POLL RESULTS: Andrew Lloyd Webber's Next Project...

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the responses to this most recent poll ISN'T the results, but rather the write-in responses I got from you!  Not counting the emails you sent me commenting on the choices that were given, I got almost as many emails offering other suggestions for Lord Lloyd Webber as I did in the actual official poll.

But first, lets's take a look at the poll as it was completed, along with some of your pertinent comments:

 

POLL QUESTION: Aside from the upcoming revival of EVITA, which potential Andrew Lloyd Webber project would you be MOST interested in seeing?

• 42% - Aspects of Love revival: Several of you mentioned that you felt this was his most under-appreciated show.  And Jack S. from New York City wrote: "I saw the recent London revival and found it much more compelling with a minimalist staging.  Michael Arden was terrific, though the rest of the cast is what has probably held it back from a Broadway revival."

• 27%  - Love Never Dies: I think this one got the most email response from you readers.  About 1/3 of  you who wrote in on this topic had this to say and PareDeMel from Yonkers, NY put it best.  "I am willing to watch the DVD that is coming out, and if it is good, I'll probably go see it when it comes to Broadway."  The other 2/3 of you said, like TuneMan45 from Washington, DC put it: "I think Lloyd Webber should quit while he's ahead.  The Phantom of the Opera is his crowning achievement.  Why muddy the waters?"

• 26% -  The Wizard of Oz: Of the emails I got on this topic, I'd say it was 50/50 for and against.  Interestingly, most of you who were "for" the show weren't really interested in Lloyd Webber's contributions, but really wanted to see a full, special effects laden extravaganza of this beloved classic that only Lloyd Webber could afford.  Those of you "against" had this to say, again almost unanimously: no one will ever top the film version, and all of the stage versions are so cheesy and done to death.  In short, this group seems sick of the show no matter who wrote it or tried to improve it.  And more than a few of you mentioned Wicked and how tired you are of it, and all things Oz.

• 5% - Cats revival:  The few of you that were for this let your votes speak for themselves.  All of you that wrote on this topic said basically the same two things: either it is way too soon to bring it back or the record-breaking run was enough.  I had to chuckle at Grace W's comment: "I barely got the last disgusted fur ball out of my throat since the original closed!  Now he wants more?  No thank you!"

Like I said, though, it was all of the "other" comments you sent in that was most interesting (especially since "Other" wasn't a choice)!

• About 1/3 of you wrote in that you were interested in the much buzzed-about Des McAnuff/Stratford production of Jesus Christ Superstar.  The vast majority of you said you were interested in a fresh take on this classic.  A couple of you said you'd like to see the new version, but were getting weary of the most recent Broadway revival version, which continues to tour the country in various incarnations, and which is available on DVD.

• Five of you wrote in to suggest that it was time that Broadway saw productions of The Beautiful  Game and Whistle Down the Wind.  Another four of you wrote in to suggest a thoughtfully produced and created revue of Lloyd Webber's work be created, along the lines of Sondheim on Sondheim.  Julie B. of Brooklyn, NY made me laugh when she wrote, "Jeff, can't you just imagine a Webber on Webber show?  Even James Lapine probably couldn't get Sir Andrew to shut up about himself!"

• But the overwhelming majority of you - more than all of the other votes combined - said you were looking forward to an announcement that Andrew Lloyd Webber would be retiring.  Again, a lot mentioned that you felt his masterpiece is The Phantom of the Opera, and he should just let that run and be happy at that.  Still others mentioned his lack of original material becoming enough of a hit in the last decade and a half (not since Sunset Boulevard).  It seems the only thing that would really interest you beyond a retirement announcement would be if he'd start working with Tim Rice again.

Which, I suppose, brings us back to the upcoming revival of Evita.

FOLLIES TICKETS CONTEST
TRIVIA QUESTION #2

Elaine Paige appeared in which show on Broadway?

A.  Cats
B.  Evita
C.  Song and Dance
D.  Sunset Boulevard



CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE CONTEST RULES AND TRIVIA QUESTION #1.
Look for questions 3, 4 and 5 which will appear in tomorrow, Thursday and Friday's blogs.


Rate the blog below and leave your comments here, or via email at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com, or Tweet me!
Jeff
2.339

POLL RESULTS: Merch Madness!

Show Matches and Marquee Cards...

just some of the Broadway merch I collect!

The Ides of March are behind us, and the second half of the Broadway season is in full swing, even though as I write this, it is winter-cold once again!  Anyway, last month, all of the polls were about merch - the fun stuff you just have to buy when you see a new, exciting show or return to an old favorite.  Just this past week or so, I dropped $70 for How to Succeed and Priscilla - bilia.  Had Catch Me If You Can had posters or programs, I'd have spent more.  We need BMA... Broadway Merch Anonymous.  I was not the only one dropping major coin at the Priscilla booth (cute sales boys always add to my total, and the Palace is overrun with Queens these days)!

March Poll #1: Which theatre-related memorabilia do you have collections of?
(You could select as many "collections" as applicable.  Had I voted, I'd have selected all of those below marked with "*".  See?  I need an intervention!)

0% - TIE - Jewelry/Watches and Toys/Cards/Plush
OK, I don't have COLLECTIONS of these, but I do have an Opening Night wrist watch from Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and I have a Ragtime teddy bear (charity item), Show Boat playing cards, and a Zazu plush from Disney's The Lion King (a gift from a friend who says I behave just like that blue bird)!

* 4% - Window Cards
My friend Mike will tell you that I have a ridiculous number of these things, and that I have a whole routine for packaging and carrying these things all around Manhattan.  Apparently, though the percentage is low, I'm not the only one of you... Carolyn from Trenton, NJ wrote, "Jeff, I have about 50 window cards, all autographed by the cast of the show, and all of them for charity!  A nice write-off and many fond memories..."

9% - Key Chains and Pins
My gal Sal collects so many of these things that she decorates a small Christmas tree with the key chains she has!  And she must have over a hundred lapel pins, all gathered in a collector's album.

* 14% - TIE - Magnets and Coffee Mugs/Water Bottles
Mike is the magnet man!  He has dozens, including an obscene one from Spring Awakening  that he proudly displays on his refrigerator!  I have the coffee mugs, including 3 different Sunset Boulevard cups.  My favorite is the tall Tarzan mug.  (Disney has the best merch...)  I have, however, stopped collecting them - they take up a lot of room in my tiny kitchen - in favor of those plastic sippy cups with show logos that they sell.  To date, I have never paid for one... I scavenge from the seats after people leave...

* 19% - Souvenir Programs
Again, I have too many, and the best are put out by Disney (though the Priscilla one is enormous and fun).  At least these I do actually pull out and look at.  Lots of great memories.  Writes Sherry from Petok, Maine, "I am always disappointed when I go to a show that hasn't been open long enough to have a souvenir program!  But then I have an excuse to drag my husband back to the same show again!"  I hear you, Sherry.  I've gone back to shows for far less!

* 23% - Clothing/Hats/Hoodies
I'm shocked that this number is so low considering how many people stand in line to buy t-shirts at merch booths!  I have lots of show shirts, but haven't bought a new one since Tarzan.  Not sure why... among my other clothing items: a Phantom ball cap, a Titanic scarf, and Xanadu winter hat.

* 33% - Books/Scripts
OK, so I studied theatre in college, and never really stopped buying scripts.  Most of the books I have now are gifts (thanks to Mike and Sal mostly.  They know me so well!).  And I have some collections - the Theatre World series from 1983-1994, and all 6 editions of the Playbill Yearbook.

* 47% - Ticket Stubs
This one I don't understand.  This number should be much higher, after all, it is a free souvenir.  But as Charlene from Brooklyn, NY wrote, "Doesn't everyone print out their own tickets at home now?"  No, Charlene, not everyone does!  I'll tell you why I don't (besides loving my little slices of cardboard):  I think it is OUTRAGEOUS that the CHARGE you to print your own ticket on your own paper with your own ink!  They charge you the handling fee anyway, whether you print the ticket or not!  So if I have to pay to have something handled, let them do it!

* 61% - Cast Recordings
The ultimate memorabilia!  How do you store yours?  Mine are alphabetical through 1999-2000, and alphabetical per season after that, in one several of those leather binders with a plastic slip for each disc.  I switched to this method when an entire 4 shelf book case wasn't enough to store them in the jewel cases.  I have a series of boxes that have the CD booklets similarly ordered.  And don't bother to write, iTunes people... I recycle my jewel cases for my picture CDs and I bring the rest to work.

* 85% - Playbills
OK, these are more FREE souvenirs from shows.  You can always go back and look at them for fun.  Did I mention they are FREE?  I have Playbill binders for really special ones - opening night, Spider-Man with Natalie Mendoza, Spider-Man without Natalie Mendoza, and I have a space set aside for Spider-Man version 2.0.  I then have each Playbill saved in those special plastic bags and cardboard that comics collectors keep their books in, and in turn those are saved in special cases designed just for that.  Those I have arranged in order of having seen the shows.  The other 15% of you, don't play the "environmental impact" card.  You know you are the people who leave them on the aisles for the rest of us to slip on as we leave the theatre looking for the merch booth!

(NOTE: My apologies for spilling my "merch guts"... I told you, I need an intervention!)

Poll #2: What format(s) are your Original Cast Recordings in?
(A logical follow up to question #1, I thought.)

0% - TIE - 8-Track Tapes and Reel-to-Reel
Tim J. of Potomac, MD wrote, "What is a reel-to-reel?"  Enough said.

33% - Cassettes
I gave most of mine away as my CD collection grew.  I still have The Tap Dance Kid, Starlight Express(the London Cast Recording AND the Concept Recording), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

34% - Records (Vinyl)
I still have every one of mine.  And you know, I still miss the sheer size of them.  When you bought one you knew you had something.  And I especially miss the big color pictures, the longer liner notes, and the excitement of pulling out the sleeve and finding the lyrics printed on it.  The two best vinyls I have are Evita and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.  Both are bi-fold (!) and both have all of the lyrics and plot synopsis - crucial to both shows.  Evita's is a booklet!!!

53% - MP3/iTunes
I suppose that when I final break and buy an iPod, I'll join the ranks.  And yes, it is cheaper, and yes, it is environmentally responsible, but damn it, I like to have something to hold when I buy it!

93% - CDs
Is almost 300 Broadway Cast Recordings a lot?  I have a lot of them.  When Anything Goes comes out, it will be the first one in my new CD book.  (The, A and An don't count as the first word of a title when alphabetizing - unless you are The New York Times)

Poll #3:  Where do you buy the majority of your theatre-related memorabilia?
(Thanks to all of you, and there were MANY, who complained that you couldn't pick more than one.  Yes, I know, Amazon can't be beat for cast recordings, while the theatre itself is cheapest for general merch.  And poor Lon, from Brighton, UK who lamented that, "I have to buy all of my Broadway items from online stores that charge far too much to send things across the pond!")  I let you all pick ONE so you'd have to tell where your MAJORITY comes from!

18.2% - TIE - Other Online Stores (Amazon.com, Overstock.com, etc.) and Online Broadway Stores (BroadwayNewYork.com, etc.)
I buy most of my OBCRs from Amazon myself.  And thanks to BackwoodsBarbie, from Springfield, MA, who reminded me that most show websites also have their own dedicated show "shops" online.

27.3% - Broadway Gift Shops
I also buy a lot here, too.  Mostly posters and programs for shows I've seen but didn't have them when I saw them.  And they pack the posters so nicely for just $1.00!  Plus, these are the only places that sell those marquee cards I also collect (HELP ME PLEASE...).  And what trip to the theatre district would be complete without checking out all three of them?

36.3% - At the Theatre
I couldn't agree more with Trina from New York, NY (loved you in Falsettos, by the way) who wrote, "I don't know about you, but I think it feels more authentic when you buy it right at the theatre!"  And I agree, too, with Marla from Bayonne, NJ who wrote, "I especially love the shows that have small stores set up, like Spider-Man and Wicked.  It's like real shopping, and theatre and shopping are my two favorite things!"

And there you have it theatre fans!  Until next month...  um... hope to see you back here tomorrow!


Have an idea for a poll?  Email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!
Jeff
2.12

February Poll Results: Broadway's Most Romantic Songs

One last look back the "month of love" with the results of February's two polls.  Thanks, as always, to those of you who took the time to vote, many of you both times!

First, though, a couple of notes:

• I divided the poll into "Classic Broadway" and "Modern Broadway," with "classic" defined as shows from the 1960's and earlier, and "modern" defined as shows from the 1970's and forward.  Why?  Because generally theatre historians define the "golden era" of Broadway musicals as ending in the mid-60's, and that style of show being generally replaced by 1970 or so.
• I also limited the "love song" genre by giving it the limitation of "romantic," i.e. emotional, relationship-driven love songs.  This is why I did not include "What I Did For Love" from A Chorus Line.  While it is a fantastic, popular song, and it even has the word "love" in it, it is not about romantic love.

I think this is the first time that both responses I'd have voted for won!

Poll Question #1:  Which song from a classic musical is Broadway's most romantic?

0% - TIE: "Easy to Love" - Anything Goes and "She Loves Me" - She Loves Me
I wonder if "Easy to Love" would have gotten more votes had the Anything Goes revival begun performances already?  And maybe both are a little too old school, but not unique enough to stand out as "classic"?

5% - TIE: "If Ever I Would Leave You" - Camelot, "I've Never Been in Love Before" - Guys and Dolls, "Old Devil Moon" - Finian's Rainbow, and "They Say It's Wonderful" - Annie Get Your Gun
Interestingly enough, even though these 4 songs got the least number of votes, they did get the most accompanying emails (thanks for taking the extra time to write!).  Both of the songs from Finian and Annie came with emails that mentioned the recent revivals as the reason for the vote.  You just can't beat the fans of Bernadette Peters and Cheyenne Jackson.  And I, too, think that the chemistry between Cheyenne and Kate Baldwin makes the song romantic AND sexy!

9% - "Til There Was You" - The Music Man
I guess you simply can't get around the lovely song stylings of Miss Barbara Cook at her prime.

14% - "Some Enchanted Evening" - South Pacific
I'll quote reader Sarah P. from New York, NY on this one: "The booming voice of an exotic stranger professing his love in such an exotic location just takes me away!"

19% - "If I Loved You" - Carousel
Who knew?  OK, Carousel bores me to tears, but this song does pack an emotional wallop.

38% - "Somewhere" - West Side Story
Romeo and Juliet/Tony and Maria:  You simply can not beat star-crossed, doomed lovers dreaming of a utopia they will never see.  "Hold my hand and we're half way there..."  God, I'm tearing up at the thought.  But what really tears me up is the song juxtaposed with the dream ballet - the simplicity and the joy of that dance transports you...  Here is a version of the song as sung by Celtic Woman.  4 voices. Perfect harmony.  I found myself holding my breath the whole time...



Poll Question #2:  Which song from a modern musical is Broadway's most romantic?

0% - "Anything for Him" - Kiss of the Spider Woman
I guess unrequited love, torture and violent murder do not conspire to make a romantic song, afterall...

2.3% - TIE - "Love Can't Happen" - Grand Hotel: The Musical and "The Moon and Me" - The Addams Family
Interestingly, these two songs have much in common, despite the seriousness of the former and the bawdy comedy of the other.  They both are about unlikely love and both result in death as a sacrifice.  Ain't Broadway fun?

4.5% - TIE - "As Long as You're Mine" - Wicked and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Disney's The Lion King
Broadway is sure inclusive!  Here we have love between witches and scarecrows and a pair of randy felines.  I thought more Wicked fans would vote for this, but then I remembered a terse little email I got a few months back chastising me for not enough Wicked coverage.  Oh well.

6.8% - "Still" - Titanic
A beautiful song, sung in a sad situation.  But love triumphing over death is always a welcome theme in theatre.  You know, every time I pass Macy's I think of this song?

11.4% - TIE - "Happiness" - Passion, "Song on the Sand" - La Cage aux Folles, and "Without Love" - Hairspray
How truly lovely that we can embrace the diversity that these three songs represent: lust mascarading as love, with a side of adultry, love between two men, and chubby chasers and "checkerboard chicks" going after the ones they love, free of perjudice.







13.6% - "All I Ask of You" - The Phantom of the Opera
This was the one I was sure would win.  But second place isn't bad, especially when you consider how much play (overplay) this song gets.  Still, the emotions are high, danger lurks and it could be their last moment together... perfect drama!  Here are the original stars, Sarah Brightman and Steve Barton.



15.9% - TIE - "Perfect for You" - next to normal and "I'll Cover You" - RENT
It may surprise long time readers of this blog, but the song I would have voted for was "I'll Cover You."  Why?  Well, it emcompasses a very modern, forward way of thinking in its place and setting in the show, but it also perfectly explains real love between any two people in any situation.  What I wouldn't give for a thousand sweet kisses...





Don't forget to vote in this month's first poll, starting tomorrow!

Comments?  Leave one here, email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!
Jeff
2.181

POLL RESULTS: Saying Goodbye to January

At last the Great Broadway Bloodbath of 2011 is over!  So many shows gone in just 30 short days...  and so we bid them a fond farewell and look forward to seeing them in regional, touring and community theatre productions for years to come.

These polls were certainly popular!  Here are the shows you wish you had seen (or seen again)... and thanks to those of you who wrote in to explain your votes!

January Poll Question #1: Which play closing in January do you most regret missing?

4.  A Free Man of Color - 7.7%

Several of you, who didn't vote for this one, said you wished you had seen it, but not the MOST.  And all of you said the reviews put it down on your list, but that the cast made it still something you wished you had seen.

3.  Time Stands Still - 23%

This is the one I would have voted for.  I almost saw it.  But the Sunday I was in line for tickets, they announced Laura Linney was out.  So I used my discount to see Lombardi, and I am glad I did.  Still, I wanted to see this play.  Jack M. from Sag Harbor wrote that he saw the original at MTC, but wanted to see it again with Christina Ricci.

2.  Brief Encounter - 30.8%

Having seen this unbelievably wonderful play, I can say that those of you who missed it really missed something special!  Tim McC of Chelsea, Sara L. of Brooklyn and Tara P. of Secaucus all wrote in to say that they were really sorry they missed it, especially since it kept getting extended at Studio 54.

1.  La Bete - 38.5%

My other top choice.  Several of you wrote to say that you HAD seen it and that people really missed out on all three leads, Mark Rylance's monologue, and the really cool staging.


January Poll Question #2: Which musical closing in January do you most regret missing?

5.  West Side Story - 5.7%

This is one I'm so thrilled I got to see more than once!  Jack M. from Sag Harbor says, "I would kick myself every time I'd get to Times Square and see their big billboard.  But I always had tickets for something else."

4.  (tie) Elf: The Musical and Promises, Promises - 8.6% each

It is funny that I got basically the same emails for each of these shows!  Everyone that took time to email about Elf: The Musical said the same thing:  I hate holiday musicals, but everyone I know loved it.  Everyone that took time to email about Promises, Promises said the same thing: I shouldn't have listened to the critics.  I couldn't agree more with either group.  You really did miss something with both.

3.  (tie) A Little Night Music and In the Heights - 11.4% each

Everyone that wrote about Night Music regretted not going back to see Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch.  Apparently, of those who wrote, they didn't like it enough the first time to see it again.  And I think Bethany R. from Newark, NJ says it best about In the Heights: "I always meant to go.  There was always another show I wanted to see more, and I figured it wouldn't close for another year or more!"

2.  Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown - 14.3%

I got the most email about this one, and nearly every one said the same thing: "I can't believe I listened to all the negative stuff before it opened.  It can't really have been that bad!"  You were all right, too.  You shouldn't have, and it was much better than you think.  Much.

1.  (tie) Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and next to normal - 20% each

Jill S. of Teaneck wrote that she finally got the cast recording of next to normal the week it closed, and loved it so much.  Apparently, she just couldn't believe a musical with that subject matter could be any good, no matter what everyone was saying about it.  Catch it on tour, Jill!  And from Liz H. of The Bronx wrote in to tell me that her son wanted to see BBAJ because the pictures on my blog were really cool looking.  She got him the CD for Christmas, but now she won't let him listen to it because of the language!  (She did tell me that Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark was his favorite musical of all time!  Is this kid cool or what?)

BE SURE TO VOTE IN FEBRUARY'S POLL COMING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1!

Comments?  An idea for a poll question?  Leave it here, email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!
Jeff
2.153

December Poll Results: Your Favorite Holiday Show

Well, another year is almost done!  And Christmas is upon us.  Below are the resluts fom this month's poll, which asked which holiday show was your favorite.  The results speak for themselves.

Thank you all for joining me here.  Sharing my love for theatre with you and gettting so much more in return is truly a gift that means the world to me.  I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!

Jeff

5% - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical



8% - The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular



17% - Irving Berlin's White Christmas



70% - Elf: The Musical



2.113

POLL RESULTS: Giving November Thanks

As fall comes to a close, and the hits and misses start to accumulate this season on Broadway, two events marked November: Election Day and Thanksgiving.  This month's polls took on both of those days, and here are the results:

Question #1: Which Broadway "issue" needs to be addressed in the theatre community?

Not unlike this year's mid-term elections, voter turn out for this poll was substantially lower than for other polls...

5.  No uniform rush ticket policy - 0%

Considering how much griping goes on in the theatre chat rooms and message boards about this topic - is there one?  what is it?  is it student only or can anyone do it? - I am surprised no one voted for this issue.  On the other hand, most of us grown ups probably agree: let the producers of each show decide.  In other words, keep it the way it is!

4.  Injuries sustained by actors - 14.3%

Ahhh the spectre of Spider-Man rears its ugly head again.  But at least we can take a bit of comfort in knowing that each and every stunt and special effect in all Broadway shows is tested, retested, secured and approved by a workplace safety commission.  Does that guarantee 100% safety? Of course not.  But it goes a long way in giving the actors who take those risks daily some security.  I hope.  If it were me, I'd trip and fall on a flat stage...

4.  Limited runs of shows - 14.3%

If only the theatre were run by the people who see it regularly, right?  But an interesting thing has happened over the last month.  Last season there were high profile limited runs that no one could see without being a millionaire.  This season there are even more, but there is a huge difference: they are dropping like flies!  Whether the reviews are good (La Bete) or bad (Elling), the limited run is being cut short all over the place.  Turns out the public does have a say... don't show and away they go!

4.  Movie stars "stealing" plumb roles from "stage" stars - 14.3%

Closely related to the "issue" above, last year the movie star came and went, taking a Tony with them.  This year, so far, it seems their chances are slim - Sorry Brendan, TR, Joanna and Jennifer.  Your Hollywood cred isn't getting anyone too excited this year (OK Al is doing well enough).  But stage stars aren't faring any better, despite Vanessa and James Earl's success.  Just ask Patrick, Denis, Mark and David...

1.  Ticket Prices - 57.1%

We want cheaper tickets!  We want the best seats!  Sure ticket prices have gone up faster than the inflation rate.  But never before have there been more price points and substantial discounts.  Except for the really hard to get blockbusters, you can get great orchestra seats most nights for half price or less, really.  Look at the average ticket price for any given show... almost all are well below the top ticket price, and many are substantially lower than half price.  And isn't it fun to sit in center orchestra for $80.00 when the snooty guy next to you paid $250?  Ticket prices will inevitably go up, but you can still see a Broadway show for comparatively less than you could a few years ago.


And lest we forget this time of Thanksgiving, the other poll this month addressed the annual theatre rite of passage" performing at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Question #2: Which show are you most looking forward to seeing at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade?

I found most to be a boring disappointment.  See my thoughts HERE.  Otherwise, your votes say it all:

4.  Million Dollar Quartet - 9%

They performed a medley that included "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."

3.  Memphis -16%

They performed "Steal Your Rock 'n' Roll."

2.  Elf: The Musical - 33%

They performed "Sparklejollytwinklejingley."

1.  American Idiot - 42%

They performed "Good Riddance."

I hope you and yours had the time of your life!

There will be only one poll in December, so please take a minute to vote!

Comments?  Leave one here, Tweet me or email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com.
Jeff
2.91

POLL Results: Rock-tober Tricks and Treats

THE ROCK-TOBER/TRICK OR TREAT EDITION OF POLL RESULTS!

Thank you to all of you who took the time to vote in this month's two polls!  A new poll for November will post on November 1st!

POLL #1: Which is your favorite pop/rock musical on Broadway?

0% - Mamma Mia!
I guess I am a little surprised that no one voted for this show, considering who popular both the stage show and the film are worldwide.  Maybe it is hard to call it a "favorite"...

2% - Million Dollar Quartet
I guess I am a little surprised that any one voted for this show, considering the critical disfavor and lack of audience it receives each week.  Maybe Levi Kreis is excellent enough to make it a favorite.  Or maybe those of you who saw it went the night the real Jerry Lee Lewis played...

6% (each) - Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson/Jersey Boys
I certainly appreciate both, though I really loved BBAJ and didn't much care for JB.  Still, I am surprised that there weren't more votes for Frankie and Company.  And I can certainly recognize that BBAJ might not be everyone's cup of tea...

8% - American Idiot
The one show that actually started life as a rock album, the show seems like it would be more popular.  It is a live music video, with amazing performances.  Way better than most people can even fathom, I am, unfortunately, not surprised that so few people voted for this one.  And it is a shame.

22% - next to normal
A huge leap in the number of votes from the rest of the pack, it gratifies this fan of the show that so many others also love it so much.  For me, it is the perfect mix of pop, rock and theatre music, all played in the rock band idiom.  One of the many things I love about it.

56% - Rock of Ages
To be perfectly honest, I had no idea which show would end up on top.  I could have lived with Jersey Boys, and would have been disappointed had you voted for Million Dollar Quartet the most.  But Rock of Ages, really?  And in such numbers!  You ROA fans really come together.  I will admit and fully support that this show does have a great rock score.  You are reading the musings of one whose high school and college years were punctuated by 80's rock.  And that is really the very best element of the show.  Rock of Ages, I/we salute you!

POLL #2: Which Halloween-ish show is your favorite?

0% (each) - Lestat and Young Frankenstein
Considering the flops that both of these were, I'm not at all surprised that the vampire entry and the monster entry didn't get any votes.  What is interesting, though, is that I got 3 emails each saying they'd have liked to see Dance of the Vampires and Frankenstein (the off-Broadway musical) as choices!

16% - The Phantom of the Opera
I am a little surprised that there weren't more votes for this one, considering the international phenomenon this show is.  But it is old, and really has that been-there-done-that feel to it.  Plus, unless you saw Howard McGillin's take on it, the Phantom isn't all that scary.

20% - The Rocky Horror Show
There wasn't a single vote for this one until Glee aired this week.  This perennial at Halloween parties for decades makes perfect sense, with or without the Glee effect.

24% - The Addams Family
Well, I am finally starting to feel like less of the Uncle Fester of the Theatre Blog world.  For awhile I was a lone voice in support of this fun show.  But look at this!  The second most favorite in the poll!  Here's to all you creepy, kooky and all together ookie people!

40% - Wicked
Since no one does witches better on Broadway than this show, I am not surprised that this show won (I would have voted for this one, too).  But I am surprised that it wasn't by much more of a margin!  I bet we'll see lots of pictures of little Glindas and Elphabas at our doors tomorrow night!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, THEATER FANS!  STAY SAFE!

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Jeff
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