

At least we haven't seen "Top Secret: The Musical"... although it is a guilty pleasure....

[bestofbroadway]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 1:52am

Time to get your facts straight Namo. BoB drove up in the middle of the summer during the end of previews from home, not Carnegie Mellon. BoB had high expectations for Hairspray which had great buzz. Earlier that day BoB had the wonderful opportunity of seeing Millie which was a wonderful show. Not exhausted by any means, BoB went excited to see Hairspray at the Neil Simon Theater. BoB had high expectations as most should and would after hearing about the BRILLIANCE of this new musical but BoB wasn't overly hyped because BoB had seen the movie and didn't like it. But hey BoB used to have an open mind about movies turned into musicals. He saw Footloose and Saturday Night Fever and thought they were horrible but figured why not spend over $100 and give another bad movie turned into a musical a chance. The audience buzz was electric before the show... true, true. The lights went down and the spotlight came on to Marissa. BoB did not see God and was not expecting God. BoB wasn't even expecting Bernadette Peters or Chita Rivera. BoB had never heard anything about MJW's performance so BoB didn't know what to expect from MJW. But he did expect a Broadway actress to sing on pitch. The evening continued and BoB laughed every once and a while finding some jokes funny. BoB tried hard to love MJW but MJW grew to be increasingly more annoying as the show went along...not simply MJW but the character as well. He thought Harvey was wonderful, but it didn't seem to be enough. Characters flew in and out of scenes with what seemed to BoB to be stupid one liners. BoB grew increasingly fascinated by the fact that Matthew Morrison could still act after being spit all over during any of his duets with MJW. BoB found some of the choreography patterns in the beginning to interesting but grew increasingly bored after seeing the same exact steps being done over and over and over and over. At intermission BoB kept his mouth shut as everyone around him claimed that it was the best thing since sliced bread. BoB wasn't about to place a final judgement on a show at intermission. BoB sat through the rest of the second act increasingly becoming annoyed by the characters, the plot, the dialogue, the choreography, and MJW. It was at the end of the second act that BoB lost it. As the cast ponyed around the stage the huge Hairspray bottle Center stage let out a huge burst of confetti. BoB thought to himself are we at a rock concert, a theme park rock & roll review or a Broadway musical...kind of like when BoB went to see Wicked and felt like he was at the ice capades. So the lights came up and BoB walked out onto the street in astonishment, wondering how, why, etc. BoB drove home that night wondering to himself what he missed and then decided that hey BoB you didn't miss anything. Who says you have to like it? No one. And BoB decided that he would not let others make the same mistake by paying unreal ticket prices to see what he believed to be an overrated show as any good friend would do.

PS. Some of the "intrepid group" that you speak of happened to love it...however not a single one liked Marissa.
Updated On: 1/27/04 at 01:52 AM

Posted: 1/27/04 at 2:02am

Oh my god ; this Bestofbroadway has got to be the bitterest queen of them all. I have one word for you; THERAPY!!!!!! AND I SAY THAT WITH LOVE :)

[JeffG]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 2:03am

"And BoB decided that he would not let others make the same mistake by paying unreal ticket prices to see what he believed to be an overrated show as any good friend would do. "

Your last paragraph says it all, BoB. YOUR opinion does not mean OTHERS can't find enjoyement in it. It is not YOUR job to decide for other people what they should and should not see.

And assuming anyone on any message board is your "friend" is a mistake. Not YOU specifically, just in general.

People might take the advice of someone in their sphere of influence - to assume you are being a friend or even offering your opinion as a friend is ridiculous beyond words.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 2:15am

Wow! Now, THIS is exciting.

It’s amazing how each person’s spirit/personality comes through in each post. Most of you guys really seem know how to enjoy yourselves and then there are those that, well, I just feel bad for. He’ll write in to me again to try to belittle me for that, but don’t worry folks; I’m far too full of myself for it to bother me. I actually sort of enjoy giving him the rope to…well, you know.

And yes BoB, I do enjoy reading nice things about myself online. Hey, I’m human! I’ve paid my dues, sue me!

KingStevos, you need not send me your work. Just promise to work on your social skills! (oh, I understand you’re hot!)

BoxOfficeJohn, your post was sweet as candy, and yet I gained not 5 pounds, but appreciation for web sites like this when they allow such positive communication. And SueEllenGay, you said more in the two sentences of your second paragraph then I do in my long-winded pages. Thank You.

And the rest of you simply crack me up. I wanna bear all your children! And All Hail Namo!

I’m so reminded at times here of what it was like to be a teenager (cue the corny music), doing shows in community theatre and discovering a new Broadway Cast Album every week. Thirty years later, I still get chills when the house lights go down and, I swear, I cry at every curtain call. I only hope that everyone here revels in that joy, and doesn't get mired in the mud. Real life offers us enough reason to bicker, why use theatre to yell at each other?

I have to wake up at dawn for the nominations as part of my responsibilities as Oscar Musical Director. Oy. Bedtime.

Peace!

[etoile]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 2:34am

Some of you people that I consider a little obsessive never noticed that Mr. Shaiman has been here for several days. What is this board coming to? I know, you've been distracted by the BroadwayGuy2 & Phantom2 marathons. So to answer your question, Phantom2, no I don't want to see, or hear, or read of the two of you together in anything. But to answer Dollypop's question I would pay big bucks to see DP and Albin take on THE SUNSHINE BOYS. And Billie, a negative comment is not necessarily a bad thing. Bad is different than negative. Which is BoB? Well.....I have my opinion. But I don't think he'd share it. Now for the rest...continue on with the sucking up.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 3:01am

Mr. Shaiman!

It is indeed a fabulous honor that you are chatting with us here! I feel like there is finally a voice loud enough to clear up some of that crap that permeates this beloved message board at times.

Of course, we should all feel free to post our opinions and criticisms here. BUT, we should do this in a respectful way. I'm not perfect (I have been guilty as I think most all of us have from time to time), but it is very important to realize that there is a huge difference between sitting in a bar with your friends, being as blunt and as catty as you please--and sharing it here in writing for all of the world to read. There is a HUGE difference between sharing a respectful criticism and blaring your bitterness. Because that is EXACTLY the word friends of mine (on or not on Broadway) use when describing many of the posts they see online (granted, they say this more about All That Chat--a bitterness haven). They see a lot of ignorance rearing its ugly head. And, positive posts shouldn't be crapped on. God bless eager, young Broadway lovers!

Furthermore, I could assume Mr. Shaiman wouldn't want us to treat him any differently than we would each other (I could be wrong). But, either way, when you have the opportunity to find out what someone who really knows what the hell they are talking about in this business (whether you like them or not, agree with them or not), you listen up. Because despite that his BWW.com level may currently be "swing", he is truly a "BroadwayGod".

As "someone in the know but nowhere in the know as Mr. Shaiman", I think Hairspray is one of the best musicals EVER written. I could listen to that score non-stop if I had to. And, Mr. Shaiman--South Park is brilliant, absolutely F****** brilliant. Your work is astonishing, and I look forward to all of your future work. I also look forward to your posts.

=)

P.S.--I went to highschool with Austin Miller. =) I am so damn proud of him, and I can't wait to see him in the show when I get the chance. So, if you can get his butt to Broadway, I would be very happy.

Updated On: 1/27/04 at 03:01 AM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 3:14am

well, add etoile to this list of those who don't like me or phantom. LOL.

what.. what was that?? oh yes.. the sound of me not caring....

austin miller... hmm... refrain from commentary. lol.

I agree about many of teh things said about respect.. you never know who reads these things and a lot of peopel are bitter queens who liek to vent.... we have a prime example in this thread actually....

[JakeB]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 4:30am

Having not seen/heard Hairspray, I'm not as starstruck as all you guys.. so I'll just welcome a new member as per usual.

That being said, I love the South Park movie, and bought the soundtrack the day it came out.. so thank you for hours of laughter and enjoyment.

Any bets for who holds the biggest private message box now??

[DofB5]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 6:31am

Errrr, excuse me but...... Somebody signs on the board with a name and ya'll start jumping around like Scarlets beau at the picnic? What are you going to do if the next newbie is George W. Bush?

How do you know it isn't someone sitting back getting a big laugh out of how easy it was to fool the whole board?

I waited but I haven't seen Rob or Craig say welcome. If I’m wrong (and it wouldn’t be the first time) I’ll apologize but for now, I’m not buying it.

In the meantime, welcome and happy posting. Whoever you really are.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 7:05am

Oh, please, please, please, let George W. sign up. Just be sure to send him over to the OT board.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 7:19am

But, Jrb, blaring ones bitterness is what Broadway Message Boards are All about! Though I must say it does my elderly heart good to see those eager young starry-eyed lovers of Broadway, all dewy-fresh, bright-eyed and blissfully uncorrupted before they inevitably turn into gin-soaked, resentful, hardbitten, wrinkled, bitter know-it-alls. Like Fred Ebb. Though I myself have TRIED to be nicer and more constructive here of late since meeting the delightful Ms. Finley some weeks ago, resisting the urge to post my two cents on the recent MILLIE thread as to what I think of the show. Old timers here know, and I won't go into it here (cynically curling lips).

Now Dof, I never would surmise that the eternally peppy and delightful YOU would be so cynical. The talented Mr. Shaiman is really truly among us. And I'm deeply jealous that HE is going to meet Mamma Suleen before I do. Harumph.

OK, kids, now I guess it's MY turn to toss the cyber-orchids and diamond clips to Mr. Shaiman. If he's been lurking here for a while, he knows I'm a fan, love HAIRSPRAY (I sure hope you saw the HAIRSPRAY Fan Fiction link!) and loved your recently posted take on "Zip". But I would like to ask him what his opinion is of AVENUE Q, which not a few people feel is HAIRSPRAY's little sister in more ways than one. Yes, I'm a Q-head and no, my name is not Robert Marx or Jeff Lopez.

Oh, and Marc...the next time you & Scott win a Tony (or Oscar, eventually), I wanna see tounge.

Updated On: 1/27/04 at 07:19 AM

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 7:29am

DofB5, i undrestand your scepticism and it is entirely logical. But it is known that Mr. Shaiman reads this board. If you read his new year's resolution on Broadway.com he even states forum members' names !! And the amount of details he states make it clear that he is indeed the one and only. As for Rob, he has said several times that Mark Shaiman visits. I don't think he has to welcome him every time he posts ! Of course you are entitled to your doubts, but as for me (and I suppose many others) i am convinced and honored.
As for BoB, of course you are entitled to your opinion. This is a free society and its human that we don't all like and dislike the same things, that would be boring ! I don't think anyone attacks you for your thoughts ! It is your manners that annoy some. No one would object if you stated your disagreement in a civilized and polite way. But you seem to jump on everyone who liked Hairspray and you keep making rude and negative comments about the show all the time. Why is it so hard to accept, that for some of us, this show was the best thing we've ever seen ? I can accept that you didn't like it ! But you keep focusing on what separates you from us and not on what unites you, like other shows. I, for me, disagree a lot of times about someone's tastes. But I'll never try to belittle him or prove him wrong. I'll respect that this is something valuable and beloved for him, I'll state politely my opinion and that's it, I'll move on ! But you seem to wait and everytime someone mentions something positive about Hairspray, you jump at him. Live and let live. I am sure you are a decent person, on the few times you talk about something else, you sound logical and well informed, so let's move on. No need to be harsh. And that goes too for the people who attack BoB. THERE IS NO WRONG OR RIGHT WHEN IT COMES TO TASTE !!!!

Take care Updated On: 1/27/04 at 07:29 AM

[Craig]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 7:56am

To all in question (not that this needs saying)

The poster known as Marc Shaiman is in fact, Marc Shaiman. As for welcoming him to the board, as another poster said, we don't welcome each and every new user.

Updated On: 1/27/04 at 07:56 AM

[sheekala]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 8:45am

I head down to Tampa to host a B grade beauty pageant and all hail breaks loose, all I will add at the moment is as I watched "Catch Me If You Can" I kept thinking that it would make an interesting musical as it very nearly "sang" as it was, the father/son aspects were both humorous and moving and was perfect emotional fuel to keep the story flowing, several very well developed characters, I mean if there was ever a leading man who warranted a "want number" more than Frank Abagnale Jr, I can't think of him. And to have source material as complex and exciting as this is a treat, the mechanics of fraud and self doubt coupled with a desire to be loved is ripe for dramatic translation. Knowing that Mr. Shaiman is going to be the translator makes it even more enjoyable. So it's as they say "all good", wonderful to have another lover of theater here on the board.

[magruder]

Posted: 1/27/04 at 8:49am

Bob -

Where do you stand on Sweet Charity, Promises, Promises, A Little Night Music and Nine?