The Tonys

[mrdreamjeans]

Winston Churchill once said, "Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." I suspect that Churchill knew an actor or two. Success in the theater lasts only as long as the production. Once you've packed up the production and put your character away, the success is reduced to a brief mention on a resume; perhaps, a cherished memory for those who shared the experience, but fleeting, ephemeral.

In a couple of hours The Tony Awards air on CBS. Most of America no longer watches the program, but for a passionate group of fans and theater professionals like myself, it's the one awards show to see. I get to view bits and pieces of the hard work, vision, creativity and talent which combined to produce Broadway's best in 2007. I get to see my peers honored for their contributions.

I mentioned Raoul Esparza previously. Raoul is up for Best Actor in a Musical for the revival of "Company". Raoul played Che in the 1998-99 tour of "Evita' which was designed to play Broadway as a revival. (Ironically, his understudy on "Company" is Bradley Dean who was Che on the 2004-06 Tour of "Evita".) We closed in Boston, just short of our goal. Raoul later played Riff-Raff in the Broadway production of "Rocky Horror Picture Show". He was the only lead not nominated for a Tony. He was nominated for Supporting Actor for "Taboo"; I believe it was the show's only nod. He didn't win. He took risks and starred Off-Broadway in "Tick, Tick, Boom, Boom" and then as George in "Sunday in the Park with George" at The Kennedy Center in DC. Last year, he starred in "Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang". The only principal not nominated. Is this Raoul's year? I know he's never lost his enthusiasm for his work.

Stan, a friend from San Francisco, is a huge theater enthusiast. He just came back from seeing six shows in four days in New York. He saw the following productions: Spring Awakening, Love/Musik, Frost/Nixon, Journey's End, Grey Gardens and The Pirate Queen. He called me from a business trip to RIchmond, VA earlier this week and we happily discussed all of the details. I know many of my NY friends have seen these offerings. Here's Stan's order of preference: Journey's End, Grey Gardens, Love/Musik, Frost/Nixon, The Pirate Queen and Spring Awakening. Spring Awakening is tonight's favorite for Best Musical, but was the only show he disliked. Anyone agree?

I may be sitting on the couch here in Brenham, Texas, but I will be rooting for my friends' successes without loss of enthusiasm!

Comments

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Theatre is a cruel mistress, non?

I hope your friends do well, get smothered in praise and awards, and you feel some of the glow.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm feeling some of the glow. I've seen a half dozen friends already ... Raoul just sang the hell out of "Being Alive"! YAY!

God, I miss it!

[cincy-dave.livejournal.com]

We are all rooting for Raoul.

COMPANY started here in Cincinnati at our Playhouse in the Park. The show and Raoul were amazing.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I just watched Raoul sing ... You should be very proud of the show and its beginnings. "Being Alive" was my main audition song for close to a dozen years and secured me at least 35 jobs. It's powerful and Raoul did a masterful job with it.

HUGS!

[cincy-dave.livejournal.com]

Bummer that Raoul didn't win. But we all still think he is amazing.

His rendition of Being Alive was fantastic. But he should have performed Marry Me a Little. (They did the version of the show with this at the end of the first Act.) It was amazing.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I thought he was terrific too. I could see the disappointment in his face when they announced it. It was interesting to me that his wife/ex-wife Michelle was with him.

I can't be too displeased that David Hyde Pierce won though. It most likely will give "Curtains" a longer run than it might have had otherwise. Plus he publicly thanked his partner of 24 years.

I just couldn't bear any more of wins for "Spring Awakening". Twenty years from now, regional companies around the country will be performing Mary Poppins, Legally Blonde and Curtains ... folks wil be hard-pressed to remember why "Spring Awakening" won. It's not gonna play outside of NY and perhaps SF, Chicago or Boston.

[huladavid.livejournal.com]

I guess that's one reason why I watch the Tonys-ya tend to see more guys thanking their husbands then you do at the Emmys or so on.

Have to admit I was a bit surprised... Did that half-second "Ok, when he says 'partner'..." mental dance.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Well, with that group last night, there was doubt that when they said partner, they meant another guy:) Especially, that Spring Awakening group. I was really disappointed that it won the major awards. I predict that it will play its NY run and then, perhaps, play one or two other cities and fade away ...

[popebuck1.livejournal.com]

According to Broadway.com, it's supposedly Raul Esparza's year.

Also - I listened to the original cast album for Spring Awakening, and maybe it's just that I'm an old fogey, but I just couldn't get into it. In my mind I call it Annoying Emo Kids: The Musical! Meanwhile, the cast album from Grey Gardens is still in constant rotation on my iPod - I just love its combination of Cole Porter pastiche and Sondheim modern, all in one! And if Christine Ebersole doesn't get Best Actress, there's something seriously wrong with the world.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I listen to "Grey Gardens", "Curtains" and last year nominee "The Drowsy Chaperone" often. I haven't heard much of "Spring Awakening", but didn't care for what I have heard. However, it looks like it's headed to victory.

[bearbrat.livejournal.com]

I think RE's got it in the bag. I used to have an iTunes freebie of a track from Spring Awakening and I wasn't impressed, but anything can happen and anyone can win at an awards show.

I saw a couple clips recently on youtube you'd love. The first was from a concert reunion performance of the original cast of Company, the Tick-Tock dance performed by the incomparable Donna McKechnie. Amazing to finally see it rather than hear it on the OC recording.

Second was a live performance on Phil Donahue from '91, a reunion of OC members of A Chorus Line. Kelly Bishop, Nancy Lane & Kay Cole recreating At The Ballet, totally capturing all the heartbreak and longing in the song (And Ms Cole still nailing that high E toward the end). All three performers moved to tears by the songs finish. An amazing treasure of a moment.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Fingers crossed for Raul .... I so want him to win. I want to be gloriously envious of his success:) HUGS, my friend ..

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

ps ... Just saw the number from "Spring Awakening". *yawn* ... It must be my age:)

No, it's not your age.....

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

It's fucking TRIPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The very idea of calibrating "best" performances or plays or designs, as one would a horserace makes me ill.

The reward for art is in the making of art, for crying out loud!!!!!

I actually watched part of the show, tonight, which I've never done before. I have surfed by to see the musical numbers, but that's as far as I'll go...and I still managed to see most of "Family Guy", and 2 episodes of, "In the Loop", which was new to me...(not bad, we'll see.). I HAD to see if "Spring Awakening" was what I thought it was, and IT WAAAAAAS!!!

..and IT WOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!! (ick!)

Oh, great heavens above! Not since the musical version of "Animal Farm", have I heard of a more revolting choice for a storyline!

The world is, indeed, ready now for, "Fargo, the Musical, Don'cha Know?"!!!

I DID like the 3 best "actress" (has any actor used that term in the past 20 years!?!) awards....their reactions were priceless!

I can't wait for Paul's showmusicreaction.......

Re: No, it's not your age.....

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I was hoping my friend would win. Raul deserved it, but then again, so did David Hyde Pierce. Both of them anchor their respective shows. Funny - I knew a bunch of people; out of the them, one person won. Oh well ... You are correct about awards ... I still watch the Tonys though and I think this year, after several awful years, were quite well-produced. It was great seeing Angela Lansbury back ... all 80 years of her.

Re: No, it's not your age.....

[huladavid.livejournal.com]

Re; "Fargo-The Muscial". You make that sound like a bad thing... There was an interview on NPR last night witht the couple who wrote the music for Legally Blonde: The Musical", and they mentioined that they thought any movie could be turned into a muscial.

Of course, I stated thinking of "2001: The Muscial".

With ape coreography by Tyla Tharp & Jane Goodall...

Re: No, it's not your age.....

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Well, you've put the idea out there ... There are several movies which are being adapted, as we speak, for the stage.

Re: No, it's not your age.....

[huladavid.livejournal.com]

It's funny. Just this morning I was thinking about something I read decrying the number of plays on Broadway that're based on movies, and I had two thoughts.

First off, if I remember correctly, this isn't the first time this has happened. Wasn't Marty done on Broadway.

And secondly, what it is about movies that's so... I dunno, 'low class'? Why is it okay to base plays on books or magazine articles (which I belive where the idea for Best Little Whorehouse came from...), but movies are something else.

One other thing I recalled from last night--that it was really nice to see John Cullum (sp?) from 110 In The Shade again.

And wasn't there supposed to be a Forbidden Broadway number last night? I missed it, if there was.

Re: No, it's not your age.....

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Regarding "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" ... It indeed started as a magazine article by Larry King (not the talk show guy) in "Playboy". It's based on a true story that happened in Houston and La Grange, Texas while I was a Freshman at Texas A&M.

You are also very right about how good it was to see John Cullum, though he didn't get to unleash his beautiful baritone voice in that number from 110 in the Shade. Audra was pretty special though ...

Re: No, it's not your age.....

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

Actually, I was half serious, when I came up with the 'Fargo' idea as a vehicle for a friend of mine, Jason Collins, who bears enough of a resemblance to Steve Buscemi to warrant the role. That, and he can dance up a storm! I envisioned a long knee-slide, into the chipper, with a red blast of confetti-cannon for his exit.

Re: No, it's not your age.....

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Jason could do justice to that indeed! He also likes to be out there when it comes to material. I went to a reading of a musical at the Rep a couple of years ago ... can't remember the name of the show, but it was a horror flick musical and Jason delighted in playng a bloody murderer:) I told him he was quite convincing. LOL!

Re: No, it's not your age.....

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

He has a page here, someplace, but I forget his username!

[furrytxcub.livejournal.com]

You forgot that Taboo was also nominated for Best Score...which it absolutely deserved. :)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I didn't forget. I didn't know:)

I missed the Tonys the year Raul was performing in Taboo .. I had a show that night,

Good to hear from you!

"SPRING AWAKENING" IS A MUSICAL!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

That CAN'T be the same script I worked on at the UW?!?!?!?

About a bunch of kids in junior high, and one of them commits suicide?

I built the corpse puppet.....it was done very tongue in cheek.

The actor stayed onstage to voice it, and did things like juggle and play catch with the head.

Re: "SPRING AWAKENING" IS A MUSICAL!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I hope not. We'll see .... It appears to me that it could be. Just don't like what I've heard so far.

"Company" just won Best Revival of a Musical. YAY!

Thoughts on Something I Know Little About

[cimarrondfw.livejournal.com]

One should not comment on something he/she knows almost nothing about. Because you've become a good friend, I try to understand what it must be like to live on the road and/or be caught in the moment of strutting one's part on the stage. I've actually done a fair amount of community theater through the years and always enjoyed my moment of glory, no matter how small the part.

My nephew got his M.A. in acting from the University of Illinois. He is in to really serious drama. We went up during his campus days to see him in the title role of Shakespeare's "Henry V." Now he is married and living in Phoenix. That kind of responsibility does not afford much opportunity for being a world-famous actor. In a few more weeks we're going out to see him in Sedona's Shakespearean Festival in the title role of "Romeo and Juliet." He started teaching/coaching drama in high school this last year. The babies still have to eat.

I knew Teddie Neeley in high school in my small hometown of Ranger. He had his own rock band and aspired to be a performer. Period. Ultimately he began to do the title role in "Jesus Christ Superstar," which has become his whole life. He did the movie at age 28 and to my knowledge has done little else except "Superstar" on the road. I saw him in 1995 in Omaha. He is past 60 now. I don't know as I'd think it was a fun way to spend one's life doing the same role over and over.

Re: Thoughts on Something I Know Little About

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You can always comment on anything in my journal, whether you are informed or not. I just like hearing from you.

Ted became a one-trick pony and I am sad that he has been playing the same role for nearly 40 years. Jesus died at 33, not 63. If this sounds a bit antagonistic, it's because Ted gave up his union card to go out with the non-union tour that's out there right now. He's making his money, but the rest of the cast has minimal salaries and few benefits if any.

I wish your nephew much luck. His ability to teach will allow him to remain creative and should free him up in the summers to do the kind of things he is doing this year. You will love Sedona, if you haven't already visited there. Have fun!

HUGS!

Re: Thoughts on Something I Know Little About

[cimarrondfw.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Neil. You're sweet. Ted seems so distant. He hardly acknowledged me when I went backstage to see him in Omaha. He was caught up in the bevy of girls who wanted his autograph. Have you actually met him? Worked with him? Thanks for explaining about the union/non-union system. His older brother is married a woman from my high school class, the superintendent's daughter so I occasionally hear something there.

Re: Thoughts on Something I Know Little About

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've met him. He was pleasant to me, as he was working with several of my friends. However, he's sort of persona-non-grata with anyone who values our union. He sold out and he has to live with it. I do understand a bit ... it's hard when one show has provided all of your glory ... and all of your income ... Sad, that he can't let it go.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Raoul gave a show stopping performance, I thought. A shame indeed that he didn't receive the Tony. Although I can't complain much, Hyde Pierce is a worthy winner.

As to Spring Awakening, I just don't get it. They say it's this decade's Rent but the music I've heard so far and last night's cast performance didn't explain for me why they got the flood of Tony awards.

But any awards are good awards, I suppose. Theater is being alive, yay!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I can't complain much either, as I know Hyde-Pierce gave a wonderful performance which anchors his show. I just know how disappointed Raul is. Interesting to see his ex-wife at this side. Both good, good people.

I love RENT. Listen to it frequently, but I'm not a fan of rock music in general. Usually not enough melody for me. I suspect that "Spring Awakening" has a lot of energy which entertains. However, my friend Stan who is very astute about theater ... flies to London and New York several times a year, goes to everything in the Bay Area and LA, was mystified as to its success. I guess I should reserve judgment unless I see it.

[deege.livejournal.com]

I for one loved Spring Awakening, but I think it really needs to be seen to be experienced. The medley of song excerpts on the Tonys didn't convey the actual energy of the show. To me, the music in Rent sounded like rock-style music written by someone who writes show music, while the music in Spring Awakening is actually rock music. And that may be the problem with it for some folks; it's not traditional theater music at all but it's performed in a theater.

As for Grey Gardens, I'll just say that as a musical it's a great performance (Ebersole). I can't imagine it will hold up for one second without her.

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the analysis ... I need to get the CD's and your comments will doubtles cast some added light to my understanding of both shows.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think you planned to get the recording of "Curtains" and I hope you've had an opportunity to listen to "The Drowsy Chaperone" from last season. Both are shows you are likely to do some point at UW.

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Was listening to "Drowsy Chaperone" just last night - which brought back delightful memories of having seen the show in January when I was in New York last. I also recently got "A Man of No Importance", which is a lovely and touching show - storytelling in song. Which number from it did you mention a while back?

Next on my list: Curtains, Grey Gardens, Spring Awakening, and Taboo (on this last one, I want to go away singing the costumes!).

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I love the entire score of "A Man of No Importance" from the comedy of "Books" and "Going Up" to the poignant "Love Who You Love". The song that I love to sing is "The Streets of Dublin", though as per usual, I'm not the right age for the character:)

Doesn't "Love Who You Love" say it all?

HUGS!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

...it certainly does. What I like about it is that it's taken from a first-person viewpoint. Alfie is trying to comfort Adele, but he's really addressing himself.
"Books" is genuinely funny because it's conpiratorial: conversational and bitchy all at once. "Going Up" is in the tradition of "Another Opening, Another Show", and "Streets of Dublin" is a real rouser - probably a good audition piece, a point of view number that shows off acting chops as much as singing.

BTW, 'Wicked' would be lucky to have a crew member so talented and handsome - though we know he really belongs onstage :0)

Hugs back!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I defer to your judgment since I haven't seen it. I do love RENT, but I like the music so much because it is rock music presented through a musical theater prism. I also like Hair, Godspell, Celebration and Jesus Christ Superstar which are known as rock musicals.

I'm not a fuddy-duddy about changes in the theater, but my initial impressions from listening to the score ... and to the excerpt I saw on the Tonys .. were not positive. I appreciate your imput. I am always open to other opinions and am really happy you gave me yours:)

As to "Grey Gardens", I suspect you are right; but there are actors like Vicki Clark who won the Tony for "Light at the Piazza" who I have seen perform. I think she could do the part justice and I like the score very much.

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

"Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." ... that's a new quote I'm sorry I hadn't heard before - but it's rather a wonderful and pithy explanation of life in the theatre (and I'll have to remember it when counseling my students).

OK, I admit that not having TV does have its downsides - I missed the Tony's this year, but it's great to hear all about it via LJ.
One of my colleagues also hated "Spring Awakening" ... it may be a generational thing. I have to admit that, while I got the CD of "Rent" it's never been a favorite of mine either. As for "SA" - I'll have to get the recording because in case it rings with the younger set, we'll probably end up doing it at UW some years hence- the roles are suited for students' age (we did the play about six years ago, with some success).

Did you read that amazing 'virtually coming out' article about Raoul Esparza in the Sunday Times several weeks ago?
Another eyebrow -raiser (for me... I'm easily amazed) was the mention of Hyde Pierce's 'partner' ... I didn't know, and never heard any rumors, even during his reknowned television days. Well good for him - it's never too late to stand up and be counted ... and no matter what anyone says, I think it still takes courage.

Thanks for being "Mr. Theatre Central" - wherever you happen to be ! HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

So many thing to respond to:) .... I'm certain you will do "Spring Awakening" at some point. The subject matter wouldn't interest me and I found the artistic group who won Tonys for their work on the show quite tedious ... if ever there was a group of surprised and pretentious queens. LOL! Interestingly, I do like RENT very much, but I've seen it three times, once on the front row in SF and another time on Broadway. The story was moving and very rock operatic.

I knew that Raul had come out publically in a big way and had read the article thanks to a friend. But it was his wife/ex-wife(?) Michelle who was at his side at the Tonys. I know them both. Good people ...

I was happy to hear David Hyde-Pierce mention his partner. I have friends who worked with him in Spamalot. He didn't win for that show, but he's never made an issue, one way or the other, about his 24 year relationship. Just assumes it's no big deal. mentions it when it's the right thing to do. I think that is refreshing!

Hmmm ... maybe that's why I've never been nominated. I've been single for 6 years and I have no one to thank. I better get on that ... and on him (whoever that might be)! Hehehe

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

We're just going to have to start a campaign: Find This Bear A Partner - His Career Depends On It !! Be Consort to a Broadway Diva - It's the Least You Can Do for Show Biz' Sake !!
...How's that for an ad kick-off ?! :)

"... if ever there was a group of surprised and pretentious queens." - what a delightfully bitchy comment ! (Let me add my LOL)

I've never seen Rent, and you correctly remind me that witnessing a performance can make a big difference. Besides, I'm quite fond of the Puccini from which the story is adapted. I once did a rock opera version of Dracula. While working on it I came to realize that both opera and pop rock share a strong penchant for expressing passion through music.

Re Raoul and Michelle: the convolutions of personal love life, plus show biz fame, plus the backdrop of socio-political issues can make for a pretty complex picture (not to mention the pressures involved). I'm not too quick to parse motives or reasons, especially as you deem them good people...that should be good enough for anybody.

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

"... and really am annoyed that this kind of music, beat out scores I really connected to." - Yup, that just about nails it.

You know that messages from you always make my day brighter !

HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Ditto!!! Got to admit, I'm a bit mystified by the "Wicked" comment. I'd love to do that show and there are parts for me; I've just never auditioned. I have considered doing stage management work, but would probably yank the actors bald who didn't give 110% all of the time. LOL!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

ooops...did I misread? My reference was to the really nice avatar photo of you wearing a T-shirt that I thought said "Wicked Crew".
Just got some new glasses, and these ageing eyes may be getting a bit loopey :0)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

LOL! It's not a Wicked shirt (though I have one:) It's a Texas A&M Wrecking Crew tee-shirt. It's a nickname for TAMU's football team. Hehehe

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Damn new glasses!! ... obviously if I can't really see it, I just make it up! LOL

Well at least it's still a nice photo of the handsome wearer :0)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

LOL! We don't need a campaign ... I'm sure that something will happen in my love life if I make the whole of me available intead of bits and pieces. Right now, I'm content to nurture the relationships within my inner circle and be available enough to add a couple of people to that group. (hint:)

As to the bitchy comment .. It's my "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee", that thought that. I've done so many ALW's Pop Rock Operas and I do love RENT, so I'm not adverse to the concept of "Spring Awakening". Perhaps, I just don't relate to the story and really am annoyed that this kind of music, beat out scores I really connected to.

Finally, Raul and Michelle do have a complicated relationship. Of Cuban descent, Raul had suppressed his true feelings, but he and Michelle married young and have managed to remain close friends. Both did a lot of internal work to make that so. I'm proud of them, no matter the naysayers. Why wouldn't he have wanted her there to share what could have been the most shining of moments for him? (rhetorical)

Have a great day, dear friend! HUGS!