tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post6931239633230126556..comments2024-03-28T17:39:34.611-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Love Letter to Broadway by Lesa HolstineJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-445949396793494082016-12-09T11:29:18.144-05:002016-12-09T11:29:18.144-05:00I love Broadway musicals. And Hello Dolly is on my...I love Broadway musicals. And Hello Dolly is on my list as well as In Transit and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Heads-up if you don't know, but Bette leaves in June.<br /><br />Shows I want to see is<br />In Transit<br />Drunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-91731340874427910912016-12-09T07:37:04.429-05:002016-12-09T07:37:04.429-05:00I went to french musical shows in Montreal like: ...I went to french musical shows in Montreal like: Don Juan, Romeo et Juliette, and my favorite: Notre-Dame de Paris.<br />So when , for the first time, I prepared to visit New York last june , I booked 2 Broadway shows.<br />My first and most anticipated was The King and I. So I go to Linclon theater on tuesday evening with my ticket confirmation and they tell me that the show was closed the sunday before. They reembursed me but I was sad and disappointed.<br />At least, I saw a show by le Cirque du Soleil on thursday, very pleasant expérience.<br />Danielle-momoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-89813803295551516102016-12-08T22:19:00.259-05:002016-12-08T22:19:00.259-05:00Like Lesa, I was lucky to have a mother who took u...Like Lesa, I was lucky to have a mother who took us to local productions. I was very young when I saw "Peter Pan" outdoors on a hill at Vassar College. When Peter asked us to clap if we believed in fairies . . . <br />I had been to see the Rockettes in NYC, and actually saw a ballet ("Firebird" with an aunt) before I saw my first Broadway show. It was my parents' gift to me for my 16th birthday -- "Camelot." I was mad for Robert Goulet. We had great seats in the orchestra, and I will never forget the thrill.<br />Since then, I have been to a great deal of theater -- whenever and wherever I can. Last night my husband and I saw "Seven Guitars" by August Wilson at the Yale Rep. There is something about live productions -- nothing comes close.<br /><br />I have had two thrilling theater experiences -- one, in college, when a friend and I went to see Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl." One of my high school classmates was in the chorus, and we went back stage to see her! She was made up and in costume, and we were two rather drab young women in tweed coats and brown shoes. <br />The second was a couple of years ago. My husband and I celebrate the day we met (January 10, 1965). We went to NYC, without tickets but planning to see a show. He went over to the theater district to see what he could get -- and surprised me by splurging on two front orchestra seats for "Cabaret" (with Alan Cummings). We were seated in the area that was part of the Kit Kat Lounge, at the very front. And, just before the show began, a couple sat down in front of us at a cafe table. The man turned to say that he hoped he wasn't in my way, and I replied to SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY that whatever he did was OK with me!!<br /><br />Ah, the magic. I'll see "The Nutcracker" tomorrow night (granddaughters are a reindeer and a sheep), a new play at a regional theater on Wednesday, and an NYC musical on Sunday. Thanks for opening up such happy memories!!<br /><br />Denise Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02790883493798517829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-40412253839913375302016-12-08T21:54:38.872-05:002016-12-08T21:54:38.872-05:00Roberta, Thank you again for inviting me to spend ...Roberta, Thank you again for inviting me to spend a little time with you and the other Jungle Reds so I could talk about my love of Broadway. I hope everyone has a chance to see one Broadway show, if they love theatre.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-49840402677583440912016-12-08T15:59:15.407-05:002016-12-08T15:59:15.407-05:00Sharon, That would have been a memorable night, bo...Sharon, That would have been a memorable night, both the show, but, even more, walking out into a dark Manhattan. I've glad you enjoyed the theatre while you could.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-63689954248284711462016-12-08T15:57:48.925-05:002016-12-08T15:57:48.925-05:00I don't know "Monsoon Wedding", Marg...I don't know "Monsoon Wedding", Margie. You'll have to let us know about it after you see it. And, definitely wish you good luck with Hamilton. I'm so glad you enjoyed A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder." One of the funniest shows I've ever seen, too. <br /><br />Oh, Anthony Newley in "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off." I would have liked to have seen that. You saw some terrific shows. My parents used to go to Porthouse Theatre in Ohio when I was little, and they saw wonderful shows there. As I said, I give my Mom credit for taking us to shows when we were young.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-77780660173829375442016-12-08T14:59:57.515-05:002016-12-08T14:59:57.515-05:00There was about a decade when I lived in New Jerse...There was about a decade when I lived in New Jersey and saw a lot of plays, went to a lot of concerts and joined the Film Society so I could be certain of getting the tickets for the opening and closing nights of the New York Film Festival, but that was many, many years ago. Closing in on 50 years! <br /><br />The first play I went to in NYC was "Hair" in 1969 and the last was "Dracula" with Frank Langella in early 1978. My son was born a few months later & the days of getting on a train in the morning to shop, catching a matinee (when orchestra seats for most dramas were $9 or $10), having a meal somewhere nice and then to one place or another for music then rushing to catch the last train home - those days were over.<br /><br />But over those years we saw a lot of plays with great casts. It's strange to think that that when I heard that Richard Burton was taking over for Anthony Hopkins in "Equus" I was disappointed that we'd already seen it soon after it opened. At that time Richard Burton was a STAR and Anthony Hopkins not nearly so well known. Embarrassing now.<br /><br />The most memorable night at a Broadway play had little to do with the play itself. We were at the Plymouth Theatre watching Tom Courtenay in "Otherwise Engaged" when the lights went out. There was a pause while they set up flashlights/lanterns on the stage and they finished the performance. Then we walked out of the theater into total darkness - July 13, 1977. It was a very scary night to be walking in Manhattan. The only reason we got home in the wee hours was that cabbies had to go to New Jersey to buy gasoline. <br /><br />I'm too cheap to pay the ticket price today - even for touring companies - so I'm glad that I had the opportunity back then.<br /><br /><br /><br />SharonTXnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-77939778783632681972016-12-08T14:06:01.895-05:002016-12-08T14:06:01.895-05:00Lucy, Perhaps there's a duet in our future? &q...Lucy, Perhaps there's a duet in our future? "Consider Yourself"? �� Ingrid Thofthttp://www.ingridthoft.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-33262874163823119932016-12-08T13:46:04.212-05:002016-12-08T13:46:04.212-05:00Lesa, I envy your regular Broadway trips! When I l...Lesa, I envy your regular Broadway trips! When I lived in PA as a child, I saw Sammy Davis in Golden Boy, Ginger Rogers in Hello, Dolly, Anthony Newley in Stop the World, I Want to Get Off, and (I don't remember whom) in Hair, all on Broadway. In 2008 Mike and I traveled to NYC (his first time) and saw Clay Aiken in Spamalot and Lin-Manuel Miranda in In the Heights (before he became a phenomenon!). Now we make do in San Francisco and other local cities and have seen some great shows there--mostly musicals. Thanks to your recommendation (you saw it twice), we saw A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and absolutely adored it--one of the funniest we've seen. <br /><br />We have already bought tickets to Monsoon Wedding at the Berkeley Rep Theatre for next May. Anyone remember that movie? It was directed by Mira Nair, who will also direct the musical theater production. Can't wait! And next week, tickets go on sale for Hamilton in SF--wish me luck! <br /><br />I'm hoping you keep telling us about all the great shows you have seen. I value your recommendations and take vicarious pleasure in hearing about them.Margie Buntinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10120666616254809025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-64006879985558729802016-12-08T13:43:24.005-05:002016-12-08T13:43:24.005-05:00Mary, Our high schools come together in the summer...Mary, Our high schools come together in the summer to do a high school production. It's usually fabulous. They just announced that this year's production will be Thoroughly Modern Millie. I have to admit I didn't go this summer when they did The Little Mermaid.<br /><br />Deborah! Yes, you must put Broadway on your list. Although, I have to put London and the West End on mine.<br /><br />Lisa, I just can't imagine working in Times Square. I can't imagine trying to get to and from work there every day. When I go to NYC, I usually make one trip there just to see it, with all the lights, and try to avoid it at other times. I bet you do get nostalgic for the chance to get a play fix. I get antsy and ready to go.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-62921346440927959942016-12-08T13:42:36.782-05:002016-12-08T13:42:36.782-05:00Live theater is magic, isn't it? Houston has a...Live theater is magic, isn't it? Houston has an active theater district, as does Minneapolis-St Paul, and Cleveland--all places we've lived in or near. Everytime Les Miz comes to town I swear I'll see it, then chicken out. Some of those songs make me cry when I hear them. I've been to NYC only once and it was a quickie trip to attend a college graduation. So no Broadway. When I was a kid Houston had a theater-in-the-<br />round that put on musicals with various stars. I remember seeing Van Johnson in On a Clear Day and Juliette Prowse in Irma La Douce. Such fun.Pat Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-28896965566188689942016-12-08T13:38:19.499-05:002016-12-08T13:38:19.499-05:00Less, I'm so jealous. I, too, and a lover of B...Less, I'm so jealous. I, too, and a lover of Broadway and all things theater, but the last few times I've been in New York City it's been Ross and youngest who have gotten to see a show while I get work done.<br /><br />Clearly, I need to make a Broadway weekend date with some girlfriends!Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-42815732190991009832016-12-08T13:24:47.085-05:002016-12-08T13:24:47.085-05:00Ingrid, I have heard the score to "Love Lies ...Ingrid, I have heard the score to "Love Lies Here" and it is quite strong. The NYC run of it was very limited, so I never did get up there to see it. Happy to hear that it is having a life beyond the original staging. <br /><br />I'm hoping to get up to Chicago in the next year or so to see Hamilton there. I saw the entire original cast on Broadway twice, but there are some favorite performers in the Chicago production, so I want to see what they do with the role. Of course, I'm also anxiously awaiting the casting news for the tour version - that should be interesting to see as well. Kristopherhttp://www.bolobooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-58379325385125736312016-12-08T12:51:13.986-05:002016-12-08T12:51:13.986-05:00Hi Lesa! When I moved to New York City in my twent...Hi Lesa! When I moved to New York City in my twenties (to get into book publishing--so funny to think about now), I couldn't afford Broadway shows at first. It was an itch I wanted to scratch so badly! Eventually, I started working right on Times Square -- what a quintessential experience! -- and I got my Broadway show fix. Sometimes discounted tickets would come down through the company -- in fact, in the publishing biz there were often freebie perks. Those were fun times. <br /><br />Anyhow, all of that's to say that I get nostalgic when I hear about friends going to NYC to get their play fix on.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01167021026320919837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-61496700922387789232016-12-08T12:45:01.993-05:002016-12-08T12:45:01.993-05:00I'm truly sorry we all didn't get to Londo...I'm truly sorry we all didn't get to London to see Rhys's children's book made into theater (Septimus Bean and his Amazing Machine.)<br /><br />I forgot to mention THE AUDIENCE with Helen Mirren. We were in the second row for that one and it was spectacular. Saw it a second time on the big screen in Key West.<br /><br />Ingrid, I was in Oliver too--love that show, know all the words to every song. However, I barely squeaked into the chorus:)Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660402177299546055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-68299610230022699932016-12-08T12:02:37.056-05:002016-12-08T12:02:37.056-05:00Lesa: Yes, I also was limited to 4-5 weeks vacati...Lesa: Yes, I also was limited to 4-5 weeks vacation/year while working but I still went on back-to-back trips. You're right that as a retiree I now have less restrictions on my vacation time but money is the new challenge. <br /><br />Canadian air travel is ridiculously expensive, and our Canadian dollar is expected to drop to 70 cents US in the first quarter of 2017, so less trips to the US for me, I think!<br /><br />I am happy you are able to get great travel deals to go to NYC and Broadway on a regular basis! Grace Koshidahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05934603958949938617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-57013098966937983542016-12-08T11:59:47.676-05:002016-12-08T11:59:47.676-05:00Hi Lesa! Such fun to have you here! But I'm em...Hi Lesa! Such fun to have you here! But I'm embarrassed to admit I've never seen a Broadway show. I've only ever spent a few days in NY and those were taken up with business stuff. So another thing to put on my list!<br /><br />I have seen some really good things in London, in the West End and at the National. I got to see Billy Elliott right before it closed, and it was the last performance by Elliott Hanna, who was brilliant. Sadly, on my recent trip I didn't make a single play...<br /><br />Speaking of musicals and Kristin Chenoweth, did anyone else watch the live performance of Hairspray on NBC last night? I time-shifted, so didn't get all the way to the end, but thought it was great fun. Jennifer Hudson was fabulous, and I loved Maddie Baillio, the girl from Houston who got the part of Tracy in an open casting call. Deborah Crombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988750789088153601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-27606995989132936802016-12-08T11:48:19.392-05:002016-12-08T11:48:19.392-05:00Lesa, no there isn't. Some of our high schools...Lesa, no there isn't. Some of our high schools are spectacular, too. They regularly win Gene Kelley awards for excellence. We (as a family) saw a high school version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" that was just phenomenal.Liz Millironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04919409969263609919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-21612562877143930502016-12-08T11:46:52.341-05:002016-12-08T11:46:52.341-05:00Ingrid & Angela, You've both seen London p...Ingrid & Angela, You've both seen London performances, which I have not. In 2017, it's Paris. I may have to think about London and Scotland for 2018. I have a friend in Edinburgh. And, theater in London sounds wonderful. In fact, I shared a cab in NYC with a man who told me his wife flies to London for the shows.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-29504932632781203162016-12-08T11:44:20.625-05:002016-12-08T11:44:20.625-05:00Kaye! I love having a trip planner. You just make ...Kaye! I love having a trip planner. You just make all those arrangements for Paris, and I'll be happy to follow along. I was the trip planner for our family NYC trip. Now, I'll let you do it (wink). I'll go if you find something we'd like to see!<br /><br />David, I know you've had numerous chances to see great theater in Chicago. So many of the Broadway shows go there first, and, sometimes, afterwards. You have great places to see theater.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36196231346354566392016-12-08T11:41:38.470-05:002016-12-08T11:41:38.470-05:00Mary, I love living in a city or near a city that ...Mary, I love living in a city or near a city that has the kind of theater that Pittsburgh does. I've seen great theater in Columbus, Ohio, and I had season tickets when I lived outside Phoenix for the touring Broadway. Phoenix has wonderful professional and amateur theater. Nothing like live theater, is there?Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-9820167530445154292016-12-08T11:39:37.281-05:002016-12-08T11:39:37.281-05:00Rhys, I'm envious of your experiences in Londo...Rhys, I'm envious of your experiences in London, getting to see all those shows! And, I agree with you. I saw a couple musicals this summer, and, they were fun, but no memorable songs. Nothing like seeing Holiday Inn in November, with all those Irving Berlin songs we know and love.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-54630305212513569052016-12-08T11:37:53.435-05:002016-12-08T11:37:53.435-05:00Hallie, I buy in advance, paying full price. I sch...Hallie, I buy in advance, paying full price. I schedule my days tightly when I'm in NYC, and I don't have time to wait around at TKTS. And, I'm a supporter of Roundabout Theatre, so I'm lucky enough to get a chance to buy their tickets early. I want good seats, although in most of those theaters, every seat is good. But, I want to be close enough to see the actors' faces. And, when I've seen a show as many times as I went to see Les Miz, there are moments and facial expressions and scenes I want to closely watch. And, actors - Ramin Karimloo for instance (smile). I'm with you. I love theater.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-27469292151094359802016-12-08T11:34:16.594-05:002016-12-08T11:34:16.594-05:00Well, I wouldn't say Kristopher is my mentor, ...Well, I wouldn't say Kristopher is my mentor, Roberta. Usually, it's the NYTimes Theater section. But, when he raves about something he's seen, I do pay attention. And, that musical about Newfoundland and 9/11 sounds wonderful. I'll have to watch for his introduction.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-54245174213560234682016-12-08T11:32:09.577-05:002016-12-08T11:32:09.577-05:00You're right, Coralee. Even the older theaters...You're right, Coralee. Even the older theaters shouldn't have such musty seats. Now, they are usually tight rows, and small seats, but musty? No.Lesahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946133849271512083noreply@blogger.com