Theater in the Rearview Mirror

[mrdreamjeans]

Since it's the end of the year, I've been making a few lists, but not checking them twice. I've been listening to my Sirius radio Broadway channel non-stop as I've spent quite a few hours in the car traveling for the holidays. I started thinking about how fortunate I've been in my theater career, as I'll be cruising along and suddenly listening to Larry Kert, Robert Goulet, Patti Couenhour, Leroy Reams and others; they're folks I've worked with or met, singing songs from shows where they created the roles. It takes me back and it makes me reflect on the richness of my experience, though I've always been a side player.

I've been surprised by some vocals I'd not heard before. Who knew that Pat Suzuki, star of the original "Flower Drum Song", had such a stunning voice as she exhibits in "I Enjoy Being a Girl"? The same could be said for Yvonne DeCarlo singing "I'm Still Here" in "Follies". In recent weeks, I've come to appreciate the truly wonderful voices of John Raitt and Alfred Drake. Some folks like Barbara Cook were vocal stunners in their youth and continue so today; others like Mary Martin, Gertrude Lawrence and Patricia Morrison, part of the original "Kiss Me Kate", are pitchy and grating, hard to listen to decades after they recorded their performances.

So, here are a few random lists I've made ... favorite scores (different from favorite musicals) ... favorite musicals or plays to watch as an audience member ... worst productions viewed as an audience member ... favorite musicals or plays in which I've appeared ... I'll save the worst experiences for my memoirs:) I think some folks who know me pretty well will be surprised by some of my omissions. My lists are composed from choices that immediately struck me. If you take time to read the lists, I'd love to hear from any theatre-loving folk. Send me your choices ... your agreements or disagreements ... Hell, write a list! I'll enjoy reading it!

Favorite Musical Scores (Not Necessarily Favorite Shows):

Ragtime
A Man of No Importance
Gypsy
Follies
Baby
Titanic
Showboat
Fiddler on the Roof
Company
A Little Night Music
The Drowsy Chaperone

Favorite Shows as Audience Member:

Ragtime - New York original cast - 1998
Dreamgirls - 6 times in NYC - Original Cast and replacements - 1982
Wicked - with Idina Menzel and George Hearn - 2004
Les Miserables - Broadway - 1998
Barnum - Jim Dale and Glenn Close - 1981
Rent - Broadway and on tour - 2000
The Full Monty - original cast on Broadway - 2001
The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail - Alley Theatre in 1972
Jekyll & Hyde - Houston; Linda Eder’s Debut before they ruined the show with changes - 1989
La Cage au Folles - Original Broadway Company - 1981
Torch Song Trilogy - Harvey Fierstein, Estelle Getty and original Broadway Cast - 1981
A Lady and Her Horne - Lena Horne’s One-Woman Broadway show - 1981 or 2
Hey Ma! - Kaye Ballard's One-Woman Show - Off-Broadway - 1984
The Lion King - Original Broadway Cast - 1998
Chicago - On Tour in Chicago with Joel Grey - 1999
Beach Blanket Babylon - 1980 in SF, hanging out with Steve Silver
The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Seattle - 1999
A Chorus Line - Original Broadway Cast - 1982
Cloud Nine - Off-Broadway - directed by Tommy Tune - 1982
Falsettos - All three pieces with their original casts - early 1980s

Worst Plays or Musicals to View as Audience Member:

The Black Ryder - SFs Act Theater ... hands down the worst! - 2004
Copa Cabana - National Tour - Seattle - God-awful! - 2003
Mama Mia - National Tour - Seattle - Bad Sound, Taped Orchestra and Vocals; $75 ticket price - 2004
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane ? - The Musical - Houston - 2004
On the Town - Broadway Revival - Truly Awful! - 1998 (though Lea DeLaria was a hoot!)
Martin Guerre - Pre-Broadway Tryout - 2000 or 2001
Cats on Tour - anytime!

Favorite Musicals in Which I’ve Appeared:

Man of La Mancha as Padre Perez - Seattle
Damn Yankees as Joe Boyd - Seattle
Paint Your Wagon as Steve Bullneck - Houston
Annie - as FDR - Houston and Cape Cod
Evita -3 National Tours and a European Tour - 9 times in all
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas - Featured Singer - National Tour
Mame as Uncle Jeff with Juliet Prowse - National Tour
1776 as Robert Livingston - Seattle
Anything Goes as The Captain with Dee Hoty - Seattle
Fiddler on the Roof with Herschel Bernardi - National Tour
Wonderful Town as Officer Lonigan - Seattle
Sugar with Larry Kert and Robert Morse - Houston

Though I enjoyed performing in it ... though I had a substantial role ... though it works as spectacle ... though it made me the most money I've ever made ... and though I appeared in it for four years, you will not find "Phantom of the Opera" on my favorites list. Though I had close friendships with a few people on the tour, many of the people connected with it were miserably unhappy, bitchy gossipy and would do everything they could to try to drag you down to their level. I refused to be taken down.

It will be interesting to see if I add to any of these lists in 2007.

Comments

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Wow ! That's quite a list you've got there Mister. What a career !

Hope '07 brings you joy, love and prosperity in abundance.
Hugs

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! It's a time for reflection .. and who's kidding who ... It makes me appreciate my life more when I remind myself how fortunate I've been:)

HUGS!

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

Your lists make me smile. Besides being entertaining, they open a window to how you think and feel. I admire that.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I looked at the lists again after I read your comment. They do offer insight into what I appreciate about life and what kind of music and theater speaks to me. I've seen many other productions, so my lists aren't complete; the productions I've listed are simply the ones that came to mind first. For instance, I really enjoyed "Hairspray" all three times I saw it; I didn't like "The Producers"; I had friends in "The Goodbye Girl" and "Sunday in the Park", but they didn't come close to making the cut.

What would be on your lists? :)

[greggjim.livejournal.com]

I would be interested as well in reading Chip's lists.

[chrisglass.livejournal.com]

I've been reading a Christmas present: "Wicked: The Grimmerie" and it's re-ignited my desire to see and understand more of what goes on (and off) stage.

Thank you for this list, it will help me figure out what to seek out. Your perspective is always appreciated.

Here's to hoping you do indeed add to the list in '07

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Chris!! There is much more theater to see than "Evita":) I hope I add to the list next year ... I don't like the idea that I'm done performing.

Have a wonderful 2007! HUGS!

[faghatesgods.livejournal.com]

Here's to a year of great gigs coming up for you!

And wow, we have such different taste :)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much!

If you have a free minute, I'd enjoy seeing what kinds of shows or scores would make your list. My lists obviously were random. Whatever material I selected for the lists is simply what came to mind first, to me an indication of how much I liked it and its impact after the fact.

HUGS!

[faghatesgods.livejournal.com]

WellIma sondheim fan,soIwould put a bunch of his scores on the topofmy list, but to vary it I will just list my favorites from different composers

Sweeny Todd
West Side Story
The Most Happy Fella
Porgy & Bess
The King and I
She Loves Me
Little Shop of Horrors <--this I think of as the perfect model for a modern musical

And recently, Grey Gardens blew me away, I have to buy the score andlisten a lot and see if it holds up

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

We're not so different:) I adore the score to "Sweeny Todd", but I think it didn't make my list as a residual affect of being offered The Beadle last year and then the contract not working out. *grin*

"West Side Story" has a glorious score, but was one of my least favorite shows to perform in; I don't know all of "Most Happy Fella", but I'm sure that it is deserving as are "Porgy and Bess" and "She Loves Me". "The King and I" would not make my list, but I think it is also a bad aftertaste left from being in a major production of it years ago which sucked. (Sort of how I feel about Phantom ... I hear the music and break out in hives)

I love "Little Shop" and its cleverness. I saw it downtown in its initial run with Faith Prince. Great fun. I haven't hear all of "Grey Gardens" yet, but Jesus H. Christ is Christine Ebersole powerful in the numbers I've heard her do!

Thanks for sharing!

[guiser1.livejournal.com]

BABY!?!?

[faghatesgods.livejournal.com]

David Shire is a BRILLIANT composer

too bad he hookoed up with Maltby though.

They have written some great stuff but overall his lyrics are like a skin rash to me

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

"Baby" was an intimate musical written by Richard Maltby and David Shire in the early 1980s. With simple staging and a cast of 14, it came at a time when the blockbusters were taking over and it got lost in the explosion of over-production. I saw the show four times in NYC, even meeting Liz Callaway, Martin Vidnivic and several other cast members. (I was dating an actor at the time who knew them.)

It took place on a college campus; three women at different stages of their lives become pregnant. The piece revolves around the three expectant couples. I adore the amazing melodies, the literacy and humor of the lyrics. All of the cast had kick-ass voices! Two decades after it's short run, it remains near the top of my list. I still want to play Alan, the college dean!!

Big Hugs! I admire your courage in moving to NYC and hope it brings you much happiness in 2007.

[guiser1.livejournal.com]

Thanks, love.

But Baby would never make my list. Had I been here when it premiered, I'm sure my feelings would be different. I hope your new year is splendid. truly.

*Sigh*

[kent4str.livejournal.com]

This very nearly makes me regret my choice of twenty years ago not to persue a career in theater (after getting my Bachelor's in it and working as a stage management intern in Baltimore for a season). But not quite. I envy you, still, though. And I agree with most of your choices - but I'd have to list "Chess" as my favorite musical score - the orignal British, not the American version. Who knew the two guys from Abba could write like that?

Re: *Sigh*

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm only now coming up to snuff on "Chess". I especially like the duet, "I Know Him So Well". Judy Kuhn is amazing on one of the recordings I've heard.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Funny you should mention the Sirius Broadway channel. Over the Christmas holiday, I finished reading Seth Rudetsky's (yes, the Broadway channel afternoon DJ/Diva) new book, The Q Guide to Broadway. It's a very personal, very subjective look at the Broadway scene. I suspect you'd get quite a kick out of it. His lists of shows compare quite favorably to yours. I'm working from memory but I think his top 10 shows also included Dreamgirls, Chorus Line, Company, Rent, Edwin Drood, and 1776.

As for me, West Side Story (saw it in original run on Broadway as a kid) and Les Miz will always hold top honors. Wicked, Chorus Line, and Hairspray run a close second to my top two.

Cheers!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I listen to him all the time ... the the affected AMAZING starts to grate:) I appreciate your recommendation. I've been thinking about getting the book.

As to your choices ... all excellent!

Btw, I tried to send you a Christmas card. I don't have your San Diego address. I'd like to stay in touch.

Big HUGS!

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Totally agreed on the 'amaaaazing' affectation. I groan as well each time Seth comments on how he's obSESSED with this artist/show/whatever. On balance though, he's speaking in many cases from first hand experience. That's refreshing as heck in comparison to all the 'read the script' types out there.

Got an Email address I can send my new contact info to you? I'm reluctant (for obvious reasons) to post that information here.

Oh, btw, two more shows that I put near the top of my list - My Fair Lady (emotional favorite as I saw Julie and Rex on Broadway first run, again as a kid) as there's not a bad song in the batch, and Guys and Dolls which is just plain fun from start to finish.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Both of these are shows I've performed in multiple times and they are very strong pieces.

As to an email address ... the easiest one is nbadders at aol.com.

Thanks!

[gotmoof.livejournal.com]

I'm pleased that Ragtime, Wicked, Les Miserables and Rent all appear on your list. I noticed you left off Hairspray, the other musical we saw that same weekend in October 2004, which I recall you enjoyed as well. *poke*

Sadly, I disagree with you on Mamma Mia. It could be just your mindset- or the fact that they taped the vocals and the orchestra. That could make a big difference in how the show comes across- since I saw it both times with live performers.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood was definitely a great show, well worth the travel time to see it.

As much as I loved your performance in Man of La Mancha, I really never cared for that show. And Evita. Ok, I loathe Evita. There, I admit it.

But on the other hand, I loved seeing Damn Yankees and Wonderful Town and Anything Goes.

*wanders off humming "Anything Goes"*

I look forward to your thoughts on Dreamgirls, the movie.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I appreciate all of your choices! I agree with most of what you say, even about "Evita". You know that I've always maintained that Evita is more fun to perform in than to sit through, same with "Phantom". I loved "Hairspray" and seeing it on Broadway with you. It just didn't come to mind when I was making my lists. They were random, off the top of my head choices:)

The only show I disagree with you on is "Man of La Mancha". I love the piece and I thought our production exceled in every way. Having said that, you were the audience member, not me, so of course your feelings about it are totally valid.

As my most frequent theater-going companion, thanks for chiming in! HUGS!

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

Well, I can't make a list quite like yours Neil, as I have not seen as many shows live as I'd like to have. But just so I can participate I'll list my "Favorite Musicals". I'm not sure how you are differentiating "musicals" and "musical scores" exactly, but for me, these are the shows that when are (in my opinion) done right are my favorite shows:

Jekyll & Hyde
Chess
Les Miserables
Aspects of Love
Miss Saigon
The Beauty and the Beast
Five Guys Named Moe
Guys and Dolls
Jesus Christ Superstar
Little Shop of Horrors
The Producers
The Secret Garden
Sunset Boulevard
Wicked
Moulin Rouge! (even though it's "only" a movie... though if we can find a way 5th Season WILL be doing a stage version)

All those shows I can name a specific character (and sometimes two) that I (sometimes desperately) want to play. But over all I think the shows I listed have it all for my tasets in musicals; great music, great story, etc. when (again, in my opinion) are done right.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I made a specific choice to pick my favorite scores (music and lyrics) instead of favorite musicals (which includes story and staging). For instance, "Titanic", "Follies" and "A Man of No Importance" didn't entirely work as productions, but you not find better music and lyrics. My overall favorite musical is "Ragtime".

It's a nice list you've made and there is nothng wrong with liking the shows for which you have a passion to play a certain part, though I doubt you will be in "Five Guys Named Moe" very soon:)

I am in the minority on "The Producers". I was very happy I saw it half-price. *grin* I get its no-prisoners taken style of humor, but found it offensive and musically undistinguished. The staging was brilliant, but didn't care for it much.

I hope you get to play any role you set your sights (and heart) on. Big hugs and Happy New Year!

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

No Max
Big Moe
Little Moe
No Moe
Eat Moe
Four Eyed Moe
White Moe? ;o)

I wouldn't say there was a minority of people who didn't like "The Producers", my family took me to see it for my birthday a couple years back and Mom was so offended by it we didn't stay for the second act. Personally, it works for me a multitude of levels, from having loved the original movie it's based on, to John and I now being "producers" makes the idea of us playing Leo and Max just too cute a notion to not wanna do.

Thanks for the happy wishes and I want to pass them right back to you Neil! **CubHugs**

[apparentparadox]

I just ran across this. Seems like Jack Wrangler couldn't get into the legit stage after having done Porn. You did say that you were looking for a new career, maybe the reverse isn't true?

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I appreciate your vote of confidence:) Sounds logical to me .... *grin*

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

How can I not comment ?! Thanks, Neil, for bringing up such a wonderful topic. I find that if I really like a genre as a whole, I have great difficulty coming up with favorites' or 'best.' And it's sometimes based on my experience working with the given show. I wasn't too keen on Oklahoma or Cats, until I worked on productions - then I gained new respect for how good these shows are and what makes them work (though the great R&H musicals are always among the best ever... not necessarily true with Mr Webber's work).
Favorite Scores may be the easiest category to pinpoint:

Kismet - yeah, it's an old turkey - but it gets me everytime. And the final words still ring for me:
"Lovers come, lovers go, and all that there is to know
lovers know.... ONLY lovers know."

Titanic - what an achievement! The topic should be deadly, yet the musical captures the essence of the fascination of this story.

Nymph Errant - inconsequential story, but that recording from the 1980's - my god, how divine !

Chess
Follies
Anything Goes (which I've always liked better than Kiss Me Kate)
The Will Rogers Follies
Finian's Rainbow
- "When I'm not near the hand that I'm fond of,
I'll fondle the hand at hand" - Brilliant!!
1776
Sherry - a flop, newly recorded with Nathan Lane
& Carol Burnett ...pretty darn good.
Dear World - the tea party scene of all time.

Then there are shows that cast a spell in the productions I saw (either Broadway or LA):

Aspects of Love & Sunset Boulevard
- both of these had such an aura in their magnificent stagings, and some of the songs just reached down into my chest and yanked.
La Cage Aux Folles - the gay audience at the Palace made it sound like the response to grand opera and a championship hockey game combined.

A little Night Music
Dreamgirls ... both of these had such magical staging.

There's tons more I could mention,
like The King and I, South Pacific, Carousel ...
Guys & Dolls, Brigadoon, Pirates of Penzance (perhaps a different category, but I adored the production I worked on).
And quirks, like "Something Funny...Forum" - the title keeps me away from the theatre in droves, but god, this is one wonderful show!
I even happen to own a CD of something in French called "Notre Dame" - 'the Hunchback of' story. The recording can bring me to tears.

Even utter duds like "Bring Back Birdie" could have their merits - 2 production numbers for Chita Rivera...WOW!

Thank you for the reminder of how lucky we have been, and are - to have worked in theatre, as well as getting to witness all these treasures.
I'm reminded of a line from one of my favorite films, Babette's Feast:
"An artist is never poor."

Peace, Happy New Year, and Lottsa Big Hugs !

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I saw "Bring Back Birdie". Thank goodness for Chita's numbers:)

You've made me curious as to what I've left out of my lists. I'll have to dig up my Playbills and see what my memory didn't dredge up. I do know that two shows from my first visit to NYC in 1981 were left off the list; they were quite good. "Amadeus" and "A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine". (Since I was working with Tommy Tune at the time, I saw several of the things he directed. "Cloud 9" and the original "Nine" (which was extraordinary. I saw it three times with different leading men - Raul Julia, Sergio Franchi and Bert Convy. They all passed away during the peaks of their careers.)

I saw "Aspects of Love" on tour, but have never seen "Sunset Boulevard".

Thanks for sharing! HUGS!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

You've reminded me of one I left out (well, probably several): Grand Hotel. I saw it twice: first with David Carroll and then with John Schneider (the blond one from TV's Dukes of Hazard). David, as the Baron, was great, but John, in the same role, was a revelation ... he looked like he was having a blast, while (amazingly) reeking of European sophistication. The staging was brilliant.
Another one: Dancin'... the grand Bob Fossy spectacle. Anne Reinking's final knee slide in "Sing,sing,sing" ... Mmmmm, god, was that wonderful !

I got to do Nine up in Candlewood Playhouse, which was great fun, but am so sorry to have missed the original production.

Barnum, with Glenn Close as the Mrs., watching Jim Dale do that tight rope walk for the Act I finale... darn swell!

You know how to conjure the memories - what a wonderful brain exercise!
- Happy New Year !

Silly me - I must have blinked (or was bleary eyed)

[redbearmark.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful list! I don't think I like the new recordings of Company and A Chorus Line - they are so nouveax.

I Enjoy Being a Girl is a feel good song that always makes me smile (and dance some too)

I don't know all the shows you listed as favorite musical scores - I will need to do my homework.

I see you are a father (as Robert Livingstone it is noted so eloquently in 1776)

I have heard nothing of Nine or Jekyll and Hyde that I really did not like. I will have to work on them too.

1776 is delightful and, coupled with Dear World, have been my musical companions of late. With a dash of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in the carousel.

I was intrigued to hear one song from Do I Hear A Waltz/ Richard Rodgers actually used homosexual - how progressive for the 60's (smiling)

Re: Silly me - I must have blinked (or was bleary eyed)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've played Liviingston twice. It's great fun! You're featured musically in the first act and then leave for the birth of your child until the final scene of the show:)

If you have it in your budget, get the original stage albums for "Ragtime" and "A Man of No Importance". You will be stunned by the breadth and beauty of the music. A careful read of the liner notes and background for "AMONI" will deepen the experience. It's a praticularly moving story. I live to sing the music of this score!

I figured you missed this post when I first posted. I can sit for hours and discuss thjis stuff:) HUGS!