tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post8850512438889738659..comments2024-03-17T10:11:46.952-04:00Comments on Film Experience Blog: Tony Awards Live Blogging 2010NATHANIEL Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-78045288041211299912010-06-16T19:56:23.169-04:002010-06-16T19:56:23.169-04:00If that's their truth (that they followed thei...If that's their truth (that they followed their dreams to reach that winning moment despite the obstacles), then they should voice that. I think the young audience knows that lasting fame isn't easy. Speeches like that don't bother me, b/c they're in that winning moment saying the first things that pop into their heads. Some of it will be empty platitudes, and others will be genuine sentiments. Either way, it's their time to do with as they please no matter how off on a tangent they go. That's half the fun anyways.Trevornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-2902948672133894032010-06-16T18:11:59.557-04:002010-06-16T18:11:59.557-04:00I never understand acceptance speeches which encou...I never understand acceptance speeches which encourage young people to follow their dreams against all odds, and assure them that all will turn out well for them in the end. For what percentage of aspiring performers is that actually true? Sounds like a set-up for a lot of heartache in the majority of young listeners, if you ask me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-64534304434394303202010-06-16T18:02:20.949-04:002010-06-16T18:02:20.949-04:00@Trevor- and my point is that she kinda left out t...@Trevor- and my point is that she kinda left out the "pursuing your dreams no matter what stands in your way" part. Instead, she said that if you just get out there, you'll find teachers and even the man of your dreams!!!1!1!! <br /><br />I love people who get emotional (perhaps troyhopper doesn't), but I do prefer it when they are emotional about something relevant to the award they're receiving... not at their recent engagement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-72965986714889730232010-06-15T14:51:47.195-04:002010-06-15T14:51:47.195-04:00It's their moment in the sun. Let em have the...It's their moment in the sun. Let em have their soapbox moment if they want to. I don't even mind overly political speeches if they're done well. Katie Finneran's speech was the best of the night, and I wouldn't have wanted her to "keep it together" just to keep the air of some dignified Tonys aura, whatever that is. (And said aura doesn't exist to begin with. I've never seen that many drag queens on television at one time before in my life). If she wants to ramble on about finding strong mentors and pursuing your dreams no matter what stands in your way, there are worse messages to send out to young kids today.Trevornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-47971712805197612772010-06-15T14:41:54.410-04:002010-06-15T14:41:54.410-04:00@Anon 12:54: I have to agree. Barring some monumen...@Anon 12:54: I have to agree. Barring some monumental or history-making win, I find those speeches that either begin or rapidly devolve into maudlin displays of weeping, face-scrunching, breathlessness, and other such histrionics woefully annoying -- especially coming from the mouths of these delicate flowers who could stand to show a lot more woman and a lot less girl in the first place. <br /><br />I often think back to Phylicia Rashad's "Raisin in the Sun" win -- which made her the first black lead-actress-in-a-play recipient -- and the classy, dignified, wonderfully eloquent comments that followed. If she could keep it together, then so can everyone else.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04521208512678472596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-30367843188858428392010-06-15T12:54:34.053-04:002010-06-15T12:54:34.053-04:00The Cate/Tilda bit was spot on. I said something s...The Cate/Tilda bit was spot on. I said something similar to friends when watching.<br /><br />I'm also sad everyone's loving Kate Finneran's speech. I thought it started strong, but then she got sidetracked into talking at length about her fiance, which is nice but unrelated. I also am not sure I like her message for children. "Go out and you'll find the right teachers"? It seems more apropos to tell them to work hard and things will be okay rather than that everything magically falls into place on its own.<br /><br />Viola's speech was my pick for classiest of the night. It's similar to Kate's but had a better focus, IMO.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-16392972074173180212010-06-15T11:28:22.031-04:002010-06-15T11:28:22.031-04:00I always think Cate looks like Tilda in some way. ...I always think Cate looks like Tilda in some way. Cold beautiful. Both are my godesses for sure.Willynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-83503846643246083282010-06-15T08:27:17.168-04:002010-06-15T08:27:17.168-04:00What's wrong with Catherine's face? She ca...What's wrong with Catherine's face? She can't move a single muscle! Probably that's why she kept shacking her head as Linda Blair in "The Exorcist"Peggy Suenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-70118932385713645422010-06-15T02:49:22.761-04:002010-06-15T02:49:22.761-04:00I thought that whatever Catherine Zeta-Jones' ...I thought that whatever Catherine Zeta-Jones' vocal deficiences were, she made up for it through her acting throughout the performance. I've never seen "A Little Night Music" and know nothing about the book, but I felt that sense of desperation and longing her character had all through "Send in the Clowns." It was palpable and heartfelt to me. I'll give her some extra leeway there, but I'd agree that for a classic song like that, it would have been nice to hear a better rendition of it on the Tonys, especially for Sondheim's 80th. But damn, what can she do about shot vocal cords? Give her a break. <br /><br />The producers of "Fences" sought after lead placement for Viola Davis after I guess them seeing how ferocious she was in the role and that she could legitimately be competitive in lead. Her newfound stature aided in the decision too. It could have been a strategic move too to get backing for an upcoming film with two potential Tony-winning leads (which ended up actually happening). Davis won featured actress in a play at the Drama Desk Awards, so she probably could have gone either way. Scarlett Johansson should thank her lucky stars that Viola Davis went lead though.Iannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-27566590800614521332010-06-15T00:50:40.194-04:002010-06-15T00:50:40.194-04:00Chris -- i meant the song.
i know i wasn't cl...Chris -- i meant the song.<br /><br />i know i wasn't clear.<br /><br />though i don't think it was a trainwreck like some people do... though clearly she was having some vocal problems. especially at the end. i think she was just trying to get through and got nervous.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-57927844358044047192010-06-15T00:17:34.473-04:002010-06-15T00:17:34.473-04:00CZJ singing "Send in the clowns" was not...CZJ singing "Send in the clowns" was not sublime!!! She was god awful! I still can't believe that she won the tony. You don't have to push that hard and make all those weird faces to sing Sondheim. <br /><br />Try Glen Close<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vufO2FZY6XQ&feature=fvw<br /><br />Or a beautiful rendition by Ruthie Henshall<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyscZQmRc6w&feature=related<br /><br />or how about this truly sublime performance by Dame Judy Dench<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEQrZzjXbnE&feature=related<br /><br />I dare you to compare any one of these performances!Chris Na Tarajahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06545312034833563234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-81114521434184838882010-06-14T21:05:36.627-04:002010-06-14T21:05:36.627-04:002 thoughts.....shirley booth's triple crown......2 thoughts.....shirley booth's triple crown....a third of it is for "Hazel." augh. some people get lucky in life. who's the gal who's everbody's pal it's hazel!....really angela lansbury is deserving of an honoraryh Oscar before she dies.jimmynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-18796564819364214312010-06-14T19:58:01.562-04:002010-06-14T19:58:01.562-04:00Something interesting that I just found out is tha...Something interesting that I just found out is that Mary Alice, who originated Viola Davis's role in <i>Fences</i> was nominated and won the Tony in 1987, but she was nominated as a "Featured Actress". So why the switch this time around for Viola when they played the same part? Anyone know or have any guesses?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-56916808191600203862010-06-14T18:51:25.669-04:002010-06-14T18:51:25.669-04:00I wish someone would give Angela Lansbury and Rose...I wish someone would give Angela Lansbury and Rosemary Harris good film roles.John D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-46842203895610901332010-06-14T18:48:04.163-04:002010-06-14T18:48:04.163-04:00Having seen CZ-J perform in the movie, "Chica...Having seen CZ-J perform in the movie, "Chicago," I was predisposed to love her last night. <br /><br />But damn, I think her "Send in the Clowns" was agonizingly bad. I was so embarrassed for her I had to turn the channel before she got mid-way through the song. I'm thinking anyone who thinks otherwise is either treating her with kid gloves or they are tone deaf. Something was definitely amiss with CZ-J last night.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-40057932840321695352010-06-14T17:25:16.613-04:002010-06-14T17:25:16.613-04:00No, Karen Olivo's the first. Crazy but true.
...No, Karen Olivo's the first. Crazy but true.<br /><br />Viola Davis is the first black actress to win both the lead actress in a play and featured actress in a play Tonys!<br /><br />Not sure about the multiple lead wins for both the original and the revival. Don't think it's ever happened before for both men and women for the same work. "Fences" might be the first time. It's happened many times separately in plays and musicals for men and women.Ureynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-4669617101254281122010-06-14T16:59:00.007-04:002010-06-14T16:59:00.007-04:00troy -- wow. better stage trivia people than me wo...troy -- wow. better stage trivia people than me would be required to answer that. But it's a good question.<br /><br />I think west side story always wins its Anita the TONY. but that's the only one I can think of off hand.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-43560304637400506382010-06-14T16:02:02.523-04:002010-06-14T16:02:02.523-04:00Washington and Davis's wins last night have me...Washington and Davis's wins last night have me thinking. How many times (if any) have revivals (play or musical) yielded multiple actings wins in the same year for roles that also won the originators of the same roles Tonys?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04521208512678472596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-8347093863562527692010-06-14T15:58:20.210-04:002010-06-14T15:58:20.210-04:00Nathaniel, I am not sure if someone has said this ...Nathaniel, I am not sure if someone has said this already, and I am too lazy to look...<br /><br />I found a lot to ADMIRE in American Idiot...but I thought the show as a whole did not work. There was just not enough story for me...and I enjoyed Moving Out, so it's not like I have never seen a show with a paper thin plot.<br /><br />Like I said, there is a lot to admire. I love the choreography and the staging (both snubbed in my opinion) and the cast sings the shit out of it. I actually enjoyed listening to the cast album more than the show. JUst go knowing you are seeing a live sung thru version of a Green Day Album.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15397625973028626825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-9758749970693734562010-06-14T13:53:57.287-04:002010-06-14T13:53:57.287-04:00@TERENCE & ROBERT -- thanks for filling in the...@TERENCE & ROBERT -- thanks for filling in the info on Kristin Chenoweth. I've seen her live more than any other Broadway star and she sounds like a million dollars ALWAYS so i was kinda freaked out.<br /><br />@NEW COMMENTERS -- thanks for saying hi! It's exciting to see new names and I hope you enjoyed the live blog.<br /><br />@TREVOR - agreed. that was weird. <br /><br />@DORIAN -- they had those sound issues last year. It's so weird. They're in the business of live performance. Is it just the televised aspect that haunts them? I don't get it.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-45897091115187566082010-06-14T13:38:38.293-04:002010-06-14T13:38:38.293-04:00Clearly they invited Blanchett to present to say &...Clearly they invited Blanchett to present to say 'sorry you could n't be nominated and win, here, present instead'. That and the fact she is a theatre director.johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-9599138550898393122010-06-14T12:34:28.430-04:002010-06-14T12:34:28.430-04:00The worst part was that Lea was so much better wit...The worst part was that Lea was so much better with that Babs number on "Glee" (that was her big number that helped the glee club win sectionals). Don't quite know what the problem was with her last night.Trevornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-63969514695218629152010-06-14T12:13:27.908-04:002010-06-14T12:13:27.908-04:00@Dorian I felt like Lea was auditioning too, which...@Dorian I felt like Lea was auditioning too, which is why I was shocked at her bland performance.<br /><br />@nathaniel I do think she was nervous tho and KCheno was sick for the past week and is just now getting her voice back.<br /><br />I loved Douglas Hodge's bit about a republican kissing a democrat but Katie Finneran gave the best speech of the night IMOTerencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16685827638334407573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-48137754622536824642010-06-14T12:09:43.400-04:002010-06-14T12:09:43.400-04:00Such a great night! I was sorry that a couple of ...Such a great night! I was sorry that a couple of my favorites didn't win (could ALWAYS stand for Angela Lansbury to win and was rooting for "Night Music" and "Lend Me a Tenor"), but that's showbiz. I would also have preferred maybe not cutting acceptance speeches short so that Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele could sing. By that point in the night, I actually just wanted to know who won and get on with it.<br /><br />Oh well, congratulations to all the winners!Gina Wilhelm Actresshttp://bit.ly/tony-awardsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-13202381039130138342010-06-14T11:34:11.947-04:002010-06-14T11:34:11.947-04:00I think a "Fences" movie is coming. How ...I think a "Fences" movie is coming. How can it not with Scott Rudin as producer and starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis? They can both win lead acting Oscars for that. And August Wilson films have been made before, just for television. "The Piano Lesson" was a big one that was nominated for a couple of Emmys. It starred Charles S. Dutton and Alfre Woodard. It is bizarre that "Fences" hasn't at least made television at least. It's perfect for that medium.<br /><br />Don't worry about Laura Linney. She'll be winning her FOURTH Emmy next year for "The Big C" in lead actress in a comedy series.<br /><br />Lea Michele was auditioning for the "Funny Girl" revival hardcore last night. No shame in that I guess. Girl wants her Tony (and she should have been nominated for "Spring Awakening", but that's another story). It was so awesome when she sat on Jonathan Groff's lap. *swoons* Beyonce was about to cut a bitch though when Lea was all up on Jay-Z like that during her number. <br /><br />Sean Hayes was a great host. Loved all of the costume changes. Kristin Chenoweth should have just been his co-host. Loved the fainting gag. The show itself was nicely paced and didn't feel like three hours at all (take notes, Oscars!)<br /><br />The sound guys need to be shot and executed. Horrible synching that didn't match up with the singers' voices, mics that didn't work, music cues that were too loud and drowned out the singers, too-fast cutoffs to the acceptance speeches, etc. Broadway's premiere night to the world shouldn't be marred with this kind of amateur hour sound work.<br /><br />Douglas Hodge stole the show in his number. I thought that the whole Will Smith thing was funny. When Hodge suddenly jumped off of Will's lap, wasn't the implication there that something "popped up", hence the added gag of Will Smith getting a woody to a drag queen. Maybe I misinterpreted that, but I didn't see that as Will Smith being his usual homophobic self for once.<br /><br />Nathan Lane and BeBe Neuwirth are awesome and great sports. I wouldn't have been that self-deprecating. Everything's about getting awardage, not the work! Duh!<br /><br />Zeta acted like she was on something last night. Spastic is the perfect word for that initial reaction and loopy acceptance speech (Cinderella? Bragging about sleeping with that crypt-keeper of a husband every night? Gross.) But bitch is super-fiercezzz, so I'm happy for her. I know I'd rather have heard Bernie tackle "Send in the Clowns" instead. Magic indeed.<br /><br />That "Memphis" number was horrible. Sad that "Fela!" couldn't pull through to a win in best musical. At least it's something different. That's the black-themed work of the night that should have been recognized better than what it was. But then the love for "Fences" makes up for that somewhat. Really happy for Viola Davis. I'd be more happy for Denzel if he knew the damn awards body that was honoring him. Bad form, Denzel. Bad form. <br /><br />It's sad that Alfred Molina can't win anything major, even as "Red" swept every other category it was nominated for. <br /><br />Scarlett Johansson! A Tony before an Oscar or Emmy! That's kind of crazy, but great for her! Wish I could have seen her doing something great then some of the blah film roles I've seen her in lately.<br /><br />Lively night, and an even bigger night for Hollywood. There will be the inevitable backlash for awarding so much A-list and so many one-timers, but they should acknowledge every once in a while the star power that's helping to keep their precious industry afloat. Gotta stroke the hand that feeds you sometimes. Lots to think and talk about with this year's telecast.Doriannoreply@blogger.com