Rob Starek as Leon Czolgosz
www.assassinsshow.8k.com
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Debate Erupts Over Assassins Promos
An interesting debate has begun among the Northeast Ohio performing arts community over my video promotional trailers for "Assassins". They can be seen at:
ASSASSINS VIDEO PROMO TRAILERS
(or just scroll down this blog!)
The hubbub seemed to start here in Cleveland, when I posted the trailer featuring the character of Lee Harvey Oswald (played by Jacob Wadenpfuhl). Seems JFK is still a little fresh in some people's minds. Why does no one cry for Bill McKinley?:
"I'm sorry, but I find this promotional approach highly objectionable. I'm one of the people who can tell you exactly where she was and what she was doing the day JFk was shot.
sincerely, Lissy Gulick"
That was followed by:
"BACK IN ANCIENT, DYNASTIC EGYPT, WHENEVER A PHAROAH OR HIGH OFFICIAL
FELL OUT OF FAVOR, OR WAS OTHERWISE DISGRACED, HIS NAME AND HIS IMAGE, IF THERE WAS ONE, WAS OBLITERATED FROM ALL PUBLIC RECORDS AND PUBLIC MONUMENTS. IN THOSE DAYS, ERASERS CAME IN THE FORM OF HAMMERS AND CHISELS.
TODAY, WE ARE DROWNING IN A SEA OF IMAGES, AND WITH THE PUBLICITY AND MARKETING TOUTED FOR THE PLAY, ASSASSINS, THERE IS SOMETHING THAT SUMMONS LOATHING AND THAT GRABS AT OUR STOMACHS ABOUT THE GLAMORIZATION OF KILLERS AND MURDERERS. NOT THAT HOLLYWOOD OR
BROADWAY HAS EVER SHOWN ANY SQUEAMISHNESS WHEN IT COMES TO
EXPLOITING MURDER AND MAYHEM FOR PROFIT. YET A SPECIFIC AUDIENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IS OUT THERE CONTINUOUSLY VIEWING ALL THIS MATERIAL, WHICH IS NOT JUST FOR "MATURE AUDIENCES" ANYMORE. ALL OF THE PSYCHOSES OF KILLING AND MURDER HAVE BECOME "PUBLIC DOMAIN" AND
THERE MAY BE A HIDDEN BENEFIT HERE - FOR THE LONG RANGE. HOWEVER WE SLICE AND DICE IT, IN SPITE OF COLUMBINE, ARKANSAS, KANSAS, VIRGINIA TECH, FINLAND, AD NAUSEAM, IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE GETTING BETTER.
YOU MIGHT SAY, 'WELL, IF IT IS SELLING TICKETS, WHAT IS THE HARM?"
ANYONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION
EITHER LEAVES THE FAMILY WEAPONS IN PLAIN VIEW OF YOUNGSTERS
OR IS COMATOSE, AND FOR ME THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO.
MAYBE A SIMPLE POSTER WOULD HAVE BEEN AS EFFECTIVE. OR IS THAT LIKE ASKING TO PUT THE JINN BACK INTO THE LAMP? WHERE IS THOMAS PAINE AND HIS IDEA OF COMMON SENSE?
THANK YOU LISSY. OBJECTION WELL TAKEN.
MARTIN COSENTINO"
hmmmm....an email in all capital letters? A sign of aggression in this text-happy era? Maybe. Or maybe just really passionate about Lee Harvey Oswald!
There have been others and I'm sure others will follow. My response to some of the opinions expressed so far has been this:
Thanks so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it and am always glad to talk about the show and theatre marketing in general. And I completely understand the reaction. Again, this is a challenging piece to produce and promote. It is disturbing and uncomfortable. I think that y merely putting the title "Assassins" on a marquee, you're inviting some negative reaction. And I think that in large part that was the authors' intent - to ruffle feathers, make us squirm in our seats and really take a look at our society and what the "American dream" means, so that these horrible things never have to happen again.
I was born a couple years after 1963, so I don't have a recollection of the events of the JFK assassination. The nearest thing that my younger cast could relate to that we've discussed are the events of September 11. In an effort to make sure they approach the material in ways that I consider appropriately grounded (which is not to imply censored or "softballed" in any way) and in line with the authors' intent, I've tried to get them to imagine how difficult it would be to perform a musical (or promote one) that some people would view as mocking or sympathizing with the 9/11 terrorists. I've also approached the marketing with this in mind as well. I would never want to mock or sympathize with anyone responsible for the similarly catastrophic events of 1963. That has never been my intent. And again, if you took it that way, I can understand it.
However, I do believe in this piece of theatre - specifically because it is disturbing and uncomfortable, and I am of the personal belief that if a society ever needed to be shaken out of our complacent slumber, we do. Especially now as we are heading into the voting booths. It is very uncomfortable to look at ourselves and some very heinous deeds some of us have done. But we have to if we are ever going to change. And I really believe this piece grabs us by the shoulders and shakes us a bit - so I believe the marketing and promotion should too. I never mean to offend. With the exception of some harsh language at times, this piece has no outward or graphic violence, or blood and with the exception of one brief image before a blackout - no one is ever seen actually getting shot. The promos follow that line. And it is important to note that 99% of what the characters are saying in the promos comes directly from the script. And I'm certainly not in this business to get rich, so the implication that the video pieces are sensationalizing awful acts just to sell tickets - while understandable - is not quite on the mark. Of course we want to sell tickets so that we can share the amazing talents of this cast, but also so we can shake a few people (voters) up as well and start dialogues like this one. In that regard you will continue to see (should you choose to click the link) other video promos from the other characters in the show over the upcoming two weeks.
But I definitely think to change we have to talk...dialogue is essential, between democrats and republicans, theatres and audiences - which is why I am so grateful for your feedback. I always welcome the chance to talk more with you. I can be reached at (440) 263-1156. I would love for you to see the show!
Thanks so much and best wishes - Geoff Short
Of course there have been supporters as well...
"As a teacher, I can understand that there are some parents out there who wish to shield their children from anything that could be considered harmful, disgusting, questionable, etc. However, AS A TEACHER, I also believe that when these types of shows, ideas, songs, pop-stars, etc. come into the arena, it is the job of the PARENTS, not the community, to explain why and how these things are bad or unacceptable for their child. If you are not aware of things like Facebook, Myspace, musicals, plays, T.V. shows and movies with adult content, then you are not doing your job as a parent.
I see your point about how disgusting it is that our society tends to glorify, in public (movies, books, plays, television), the things we condemn behind closed doors, however, it is not the responsibility of the theaters to control that. That responsibility lies with the parents and the parents alone.
The theater has been and always will be a place where ideas, new and old, are presented in non-traditional ways. It's up to the audience members to decide what to take away from the performance. I don't think the marketing has anything to do with that and in a time when the arts are suffering, let the theaters do whatever they can to get those audience members there. If this marketing works, I say good for them for getting people in the seats. If they don't get more people attending performances, with our current state of economics, what will happen to the theater community in one of the poorest cities in the nation?"
"Hi Geoff et all involved in Assassins-
As someone who works in marketing and advertising I must say- GREAT promotion. Love it or hate it, it's effective. Wow, I hadn't even heard about this show and am now really interested (and why didn't I go audition?) in seeing it.
I usually don't like musicals either, but might give this one a pass.
best wishes to you all in your opening and run,
Michael Goulis "
Stay tuned as the local press has gotten wind of the story...(I have no idea how!)...More to come!
ASSASSINS VIDEO PROMO TRAILERS
(or just scroll down this blog!)
The hubbub seemed to start here in Cleveland, when I posted the trailer featuring the character of Lee Harvey Oswald (played by Jacob Wadenpfuhl). Seems JFK is still a little fresh in some people's minds. Why does no one cry for Bill McKinley?:
"I'm sorry, but I find this promotional approach highly objectionable. I'm one of the people who can tell you exactly where she was and what she was doing the day JFk was shot.
sincerely, Lissy Gulick"
That was followed by:
"BACK IN ANCIENT, DYNASTIC EGYPT, WHENEVER A PHAROAH OR HIGH OFFICIAL
FELL OUT OF FAVOR, OR WAS OTHERWISE DISGRACED, HIS NAME AND HIS IMAGE, IF THERE WAS ONE, WAS OBLITERATED FROM ALL PUBLIC RECORDS AND PUBLIC MONUMENTS. IN THOSE DAYS, ERASERS CAME IN THE FORM OF HAMMERS AND CHISELS.
TODAY, WE ARE DROWNING IN A SEA OF IMAGES, AND WITH THE PUBLICITY AND MARKETING TOUTED FOR THE PLAY, ASSASSINS, THERE IS SOMETHING THAT SUMMONS LOATHING AND THAT GRABS AT OUR STOMACHS ABOUT THE GLAMORIZATION OF KILLERS AND MURDERERS. NOT THAT HOLLYWOOD OR
BROADWAY HAS EVER SHOWN ANY SQUEAMISHNESS WHEN IT COMES TO
EXPLOITING MURDER AND MAYHEM FOR PROFIT. YET A SPECIFIC AUDIENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IS OUT THERE CONTINUOUSLY VIEWING ALL THIS MATERIAL, WHICH IS NOT JUST FOR "MATURE AUDIENCES" ANYMORE. ALL OF THE PSYCHOSES OF KILLING AND MURDER HAVE BECOME "PUBLIC DOMAIN" AND
THERE MAY BE A HIDDEN BENEFIT HERE - FOR THE LONG RANGE. HOWEVER WE SLICE AND DICE IT, IN SPITE OF COLUMBINE, ARKANSAS, KANSAS, VIRGINIA TECH, FINLAND, AD NAUSEAM, IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE GETTING BETTER.
YOU MIGHT SAY, 'WELL, IF IT IS SELLING TICKETS, WHAT IS THE HARM?"
ANYONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION
EITHER LEAVES THE FAMILY WEAPONS IN PLAIN VIEW OF YOUNGSTERS
OR IS COMATOSE, AND FOR ME THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO.
MAYBE A SIMPLE POSTER WOULD HAVE BEEN AS EFFECTIVE. OR IS THAT LIKE ASKING TO PUT THE JINN BACK INTO THE LAMP? WHERE IS THOMAS PAINE AND HIS IDEA OF COMMON SENSE?
THANK YOU LISSY. OBJECTION WELL TAKEN.
MARTIN COSENTINO"
hmmmm....an email in all capital letters? A sign of aggression in this text-happy era? Maybe. Or maybe just really passionate about Lee Harvey Oswald!
There have been others and I'm sure others will follow. My response to some of the opinions expressed so far has been this:
Thanks so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it and am always glad to talk about the show and theatre marketing in general. And I completely understand the reaction. Again, this is a challenging piece to produce and promote. It is disturbing and uncomfortable. I think that y merely putting the title "Assassins" on a marquee, you're inviting some negative reaction. And I think that in large part that was the authors' intent - to ruffle feathers, make us squirm in our seats and really take a look at our society and what the "American dream" means, so that these horrible things never have to happen again.
I was born a couple years after 1963, so I don't have a recollection of the events of the JFK assassination. The nearest thing that my younger cast could relate to that we've discussed are the events of September 11. In an effort to make sure they approach the material in ways that I consider appropriately grounded (which is not to imply censored or "softballed" in any way) and in line with the authors' intent, I've tried to get them to imagine how difficult it would be to perform a musical (or promote one) that some people would view as mocking or sympathizing with the 9/11 terrorists. I've also approached the marketing with this in mind as well. I would never want to mock or sympathize with anyone responsible for the similarly catastrophic events of 1963. That has never been my intent. And again, if you took it that way, I can understand it.
However, I do believe in this piece of theatre - specifically because it is disturbing and uncomfortable, and I am of the personal belief that if a society ever needed to be shaken out of our complacent slumber, we do. Especially now as we are heading into the voting booths. It is very uncomfortable to look at ourselves and some very heinous deeds some of us have done. But we have to if we are ever going to change. And I really believe this piece grabs us by the shoulders and shakes us a bit - so I believe the marketing and promotion should too. I never mean to offend. With the exception of some harsh language at times, this piece has no outward or graphic violence, or blood and with the exception of one brief image before a blackout - no one is ever seen actually getting shot. The promos follow that line. And it is important to note that 99% of what the characters are saying in the promos comes directly from the script. And I'm certainly not in this business to get rich, so the implication that the video pieces are sensationalizing awful acts just to sell tickets - while understandable - is not quite on the mark. Of course we want to sell tickets so that we can share the amazing talents of this cast, but also so we can shake a few people (voters) up as well and start dialogues like this one. In that regard you will continue to see (should you choose to click the link) other video promos from the other characters in the show over the upcoming two weeks.
But I definitely think to change we have to talk...dialogue is essential, between democrats and republicans, theatres and audiences - which is why I am so grateful for your feedback. I always welcome the chance to talk more with you. I can be reached at (440) 263-1156. I would love for you to see the show!
Thanks so much and best wishes - Geoff Short
Of course there have been supporters as well...
"As a teacher, I can understand that there are some parents out there who wish to shield their children from anything that could be considered harmful, disgusting, questionable, etc. However, AS A TEACHER, I also believe that when these types of shows, ideas, songs, pop-stars, etc. come into the arena, it is the job of the PARENTS, not the community, to explain why and how these things are bad or unacceptable for their child. If you are not aware of things like Facebook, Myspace, musicals, plays, T.V. shows and movies with adult content, then you are not doing your job as a parent.
I see your point about how disgusting it is that our society tends to glorify, in public (movies, books, plays, television), the things we condemn behind closed doors, however, it is not the responsibility of the theaters to control that. That responsibility lies with the parents and the parents alone.
The theater has been and always will be a place where ideas, new and old, are presented in non-traditional ways. It's up to the audience members to decide what to take away from the performance. I don't think the marketing has anything to do with that and in a time when the arts are suffering, let the theaters do whatever they can to get those audience members there. If this marketing works, I say good for them for getting people in the seats. If they don't get more people attending performances, with our current state of economics, what will happen to the theater community in one of the poorest cities in the nation?"
As someone who works in marketing and advertising I must say- GREAT promotion. Love it or hate it, it's effective. Wow, I hadn't even heard about this show and am now really interested (and why didn't I go audition?) in seeing it.
I usually don't like musicals either, but might give this one a pass.
best wishes to you all in your opening and run,
Michael Goulis "
Stay tuned as the local press has gotten wind of the story...(I have no idea how!)...More to come!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
WE INTERRUPT THIS THEATRE PROGRAMMING...
...for a little mental health check during this clusterf**ck of a national economic crisis brought to you by the best shrink I know - my dad-in-law! Michael Dwyer, PHD a pysch professor at Baldwin-Wallace College and my wife's dad was featured in a local news interview this week about ways to deal with the stress of the Wall St. crash. Thanks Popi!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
My CD Review - In the Heights
Just downloaded this CD from iTunes and in My humble opinion....This original cast album represents exactly the kind of breath of fresh air that musical theatre needs. Scores like this one - along with shows like Passing Strange, Spring Awakening and [title of show]) - are redefining what a musical score can be. In the Heights is a thrilling CD and the composers manage to make a predominantly Latin-flavored score universal to anyone who has an ear for exciting percussion, some great vocals, hip-hop and contemporary show tunes. I haven't been able to put my iPod down and in my opinion, In the Heights is a must buy for any progressive musical theatre fan!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
First Look at Assassins Set
With Our first Read-thru scheduled for next week...plans are well under way for Assassins. For more information visit the Assassins Website! More to come!
Friday, August 22, 2008
I'm listening to my Broadway Bullet podcast while driving home from an industrial video shoot and heard about two cool sites from an interview with Producer Ken Davenport...theproducersperspective.com and a new social networking site for Broadway geeks (know any of those?) called broadwayspace.com.. Let me know what you think.
Have a Great Day! Geoff
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The People of Spruce Pine are Stupid?
I've never been to Spruce Pine, North Carolina, but for the record, I'm sure it's a beautiful place full of caring, intelligent citizens. Whether or not they are musical theatre fans remains to be seen if the spate of video comments in response to the "VioletBlog" video episodes (which would later become the basis for "Call-Back") documenting my production of "Violet" is any indication. Despite the fact that I directed this intimate and touching Jeanine Tesori musical well over a year ago, and posted the "VioletBlog" videos then as well, I recently have been contacted by a couple caring, if not downright vexed Spruce Pine natives.
Seems as though Episode #2 titled "The People of Spruce Pine" which opens with a line from the opening song of the show about Spruce Pinians being less than enlightened ("Stupid...the people of Spruce Pine are stupid...") has said citizenry madder'n' a stick-poked hornets nest! (sorry...couldn't resist!) In fact I was even contacted by a local Spruce Pine newspaper today asking for my input for a story about the show and its connection to Spruce Pine!! I'll let you know if and when the story comes out, but in the meantime here is one exchange between a concerned S.P. native and me about the show:
(From mackenzieb97:)
What's the deal with saying that the people of Spruce Pine are stupid?!? That's like saying that everyone in Kentucky are inbreds and barefoot hillbillies. I got news for you. There are as many ignorant people where you're at than where I'm at. Not many "hicks" have 8+ years of college. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Not sure why it's taken mackenzieb97 8 years to get through college, but here was my response:
Hi! I completely agree with you and understand your frustration. Being born and raised here in Cleveland, which has been the butt of jokes ever since I can remember, I sympathize. I'm sure Spruce Pine is a beautiful place with brilliant citizens. In fact, I just was contacted by a local paper there to talk about "Violet" since it talks about Spruce Pine so I look forward to explaining this to them as well.
The sentiments about the people of Spruce Pine are certainly not mine - I don't know if you're familiar with the show or not, but in terms of the "the people of Spruce Pine are stupid" line...you'd really have to ask the author of the book the musical is based on "The Ugliest Pilgrim" by Doris Betts. The Musical's composer - Jeanine Tesori used the author's words in her songs. That line is simply one line in the opening song sung by the main character who is a native of Spruce Pine and is complaining about her neighbors who have basically made her an outcast ever since she was accidentally scarred as a young girl. Anyone who has ever had dreams of escaping their home town in pursuit of a dream (no matter how crazy that dream may seem) can sympathize with Violet's thoughts.
Thanks for getting in touch. - Geoff
There is no doubt that "Violet" is a very provocative piece of theatre as it deals with issues of faith, racism, physical beauty vs. inner beauty and more. In fact I did receive one downright hateful letter from a very unenlightened audience member who in his rant came just short of screaming that his main problem with the show was the fact that the couple who falls in love in the end is an interracial one. Strangely enough, this guy also managed to stay through the entire show! I say, if people are talking about this wonderful piece of theatre and are becoming aware of it (which indeed was the whole point of "VioletBlog" and "Call-Back" in the first place), then the People of Spruce Pine are probably a whole lot smarter than any of us thought!
Seems as though Episode #2 titled "The People of Spruce Pine" which opens with a line from the opening song of the show about Spruce Pinians being less than enlightened ("Stupid...the people of Spruce Pine are stupid...") has said citizenry madder'n' a stick-poked hornets nest! (sorry...couldn't resist!) In fact I was even contacted by a local Spruce Pine newspaper today asking for my input for a story about the show and its connection to Spruce Pine!! I'll let you know if and when the story comes out, but in the meantime here is one exchange between a concerned S.P. native and me about the show:
(From mackenzieb97:)
What's the deal with saying that the people of Spruce Pine are stupid?!? That's like saying that everyone in Kentucky are inbreds and barefoot hillbillies. I got news for you. There are as many ignorant people where you're at than where I'm at. Not many "hicks" have 8+ years of college. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Not sure why it's taken mackenzieb97 8 years to get through college, but here was my response:
Hi! I completely agree with you and understand your frustration. Being born and raised here in Cleveland, which has been the butt of jokes ever since I can remember, I sympathize. I'm sure Spruce Pine is a beautiful place with brilliant citizens. In fact, I just was contacted by a local paper there to talk about "Violet" since it talks about Spruce Pine so I look forward to explaining this to them as well.
The sentiments about the people of Spruce Pine are certainly not mine - I don't know if you're familiar with the show or not, but in terms of the "the people of Spruce Pine are stupid" line...you'd really have to ask the author of the book the musical is based on "The Ugliest Pilgrim" by Doris Betts. The Musical's composer - Jeanine Tesori used the author's words in her songs. That line is simply one line in the opening song sung by the main character who is a native of Spruce Pine and is complaining about her neighbors who have basically made her an outcast ever since she was accidentally scarred as a young girl. Anyone who has ever had dreams of escaping their home town in pursuit of a dream (no matter how crazy that dream may seem) can sympathize with Violet's thoughts.
Thanks for getting in touch. - Geoff
There is no doubt that "Violet" is a very provocative piece of theatre as it deals with issues of faith, racism, physical beauty vs. inner beauty and more. In fact I did receive one downright hateful letter from a very unenlightened audience member who in his rant came just short of screaming that his main problem with the show was the fact that the couple who falls in love in the end is an interracial one. Strangely enough, this guy also managed to stay through the entire show! I say, if people are talking about this wonderful piece of theatre and are becoming aware of it (which indeed was the whole point of "VioletBlog" and "Call-Back" in the first place), then the People of Spruce Pine are probably a whole lot smarter than any of us thought!
Friday, August 15, 2008
SOME ENCHANTED EVENING IS OPEN!!!
The show is finally up and running!!! Be sure and check out the Some Enchanted Evening Blog for cool production pix and more or the website at www.someenchantedevening.8k.com.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Call-Back: Some Enchanted Evening - Pt. 3
Check out the latest episode of "Call-Back" featuring Some Enchanted Evening!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Call-Back: The Best of Broadway
Check out this video preview of the musical fundraiser for the Cassidy Theatre - The Best of Broadway!
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