| Bottom line: You took away my Tonys | |
| Posted by: fredfrankg (fredfrankg427@gmail.com) 07:48 am EDT 09/26/21 | |
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| Last night I had two of my oldest and dearest over for a nightcap. We've know each other since college, did theater together, and have remained family ever since. Two years ago, we attended the Tonys rehearsal on the Sunday morning before the big event. The highlight of the day was listening to Judith Light's warm and gracious acceptance speech for her special humanitarian Tony that year. Bottom line: I'm pissed, and the English teacher in me never says that. In their infinite wisdom, the powers that be have limited viewer access to the awards by placing all but three of the awards on Paramount Plus. I have been watching the Tonys since 1968, before I could even get near Broadway. Even though I lived a quick train ride away, going to the theater was a treat that a poor family in a rich neighborhood was only imaginable. The closest I got to the theater was the Arts and Leisure section of the Times, with its full and half page ads of the current shows and and soon to be mounted shows that were still rehearsing out of town. The anticipation of opening that section of the Times was realized with an excitement and wonder that the joy of theater could possibly offer. This would have been my 53rd Tonys. The first broadcast I watched included the great Pearl Bailey tearing down the house with a performance of So Long, Dearie from Hello Dolly, among other great moments like the cast of Hair performing What a Piece of Work Is Man (featuring Melba Moore) and Let the Sunshine In. It was another two years before I saw it (Hair) live, the beginning of a love affair with the live theater that has never diminished. Regardless of the hype, politicization, and anticipated road grosses, the Tony's was another was of keeping that love of theater alive. When the show was less than stellar, it was annoying. But when it was good, it was spectacular. How dare any organization with a mission of supporting the arts make this celebration so inaccessible to the public for whom all art is created. And if the goal was to celebrate the re-opening of Broadway, wouldn't you want to reach as many people as possible. Why couldn't they divvy up the proceedings between PBS and CBS and make it the celebration it ought to be. Shame on them all. It was bad enough having to skip our annual pre-Tonys party these past two years, but this is a real slap. I will NOT subscribe to a streaming service and then cancel. I'll wind up watching it on YouTube after the fact. However, I will be in front of my set my 9PM tonight, and think of you all. Stay safe and well. xo |
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