CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF Reviews- Page 3

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/11/08 at 7:14pm

BUMP - With hopes of garnering a response. Haha!

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/11/08 at 8:42pm

Go see it. You won't regret it. Read my comments on this thread regarding my opinions on the show and why I enjoyed this production.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/11/08 at 10:52pm

Thanks so much, Ray!

I just booked Row BB / 107-108 for June 11th!

[aaronssongs]

Posted: 3/12/08 at 6:47pm

Baby,
I've heard of some tough audiences...but you people take the cake.
I've heard that those that cannot do, teach; and those that cannot teach, critique. It's evident here that so many of you cannot even do that.
Is it jealousy or "sour grapes"? Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad have achieved more in their illustrious careers, than most of you could ever envision in 2 lifetimes. Racism runs through the fabric of America...even the American theater. Haters.

[aaronssongs]

Posted: 3/12/08 at 6:50pm

At least you got your avatar right. You are a big fat blonde.
With no artistic sense.

[BigFatBlonde]

Posted: 3/12/08 at 7:26pm

*chuckles*

Looks like I "pushed da button."

[aaronssongs]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 9:08am

A review, obviously written by some "rhythm-challenged-chorus line reject-hard-on- for- Gene Anthony Ray's character, Leroy, on Fame-chintz inspired decorator-pseudo grand queen-Ms. Thing wanna be, from West Hollywood.

"Howling"????
Perhaps they ignore the fact that Leonard Bernstein, "personally" chose her for the role of Anita, in the revival of West Side Story, for which she received her first Tony Award nomination.
She received her second for Sweet Charity, in '86...both roles, demanding in dance. 5 Academy Award gigs. Hmmmm, maybe because she's "good".

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 10:13am

On that I agree with you. I saw her in both Sweet Charity and West Side Story.
In West Side Story, which was only a so so revival, Ms. Allens performance was electric. She stole the show everytime she walked on the stage.
She was also excellent in Sweet Charity (Though Bebe Newirth stole the show in her supporting role).
I never questioned her ability as a dancer/actress, but her abilty as a director/choreographer.

Updated On: 3/14/08 at 10:13 AM

[aaronssongs]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 12:12pm

Her ability as a director/choreographer?
Her directorial credits include: 1. "Girlfriends" (9 episodes, 2005-200
- Stand and Deliver (200 TV episode
- Adapt to Adopt (200 TV episode
- Deck the Halls with Bags and Folly (2007) TV episode
- Where Did Lynn-digo? (2007) TV episode
- Baghdad, My Bad (2007) TV episode
(4 more)
2. "Everybody Hates Chris" (6 episodes, 2006-2007)
- Everybody Hates Minimum Wage (2007) TV episode
- Everybody Hates Bed-Stuy (2007) TV episode
- Everybody Hates Driving (2007) TV episode
- Everybody Hates Superstition (2006) TV episode
- Everybody Hates Malvo (2006) TV episode
(1 more)
3. "All of Us" (44 episodes, 2003-2007)
- The Wedding Singers (2007) TV episode
- She Blinded Me with Science (2007) TV episode
- Sins of the Father (2007) TV episode
- It Was Fun While It Lasted (2007) TV episode
- Everybody Loves Rain Man (2006) TV episode
(39 more)
4. I Was a Network Star (2006) (TV)
5. Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story (2006) (TV)
6. "That's So Raven" (3 episodes, 2004-2006)
... aka That's So Raven! (USA: promotional title)
- Be Prepared (2006) TV episode
- Boyz 'N Commotion (2005) TV episode
- The Road to Audition (2004) TV episode
7. That's So Raven: Supernaturally Stylish (2004) (V)
8. "The Parkers" (1 episode, 2003)
- The Good, the Bad, and the Funny (2003) TV episode
9. "The Twilight Zone" (1 episode, 2003)
- The Monsters Are on Maple Street (2003) TV episode
10. "Cool Women" (1 episode, 2002)
- Singers/Actresses (2002) TV episode
11. The Old Settler (2001) (TV)
12. "PBS Hollywood Presents" (1 episode, 2001)
- The Old Settler (2001) TV episode

13. "Linc's" (199 TV series (unknown episodes)
14. "The Jamie Foxx Show" (2 episodes, 1997-199
- Soul Mate to Cellmate (199 TV episode
- Misery Loves Company (1997) TV episode
15. "Between Brothers" (1997) TV series (unknown episodes)
16. Out-of-Sync (1995)
17. "The Sinbad Show" (4 episodes, 1993-1994)
... aka Sinbad (UK)
- The Dog Episode (1994) TV episode
- I Coulda' Been the Man (1993) TV episode
- David's Van (1993) TV episode
- My Daughter's Keeper (1993) TV episode
18. "A Different World" (83 episodes, 1988-1993)
- When One Door Closes...: Part 2 (1993) TV episode
- Mind Your Own Business (1993) TV episode
- Happy Birthday to Moi (1993) TV episode
- To Whit, with Love (1993) TV episode
- College Kid (1993) TV episode
(78 more)
19. Sinbad: Afros and Bellbottoms (1993) (TV)
20. "Quantum Leap" (2 episodes, 1991-1993)
- Revenge of the Evil Leaper - September 16, 1987 (1993) TV episode
- Private Dancer - October 6, 1979 (1991) TV episode
21. Stompin' at the Savoy (1992) (TV)
22. Polly: Comin' Home! (1990) (TV)
23. "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (2 episodes, 1990)
- Bang the Drum, Ashley (1990) TV episode
- The Fresh Prince Project (1990) TV episode

24. Polly (1989) (TV)
25. The Debbie Allen Special (1989) (TV)
26. "Fame" (11 episodes, 1984-1987)
- Baby, Remember My Name (1987) TV episode
- Of Cabbages and Kings (1987) TV episode
- The Crimson Blade (1987) TV episode
- Stagefright (1986) TV episode
- The Inheritance (1986) TV episode
(6 more)
27. "Family Ties" (1982) TV series (unknown episodes)

Her choreographer credits include:
1. "Fame" (2003) TV series (choreographer)

2. The 71st Annual Academy Awards (1999) (TV) (choreographer)
3. "C-Bear and Jamal" (1996) TV series (voice director)
4. Michael Jackson: One Night Only (1995) (TV) (creative consultant)
5. Forget Paris (1995) (choreographer)
6. The 67th Annual Academy Awards (1995) (TV) (choreographer)
7. The 65th Annual Academy Awards (1993) (TV) (choreographer)
8. "Quantum Leap" (choreographer) (1 episode, 1991)
- Private Dancer - October 6, 1979 (1991) TV episode (choreographer)
9. Motown 30: What's Goin' On! (1990) (TV) (choreographer)
10. Polly: Comin' Home! (1990) (TV) (choreographer)

11. Polly (1989) (TV) (choreographer)
12. "Fame" (choreographer) (1 episode, 1982) (dance consultant) (unknown episodes)
- Passing Grade (1982) TV episode (choreographer)

Among the awards she has won, including for choreography include:

Acapulco Black Film Festival
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1998 - Career Achievement Award

BET Comedy Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
2005 Nominated BET Comedy Award Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
for: "All of Us" (2003)
Shared with:
Alfonso Ribeiro


Daytime Emmy Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
2001 Nominated Daytime Emmy Outstanding Special Class Directing
for: "Cool Women" (2002)


Emmy Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1999 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Choreography
for: The 71st Annual Academy Awards (1999) (TV)


1995 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography
for: The 67th Annual Academy Awards (1995) (TV)


1993 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography
for: The 65th Annual Academy Awards (1993) (TV)


1992 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography
for: The 64th Annual Academy Awards (1992) (TV)


1991 Won Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
for: Motown 30: What's Goin' On! (1990) (TV)
For the dance number "African American Odyssey".

1990 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
for: Polly (1989) (TV)


1989 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
for: The Debbie Allen Special (1989) (TV)

Outstanding Directing in a Variety or Music Program
for: The Debbie Allen Special (1989) (TV)


1986 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program
for: An All-Star Celebration Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. (1986) (TV)


1985 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
for: "Fame" (1982)
For episode "The Rivalry".
Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics
for: Motown Returns to the Apollo (1985) (TV)
Shared with:
Earl Brown (composer/lyricist)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
for: "Fame" (1982)


1984 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
for: "Fame" (1982)
For episode "Fame Takes a Look at Music '83".
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
for: "Fame" (1982)


1983 Won Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
for: "Fame" (1982)
For episode "Class Act".
Nominated Emmy Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
for: "Fame" (1982)


1982 Won Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
for: "Fame" (1982)
For episode "Come One, Come All".
Nominated Emmy Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
for: "Fame" (1982)


Golden Apple Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1982 Won Golden Apple Female Discovery of the Year


Golden Globes, USA
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1985 Nominated Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Comedy/Musical
for: "Fame" (1982)


1984 Nominated Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Comedy/Musical
for: "Fame" (1982)


1983 Won Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Comedy/Musical
for: "Fame" (1982)


Image Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1995 Won Image Award Outstanding Choreography in Film or Television
for: The 65th Annual Academy Awards (1993) (TV)


PGA Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1998 Won Vision Award Theatrical Motion Pictures
for: Amistad (1997)
Shared with:
Steven Spielberg
Colin Wilson

Nominated Motion Picture Producer of the Year Award
for: Amistad (1997)
Shared with:
Steven Spielberg
Colin Wilson


Satellite Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1998 Nominated Golden Satellite Award Best Motion Picture - Drama
for: Amistad (1997)
Shared with:
Steven Spielberg
Colin Wilson


Walk of Fame
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
unknown - Star on the Walk of Fame Television
At 6904 Hollywood Blvd.

Results found at IMDb


This post may be "overkill", but I question you, questioning her directorial and choreographing skills.

I seriously doubt that the likes of Steven Spielberg, and the current stellar cast of Cat, would work with a "fly-by-night", unproven, "washed-up" has been of a choreographer/actress/singer/dancer/producer/writer/star, if she was other than the calibre of Deborah Kaye Allen Nixon, aka "Debbie Allen". If you don't know, you better ask somebody.

Updated On: 3/14/08 at 12:12 PM

[Fosse76]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 12:23pm

Debbie, is that you?

[aaronssongs]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 12:30pm

No. It's not. Check the profile. Debbie has more class than to attempt to defend herself against the slime residing in here.
She has fans. And she has family. And I was always taught, that if you can't say something "nice", say nothing at all. I guess "home training" isn't a prerequisite here.

[BigFatBlonde]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 12:34pm

WOW! With that resume it is a mystery why the RNT hasn't snapped Allen up to direct their entire season.

I can see it now:

Debbie Allen presents PERICLES
Debbie Allen presents AGAMEMNON
Debbie Allen presents SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER

I mean.. really?.. why hire hacks like Peter Hall or Peter Brooks or Trevor Nunn? None of them them have SINBAD: AFROS AND BELLBOTTOMS on their resumes!

Sometimes life just isn't fair.

[aaronssongs]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 1:50pm

WOW! With that resume it is a mystery why the RNT hasn't snapped Allen up to direct their entire season.

I can see it now:

Debbie Allen presents PERICLES
Debbie Allen presents AGAMEMNON
Debbie Allen presents SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER

I mean.. really?.. why hire hacks like Peter Hall or Peter Brooks or Trevor Nunn? None of them them have SINBAD: AFROS AND BELLBOTTOMS on their resumes!

Sometimes life just isn't fair.

The point is not about life being fair or not.
The point is about her having her Broadway directorial debut, and people "outraged" that she would even consider to attempt such an undertaking. It's not "a stretch", given her extensive background, including productions she's directed at The Kennedy Center.
And you, as a woman, being so hypercritical, is just unfathomable.
Whatever projects she decides to undertake in the future, as a renaissance woman, I'm sure she'll do just fine, peanut galleries, notwithstanding.

[BigFatBlonde]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 2:07pm

Actually, I'm not being hypercritical. I'm applying the same personal standards of aesthetics that I apply to any ANY production. This one didn't meet those standards.

Being a woman has nothing to do with it. I don't cut Allen slack for having a vagina or a larger amount of melanin in her skin.

I'm a paying customer who plopped down my hard earned cash, took my behind the theatre and sat through an embarrassment.

Were there good points? Sure. There is always something "good" you can say about a production.. but if I find myself stretching to find the good, I know there is a problem.

The best thing about the production was seeing that gathering of actors assembled on a Broadway stage. But as the evening wore on I just felt "what a waste" more and more.

Updated On: 3/14/08 at 02:07 PM

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 2:24pm

Totally random. Anika Noni Rose was 32 when she won her Tony?

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/14/08 at 2:36pm

I believe she was 31 (and turned 32 months later). I thought she was a teenager when I saw her stills from CAROLINE, OR CHANGE.

[aaronssongs]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 3:52pm

Well, let me pass on some "seasoned" advice to you.
The next time you hear of Debbie Allen staging "anything", do yourself, and her, and all persons involved a huge favor, and keep your big behind "at home".
You're as "crass" and "tacky" as you claimed the production to be.
Figures you'd find the highlight of the evening in "star-gazing"....again, proof, that you have no business critiquing anything or anyone.

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 4:58pm

Like I said before, if the only people allowed to comment on tv/film/theater/radio/sports were those who are doing it, then there wouldn't be any sort of discussion anywhere.

The only people who keep harping on the fact that people making criticisms aren't doing it themselves are only doing so because they can't properly defend the work.

You can't tell people what they like and don't like in terms of art and waving a resume around isn't going to all of a sudden change their minds.

[crushgroove]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 5:39pm

I saw Cat last sunday...I liked it a lot. Mr. Howard does very well in his stage debut...he definitely holds his own against James Earl Jones in Act 2. The drama is a little too heightened in the 3rd act. It seems like there is some scenery chewing going on...but then again, everyone is pulling out all the stops to claim their inheritance rights.

Miss Rose is a force to be reckoned with, she slinks around the stage in her white slip and seduces the audience and attempts to seduce Brick. She is gorgeous...on stage...and off. I did do the stagedoor. I don't normally, but how often does one get to meet a Dreamgirl?

Ms. Rashad is also brilliant...her Big Mamma is an obnoxious pill of a woman who worships and smothers her fallen son. Ms. Rashad uses a voice other than her own which was a wonderful choice. It's big and brassy and gravel-y. You can see why her husband and son loathe her. She's overwhelming, like a freight-train.

It would be great to see this done as a teleplay...in the fashion of Raisin In The Sun. If only to capture these great performances.

[folkyboy]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 6:00pm

With all that added punctuation in his comments, BigFatBlone, one would hope you were able to make out the affectation in the voice.

[aaronssongs]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 6:03pm

Like I said before, if the only people allowed to comment on tv/film/theater/radio/sports were those who are doing it, then there wouldn't be any sort of discussion anywhere.

The only people who keep harping on the fact that people making criticisms aren't doing it themselves are only doing so because they can't properly defend the work.

You can't tell people what they like and don't like in terms of art and waving a resume around isn't going to all of a sudden change their minds.




I wasn't "waving a resume around".....I was providing "evidence' as to Miss Allen's pedigree. And like another poster mentioned, "she is no slouch", indeed!

For some posters to try to discredit this production and Ms. Allen's direction of it, by suggesting that her past work was a source of ridicule, is beyond boundaries of "civility" and "decency". Talk about "this production"...talk about the pacing, talk about mood....talk about the bizarre "bluesy" horn solo, and the pros and cons of it...but where does her past come into the discussion? She's here. She's now. It's reality. It's historic.
And in the footnotes of the archives won't be any of the negative commentary featured in this blog. Debbie Allen, come what may, will have a legacy. Some of you need to go where they know your name, if possible.

[folkyboy]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 6:05pm

to Cheers?

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 6:54pm

Hopefully they'll get some costumes and sets that are less irritating to the eye if they film this for tv.

[crushgroove]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 11:12pm

Yeah I agree...I despise that orange dress that they stick Anika in 1/2 way through the show...as well as Phylicia's gaudy blue number...seriously...who shot the curtains???

[Taryn]

Posted: 3/16/08 at 1:28am

I just saw the matinee today and I barely know what to say. I was honestly embarrassed. Anika Noni Rose seems to be the only one to have managed to survive what is clearly some very bad direction and turn in a good performance. My biggest thought upon leaving the theatre was, "What a waste of talent." With this cast, it clearly COULD have been an amazing production, in a more capable director's hands. This production just feels insultingly juvenile and melodramatic. So sad for such an excellent play.