Discussion of the most underappreciated production - 2007/04/23 20:54Nobody ever thanks the musicians who play. I just played the piano for a show, and I wasn't nearly as recognized for it as I was with actually acting in the same musical.Favorite role: King Bull Sparra in The Legend of Redwall Abbey
Current role : Kratnoff the History Buff in High School Musical.
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i do understand-- as both a pit musician and a stage performer. but you probably know that when you are truly appreciated, it means so much more following the underappreciation!!! They call me Jessica (like: They call me lady luck... lol)
Favorite roles:
Eva Peron, Evita; Jack's Mother, Into the Woods; Sonia, Godspell; Anything Goes, Reno Sweeney; Audrey, Little Shop of Horrors; Catherine, Pippin
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triplethreat
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Re:Discussion of the most underappreciated product - 2007/04/23 21:01I'm sorry that you've had that experience. The vast majority of the shows I have worked on have greatly celebrated their musicians. I guess every group is different._____________ Kris MTA Admin
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It's kind of the same thing as stage crew. I think they are awesome, but some places I've performed, the actors and others just kind of look down on them. ?
They couldn't do the show without you! Thanks!Name: Devyn
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Dreams4Drama
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Re:Discussion of the most underappreciated product - 2007/06/01 00:27I realize how you feel! I've never been crew or a musician for a production (I'm SEVERELY instumentally challenged), but I always go out of my way to thank you guys! Can you imagine a musical acapella with no sets? Hmmm, I think not.
Thank you! And I'll be sure to say that even MORE often to the crews/musicians!My Name Is: Lisa! And I'm fifteen! Upcoming Auditions:The Pajama Game Favorite Roles: Tumnus in Narnia The Musical & the Narrator (the Artful Dodger) in A Christmas With Scrooge.
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kristine415
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Re:Discussion of the most underappreciated product - 2007/06/01 14:29wow. i can't believe they didn't thank you for that. for this last show i was in we were pracically bowing at our musicians' feet...as should be with any show. a musical without your background musical would be kinda silly wouldn't it?
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broadwaybaby09
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Re:Discussion of the most underappreciated product - 2007/06/02 20:33Oh, that's terrible. Whenever we actually have live musicians (instead of prerecorded) for our school shows, we try to make sure they feel that they are just as much a part of the show as the actors. We hang ut with them and bring them to all the cast parties. You guys give up so much time for something that unfortunately most of the audience doesn't pay attention to. For that you deserve the most praise out of almost everyone involved with the show.-Georgia
Current Show: West Side Story - Clarice Recent Shows: Carousel - Principal Dancer, Ensemble, A Christmas Carol - Lily, Charwoman, Charitable Gentleman, Principal Dancer, Ensemble; Rootabaga Stories-multiple roles; Joseph... Dreamcoat -Wives Chorus
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cardrey
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Re:Discussion of the most underappreciated production - 2007/06/11 20:50Where I work, the pit musicians get paid more than the people on stage! I've done both, and it's a hard choice----more money for playing in the pit, but less rocognition, or more recognition and less money for being on stage.
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mezzo_soprano
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Re:Discussion of the most underappreciated production - 2007/06/14 21:59another underappreciated group is the ushers. I once was an usher for a performance and the assistent director asked us to give a message to the director. we went backstage and were stopped by a group of actors who said even though it was intermission we couldn't be backstage. never mind who asked us.
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katoru
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Re:Discussion of the most underappreciated product - 2007/06/15 00:34Costumers also get the short end of the stick. At college, the costumes were maybe mentioned once in newspaper reviews for however many plays we did over the two years. That was only because the director of that show felt bad for us, and the costumes were super impressive, historical pieces. And still, it was only a sentence or two close to the end.
In fact, my college has cut the costume program all together. They don't think teaching it is important, and that the money to run the program could be better spent elsewhere (never mind that it was one of three in the whole country, and the only kind that offered the hands-on experience that I got). A director was even heard saying that costumes aren't that important and that they "detract from (her) actors". But honestly, there's only so many times you can do Shakespeare in blue jeans before people say "we've seen this before".
I'm extremely greatful to be with a company and a director right now that truly appreciates me and the work that I do, but I have definitely felt what you are feeling.Kathleen Sera Current Shows: Aloha Pinafore - Volga Upcoming Auditions: Crazy For You - Irene Roth
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margyjohnson
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Re:Discussion of the most underappreciated product - 2007/06/15 17:03In our group at the end of every show we all chip in for gifts. We give something to the director, musicians, stage managers, light/sound people - anyone who significantly helps with the production. We also give a card signed by the entire cast.Favorite Shows: Once on this Island, Wicked, Hairspray, Legally Blonde Dream Roles: Ado Annie/Oklahoma, Galinda/Wicked, Elle Woods/Legally Blonde Favorite Role: Ti Moune in Once On this Island Jr In Production: Best of Broadway Revue, Elle Woods/Legally Blonde
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And I'm fifteen!
