Specific proposal for transitioning New York theatre to worldwide audiences

[chicagodannyd]

FACT:  New York City is one of the most fascinating places in the world: cultural diversity, renowned theatre, famous places like Little Italy, the Village, Chinatown, Broadway, Central park, interesting cafes and places to eat.  And best of all, it is the heart and soul of theatre in the USA.  And that does not mean only Broadway.  It means all the theatres and groups, including the 99 seat theatres, the store front theatres.  We want to give our audience the opportunity to experience a virtual night at the theatre, each week, from every aspect, from the neighborhood, the history of the theatre, the play, and even going back stage after the performance to talk to the actors.  It’s a night in New York.

It’s called . . . . . . .  “A Night at the Theatre with host Tierza Scaccia” Tierza is a very experienced host and actor and a New Yorker.  Every second week she can have a guest co-host and New York icon:  Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joe Namath, Nathan Lane.

The show opens up with a rousing famous theatre song (maybe a Cohan, or Gershwin, or Webber tune) with SHOTS beginning with the New York skyline, followed by shots of Broadway, the Village, Central Park, Little Italy, etc.  We hear the voiceover:  “From New York City, the theatre hub of the world - Welcome to a night at the theatre with your host Tierza Scaccia!” 

Tierza is standing in front of the theatre.  She describes the neighborhood, the history of the theatre, and the play, its cast and some anecdotes.  Then we go into the theatre, sit and watch the performance.  After the performance, Tierza goes back stage, talks to the actors, and maybe tours the theatre.  Maybe it is the Gene Frankel Theatre in Lower Manhattan.  And maybe the new comedy play is “You can Dance with any Gorilla as long as you go ape Over me,” or “My Smart TV Under the Christmas Tree” or an experimental gem.

To experience a virtual night in New York City and see a real play, I would pay to see this as well as millions.  Anyone can check out Tierza Scaccia on Youtube.  She does it all.

Excellent idea for a subscription based television show – I think.

I am not associated with Tierza in any way.  I have just seen her work as a host and performer.  She projects well in front of the camera.

[Kad]

What

[HogansHero]

Haven't we already had a less specific proposal from you? And haven't we already minced it to oblivion? 

[chicagodannyd]

Dear Hogan:

I recall when I contacted Eli Wallach several years ago he was very responsive to a proposal of mine and he responded in writing with serious feedback.  In posting a specific proposal, the hope is that a discussion will result among people such as Eli Wallach, a person of immense stature in theatre who has the ability to move an idea forward.  Sometimes we post thoughts to get people thinking.  And many of those who read a post will not comment, including influential people in theatre, but may consider an idea innovative, or at least meriting discussion among their colleagues. That is what we seek to make progress.  Often in life, people need to see and hear specificity in an idea to fully understand it.  You'll notice that seventy some people have already read my post and not commented.  That is sufficient for people to begin a discussion on their own, sharing their ideas, and planning the future of New York Theatre.  Good luck in all your endeavors.

[christhefish]

Oh sweetheart, Eli Wallach is dead. 

[HogansHero]

I can't speak to a proposal from several years ago. What I can speak to is your previous post on this same subject. (Why you needed a new thread, I don't know, but that's neither here nor there right now.) You may have noticed get it got a poor reception. In fact, I don't think a single person embraced it. Some hated it with every fiber of their being. 

Now you say you want to "begin a discussion" but what you have done is avoided one. Instead of addressing what people took the time to note, and engage with it, you ignored it and posted a new thread oblivious to the first. That is not how to start a discussion. 

[JSquared2]

Just...stop.

[sparksatmidnight]

Ok, I'll produce it. What name do you want to see credited as "original idea by"? Do I have to run it by your agent?

[Alex Kulak2]

I'll host it. Whatever you're offering Tierza Scaccia, I'll take half of that, along with whatever email you are using to somehow contact Eli Wallach with.

[Phantom4ever]

The original post of this thread seriously almost made me cry. There are so many things about New York City, Broadway, New York City nightlife, culture that I dearly miss..........ugh man I can't believe it's been seven long months and we are still nowhere near being done with this insanity. 

HOWEVER 

Any attempt to suggest that you can sit on your couch and have a night out in New York City and experience theater is just plain wrong. Despite what's trending during this pandemic, theater is a once in a lifetime, communal experience. There is no way to translate that onto a screen in a recording, no matter how pro-shot it is. 

As if that isn't bad enough, you then attempt to add the nuances of New York City life that we're missing. I'm not having it.