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Post by foxie on Jun 9, 2014 6:55:55 GMT -5
Yes Jo he should have mentioned why he had beard cause no one likes it!
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Post by mamaleh on Jun 9, 2014 8:10:07 GMT -5
I did like the opening, but didn't love it. Hugh's said in interviews that Warren Carlyle came up with the Bobby Van-homage idea. Last night at the ceremony I heard people muttering "What was that all about?" ,etc., even if they did appreciate Hugh's amiable goofiness, charm and willingness to do just about anything.
As to comparisons, last year's opening was probably the best written, most carefully thought out one I have ever seen. No matter who hosted, it would top anyone's list, so it was fruitless to try to do something similar this year. Plaudits to Carlyle and Hugh for originality, even if the idea was probably better on paper than on stage.
Ellen
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Post by jo on Jun 9, 2014 10:53:40 GMT -5
Twelve hours late -- but that was when we got the delayed telecast here  I'm sorry I read all the posts from the theatre purists ( once again) both on ATC and BWW -- someone did chide them for their views though of not being open-minded -- because it colored my anticipation. Or maybe that was not such a bad idea because I was quite very pleasantly surprised by the final product. Some still resent Hugh being a movie star, it seems ... or simply jealous of his success despite his commitment to Broadway smiley-rolleyes010. One thing though, it will always be 3 hours-long and for general viewers, that can get a bit too long. I think the Oscars may hold attention better ( although the show also drags) for the TV audiences because many people would have seen the movies being considered for awards, while most TV audiences would not have seen the theatrical shows and would have no personal feelings for them. My impressions -- *I think they rethought the concept of the show and the role of the master of ceremonies to some extent. No longer should he be "taking over" the show by opening with a number that sweeps away all the applause and then leave the show hanging with anticlimactic feelings. Instead, Hugh was "guiding" the show rather than becoming the piece de resistance. But because he was also able to show his talents and his strong charisma ( I LOL-ed when the first lead nominee in a musical sighed, after Hugh kissed her "That's Hugh Jackman!"), his presence in the show was very strong. *I am noticing that Broadway is changing in what it wants to entertain people with. No longer the traditional book musicals ( maybe that was why Madison County failed), but musicals that are specific demos-targeted. Hence the variety! Bio-musicals, fantasy-musicals, sports-musicals, children tales-musicals, drawing room-musicals in the English tradition, revues, gay-and-drag queen musicals, etc... Maybe because the theatregoers are changing in profile and the producers are chasing the greenbacks that way! I could be wrong but unless they cast the show with strong actors, the Lincoln Center revival of KING AND I may appear too dated and stale. I did see a revival with Elaine Paige in London and while I am a great fan of Rodgers and Hammerstein, it was unexciting! *Also, one refreshing change -- look at how movement dictates the excitement on stage now. Dance and dance-like choreography (such as in ROCKY) are so lively and exciting. Plain singing is stale and unexciting. Les Miserables looked stale and miserable ( even Karimloo was much less impressive than I expected - he seemed miserable, too!). I felt so sorry for it!... On the other hand, shows like Hedwig would not appeal to everyone ( if you ask me -- I thought I would give it an open mind-- but it looked like it was forcing people to accept its appeal!)... Even the bouncing at the end of the show, which Hugh superimposed with his arias to Broadway ( and that little bit to NYC) was a sight to see because the bounce expressed the giddy happiness of winning! I have just come off watching the French Open final for tennis -- and the 9-time winner ( yes, for nine years and he is only 28) fell down on his knees and obviously crying as he covered his face with his hands because of the history that he is now making, despite all the difficulties -- that... and the Broadway bounce of the winners were very spontaneous expressions of joy and thinking about all that happened to achieve that success! *Not sure if it is my personal taste that is changing, but if I had a chance to see the shows for this past season, I would have loved to see the plays and maybe musical winner GG to Murder because it reminded me of drawing room black comedies (I don't have much idea of what it is all about, except for the plottings, etc) and because I liked their featured performance a lot ( comedic acting, at a very fast pace brings out the laughs) and Raisin in the Sun ( why no nod for Denzel when it seems to have been loved by the voters...I guess the nominating committee had its biases) and Twelfth Night ( I have not seen a Shakespeare comedy live). *Re the actors presentations and acceptance speeches -- Kenneth Branagh and Alan Cumming seemed like the theatre royalty they are. Mark Rylance seemed more composed this time. Even NPH seemed a lot less self-centered and probably spoke more from the heart this time. I would much rather see him in a drama rather than the annoying Hedwig ( sorry, if there are Hedwig lovers here). *Several moments which reminded me of past and future Hugh moments. Sting singing reminded me of his lovely song from Kate and Leopold, the way Hugh gallantly helped the emotional Audra from the stage reminded me of the Carnegie CAROUSEL, even the singing mobsters from Bullets reminded me of his amazing dancing as Legs Diamond in the TBFO arena tour... while the setting for the song from Finding Neverland reminded me that he will be flying shortly ( with his now infamous beard) to England to start filming PAN! *Hugh -- the only item that seemed a bit out of place was his reference to Days of Future Past ( that seemed like a blatant commercial for the movie to me) and maybe a little less mention of Wolverine ...But he was such a beautiful man to watch ( despite the facial hair), a great talent to behold( singing, dancing, bouncing, and simply looking manly and appealing!). I loved the way he presented the lady nominees for plays and musicals. I enjoyed the Rock Island rap version ( you can see how some of the audience members were reacting physically -- the theatre purists on the aforementioned message boards hated it- LOLOL!) and I thought it would have awakened any sleeping teenagers who were forced to watch the show by their parents. I was also very amused to see him using ideas and songs from Back on Broadway. *Hugh again -- re the Intro: I thought it was very good for the purpose that it served. It was not meant to be an Opening number extravaganza but more of an entrance done in a witty way to give the message on the role of the host this time. All through the show, he was showing backstage scenes -- mirroring probably what happens in real life at backstages or the wings of the theatre! Those were witty insights! I remember during TBFO, that Isabel and Stephanie used to play cards with Mitchell David during the long lull, while waiting for the finale ...Maybe it was too subtle but I thought they enriched the presentation of theatre life in this show. To each his own I have a chance to see another replay on the 14th - maybe my impressions might change, but I doubt it Jo |
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Post by alma on Jun 9, 2014 11:14:01 GMT -5
So after last night, what shows do I wish I could see? Rocky! Beautiful! Aladdin! Bullets Over Broadway! I gravitate toward those. Sting is great but last night his song didn't get to me. And neither did Jennifer Hudson with the Finding Neverland number. I enjoyed all the others, though I agree that One Day More was not as exciting as the Oscar rendition of the film cast, that's for sure. Loved the tap dancing of the Gangsters... wish Hugh had joined them a bit there, though they are really way up in a different dancing league! This morning the talk shows are pointing out the jumping opening number. It will probably grab the most attention, but I, too, wish Hugh had done more dancing, and that they had explained in a better way why they'd chosen to use something from so far back. Just because it's "Take Me to Broadway"? Hugh's salute to Bobby Van's video as he passed a screen was too short for people to notice; only if you'd seen it recently could you make the connection, I think. We 'follow' Hugh here, and were aware of where this came from. But how many people pore over all the tidbits leading up to the show? The connection was not easy to make. It DID grab attention, and will be what identifies these 68th Tonys for a good while (forever?), but the attention will not be on Hugh's talents. I have a question: why was Idina the only nominee who didn't stand up to 'waltz around' with Hugh? Was it HER choice, or Hugh's? Ellen, did Hugh improvise during the show (who he danced with and who he sat on their lap  ) or was this rehearsed this way? The nominees were not there in the morning, were they? Just curious! Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading more of Ozalots'opinions... smiley-greet025 Alma |
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Post by alma on Jun 9, 2014 11:22:41 GMT -5
I agree with you, Jo! Sting's song was VERY reminiscent of "Until", his song for Kate and Leopold.
Alma
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Post by mamaleh on Jun 9, 2014 11:48:25 GMT -5
Maybe that's why I liked that song. I'm a sucker for a wistful waltz.
Jo, at the rehearsal, Hugh danced with stand-ins for Best Actress/Musical. Another difference: the MUSIC MAN rap was solely by Hugh in the a.m., fleshed out with actual rappers at the evening ceremony. I was pleasantly surprised!
Ellen
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Post by alma on Jun 9, 2014 15:41:58 GMT -5
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Post by chessie on Jun 9, 2014 16:07:30 GMT -5
I think Hugh was again underutilized, just as he was the last time he hosted the Tonys. Of course, it wasn't "his" show, and his preparation time was limited since he had just finished the promotion for DOFP, but it was frustrating to not see his talent displayed a little more prominently. He did a great job of moving the show along, and his presentation of the nominees for best actress in a musical was delightful. He always seems very comfortable in the role of host.
My satellite TV signal disappeared for a time (grrr!) during the show, so I'm not sure if I missed this or not, but was there ever any sort of explanation, other than the television clip of Bobby Van as Hugh passed the screen, offered for the bouncing bit? It seemed like a fairly "inside" connection that a lot of viewers wouldn't have known about. It was certainly joyful, and gave audience members a chance to stretch a bit at the end, but I thought it was just a bit odd.
Carol
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Post by jo on Jun 9, 2014 16:40:08 GMT -5
Interesting post on ATC --
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Post by birchie on Jun 9, 2014 16:51:04 GMT -5
I have a lot of mixed feelings about last night's Tony Awards. I guess I'll start with the opening, the beginning is usually a good place to start! I was really hoping for something that would wow the audience. Hugh has the singing & dancing talent to blow NPH away and the opening should have been a singing & dancing production number. It might not have been on par w/last year, which was brilliantly devised, but it would have been better than what we got. I don't know whose idea the bouncing thing was but, first, only us old folks would ever get the Bobby Van connection. And Carole, no they did not explain it later either!  Even the very brief glimpse of BV on a TV screen did nothing but show that there was once some other guy who bounced...big deal...I don't think anyone got it. I wish they had utilized Hugh's enormous talent. It was nice that he got to dance a little with the cast of Warren's show (forgot the name) and he was wonderful, but it was not enough. I actually liked how they ended up doing the Rock Island rap! The clip I saw of the morning rehearsal was not as good as the final product. I'm glad they changed it. I think actual rappers being added was a smart move. I love Hugh and he can do most things very well but he's not a rapper. So, surprisingly, I liked the number. I also really loved his ease and charisma between acts. He really shines in that hosting role. His introductions of the best actress & best featured actress nominees was a wonderful change of pace. Very different from the norm and very well done. Of the cast performances NPH certainly did all that could be done with Hedwig and it seems that his performance deserved the Tony. I'm not a Hedwig fan...saw the movie once & once was enough. I loved seeing Carol King joining the cast of Beautiful. That looks like a show I'd really enjoy. I hate Woody Allen and don't see anything with his name attached but I enjoyed the cast performance from Bullets. Rocky was kind of unnecessary in my opinion and I likewise think we could have done without Sting & Jennifer Hudson. They didn't add anything to the enjoyment of the show...at least not for me. Finally I was very disappointed in the Les Miserables cast performance. The movie cast performance at the Oscars was far and away superior the what I saw last night. I wasn't fond of many of the behind the scenes bits. A couple were cute but most were odd or silly and unnecessary. Plus I don't understand why they had him only singing songs he's already done! Why couldn't they give him a special new number. I don't mean new as in newly composed, I mean new for him! That includes the finale which also was BoB material with the addition of getting everyone to bounce a little. Could have been so much better. I blame the writers for some of these issues. With a talent like Hugh Jackman why didn't they utilize him better? <bash> Most of the presenters were fine but I thought Clint Eastwood was embarrassing. I think he's having some serious deficits from aging and it's really starting to show. Sad to say, but he should probably stick with his behind the scenes roles, directing, music, producing etc. and not do anymore TV appearances like this. He's probably OK on talk shows but I haven't seen him so I don't know. That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure there's something I've forgotten to mention but I'll come back if I think it adds to the discussion. Bottom line for me: I loved seeing Hugh but think his talent was extremely underutilized. If there was any question about who the Tony people would ask to host next year he didn't do anything to make them forget that NPH has been anointed the new king by fans & the media for weeks now. I'm very sad about that because Hugh is so much more talented that Neil. Sue |
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Post by alma on Jun 9, 2014 16:56:29 GMT -5
I think Hugh was again underutilized, just as he was the last time he hosted the Tonys. Of course, it wasn't "his" show, and his preparation time was limited since he had just finished the promotion for DOFP, but it was frustrating to not see his talent displayed a little more prominently. He did a great job of moving the show along, and his presentation of the nominees for best actress in a musical was delightful. He always seems very comfortable in the role of host. My satellite TV signal disappeared for a time (grrr!) during the show, so I'm not sure if I missed this or not, but was there ever any sort of explanation, other than the television clip of Bobby Van as Hugh passed the screen, offered for the bouncing bit? It seemed like a fairly "inside" connection that a lot of viewers wouldn't have known about. It was certainly joyful, and gave audience members a chance to stretch a bit at the end, but I thought it was just a bit odd. Carol Nope, Carol, no explanation of the bouncing, only Hugh's salute to Bobby Van's video as he bounced past the screen... I certainly would not have made the connection, if I hadn't followed Hugh's hints. I HAD seen that scene, years and years ago, when PBS showed "That's Entertainment" and "That's Dancing." But I wouldn't have remembered. Hopefully people will log in to some of the videoclips available online and get it, but I bet they'll wish they'd had some heads-up, to enjoy it better. Alma |
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Post by alma on Jun 9, 2014 17:07:14 GMT -5
> Sue said "Bottom line for me: I loved seeing Hugh but think his talent was extremely underutilized. If there was any question about who the Tony people would ask to host next year he didn't do anything to make them forget that NPH has been anointed the new king by fans & the media for weeks now. I'm very sad about that because Hugh is so much more talented that Neil. Sue" Totally agree, Sue. And Hugh himself is not helping things when (in interviews) he says NPH 'is the best' or something like that. That's all some people need to hear, to say "See? Even Hugh Jackman says Harris is the best." It reminds me a little of the hoopla that made Les Miserables all about Anne Hathaway. I feel Hugh fed it with his gushing about her, but I don't remember anyone else gushing about her. I love that he's modest, but sometimes he goes too far, from my point of view.  Alma |
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Post by jo on Jun 9, 2014 17:27:45 GMT -5
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Post by jo on Jun 9, 2014 17:59:05 GMT -5
To be honest, I don't think his talent was underutilized. That was the TONYs, not the Hugh Jackman show There were already a lot of production numbers ( nominated shows, current new shows, anniversary-celebrating shows, shows hoping to come to Broadway) and I was actually surprised that Hugh got to sing ( quite a few snatches) and even dance a few taps and waltz with the leading ladies. He held the show together and even gave a glimpse of a rarely-known side of theatrical show business - what happens backstage! His guiding of the show seemed relevant to outside audiences. Perhaps what many people found a little puzzling was his entrance to the show and how it became the running theme of the host for the show? The producers or whoever is the creative team involved in the production of the TONYs may have decided against a big opening extravaganza maybe because it glorified the host more than the shows. True, in 2004 he did have the big opening number but that was another time ( and of course he was part of the shows that were showcased, TBFO, which was both a Best Musical nominee and had him as a lead actor nominee as well). And the 2014 TONYs was unlike the 2009 Oscars where the Opening number was the only live number where the various honored movies were going to be showcased...and they were lucky to have found Hugh Jackman and his writing team. Maybe the producers will change their minds again...but that is for a future host and time. The intention of the TONYs is to showcase what is on Broadway and even what might be coming on stage. Hugh did an excellent job putting on his particular strengths ( annotate, dance, sing, romance the lady nominees, rap for the younger fanbase, and charm the audience in general). I actually had a feeling of deja vu because Hugh seemed to have patterned his participation a lot from BACK ON BROADWAY Some people were actually complaining that the show was too Hugh-centric. Actually, I felt that a three-hour show was too long to hold peoples' attention. I myself do not watch the entire TONYs and the OSCARS unless Hugh is on it. Sorry, for thinking a little differently Jo |
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Post by birchie on Jun 9, 2014 18:05:34 GMT -5
<snip> Totally agree, Sue. And Hugh himself is not helping things when (in interviews) he says NPH 'is the best' or something like that. That's all some people need to hear, to say "See? Even Hugh Jackman says Harris is the best." It reminds me a little of the hoopla that made Les Miserables all about Anne Hathaway. I feel Hugh fed it with his gushing about her, but I don't remember anyone else gushing about her. I love that he's modest, but sometimes he goes too far, from my point of view. Alma You're so right Alma but he is who he is and that's part of what we love. I just wish he'd get the credit he's do. Like in this article: variety.com/2014/legit/news/hugh-jackman-is-host-with-the-most-at-tony-awards-1201216238/Hugh Jackman is Host with the Most at Tony Awards
In the hands of Hugh Jackman, being inside Radio City Music Hall for the Tony Awards ceremony was like being at a party with an incredibly gracious host.
Jackman impressed during his on air moments by doing everything from hopping for four minutes straight in the opening bit to tap dancing, jump roping and rapping in “The Music Man” bit with T.I. and LL Cool J. “They just gave me my rap name: Biggie Tap Shoes,” he joked.
But it was in the moments during the commercial breaks where Jackman really showed his ease and grace. He kept the audience’s mood light by cracking jokes, impromptu singing and giving regular updates on the score in Game 2 of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. He joked about the “animals in the mosh pit” — aka the orchestra section.
At one point Jackman took a poll of audience members, asking among how many had not looked at a smartphone or device during the long show. When a few hands went up he shouted back: “Liars!”
He even called out his wife. “My wife’s on her iPhone — come on, honey.”
During one of the longer breaks toward the end, he made a point of introducing the orchestra members. “That’s all sex,” he joked as the standup bassist played a riff.
Before the last commercial break, he asked all of the winners to come up at the end of the night for a class picture. “Audra McDonald, if you come everyone will follow,” he said. And he urged the audience to get on our feet and bounce with him — before being set free to have a drink.
In all, Jackman moved around the stage with the skill of a seasoned pro that he is. There was a lot giddy talk on the stage from winners about the community of Broadway. With Jackman at the helm, we all felt welcome there tonight. This is the stuff I wish everyone could see! And I would have certainly preferred watching all the behind the commercial breaks stuff than having to watch the commercials!! LOL! Sue |
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Post by jo on Jun 9, 2014 18:11:09 GMT -5
Thanks, Sue, for finding that!
That is what attending the TONYs is all about - it is not just the great sense of community not felt when simply watching on TV ...but whenever Hugh hosts, he does have wonderful and very witty moments during commercial breaks!
Jo
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Post by JH4HJ on Jun 9, 2014 19:05:03 GMT -5
No time to read all this right now. A few people I know watched (part of) The Tonys last night [they have about as much interest in theater as I have in Country/Western music, and vice versa] - mostly to see Hugh and understand why I'd travel 2,000 miles to see him on stage. I can not say they were won over. A couple of them, who have also seen Les Mis, do not "get" what I find attractive about him at all. (Just lent them the Kate & Leopold DVD ) Toss this thought into the "Bunny Hop" discussion. . . Regarding the "Opening Number" (if you can call it that) - People out here in The Boonies thought it was a "kangaroo joke" 'cause Hugh is Australian. [Except for one woman (with no ear for accents) who was surprised to learn he isn't English* - and will probably be even more confused after K&L.] Without offering any kind of explanation (why were The Tonys offering tribute to Bobby Van anyway?) it seems to be bad judgement on the part of the choreographer and poorly handled at that, IMHO. *(and I'm not going to try to explain that he actually IS "English" but was born/raised Down Under unless she suddenly shows a LOT more interest) |
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Post by alma on Jun 9, 2014 20:45:53 GMT -5
Oh, Sue, to have been there and not miss out on all this! Thanks for posting the article. Vanity Fair is offering an answer to what everyone is wondering about: www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/hugh-jackman-hopping-tony-awardsWhy Was Hugh Jackman Hopping at the Tonys?Hugh Jackman is no first-timer when it comes to awards show hosting. His Oscar gig was one of my favorites in recent memory and the man has hosted the Tony awards no fewer than four times. Jackman is also a classically trained song and dance man with charisma to spare so why oh why did he choose to go with this bizarre kangaroo impression instead of some flashy musical theater on, you know, the one night out of the year we gather together to celebrate musical theater? According to the choreographer Warren Carlyle, it was a homage to Bobby Van's bopping routine from 1953 musical, Small Town Girl. (And it’s not the first!) Carlyle said, “One of the things I love about Hugh is how physical he is. He loves to dance." If you watch closely you can see Jackman bouncing past a clip from the film in his routine and you can see the original Van version here: People not familiar with Small Town Girl may be confused by all the hopping, but one thing’s for certain, we’re all impressed with his breath control! ------------------------------------------------------------------ When everyone is still clapping warmly and grinning from ear to ear, after the bouncing opening number, I love how Hugh puts his hand over his heart and looks to his left towards Deb on the front row, his acknowledgment of her, as he explained in an interview. Aaaahhhh! smiley-love001 Alma |
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Post by alma on Jun 9, 2014 21:47:33 GMT -5
By the way, I believe one of the dancers is Anne Otto, the dark-haired Dreamgirl from Back on Broadway, isn't she? She's the one who straightens his tie and brushes off his shoulders in the opening number, when he dons his black tux coat on stage before exiting for the bouncing backstage 'tour'. And I believe she also hands him an envelope (after waltzing the ladies) to announce the winner of leading actress in a musical. She's on the far right below. I don't recognize the other (blonde) dancer/bouncer, who helps him put on his coat, or either of the two girls at the door, who collect his ticket and bounce after him for a bit. Hugh and Anne must have loved working together again. I have a question: those two girls dressed in feathers (costume and headdresses) who twirl around Hugh as he's bouncing toward the piano and Jessie Mueller... what show do they belong to? I can't place them. The music they dance to doesn't help me. Anyone? And when Hugh comes down the aisle from outside, don't you just LOVE how he bounces onstage in one jump off a special trampoline? He makes the audience roar! I do believe that number is growing on me... Alma Attachments:
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Post by chessie on Jun 9, 2014 22:42:37 GMT -5
No time to read all this right now. A few people I know watched (part of) The Tonys last night [they have about as much interest in theater as I have in Country/Western music, and vice versa] - mostly to see Hugh and understand why I'd travel 2,000 miles to see him on stage. I can not say they were won over. A couple of them, who have also seen Les Mis, do not "get" what I find attractive about him at all. (Just lent them the Kate & Leopold DVD ) I sometimes wonder if it's possible for people to fully appreciate Hugh's unique blend of talent, looks and charm unless they've been lucky enough to see him perform on stage. He has such a magical stage presence that you're immediately "hooked." I convinced two friends who didn't quite get the attraction to come along to Back on Broadway. Result - two new avid fans. One who had told me earlier that she didn't think Hugh was especially good-looking leaned over to me after his first number and said, "Is he ever easy on the eyes!" The kangaroo analogy isn't such a bad way to explain the opening.  You are right, Alma - that leap onto stage was very impressive! Carol |
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Post by ruby on Jun 9, 2014 23:03:41 GMT -5
By the way, I believe one of the dancers is Anne Otto, the dark-haired Dreamgirl from Back on Broadway, isn't she? She's the one who straightens his tie and brushes off his shoulders in the opening number, when he dons his black tux coat on stage before exiting for the bouncing backstage 'tour'. And I believe she also hands him an envelope (after waltzing the ladies) to announce the winner of leading actress in a musical. She's on the far right below. I don't recognize the other (blonde) dancer/bouncer, who helps him put on his coat, or either of the two girls at the door, who collect his ticket and bounce after him for a bit. Hugh and Anne must have loved working together again. Alma Anne, Hillary, Emily, Robin. All still part of Team Jackman. |
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Post by mamaleh on Jun 9, 2014 23:54:31 GMT -5
Anne and I exchanged quick hellos as she left Radio City following the dress rehearsal. She was the only one I could positively ID, with her signature short black 'do. But it wouldn't surprise me if he requested some of his backup dancers from BACK ON BROADWAY.
Ellen
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Post by JH4HJ on Jun 10, 2014 0:16:14 GMT -5
I have a question: why was Idina the only nominee who didn't stand up to 'waltz around' with Hugh? Was it HER choice, or Hugh's? Ellen, did Hugh improvise during the show (who he danced with and who he sat on their lap ) or was this rehearsed this way? The nominees were not there in the morning, were they? Just curious! |
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Post by jo on Jun 10, 2014 5:59:47 GMT -5
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Post by Jamie on Jun 10, 2014 7:28:01 GMT -5
Toss this thought into the "Bunny Hop" discussion. . . Regarding the "Opening Number" (if you can call it that) - People out here in The Boonies thought it was a "kangaroo joke" 'cause Hugh is Australian. [Except for one woman (with no ear for accents) who was surprised to learn he isn't English* - and will probably be even more confused after K&L.] Without offering any kind of explanation (why were The Tonys offering tribute to Bobby Van anyway?) it seems to be bad judgement on the part of the choreographer and poorly handled at that, IMHO. *(and I'm not going to try to explain that he actually IS "English" but was born/raised Down Under unless she suddenly shows a LOT more interest) The number wasn't so much a tribute to Bobby Van as a reference to the SONG he did in the movie which Hugh did at the end of the hopping, "Take Me To Broadway" and the cross over from movies to theater. It is a bit of an "insiders" reference as well since Bobby Van did win a Tony for No No Nannette and of course the eatery where Hugh posed for the Instagram hint is named after him. |
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) or was this rehearsed this way? The nominees were not there in the morning, were they? Just curious!
Even the very brief glimpse of BV on a TV screen did nothing but show that there was once some other guy who bounced...big deal...I don't think anyone got it. I wish they had utilized Hugh's enormous talent. It was nice that he got to dance a little with the cast of Warren's show (forgot the name) and he was wonderful, but it was not enough.
You are right, Alma - that leap onto stage was very impressive!
