To Movie Musical, or to not Movie Musical...That is the question

In the last year we have learned about many new movie musicals including Dear Evan Hansen, a Cinderella remake, In The Heights, West Side Story, and they are still trying to make Wicked happen. I have to admit that movies are not really my thing. I’d much rather be in a theater watching it all live. But I’m very interested in how these movies are going to turn out. Here are my two cents on some of the upcoming releases.

West Side Story

Stephen Spielberg directed the new West Side Story adaptation with newcomer Rachel Zegler. The trailer looks magical and we know that the music of WSS is gorgeous. I’m excited to see a new face as well as some Broadway actors including interviewee Ariana DeBose shining on the big screen. I have only seen the show live once at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and I was captivated. The music and the dance just fill you with the story and I think that is what grabs me. So I’m interested to see how this new version will live up to the magic of the stage.

Watch the official trailer here:

In The Heights

I’m super interested in In The Heights (ITH). We all know that ITH came before the little show called Hamilton. I think that since Hamilton came out ITH has been revisited by a new group of Lin Manuel-Miranda fans. So I’m interested in how the movie will be received by those who aren’t musical theatre fans as a second job. Hamilton touched so many beyond the theatre fans and I’m happy that for some people that was their first musical ever. Especially with the pro-shot being released on Disney+. I actually don’t know In The Heights but I’ve heard a few songs from the show and I can hear many moments that Lin stole from to create the beats in Hamilton. I’m excited to see this movie adaptation and I’m excited to see so many Broadway performers in the movie as well.

Watch the trailer here:

Dear Evan Hansen

The big one and most recent one that everyone is talking about is Dear Evan Hansen. The most recent discussion is about Ben Platt and his ability to play a high schooler at the age of 27. I do agree that there were other actors closer to the high school age that could have played the role in the movie *cough Andrew Barth Feldman cough.* However, how many Broadway actors do we get to see play the role they originated on Broadway in the movie adaptation of that show? VERY FEW! Let’s also address the fact that many of the actors we see playing high schoolers in movies and television shows are well beyond their teen years so I don’t think that this is really an argument that you can win. I do have to say that I personally think Dear Evan Hansen would do better as a straight movie with musical motifs in the orchestrations but I’m always here to hear Ben Platt sing “For Forever".”

Watch the trailer here:

Education Broadway: Online

In the last few weeks, hundreds of schools across the nation have closed due to COVID-19. For theatre majors, specifically acting and musical theatre, it’s hard for us them have most of their classes online which means a lot of self-learning. Here is a list of a few ideas that can be taught online that would be easy for the teachers and the students. Especially for dance classes, this is a great time to teach students who are going into the arts as a profession to learn things that aren’t normally taught in classes.

1. Self-Tapes

   Self-tapes are important for any actor to learn whether it’s for a monologue or a 32-bar cut. Teaching students the do’s and don’ts of a self-tape and having them submit a self-tape as an assignment will teach them what it is and allows them to have hands-on experience without needing to go anywhere. Especially self-tapes that require movement or a dance-based video.

2. Audition Prep

   Teaching students how to find the right song for the right audition is an easy topic to teach over the computer. Some schools have classes that students can or are required to take for their major. In addition to audition prep, teachers can teach how an auditionee should dress to go to an audition whether it’s a dance call, a cattle call, or a professional EPA audition.

   1. A side note to audition prep, where to find auditions. Having a list of sources on the class page that post auditions might be helpful for those who are wanting to start auditioning out of school.

3. Headshots and Resumes

   Learning how to dress for a headshot, when to get a headshot and even who to get a headshot from is always a helpful tidbit of information that an actor should have. In addition to headshots, the format of a resume is always something that an actor should know. What should you put on your resume? What should you leave off? I took gymnastics for a while but haven’t been in the gym for 6 years, should I still put that down for my special skills? (All questions that we students ask each other before an audition.)

4. Equity/Unions

   Students don’t usually get a class on equity which means when it comes time to start looking about joining they don’t know the first thing about it. Knowing what it is, how much it is, when to join, and if one should join are all points that could be touched on in a short lecture about equity whether that’s the actor’s equity, screen actors guild, or others.

5. Agents

   Some students know about different agencies like CESD, A3 Artists Agency, Bloc NYC or others but not everyone knows about how to join an agency, when one should be getting an agent, or what these agencies do. Learning this and learning about agencies in the area would be a great lesson for students that will be graduating soon or are looking for regional and professional work outside of school.

6. Types of Contracts

   I will admit that I didn’t know the difference between an understudy and a standby or that there were multiple types of swings until very recently. I only found out because of research I had to do for a Broadway Vlog panel. In the same light, I did not know that some tech people have “tracks” in a show. Learning about the different kinds of tracks in a show is something that is quick and simple to teach in a blog post or even a short podcast that can be posted on the class page. The big thing about it is the different things the actor must do if they are a swing or an understudy and how being a dance captain, doing certain stunts, or being lifted in the sky by a cherry picker can change the pay of the job.

7. Life After College

   Students are prepped to go straight into the real world of auditioning and booking but never the in-between life of not having a job or audition. Most students want to head straight to New York and begin auditioning but no one tells them how to live in one of the most expensive cities working paycheck to paycheck while also trying to audition. Learning the best time to move there and what to do when they get there regarding normal life that isn’t auditioning and booking is one of the most helpful lessons that a student could learn.

There are so many other lessons that can be taught online in addition to the curriculum that needs to be taught. With the move to digital classrooms, remember that most students are now stuck in small dorms or are going home where a dance studio is not available. Also, remember that just because students are now home 24/7 (or should be while in quarantine), doesn’t mean we have more hours in the day. We all still have the same amount of classes that we had when we were meeting in person. Now is not the time to add more busywork than we would have if we were meeting normally. In addition, some students have been forced out of dorms and back home with the family. Students live all over the US and requiring them to log on at a certain hour might be difficult for those who have left to go home out of state. This also means that they will be surrounded by more people than they might be used to in a home and they also might be surrounded by people who might not understand what the student is now being asked to do.

As we begin this transition, the Vlogs hopes that everyone moves forward with a safe, healthy and positive new lifestyle.

For more information on COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

567Broadway Review!

Hello to all of my lovely Broadway fans out there! Recently I was sent the 567Broadway Workout package created by Joseph Corella and let me say I actually loved it.

Here is the thing. I don’t work out. Going to the gym and standing on a treadmill for an hour is not something I am ever interested in. BUT I love dancing and that is where 567Broadway! comes into play.

567Broadway! is a workout video that you can buy online, in DVD form, or go to a live class in LA. Corella has choreographed simple yet fun routines that will get your heart racing and your blood pumping all while dancing and singing along to some of your favorite Broadway tunes! When you order the package you get a resistance band and this amazing gold hat that you can use during the work out. Of course when you get a gold top hat in theatre you have to pull out your dance shoes and get ready for some high kicks.

The whole work out lasts a little over 30 minutes with a beginning stretch, 7 fun filled routines to your favorite Broadway songs including “Good Morning Baltimore,” “Bend And Snap,” “One,” “We Go Together,” and more, and a nice ending stretch all led by Corella and the cast of 567Broadway!

I like 567Broadway! because you can do the workout in your own home by yourself and not worry about anyone else watching you as you work out. So there is no shame in yourself, your body or how good you are at dancing. It can all be done at your own pace and you don’t have to do the whole work out all at once which is nice if you don’t have a lot of time to get through the whole video. It doesn’t require a lot of spacial movement so you can do it pretty much anywhere and the best part in my opinion is that not only do you get a work out, but you can also belt out your favorite songs while doing it. It’s a win win.

Corella also posts videos of his classes and new routines on his Youtube. These are work outs for all levels.

So what are you waiting for?! Head here to get your own copy of 567Broadway!

Want to check out a live class? Head over to https://josephcorella.com/ to check out the fitness schedule for the classes he teaches in LA.

Let us know if you try it out and what you think about it in the comments! Thank you Joseph Corella for sending the 567Broadway video over!

Let The Love Shine On at Frozen the Musical

By Claire McConnell

January 16, 2019

Frozen is just a show that you need to go see for the fun and magic. The lighting design is incredible and one of my favorites of any show. Set design is amazing and you really feel like you are in Elsa’s castle. The gorgeous crystals that hang from the ceiling are breathtaking and really make the ice castle real. It’s an absolutely gorgeous set and a very talented cast.

Alyssa Fox is Elsa standby in Broadway’s “Frozen” ( via @alyssajoyfox on Instagram )

I was fortunate enough to see Alyssa Fox, a panelist for The Broadway Vlog’s The Understudies. Alyssa is a standby for Queen Elsa and KILLED it. The role of Elsa is normally played by Caissie Levy.

Alyssa Fox is so talented and has an incredible voice. The role she gets to play in this show is a role that I dream of playing. She is moving these kids in the audience because they are seeing Elsa. They are seeing this magical ice queen and they are living their best lives at the St. James Theatre thanks to this amazing cast. It was really a dream to get to see Fox perform and see this show because it really reminded me why I love the theatre and why I want to be an actress on the stage.

Fox embodies the character of Elsa and really shows Elsa’s thoughts and feelings through her physicality and facial expressions. The role itself is vocally tiering and she just does amazing at pacing herself with the amount of belting and crazy notes she has to sing. She totally owns that pants suit as well and has the Elsa strut down to center stage on point.

Patti Murin is hilarious and is a perfect Anna. She just has this kid like joy that makes you smile from ear to ear watching her dance around. Anna is such a clumsy relatable character and I think Patti has done really well at capturing that.

Jelani Alladin is dreamy and I’m so excited that I got to see him perform. He is so much fun to watch as Kristoff. His voice is incredible and he has such a fun connection to Murin and Andrew Pirozzi who plays Sven. It was announced recently that Alladin will be departing the show February 17th. Cast member Noah J. Ricketts will assume the role.

Greg Hildreth is AMAZING as Olaf. Hilarious and warm and cute and just all of the above. He is so much fun to watch and I love how the creators decided to show Olaf in the show. The puppet is so cute and you really just wanna run up and squeeze it. Hildreth will also be leaving the show along with Alladin. The show has cast Ryann Redmond to play the role. This will make her the first female to perform the role. She'll begin performances February 19.

John Riddle’s voice is one of my favorite things. He doesn’t have that many vocal parts but he does get to sing a song explaining who Hans is. When I first heard it I just melted because his voice is like...the creamiest chocolate ever. I love it. He plays a great villain as well. Joe Carroll will be stepping into the role of Hans in February, replacing John Riddle.

Robert Creighton as the Duke of Weasletown...sorry Weselton is hilarious. A fantastic comedic actor and was so lovely at the stage door.

Kevin Del Aguila is so much fun, and the kids loved him. There is a section in the show where he breaks the 4th wall, and the kids lose it because Oaken is talking to them. They love it.

Jelani Alladin is Kristoff and Andrew Pirrozi is Sven in Broadway’s “Frozen” ( PHOTO NY TIMES)

Andrew Pirozzi and Adam Jepsen play Sven in the show. Jepsen is the alternate which means he is an understudy with scheduled performances in the week. If you don’t know how this costume works they basically are holding a plank the whole entire show. Here is an article that explains the costume. (The Costume)

They also work the ears and eyes in the head of the costume. The costume is gorgeous and is much more lifelike than the cartoon. Huge, huge, HUGE props to these two who bring this adorable reindeer to life.

Zoe Glick and Leila Rose Gross play young Anna and alternate shows. Mimi Ryder and Jenn Weird play young Elsa and alternate shows. These little ladies are just having fun, and it’s a joy to watch. The magic in the snow and the way they have made it come to life on the stage is fantastic. The children in the show are fun to watch and hear when all of the ice swirls around the stage. All four of them stage door so you get to meet them at the end of the show.

Frozen is a show you go to see to have fun. Don’t walk in thinking it is a perfect replica of the movie because it’s not. It’s longer and goes deeper into the connection between Kristoff and Anna as well as the love between Anna and Elsa. I do wish that Elsa had a more substantial part of the show, rather than just the story of Anna in search of her sister. But they have added more songs for her showing you her mental state of the time. Monster, a new song for the Broadway production, is a song Elsa sings going back and forth asking herself if she were dead would the storm end and would it allow her people to live their lives again. For a ‘kids show’ this is very deep and most likely goes over the kid’s heads when they hear the song in the show. But it is a song that I’m sure resonates in some way to the audience members who understood what the song is about.

The new orchestrations and songs are amazing and beautiful. I encourage you to listen to the music and to hear the words they sing. They are words that need to be shared right now in the world we live in. The final message of the show is that we just need to love.

“I take this warmth within and send it up above. Goodbye to dark and fear

Let's fill this world with light and love.

I'm here surrounded by a family at last.

We're never going back

The past is in the past

Let it go, let it go

Then we'll rise like the break of dawn

Let it go, let it go

The fear and cold are gone

Here we stand in the light of day

Let our true love go

Let it go.”

 

Visit the St. James Theatre for tickets

246 West 44th Street

(866) 870-2717

For more information and tickets please visit https://frozenthemusical.com/

Something Wicked This Way Comes

By Claire McConnell

January 16, 2019

Wicked is just one of those shows you HAVE to see. The story, the music…just all of it is amazing. The story takes place in the land of Oz before Dorothy dropped in. This was probably the 7th or 8th time I’ve seen Wicked but my first time seeing it on Broadway. The magic is still there after all of the times I’ve seen the show. I was so excited that I had the chance to see Jessica Vosk play Elphaba. I’ve fallen in love with her voice and now her acting in this beautiful show. 

Jessica Vosk as Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked” (Joan Marcus)

Vosk's voice is just incredible. Her understanding of the character is, and she puts a little bit of herself in the green witch that I love. It’s the same show but a bit different than other times I’ve seen because she’s made the character her own. It was actually a dream come true getting to see Jessica play Elphaba. She is vocally one of the best Elphabas in my opinion. 

I loved the show so much that the next day I went and bought a ticket for that night. I didn’t know I would be introduced to another powerhouse. That night I got to see standby Laurel Harris. Laurel Harris is crazy amazing. I was actually very excited when I saw she was performing. I had never heard of her before until then, but I was excited to see a new take on the character after just seeing Vosk’s version of Elphaba. Her version is much grittier than others that I’ve seen, and a lot of it reminded me of Idina Menzel’s original version of the character. She has excellent comedic timing and knows how to get a laugh. And the woman has insane pipes. 

Lisa Livesay is lovely and is good at the bubbly comedic character of Glinda. She seems to have so much fun on stage and has a fantastic connection with both Jessica and Laurel.

Nancy Opel is a great Madame Morrible and puts her own twist on the evil character.

Kevin Chamberlin is a great comic. My favorite was watching him sing Wonderful with Laurel. He is best at physical comedy which he uses throughout the show.

Jake Boyd’s voice is delicious, and he is a wonderful Fiyero. He and Harris had one of the greatest (and hottest) "As Long As Your Mine" kisses with a loud “woohoo” from a man a few rows behind me. It was also probably one of the longest kisses I've seen because the audience just went wild.

Jamie Jackson is a great Dr. Dillamond and is an excellent comic in such a dark role.

Left to right: Kristin Martin, Jye Frasca, Amanda Jane Cooper, Isabel Keating, Jessica Vosk in Broadway’s “Wicked” (via Amanda Jane Cooper on Instagram @amandajanecoop)

The current cast still includes Kristin Martin and Jessica Vosk

Jessie P Johnson has a great voice and is fun to watch as Boq. His interactions with Glinda are perfect and very true to that character. 

Larkin Bogan is such a great Boq, and I love his interactions with Glinda as well. I enjoyed the scene before "Dancing Through Life" when he’s talking to Glinda, and she touches his arm. Boq has a short line that says “you’re touching me,” but Bogan's use of physicality was funny and worked for that character. He was great in act two as well before the change into the Tin Man. 

Kristin Martin is an excellent Nessa Rose. A girl with big hopes and dreams that is naïve in a way and I love her take on the character. One of my favorite songs in the show is "Wicked Witch Of The East" which is not on the recording. Nessa is finally getting to say to her sister what she’s wanted to say ever since she knew Elphaba had magic within her. This song turns from anger at her sister to anger because she is scared. It is a plea for help to save this boy that she fell in love with from the moment she laid eyes on him. Earlier in the show, when Dr. Dillamond is teaching, I watched as Boq handed out the rest of the papers to his fellow classmates. Martin physically showed her want to talk to the character. It was small, but I noticed it. Only until Glinda mentions her does Boq look to see who she is. She’s now scared of what will happen to Boq and has seen her reflection as the Wicked Witch Of The East. ‘We deserve each other’ she sings in contrast to Dancing Through Life when she sings it about Boq. 

Notable Mentions: These are ensemble members that drew me in with their energy, light, and love for what they do. The whole ensemble is amazingly talented, and I loved watching every single one of them. These are just a few that stuck out to me. 

Teneise Mitchell Ellis

Katie Lander

Marissa Lupp

Dominic Giudici as Chistery 

I got to sit front row on the far stage left side my first round seeing the show. Because I had seen the show multiple times before, I was watching the ensemble a lot. I was able to look at the detail in the costuming which is incredible. I knew this fact already, but all of the Ozians have different costumes. No one is wearing the same costume which works perfectly for those who live in Oz. But the detail in all of these costumes is crazy good and small. Elphaba wears this gorgeous white jacket/top during I’m Not That Girl as well as the scenes before that. If you aren’t in the first few rows, then you just can’t catch the small flower details on the jacket. They match the new pink hairpiece that Glinda has recently put in her hair. Other little details are that none of the Ozian costumes are symmetrical. I also noticed the small jeweled details of the costumes that they wear while in the Emerald City.

There are also a few things you miss from the Broadway version if you see a touring show because they don't have to move the full set on the Broadway show. You must go see this show. MUST.

EDIT P.S.

I have to also add one more note about the people that make this show happen and that is the crew in blacks backstage. I want to thank every single person who works backstage who helps with costuming, lighting, orchestrations, sound, all of the special effects, hair, makeup, just everything. I got to see some of you working while I sat on the side and you guys work so hard and I feel like you don’t get the credit you deserve. You guys rock and the theatre would be no where without you. So standing ovation to you guys who work in the dark.

 

Visit the Gershwin Theatre for tickets

222 W. 51st St. Midtown West

877-250-2929

For more information and tickets please visit https://wickedthemusical.com/

Interview with LSG Public Relations

Lisa Sharon Goldberg is the head of LSG Public Relations that represents clients from NYC, LA and London. They represent actors who have starred in shows like Good Trouble, Billions, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Fosters, Marvelous Mrs Maisel, House of Cards, 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Smash and more as well as actors in features from Dreamworks, Lionsgate, Universal, Fox, and more. LSG has been fortunate enough to have clients win/nominated for Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, Grammy Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Tony Awards as well as co-star in numerous Oscar nominated films with multiple wins and nominations in all awards. They represent across the board in acting, writing, directing, choreography, producing and distribution. I was able to talk with Lisa Goldberg via email to talk about what it means to be a PR rep.

What got you started in Public Relations? 

I actually fell into it. I was on the other side and worked as a professional dancer in musical theater....  I became sick for a while and unfortunately could not physically dance any longer. When I became well again, I was no longer in the same dancing shape, had turned 30 and thought it was probably time to re-invent. A friend of a friend had opened a restaurant in the city and I went in thinking I’d wait tables while I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up and he ended up hiring me to run the in house PR with no experience. Thankfully I turned out to be good at it and my business grew quickly from there. I’ll always be grateful to him for seeing something in me that started me on a whole new career path. 

For those who don’t know can you give a short explanation of what it means to be in PR and your job specifically?

My most simple explanation is anytime you see an interview, photo, promotion on any platform about a person, product, event etc - there’s usually a publicist behind it. They used to call publicists, “publicity agents”. 

What is the process for an actor when they are trying to get you to represent them?

An actor may call or email me or their agent or manager reaches out. The show, network and or studio reps recommend me to the actor and their team. 

The process for me is simple. It’s about whether the project interests me and if the person interests me. Is it a story I want to tell? We take a meeting and see if we are on the same page and hit it off. 

Why do actors need PR reps? 

That’s a really complicated and long answer. Ha! It really depends on the actor and the project on whether they need a publicist. They need to be at a certain level in their career for it to be worthwhile in my opinion. I’m not one to waste someone’s money or time and if I don’t think there’s a lot I can do for you, I will always say that upfront. I’m very honest with my clients and potential clients. 

In the most general terms, the goals of PR for an actor is to bring up their visibility. Which in turn can up their quote, open up new roles for them, run award show campaigns etc. 

Is there anything else that the viewers should know about public relations or LSG Public Relations? 

That we believe in the miracle of festivus! Haha. You can follow @lisagoldbergpr on IG & twitter 

Happy holidays and thx for reaching out! 

A Community — A Tony Awards Response

Hello friends! The big day has happened and is over. People were awarded Tonys and some were not and that’s Ok!  

I am displeased with the responses of some people this Tony season. I’m not sure why it has popped up more this year than other years. You are entitled to your opinion and I respect your opinion. I respect it until you begin to negatively talk about a show that won because you thought another show should win. There were so many wonderful shows and talented people and even more that weren’t even nominated. 

The Band’s Visit won most of the awards that it was nominated for. It was a big plot twist that most people, even I did not see coming. I congratulate them and I congratulate those who did not win.

I was recently on a long drive home so I took the time to listen to the music. I have never heard a musical like it. The lyrics are genius and the orchastrations gave me chills. It’s some of the best music I’ve ever heard in a musical. 

 Know that the actors are rewarded by your love and support. No one there is here for a Tony Award. If they are, then I think they are in this business for the wrong thing. A Tony nomination is the icing on the cake and a Tony win is the decorations and sprinkles. 

If you haven’t seen the musical, or at least sat down to listen to the music, I don’t think you have the right to bash the musical. If you have and you still don’t like it then I totally respect your opinion. But we are theatre people. We are one big tight knit family that is here for our friends and support them whether we win or lose. It’s hard to lose. It is. But it’s more fun to celebrate our friend’s victories than mope about our losses.  No one complained when Hamilton took the Tony Awards by storm or when Dear Evan Hansen beat out most of their competition. 

If you were unhappy with the Tony results, I encourage you to listen to The Band’s Visit and all of the other musicals that were nominated. Be happy for their hard work and long hours. Your shows are probably not going anywhere any time soon. And if they do, you will have the videos and the sound tracks to remind you of the wonderful show that was. 

 ”We are a community. And a damn good one.

Join us in the community pool. Don't pee in it.“

                     ~Alex Brightman 

Stage Dooring 101

One of the exciting pros of seeing a live performance is having the opportunity to meet the cast after the show. Going to the stage door (which is often verbified as "stage dooring") can be a wonderful way to get signatures and selfies, and to also let the actors know what you liked about the show. Here are some tips to make the stage door experience as enjoyable as possible for everyone:

• Don’t push or shove, even if it’s crowded. A hostile stage door vibe isn’t pleasant for you or for the actors. If you'd like to get closer or change where you're standing, simply talk to the people around you. If, for example, you're too far back to get a selfie, ask those in front of you if you could switch places with them after they get their signatures/selfies. 
• If you’re toward the front of a crowded stage door crowd, it’s helpful to get the Playbills of the people standing behind you signed for them [it’s not mandatory, but it is nice]. If you’re further back, try asking those in front of you if they’d be willing to pass your Playbill forward.
• Principle actors often carry their own sharpies, but it might be good to bring a backup of your own. Black works well for most of whatever you want to get signed, but I sometimes carry silver and gold sharpies in case the Playbill is dark.
• Remember that the actors are people too — sometimes they have plans after the show or guests to meet with, and getting angry at them for not coming out/not lingering won’t do anyone any good.
• To repeat and expand: actors are people.
  • Actors have commitments and lives outside the theatre. Performing in a show is a job (hopefully a job that brings them joy, but still a job). It isn't their job to stage door; it's a bonus when they do, but they don't owe the audience that experience. Asking for things like signatures and selfies and having bursts of conversation can be great, but only if the actor is on board.
  • Actors aren't their characters; though they've brought their character to life, the character is a fictional part, not continued reality.
  • Actors aren't perfect. Though many (and I mean MANY), are kind and wonderful and present, not every single one is. And that's okay, because though many non-actors are kind and wonderful and present, not everyone is (and even those who are, aren't all the time). 
• A few kind words [to the cast, to the crowd] can go a long way! Saying something specific that you liked about the actor or the show can really mean a lot to a performer. Striking up conversations with those waiting with you can be a great way to pass the time and make ~*~theater friends~*~!

Best of luck stage dooring!

To see or not to see...that is the question.

Since the Tony Nominations came out, I've seen a few people on social media talk about the shows that were not nominated or only nominated a few times versus the mighty 12 of Spongebob the Musical. 

There are some people who don't see shows that get nominated/nominated a lot. I just wanted to say that just because a show did not receive multiple nominations, it does not mean the show is bad. For example, the musical If/Then was nominated for two Tony Awards in the 2014 Tony Award season. I will tell you right now that If/Then is one of the best musicals I have ever seen. This year the musical Frozen was nominated for two tony awards. I have never seen the show but I have seen the videos and heard the music. Let me tell you...it sounds like an AMAZING musical. Caissie Levy is actually a queen in real life. Have you heard her sing?! 

The Tony Award Rules and Regulations set out specific boundaries to who/what can be nominated for any given show season. There might be a year when there are ten objectively incredible supporting actors, but there are not enough nominations to go around. If five are nominated, that doesn't mean the other five aren't worth seeing! 

Nominations and awards are wonderful ways to acknowledge and appreciate those hard at work on a show, but they're not the only way to define success.

This is a short post but I just wanted to say that whether a show is nominated for something or not, GO SEE IT! All of the cast and crew worked just as hard as every other show. They deserve to be seen as well. I do not believe a show should suffer the loss of attendance because they were not nominated. Take the time to go and support everyone in the theatre community. 

Theatre Etiquette

Hello friends! Hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to touch on something that I feel is very important to know as a theatre person.

Theatre etiquette. (Edited)

Here are some simple rules everyone should follow while in any theater. 

1. There is usually a voice that comes on right before the show and says something along the lines of:

“Welcome to this perfomance of [Title of Show]. Please turn off any cell phones or any noise making devices. Photos, flash photography, video or audio recording is strictly prohibited. Thank you and enjoy the show!”

When this comes on…DO WHAT IT SAYS! These actors have worked very hard in rehearsals to show you what you paid to see! Be in the moment! That tweet to Laura Dreyfuss or that Snapchat to your snap streak can wait 2-3 hours for the show to be over. Remember you paid good money for this show, the people around you paid good money for this show AND the actors have worked their hardest to make this show amazing for you! 

2. We know the show is AH-MAZING but try not to talk to the friend or stranger that’s sitting next to you. Your neighbor will thank you for not telling them the plot of the story while it’s happening. You should also just enjoy what’s going on! Who knows they might throw in a new riff or something that will surprise you!

3. Don’t try and get the actors off. I remember one time I was sitting in the theater second row and someone in front of me waved. WAVED. There isn’t a window for you to wave through in a theatre. Don’t wave at the actors or try to make them laugh. It’s not really nice and in worst cases could cause problems on stage or injuries. 

4. The magical stage door. Stage dooring has been popular for years. Getting to meet your idols with the hundreds of other screaming fans creates a rush of joy. It’s fun. But it’s always a bummer when your favorite star heads home before greeting everyone. No need to get mad at them. They have lives just like you. They have children and husbands and wives and a pillow to go home to. 8 shows a week can be pretty draining. Do not take it personally if they don’t come and say hello or sign your Playbill.  You paid for the performance! Anything else they do is a bonus! 

5. In the words of my 8th-grade English teacher:

“You are never too cool to not clap.”

This basically means that you should always applaud whether you think it was amazing or not so hot. Everyone on that stage and behind the scenes worked hard on this show and deserve the recognition. Remember even the best of the best applaud for the performers on stage.

6.  Ok, so this isn't really an etiquette thing. But it's just as important. If an understudy is on, go and see them. Understudies are just as amazing as the leads. They just don't get to go on as much. But they still got the job. They are the ones who are chosen to lead the show at a moments notice. Don't cause a scene and don't refund your ticket. It is still the exact same show. I remember I was at If/Then waiting in line to scan my ticket when one of the security guards came around and said 'hey just so you know she's not here if you would like you can refund your ticket.' I said I was totally fine seeing Jackie Burns KILL it. The family behind me...not so much. The mother of the family caused a huge scene. I understand spending a lot of money to see someone you love. I understand planning a trip around a show. I had done just that. A lot of people didn't know that Idina was on a flight to Hollywood to sing at the Oscars that night. I tried to explain who was the understudy but they stormed past me to refund their tickets. I felt offended that they didn't want to see Jackie. I don't really know why I myself was offended but I was. Moral of the story, go and see the understudies. And the swings. And everyone else in the show. 

7. It's wonderful that shows provide snacks and drinks. But DON'T CRINKLE THE WRAPPER OR CRUNCH ON THE ICE OR MOVE THE ICE AROUND IN THE CUP. It is one of the most annoying things during that moment when Liz and Josh are falling in love or when Eliza is crying over the death of her son. It is just the most annoying thing. DON'T DO IT.

These are only a few things to keep in mind when seeing a show whether it’s on Broadway, in your community, at a touring show or even at school. 

We hope this helps for your next trip to the theatre! See you next time!

Claire♡