Surfacing for a late lunch break, here are a few theatre “grrrr….” on my mind:
- Grrrrr the First. The Broadway/LA Season for 2010 has been announced. Most of the season, which is at the Pantages, is less-than-interesting: “Riverdance” (Jan. 12-24); “Stomp” (Jan. 26-Feb. 7); “The Color Purple” (Feb. 10-28); “Cats” (March 9-21) [Big deal–you can see it cheaper, sooner, and better at Cabrillo Music Theatre], “Chicago” (April 20-May 2), and “101 Dalmations: The Musical” (June 8-20, 2010). Two of the shows are interesting: “In The Heights” (June 22-July 11, 2010) and “Young Frankenstein” (July 27-Aug. 15, 2010). The “grrrrr” is that they are (a) only here for two weeks, increasing the chance they will be sold out, (b) at the Pantages, which is a horrible theatre, and (c) at the Pantages, which doesn’t really offer good discount programs.
- Grrrrr the Second. As you know, the Tony Award Nominations were announced yesterday. The “grrrrrr” here is that a number of good shows were snubbed, including “9-to-5”, which should have received more nominations; “13”, which should have received some nominations; and “Tale of Two Cities”, which also should have received a nomination. “[title of show]” probably should have received more as well.
- Grrrrr the Third. An interesting musical (I love the music) called “The Green Room” is coming to the Hermosa Beach Playhouse starting May 19. I want to get tickets for May 24, but so far they are not on Goldstar or LA Stage Tix. I have no idea if they will be, and I’m beginning to fear that theatres aren’t putting up discount tickets in this economy. That’s certainly worth a “grrrr”, and it will be more “grrrrr”-worthy as I consider the likelihood of Hottix for “Spamalot” “Mary Poppins”, and “South Pacific”.
- Grrrrr the Fourth. According to the WSJ, intermissions are on their way out. Although I can understand the lack of an intermission in a short show, I actually like the intermission. Gives one a change to stretch one’s legs, check in at home, talk to the theatre staff, etc. I have a certain “grrrrrr” if they go away.
