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Broadway Bares 23: More Postcards from the United Strips of America (NSFW)

June 4, 2013, 12:22 am
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4 DAYS LEFT TO VOTE FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL JKTS AWARDS!
CLICK THE GREEN ICON TO YOUR RIGHT AND VOTE!
POLLS CLOSE ON SATURDAY, JUNE 8!  
WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON TONY SUNDAY!

THIS BLOG MAY BE CONSIDERED NSFW!

With the 2012 - 2013 season behind us, and award season reaching its frenzied apex with this Sunday's Tony Awards, it is also time to start thinking about the fun of summer!  And what better way to get summer started than the annual beefcake (and lovely cheesecake) festival, Broadway Bares?  Now in its 23rd year of frisky fund-raising, the event rased much needed funding for a variety of AIDS related charities, educational programs and outreach, as well as The Women's Health Initiative, The Phyillis Newman Foundation, and other emergency needs, like Hurricane Sandy relief.

This year, there will be two shows on Sunday, June 16 at the Roseland Ballroom.  Click HEREfor tickets and more information.  To donate to your favorite "Hottest Fundraisers," including Max Von Essen, click HERE.  As we found out earlier this season, the theme of the 23rd Edition is The United Strips of America (click HEREfor that preview).  Has this country every looked so...hot?

Here are the latest "postcards" from the heartland.  Enjoy! (Click any pic to enlarge and start a slideshow!)


The Lion King's Michelle Camaya

Leap of Faith's Ian Paget, Broadway Bares 18's Kristin DeCesare,
Mamma Mia's  Allyson Carr, West Side Story's Angelina Mullins

Spider-Man's Julius Carter

Broadway Bares: Solo Strips' John Paul LaPorte

LaPorte and Broadway Bares' Christina Black

Cinderella's Peter Nelson

Motown's Daniel Watts

Ghost's Constantine Rousouli

Memphis' Paul McGill and 
Broadway Bares: Winter Burlesque's Samantha Berger

Broadway Bares: Happy Endings' Olivia Cipoli

Chaplin's Timothy Hughes

Priscilla Queen of the Desert's Jeff Metzler

God Bless America!

Jeff
4.267

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Looking Forward to Summer 2013

June 4, 2013, 9:05 pm
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The calendar tells me it is the middle of the year, the star of summer.  The Broadway season calendar tells me that the the year is over, and it is a new year now.  All of the possiblitites of last season have happened, leading up to the biggest event of the season, and then it starts all over.  And so, here we are, at the start of a new season, and there are some interesting things on the immediate horizon.

But before I look ahead, though, here's what happened since the last time I blogged like this (HERE).  This time last season, I mentioned wanting to see 6 plays, and I managed to get to four of them: The Assembled Parties(A), The Nance(B), Lucky Guy(C), and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (A+), an average of B+.  As far as musicals go, I got to all of them: Cinderella (A), Motown(D+), Kinky Boots(B+), Matilda(A+), The Last 5 Years(B-), Jekyll and Hyde(F), and Pippin(A+), an average of C.  Amazing how a couple of crappy shows can drag a season down ...

Here's what I am looking forward to that is opening between June and August:

PLAYS: There are no plays opening that really interest me this summer.

MUSICALS:


Far from Heaven(Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons):BI saw it already (click the show icon to your left to read the review), and I liked it more than not.  It needs a little work, but that score... and Kelli O'Hara... WOW!


First Date (On Broadway at the Longacre Theatre):It sounds kind of silly in that dinner theatre/community theatre kind of way.  The addition of Krysta Rodriguezand the yummy Zachary Levito the cast makes it much more interesting.  We shall see... (Seeing it in August...)


Soul Doctor(On Broadway at Circle-in-the-Square):I know so little about this, I'm embarrassed.  I have to admit that it sounds like snoozer, but I want to be able to say I saw this one if it is a fast flop or if it becomes a big hit.  Often, the shows I have no expectations for end up being among my favorites (next to normal, Xanadu, Blood Brothers...)  (Seeing it in August...)

If it ends up that Let It Beis eligible for Best Musical and other Tonys, I'll be sure to get to it.  Same with the will-it-happen-or-not Always...Patsy Cline.



And this summer, for the 3rd year in a row, Mike and I will be watching the future of musical theatre at The New York Musical Theatre Festival.  Oddly enough, due to scheduling issues, we could only choose shows playing the last weekend of the festival.  I'm sure it'll still be a great experience, since (as usual) we are seeing a "Traditional" sounding show (Bend in the Road) and a more contemporary sounding show (Crossing Swords).  You never know what you'll get, but is always a promising adventure!

Jeff
4.268
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The 2013 Tony Awards: The Best Play Revival Nominees on TV

June 6, 2013, 7:41 pm
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As the countdown to the Tonys continues, I'm taking a look at the ways this year's nominees for Best Play Revival tried to entice TV viewers into seeing their show.  Unlike most musicals, these shows have but 16 to 30 seconds to get their message out there.

Two of these shows use very similar techniques:

Orphans




  • A quick screen shot of multiple reviews, with eye-catching words like "powerful" and "dazzling" that hones into the important Tony nomination graphic
  • A male husky voice reads us quotes about screen-now-stage stars, engaging the men that the horny housewives who'll want to see this hunky trio
  • Hits all the right buttons and quickly... why didn't it work?


The Trip to Bountiful




  • Vintage country scenes whiz by, suggesting a road trip, while a jazzy period number plays in the background. time and place, check.
  • A gentle, but authoratative voice reads rave reviews
  • The star power is rolled out; name and picture aurally and visually conveyed
  • Well done... why aren't audiences flocking to this show?


Golden Boy



Leave it to Lincoln Center to create a piece of advertising art.  They take twice the time, and the result is mesmerizing.  I am kicking myself still for missing this one...


  • Whether the viewing audience knows it or not, the opening seconds tell the time, place and story.
  • The smoky montage is visually interesting and atches the masculine tone and subject matter of the story.
  • "Musician" Seth Numrich cross-cut with "boxer" Seth Numrich... sensitivity AND athleticism.
  • Sweaty/sexy... athletic/artistic.. appeals to a wide-variety of potential audience members.
  • Nice work all the way around!


Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?



All these monrhs later, this one is still the one to beat.  It is a combination of the three above, substituting more quote for Tony info, at the time unknown to all...

  • Fast cuts of the sparring and heavy action of the play are highlighted, a good thing when most people equate older plays with lengthy, stuffy monologues.
  • Even smarter, freez-framing allows us to take in the emotions of the brilliant actors we are hearing about in the voice over, which is reading us the obligatory rave reviews.
  • Again, it hits all the buttons, and the show got an extension.  If it really worked, wouldn't it still be running?


Jeff
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The 2013 Tony Awards: The Nominees for Best Play on TV

June 7, 2013, 8:35 pm
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And now, the final look at the TV commercials vying for your theatre-going dollars: the Best Play Nominees! As with the Best Play Revival ads (HERE), the ads are limited to around 16 seconds each, as opposed to Best Musical Revival ads (HERE and HERE) and Best Musical ads (HERE and HERE).

NOTE: I couldn't find an ad for The Testament of Mary.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike




  • As terrific as the play it is advertising...
  • The stars we love by first names, just like the title...
  • A big joke about the long, easily mis-pronounced title...
  • The Tony nominations...
  • The scenes capture the zany fun...
  • Ending with a friendly, family-like argument, like much of the play itself...and a great punchline!


The Assembled Parties




  • A somewhat cryptic title is sort of explained,but more importantly, the voice, a commanding female voice, tells us what it is all about in very relatable terms...
  • The visual tell us place - Upper East Side - and the relationship between the three main characters...
  • The voice over reminds us of the acclaimeed members of the cast, award winners and nominees, all...
  • Clearly aimed at the "ladies who lunch," and it is working, apparently... an extension and a nice Tony nomnations haul...


Lucky Guy






  • The sentimental favorite of the season, it is interesting that the ad, much like the play's subject, is strictly by the facts... a smart move given that the female theatregoer is a shoo-in for sales, so why not get the men to show up, too?
  • For the guys, Everyman Tom Hanks, a gritty New York setting and a gruff voiceover...
  • For the gals, Pretend Lover Tom Hanks, the lovable and late writer of two Hanks ladies films, You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle, Nora Ephron...
  • For the unimpressed theatre snob... George C. Wolfe is directing...


Clearly, the no nonsense approach works... it is a hot ticket, making scads of money, and has been extended.  Can the film version be far behind?

Jeff
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The 2013 Tony Awards: Jeff and Mike's Predictions

June 8, 2013, 10:00 am
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At last!  The most exciting night of the year for Broadway fans is just one day away!  And just as we have for the past few seasons, my friend Mike and I are weighing in who we think the Tony winners will and should be.

This year, even though I saw three of the four Best Play nominees, and Mike saw two (so far), neither of us saw any of the play revivals.  So we don't feel "qualified" to even guess about any of the play categories.  Good luck to all of the nominees!

Of course, all of this would be so much easier if the winners of the Tonys were solely based upon who or what was the best of the season.  Instead, if history is any indicator, we also need to consider:

  • "Momentum" - perceived swings in opinion based on such things as who won other awards, and how well the shows present and represent themselves at events and in the news. (Kinky Boots anyone?)
  • "Past History" - awards are given to individuals as awards for careers that have thus far gone Tony-less. (This year, Billy Porter, Terrence Mann and Laura Osnes could be in this boat...)
  • "Rialto Politics" - You've seen SMASH.  I bet real-life is even uglier.  (Matilda might have played it a wee too cocky from what I hear...)
  • "Chat room stink" - like it or not, voters do read the chat rooms and message boards, especially for shows they don't actually go see (a whole other issue for another time). If the bloggers, message boarders and the like are talking favorably, then the smell is of roses for a show or performer; conversely, if they aren't saying nice things, then the stink is just that. (Just as Frank Wildhorn...)
  • "Tourability" - perhaps the most important thing to consider, since the majority of Tony voters are tour producers or have a stake in future productions.  They have the most at stake, with the most to gain by advertising touring shows as "Tony Winning," and as a result, they have the most to lose. (Remember Urinetown vs Thoroughly Modern Millie? or Avenue Q vs Wicked?)

But we will try, for fun, to make our best guesses!

Will it be Kinky Boots?

Will it be Matilda?


Mike figures that Pippinwill take 8 Tonys, Kinky Bootswill take 5, and Matilda will take only 2.  His choices include a near sweep of the acting awards by Pippin.

I figure that Pippin will also be the night's biggest winner with 6 Tonys, Kinky Bootswith 4, Matildawith 3, and Cinderellawith 2.  I see the voters going with a more "spread it around" approach, especially since all four of these shows will benefit from a Tony boost in New York, and, more importantly to most of the voters, they'll benefit as touring productions.

Will Cinderellaget any Tony love?

Or will it be all Pippin?

BEST MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
 Kinky Boots
SHOULD WIN:
 Matilda
JEFF: WILL WIN:
 Kinky Boots
SHOULD WIN:
 Matilda
COMMENTS: Mike: Kinky Boots seems to have the momentum at this point, though I wouldn't be surprised if Matilda pulled it off, as it deserves to. JEFF: I agree with Mike about momentum, plus I can't help but think that the touring producers/Tony voters are going to pull a Millie/Urinetown type thing.  And as much as I enjoyed Kinky Boots, it really isn't my first or second choice for Best Musical.  Those would be Matilda and Hands on a Hardbody.
BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
 Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots
SHOULD WIN:
Dennis Kelly, Matilda 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Dennis Kelly, Matilda 
SHOULD WIN:
Dennis Kelly, Matilda 
COMMENTS: Mike: My second choice would be Douglas Carter Beane for Cinderella, but the Tonys don't seem to be too kind to him. JEFF: Again, I have to agree with Mike about DCB. I won't be surprised if Harvey wins, but I'm hoping that, in lieu of the "big prize," Tony voters will reward Kelly's imagination, a tight structure, and a great adaptation for adults (maybe more so) and children.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE (MUSIC AND/OR LYRICS) WRITTEN FOR THE THEATRE

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots
SHOULD WIN:
Tim Minchin, Matilda 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots 
SHOULD WIN:
Tim Minchin, Matilda 
COMMENTS: JEFF: This is one category where there really are no losers - I'll be happy for any of the four - and its the first Broadway score for each nominee!  Like I said, no losers.  But Cyndi's score is the most original thing about Kinky Boots and the Broadway community loves her. Have fun, girl!
BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Pippin
SHOULD WIN:
Pippin 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Pippin
SHOULD WIN:
Pippin 
COMMENTS: JEFF: This production is so brilliant, it makes me tingle at the thought of it. If Drood was still around there might be some competition (and a video of that show simply won't do it justice for voters); Annie stinks, but no one will say it out loud, and Cinderella is very good, but the new book has people confused - is this really a revival? I'd say 75% of it is...
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Billy Porter, Kinky Boots
SHOULD WIN:
Bertie Carvel, Matilda 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Billy Porter, Kinky Boots
SHOULD WIN:
Rob McClure, Chaplin 
COMMENTS: Mike: Again, I'm going with the momentum here. Bertie Carvel might be in the wrong category, but he deserves the award for the outsized impression he makes on stage. JEFF: Billy will win because: 1. when was the last time a drag queen lost?, and 2. mostly because he is the ultimate Broadway story - working for 20 years to finally head a show.  And he is so good, it makes you ache.  Bertie is getting a lot of press, and Mike's right.  He makes a huge impression.  But it is a small, one-note role in the wrong category, and I have a feeling he could fall victim to Matilda backlash.  And Rob McClure, who gave a bravura performance that people are still talking about in a decent (and soon to tour, don't forget) show.  He could be a vote-spoiler - not enough to win, but enough to screw it up for Porter or Carvel.
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Patina Miller, Pippin 
SHOULD WIN:
Patina Miller, Pippin 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Laura Osnes, Cinderella
SHOULD WIN:
Patina Miller, Pippin
COMMENTS: Mike: Laura Osnes has a decent shot, too. The other nominees do not. JEFF: I LOVED Patina. Brilliant in every way.  But EVERYONE (myself included) loves Laura, and she's finally carrying her own show.  Maybe voters will reward her for several great roles in a row.  But my guess is that the voters are going to spread the love a little and throw the girl in the glass slippers a bone. We'll never know, but I bet this will be a close one.
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Terrence Mann, Pippin
SHOULD WIN:
Keith Carradine, Hands on a Hardbody 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Terrence Mann, Pippin
SHOULD WIN:
Terrence Mann, Pippin 
COMMENTS: Mike: My "should" pick might be a bit of a sentimental choice, based on my love for Hands on a Hardbody. But I think Pippin will pull off a near-sweep of the acting awards. JEFF: Like Billy Porter, Terrence Mann has done it all, and in an even longer, bigger way (Cats, Les Miz, Beauty/Beast) and this Broadway baby is still Tony-less.  Pippin is the ticket for him.  Plus, have you ever seen a Pippin with a Charles that makes such an enormous impression?
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Andrea Martin, Pippin 
SHOULD WIN:
Andrea Martin, Pippin 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Andrea Martin, Pippin
SHOULD WIN:
Keala Settle, Hands on a Hardbody 
COMMENTS: JEFF: I loved Andrea Martin.  But her role is a one scene triumph.  Like Mike, my sentimentality for Hands on a Hardbody makes Ms. Settle an obvious choice.  And she was superb beyond her famous number, which also stole the show.  Truth be told, my choice for this category, Matilda's Lesli Margherita, wasn't even nominated.
BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Diane Paulus, Pippin 
SHOULD WIN:
Matthew Warchus, Matilda 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Diane Paulus, Pippin
SHOULD WIN:
Matthew Warchus, Matilda  
COMMENTS: Mike: I'm happy with either of them winning. Diane Paulus probably should have won for Hair a few years ago. JEFF: I couldn't agree more, Mike.
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Chet Walker, Pippin 
SHOULD WIN:
Chet Walker, Pippin 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Chet Walker, Pippin
SHOULD WIN:
Chet Walker, Pippin 
COMMENTS: JEFF: This one could be an upset.  First, you'll notice that Gypsy Snider is not listed with Walker.  Do voters think the whole thing is Walker's work or do they realize he did only the dancing?  Will some not vote for him because the centerpiece of his work is a step-for-step reproduction of Fosse's "The Manson Trio"?  I recognize his invaluable contribution to this total triumph of conceptual staging.  But I wouldn't be shocked if Jerry Mitchell, won, or, for that matter, Andy Blankenbuehler, whose Bring It On work is most obvious in this category, could win, too, if the voters really want to spread the Tony love. (And it would help justify the show's Best Musical inclusion...)
BEST ORCHESTRATIONS

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Stephen Oremus, Kinky Boots 
SHOULD WIN:
Chris  Nightingale, Matilda
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Stephen Oremus, Kinky Boots 
SHOULD WIN:
Danny Troob, Cinderella 
COMMENTS: JEFF: No one knows what this category means, Tony voters included.  It usually goes to the same show that wins the Best Score Tony.  But Troob, to my ear, did a Cinderella-esque transformation, making Rodgers and Hammerstein's middle of the road oldies-fest sound like a top drawer modern classic.
BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
 Rob Howell, Matilda
SHOULD WIN:
 Rob Howell, Matilda
JEFF: WILL WIN:
 Rob Howell, Matilda
SHOULD WIN:
 Rob Howell, Matilda
COMMENTS: Mike: This is one of two categories where I think it will be hard to ignore the creative achievement of Matilda. JEFF: Perfectly stated, Michael!
BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Dominique Lemieux, Pippin 
SHOULD WIN:
Dominique Lemieux, Pippin  
JEFF: WILL WIN:
William Ivey Long, Cinderella
SHOULD WIN:
William Ivey Long, Cinderella 
COMMENTS: JEFF: The only other reasonable shot for Tony voters to give some silver to Cinderella.  And when was the last time costumes have had audiences gasping?  If Pippin wins, I'm OK with that, too. This is the only category where I think I'd be disappointed if Matilda were to win.
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Hugh Vanstone, Matilda 
SHOULD WIN:
Hugh Vanstone, Matilda 
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Hugh Vanstone, Matilda 
SHOULD WIN:
Hugh Vanstone, Matilda 
COMMENTS: Mike: Yes, I think Kenneth Posner will lose three times. This is another area where Matilda shines (no wordplay intended). JEFF: Mike is right.  If Posner does win, it'll be for Pippin, and his work there is Tony-worthy .  He'll be riding the Pippin wave to glory. This is Vanstone's to lose.
BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL

MIKE: WILL WIN:
Jonathan Deans and Garth Heim, Pippin 
SHOULD WIN:
Jonathan Deans and Garth Heim, Pippin  
JEFF: WILL WIN:
Jonathan Deans and Garth Heim, Pippin 
SHOULD WIN:
Jonathan Deans and Garth Heim, Pippin 
COMMENTS: JEFF: Another category that no one really understands.  I'm going with Pippin because, despite everything going on - on the floor, backstage, behind scenery and in the air - it is the only show all season where I understood every single word, spoken or sung.  Matilda or Kinky Boots could win, depending on how the tide runs for any of the three shows.  On the other hand, Motown might get to call itself a Tony-winner, after all.  This one is wide open just like every year.

We'll see how we did after tomorrow's Tonys!

Be sure to come back to this blog tomorrow morning, when the winners of the 3rd Annual JKTS Awards will be announced!  And then come back on Tony night and catch up with my LIVE blog!

Jeff
4.270

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The 3rd Annual JKTS Awards: The Winners!

June 9, 2013, 5:49 am
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What a season it has been, readers!  Here we are, at long last, on Tony Sunday, starting with the 3rd Annual JKTS Awards announcement of winners.  After three weeks of selecting categories, nominating stars and shows, and finally voting, your voice has been heard, and here are the results!

You vote really counts here at JK's TheatreScene, as you voted NOT to give one of the awards (Special Theatrical Event) and two of the awards feature winners that made first made the ballot with YOUR write-in votes!  So thank you all for participating!  And thank you for making this year's awards the most successful yet with just under 1,000 votes cast over the past three weeks.

This year's big winners are Bring It On: The Musicalwith an amazing 14 awards,  Pippin, Matilda, Macbethand The Nance with 4 awards each, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spikewith 3 awards.  Several shows won 2 awards.  Individuals Alan Cumming, Gregory Haneyand Ryann Redmondeach won two.

In addition to the four categories of awards you voted on, I selected winners for three "Special JKTS Honors," which you'll see below.

Congratulations to this year's winners and all the nominees.  2012 - 2013 was a special year!



THE VICTOR/VICTORIAS - FOR "THE EGREGIOUSLY OVERLOOKED"

These awards are for those performers, creative and shows that should have made the Tony Awards Ballot but didn't...




Best Play 
     The Nance by Douglas Carter Beane (Top)
Best Musical 
     Hands on a Hardbody (Center)
Best Revival of a Play 
     Macbeth (Bottom)
Best Revival of a Musical 
     No award given




Best Leading Actor in a Musical 
     Matthew James Thomas, Pippin (Top, Left)
Best Leading Actress in a Musical 
     Taylor Louderman, Bring It On: The Musical
Best Featured Actor in a Musical 
     Gregory Haney, Bring It On: The Musical (Top, Right)
Best Featured Actress in a Musical - TIE 
     Ryann Redmond, Bring It On: The Musical 
     Betsy Wolfe, The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Bottom)


Best Leading Actor in a Play
     Alan Cumming, Macbeth
Best Leading Actress in a Play
     Jessica Hecht, The Assembled Parties (Above, Left)
Best Featured Actor in a Play
     Jeremy Shamos, The Assembled Parties (Above, Right)
Best Featured Actress in a Play
     Vanessa Williams, The Trip to Bountiful



Best Direction of a Play
     Jack O'Brien, The Nance (Top, Left)
Best Direction of a Musical
     Andy Blankenbuehler, Bring It On: The Musical (Top, Right)
Best Choreography
     Gypsy Snider, Pippin (Bottom, Far Left)

The Bring It On Creative Team

Best Score Written for the Theatre
     Bring It On: The Musical, 
     Music: Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lyrics by Amanda Green and Lin-Manuel Miranda
Best Book of a Musical
     Bring It On: The Musical, Jeff Whitty
Best Orchestrations
     Pippin, Larry Hochman

SPECIAL JKTS HONORS: BROADWAY LIVING LEGEND AWARD


CHITA RIVERA
The beloved Tony-winning actress showed that she's still got it all - sass, class, song and dance... not to mention those legendary legs!  This season, she kicked ass and showed her, uh, loving side as the sometimes murderous, sometimes amorous and always mysterious Princess Puffer in the acclaimed revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood.  And she showed her legendary sense of humor - and that women of a certain age can still "bring it" - in the Drood company's original video, "Bustle Fluffah."  Congratulations and thank you, Ms. Rivera!  Here's to many more years of your amazing talents and inspiration.


THE THERE-OUGHTA-BE-A-TONY-AWARD AWARDS

These awards recognize the special gifts and talents from the past season that aren't recognized by the Tony Awards.  Yet.




Best Special Theatrical Event
     You voted overwhelmingly to NOT select a winner in this category.
Best Solo Performance in a Play, Musical or Special Event
     Alan Cumming, Macbeth
Best Full Cast Ensemble in a Play
     The Cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Top)
Best Supporting Ensemble in a Play
     The Ensemble of The Nance (Center)
Best Full Cast or Supporting Ensemble in a Musical
     The Ensemble of Bring It On: The Musical (Bottom)



Best Debut by an Actor in a Play
     Jonny Orsini, The Nance (Bottom - in towel)
Best Debut by an Actor in a Musical
     Jason Gotay, Bring It On: The Musical (Top, far right)
Best Debut by an Actress in a Play
     Shalita Grant, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Best Debut by an Actress in a Musical
     Ryann Redmond, Bring It On: The Musical (Below, top)
Best Child Actor in a Play or Musical
     Johnny Rabe, A Christmas Story: The Musical
Best Children's Ensemble in a Play or Musical
     The Four "Matilda"s, Matilda: The Musical (Below, bottom)



Best Original Song - Solo/Ballad
     "Naughty" from Matilda: The Musical
Best Original Song - Group/Production Number
     "Revolting Children" from Matilda: The Musical

SPECIAL JKTS HONORS: BROADWAY LANDMARK


SARDI'S
Easily the most famous restaurant in the the theatre district, Sardi's has been, for decades, the place for Broadway folk to see and be seen.  Opening night parties for all the biggest hits (and flops) happened there, while everyone waited nervously for The New York Times review.  Even today, you can find many of Broadway's movers and shakers in the corner front tables between shows or late night unwinding or making a deal or two.  And what actor doesn't dream of finding their face immortalized in a world-famous Sardi's caricature?  Everyone from Lucille Ball to Angela Lansbury to Bob Fosse to the most recent honoree, Lucky Guy's Tom Hanks (May 23, 2013).  The original caricaturist, Alex Gard, struck a deal with original owner, Vincent Sardi, that he'd receive a free meal for each drawing he did.  That deal remained in place until Gard's death.  Sardi's donated a large portion of the collection to the Billy Rose Theatre Collection at the New York Public Library.  But even more importantly in Broadway history, Sardi's is literally the birthplace of the Tony Awards.  In 1946, shortly after Antoinette Perry passed away, her partner, theatrical producer and director Brock Pemberton was lunching at Sardi's when he came up with the idea of a major theatre award to honor "Tony" Perry.  For many years, the Tony Award nominations were announced from the landmark restaurant.  Other eateries may come and go, but none will ever match the integral part it has played in Broadway history.

THE JKTS THEATRE MEDIA AWARDS

These awards honor the achievements of Broadway in the print, recorded and social media.



Best Logo for a Play
     Macbeth
Best Logo for a Musical
     Bring It On: The Musical

 

Best Website for a Play
     Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Best Website for a Musical
     Kinky Boots
Best Website for a Theatre Company
     The Roundabout Theater Company
Best Theatre Website - General News/Information
     Playbill.com
Best Theatre Website - Entertainment/Gossip
     The BroadwayWorld Message Boards
Best Theatre Website - Educational
     The Playbill Vault



Best Theatre-related Webseries - Serial
     It Could Be Worse (Top)
Best Theatre-related Webseries - Interview
     Side by Side by Susan Blackwell - Broadway.com
Best Theatre-related Social Media
     #SIP - Twitter/Instagram (Bottom)


Best Original Cast Recording
     Bring It On: The Musical, Sh-K-Boom Records
Best Recording by a Theatre Solo Artist
     Dream a Little Dream, Laura Osnes, Broadway Records
Best Show Merchandise Tie-In
     Pom-Poms from Bring It On: The Musical

Biggest Broadway News Story of the Season
     The Orphans/Shia LaBeuf/Alec Baldwin Email/Twitter Firing Controversy
Best Broadway-related Event
     The Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction

SPECIAL JKTS HONORS: BEST ADDITION TO THE BROADWAY COMMUNITY



SCHMACKARY'S COOKIES
Nestled in a small store front at the corner of 45th Street and 9th Avenue, Schmackary's has become the place for a sweet treat and to star gaze as Broadway actors and actresses forget their waistlines before, between and after shows.  Their rotating menu of cookies include such amazing flavors as carrot cake (my favorite), red velvet and maple bacon cookies.  They always have old fashioned chocolate chip cookies, which are amazing with a trace of sea salt.  Always fresh and 100% tasty, these cookies are even better with cold milk, available at the store.  Broadway fans can even send cookies to the stage door for their favorite stars.  Aside from great cookies, and an owner (Zachary "Schmackary" Schmahl) with Broadway dreams saved by the gourmet cookie craze, the store has, in just over a year in business, become an important part of the community.  Recently, they sponsored a week of celebrity cookie sellers (Pasek and Paul, Jeremy Jordan, Laura Osnes, Santino Fontanna, among many others) with proceeds benefitting Broadway Cares.  They called it Broadway Bakes.  Something tells me that will grow and become an annual event.  Welcome to Broadway, Schmakary's.  Long may we smell those tasty treats wafting through the theatre district.


THE JKTS JUST-FOR-FUN AWARDS

These awards celebrate all those things we all wish someone would make an award for!



Best Bare Chest in a Play or Musical
     Sebastian Stan, Picnic (Top)
"She Must Work Out" Award
     Patina Miller, Pippin (Bottom, Left)
"He Must Work Out" Award
     Gregory Haney, Bring It On: The Musical (Bottom, Right)





Best Actor or Actress Playing a "Real-Life" Role in a Play or Musical
     Rob McClure, Chaplin (Top)
Best Performance by a Live Animal in a Play or Musical - TIE
     Macaco as Miss Alice Nutting's dog in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Center)
     Sunny as Sandy in Annie
Best Onstage Couple
     Lola and Charlie (Billy Porter and Stark Sands), Kinky Boots (Bottom, Left)
Best Real-Life Broadway Couple
     Matt Doyle (The Book of Mormon) and Ryan Steele (Matilda) (Bottom, Right)
Best Cast at the Stage Door
     The Cast of Bring It On: The Musical

The Show That Has to Go
     Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

Jeff
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LIVE BLOG! The 2013 Tony Awards

June 9, 2013, 3:21 pm
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DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE WINNER'S LIST FOR 
THE 3RD ANNUAL JKTS AWARDS BY CLICKINGHERE.

BEST MUSICAL: Kinky Boots I'm not surprised at all.  And good for them.  I'm not going to make any sour grapes comments.  As long as it wasn't Scandalous.

Once - Why?

BEST SCENIC DESIGN: John Lee Beatty - The Nance It truly is a sight to behold.  Rob Howell - Matilda Only Pippin really came close, but not really.  That set is as magical as the little girl in the middle of it all.

Kinky Boots: "Everybody Say Yeah" Nice closing number for the Tonys!  And a very fair representation of what the show really is.  Maybe I'll get to see it again in a few years...

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: Patina Miller Sincere. Nervous.  Let the backlash begin.  (Even though we all know she deserves it!)

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Cicely Tyson A stunning speech.  Class personified. She's ready for her close-up, Mr. DeMille.

BEST LIGHTING PLAY AND MUSICAL: Peggy Eisenhower and Lucky Guy.  The only thing I remember about that show, really.  Hugh Vanstone the lighting of Matilda was truly magical.

IN MEMORIUM: "True Colors" is the perfect underscore for this tribute.  What a great performance by Cyndi Lauper.

*** Matthew Broderick is a sour puss.

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY: Tracy Letts I guess it is time to re-think the whole"if it is closed, it can't win."  That's 3 so far.

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: Billy Porter a gem.  Best speech of the night.

*** Do you think Mike Tyson gets that Neil Patrick Harris is teasing each time?

The Phantom of the Opera: The only good song in the score (IMHO) and a good version to boot.  Harold Prince the living legend.  Enough said.

BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL: Dennis Kelly Matilda: the Musical A triumph of book writing, so glad that the Tonys recognize quality.

BEST REVIVAL OF A PLAY: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Man, I wish I had seen this one

Pippin: "Corner of the Sky"/"Magic To Do" Despite some shitty TV cuts, Pippin still rocks the place!  And can Matthew James Thomas get any cuter?

A Christmas Story: "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" Another show that puts those Annie urchins to shame.  And how much cash do those producers have?  They flew Caroline O'Connor all the way in from Australia!  Start selling tickets for that return engagement NOW!

BEST PLAY: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Any bets on how long before they announce a longer run? Well deserved!  Christopher Durang gets played off?  BOOOO!

PLAY MONTAGE: A decent way to do it, I guess.  But if there's time for Motown and The Rascals, there should be more time for plays.  SLOW DOWN, Jesse Eisenberg

TheRascals: Even with a cheesy montage, they are better than Motown.

FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL ANDREA MARTIN - Pippin A shoo-in, but deserved!

Cancelled Shows AWESOME!  Come back, Megan, Andrew and Laura!

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: JERRY MTCHELL - Kinky Boots I can live with it.

Annie: "Hard Knock Life"/"Little Girls" - Showing off that fossil's best assets were a wise move.  Jane Lynch even off key is better than Katie Finneran.  But let's face it, Matilda is the new Annie.

BEST SCORE: CYNDI LAUPER - Kinky Boots Genuinely shocked and pleased.  Gracious.  i'm crying like a fool...

BEST ORCHESTRATIONS: STEPHEN OREMUS -Kinky Boots, see my notes for Best Sound.  This award always goes to best score...

Motown: The Musical: "Get Ready" Didn't Hairspray do this number 10 years ago?  Or am I thinking of Memphis?  So far, the least inspiring of the numbers...

DIRECTION OF A PLAY: PAM McKINNON -Is this the first time both Best Directors are women?  She's a riot! Breathe, honey.

DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL: DIANE PAULUS - First win!  Most deserving!  If she hadn't won, there would have been a riot at Radio City.

**Can we pause and reflect on the cute red-headed guy next to Jerry Mitchell?

SOUND DESIGN: JOHN SHIVERS - Kinky Boots Leon Rothenberg - The Nance 
Just proves that no one who votes knows what sound design is.  Both had long stretches where the sound was muddled when I saw each.

Cinderella: "It's Possible"/ "The Ball" The perfect representation of what this show is... performance, spectacle, great stars!  can't wait to see it again!

FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: 

GABRIEL EBERT - Didn't see that coming!  He was good.  Congrats!  Cool speech - real, humble!  The guy I'd like to be friends with.

COSTUME DESIGN: ANN ROTH - the costumes for The Nance were awesome!  WILLIAM IVEY LONG - Cinderella's costumes were/are stunning and magical.

Bring It On: The Musical: "It's All Happening"  Great intro to the show... geet those teens begging to see this/do this show!  I miss this show!

BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY

JUDITH LIGHT - One of the greatest contemporary actresses.  Classy woman.  Did she forget anyone?

Neil's mash ups... funny and timely... I love him hosting...

Matilda:the Musical : "Revolting Children" I'll say it again, it looks like "Bitch of Living" and "Totally Fucked" as performed by kindergartners.  Effective as hell!  And "When I Grow Up" makes me cry every time I hear it...

BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY

COURTNEY B. VANCE - Nice, classy speech.  Was this a surprise?


THE OPENING NUMBER

Shia LeBeuf joke, check.  "Let's Make It Bigger (Go, Neil, Go)"  Best sport... Mike Tyson.  Les Miz movie joke, check. 8 times a week, check.

Best Opening Number Ever.

RED CARPET THOUGHTS

Dear NY1, Your coverage of the Red Carpet for the Tony awards was a disaster.  Embarrassing.  Inept.  A quartet of idiots that, were I a journalism teacher, I'd make students watch this as an example of what NOT to do.  Thanks for nothing.  Jeff

7:27:  Who is Laura Asmus?

****

7:18: How much do you want to bet that the NY1 guy has no idea what "arduous" means? (Kudos to Alan Cumming for shutting him up mid-question.)

7:19:  Cyndi Lauper is so sweet.  She has to be sick of answering "What is it like to do your first musical?  Is it exciting?"  Her process is so honest.  Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi love Jerry Mitchell!  Her work ethic is inspiring.

****
7:06:  I like the Tony Honors Award better than the actual Tony Award.  Is it just me?

7:10:  I have to admit... I don't know if I can go another 50 minutes of this inanity...



****

6:53: I'll give credit where credit is due... the NY1 people managed to get decent stuff from Mike Tyson.

6:55: Laura Osnes looks amazing!  Another gaffe by the interviewer, "What's it like to wear white tights, Santino?"  He doesn't wear tights in the show.  Santino Fontanna is puppy dog cute!

I want to bite Zachary Quinto.

6:59: Pasek and Paul are living Broadway professionals that act like real honest to God Broadway fans!  I love them even more every time they talk!  Happy birthday, Benj!  Matthew Morrison says he wants to come "home" to Broadway.  Hollywood, maybe, isn't all that...


****
6:37: Charl Brown! You go, gurl! Velisia LeKae is so pretty in purple.  She successfully navigates the "Did you have relations with Diana Ross?"

6:40: Jerry Mitchell looks like a Sardi's waiter.  A very handsome waiter.  Finally, an interesting question about the treadmills in "Everybody Say Yeah!"

6:44: Roma, we are so thrilled that you feel that you can call Victoria Clark "Vickie."  Clark's gown is a lovely white thing designed by none other that William Ivey Long.

6:47:  Kristine Nielson is another terrific person.  How can you not love her?  And Maggie Smith is one classy dame! David Hyde Pierce is, dare I repeat myself so much, a classy SOB!

****
6:23: I'll say it... Ben Fankhauser and Cory Cott are soooo adorable!  Their enthusiasm for Newsies is infectious!

6:25: Christopher Durang successfully deflects the awkward "You were in an acciddent..." question. The beautiful Laura Benanti is STUNNING.  Blue is her color!

6:28: Congratulations to Tracy Letts and Carrie Coon on their engagement!  Too bad the news wasn't supposed to go public...

6:30: Tom Hanks is a pro.  His eyes say, "this man with the mic is a tool," but his mouth is saying everything just right.  Tom is answering his question, while the guy with the mic has it steadily on Rita Wilson.  I love Tom Hanks...


****

6:06: Rob McClure is so cute - his wife, too!  Great story about his aunt and Charlie Chaplin!  Can't wait for Honeymoon in Vegas!

6:08: Carolee Carmello, graciousness personified.  And all that Scandalous awkwardness is over!

6:09: Diane Paulus is great for answering the same old questions about Pippin... she must be of tired of telling us that she wanted to "keep the Fosse and join it to the world of the circus."

6:12: Interviewer calls Will Chase  "Will Anderson."  Can't wait for Little Miss Sunshine.  Meanwhile, Shalita Grant is as great in real-life as she is onstage!

6:17: Judith Light is fabulous!  Interviewer tells Judith that she won the Tony for Lombardi.  She doesn't bat an eye.  Classy!  Good for her deflecting the Jewish question, and recognizing that the play is universal!

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Keep It, Dump It, or Fix It Up: The 2013 Tony Awards

June 10, 2013, 1:13 am
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By now, everyone and their brother has weighed in on last night's Tony Awards, so I'll keep it as brief as I can.

I thought the show was one of the best in several seasons.  There are lessons to be learned from this.  There are things that need to be kept, dumped or fixed for next year's show.

KEEP IT



  • The host. Neil Patrick Harrisis perfect or the job.  He's got the "key demographic" in his TV star pocket.  He can sing, dance and has a clever, but not really mean sense of humor.  His enery keeps things going at a fever pitch, even when things get slow.  And most importantly, he loves the theatre and he wears that love like a badge of honor.
  • The best Broadway tunesmiths.  This year Tom Kittand Lin-Manuel Mirandacame up with the most excellent opening number, a real showstopper.  It had the Radio City crowd on its feet, and I am sure I wasn't the only one at home cheering and clapping.  Next year, let Pasek and Pauluse all that giggly fanboy energy have a crack at it!


  • Longer musical segments.  Maybe it was just me, but didn't the numbers seem to last longer than usual?  Nice to hear whole sings!
  • The topical mid-show number and show closing number.  It'll be hard to top the TV cancellation number - Benanti, Hilty and Ranells in the same show?  Dare to dream, Jeff, dare to dream.  The show closing number stays as long as Harris does, deal?


DUMP IT

  • The playoff music.  It's one night of the year, CBS.  Loosen up.  These are speeches many people only get one chance to give their entire lives.  And if you can't be across the board, at least agree that living legends (Cicely Tyson, Christopher Durang) can have as long as they want.
  • The purpose of the Broadway League bit.Whether you try to be funny (like this year) or deadly serious (like every other year) no one cares about it.  And that includes the entire audience at the Tonys.

Thought Bubble: " I won for Other Desert Cities," you idiot."

  • NY1 coverage of anything. This year's red carpet was simply embarrassing.  Calling Will Chase "Will Anderson," telling Judith Light that she won the Tony for Lombardi is bad enough.  But asking Santino Fontanahow it is to wear white tights in Cinderella is just bad journalism *he doesn't wear tights in the show*, and asking Valisia LeKaeif she's had relations with Diana Ross would be grounds for termination where I work.  How about you?
  • Matthew Broderick. Give Ferris Bueller the day off.  Permanently.  He couldn't even fake enjoying Broadway?  Lord knows the movies don't want him...


FIX IT

"Good Lovin'" for everything but the Plays

  • No montages of closed shows.  What they did to The Mystery of Edwin Drood was disrespectful.  Fix it by offering a song, no frills at a cut rate to producers.
  • No extraneous acts. The Rascals were pretty good.  But why them, and no time for the creative awards?

Jesse can talk FAST

  • More time for creative awards. See above.  We could have heard more of each speech if Motown was cut.
  • Figure out a better way to include the plays.  A perennial problem... I can live without fully staged scenes, but Jesse Eisenbergspeed reading through the entire bit was hard to understand, and I even knew what he was talking about.


RETIRE IT

Sandy and Neil introduce a segment

  • Show characters announcing awards and numbers.  Turns out I really loved it 95% of the time.  It was clever and a fun way to revisit older shows.  Now don't do it again for a few years.


AND FINALLY...

  • Top 3 Best Speeches of the Night:Billy Porter, Cyndi Lauper and Patina Miller
  • Worst Speech of the Night:Cicely Tyson.  Don't hate me, but come on.  Her speech sounded like a death wish.  Norma Desmond lives!

  • The musical numbers that should help ticket sales:A Christmas Story, Pippin, Kinky Boots, Cinderella
  • The musical numbers that really didn't make me want to see the show again: Matilda(out of context, a noisy, muddled mess, with too little Matilda, and too much Spring Awakening, Jr.), Annie (Though Jane Lynch was SUPERB, it is now firmly documented that the orphans are not the biggest kids on the block anymore, the kids from Matilda and A Christmas Story are true triple threats.)
  • The worst musical numbers:Motown: The Musicallooks and sounds like a bad amateur hour/community theatre talent show.  Memphis and Hairspray both did it better.The Phantom of the Opera: Ok, not the worst.  They did pick the best number to present, but the close ups in this HD age took a lot of the mystery out of it. Side note:I can't believe that people are so shocked that it was lip-synched.  Almost the whole thing is lip-synched in the actual show - I mean there are 3 or 4 Phantoms and Christines running around the stage during most of the song to perfect sounding voices.  Get real.


TWO LAST THINGS

  • Tony picks. For those of you keeping track, Mike and I did pretty well with our Tony predictions.  I did only slightly better, getting 1 more right than he did. To see our list, click HERE.
  • JKTS Awards. Click HEREto see the complete list of this year's winners!


Jeff
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Search

CONTEST: Win Tickets to FOREVER TANGO!

June 10, 2013, 9:36 pm
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OK, theatre fans!  The 2012 - 2013 is now completely in the history books.  So let's get the new season started in a winning fashion - with a pair of tickets to the hottest dance show to hit Broadway in years!  I'm talking about the THIRD return engagement of Luis Bravo's Forever Tango!

ABOUT THE SHOW:


Luis Bravo’s internationally acclaimed entertainment phenomenon Forever Tango, will return to the Walter Kerr Theatre, its original Broadway home, for ten weeks only with performances beginning Tuesday, July 9, 2013 through Sunday, September 15, 2013. Five-time Grammy Award-winner Gilberto Santa Rosa will appear as the first special guest star for the first three weeks of the engagement. Future vocalist casting will be announced at a later date.

Forever Tango is music, drama, culture, a way of life. The popularity of tango has exploded all over the world. Sensuous and sophisticated, the tango is a feeling that you dance. A story is channeled through the flick of the leg, the tug of a hand, the tap of a foot, and the arch of an eyebrow. It’s passionate, yet melancholic. Tender, yet violent. You dance it with somebody, but it is so internal, you dance it by yourself. Sixteen world-class tango dancers, one vocalist and the eleven-piece Forever Tango orchestra will leave you breathless.

Check out this steamy, passionate sneak peek:


THE PRIZE

  • One pair of tickets to a performance of Forever Tango on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre.
  • The voucher will be good for any performance Tuesday - Friday during the month of July.



CONTEST ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOON, SATURDAY, JUNE 15.


THE CONTEST
Answer these three questions:

1.  This year's Tony Award winner for Best Choreography, Jerry Mitchell, also won a Tony for choreographing which musical?

A. Hairspray
B. Never Gonna Dance
C. La Cage aux Folles
D. The Full Monty

2.  The last production to play the Walter Kerr Theatre before Forever Tango was:

A.  The Testament of Mary
B.  Lysistrata Jones
C.  The Performers
D.  The Heiress

3.  Which character in a recent musical revival was a tango singer?

A. Benjamin Stone
B. Desiree Armfeldt
C. Neville Landless
D. Augustin Magaldi




THE FINE PRINT

  • ONE entry per email address.
  • Email your entry to jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com(Be careful of your spelling!)
  • The Subject Heading must be: FOREVER TANGO CONTEST
  • Give your name, city and state.
  • List your answers in this format: 1. D. Stephanie J. Block
  • Entries that DO NOTfollow these criteria will be disqualified.
  • JK's TheatreScene is not reponsible for late, lost or undeliverable email entries, entries that do not follow contest rules, winners not following the voucher redemption rules, seat availability or location, and the absence of any certain performers.



CONTEST ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOON, SATURDAY, JUNE 15.  

THE WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED ON SUNDAY, JUNE 16.


Jeff
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JKTS Chat: THE NANCE's Jonny Orsini (Part I)

June 12, 2013, 8:05 pm
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Each season, the Broadway stage is filled with actors at every stage in their careers.  Some are lifelong Broadway babies, others are TV and film stars trying their hand at the live theatre, and still others are just starting out.  One such actor in that latter category is Jonny Orsini, who is making his Broadway debut in Douglas Carter Beane's new play, The Nance.  A Lincoln Center Theater production directed by Jack O'Brienand starring Nathan Lane, the play continues at the Lyceum Theatre through August 11.

I was very fortunate to have the chance to ask Jonny a few questions during the very busy awards season.  In this first of two parts, we talk about the award he received recently, why he changed from journalism to acting as a career, and making films - including film star Keanu Reeves!

JEFF:Hi, Jonny!  Thank you so much for this interview.  When I wrote my review of The Nance, I expressed my displeasure at the fact that you were left off the Tony Awards nominations list.  But it soothes me to know that you are the 2013 recipient of the Theatre World Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in Theatre.  Congratulations!  How do you feel about this honor?  How was the awards ceremony?  Who presented it to you? 

JONNY: Nathan presented me with the award and said such wonderful things. We have had an incredible time working together, and he’s been so good to all of us. I am so honored to receive the award because I feel it’s another step toward being welcomed into this incredible tradition of storytelling.


JEFF: I read in another interview that acting was not something you were into when you were in high school or even most of college.  How did you “find” theatre/acting?  What was the “bug” that bit you? 

JONNY: I really got into it in college. I was studying journalism initially because I’ve always been fascinated by powerful stories, researching people and why they make the choices they make, etc., and at some point, realized I responded more strongly in a visceral way to acting as the format to tell those stories and get peoples voices heard.

JEFF: In that same interview, you talked about being what sounds like a typical teenage boy – sports lover, edgy, self-protective… “I was just trying to figure myself out.”  Now, some years removed from being an angst-filled teen, what have you figured out? In this day and age of bullying and suicide awareness, what advice about all of that might you give a young man or young woman reading this? 

JONNY: Young people should know that any negativity in a person, including negative things a person might say to you, insults, etc... all negativity in a person stems from an issue they have with themselves - not ultimately with you. So one thing I’ve figured out is practicing compassion towards people, almost especially towards people who are negative, mean, rude, whatever you want to call them, because there is love in their heart somewhere, and they are only being difficult towards you because of issues THEY have. When people try to hurt you it is truly and honestly their problem, not yours. As long as you are good to others, you deserve more than anything in the world to be good to yourself. And don’t waste your love or time on anyone who doesn’t make you feel great about being who you are. Go where your love is appreciated.




JEFF: Tell us about your experience with the film Cigarette Candy, which is an award-winning short film.  I understand you were cast in an unusual way?  How did you research the military and P.T.S.D.?

JONNY: Coming from a journalism background, I spent a lot of time with war photography and reading all kinds of articles about all things regarding P.T.S.D., most alarming of which were articles I found highlighting the suicide rates of returning vets which is so upsetting. The health professionals in the field are incredible human beings working tirelessly. It was my first project in NYC before I even had an agent, so when I heard about the project, I recorded an audition monologue and sent it to the director via Facebook asking very passionately for an audition slot. P.T.S.D., like so many things, needs attention and love, so I was very honored to be part of bringing the story to light in our film.


JEFF: You’ve made some other films, including one called Generation Um... with Keanu Reeves.  How was it to work with someone with so much film experience?  Did he offer you any advice?  How different is it to act for film versus in front of a live audience?  Do you have a preference between film and stage work? 


JONNY: I’ve been very lucky to work with some incredibly gracious, talented people. Keanu and I spoke quite a bit about what it means to just honor where you are, what you are feeling in the moment and to not judge the emotions thoughts or feelings you’re having but to just experience them.  Judgment clouds reality - and that’s not just acting, but all of life. Though we worked for only a few days together, he is a remarkable person and was very good to me. Film can feel very technical at times, whereas [on] stage you can really just rip with the energy in the theater, which is one of the greatest thrills for an actor and an audience alike. Film though can capture these powerful, subtle moments that can sometimes get lost on stage, just given the intimacy of a camera close up. So they both definitely have their strengths and appeal.

Look for Part II on Tuesday, June 18.

(Photos from Getty Images; Theatre World Awards photos by Walter McBride; production photos by Joan Marcus)

Jeff
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UPDATE: Mr. and Ms. Broadway: Where are they now?

June 13, 2013, 8:51 pm
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Since I began this blog almost 4 years ago, together we - you and I - have celebrated some of the best, brightest, newest and established theatre guys and gals by naming, so far 53 Mr. Broadways and 46 Ms. Broadways!  Before I reveal who number 100 and 101 will be this weekend, I thought it might be fun to see where the first 99 are today.  Well, most of them, anyway...


TONY Fever!
Since they were named Mr. and Ms.Broadway, these folks are Tony nominees!

  • Guys: Levi Kreis (he won!), Joshua Henry, Jeremy Jordan, Andrew Rannells, Douglas Carter Beane, Steve Kazee (he won!), Andy Blankenbuehler, Rob McClure, Will Chase, Santino Fontana, Terrence Mann, and Kenneth Posner (3 nominations!).
  • Ladies: Montego Glover, Laura Osnes (2 nominations!), Nikki M. James (she won!), Cristin Milioti, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Nina Arianda (she won!), Diane Paulus (she won!), Amy Morton, Patina Miller (she won!) and Anna Louizos.

25 nominations, 6 wins!


Another Openin', Another Show!
These folks have gone on to other New York shows!

  • Gals: Betsy Wolfe (The Last 5 Years), Lindsay Mendez (Wicked), Caissie Levy (Murder Ballad), Celia Keenan-Bolger (The Glass Menagerie), Jennifer Damiano (Venice: The Musical), Laura Osnes (Cinderella), Patti LuPone (The Anarchist), Megan Sikora (The Nance), Krysta Rodriguez (First Date) and almost Jill Paice (Rebecca)!
  • Guys: Cheyenne Jackson (The Performers), Jeremy Jordan (from West Side Storyto Bonnie and Clydeto Newsies), John Arthur Greene (Matilda), Kyle Coffman (from West Side Storyto Newsiesto The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Ryan Steele (from West Side Story to Newsies to Matilda), Bobby Steggert (Big Fish), Benjamin Walker (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Tom Kitt (Bring It On: The Musical, If/Then), Kyle Dean Massey (Lucky Guy, Wicked), Chris Sullivan (Nice Work If You Can Get It), Charlie Williams (Silence! The Musical), Matthew James Thomas (Pippin), Telly Leung (Allegiance), Josh Segarra (Dogfight), Teddy Toye (Bring It On: The Musical), Alex Wyse (Bare, WickedNational Tour), Charlie Sutton (Kinky Boots), Douglas Carter Beane (Cinderella, The Nance), David Korins (Motown: The Musical), Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Tuck Everlasting), Rob McClure (Honeymoon in Vegas), and Will Chase (Little Miss Sunshine).


Cheerio! Off to London!
Broadway stars on the West End!  Julian Ovendon (Finding Neverland), Leigh Zimmerman (A Chorus Line- Olivier Nominee!), Seth Numrich (Sweet Bird of Youth), and Gavin Creel (The Book of Mormon).



In TV Land!
The New Normal: Andrew Rannells and Justin Bartha, Glee/30 Rock/Behind the Candelabra: Cheyenne Jackson, Elementary: Jonny Lee Miller, The Good Wife:- Seth Numrich, girls:Andrew Rannells. SMASH - Jeremy Jordan, Leslie Odom Jr., Julian Ovendon, Wesley Taylor, Will Chase, Montego Glover, Krysta Rodriguez, Mary Testa and Lindsay Mendez, How I Met Your Mother - Cristin Milioti, and Graceland - Aaron Tveit


Hooray for Hollywood... and the Internet!
Les Miserables- Aaron Tveit, It Could Be Worse - Wesley Taylor, Jeremy Jordan, Will Chase, Krysta Rodriguez, Max von Essen, Jennifer Damiano, Alex Wyse, Kyle Dean Massey, Submissions Only - Max von Essen, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Mystery White Boy - Reeve Carney, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Benjamin Walker, and Multiple films in Progress - Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig

In the Recording Studio!
Steve Kazee and Reeve Carney - Twilight Saga Soundtracks, Laura Osnes. Andrea McArdlem Patti LuPone - Live at 54 Below, Solo CDs: Telly Leung, Matt Doyle, Caissie Levy

They've been busy!

Jeff
4.276


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CONTEST: Win Tickets to Off-Broadway's UNBROKEN CIRCLE!

June 16, 2013, 9:00 pm
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 He's a writer, interviewer, musician and Broadway personality extraordinaire.  And with the Off-Broadway play, Unbroken Circle, he adds "producer" to his resume.  I'm talking about Seth Rudetsky, who, with co-producer Mary J. Davis presents the new play written by James Wesley. And because this special event prize is so limited (see below), this contest will be a fast one: all entries must be in by WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 AT NOON!

ABOUT THE SHOW

Unbroken Circle is at turns hilarious and disturbing as it explores how family secrets affect every person in each generation differently. Set in 1970's Galveston, Texas, a family is brought together for the first time in years on the day of its patriarch's funeral. As the day turns into night, the impact of the man on his family unfolds in surprising ways leaving each member grappling with the truth.

The cast includes Stacey Bone-Gleason and Broadway vets Anika Larsen(Xanadu, Avenue Q),  Suzanna Hay (Dance of Death with Ian McKellan and David Strathaim), Lori Hammel (Mamma Mia!), and also stars Eve Plumb (“The Brady Bunch”, Love Loss...) in a highly comedic yet ultimately moving performance as the born-again Christian, Aunt June. Inspired by events from his extended Texas family, playwright James Wesley stars as the troubled Bobby alongside his real-life daughter Juli Wesley.  

For more information, go to UnbrokenCircleThePlay.com. 

THE PRIZE

  • The winner will receive a voucher good for two tickets to Unbroken Circle at St. Luke's Theatre.
  • THE VOUCHER IS GOOD FOR PERFORMANCES ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 at 2:30 PM and 8 PM AND WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 at 2:30 PM and 8 PM.

(L to R) Eve Plumb, Lori Hammel, James Wesley
and Suzanna Hay in Unbroken Circle

THE CONTEST

Answer these three questions about Texas, the setting of Unbroken Circle:

1.  This Broadway diva from Texas won her Tony Award for Cats:
     A. Bernadette Peters
     B. Betty Buckley
     C. Liz Larsen

2.  This Tony winner from Texas is known for winning Tonys in several categories:
     A. Tommy Tune
     B. Harvey Fierstein
     C. Julie Taymor

3.  Which currently running one-person play takes place in the Lone Star State?
     A.  Ann
     B.  I'll Eat You Last
     C.  Macbeth

THE FINE PRINT
  • ONE entry per email address.
  • Email your entry to jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com (Be careful of your spelling!)
  • The Subject Heading must be: UNBROKEN CIRCLE CONTEST
  • Give your name, city and state.
  • List your answers in this format: 1. D. Jeremy Jordan
  • Entries that DO NOT follow these criteria will be disqualified.
  • JK's TheatreScene is not reponsible for late, lost or undeliverable email entries, entries that do not follow contest rules, winners not following the voucher redemption rules, seat availability or location, and the absence of any certain performers.
CONTEST ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOON, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19.  


THE WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED THAT EVENING.


Jeff
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JKTS Chat: More with THE NANCE's Jonny Orsini (Part 2)

June 17, 2013, 9:01 pm
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Last week, Jonny Orsini chatted about winning the prestegious Dorothy Loudon Award, given each season to an actor making his or her Broadway debut. (Click HEREfor Part I of this interview.)  But as you'll read today, The Nance is not his first stage play, nor his first time doing nudity.  In fact, it isn't even his first role in a play by Douglas Carter Beane - he took over the role of the male prostitute in Beane's The Little Dog Laughed from an ailing Jeremy Jordan in Boston!

What follows is Orsini's take on The Nance, working with Nathan Lane and Jack O'Brien, and even his dream role (he's a real romantic!).

JEFF: Now you are making your Broadway debut, though this is not your first play by a long shot.  You’ve done Shakespeare, modern classics and contemporary works.  What stage roles are you dying to take on?

JONNY: I’d love to play Romeo. I feel most strongly connected to him more than any other classic character I’ve yet come across to this point in my life. [He’s] girl crazy, [has a] wide open heart, [and] incredibly passionate. I am all these things. That said, I believe in living in the moment and being true to yourself, so if the right production never came up for some reason, that’s fine, too.  There are many other roles, an infinite amount not yet written, that I’d be honored to dive into.


JEFF: All of this brings us back to The Nance.  I guess the obvious question to start with is the full nudity required of the role.  Unless The Little Dog Laughed was much different in Boston than New York, this isn’t your first time doing nudity on stage.  In both plays, I felt that the nudity was necessary and germane to the story, the characters, and themes – certainly not gratuitous.  

JONNY: Every human being exists in a pure natural state of nudity at some point in the day. I, as Ned, am a living, breathing, loving human being, and the scene happens to catch one of those parts of my day where I’d be in this natural state. What is gratuitous is certainly up for interpretation, but I agree with you, the nudity in this and in Little Dog is just an expression of vulnerability, not exploitation in any way.


JEFF: And how is it to have made your debut with a cast and director who are seasoned veterans?  How has that wealth of experience informed your experience with this play, and what do you think you’ll take away from it as a growing actor?

JONNY: I believe in the importance of telling stories so we can share experiences with each other and let each other know even if we're different in certain surface ways, we are all the same at heart and, therefore, not alone. It’s universal. This, to me, is an opportunity to tell a story with some of the best storytellers in the business, therefore meaning essentially the most powerful, affecting version of the story possible, and I’m very honored to be a part of that.


JEFF: I can only imagine what it must be like to rehearse scenes with an esteemed director like Jack O’Brien and a beloved and esteemed actor like Nathan Lane.  What did they bring to the table that helped you create the palpable (even from the upper balcony) chemistry between the two of you?

JONNY: Nathan and Jack are both such loving people. And me, being a straight guy, Nathan makes it so easy to fall in love with him, because he is that beautiful of a human being in his heart. And Jack created an atmosphere for all of us as a company to feel this warmth and comfort with each other.


JEFF: Finally, what about The Nance makes the play so relevant today, despite its taking place so long ago?  In this era of gay rights and marriage equality, what do you hope audiences are getting from this show?  For me, Ned’s naiveté and innocence about people being able to live the way they want to, despite the world he lives in, reminds me of my many painful years in the closet – inwardly feeling the way Ned does, but not being brave enough to outwardly live it.

JONNY: The most beautiful thing about this story to me is Ned who... gay/straight/whatever!... loves with a wide open heart and is unashamed to do so. And that is the most honorable way to live as far as I can tell. And the thing is, by doing that you’re really putting yourself out there completely. (Easier said than done!) But, if you’re rejected, keep in mind people’s issues with you are much more often deep seeded issues they have with themselves.  So if you always love openly and are good to people and good to yourself, go where that love is appreciated. There is a place for all of us when our hearts are open.

JEFF: Thanks so much, Jonny!

The Nance continues at the Lyceum Theatre through August 11.

(Production photos by Joan Marcus; The Nance excerpt from the LincolnCenterTheater channel on YouTube.)

Jeff
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Broadway Boys: Mr. Broadway June 2013: Billy Porter

June 19, 2013, 6:42 pm
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MR. JUNE 2013
BILLY PORTER


WHY HE'S MR. BROADWAY:Hmmm... two words: Tony Award!  OK, the truth is, I've been following Billy Porterlong before he donned those kinky boots!  Let me show my age: I first saw him in his debut show, Miss Saigon, when he was in the ensemble, and later when he took over the role of John.  I missed him Five Guys Named Moe, but loved his outrageous star-turn as Teen Angel in the 1994 revival of Grease!Since then, he's been all over the place - on and off-Broadway, in concert, in the recording studio.  But it will likely be his current role as the strong but loveable Lola that will be a major turning point in an already long, distinguished career.  I can't think of anyone who deserves it more.

FUN FACTS:

  • Billy's from Pittsburgh, born on September 21, 1969. He's a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon.
  • When he made his debut on Broadway, his name in the Playbill was W. Ellis Porter.
  • Billy was a winner of Star Search - Best Male Vocalist.  In Grease!, he shared the stage with 2 other Star Search winners: Rosie O'Donnell and Sam Harris.



IN PHOTOS


ONE OF HIS MANY RECORDINGS


GREASE! 1994


GHETTO SUPERSTAR


BILLIE BLUE



ANGELS IN AMERICA
TOP: with Michael Urie
BOTTOM: with Zachary Quinto

KINKY BOOTS







TONY AWARD WINNER, BILLY PORTER!

RECORDING "SEX IS IN THE HEEL"



Jeff
4. 279

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Broadway Ladies: Ms. Broadway June 2013: Ann Harada

June 22, 2013, 11:01 am
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MS. JUNE 2013
ANN HARADA


WHY SHE'S MS. BROADWAY:File this one under "it took far too long." For more than a decade, she's been a real Broadway "scene stealer," winning the hearts of thousands of theater fans.  She's the kind of actress that people always say has "it."  No matter if she's in the ensemble (Seussical, 9 to 5) or in a featured role (Madame Thenardier inLes Miserables), you can't help but notice her charisma, superb sense of timing, and sincere warmth.  Of course, she'll probably always be most remembered for creating the role of Christmas Eve in Avenue Q, but these days, she's causing quite a scene (and singing the showstopper "Step-Sister's Lament") in Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella.  Everybody loves a good "bad girl," so why shouldn't Ann Harada (finally) be Ms. Broadway!?


FUN FACTS:

  • Ann was born on February 3rd in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • She went to Brown University.
  • Ann has a son named Elvis!
  • Ms. Harada was in every version - from first reading through original Broadway cast of Seussical.
  • She's the only Avenue Q cast member to originate her role on both Broadway and the West End.
  • She played the stage manamger of Bombshell in both seasons of TV's SMASH.
  • She and her AQ co-star, John Tartaglia, appered on the Disney Channel in his original series, Johnny and the Sprites.
  • Ann got rave reviews for her performances as Miss Darbus in a regional production of Disney's High School Musical, and as Trina in an all-Asian production of Falsettoland.
  • She made her Broadway debut as a production assistant for the short-lived play, Sleight of Hand, and made her Broadway acting debut in the play M. Butterfly.



Off-Broadway: Love, Loss and What I Wore


Off-Broadway: The Kid


Broadway: Seussical
(2nd Row, Far Left)





Broadway: Avenue Q



Benefit: Christmas Eve with Christmas Eve


Broadway: Les Miserables


Broadway: 9 to 5
(Center)




Television: SMASH



Broadway: Rodgers + Hammerstein's
Cinderella


Ann Harada visits Seth Rudetsky's Obsessed



Jeff
4.280
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Search

Summer Theatre Vacation: Broadway Around the World in 20 Stops

June 28, 2013, 6:16 am
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Broadway sure can be expensive - if you bought Premium Seats (or, in some cases, simply top ticket prices) to every Broadway show currently on the boards, it would cost you a whopping $6,078.00!  But imagine if you took a long summer vacation and toured the locations of all the currently running Broadway shows.  Talk about costly!

While it wouldn't exactly be an around the world tour, you would get a pretty decent tour of Europe, a couple of stunning stops in Africa, and a coast-to-coast tour of the United States.  If you start in old New York (Newsies, The Nance, Annie, The Assembled Parties, Lucky Guy) you can make 19 stops (The Book of Mormon is so huge, it gets 2 stops) before returning to modern-day New York to see the sights found in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark!

From 1899 New York City (Newsies)...


THE SUMMER 2013 BROADWAY WORLD TOUR
*see legend below map
(Zoom in and out to make the place markers visible.
Left-click on the map and move the hand around the map to move across.)



... to 2013 New York City (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark)

STOP
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
SHOW
WHAT YOU HAVE TO SEE
1
New York, New York, USA
* Newsies
** Annie
*** The Nance
**** The Assembled Parties
***** Lucky Guy
* The car ramp onto the Brooklyn Bridge, site of The Pulitzer Building until 1955 – home of the New York World- and seize the day!
** While you are at the Brooklyn Bridge, envision a Hooverville on the rivers’ edge, and then check out an upper East Side manse, then to Times Square for a movie.
*** While in Times Square take a walking tour of Broadway theatres, taking special note of which one used to house burlesque shows.
**** Check out the ultra chic apartment buildings that face Central Park West, starting with the block where The Dakota is.
***** 220 East 42nd Street – former home of The Daily News, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, home of the New York Post, then off to Suffolk County to see where New York Newsday is made.
2
Dublin, Ireland, UK
Once
Do a pub crawl, stopping only when you get to one that features an earthy woman strolling the place playing the accordion…
3
Inverness, Scotland, UK
Macbeth
Check out castle ruins and the Burnham woods, of course!
4
Derbyshire, England, UK
Matilda
Tour a public school – maybe even the one where Roald Dahl attended – be good, though, or you’ll tour the Chokey, too!
5
Northampton, England, UK
Kinky Boots
Tour the actual factory where the film (and later, the musical) was based.
6
Paris, France
* Cinderella
** The Phantom of the Opera
* Tour the countryside outside the city, and, later, in the city, find where Charles Perrault – he wrote the version that the show is partially is based upon.
** See the Paris Opera House, duh.
7
Arles, France
Pippin
Tour the area from which Charlemagne ruled the world – watch out for dagger-wielding priests in disguise in the cathedral!
8
Skopelos, Greece
Mamma Mia!
See the clear blue water and the rocky terrain of one of Greece’s most scenic islands.  And leave your spandex home!
9
Mara, Tanzania
The Lion King
You have to tour the Serengeti from here!  Hit the Savannah and the deep jungle to get the full feel of the land where Simba rules.  Bring water, just in case!
10
Uganda, Africa
The Book of Mormon
The first of 2 Mormon inspired stops…  see firsthand what those Mormon boys are up against.
11
Hollywood, California
* Rock of Ages
** I’ll Eat You Last
* Party Hardy, dude!  Check out a bar or three on the Sunset Strip!
** Discreetly roll and smoke your joint in the back of the Tour of the Stars’ Homes bus, while checking off the homes of Sue Mengers’ former clients.
12
Provo, Utah
The Book of Mormon
Check out all things CLS! Or randomly ring doorbells and sing “Hello!” until Donny and Marie answer!
13
Anywhere, Kansas
Wicked
Go storm chasing until you see a twister.  But get out of the way… [spoiler alert] Oz isn’t real.  And don’t bother applying to Shiz U, either.
14
Rural Central Texas
Ann
Drive to a small, central Texas community college, sit in their auditorium and wait for the Governor of Texas to speak.
15
Houston, Texas
The Trip to Bountiful
Tour the city, and then take a bus trip to a nearby small town. Bring a box lunch and feel nostalgic.
16
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago
Go on, babe… after you pull up your stockings, see the Cook County Jail!
17
Detroit, Michigan
Motown
2648 West Grand Avenue is where you can see where it all started – Hitsville, USA.  But don’t count on seeing Berry, Diana or Smokey…
18
New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
You don’t have to dress like Snow White to see stars – check out the Bucks County Playhouse.  Maybe they’re doing a Chekov revival.
19
Newark, New Jersey
Jersey Boys
See where it all started for Frankie and the boys.  And just across the river…
20
New York City, NY, USA
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
It’s today!  Swing by The Foxwoods and wave to Spidey.  But first, go to the top of the Chrysler Building and fend off the Green Goblin…


Jeff
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Sesame Street Drama

June 30, 2013, 11:09 am
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Today's blog has nothing to do with theatre, but it has a lot to do with drama - unnecessary drama in my mind.

I grew up a part of the Sesame Street generation, and I think I'm a better person for it.  Growing up in rural upstate New York, Sesame introduced me to the urban lifestyle (people that weren't related lived in small parts of bigger buildings?), people that weren't white (Maria was the first Hispanic woman I'd ever seen - and she didn't always speak English!), interracial relationships (before Maria married Luis, she and David - an African-American man - had eyes for each other), imaginary friends, grumps, monsters that were friendly, and the value of the dollar (R.I.P. Mr. Hooper).  These days, they continue to meet the needs of today's children - soon a Muppet whose father is in jail will be introduced.  Many of these lessons were overt, outright teachable moments, others were far more subversive - never discussed, just "there" to see as a normal part of every day life.

Most kids of my generation flocked to all things Grover, Cookie Monster and Big Bird (this was long before Elmo took over the Street).  I had a thing for Bert and Ernie.  I never knew why when I was 5 or 6.  I just loved them.  I know part of me identified with them as having a brotherly relationship, and I wanted a brother so bad I used to ask Santa for one every Christmas.  As I got older, I loved their very close friendship - they used to talk each other through problems as they laid in bed, waiting to drift off.  When one was scared, the other was there.  And how cool was it that Bert was perfectly welcome in the bathroom while Ernie and Rubber Ducky were taking a bath! (My mother still credits Ernie with getting me to take baths as a child.)  Bert and Ernie were the best brothers/best friends in the world, and I wanted that more than anything.

Mind you, I was blissfully unaware of sexuality at the time.  I Love Lucy reruns featured a loving, married couple who slept in separate beds and they had Little Ricky.  Prime time featured Darren and Samantha and Mike and Carol (both couples with children) sleeping in the same bed, just like my mom and dad did.  So what if Bert and Ernie slept in separate beds like Ricky and Lucy?  They loved each other just as much the Ricardos, Bradys and Stevens did.  Love is love no matter what the sleeping arrangements are.  Right?




Now, as a grown up gay man, I think I understand why part of me was so drawn to the orange and yellow boys who lived together.  Because even then, as a 5 year old, I knew that two guys living together was as normal as a black family living with an Hispanic family in the same building and their being harmonious friends was.  I didn't need a story or big lesson - it was just there, two guys living their lives together, a part of the fabric of Sesame Street.  But the sexual aspect of it - even when they were sharing bathtime - was never a part of it.  Not the mechanics of it, anyway.  It shouldn't be, either. 5 and 6 year olds don't need to know the sex part of relationships.  But they NEED to know about the love and acceptance of all relationships.  And Street does that so well.

Until this week.

I've never been disappointed in the Children's Television Network and eveything it has stood for for decades, until I read a re-issue a 2011 statement on the subject, which has made it into current media following the release of a cover on The New Yorker following the Supreme Court decisions of the past week.  They said: "They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves,” the 2011 statement said. “Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation.”  That they ever felt the need to issue such a statement saddens me.  A company celebrated for its ground-breaking inclusiveness suddenly becomes a turtle hiding in its shell?  

Sorry, folks, but the minute a Muppet is given a gender, sexual orientation is a part of the package.  It doesn't ever need to be directly addressed on the show.  In fact, I don't think it should.  But, rather, just as it always has, Sesame Street should continue to portray all kinds of couples in loving relationships as completely normal and part of life.  If a straight boy sees Bert and Ernie as best friends living together, cool.  If a gay boy sees Bert and Ernie as boyfriends or husbands living together happily, cool, too. Keep their beds apart, what does it matter?  Males, be they human or Muppet, can and should hug each other in emotional moments.  Hugs are not sexual.  Bert and Ernie could be sharing a hug and nothing more.

Will there be any uproar over the "obvious" profiling
of kids with jailed parents?  Note the Muppet's spiky, urban
hair style and hoodie.
Having a Muppet with a father in prison addresses the needs of a portion of their audience.  Fine.  Instead of denying the possibilty that Bert and Ernie could love each other "that way," why not address the needs of the growing number of kids with same-sex parents?  

And about that magazine cover: 1. If your 5 year old is readingand commenting on The New Yorker, whether Bert and Ernie are gay better be far down your list of issues to deal with.  2. (And more seriously) In light of the decisions by the Supreme Court, we see them as holding each other happily.  The same cover could have been used had the decisions gone the other way, only we'd see them as holding each other sadly.  I don't know about you, but I love my Muppets - gay, straight or otherwise - happy.  

Jeff
4.282

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HOT or NOT 2014: The Cast of FIRST DATE

July 7, 2013, 10:46 pm
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Well, here we are!  Another season is underway, and the first new musical begins previews tomorrow!  First Date, the new musical that celebrates one of life's most uncomfortable rites of passage stars Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, and a small ensemble of some of Broadway's most exciting talents.

And for the second season now, we'll be on the search for the HOTTEST Broadway guys and gals!  As each new musical gets started on Broadway (plus a few major Off-Broadway shows), there'll be a new poll that asks you to rate each cast member as to just how "hot" you think they are!  For each cast member, you'll rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 - 1 being "Ice Cold" all the way up to 10 "Steaming Hot". At the end of each polling period, the cast member in each category (Leading Actor, Leading Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Male Ensemble, Female Ensemble, Male Understudy/Standby, Female Understudy/Standby) with the highest average will go on to the finals at the end of the season, when we decide who is THE HOTTEST CAST OF THE 2013 - 2014 SEASON!

REMEMBER: "HOT" isn't JUST about looks!  It's all about making an impact.  Cute dosen't hurt, but don't discount a sizzling "hot" performance!


THIS WEEK'S POLL WILL CLOSE AT NOON, ON SUNDAY, JULY 14!
(Finalists will be posted at the "HOT or NOT" tab at the top of this blog)

THE FIRST DATE CAST IN ACTION!



CANDIDATES FOR LEADING ACTOR AND ACTRESS

Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez

CANDIDATES FOR SUPPORTING ACTOR

Kristoffer Cusick     Blake Hammond


Bryce Ryness

CANDIATES FOR SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Sara Chase     Kate Loprest

CANDIDATES FOR MALE AND FEMALE SWING

Erik Ankrim     Kevin Kern


Vicki Noon     Sydney Shepherd

SCROLL DOWN USING THE SLIDE BAR ON THE RIGHT
BE SURE TO CLICK "DONE" TO MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!




Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Jeff
4.283
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FACE OF THE FUTURE: Naked Boys Singing's Ricky A. Schroeder

July 9, 2013, 5:38 am
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DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THIS SEASON'S FIRST "HOT OR NOT" COMPETITION!
CLICK ON THE CAST PHOTO TO YOUR RIGHT, SCROLL THROUGH THE PICS, AND VOTE! (DON'T FORGET TO CLICK "DONE" WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED!)

TODAY'S BLOG MAY BE CONSIDERED NSFW!


Many of you, I'm sure, were following the Twitter feed during (and for some time after) the Tony Awards.  There was a constant stream of comments, of course.  And all of a sudden the Twitterverse BLEW UP!  On TV, they were presenting the award for Best Direction of a Musical, and the camera zeroed in on Tony nominee Jerry Mitchell.  99% of the Tweets, though, had little to do with Mr. Mitchell.  Instead, everyone wanted to know who the cute man-child was on his arm!  He's a cutie, to be sure.  His name is Ricky A. Schroeder (when you Google him, and you know you will, watch your spelling or you get a child star from the 80's show Silver Spoons).

Aside from his impeccable taste in Tony dates (and good for you, too, Jerry!) Ricky is certainly someone whose star is on the rise.  When was the last time people discussed a Tony nominee's date more than the Tony nominee?  He just finished co-starring in off-Broadway's Naked Boys Singing.  And now he is also on a movie set.  Theatre fans, rejoice!  He's a dancer backing up one Anna Kendrick in the much-anticipated and much-buzzed about The Last 5 Years!

Ricky A. Schroeder is definitely a Face of the Future.  If he's lucky and smart, he could have a long, successful future at that.

Ricky and Jerry


Modelling 








Naked Boys Singing





The Last 5 Years


Has a Broadway newbie caught your eye? Nominate him or her to be a Face of the Future! (Email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com)

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THIS SEASON'S FIRST "HOT OR NOT" COMPETITION!
CLICK ON THE CAST PHOTO TO YOUR RIGHT, SCROLL THROUGH THE PICS, AND VOTE! (DON'T FORGET TO CLICK "DONE" WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED!)


Jeff
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So You Think You Can Dance on Broadway?

July 10, 2013, 5:03 am
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DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THIS SEASON'S FIRST "HOT OR NOT" COMPETITION!
CLICK ON THE CAST PHOTO TO YOUR RIGHT, SCROLL THROUGH THE PICS, AND VOTE! (DON'T FORGET TO CLICK "DONE" WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED!)


Forever Tango
With Forever Tangoback on Broadway, in previews and already extended, I was kind of pleased to see some success beyond the ballroom for Maksim Chmerkovskiyand Karina Smirnoff, two of my favorites on Dancing with the Stars. True, this is not their debut - that came a few seasons ago in Burn the Floor, a ballroom dancing extravaganza.  Before that show was over, fellow pros Derek Houghand Kym Johnson also appeared in the show.

TV's other dance competition show, So You Think You Can Dance, which I have grown to love, sent one of its judges - Mary Murphy- to also burn the floor.  What I love about that program is that to even be on it, you have to already be near professional level, meaning most weeks who gets eliminated is a real nail biter!  It also features Broadway as a style of dance for the contestants to try.  Thank God the choreographers generally stay away from the stereotypical cheesy smiles and jazz hands.  On the downside, most of the time the Broadway routines look more like Hollywood movie musicals than anything we see on today's stages.  Still, it is nice to see Broadway featured as a viable, challenging form of dance each week.  Many times, the choreographer of the routine is Broadway veteran Spencer Liff, who has been featured in such shows as Big: The Musical, The Wedding Singer, Cry-Baby and Equus.  (Mercifully, so far this season, we've been spared the campy style of Tyce Diorio, who the show refers to as a "Broadway choreographer."  Technically, maybe, as his lone credit is as Associate Choreographer for Good Vibrations.  I think he's better known for his amazing ego as shown in the documentary film, Every Little Step, which I reviewed HERE.  Of course, he did inexplicably win an Emmy for one of his routines...) 

Mary Murphy and Spencer Liff (as seen in Equus)

Neil Patrick Harris and Jesse Tyler Ferguson

The Panel with Christina Applegate

Travis Wall and Tyce Diorio


And it is great to see Broadway represented on the judging panel - Neil Patrick Harris(Cabaret, Assassins), Christina Applegate(who really knows her dance stuff - Sweet Charity), Wayne Brady (Chicago) and Jesse Tyler Ferguson(Spelling Bee) are regulars.

But I think the best part of SYTYCD is that so many contestants actually go on to dance careers, including choreographer of Bare, Travis Wall, and FOUR original cast members of Disney's Newsies: Jess LeProtto, Alex Wong, Thayne Jaspersonand Evan Kasprzak.  And I am sure they won't be the last.  What I find particularly nice is that these people are accomplished at their craft, not just stunt singers with marginal acting skills like so many of the American Idol people who have been brought in to beef up various box offices over the years.  (Fantasiaand Clay Aikennotwithstanding.) 

Newsies' Jess LeProtto


(Clockwise from Top Left) Evan Kasprzak, Jess LeProtto,
Alex Wong and Thayne Jasperson


I love to watch talented dancers onstage and on TV, so between shows on the Great White Way, it is great to have the Dancing  pros and the vitality of SYTYCD contestants.  What do you think?


Jeff
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