Posted by Ben @ 06/09/2003 04:45 AM PST

I repeat, what was Sarah Jessica Parker thinking when she picked that girdle disguised as a dress to wear when she and Matthew Parker walked out as the night's first presenters? On the other hand, since a geek is technically the sideshow performer who bites off the heads of chickens, her banter with Matthew was appropriate, because that dress really bit.

All and all, I thought things went well, if slowly. The pacing of the Tonys has always been a problem, a clash between the luxuries of live theater and the depravities of live television. There aren't many people who can pull off live television these days, and there's only so much I can take of Emeril.

I am now even more determined to read the script for Take Me Out. And I'm so glad that O'Hare won the Featured Actor award, if just for playing a character that, even without reading the script, I relate to throroughly. I spent twelve years as a scorekeeper for various gay softball teams (four in Los Angeles, eight in Long Beach), and understand so well the attraction of the game from a mathematical point of view, matching the people with the numbers. Besides, if it weren't for those years as a scorekeeper I wouldn't have met my ever-lovin' der Brucer, who was with me during the last six years and has been with me ever since.

And, while we're at it, let's hear it for the couples who aren't allowed to marry but were proud to say who they were on last night's telecast! If Bill O'Reilly doesn't want to have to explain to his daughter why those men were being honest about themselves, that's his problem, ain't it!

The biggest problem I had with the second Def Poetry segment was that no one could be heard, other than the one guy who had dominated the first segment. It was more of a Def Poetry Garble than anything else. Just because they had the camera and stage set up at Times Square doesn't mean they had to use it twice.

One more question, from der Brucer: Whose idea was it to put Rose in that not-really-blue dress for "Rose's Turn"? It's a bad color for Bernadette, and a bad color for Rose. Besides, der Brucer noted, he thought Tyne Daly did the song better. Hell, he thought Midler did the song better.

Posted by S. Woody White @ 06/09/2003 05:21 AM PST

S. Woody: You're up early! Re the Gypsy dress - she wears that dress in the show so that's why she wore it on camera.

O'Hare was wonderful in Take Me Out. I'm so happy that he won. They may get a boost at the box office now. The show is doing middling to poor business and if it hadn't won any Tonys (unlikely) I think it would have closed. I think La Mancha will probably close now that Tony has passed it by.

I think the Matthew Sara bit was silly. It was not well written or well read and they should have jumped over the banter and gone right to the awards.

I do find Mr. Dennehy annoying out of character, but I think he was deserving of his award last night. As I mentioned last week, I think LDJIN was brilliant and every award it won was absolutely deserved, especially Ms. Redgrave's.

Posted by Ben @ 06/09/2003 05:59 AM PST

More later, but, shouldn't the plastic surger award go to Lynn Redgrave? ? ?

Posted by td @ 06/09/2003 06:27 AM PST

2 DEF POETRY segments and no number from AMOUR????

It was totally predictible. The only real surprise was Michelle. I wanted her to win and would have voted for her if I were a Tony voter, but nobody was predicting her at all and I was very plesantly surprised. I was mildly surprised that MOVIN' OUT won orchestrations over HAIRSPRAY, but otherwise I could have marked my list of nominees in advance.

Random thoughts...

Will Melanie have to cover the brand on her arm when she plays Roxie? Someone should have told her it's another Verdon role that requires the tattoo.

Has any other Rose stuck out her boobs on the line "How Do You Like These Eggrolls Mr. Goldstone"?

Why such a long memorial for Al Hirschfeld, a shorter one for Adolph Green and a mere mention of Peter Stone and also why were other people who took their final curtain call in 2002-03 not even mentioned if they were doing a memorial segment?

Much of what I thought has already been mentioned here. Thanks for mentioning Chita's plastic surgery. To be fair, it might look fine from a distance on stage.

I shall be late for chat because I am going to see Broadway By The Year - 1960 starring Brent Barrett. I'll check in for a short time when I get back.

BK - Where did you see DAMN YANKEES? Is it coming out on DVD? I was surprised a couble of years ago when PAJAMA GAME was released alone. The two films were treated as a pair for years (revival house double features, simultaneous initial VHS releases) and I thought they would have been released on DVD together..

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 06/09/2003 06:27 AM PST

Just to clear the air about Lynn Redgrave, she looks that way because she's undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

I guess they thought the random shots of Amour and the short bit w/Ms. Errico was enough. Would have been nice to have a piece from the show anyway.

Posted by Ben @ 06/09/2003 06:46 AM PST

Off-topic for Bruce: while you're still waiting for my anime collection, take a look at the web site I linked - it's the comic strip series leading to the anime series I've sent you.

Posted by Kit Lo @ 06/09/2003 08:14 AM PST

BK, OMG that "American Bird Idol" comment was too funny. Actually tonight is the premiere of Canadian Idol. Woohoo!

Also, I too had problems understanding Antonio Banderas last night. I wonder if one has to concentrate that much during the actual show.

Posted by Jennifer @ 06/09/2003 08:18 AM PST

For the record, it's Matthew BRODERICK as opposed to PARKER!

: )

To add to the comments I made after the West Coast airing of the show (edited, but complete with every commercial known to man...the show could have ended well before 11 p.m., but our local affiliate decided to cram 8 minutes of commercials into the break between the presentation of Best Musical and Hugh Jackman's "Good Night!"

Totally stupid, of course. I HATE edited awards shows!

I missed the "presentation" of the Tony to the leading cast of "La Boheme" -- weren't they supposed to get a special citation??????? I loved the number, but that ain't a "presentation."

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/09/2003 08:26 AM PST

Re: Ms. Peters as Mama Rose.

I had no negative expectations, but I had expectations.

I expected a bit more rhythmic timing to the number. It seemed off-kilter to me.

Love Bernadette, but I didn't love "Rose's Turn" the way I wanted to.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/09/2003 08:30 AM PST

Watched the first two hours of the telecast "live", then had to switch to see The Sopranos, so I saw the third hour on tape (which allowed me to skip over the multitude of commercials).

Like most people, I wasn't surprised by any of the awards. Perhaps pleasantly surprised by Michelle Pawk's win, but aside from that, things seemed to go as expected. That isn't to say that I *agree* with all of the choices, but they are what I expected.

Have to concur with the *huge* misstep in including a second number from DEF POETRY JAM, rather than a song from one of the shows nominated for Best Musical (i.e AMOUR). At least we got to catch a few glimpses of the lovely Ms. Errico. mmmmmmmmm.....

There was no way I was going to be pleased with the outcome of the Best Actor in a Musical race.

Somebody once told Harvey Fierstein that he should sing. Somebody should be shot.

Antonio Banderas is a film actor with limited singing ability, who (surprisignly) did a passable job with "Guido's Song". Then he was given a singing lesson, when Brian Stokes Mitchell took the stage. I hope he thanked him after the show.

Ms. Peters was glorious. A totally different take on the role, but captivating nonetheless.

For a weak year on Broadway, the Tonys came across pretty well. Still and all, I would rather the whole thing be done on PBS, with no commercials, all of the awards, and more of the backstage profiles that have been featured on PBS in the previous few years.

Posted by Dave @ 06/09/2003 09:09 AM PST

BK, the American Idol/Mama Rose bird thing was so hilarious! I don't know if you are writing another Kritzer novel (and I plan to order the first later today!), but maybe you should consider a children's book or something about a bunch of noisy diva birds!

Okay, Tony thoughts...I agree that the telecast was well-done if not particularly exciting. And Hugh Jackman may have been a bland host, but he certainly is a beautiful boy. If I ever achieve my long-shot dream of winning a Tony, I want HIM in the giftbag.

I liked the Hirschfeld tribute but Adolph Green and Peter Stone were given short shrift. A little snippet of New York, New York?? Come on! I wonder if Betty Comden was in the audience...

Sarah Jessica Parker looked like a runway disaster in that demi-dress, Vanessa Redgrave looked pale and washed-out and Melanie Griffith looked just plain grotesque. But I agree with BK that Melissa Errico looked absolutely gorgeous.

I saw Bernadette in Gypsy last week and the Rose's Turn of last night bore no resemblance to the one I saw, which was a lot better. I love Bernadette and I worry about her voice. She sounded vocally strained, and I thought the acting last night was somewhat forced. I give her props for her brio and that alone may have deserved the standing ovation. I haven't seen "Hairspray" yet, but I really think she should have won that Tony, or at least tied with MJW (even though I still prefer the Merm as my all-time favorite Rose).

I was so happy that Michelle Pawk won, and I absolutely loved her speech, although anyone can see the woman is far from being "geriatric." Well, I guess that's all I can think of for now, and I'm sure it's quite enough!

Posted by Maya @ 06/09/2003 09:20 AM PST

Brian Stokes-Mitchell is no Richard Kiley!

I found his rendition of "Impossible Dream" marginally acceptable, at best. It was no singing lesson so far as I could tell, no disrespect intended toward his fans.

Guido in "Nine" does not require the type of voice Stokes-Mitchell has.

I'd settle for the degree of intelligibility Banderas' voice has in film (and the looping sessions there must be tedious based on what was "live" last night).

The best singing done on stage last night was in Italian.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/09/2003 09:44 AM PST

Where in tarnation IS everyone? I got the notes up early (well, three in the morning is EARLY) so let's get some postin' goin' on, shall we? Even so, the Tony posts here are tony indeed and ever so much more intelligent and civilized than elsewhere on the Internet.

WEHT Craig Brockman? Did he get devoured by beautiful women in ugly clothing?

See you all at chat.

Posted by bk @ 06/09/2003 09:58 AM PST

Absolutely. Someone feel free to disagree with my assessment of anything.

It's the dishing that's fun.

I won't be offended. And I hope no one has been offended by anything I've written (except, by defaults, Mr. Stokes-Mitchell and Ms. Peters, neither of whom I have anything against).

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/09/2003 10:16 AM PST

Oh, yeah!

One year from now, all the talk will be about "Wicked"!!!

: )

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/09/2003 10:17 AM PST

The only comment I have on the Tony Awards is that I'm secretly very happy that Bernadette did NOT win the award for Best Actress and "Gypsy" did not win the award for Best Revival. I am happy for "Nine" and I'm hoping they will hang in there until Christmas when I venture to NYC. Someone once told me that Bernadette shouldn't be doing pre-existing roles, such as "Annie" or "Mama Rose" and that she fares better with roles that have been created for her (or with her in mind) I tend to agree with that statement seeing as though I liked her in "Sunday" and "Into the Woods". I wonder how long the revival will last...

Posted by Matthew @ 06/09/2003 10:20 AM PST

Where am I? Catching up on some sleep and resume sending after an exhausting 20 hour day yesterday...

SO.. do you want to know all the backstage gossip? Want to know what rehearsals were like and then what was going on when the rest of the world was at commericial? Who left before the show was actually over? And all the dirt that was meant to be dished?

Well Dear Readers - not so fast! Come to the chat tonight and I will tell all. I will hold nothing back!

Posted by Craig @ 06/09/2003 10:30 AM PST

And Richard Kiley is no Brian Stokes Mitchell. Each brings something different to the role, or at least to that song. I have seen Kiley perform "The Quest" on the Ed Sullivan show, so there is opportunity to make a fair comparison. Personally, I would prefer to hear Stokes.

In either case, at least you can tell what is being said. There were many words/lines lost to Mr. Banderas' accent last night, and in a show like NINE, that is a grave loss indeed.

The lessons that Mr. Banderas could have learned last night were in enunciation, phrasing, projection, focus, colour, etc....

The role of Guido requires a much better singing voice than it has been given thus far on record. Raul Julia is pitchy, Jonathan Pryce is too talky, and now we have Antonio, playing an Italian with a Spanish accent...

Anyone want to suggest who would make an ideal Guido? Before you answer, listen to the whole score - especially "The Bells of St. Sebastian's" - and imagine what a "real" singer might bring to the part.

Other topics...

To those who have been criticizing Sarah Jessica Parker's attire for the ceremony, have you ever seen the trash she wears on Sex and the City? Compared to that, she was dressed to the nines!

Bernadette has a couple of Tony awards already, and the respect and love of the theatrical community. She doesn't need another award. Marissa, on the other hand, is playing what is likely to be her only major lead on Broadway, so this is her one real chance at it. One can debate whether she deserves it, but I understand the sentiment behind it.

I agree that Adolph Green was given short shrift by the ceremony. I imagine that most viewers of the broadcast would have preferred to see a career retrospective of Mr. Green, than the so-called "poetry" in Times Square.

Posted by Dave @ 06/09/2003 10:38 AM PST

Oh, well, another chat missed, another chance to learn the real truth. I will be absent tonight due to previous engagements w/friends from out of town.

Some of these chats should be logged and archived so we can all hear the dirt from Monsieur Brockman.

Posted by Ben @ 06/09/2003 10:46 AM PST

Hi -- I'm a new contributer here. I've
looked over Bruce's site a few times,
read your comments. Usually I don't
have time to do it regularly and
probably won't contribute often, but
thought I'd throw my hat in the ring
about the Tonys. BTW, I worked
with Bruce YEARS ago (like 1978?)
originating the role of Janet in his
production of Stages at LACC then
at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles,
I'm still active in theatre and singing,
in fact, the 3-woman trio I'm currently
singing with is interviewed on
Donald Feltham's radio show this
week (check it out). I knew Donald
from growing up in Downey, CA.
Small world.

But, on to the Tonys.

You know how in college you'd be
18 years old, yet play Mary in Long
Day's Journey as a "stretch" -- they'd
never cast you professionally in that
role -- you're too damn young -- and
you figure that wouldn't ever happen
in the "REAL" theatre world? So, it
always amazes me that older stars
get away with playing younger so
often. Bernadette especially. Hey
she looks great, but wasn't she
something like 50 when playing
Annie Oakley??? So, I am so glad
she is finally playing a role HER
AGE. Thank you. Although, she
always SOUNDS so young. Hmmm.

Also, Brian Stokes Mitchell. Love
the guy since I saw him in Ragtime
in LA and was sure he'd win the
Tony for that...

Here he is with these tottering
knees, barely able to walk 4 paces,
hair graying, highlight and shadows
in the wrinkles, and he SOUNDS like
he could run a marathon in no time
flat -- so vibrant, young and
powerful. Just didn't mesh with me.

Yeah, Brian Dennehy seems as
weird in real life as he was as an
alien in Cocoon. I kept expecting his
eyelids to reveal something
otherworldly. (I've just spent too
much time trying to figure out if
cocoon is one c, two o's, two c's one
o, both 2 c's and 2 o's or what. At
least I know vacuum has 2 u's).

Anyway, Hugh Jackman? So-so.
Why don't they get someone who
has already been on Broadway to
host the Tonys????

I had a meeting with my theatre
company that evening (Colony
Theatre in Burbank, and I know, why
was it scheduled during the Tonys?)
so I Ti-Vo taped the event. I could
fast forward through all the
commercials, then sometimes they
got me to stop and resume playing
when promoting the Broadway
album (I thought the program was
back -- I was TRICKED!). I was so
happy I could FF through that Def
Poetry nonsense. Really bad stuff.
Ugh.

Well, those are my comments for
now. Hi and bye.

Linden in Los Angeles

Oh, ps to Bruce: I have loud,
obnoxious Am Idol wannabe birds at
my house too! Tis the season...

Posted by Linden Waddell @ 06/09/2003 11:10 AM PST

Welcome Dear Reader Linden!

Well, the Australian recording of NINE has a singer singing the score. . .but, there's no color, not a lot of character, but a lot of pretty notes. . .
I'd rather have the acting of Mssrs. Julia and Banderas, and Antonio looked like he was having a lot of nervousness combined with his sense of fun. I loved seeing Little Nell getting that great medium shot at the end of "Guido's Song."
As for BP, and "Rose's Turn," Bette Midler shook her dirty pillows on that line, too. Seeing BP doing the number of television, my thought were that television IS the medium for her Mama Rose. It's not a performance that I would want to listen to, but, visually, within the confines of the box, Bernie was utterly believable. Even without the prior knowledge of her illnesses, I still found her to be straining, but wasn't she also playing to the top rows of the balcony of Radio City Music Hall?
For sheer committment to the role, Antonio should be commended. It's not exactly the easiest role in the world, and unlike Harvey's turn in HAIRSPRAY, it is a LEADING ROLE.

Posted by td @ 06/09/2003 11:29 AM PST

Some random thoughts on last night's Tonys:

Just what demographic did CBS promote to its advertisers? Am I the only one who was turned off by the Zoloft and other pharmaceutical ads?

Speaking of pharmaceuticals: How about that Carol Shorenstein Hays? She must have been on a lot of them during her acceptance speech.

Margo Lion struck me as a very classy lady.

Brian Dennehy's comments from the stage were insipid and embarrassing, especially those directed toward Eddie Izzard.

My favorite moment of the evening (and it came early): Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's explosion of joy and love in their acceptance speech.

My second favorite moment of the evening: Marissa Jaret Winokur's acceptance speech.

The worst moment: the second Def Poetry Jam segment. (We have consensus here.)

Best production number: the one from Hairspray.

I agree with BK: the number from Moving Out probably would be better served live on a smaller stage than what we saw on TV last night.

I agree with the others that have already suggested that more time should have been devoted to those who went to the big procenium in the sky in the past year.

Posted by Jay @ 06/09/2003 11:34 AM PST

One more:

Person I would least like to be stuck on an elevator with: Twyla Tharp.

(Despite the helpful hint from the Rockette producers lo those many years ago, I guess she still hasn't learned how to smile.)

Posted by jay @ 06/09/2003 11:41 AM PST

Welcome Linden.

Well, apparently I am outnumbered, but I was still pleasantly surprised my Miss Peters’ “Rose’s Turn” (Hmmm, a double apostrophe). I had expected more diva, less actress. Was it different than other Roses I have seen Yes. Should it have been different than previous versions? I certainly hope so. Again, I am only judging the number I saw last night. As far as I know, her performance, as Rose, may be even less memorable than her performance in AGYG.

Brian Stokes Mitchell is an incredible talent, and he has a thrilling voice; but last night’s “Impossible Dream,” although beautiful, was lackluster. It can be argued that it would be tough to take that scene out of context from the show and have it be dramatic. But, if that is so, then, why bother to do that number on the awards? I realize that it is the show’s signature number, but if that is the criteria, then shouldn’t Bernadette have done “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” instead. At least for the sake of the average TV viewer, which I assume was the driving force behind most of the decisions regarding the show.

I was so happy to see Mark Linn-Baker on the Tony telecast in the number from “Frog and Toad.” Mr. Linn-Baker is, without a doubt, one of the nicest, most down to earth, and most unassuming people I have ever met.

But, back to the Tony Awards. I had no problem with Antonio’s accent. If he had tried for an Italian accent, instead of his natural Spanish accent, would he have been any easier to understand?

Brian Dennehy and Vanessa Redgrave are both brilliant actors and certainly worthy of their awards, and I was delighted to see them win in spite of people’s personal opinions of them as individuals.

BTW Ron, have you gotten a chance to see "Wicked" yet?

Posted by TCB @ 06/09/2003 12:07 PM PST

It is clear that the only accent that Antonio Banderas is capable of speaking in is his natural Spanish accent. (That being the case, why would anyone want to cast him as an Italian film director? But I digress...)

If his accent makes the "english" lyrics of the show unintelligible, then it is a disservice to the authors to have him deliver the text in a manner that will confound the audience.

Surely there is a name actor who could play/sing this role, and sell tickets? Anybody?

Posted by Dave @ 06/09/2003 12:31 PM PST

It's a long story that I won't go into now, but I had a chance to be at the Tony's last night. Since I couldn't make it, a good friend who lives in New York was sitting in Radio City. Hopefully thinking of me.:-)
I thought this was one of the better Award broadcasts in several years. I think Hugh Jackman aquitted himself quite nicely. You don't really have to have appeared on Broadway to host the Tony's and he is coming in October to the Great White Way.

Def Poetry was not good for the show. It just seemed weird. Not as weird as Brian Dennehy but it was weird.

I don't know what Lynn Redgrave did to her face. They didn't do plastic surgery, they gave her a new face.

I think Bernadette Peters is wonderful but her "Rose's Turn" was very forced and over the top. It sounded like she wasn't in good voice.

I'm thrilled for all the "Hairspray" wins. I though Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman gave the funniest and most touching acceptance speeches. It seemed like there were more gay actors openly acknowledging their partners or boyfriends this year.
This is a good thing!!!

I thought Barbara Walters material was quite good.

"Movin' Out" is much better in the theatre. It doesn't translate well on television.

All in all I thought the production had a good pace and I was also surprised that CBS allowed the show to run over 11pm

Posted by Dennis Clancy @ 06/09/2003 12:40 PM PST

I thought MOVIN' OUT came across like an episode of the original Fame TV series - and not one of the better episodes, either.

I have to confess, though, that I am not a fan of "dance musicals". And even less a fan of ballet. I'm not sure how to categorize what I saw last night.

My biggest question as I watched that performance was, 'the guy playing piano is nominated for Best Actor Tony award???!!'

Posted by Dave @ 06/09/2003 12:46 PM PST

What is one to think, really, when the funniest person on an awards show is Barbara Walters?!!

Brian Dennehy must have thought he was at a roast.

And what exactly went during the pre-televised awards that earned Alan Cumming such a huge laugh?

Posted by Drumm @ 06/09/2003 12:50 PM PST

And was it my imagination or did Joe Mantello totally ignore poor Christopher Reeve when he bounded up to receive his Tony? Granted, the man can't shake hands, but still . . .

Posted by Drumm @ 06/09/2003 01:03 PM PST

Drum:

Cummings accepted the two award for La Bohem (sets and lighting) and made a wise crack. It was edited out of the televised but I watched it on line live on the Tony org site.

My two cents.

Joe Mantello.
With all the actors there with their boyfriends/lovers/companions like Denis O'Hare and Malcom Gets and the Hairspray Boys why did he feel it necessary to bring a beard to the award cermonies? He did thank his lover though (although I thought he was coupled with playwright John Robin Baitz)

The Best Musical award presentation looked so phoney knowing that it was pretaped. I am pretty sure that it was sweetened, (Laughter and applause added)

Overall I enjoyed the broadcast. Plays never work well taken out of the context of the show and the two Def Poetry were a bore. I thought that The Play That I Wrote would have been the winner since it really should have been nominatd in the play category.

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 06/09/2003 01:09 PM PST

I thought that about Mr. Mantello,
too, that he totally overlooked
Christopher Reeve. I kept waiting
for him to acknowledge him
somehow, but not even a nod.

Posted by Linden @ 06/09/2003 01:14 PM PST

Who thanked John Waters
besides Tom Meehan?
Anyone?

Posted by Kurt @ 06/09/2003 01:21 PM PST

Margo Lion did.

Posted by Jay @ 06/09/2003 01:25 PM PST

Yes! I, too, thought at least an acknowledgement of this enormous personality in a wheel chair ought to have been made.

I was thinking that maybe Cumming had accepted more than just a couple of awards...since the laugh came on the heels of his comment about what a great time they had in the earlier show.

If anyone has access to Feuer's speech, would you link us to it...or reprint it here?

TCB -- yes, I did see "Wicked"! Thank you SO MUCH for asking. To see my thoughts, please visit:

http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/board/posts.asp?threadID=14117&forumID=7

I have read that a few performances of "Wicked" were missed last week -- first, Kristin Chenoweth hurt her neck (not seriously thank goodness). Rather than go immediately with the understudy, they decided to make some changes to the show first. I've gleaned this from several places, so it's apt to be chronologically skewed: Chenoweth hurt; performances cancelled; changes made to play; performances reestablished with understudy; Chenoweth returns.

Critics' performance is skedded Wednesday night (I think). They added a performance Sunday night so they're doing right by ticketholders.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/09/2003 01:35 PM PST

DR Kurt and I watched the Tony Awards at my house.

I agree with most of what has been written.

The HAIRSPRAY number was great. I enjoyed the MOVIN' OUT number because it was great to see trained dancers perform - not street or club dancers who have no concept of technique.

You can forgive Twyla Tharp. She is an Indiana girl and always walks like she is plowing the back forty acres behind a mule. It's a geographical thing.

BP...no...wrong...no no no...wrong wrong wrong. All I can say is: The firm, firm hand on the wrong, wrong note. (Moss Hart, I think said that).

I wanted to like her, but I didn't - and she still remains, to me, one of the most repulsive performers ever to appear onstage, screen, or radio. So there, I am sure she is crushed, but that's what she does to me. And seeing her do a role that I love, well, it was PAINFUL.

NO NO NO NO.

DEF POETRY JAM....they were all reading their "poetry" the way grade school students read poetry, with their voices dropping off at the end of phrases and "hitting" the rhymes for emPHASis. Second segment....why?

Oh well...not a complete waste, but not worth 3 hours either.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/09/2003 01:46 PM PST

Jrand52: Couldn't agree more with you about Miss B. Peters. She ain't aging well, and as for the talent department, well -- it was never there to begin with.

The DEF POETRY JAM: I cringed when they came out, but rather liked much of what they "wrote." Agree with you on their deliveries; except for the "lead" white guy... it seemed as if he at least had some training (or awareness)of technique, which is probably why he had the most lines.

I wish I had a still photo of Mantello giving his speech. I'd add a little thought balloon above Reeve's head: "What the hell am I, a doorstop?!!"

Posted by Drumm @ 06/09/2003 02:07 PM PST

LOL, Drumm!

Posted by Lulu @ 06/09/2003 02:25 PM PST

I thought it one of the sloppier Tony broadcasts lately. People making abrupt entrances and exits into each other, cameras all over the place, nominees in the audience not being shown when names announced. Seemed as if there were more errors than usual.

Hugh Jackman is a cutie, and his having a huge movie hit in theaters now undoubtedly made him a prime candidate to give the awards show a little "hip" spin, but I didn't find him nearly as effective as the three broadcasts helmed by Angela Lansbury (1988-90), to my mind the three best Tony shows since the Alex Cohen years.

After hearing Antonio Banderas' "Guido's Song," I was glad Harvey won the award. Yep, he can sing and he has stage authority, but the lyrics were unintelligible, and had I not been familiar with the words, I wouldn't have known what he was singing. FOr a stage performer, this is a GREAT liability.

Ditto Bernadette Peters. Hearing "Rose's Turn" in her scratchy voice alternately powerful and hoarse, I can't imagine what her voice sounds like at the END of a three hour show in the theater. The cutting of the number harmed it, and her unbridled intensity unfocused much of what she was trying to convey.

I was pleased with the winners, and enjoyed most of the excerpts excepting LA BOEHEME (which was undermined will ALL the principals singing in tandem; opera singers don't have the same timbres and it sounded garbled) and DEF POETRY JAM, the first one going on too long and the second one totally unnecessary.

Posted by Matt H. @ 06/09/2003 02:40 PM PST

Okay, I've held my tongue long enough. About a month and a half, I think.
I'm getting a little tired of people taking a dump on Bernadette Peters. She's wonderful, and we're all lucky that she exists.
I loved her in "Annie Get Your Gun", so what do I know?
It looked like they were about to have a number from "Amour", but dumped it at the last moment.
Anyone besides me notice that during the "La Boheme" number, the logo on display was that of "Amour"?

Posted by mark rothman @ 06/09/2003 02:46 PM PST

Mark,

With all due respect, Bernadette deserves to be dumped on, if for no other reason than her inability to pronounce the word "children."

Posted by Drumm @ 06/09/2003 02:59 PM PST

"How do you like them eggrolls, Mr. Goldstone?"

Yeah, the boobs thing was done by Betty Buckley at Papermill Playhouse. In fact, I think her "Rose's Turn" was all-out stunning.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 06/09/2003 03:08 PM PST

Hello, all!

I got back very late from NYC last night and didn't have time to load the new radio show (with Linden Waddell), but I will get it up on the site tonight!

Whilst in the Big Apple, I saw Nine, Frog & Toad, Enchanted April and Hairspray (for the 2nd time, but, this time, thanks to Craig Brockman, my friend David and I got to meet Marissa and Kerry and Linda -- what fun!).

I didn't see the Tonys. I taped the broadcast but haven't watched it yet. I was thrilled for Ms Pawk, but, for me, that was the only big surprise of the evening.

Posted by Donald Feltham @ 06/09/2003 03:14 PM PST

Bernadette was fine. Hugh Jackman was fine (needs a haircut, though). But out of all I saw last night, the show I want to see when I go to NY is "The Play What I Wrote."

Posted by Laura @ 06/09/2003 03:16 PM PST

Bernadette Peters is lucky to have such defenders as she continues her part time job in GYPSY.

Just finished KRITZERLAND - another joyful excursion into the life of our favorite 12/13 year old California boy.

Bravo, BK.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/09/2003 03:24 PM PST

Laura!

Hugh jackman was wearing hair extention for a movie he is currently shooting in LA called Van Helsing (believe) he plays a vampire.

I had an opportunity since I posted last to read a transcript of Joe Mantello's acceptance speech. He did thank his boyfriend "Robbie Baitz". I only heard the name Robbie. But where was he? Why the chick from that comedy series 3rd Rock From the Sun?

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 06/09/2003 03:34 PM PST

One more thing:

I won't be able to do the chat tonight. (I hear the collective ahhhhhhhhhhhs right now) So Craig can you at least post what you are going to talk about for all those who cannot attend.

Also please email with an address that I can snail mail you those photos from the recording session. I tried a few times but my provider is unable to send them.

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 06/09/2003 03:36 PM PST

Welcome Linden Waddell. Linden was totally wonderful in my musical, Stages, and she stopped the show nightly with her song The Women That Men Go Mad For (or whatever it was called - who remembers).

Dave - I, too, must respectfully disagree about Stokes, who I like very much. I thought it was well-sung but somewhat characterless. I saw Mr. Richard Kiley do MOLM three times and I can only tell you it was one of the most thrilling performances it's ever been my pleasure to witness.

Posted by bk @ 06/09/2003 03:41 PM PST

Oh, yes, and thank you Jrand for the nice Kritzerland comments. Seemingly, people have not read their copies yet, so whaddaya all waiting for? Also, for those who've read it and enjoyed it, please do post reviews to amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and epinions (you can just cut and paste the same review for all three sites).

Posted by bk @ 06/09/2003 03:43 PM PST

Actually Dave, I believe the piano player (Michael Cavanaugh) in "Movin Out" was nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. It was John Selya (Muscle Guy) who was nominated for Best Actor, but I get your point. With so many "dance shows" on Broadway, perhaps they need a category for "Best Performer in a Musical." Is it fair to have a dancer who may or may not have any dialogue, compete against an actor who might have very powerful non-musical moments on stage?

I must agree that the dumping on Miss Peters has gotten a little out of hand. Certainly, we all have the right to like or dislike a performer, but some of the comments today go beyond just dissing. I have enjoyed her in some shows ("Into the Woods") and disliked her in others ("Annie Get Your Gun") but to say she has no talent is going a bit far.

In fact, BK, maybe sometime the topic of the day could be "The Current State of the Theatrical and Movie Review." Where once it was appropriate to say that an actor was miscast in a certain role, has now evolved into something akin to the taxi driver who brought that man to the theater last night should be brought up on criminal charges. Clever perhaps, even funny, but does it have any place in a serious review?

Sorry, off the subject.

Posted by TCB @ 06/09/2003 03:45 PM PST

First of all - I'd like to officially welcome Linden Waddell to Haines His Way AND also welcome her to Cabaret West. Click on my name to go to our calendar BIOS and read more about her show at The Gardenia this month (she's listed under "Naked Women...Baring Their Souls Through Song").

THE TONYS...
Overall, I thought the awards were pretty good. The deep bond of the casts of each of the shows was exciting and, from an audience standpoint, much more fun to watch than the Oscars. You could see the producers wheels turning as the show unfolded. CBS needs the high ratings, the theaters need audiences now and in the future, and the advertisers need to make some money. Here are my random thoughts...
OPENING - While watching the opening number from Movin' Out, one word kept coming to mind, "injuries." The lifts and fast pace of the number scared the h---- out of me. I heaved a sigh of relief when it ended. I was impressed, however, by the excellent technique of the dancers and their energy. Incidentally, wasn't Twyla Tharp's acceptance speech bubbling over with joy!?!?
HUGH - Please get a haircut!
INTROS - Matthew & Sarah: Is that what we, who love theater, are? IMO that bit was offensive and unfunny; not fitting as a prelude to the first award. Barbara Walters: Funny. Christopher Reeve: Glad he was on and loved his comment about La Hepburn.
DEF JAM...is NOT poetry. Any way you slice it, it's rap! Even though the producer in his segment said how genuinely moved he was by these words, when someone is yapping in my face and pointing at me threateningly, all I want to do is run away from them as fast as I can. And how dare the show's creators inflict this noise upon us a SECOND time instead of gracing us with a scene from "Amour!"
BERNADETTE - "Rose's Turn" seemed choppy, not of a whole piece. I think Bernadette was focusing on keeping her vocal sound level. You could see the effort. BUT, I'll bet from the theater audience's perspective, it played just fine. I still love her (she's a real pro who's earned her place) and when she comes to L.A., I'll definitely go see the show.
STOKES-MITCHELL - His rendition of "Impossible Dream" was too pointed. It was like he was trying to "educate" and make every word important instead of inhabiting the song's EMOTION. The net result was flat. Richard Kiley got it right the first time. And... even though what we saw of her was minute, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio just comes across as too modern. IMO, she shouldn't play period. It throws the whole piece off. Just watch the film, "Robin Hood."
BANDERAS - You could see in his performance (and in TV interviews) that Antonio is very serious about doing a good job in the role. I believe once he relaxes a bit and embodies the character more, he'll shine. Didn't Sergio Franchi play the role at one time?
THE REDGRAVES - I think it was very touching how the Redgrave family all gathered in a group hug before Vanessa got up to receive her award.
TRIBUTES - Nice tribute to Hirshfeld but where was the same for Adolph Green and Peter Stone since they were mentioned too. Sloppy.
HAIRSPRAY - Congratulations to all. The number from the show was brimming over with joy.

Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 06/09/2003 03:48 PM PST

I don't believe it's productive to gleefully diss anyone (unless it's Monti Rock III or someone like that, who expects and demands dissing). Bernadette has done wonderful work, and there's no question she is a talented performer who has lasted many years where others have fallen by the wayside. I have truly loved her in certain things and truly not loved her in others (her Annie was embarrassing). I'm sure her Rose has moments, but she is obviously not able to sustain her performances and that seems to be a prerequisite for this particular role. I thought the choice of presenting a cut-down Rose's Turn was inane and grandstanding at its worst. A much better number would have been either Some People, Mr. Goldstone or Everything's Coming Up Roses.

Posted by bk @ 06/09/2003 03:55 PM PST

By the way (BTW, in Internet lingo) chat is in one hour - be there or be round because I am quite certain it will be both wild and wooly and wooly and wild and perhaps we'll dance the Wooly Booly as it is going on.

Posted by bk @ 06/09/2003 03:56 PM PST

Mark Rothman: The "L'Amour" logo you saw in last night's production number from "La Boheme" is part of Catherine Martin's Tony-winning set design for the show.

Actually, the sign was used more than a decade ago in the Sydney Opera production of the show. "O Soave Fanciulla" is sung against this gorgeous set piece in the show. Later, it is visible from the Bohemian district set (Rodolfo's and Marcello's garret hovel is behind the sign). At the start of the final act, both Rodolfo and Marcello sing about Mimi and Musetta, respectively, while enjoying a sunny Parisian day sitting on the eaves of the building, above which looms the "L'Amour" sign.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/09/2003 03:59 PM PST

Just submitted a KRITZERLAND review to Amazon.com - it will show up in few days. Still can't find it at Epinions, even though submitted it some time ago.

Just checked all the posts and can't find one that said Bernadette was without talent. I am sure she would make a great waitress.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/09/2003 04:11 PM PST

To clarify my previous post...

The filming of group dance numbers is very tricky and needs real pros and lots of planning to make it come off well.

Item in INTROS: I was referring to "Geeks," the word Matthew and Sarah used to describe "us."

I guess you could accurately describe the show as a "hybrid" (partially live and partially filmed).

Posted by Donna @ 06/09/2003 04:14 PM PST

Joe Mantello is still with Jon Robin Baitz. He referred to him in his speech as Robbie Baitz.

Posted by Dennis Clancy @ 06/09/2003 04:20 PM PST

Well, I enjoyed the Tony's. I love to watch them just for the musical numbers, but you can add me to the growing list of people who didn't care for the Def Jam stuff (although a couple of the guys were nice to look at). I don't care if Hugh's hair is too long (last night was the best that I've seen it look) and I love, love, love Bernadette Peters (that's three loves). I haven't seen any of the shows so I had no expectations for winners and non-winners. Harvey may not truly be the lead actor in Hairspray (his name is above the title, so he had to be nominated for lead actor) but he can actually sing in tune. I love the way he interprets the songs on the recording…he acts with his voice, although just listening to him makes me want to clear my throat every five seconds. And as far as Antonio mangling English, at least last night's pronunciations were better (more like less inappropriate) than when he sang "The Pham-tongue of the Oprah" on ALW's 50th birthday bash video.

I'll be at the chat. I left work early with a very upset tummy that's not so upset now.

Posted by George @ 06/09/2003 04:21 PM PST

Jrand - I believe it was the post from Drumm that said, "as for the talent department, well -- it was never there to begin with."

Posted by TCB @ 06/09/2003 04:40 PM PST

Right you are, TCB. Missed it.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/09/2003 04:42 PM PST

Jrand: 'twas me what said B. Peters is talent-free, and I stand by it. I've seen her in several things, and I find her near-abhorrent. (The only time I "enjoyed" her was when Andrea Martin "did" her on SCTV, "singing" "Broadway Baby." She blowed up real good.)

Posted by Drumm @ 06/09/2003 04:45 PM PST

I find Bernadette Peters, in general, to be charming and delightful and funny and sexy.

In particular, she is extremely gifted, and I love her voice.

Her Mabel on the OCR of "Mack and Mabel" seems to be perfection, itself, with enchantment and heartbreak everpresent in her vocals.

Her witch in "Into the Woods" is a delight.

Her appearances on various shows as a Broadway chanteuse always captivate me.

That said, I bought her first solo album and did not find it particularly interesting.

I did not fully appreciate her version of "Rose's Turn" last night, although I found it far more successful and worthy than Mr. Stokes-Mitchell's butchery of "The Impossible Dream."

But this is just me and mine, hoping to balance out some of thee and thine!

: )

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/09/2003 04:46 PM PST

I think they just put up that "L'Amour" sign just to deliberately confuse me.

Posted by mark rothman @ 06/09/2003 04:55 PM PST

Chat is open and the fur is flying. Be there or be round.

Posted by bk @ 06/09/2003 05:01 PM PST

It confused me, too, mr. Maybe someone got a cue wrong.

TECH!!!! grrrrrrrrrr

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/09/2003 05:02 PM PST

A quick post before I lose this page again! I could not get past half of the first post earlier. The Tony Awards actually got a mention in OZland yesterday. Two OZ winners plus Jackman so they are worthy news.
Now to read the posts before they all go into cyberspace.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/09/2003 05:28 PM PST

I'm Still Here! Can I give my Tony reviews next week?
BP: Looking forward to seeing her perform. Love her in Sunday and Woods but have seen her in TV performances where she was bad bad bad. Can't imagine her as Rose or Annie. I'd still rather think of her as Mabel N.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 06/09/2003 05:52 PM PST

DR Laura: You won't be seeing The Play What I Wrote, it's closing this Sunday according to the news.

Posted by Ben @ 06/09/2003 05:57 PM PST

Darn. I'd think ticket sales would be going up now.

Posted by Laura @ 06/09/2003 06:30 PM PST

Waht a lively, sparkling chat we dear readers did share! Maya, it was great getting to know you!

Posted by td @ 06/09/2003 07:30 PM PST

In the cases of Ms. Peters, Mr. Banderas and Mr. Mitchell, I think it is fair to add that they all three were hampered by the stage they were performing upon. RCMH is not designed for individual performances. It is designed for Rockettes kicking so high that Sharon Stone gained inspiration for one of her film roles.

Also, I don't think Ms. Peters is helped by the score to Gypsy. There are parts of that score that do not match the strong parts of her range, particularly the lower notes in the score which, when sung by Ms. Peters, can sound particularly uncomfortable. Mr. Sondheim has commented upon her range and the problems writing for her, in "Sondheim on Music." Mr. Sondheim was able to create two amazing roles for her, playing to her strengths and using her weaker points as accents. Mr. Styne, writing Gypsy, was not writing for Ms. Peters. Enough said.

Posted by S. Woody White @ 06/09/2003 07:43 PM PST

BK:

You were so close: The song that Linden sang was "The Girl That Men Go Mad For" Actually there is a stages page.

http://www.brucekimmel.com/stages.htm

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 06/09/2003 07:47 PM PST

Thank you, TD...I had a lovely time on the chat too, and it was very nice talking to you.

A warm welcome to new DR Linden--I am new here myself, but now I am getting to be a part of the scenery, I suppose :)

About Bernadette--I don't think this woman deserves to be bashed or called talentless. She has been a star this long for a reason...she is cute and charming and funny and lovely and her head voice makes me have an out of body experience. She is a good belter, in moderation...but in my opinion, not up to playing Mama Rose 8 days a week for much longer! She is going to ruin that glorious voice!

And I don't agree with the comments that Stokes slaughtered The Impossible Dream...I thought he was equal to Kiley in fact, but then again I'm very partial.

Posted by Maya @ 06/09/2003 07:55 PM PST

BK, a suggestion regarding those American Idol birds outside your window:

Next time, why not march outside and remind them of Ruben Studdard's winning song, "Flying Without Wings"? Ask them what they think of the concept, and whether they'd like to try it. Be sure to sound threatening.

Posted by Sigerson Holmes @ 06/09/2003 10:05 PM PST

If Stokes-Mitchell is the equal of Kiley, then Peters is absolutely the equal of Merman and Lansbury.

It's only fair, after all, to both camps!

Posted by The Equalizer @ 06/09/2003 10:15 PM PST

And that is what makes the world go around - differing opinions - everyone's allowed them and I like reading all your differing viewpoints whether I agree with them or not.

We had an especially sparkling chat this evening with a nice full room of people.

Posted by bk @ 06/09/2003 10:16 PM PST

Yes, I've been errant and truant. Haven't even watched all of the tape of the Tony Awards yet. We've had some real life stuff going on, and I haven't even had a chance to read all the posts for the last couple of days. Any and all good vibes and kind thoughts you can direct this way would be most appreciated.

Posted by Kerry @ 06/10/2003 05:39 AM PST

~~~~~~~~~ Good vibes heading toward Kerry and MusicGuy!

Posted by Laura @ 06/10/2003 05:47 AM PST

I think the big problem is that in general, people are most comfortable with the person they heard originally perform a role. Those who have grown accustomed to hearing Richard Kiley perform the role of Don Quixote will be disappointed in hearing anyone else assay the role. It is not a question of whether the performance is good, bad, better or worse; only that it is different.

Likewise, Merman is considered "definitive" in the role of Mama Rose because the score was written for her. But the character is based on a real person, and a real actress will go beyond an impersonation of Merman and try to find out who the woman was.

It takes an open-minded audience member to evaluate a different performer in a role, and judge it not by comparison, but by the experience that performer creates onstage.

Bernadette Peters is not Merman, nor is she Lansbury, but she is not trying to be. She is trying to present her take on the character that Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim wrote. If you don't like that interpretation, that is fine. But suggesting that Ms. Peters is without talent is the sort of thing that trolls on other message boards do. We are better than that here.

Posted by Dave @ 06/10/2003 06:39 AM PST

But Dave you must admit that it is possible that someone even with the talent that Peters is reputed by some to have - can be wrong in her interpretation. Not that she IS (you don't have to agree there) but it is possible.

I agree that the person you hear doing a role first is likely to be definitive for you - but then it's also possible that that person is RIGHT for the role. Barbara Cook as Cunegonde in CANDIDE (on the recording) is definitive for me. Barbara Cook attempting Rose? No...I don't think I would like to hear that.

Peters in INTO THE WOODS - still not the darling those who fawn on her would have me believe - but no one has recorded the role with a better interpretation.

I don't care how many recordings a performer has made, how many years she has been boring people on Broadway, or how sweet she is. I happen to think Peters' voice is irritating, her acting juvenile, and her stage personality annoying. But it's all subjective, I know that. I also don't need anyone else to agree with me to validate my thinking.

Think what you will and say what you will - and I will do the same. Just don't try to defend that woman to me. I will not change my mind.

Posted by Jrand52 @ 06/10/2003 07:09 AM PST

No one wishes to change your mind, Jrand52. But those of us who "fawn" and dote and find her Very talented, stimulating and charming, etc., are definitely feeling put down by your words, as though we were boorish hicks with no taste.

Dave: I like Lansbury's "Rose", too. And I don't find Midler's distasteful.

It's a matter of whether one sings a role well that does it for me.

I think we are all mostly reacting to the Tony presentations -- some of us were thrilled by what appalled others; and others of us were appalled by what thrilled others.

But I think we are failing to consider what our words are doing to those who disagree with us.

We can, each of us, like or dislike a performer. But not any of us is the definitive word -- or last word -- on a performer's merit or worth.

I often wish I could appreciate some of the singers that are raved about in this forum. Some I do, and some I don't. But that's my personal taste and so many others feel differently.

I'm sorry I upset anyone over my displeasure with an interpretation of "The Impossible Dream."

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 06/10/2003 08:59 AM PST

Jrand, it is possible for talented people to present an interpretation of a role that you disagree with. That doesn't necessarily make it wrong.

Bear in mind that the interpretation being presented was blessed by the author of the book, Arthur Laurents, who has gone on record as being very pleased with Ms. Peters' performance. And that interpretation was nurtured by a very talented director, Sam Mendes, who also must have agreed with that interpretation. And several critics voiced their approval of this different approach. And audiences who leap to their feet and voice their approval also seem to be enjoying the different take on the role.

None of this makes them right, and you wrong, or vice versa.

As Ron rightly points out, no one is trying to change your mind. We are all entitled to our personal taste. I, for one, do not care much for Barbara Cook. I know that puts me in the minority around here, but I'm fine with that.

Ron, I can only speak for myself, but I was not upset by any of your comments about Brian Stokes Mitchell's delivery of "The Impossible Dream (aka The Quest". To each his own.

Posted by Dave @ 06/10/2003 09:18 AM PST

Jrand, it is possible for talented people to present an interpretation of a role that you disagree with. That doesn't necessarily make it wrong.

Bear in mind that the interpretation being presented was blessed by the author of the book, Arthur Laurents, who has gone on record as being very pleased with Ms. Peters' performance. And that interpretation was nurtured by a very talented director, Sam Mendes, who also must have agreed with that interpretation. And several critics voiced their approval of this different approach. And audiences who leap to their feet and voice their approval also seem to be enjoying the different take on the role.

None of this makes them right, and you wrong, or vice versa.

As Ron rightly points out, no one is trying to change your mind. We are all entitled to our personal taste. I, for one, do not care much for Barbara Cook. I know that puts me in the minority around here, but I'm fine with that.

Ron, I can only speak for myself, but I was not upset by any of your comments about Brian Stokes Mitchell's delivery of "The Impossible Dream (aka The Quest". To each his own.

Posted by Dave @ 06/10/2003 09:21 AM PST

Great page! I was beginning to think I was the only person in North America who noticed Christopher Reeve getting snubbed by Joe Mantello. It's Friday and I'm still angry about it - but rather than curse the darkness, I want to share w/ all your readers (maybe that includes Mr. M.) the clear and helpful
"disability etiquette" tips at
http://www.mcil.org/mcil/mcil/etiqu01.htm - so we can all know what to do when we can't shake hands. SEE DIFFERENCE! thx and peace to us all.

Posted by eo @ 06/13/2003 01:58 PM PST