<p>Christopher Isherwood's column today is How Broadway Lost Its Footing. I'll copy here since I believe you need to register to read. Interesting read.</p>
<p>How Broadway Lost Its Footing
By CHARLES ISHERWOOD </p>
<p>Published: May 22, 2005</p>
<p>...the choreography in musicals this season often seems intended not to capture your attention, not to illustrate the breathtaking possibilities of the human body in motion, not to make a case for dance as an indispensable ingredient in musical theater... </p>
<p>...This year, with a large crop of 14 musicals, old and new, to choose from, there wasn't a single production that could be enthusiastically endorsed for its dance content.</p>
<p>I so agree, I also felt that with most of the college auditions for MT that dance was the least important or not important at all.</p>
<p>Lack of Dance in musicals</p>
<p>Thanks for sending the article to our attention. I know that there are alot of kids that seek out a MT degree because of their love of dance. I have heard over and over that most programs don't really care if you can dance or not, and the dance training that is provided is superficial. But it sounds as if that is all that is needed for most shows. I can't tell you how many national tours I have seen that I have been disappointed with the level of dance ability.</p>
<p>Thanks Alwaysamom for copying and sharing this important article. I find it really lamentable that the state of the Broadway musical has come to this point. My own opinion is that it is more likely that the lack of dance in today's "new" shows is a by-product of the increased expense of mounting musicals as much as it is the lack of qualified dancers. There may also be fewer choreographers inspired to want to choreograph for the Broadway stage by the quality of the music in the current crop of musicals. But I'd still probably bet on the financial issues as the underlying cause. There is no question that most of this season's musicals have not been well received, as judged by box office and reviews alike.</p>
<p>I'm not intending to bash the new concept musicals with a broad brush. I'm very interested in the work of the exciting younger composers, e.g., La Chiusa, Guettel, Jason Robert Brown, etc. I also love the idea of taking opera and reworking it for a contemporary Broadway audience as in La Boheme. I'll admit a personal prejudice against the new, so-called "jukebox musicals - just not to my liking. But having grown up in the so-called "Golden Age" of the Broadway musical, I do find myself wondering why no one writes shows "like they used to." Probably about as fruitful as my wondering why no one composes concertos like Mozart or symphonies like Beethoven any more..........</p>
<p>But what equally concerns me is the kind of reaction that future MT students are likely to have after reading an article such as this, as already witnessed by the student posts on this thread. I know that those students who have not had much dance training are eager to want to be able to discount the value of being a strong dancer in the MT college program "acceptance equation." I would caution them not to do this. Our experience suggests that the top flight MT programs, e.g., UM, CCM, OCU, Otterbein, PSU, CAP-21, Syracuse, BOCO etc, ALL value dance in their programs and provide strong dance training to their students. Are all the students coming out of these programs going to be strong enough dancers to find work as dancers? of course not. But they more than likely will not be cut on a first pass in a dance call and many will be able to support themselves as ensemble performers while they continue to work towards being able to land leading roles. Bottom line is that dance is one side of the MT triangle of skills and not even trying to improve your skills in this area either before or while you are in college training is diminishing your ability to be employed by 33%. Maybe not so smart.......While it is true that the best dancers usually start their training at a young age (especially in ballet, the foundation for most dance, learning the technique is easier when you have less muscle mass) it is never too late to get yourself into the studio. Boys espcially seem to be able to start training at a later age and still become very skilled dancers (Nureyev didn't begin formal training until the age of 14!). It's also a great way to keep in better physical shape.</p>
<p>So please don't let articles like this one persuade you to discount the value of dance for MT students, performers and performance. It will never go out of style.</p>
<p>Theatermom--VERY well said! While I personally enjoy a good musical whether or not it has much dance in it, I LOVE big dance numbers and will go to see a show (given the opportunity ;)) just because it's a known dance musical, whereas I am slower to buy tickets for a musical with little dance in it until I hear the show is great. Finances, I'm sure, play a big part in these decisions. I can imagine it's much more expensive to have big production/dance numbers. Even at the high school level ! the drama teacher told my daughter she saved the department thousands of dollars by choreographing the musical this year.</p>
<p>Well said, theatermom. I'd like to add my observations to the "lead" roles in NYC in recent years. Leading ladies in a Broadway musical seem to go to the likes of Susan Lucci, Marla Maples, Christina Applegate, the list goes on and on. I can't help but wonder what message this must send to those extremely talented ladies working their buns off to get a lead, only to not have a chance against the Big name ladies. I am assuming these names bring ticket sales, which goes back to your point about the lack of funds. I would much rather see and hear someone who is wonderfully talented in a leading role. I tend to watch the people behind the leads to see the real talent these days.</p>
<p>Although, it's true that certain stars from other media have appeared on Broadway in recent years, there have still been numerous lead roles which are played by tried and true MT actors. The argument against so-called 'stunt casting' is a complicated one. While there are those stars who are helicoptered into roles simply to boost ticket sales, what a lot of people don't realize is that many actors who are better known for their film and tv careers, actually started out onstage. Most big name actors who appear on Broadway these days are this type of star. </p>
<p>For instance, at the moment, while there is Christina Applegate (who by all accounts is wonderful in the show, by the way ;)), there is also Sutton Foster, Jenn Gambatese, Stephanie D'Abruzza, Natalie Venetia Belcon, Charlotte D'Amboise, Eden Espinosa, Ramona Keller, Karen Olivo, Sherie Rene Scott, Sarah Gettelfinger, Erin Dilly, Carolee Carmello, Carly Jibson, Sara Ramirez, Sara Kramer, Karmine Alers, Kelly Karbacz, Danielle Lee Greaves, Carel Lyn Manuel, Carole Shelley, Shoshana Bean, and Jennifer Laura Thompson. All authentic MT stars. All of these ladies have real talent, and it's not necessary to look beyond the leads to see them because the vast majority ARE playing leads. :)</p>
<p>I've seen Charlotte D'Amboise in Damn Yankees with Jerry Lewis. She is the quintessential broadway musical performer, in my opinion. She took over for Christina Applegate in Sweet Charity, and the show closed (if memory serves)! Alwaysamom, you sure do have your finger on the pulse of the stars of MT. But you have to admit that Susan Lucci and others aren't fabulous singers and dancers and are only in the show to boost sales. I love that list of authentic MT stars and want to see it grow with our CC hopefuls!</p>
<p>I agree with theatermom....it is best to get as much dance training you can get even if you are just starting now......it can only help your chances in casting/work</p>
<p>gkoukla, yes, Charlotte took over for Christina in Charity after Christina broke her foot in the Chicago run. Charlotte did the Boston run and it was at the end of that that the Weislers made the decision not to bring the show to Broadway. It really had little to do with Christina/Charlotte because by that time Christina was scheduled to return to open on Broadway. Many in the theatre world think that it was a publicity stunt on the part of the Weislers and if it was, it worked! Lots of free publicity and the show opened. In fact, Christina is rumored to have cajoled them into going ahead with the Broadway run, and she actually found some additional financial backers to help things along. It's a nice story. :)</p>
<p>I didn't see Susan Lucci when she was in Annie but I'm not sure that her being there really affected ticket sales very much. She was there as a vacation replacement for Bernadette Peters so it's doubtful that there are too many theatre goers who would prefer Susan to Bernadette. :) There are so many great theatre talents onstage today that I don't think that 'stunt casting' is much of a threat to present or future actors. We have a family friend who is a lead in Rent. He's been replaced twice in the past three years for stints by bigger 'names' in the hopes of drawing in additional fans. It worked, the show got a shot in the arm, so to speak, drew in fans who otherwise would never have seen the show and it's doing better now than it has in quite some time. And with the film to be released in the fall, it could well move on well past its tenth anniversary on Broadway next spring. The friend who was 'displaced' still got paid, had his contract extended, and had the 'free' time to spend on his own music. So sometimes things work out. :)</p>
<p>that article just shows where mt is at right now. everything changes and things might be completely different in 10 years. youve gotta be versatile enough to go with it wherever it goes. so yah ... dance dance dance and dance some more.</p>
<p>Notarebel</p>
<p>You got my point exactly!!</p>
<p>To re-emphasize the importance of dance, I will share this:</p>
<p>My d, who is still quite unsure of herself when it comes to singing (the "dancer who sings, you know!) took a deep breath last winter and auditioned (singing!!!) for a Theater of the Stars production of Music Man. She needed a summer job...she was called back (and then hired after the dance audition) BECUASE her resume' made it obvious that she was a well-trained dancer. She is 18 and holding her own with the other dancers in the show (all a good deal older than she is, and all VERY experienced Equity MT performers). Goes without saying, she is having a BALL!!!</p>
<p>Keep on dancing, indeed!</p>
<p>Churchmusicmom,</p>
<p>I'm glad you took the time to let us know about your D's production. I was wondering how it went. I'm glad she's so happy and doing well. I know just how much of a thrill it is to see her strutting her stuff up there with the more seasoned pros.</p>
<p>BTW, what did she decide to do about her Equity status? Given my own D's decision this summer, I'm always eager to hear what choices others have made.....let me know, okay?</p>
<p>Congrats again on her success and even more importantly, her happiness!</p>
<p>Thanks! The show is supposed to open Monday in Houston, weather permitting (it's at the Miller Outdoor Amphitheater). They come here to Atlanta after that...we are excited!</p>
<p>She was offered her card and decided not to take it. She is so blessed to have these other more experienced dancers/cast members who have been very welcoming of her (I was a little worried they would some how resent her, you know?) and very informative. They are all Equity members and definitely advised her to wait. She hasn't even started college yet! This has been a very, very wonderful learning experience with regards to her future goals, etc. She is working hard, having the time of her life....what a great time!</p>
<p>I am sure your daughter is having a great summer as well...You have seen at least one production, right (Beauty and the Beast)? I hope she is doing well with the heat!</p>
<p>Churchmusicmom,</p>
<p>I didn't know her theater was outdoors, as is the Muny. It does add a little extra excitement as you have to worry about the weather. I've now seen Beauty and the Beast and Jesus Christ Superstar (the opening night of which was canceled because of the remnants of Hurrican Dennis moving through the Midwest - only rainout of the summer so far) and I couldn't stop smiling as I watched. They were wonderful productions and my D is in self described "MT Heaven"!!! She's now in rehearsals for Mame as well as performing JCS at night so she's pretty tired but very happy tired.</p>
<p>Enjoy your D's show when it comes to Atlanta! It sounds as though she's got a good head on her shoulders and got good advice regarding her Equity status. Congrats again!</p>
<p>Theatermom, forgive me for not remembering where it is that your daughter is performing this summer. When I saw you mention JCS, I wondered if it might be the Starlight production in KC. A family friend is playing Judas in that production, so I thought I'd ask you. Is this where she is? :)</p>
<p>Hi Alwaysamom,</p>
<p>No problem about the memory stuff - I'm lucky if I can remember what I had for breakfast........ My D is at The MUNY in St Louis. I don't know if the JCS principals and/or the creative team is moving on to Kansas City after JCS closes on Sunday. I do know that the entire company that was hired to do Singin'n in the Rain, the next MUNY show that opens this coming Monday, will then move on 'en masse' to perform at The Starlight. After Singin' in the Rain, The MUNY will do Mame, for which my D is now in rehearsal (along with performing in JCS).</p>
<p>The young man playing Judas in the MUNY production is Michael K Lee, who just finished playing Kayama Yasaemon in the recent Broadway revival of Pacific Overtures and he's quite fabulous. The production also includes Eric Kunze (Jesus), Ken Page (Herod) and Deven May (Pilate), most of whom I'm guessing you know of.</p>
<p>Thanks, theatermom! I guess they're separate productions. The Starlight production is on at the moment, too. It's Jeremy Kushnier who's playing Judas, and another Rent alum, Ryan Link who is playing Jesus. Emily has seen Michael in Rent and Miss Saigon, Eric, I believe, in Les Mis, Ken probably in CATS, and she loves Deven (saw him in Batboy and in a couple of readings). What a great cast! Your D must be having a ball. :)</p>
<p>Hi theatermom! I didn't know your daughter is one of the cast in Muny?! I used to be a regular patron there when I still live in Missouri! My I ask what part your daughter is playing? JCS is one of my favorite play and Eric Kunze is oh so handsome <em>blush</em> and such a nice person (I met him backstage twice). He's got great voice too!</p>
<p>Ken Page is my mum's favorite as well! I heard he got good reviews for this show. Do you know any of these performers in person?? Damn, I wish I could've gone while it was playing.</p>