On a Clear Day...can you see the audience?
My column this week centers around a Broadway revival, but really is much more a commentary on the audiences of today.
I went to see the newly imagined Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner musical, "On A Clear Day You can See Forever" starring charming crooner Harry Connick Jr. The major press has not been kind to the show. People have said it's confusing and doesn't make sense. I settled in to judge for myself.
First of all, how can you not enjoy a show featuring Harry? He is just a delightful guy with a dreamy voice. We get to hear terrific songs like "Come Back to Me", "Too Late Now", and the iconic title song of the show.
The story is unique and different. Connick plays Dr. Mark Bruckner, a down-to-earth psychiatrist who unknowingly takes on the case of his life with David Gamble, a quirky young florist's assistant. While putting David under hypnosis to help him quit smoking so he can move in with his perfect boyfriend, Warren, Dr. Bruckner stumbles upon what he believes to be David’s former self—a dazzling and self-possessed 1940s jazz singer Melinda Wells. Dr. Bruckner finds himself suddenly swept off his feet by this beautiful woman—and swept into a world he never dreamed possible.
Okay, that's the premise of the show. You have to admit, it is unusual. But it held my attention, and I was interested to see how the show would proceed. Apparently, the night I was there, a significant number of my fellow theater goers did not agree.
At intermission, a sizable number left, and did not return to see Act 2.
Really?? I mean, really? Have we become so invested in instant gratification, that if we don't feel immediately entertained, or stimulated, we have to chuck expensive theater tickets to go and find some kind of entertainment somewhere else?
Here's the way I look at it. Upon agreeing to see a Broadway show, you have already committed in advance to expending that time slot in your life. Isn't it possible that there will be something that you might enjoy in the second act, even if it's just to hear the live 19 piece orchestra and the songs? Or to see Harry's co-star Jessie Mueller, making her Broadway debut as jazz singer Melinda Wells, perform a show stopping number, which she did?
How exciting to see a new, fresh, young performer dazzle an audience in her first Broadway show. Those are magical opportunities. When you walk out, sniffing that it's not worth your time, those are the moments you might miss.
Think about the performers. Although actors are generally unable to see past the first few rows, sometimes, depending on lighting, you can see more from the stage. Imagine how the performers feel when they see formerly filled seats, empty after intermission.
So today, I write to you about having patience. About being part of the process of live theater. About respecting performers. And about being open to new experiences.
After Jessie finished her rousing number to incredible applause, I turned to my partner and whispered, "And that's why you stay for the second act."
Jessie Mueller is a fabulous performer with an incredible career in front of her. Harry's voice is like silk and always delightful to hear, and David Turner, who plays David Gamble, did a fine job as the object of Dr. Bruckner's study.
Photo credit: Paul Kolnik & Nicole Rivelli
An unusual musical, for sure. But I enjoyed it's quirkiness, the music, songs and performances.
Give it a chance. www.onacleardaybroadway.com
An amazing new year's deal!
I heard about this special New Year's Eve package taking place on the North Fork of Long Island, when I was interviewing celebrity event planner Dawn Strain for my Valerie's New York podcast on WOR710.com. It's an incredible deal at a beautiful newly renovated hotel.
Check out this information below. You can also hear the podcast at http://wor710.com/pages/11685023.php
Champagne & Chandeliers New Year’s Eve 2012
Join us in welcoming in 2012 with the most extravagant and anticipated New Year’s Eve party on Long Island at the Hotel Indigo, where NYC style is brought to the East End. In ultimate DJS Events fashion, the evening will include Premium Open Bar, Indigo’s extraordinary Tapas style food, incredible music with one of NYC hottest DJ’s, Champagne Toasts and so much more.
$125* per person
$400* per couple with overnight stay
*(Taxes and gratuities apply)
For more information call
DJS Events at 516.719.7100 or Hotel Indigo at 631.369.2200
Here's to a wonderful holiday to you and yours.
Cheers!
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a 5 time Billboard Magazine Award winner, is perhaps best known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 position in the New York radio market as the midday host of New York’s 106.7 FM. She was also the co-creator, writer, producer and host of 'Spotlight On,' a nationally syndicated program that featured in-depth interviews with top recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting and Celine Dion, to name a few.
Presently, Valerie can be heard on her new daily radio show, Valerie’s New York on WOR.710.com. She is also the voice of numerous commercials and television promos. She has been the “Voice of God” for many prestigious live events including: The Clinton Global Initiative, The New York Emmy Awards, The Tony Preview Concert on CBS, and many more. She writes a weekly nightlife column for TheThreeTomatoes.com and writes a theater column for Examiner.com.
As adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts, Valerie teaches a course on Internet Radio and Voice-over, coaches talent privately, and produces promo reels and demo tapes for various clients.
An actress and writer, she has appeared in numerous off -Broadway productions and co-wrote a play with music entitled, "Spit it Out!"
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