Showing posts with label Stephen Sondheim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephen Sondheim. Show all posts
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Living in a recycled culture
I just read something quite interesting...
"You have two kinds of shows on Broadway -- revivals and the same kind of musicals over and over again, all spectacles," says Sondheim. "You get your tickets for 'The Lion King' a year in advance, and essentially a family comes as if to a picnic, and they pass on to their children the idea that that's what the theater is -- a spectacular musical you see once a year, a stage version of a movie. It has nothing to do with theater at all. It has to do with seeing what is familiar. We live in a recycled culture." - Stephen Sondheim from Frank Rich's New York Times article.
I can't help but competely agree and I feel like this is exactly the reason why I don't go to Broadway shows. It's pretty sad when I hear these wonderful stories about a time long lost, where Rodgers and Hammerstein's works were considered brand new. Can you imagine what it would have been like to be in the premier of Guys and Dolls? Or West Side Story?
At the same time, I feel that there are new musicals being produced, like In the Heights that are worth seeing, however, with the cost of the trip and the ticket combined, I fear I might be dissapointed, so I end up talking myself out of it.
Now speaking of movies, I hear that there will be Spiderman: The Musical. Even if it's directed by Julie Taymor, and is sure to have some brilliant headliners, it's kind of sad that there are no original ideas for theatre anymore. I'm sure it all comes down to money, but can't SOMEBODY just come up with a good story and instead of making a movie first, make it into a musical??
I'm just sayin...
I'll just submit my idea... box office, the musical. It'll be a hit! :) Now I just need Stephen to write the music and I'm gold! ;)
"You have two kinds of shows on Broadway -- revivals and the same kind of musicals over and over again, all spectacles," says Sondheim. "You get your tickets for 'The Lion King' a year in advance, and essentially a family comes as if to a picnic, and they pass on to their children the idea that that's what the theater is -- a spectacular musical you see once a year, a stage version of a movie. It has nothing to do with theater at all. It has to do with seeing what is familiar. We live in a recycled culture." - Stephen Sondheim from Frank Rich's New York Times article.
I can't help but competely agree and I feel like this is exactly the reason why I don't go to Broadway shows. It's pretty sad when I hear these wonderful stories about a time long lost, where Rodgers and Hammerstein's works were considered brand new. Can you imagine what it would have been like to be in the premier of Guys and Dolls? Or West Side Story?
At the same time, I feel that there are new musicals being produced, like In the Heights that are worth seeing, however, with the cost of the trip and the ticket combined, I fear I might be dissapointed, so I end up talking myself out of it.
Now speaking of movies, I hear that there will be Spiderman: The Musical. Even if it's directed by Julie Taymor, and is sure to have some brilliant headliners, it's kind of sad that there are no original ideas for theatre anymore. I'm sure it all comes down to money, but can't SOMEBODY just come up with a good story and instead of making a movie first, make it into a musical??
I'm just sayin...
I'll just submit my idea... box office, the musical. It'll be a hit! :) Now I just need Stephen to write the music and I'm gold! ;)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Stephen Sondheim and Frank Rich
I found this wonderful interview of Frank Rich, who is scheduled to interview Stephen Sondheim on 11/14/09 at Sanders Theatre. (Buy Tickets) It's sure to be an awesome night!
An email went out asking if anyone had any questions for this Q & A, so of course, my box office colleague and myself came up with a few and sent them on to Jack.
1. In regards to “Legit” American Musical Theatre. Who are some other composers of today’s genre that you appreciate and/or admire?
2. With the popularity of Disney on Broadway and the more pop/rock style of music, what direction do you think American Musical Theatre is moving toward and why?
3. How do you feel about shows not being “tried out” in Boston before going to Broadway anymore? Why are we being left out?!
4. Did you see the movie, “Sweeney Todd”? What are your thoughts about traditional American Musical Theatre being remade/translated into Hollywood films? Have you considered ever composing for more movies aside from the ones you have done already (Reds, The Birdcage, Dick Tracey, etc..)?
5. Out of all your wonderful compositions, which one would you consider your favorite and why?
What do you think about my questions? Do you have anything to add? I will be blogging about the night after the event, so stay tuned.
An email went out asking if anyone had any questions for this Q & A, so of course, my box office colleague and myself came up with a few and sent them on to Jack.
1. In regards to “Legit” American Musical Theatre. Who are some other composers of today’s genre that you appreciate and/or admire?
2. With the popularity of Disney on Broadway and the more pop/rock style of music, what direction do you think American Musical Theatre is moving toward and why?
3. How do you feel about shows not being “tried out” in Boston before going to Broadway anymore? Why are we being left out?!
4. Did you see the movie, “Sweeney Todd”? What are your thoughts about traditional American Musical Theatre being remade/translated into Hollywood films? Have you considered ever composing for more movies aside from the ones you have done already (Reds, The Birdcage, Dick Tracey, etc..)?
5. Out of all your wonderful compositions, which one would you consider your favorite and why?
What do you think about my questions? Do you have anything to add? I will be blogging about the night after the event, so stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
What would you ask Stephen Sondheim?
.... What would you ask Stephen Sondheim?
I think I would ask him what his favorite curse word is?
Or what he thought of the film version of "Sweeney Todd"?
oh, and if he's in need of a good healthy soprano to just hang out with.
Kind of awesome, the job I have, isn't it?
I think I would ask him what his favorite curse word is?
Or what he thought of the film version of "Sweeney Todd"?
oh, and if he's in need of a good healthy soprano to just hang out with.
Kind of awesome, the job I have, isn't it?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
