<p>I agree with snoggie and thought that last night’s Tony was indeed one of the better ones I have seen in recent years, especially because the featured musicals catered to a wider audience, and, IMHO, there was something for everybody, from Shrek (the kiddies) to Legally Blonde (the tweens), and from Jersey Boys to Rock of Ages. This coming from someone who personally favors ‘traditional musical theatre’ with lots of dancing :).</p>
<p>I am all for bringing more people to the theatre, and so I say rock, pop, revival, traditional, whatever it is “bring it on”! :D</p>
<p>I have to stick up for Hairspray as not dumb. Please remember that there are 2 stories lines in the show, although the inter-racial couple and issues of integration are down played. Baltimore had serious integration issues and those of who are currently in mixed race families still see too much evidence of it as an “issue”. I would say Hairspray is fluff only if you consider the white-girl’s story,</p>
<p>Hey, even the “white girl’s” story in Hairspray is worth telling, because as a heavy person, she feels discriminated against and not accepted, which helps her (in the storyline) relate better to what her African-American/black friends were going through. It made her understand (though certainly not completely, but at least on a superficial level) the feeling of being “outside.” And how can we not all root for Penny and Seeweed and Tracy and Link to get together, despite the odds?</p>
<p>Hairspray is based on a true story and true situations that happened in Baltimore (my hometown) in the 1960s. I know people who danced on the Buddy Deane Show, which is what the Corny Collins’ Show is based on.</p>
<p>It’s a fun musical, but it also has something to say to people about fighting against racial and other kinds of discrimination.
Really nothing fluffy about this musical.</p>
<p>My daughter attended the dress rehearsal for the Tonys and she said the touring companys were not as good as the Broadway casts. She was texting me the whole time and she flipped out over Rock of Ages but she did say the Next to Normal was better at the dress than when they performed for the televised show.</p>
<p>actressmom, It is interesting to learn about your daughter’s thoughts. I felt the same way; the touring was not up to the Broadway performance. I wondered if that was a good move on the part of the Tonys… “you can see some shows locally but it won’t be as good as Broadway, so see it at home then come to NYC!” Couldn’t that backfire with some folk?</p>
<p>Sometimes fluff has it’s place. Just this fall, I had a reunion get together with some college friends. Ironically, we were all hit by the economic down turns, several had just lost their mothers, some were facing job losses. All in all it was pretty tough for all of us. We decided to take the train into the city and see a show. Each said, please nothing too serious. No one was in the mood. Being the only theater goer, I chose Hairspray. It is just what we needed. We all laughed and cried and cheered. It was exactly what we needed.</p>
<p>That is what theater is. I like to see as many shows as possible (straight and musical theater). I happen to enjoy fluff. I also like chick flicks when I go to the movies. For me, I need to be entertained. I like to escape. I saw Mary Poppins (it was a mother’s day gift from my daughter.) At time it I was wondering what my daughter was thinking. Then I got there and realized exactly what she was thinking. Not only was I able to see one of my childhood favorites, but I saw the look on so many young children’s faces going to the theatre for the first time. The pure the delight on in their expression was priceless.</p>
<p>Theater brings so much to the audience and everyone needs something different. It also brings a look into other cultures. It brings humanity forward. It can be a history lesson. But sometime it can fluff and that too is good.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t call Mary Poppins fluff but a musical with more terrific songs than most that’s an adaptation of a film. Which means it’s really no different than The Producers. I’m sure we all would love to see the next Sweeney Todd emerge and there be five original musicals like it opening on Broadway each year. Sadly, it used to be that a top musical had 4+ memorable songs, then 3+ and now … sometimes fewer. Songwriting to me is the issue not that theatre crowds won’t go to see deserving original musicals.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t call Hairspray fluff. Not at all. I am puzzled that people would think that just because a musical has some really fun, fast numbers and includes some comedy, that it is fluff. It’s about racial tension, folks and discrimination. That’s a pretty heavy topic.</p>
<p>I agree NMR and I was not putting down the story line of Tracy, but rather find many people focus on that and then seem surprised when I mention it dealing with integration and mixed couples.
I would also agree with actressmom and snoggies comments about the touring companies. I did not think any of them sounded good. Legally Blond is coming through here this year and that snippet didn’t make me feel that I needed to run out and see it. D and I were surprised at how poorly they presented themselves.</p>
<p>Rock of Ages may not be great musical theatre and it may not be everyones cup of tea, but it’s bringing in money and audiences they may not have come otherwise to Broadway at a time that is necessary for it’s survival. Many shows closed this year at the beginning and with the economic “dilema” not as many people can afford to see expensive Broadway shows. Rock of Ages is NOT a typical, legit Broadway show and therefor it’s more “touristy” and more “tourists” will go see it.</p>
<p>Alexa, I’m with ya insofar as Broadway shows that can bring in an audience. I don’t mind if a show is not my personal cup of tea. Certain shows may not be great theater but may do well commercially and that’s OK. It gets people to support live theater. There is something for everyone.</p>
<p>I’m going to insert a commercial into this regularly scheduled Musical Theatre-Demise conversation. Last Friday I went to see Ruined at the Manhattan Theatre Club in NY. It was the most moving, well acted plays I think I have ever seen. The venue was absolutely perfect for staging a bar in the Ituri Rainforest in the Democratic Repulic of Congo. I wondered why it wasn’t up for any Tony’s, but came to find out that this venue is not considered “Broadway”. It would be difficult for me to put into words the impact this show had. One scene, in particular, was so upsetting, I almost thought I was going to be sick. Never did you think these performers were “acting”, rather you felt they WERE their characters. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a show right now to get tickets. On top of having a magical theatre experience, sitting two rows in front of me happened to be Oprah, her girlfriend Gail and guests, as well as Jane Fonda and guests. I suppose since the Tonys were Sunday, that would explain why they were in town. </p>
<p>OK, now back to the MT discussion - my daughter would be lost if theatre were all old-time B-way. She was meant to rock out and belt, so I have to say Thank God there’s room for all kinds of shows out there. I think the newer, pop shows attract a younger crowd initially and maybe, as mentioned before, once we have them interested in Broadway, these youngsters might then be more inclined to open up to different types of shows.</p>
<p>lynnm - I"m glad to see your post. We may be planning a weekend in New York soon and I am looking for recommendations. I have to say that there isn’t a musical right now that I feel compelled to see. I’m not interested in rock covers. I don’t see anything appealing about Next to Normal. I don’t like the sing songy conversation and songs that sound like the actors are just making stuff up as they go along. That seems to be very in vogue now though. I was excited about a revival of West Side Story, but have heard dreadful things about the singing from both of the leads. I guess Hair would get the nod at this point.</p>
<p>cartera,
I don’t know your taste in musicals but I just saw Hair and Billy Elliot and both were terrific. I also saw In the Heights this past winter and that is also wonderful. I can’t imagine not liking any of these shows. If you tend a bit more toward traditional, then of these three, go for Billy Elliot. Great story, great dance, really good production values, and lots of talent.</p>
<p>One of the reasons I direct Childrens theatre is to expose them to classic Musical Theatre. My kids go on to try to see every musical they can. If we our doing Oliver than they will drag their friends and parents to see every Oliver they can whether it os a touring company or a local production. The best thing I can give these children is a love of Musical Theatre. Many of these children do not go on and be performers but will retain their love for theatre! Thats how theatre will survive through our young people and community theatres that expose them to all the greats!</p>
<p>To Cartera45: Not sure where you got your info about West Side Story, but we recently saw it and can recommend it without reservation. The actual singing by the leads is great; our only complaint is that Matt Cavanaugh looked a bit ripe for the part since they went with an age appropriate Maria. In any event, WWS is so much about the ensemble and the music, both of which are dynamite. Of course, Karen Olivo rightfully just won the Tony for her performance as “Anita.”</p>
<p>cartera45 - I’m sure you’ve seen recommendations on this site to check broadwaybox.com for discount tics that you can get ahead of time (if you aren’t able to go to the TKTS booth on the day of the show). There are also audience reviews there. South Pacific was also great and still playing I believe (though have the leads changed?). Anyway, I would also go with Hair (have seen and even got my moment that night to be Berger’s mom, what a hoot) or Billy Elliot (have not yet seen). I was glad to read on cc that the musical number they showed at the Tony’s for Billy Elliot was not really the one to “show off the show” so happily booked tics for end of August when we take our D to NYU to start school. Woo-woo! (No discounts for that one, so used the telecharge website.) Have fun!!!</p>
<p>I’ve seen Billy Elliot in previews and didn’t love it (possibly because they had to stop the show 3 times for malfunctioning equipment), plus I really adored the movie and think this was too showy. Hair and West Side Story were both good. 9 - 5 was also good. The scenery changes in 9 - 5 amazed me, actually. I’d still put my money towards Ruined, as that is the show that stays clear in my mind days after seeing it. I can’t say the same for many of the others. I am a true fan of In The Heights, having seen it several times both on and off Broadway. I can’t vouch for it now that Lin Manuel and Karen Olivo are no longer in it though.</p>
