what's good / what blows in new york theatre
Monday, July 14, 2008
  BREAKING: XANADU JUMPS SHARK, HIRES WHOOPI
I'm getting all sorts of calls and emails from people without day jobs (aka: bitches) that Whoopi just announced on The View that she's stepping in to XANADU in August, taking over for Jackie Hoffman as Calliope. This is good celebrity casting for the show, and Whoops will be hysterical in the supporting part.

So we've opened the revolving door (or whatever you actually do to a revolving door) for showcased celebrity casting that could keep this show running for a hearty long time. The possibilities are endless in either this role or also Mary Testa's Melpomene part. And I mean, who doesn't want to be in XANADU? Its 90 minutes long, and you're in bed by 10:30.

Also interesting that Whooper turned down Nathan's part in NOVEMBER for this. Good choice Whoo.


 
Comments:
It's weird, because Whoopi seems much better for a Testa replacement. The energy of the pair is going to be very different. In that it's going to be very the same.

And yes, I am thoughtfully analyzing casting in Xanadu. I know.
 
No I totally though the same thing. But I don't think i need to see Whoop-ay sing Evil Woman. She would sound like Lauren Bacall.

No good.
 
Here's something that totally blows in NYC. I found this in another theatre blog:

We are a group of friends that know and worked with a young woman named Joy Loftin while she was employed at the Vanderbilt YMCA here in New York City. During the length of her employment, several extremely disturbing incidents occurred that cause us to be concerned and call into question the motives and the integrity of Shan Colorado Finnerty, Hortensia Colorado, and Elvira Colorado.

On several occasions, Joy came to work with visible bruises on her neck and arms. She eventually explained to us that Shan had punched, beaten, and choked her and she asked us for help. As wardens for the community, we tried to place Joy in women’s shelters around the city in an effort to mitigate the abuse. However, at the urging of Shan’s mother and aunt, Hortensia and Elvira, she returned to their apartment and refused to press criminal charges against Shan Colorado Finnerty. The abuse continued and one day, she came to work very early, visibly distressed and crying, with more bruises and abrasions. She said that Shan had verbally abused and beaten her once again; that she wanted to return to California, and that she was going to quit her job and reunite with her family. She tendered her resignation later that week. Out of concern for her safety and in an effort to find out what happened to her, we requested an officer from the domestic violence unit of the 5th Precinct conduct a welfare check at their home on Kenmare Street. However the officer was unable to find anyone at the apartment, and therefore could not verify that Joy was safe. We realize that she is suffering from battered women’s syndrome and may be unable to help herself due to the isolationist environment that the Colorados have formed around her. Abusive men are often enabled by their family, while the victim is persuaded to believe the abuse is her fault, and the pattern of emotional and physical trauma continues. Taking into consideration what has happened to Joy Loftin, it is especially deceitful that their display "Altar: El Llanto De La Resistancia" at the American Indian Community House was in part dedicated to victims of domestic violence.

In light of these events, we are dismayed, disappointed, and outraged to know that members of the American Indian Community would commit, condone, and perpetuate domestic abuse and violence, while simultaneously conducting workshops, writing and performing plays, and displaying works and art that would have the public and those who support them believe otherwise. It is a vulgar and offensive misrepresentation of American Indian Culture, and further support of Coatlicue Theater, Hortensia Colorado, Elvira Colorado, Shan Colorado Finnerty and their work is tantamount to supporting domestic abuse and violence. Considering their duplicitous behavior, having them represent American Indian Culture is an insult to the dignity of American Indians and an affront to human beings.

We therefore will not attend nor support any Coatlicue Theater productions or events where they will be featured. We will be encouraging others that might consider attending, participating, or funding them to do the same. Our actions are warranted, and to be associated with the aforementioned individuals and Coatlicue Theater would be equivalent to enabling and contributing to such offensive behaviour. We are urging everyone to reevaluate their support of Coatlicue Theatre and the Colorados, and question the individuals concerned. Until the responsible individuals are held accountable and measures are taken to verify that the abuse is no longer occurring, we will continue with our boycott of Coatlicue Theatre and we will strongly urge others to do the same.
 
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This is me telling you what's worth your time and money in New York theatre. I'm not a critic. So don't read this for any kind of brilliant analysis. But I do critique the critics. I'm also fascinated by theatre marketing. And expect some gossipy posts too. I'm into that. Feel free to leave comments.

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Name: Rocco
Location: New York City, New York

Some of my favorite shows have been: Mnemonic (Complicite), Long Days Journey Into Night, Debbie Does Dallas, The Elephant Vanishes (Complicite), Where Do We Live? (Vineyard), Cloudstreet (BAM) Uncle Vanya (BAM), Autoro Uoi (National Actors Theatre), I Am My Own Wife, Cymbeline (Theatre for a New Audience), The Chairs (Complicite), Orange Flower Water (Edge), Small Tragedy (Playwrights), Honor and the River (SPF), Spirit (Improbable), Goodnight Children Everywhere (Playwrights), The Play About The Baby, Radiant Baby (Public), Last Easter (MCC), The Lightning Field (Fringe), The Laramie Project (Tectonic), 4:48 Psychosis (St. Ann's), Thom Pain, Mother Courage (Public), Four (MTC), Nocturne (NYTW), Essential Self Defense (Playwrights), Blasted (Soho Rep)

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