I mean I can kind of understand why they were trying to do a song that was more toned down so as not to seem "too gay" to the viewing public. But, if I were someone shopping for a show to see, that song certainly wouldn't have done it for me.
XANADU is such a feel good show and they had a slew of big numbers they could have chosen from...I just don't know why they picked that one.
Nevertheless, I hope the exposure does something for the box office.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
This, possibly along with Friday's "Early Show," was probably the best public showcase the show's had. Previous medley attempts haven't played very well and by including bits and pieces of other parts of the show, including Pegasus and onstage seating, they gave a decent taste of what the show is like. Plus Lily Tomlin's intro focused on the loopy tone of it all.
I think a big reason why it worked so well was that it is one of the few songs that works on it's own, with little background or explanation given. It's well taken without any context. It's also pretty epic and dramatic. And the vocals, wow. Maybe to show that it has some emotional depth. I loved it!
It includes the entire cast and is simply the best vocal and musical arrangement of any song in the show. I was thrilled they chose the best number in the show to showcase rather than something obvious (title song), something that makes little sense out of context (All Over the World), something that doesn't utilize the wonderful chorus and supporting cast (Suddenly, Suspended in Time) or something that doesn't really feature Cheyenne's powerhouse vocals (I'm Alive).
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
I thought the performance was okay, nothing compared to In The Heights or Gypsy, just alright. Cheyenne and Keri's beauty just completely stole the show. Now the nation will know the wonder that is Cheyenne Jackson's thighs.
Xanadu was my favorite performance of the evening. To me, it really looked like a Best Musical performance. Patti's performance was wonderful as expected, but I guess I've just seen too many Gypsy numbers in recent years to get overly enthusiastic. In the Heights gave a nice performance, but the material wasn't such that I wanted to run out and see the show. I enjoyed it, but I sort of gave up on trying to follow along.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
I haven't seen this show, so could someone tell me if Tony Roberts really comes out of the audience singing during the actual production, or was that just to get him inviolved last night?
I can understand why fans of the show might be pleased with the the TONY performance last night, but for a room full of us who haven't seen it yet, it was, sadly, quite confusing and did little to make us want to know more about it or to buy a ticket.
I'm lost????
"To love another person is to see the face of God!"
Dancin Thru Life that was just to get Tony Roberts involved. He sings that song when he is on stage in the show. I liked their performance they did a great job. I think it was the best performance of the night. It was put together really well. Updated On: 6/16/08 at 12:29 PM
I also felt XANADU was the best number of the night and really captured the spirit of the show. Tony Roberts singing and rising from the audience was a delight. And I loved Lily's intro.
Kerry usually isn't involved in the song and inherited some of Tony's lyrics...so this was their way to work him in. And no, he doesn't emerge from a seat in the real show although there a minor bits of business that do take place in the audience area.
I thought this number, along with Gypsy, came off the best on the television broadcast.
My non-theatr friend, who I forced to watch the show with me, said the two shows he would like to see are Xanadu and The Lion King, so take from that what you will.
I think they chose this number because it works well out of context, and features the best vocals of any number in the show. Also, don't hate me for saying this, but it does not make the show appear to be "too gay." (remember that Cubby video?)
"I haven't seen this show, so could someone tell me if Tony Roberts really comes out of the audience singing during the actual production, or was that just to get him inviolved last night?
I could be wrong, because I've only seen the show once, but doesn't he sing this bit from one the boxes in the mezzanine?
I watched this with someone who isn't familar with the show and it was their favorite number of the night and now they want to buy the cast recording AND see the musical.
Isn't that the desired outcome?
As someone who loves Xanadu but has been dissapointed with all of their TV performances, I thought they did marvelous. They tied with Gypsy for most memorable, stand-out performance.
I loved it. All of you haters can kiss my little cute bum... you too, JoeKevvy!
Cheyenne was absolutely amazing and it's a great song. I'm glad they didn't give in and do something like the "Xanadu" finale. They stuck to their guns and did a better song (in my opinion).
Let the haters complain. They can go see WICKED and RENT, instead.
I was actually really suprised that I liked thier performance. I have no desire to see the show before last night. Now I am excited for the tour to come to LaJolla next fall!
I just spoke to a friend of mine who hated the film and had no desire in seeing the show. After watching the Tonys, it was their favorite performance and now they can't wait to see the production in Chicago.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Xanadu's and Gypsy's numbers were the best in the Tony show. Somehow, even the magic of South Pacific didn't come across as potently as it does on stage -- and I can't say why. I think the Xanadu company was smart enough to know that this was their now-or-never moment and they lived up to the challenge brilliantly. I'm not so sure that PS's or (yes) even ITH's performances did anything to enhance viewers' interest in seeing those shows -- meaning that, I suspect it didn't win any new converts based on the TV show. The fact that ITH won will probably do more to stimulate interest than the selection that was aired.
I thought Xanadu's was definitely the best performed of all the performances, I'm still not sure it was the best song though.
I'd have preferred a song that highlighted Kerry a bit more, considering she was the only nominated actor in the cast, and its just not the most fun song.
Its hard though, there isnt a song that is fun, features Kerry & Cheyenne and would make total sense out of context.
I think I would have chosen "Suddenly", though it would suck to leave out the rest of the amazing cast.