Thursday, August 30, 2007

Springsteen to play for free on NBC morning show Today

Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band to perform on "Today"
Posted on Aug 30, 2007 2:30:33 PM
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Do you want to see Bruce Springsteen in concert for free?

You'll have your chance Sept. 28 when he and the E Street Band perform on NBC's "Today." Oh, to be Matt Lauer for the day.

It's a huge event for morning television. It's also a promotional tool -- and I'm not complaining: Springsteen and the band have a CD, "Magic," coming out Oct. 2 and a tour starting Oct. 2 in Hartford, Conn.

But the big deal for viewers is that Springsteen and the E Street Band will be performing live in Rockefeller Plaza. Better book your plane tickets now.





Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Springsteen sets major E Street Band tour,

Springsteen sets major E Street Band tour,

Springsteen tour includes dates at Meadowlands, Madison Square Garden

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

By MIKE KERWICK
STAFF WRITER




FILE PHOTO
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will play 16 dates in the U.S. this fall.


Bruce Springsteen will kick off his “Magic” tour with the E Street Band on Oct. 2, a tour that includes stops at both Continental Airlines Arena and Madison Square Garden.

Springsteen will play the Meadowlands on Oct. 9 and 10, then will return to the area for shows at the Garden on Oct. 17 and 18. Tickets for all four shows will go on sale Sept. 10.

The Jersey rocker’s new CD “Magic” is due out on Oct. 2. The first single off the album – “Radio Nowhere” – is now available as a free download on iTunes.

All told, Springsteen will play 16 North American cities before capping the tour with a series of European dates. He opens the tour at the Hartford Civic Center on Oct. 2 and plays Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center on Oct. 5 before returning home for the two Jersey dates.

E-mail: kerwick@northjersey.com

* * *
Springsteen tour dates
Oct. 2: Hartford, Conn. (Civic Center)
Oct. 5: Philadelphia (Wachovia Center)
Oct. 9-10: East Rutherford, N.J. (Continental Airlines Arena)
Oct. 14: Ottawa, Ontario (Civic Centre)
Oct. 15: Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
Oct. 17-18: New York (Madison Square Garden)
Oct. 21: Chicago (United Center)
Oct. 26: Oakland, Calif. (Oracle Arena)
Oct. 28: Los Angeles (TBA)
Nov. 2: St. Paul, Minn. (Xcel Energy Center)
Nov. 4: Cleveland (Quicken Loans Arena)
Nov. 5: Auburn Hills, Mich. (Palace of Auburn Hills)
Nov. 11: Washington, D.C. (Verizon Arena)
Nov. 14: Pittsburgh (Mellon Arena)
Nov. 15: Albany, N.Y. (Times Union Center)
Nov. 18: Boston (TD Banknorth Garden)
Nov. 25: Madrid (Palacio De Deportes)
Nov. 26: Bilbao, Spain (Exhibition Centre)
Nov. 28: Milan (Datchforum)
Nov. 30: Arnhem, Holland (Geldredome)
Dec. 2: Mannheim, Germany (Sap Arena)
Dec. 4: Oslo (Spektrum)
Dec. 8: Copenhagen (Forum)
Dec. 10: Stockholm (Globe)
Dec. 12: Antwerp, Belgium (Sportspaleis)
Dec. 13: Cologne, Germany (Koln Arena)
Dec. 15: Belfast (Odyssey Arena)
Dec. 17: Paris (Palais Omnsiports De Bercy)
Dec. 19: London (O2 Arena)


Thursday, August 23, 2007

Concert Giant Sees Cutting Prices as Ticket to Success

Concert Giant Sees Cutting Prices as Ticket to Success
Live Nation blames high entry fees for turning off fans. But Ticketmaster poses a big obstacle.

By Charles Duhigg, LA Times Staff Writer

September 26, 2006

The nation's largest concert firm and the industry's ticketing powerhouse may be headed for a behind-the-curtain tussle.

At issue: control over the spiraling cost of show admissions that are turning off many music fans.

On one side is Live Nation Inc. Chief Executive Michael Rapino, who has vowed to drive down prices that last year soared to an average of $57 per ticket for the most popular shows. On the other side is Ticketmaster, which dominates music ticket sales through its thousands of outlets and Internet sites.

"Seventy percent of people didn't go to a concert last year, and even the average concert fan only attends about two shows a year," Rapino said. "We can grow this industry by lowering prices."

So far, Wall Street is showing faith in Rapino's strategy. In the nine months since its spinoff from radio giant Clear Channel Communications Inc., Live Nation's stock has doubled.

But to make good on his promise, Rapino must wrest power from Ticketmaster, a near-monopoly that built its empire locking up exclusive rights to sell admissions to major concerts and other live events. Last year, Ticketmaster reaped nearly $1 billion in fees and surcharges. Rapino began renegotiations with the company this month.

For some fans, those charges are boosting already expensive ticket prices by one-third or more. Los Angeles rock fan Eugene Kang bought six passes last month to see the Killers at the Wiltern LG theater, forking over $210 for the tickets and $90 more in fees, he said.

Ticketmaster, based in West Hollywood, has exclusive rights through 2008 to sell tickets to most of the 29,000 events Live Nation produces every year. If Rapino doesn't cut a new deal, Live Nation could rely on its in-house online ticketing system, the third-largest in America.

Ticketmaster executives wouldn't comment on the company's relationship with Beverly Hills-based Live Nation, but the stakes for the ticketing company are high. Owned by Barry Diller's IAC/InterActiveCorp., Ticketmaster stands to lose more than $130 million a year — or about 14% of its revenue — if it doesn't sign a new deal, analysts say.

"It would be a huge deal if Live Nation left Ticketmaster," said Safa Rashtchy, an analyst with Piper Jaffray & Co. "If it happened, it could be the beginning of something very concerning to IAC's investors."

In addition to having more input on prices, Rapino wants greater control over the wealth of information Ticketmaster collects about fans' likes and dislikes. He envisions expanding innovative marketing programs that, for example, identify who might fork over $100 for a vintage T-shirt. Live Nation is already starting to mine its own database to create targeted ads for upcoming concerts, and potentially to sell products such as cellphone ring tones and DVDs.

Ticketmaster shares the data it collects on Live Nation's customers with the company, but also uses that data to advertise shows sponsored by other promoters. Some Live Nation insiders hope that keeping the company's data secret will permit better marketing.

"When a fan buys a ticket, we learn an enormous amount about them: What bands they like, where they live, how much they are willing to spend," Rapino said. "Someday, a fan will be sitting in a bar and his cellphone will text message 'Sonic Youth are playing tonight. Do you want to go?' He'll buy his ticket over the phone and walk to the concert."

Rapino, 40, has been shaking up Live Nation since taking over last year before it separated from Clear Channel and became an independent, publicly traded company.

Rapino attended his first concert at age 15, taking a bus for 16 hours from his hometown of Thunder Bay, Canada, to a Robert Plant show. He began promoting concerts in college, eventually becoming director of marketing and entertainment for Canadian brewer Labatt.

He left to co-found a concert company that was later acquired by Robert F.X. Sillerman, who was building SFX Entertainment Inc., once the world's largest concert company. Sillerman sold to Clear Channel in 2000.

Rapino rose quickly at Clear Channel, eventually heading European concert operations. When the concert division was spun off and it needed a CEO, Clear Channel President Randall Mays chose Rapino, who promised to focus on consumer service.

That plan is central to Rapino's initiatives, such as building a website to solicit consumer complaints. When a London customer complained about a bungled refund for a performance of "The Rat Pack," Rapino personally e-mailed an apology and offered extra tickets.

He also has tried to create an identity for the company by putting Live Nation's name on millions of posters and television ads.

"We want people to know that Live Nation can serve all their live-music needs," Rapino said. "If we're going to be the ones who have a relationship with the consumer, then we have a responsibility to be the ones accountable if things go bad."

Since going public, the stock has shot up, thanks in part to successful tours by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mariah Carey. Rapino has also gone on a shopping spree, including spending $350 million to acquire House of Blues, one of Live Nation's largest rivals.

But picking a fight with Ticketmaster would be Rapino's boldest move yet. Ticketmaster built an empire giving venues and promoters — including Live Nation — a cut of its fees and establishing a powerful network of retail stores and phone banks that were too expensive for any one promoter to replicate. Last year, Ticketmaster sold tickets worth about $6 billion through the company's Internet sites, 3,500 retail outlets and 19 international call centers.

Fans for years have complained about Ticketmaster's fees. Now, the migration of ticket purchasing to the Internet has created more options.

"You don't need thousands of storefronts anymore because most tickets are bought through the Internet now," said Larry Magid, a Live Nation executive who operates the Electric Factory, a venue in Philadelphia. "There is an impression that Ticketmaster has gotten too comfortable and arrogant. You have to be more responsive to fans nowadays."

Alternatives include Irvine-based Paciolan Inc., which sells software that allows venues to manage their own ticketing. Recently, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Flyers — all previous Ticketmaster clients — have switched to Paciolan.

"The history of the ticketing business was about barriers to entry, which kept Ticketmaster protected," Rapino said. "That has changed."

People close to Ticketmaster say that other concert companies have made similar comments about the ticketing company, only to sign new Ticketmaster deals once they got the terms and upfront payments they demanded. They question whether Rapino's musings are a negotiating tactic.

Other industry insiders note that Live Nation pockets about 50% of the fees Ticketmaster collects, and if Rapino really wanted to lower ticketing costs, he could rebate those funds back to concertgoers.

Live Nation's real goal in challenging Ticketmaster, say some, is to keep the other 50% of fees.

Live Nation's contract with Ticketmaster doesn't expire for two years, and the House of Blues contract lasts until 2009.

Analysts and industry insiders say the outcome of negotiations will shape how Rapino is viewed within the industry and by Wall Street. So Rapino is wary to tip his hand.

"Ticketmaster is the largest, most widespread ticketing sales channel in the world, and they have a lot of tools that could help change our business," Rapino said. "It doesn't serve my interests to speculate about what we are going to do. We'll meet with them and talk about my needs and their needs."


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Original article published by the Los Angeles Times and can be viewed here.







Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Ticketmaster losing top promoter

Ticketmaster losing top promoter
Live Nation unlikely to extend contract
By PHIL GALLO Talks between Ticketmaster and Live Nation, the world's largest concert promoter, have broken down, leaving the door open for Live Nation to develop its own ticketing biz.
The loss of Live Nation, which also owns House of Blues, would be a devastating blow to Barry Diller's Ticketmaster, the top event ticketing company in the world. Live Nation events represented 15%-20% of Ticketmaster's U.S. business in 2006, generating about $100 million in service-charge fees for Ticketmaster.

Ticketmaster's contract with Live Nation runs through the end of 2008, its House of Blues deal through 2009.

In an internal memo, Ticketmaster said it is "doubtful" the agreement will be extended. "We believe we've taken every reasonable step possible to facilitate a renewal, but they seem intent on a direction for their business that leaves us no viable way to work together," the memo reads.

Ticketmaster, which makes its money by tacking so-called convenience fees onto the price of a ducat, will now concentrate on its other 9,000 global clients. In the last 12 months, the company has launched MyTicketmaster; acquired Echomusic and Emma Entertainment; invested in iLike; partnered with Apple and the NBA; and extended its business in Spain, Turkey, Germany and China.

But live entertainment is at the heart of Ticketmaster's business. Live Nation owns, operates, books and/or has an equity interest in more than 160 venues, promoting about 26,000 events in 18 countries and selling nearly 60 million tickets last year. Los Angeles properties include the Wiltern, Avalon, Home Depot Center and the House of Blues.

Live Nation, which would not comment on the talks, has been creeping into the ticketing biz, first by offering exclusive packages via the company's website and, beginning last week, through the introduction of widget software that allows music fans to more easily search and buy concert tickets.

In its results for the quarter ended June 30, the company posted net income of $9.9 million, or 15¢ per share. Revenue rose to $1.04 billion from $768.2 million in the same quarter last year. Company stock closed down 17¢ at $20.24 on Wednesday.

Rise in revenue was driven by higher ticket prices, an increase in the number of events in smaller venues, increased promotion activities internationally and the impact of the House of Blues acquisition in November. Live Nation is promoting all the dates on the upcoming tours by Van Halen and Maroon 5.

Ticketmaster took a hit in 2005 when Major League baseball purchased Tickets.com and brought ticketing for all its teams under a single entity.

Diller conglom IAC owns Ticketmaster. IAC's stock closed at $27.47 on Tuesday, fairly close to its 52-week low of $25.08.





Breaking news:Ticketmaster Halts Live Nation Talks

Ticketmaster Halts Live Nation Talks
By JESSICA E. VASCELLARO and ETHAN SMITH
August 23, 2007

A long-simmering feud over one of the music industry's last remaining reliable revenue sources boiled over yesterday, as Ticketmaster, the nation's dominant ticket seller, halted talks to reach a new long-term agreement with the biggest concert promoter, Live Nation Inc.

The situation threatens to create an acrimonious war over who will sell tickets for a big portion of the U.S. live-entertainment industry. A memo circulated within IAC/InterActiveCorp's Ticketmaster, which controls the ticket inventory to nearly all major concert and sporting events in the U.S., said the ticketing company no longer expects to renew its agreements to sell seats for events at buildings owned by Live Nation, its largest client. Events at venues owned by Live Nation and its House of Blues subsidiary generated 17% of Ticketmaster's roughly $1 billion revenue last year.

Talks between the two sides have grown acrimonious during the past year and a half, according to people close to the situation. Live Nation Chief Executive Michael Rapino has threatened to start his own ticketing operation rather than renew with Ticketmaster. The concert-promotion business has notoriously thin margins; Live Nation reported net income of $9.9 million for the quarter that ended June 30, on revenue of $1.04 billion; it lost money in 2005 and 2006. Having its own ticketing could be seen as a way to increase profitability. Live Nation didn't respond to a request for comment.

Ticketmaster's current agreement calls for it to sell Live Nation's tickets through 2008; it is committed to sell them for House of Blues, now owned by Live Nation, through 2009. Ticketmaster expects to fulfill its contractual obligations, but isn't pursuing a renewal.

Live Nation had been pushing for an arrangement whereby consumers would purchase tickets primarily through its Web site, with Ticketmaster playing a background role. That proposal was problematic for Ticketmaster, West Hollywood, Calif., which prefers to remain a centralized destination for all ticket sales. North American concert-ticket sales were $3.6 billion in 2006, up 16% from 2005's $3.1 billion total, according to Pollstar, which tracks concert-industry data. Concerts promoted by Live Nation accounted for 42% of concert tickets sold last year.

Beyond the financial stakes, though, is another crucial asset: Control of the relationship with fans. One of the most valuable assets Ticketmaster has long controlled is detailed data on music fans' spending habits, along with direct-email access to buyers. Live Nation, Beverly Hills, Calif., has sought to position itself as its own hub for such contact. Under the current agreement, Live Nation is allowed to use its own Web site to sell as much as 10% of the tickets for its own events; it has grown aggressive about taking advantage of that provision.

Ticketmaster's decision signals growing frustration. In an email sent to employees, the company said it was "doubtful we will extend our agreement when it expires at the end of 2008."

"We are now conducting our business with the clear understanding that our partnership with Live Nation is more than likely coming to an end," Chief Executive Sean Moriarty and Chairman Terry Barnes wrote in the email, which was sent to employees late yesterday afternoon.

Ticketmaster's announcement represents an about-face from earlier this year, when it was still courting its critical client. "We hope and expect they'll stay," IAC Chief Financial Officer Tom McInerney said at an Internet conference in New York in March.

Ticketmaster has been a strong revenue driver for IAC, a New York media conglomerate run by media mogul Barry Diller. Its performance stalled last quarter due to weak domestic ticket sales. Investors and analysts have warned that the breakup between Ticketmaster and Live Nation could be worrisome for IAC, amid stagnant growth at its retailing division, dominated by television shopping channel HSN, and losses at its online mortgage-and-loan unit LendingTree. In the note to employees, Ticketmaster says it plans to focus on growth in new international markets such as Spain, Germany and China.





Disneys The Lion King on Broadway breaks a record

Disney's The Lion King played its 4,098th performance on Tuesday, August 21, breaking the record held by Miss Saigon and becoming the 9th longest running show in Broadway history.

The Tony Award-winning The Lion King opened November 13, 1997 (previews began October 15) at the New Amsterdam Theatre and is now playing at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre (Broadway at West 45th Street). The Lion King will officially celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Sunday, November 11.

Worldwide, The Lion King, is the winner of over 70 major awards. The Lion King has been seen by over 42 million people, with eight productions across the globe: New York, London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Seoul, Johannesburg, two US national tours, and upcoming in Paris.

"The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer and music from an album inspired by the animated film, Rhythm of the Pride Lands, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of The Lion King score is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, embracing the Academy award-winning 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' and the haunting 'Shadowland,'" state press materials.




US Open Tennis Tickets courtside box seats call 800-688-4000

FEDERER FACING TRICKY DRAW
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Roger Federer will not get an easy ride to a fourth consecutive US Open title after Wednesday's draw loaded his half with dangerous obstacles.

The 11-time grand slam champion must face qualifiers in the opening two rounds when the final major of the year gets under way next Monday, but then faces a tricky potential third-round opponent in Finland's Jarkko Nieminen, the number 26 seed.

And lying in wait in the second week is a likely fourth-round encounter with 13th seed Richard Gasquet of France before a possible repeat of last year's final at Flushing Meadows against big-serving American Andy Roddick in the quarter-finals.

Federer will have been pleased to avoid third-seeded Serbian Novak Djokovic, who beat him in Montreal earlier this month, with fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko of Russia drawn to face the Swiss star in the semis.

Djokovic, who has also beaten French Open champion Rafael Nadal on hard courts this summer, was drawn in the bottom half of the draw and is due to face second seed Nadal in the semis.

Nadal starts his title bid with a match against Australian wild card Alun Jones and has number seven Fernando Gonzalez as the highest-seeded obstacle en route to the semis.

The Chilean could face the Spaniard in the quarters although he faces an awkward third round match against former world number one Marat Safin.

American hopes Roddick and sixth seed James Blake both open their challenges against compatriots.

Roddick faces Justin Gimbelstob, while Blake, takes on Michael Russell.







reviews of the new Mel Brooks play Young Frankenstein"

for tickets go to www.tixx.com
Already been to a "Young Frankenstein" performance? Then share your thoughts!

The cast, set and overall production was amazing! There are just too many highlights to list. I would highly recommend the show to anyone interested in attending. 5 stars! A must see.

Also, I attended the August 16th show. Having Mel Brooks in attendance was priceless. He seemed to enjoy the show as much as the rest of the audience.
Tue, Aug 21, 2007 2:15 pmT. Madani
Fall City
We saw the show early on in the run - 8/11. We loved it for the most part. It was a tad long and definitely needs to be cut a bit before opening on Broadway. The sets were incredible and the special effects were wonderful! Loved, loved the horse/cart scene and the dream sequence. There was a lot more to love,but these two scenes stood out. The cast was quite good, Andrea Martin was incredible as Frou B. The cast in genearl was super, but Megan Mulally seemed like she was just channelling "Karen" in 1930's dress. And why or why was she abruptly thrust into the lab scene with her telephone number?? Ridiculous. She's not the reason why people came to see the show. Next to the magnificent Madeline Kahn she pales. She did fine in her other appearances on stage but the telephone number totally turned me off and broke up the climatic scene in the lab. They shouldn't have changed the hermit's last line from "espresso" to "Baked Alaska" - were they afraid since they already did a Seattle coffee joke that "esperesso" wouldn't fly? It's the line from the movie and it's a line people are waiting to hear. You could hear the "what?" coming from the people all around us. However, we did laugh throughout the show, we enjoyed the whole production. Once it's trimmed - I think it will enjoy a nice run on Broadway. We did appreciate seeing it in this venue and having the opportunity to witness this wonderful production!
Tue, Aug 21, 2007 11:13 amTerry Horton
Brier, WA
My husband, born and raised in NYC, is such a rabid Mel Brooks fan he bought tickets as soon as they hit the box office. We saw the show on 8/14 to give them a week to work out the kinks. Not sure how many kinks there were to begin with but there aren't many anymore. I think they could tone down the strobe effects a little and one of the songs went on for too long, but otherwise it was great. I've never seen the movie version and I wondered if I'd like it at all not knowing much about it, but I was laughing so hard I wasn't wondering for long.

Now, I said that my husband is a rabid Mel Brooks fan, and I know that he's been to loads of Broadway plays including The Producers where he sat behind Anne Bancroft, so imagine his surprise when, just after the lights dimmed, none other than Mel Brooks pops into the seat next to him! He was laughing and clapping just as hard as everyone else around him even though he's already been through countless rehearsals. It was great to see him so happy with his efforts. And, of course, all the way home my husband kept saying "I can't believe I sat next to Mel Brooks!"

I've heard that the show is sold out on Broadway until January and it doesn't even open till October. We're very lucky to have had the chance to preview it here. It made my husband a little less homesick and for that, Mr. Brooks, I am grateful.
Tue, Aug 21, 2007 11:04 amKW
Issaquah
I feel compelled to write as I must strongly disagree with Mark's review, at least in part.

Mullally was terrific -- and is clearly beloved by the audience -- she got laughs and applause just by walking out onstage. Her "Please Don't Touch Me" number was a hoot, as was the naughty "Deep Love".

Mark will be pleased to learn however that the "phone call" has been cut. She just appears at the laboratory, in a very funny scene.

On the other hand, Sutton Foster has an amazing voice -- but I guess is too inexperienced to have developed the comic timing that is second nature to the rest of the cast. She jumped on all of her punch lines, rather than allowing a little pause. But what was most distracting was the fact that her "german/swedish/transylvanian?" accent completely disappeared at timies, especially during her songs.

The rest of the cast is pitch perfect, but I'd like to single out Fred Applegate, especially his performance as the blind man (that Gene Hackman played in the film). He brought the house down with a single number, the hilarious "Please Send Me Someone".

Andd the Puttin' on the Ritz number is truly inspired -- w/ a clever salute to Astaire's "Bojangles" routine thrown in.

As others have said, the show is too long -- still needs cutting -- and I would agree the dance number right before the second act is waaaay too long. In fact it might be more effective and more surprising if they cut 3/4 of it before the monster makes his appearance.

And I'd like to see the show end with the number from the film "Oh Sweet Mystery of LIfe"...rather than the 2 or 3 reprises of other numbers. Overall, the ending didn't quite seem to have the energy and innovation of the rest of the show, which I guess is why they added a number AFTER the curtain call. ???

Nevertheless, overall it was fantastic.

Kelly
Tue, Aug 21, 2007 9:40 amKelly
Seattle
We saw Young Frankenstein on Saturday the 11th and we loved it. The other reviewers were correct though, in saying it's too long and needs some cropping.

I was worried that Roger Bart wouldn't hold a candle to Gene Wilder, but was pleasantly surprised with the quality of his performance. He brought a lot of personality and subtlety to the part, just like Wilder did. Nice job.

Megan Mullaly, the supposed "Big Star" of the show (who I loved in Will & Grace) was surprisingly the weak point of the cast, in my opinion. While Deep Love and Dont' Touch Me were great, the rest of her songs seemed to be put there just so the Big Star could have something to do in the middle of the show.

Sutton Foster as Inga was absolutely the highlight for me. Plus she can yodel! Stunningly beautiful, fantastic dancer and a personality that just radiates. Once or twice her comedic timing was just a bit off (in the bookcase scene) but overwall wonderful.

I also agree that Chrisopher Fitzgerald as Igor and Andrea Martin as Frau Blucher were great as well. Andrea Martin's veteran comic timing was a joy to watch.

To me, the musical was broken into thirds. The first third was absolutely laugh out loud hilarious. Then things dragged a bit as the doctor tried to bring the monster to life (what was up with the phone call from Megan Mullaly right at a climactic moment? That song DEFINITELY needs to be cut). Then after intermission with the Puttin on the Ritz number and conclusion were also very very funny.

Highly recommended!
Tue, Aug 21, 2007 6:42 amMark Olwick
Burlington WA
I went for the "Friends and Family" preview on Wednesday, August 8th. I plan on going again on Thursday, August 23rd for "opening night".

Am very happy that Seattle beat out Minneapolis for the teching of this new musical bound for Broadway. Seattle had the theater space and experienced technical staff available at budget rates. Plus Seattle is far enough away from NY critics to risk a new production.

Robin Wagner's scenic design is budgeted for the spectacular laboratory elements. Peter Kaczorowski's lighting desing is not for the epileptic. Marc Brickman's choice of live tesla coils are worth the price of admission. William Ivey Long's strict adherence to the movie's costumes is unimaginative. Jonathan Deans sound design is flat and pounding.

The biggest question is: Do you have to see (be familar) with the movie before going to the musical?

I own the DVD. I found myself wanting to replace Roger Bart for Gene Wilder, Christopher Fitzgerald for Marty Feldman, Sutton Foster for Terri Garr, Andrea Martin for Cloris Leachman, Megan Mullally for Madeline Kahn, Fred Applegate for Kenneth Mars and Gene Hackman, and Shuler Hensley for Peter Boyle.

Christopher Fitzgerald dominates most scenes with fantastic comedic timing and sublte expressions. The female ensemble resemble The Rockettes. Megan Mullally hits the back wall; yet, I was hoping for less nasality and more depth.

The songs do not warrant a purchase of the soundtrack. "Please Don't Touch Me", "Roll in the Hay", "Join the Family Business", "He vas my boyfriend", "Transylvania Mania", "Please send me someone", "Man about town", "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life", and "Deep Love" are like chinese food, you are hungry in a half an hour. Additionally, "Roll in the Hay" and "Deep Love" are not for the prudes (or kids) in your group.

The shadow dance (Eric Jackson and Shuler Hensley) was captivating. The "Puttin' on the Ritz" strobe dance left your jaw on the floor.

Without the incredible sucess of "The Producers" and the name of Mel Brooks this show is a cover tune with expensive sets and multiple strobes without an anthem.

I laughed and laughed. It inspired me to pop in the 30th anniversary DVD and laugh some more.
Tue, Aug 21, 2007 12:06 amCurio
Seattle
I think that this Young Frankenstein is destined to have a smash run, then be remade into a movie that keeps intact all the great musical numbers that just pop out at you like one of those great folding dioramas.

The backstory to the characters have been strengthened and brought to life (pun intended) from the hilarious, yet droll, original film version. Some folks have not appreciated the long running time, but there is not one wasted number or piece of action that didn't serve to further the plot or round out a character more fully (or deeply as the case may be...)

The sets are jaw-dropping, and visual effects amazing. Of course saving the best for last, the cast is fabulous with great working chemistry. Roger Bart's transformation from Fronkensteen to Frankenstein is delicious, and Sutton Foster plays the not-so-naive Inga perfectly-what a voice she has! Second City veteran Andrea Martin is priceless, and Megan Mullally's portrayal of virginal/bad girl paired with Shuler Hensley's monster still has me laughing.

Don't compare the show to the movie. That's why they call it Theatre!
Mon, Aug 20, 2007 9:43 pmBrian
Seattle
I saw the show Saturday night (8/18), sitting in the balcony and spent the second act bobbing back and forth to see the stage, as I was stuck sitting behind a giraffe. I'm also a seasoned show-biz professional with a long history of seeing and working on many professional theater productions. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm also a huge Mel Brooks fan. In short, "Young Frankenstein" is going to be a huge hit. Is it perfect? No. And it may never be but it doesn't matter. What's on the boards now is a solid, laugh-filled, monster of a show with great performances, good musical numbers and side-splitting humor. It could go to NY as I saw it Saturday and run for years but I'm sure, with the gifted creative team behind it, it will be even better. The biggest problem in NYC will be not enough Tony categories to cover everyone. As a fan of the film, the creators and the cast did a fantastic job of evoking the spirit of the movie while making the characters and the show their own. Having worked in television, film and on stage, I've always been a tough critic. My kids always look to me after watching something to see if I'm going to tear it apart. I've got nothing to tear apart here. I'd see it every night if I could.
Mon, Aug 20, 2007 4:13 pmSF
Issaquah, WA
My general feeling was the musical was good, very funny and enjoyable. The one thing I thought was lacking was a show stopping number, though Sitting on the Ritz was fun. The next day, other than Ritz number (obviously not original for the show), there were no memorable catchy tunes that I could recall. The Roll in the Hay number was funny, and a little bit bawdy; but still, do not recall the tune now.

Specifically my one comment would be that the first act was too long. In addition, they tried to rush intermission, which after that long of a first act was a mistake. Let us hope the NYC Theater will have more bathrooms than the Paramount. There were several big dance numbers, which I felt could be shortened or eliminated. The boat goodbye scene was too long.

The role of Elizabeth seemed to be over done, and I am not sure the story line really needed her to advance – other than to sing Deep Love. I wonder if that role could be shortened. I thought the cast was strong, and was very impressed by the Sutton Foster, Roger Bart and Christopher Fitzgerald. I think Igor has to be careful to not doi a Marty Feldman impersonation for the whole show, but he was still great.

The lighting and special effects were spectacular. The sets were absolutely amazing and the costumes wonderful. Sound was good, though I was wondering at times if it was a tape or live voices. I did not think the make-up for the monster was very good though.

So, I would think with some additional work, shorten the first act, strengthen the ending and they will have a hit on Broadway.
Mon, Aug 20, 2007 2:30 pmHarry Lightfoot
Seattle
Andrea Martin you are pure genius!
Mon, Aug 20, 2007 2:11 pmKaren
Seattle
We went to the 8.18.07-8PM show and it was wonderful! Dinner @ Ruth's Chris before (learned from our waiter that the cast frequents Ruth's, including Mel). The show itself was extremely entertaining. A gentleman behind us laughed throughout the entire show. The "Puttin' on the Ritz" number was assumingly going to be the topper of the evening and it was that and then some! The efforts of all involved from the leads to the chorus line to the set designers to the orchestra to the grips, etc. they all deserve a huge round of applause. To see this movie brought to live theatre is a treat for your eyes and ears not to be missed. Without a doubt, if you miss "Young Frankenstein" while it's here in Seattle, you're missing a grand show.....
Mon, Aug 20, 2007 1:21 pmSoozan
Seattle, WA
I don't think that I'm alone in considering Young Frankenstein to be the best of Mel Brooks' films. While "The Producers" and "Blazing Saddles" have enduring moments of hilarity, they also host far too many ouch-inducing moments of zany comedy that falls flat, but keeps going anyway. Don't even get me started on "Space Ballls".

Young Frankenstein, however, remains a tightly constructed, intelligent and consistently funny film that does not feel dated even 30+ years later. The difference? Gene Wilder was the primary screenwriter of Young Frankenstein and fought Brooks tooth and nail to keep the film at a certain level of comedic sensibility (I base this assertion on an interview with Wilder on the special edition DVD of the film).

The problem with the current musical of Young Frankenstein is that it all seems to have fallen back into the hands of Mel Brooks and the intelligence and subtle humor that Wilder brought to the original project are tossed out in favor of humor of the lowest common denominator. This latest musical outing feels like it owes more to the original film of The Producers than it does to the original Young Frankenstein, and that's really too bad.

I think it's also too bad that Brooks wrote the music and lyrics himself. As others have mentioned, most of the musical numbers do nothing to further the plot but, instead, interrupt the plot with unnecessary extravaganza. A fair amount of very funny and intelligent humor from the original is sacrificed in order to plow into another dumb song. I was most aware of this when, perhaps my favorite line of Frau Blucher's, "I suggest you wear a tie", was cut in order to allow Elizabeth to inexplicably burst through the dungeon laboratory's wall to sing "I'm Here" which, actually, could hardly even be called a song.

The production is great to look at and there are some potentially brilliant performances (in spite of it all), but this production firmly belongs in the "why did that need to happen?" category.

If only Mel had chosen Space Balls instead...
Mon, Aug 20, 2007 12:46 pmRobert
Seattle
We saw the performance last Wednesday (the 15th), and walked away from the theater talking about how we thought that this will be a hit once it finally gets to Broadway. We felt lucky to be able to see it with the B'way cast and crew.

When I lived in NY I attended several Broadway critic's preview nights with a friend, when the show wasn't nearly as ready for opening. A few didn't ever make it out of previews. Some made it through, then opened and closed the same night. Young Frankenstein is ready, as is, for the stage, but it will be made even better with some slight changes and cuts, as with all shows coming out of previews.

Mel Brooks has taken the Young Frankenstein that we all know and love and re-created it for Broadway (It's Alive, Again!). With a cultural icon like YF, it's a difficult transition from what everyone remembers to an updated musical stage version.

I thought that the performances were tight, with little wasted motion or energy. Set changes were spot-on. Watching the faces of the cast you could see that everyone on stage was putting their energy into it, and enjoying what they were doing. Listening to the various conversations taking place as we walked down Pike to catch our bus home, most of the rest of the people that attended that evening had also thoroughly enjoyed themselves, too.

I just sent a note to my sister, who lives in NY, teasing her about actually being able to catch something wonderful before it makes it to the Great White Way.

Thanks, Mr. Brooks, for a very entertaining evening. I have recommended this show to all of my friends and co-workers.
Mon, Aug 20, 2007 12:38 pmMikeP
Seattle
Well I saw the Producers a few years back when it came to the Paramount, as I was wonder what all the hype was about. To put it honestly, it was good, but I wasn't really impressed.

But Young Frankenstein is a totally different story! All I can say is WOW!!! Yes, there is a lot from the movie, but Mel added so much more! And the Seattle Jokes had the audience roaring. I don't want to give it away, but I hope he keeps them in (and I think he will) should keep the audience roaring on Broadway too.

All I can say is, I SMELL TONY!
Mon, Aug 20, 2007 12:10 pmLinda G
Mill Creek, WA
The best movie versions of Broadway musicals usually depart and expand from their stage bound origins. Broadway musicals of movies have often been compelled to stay as close to the source material as to not offend the large built-in audience such musicals are designed to attract. Young Frankenstein follows in this model. This second Mel Brook’s movie-to-stage project follows nearly every scene of the 1974 movie, with jokes, site gags, and monster faithfully recreated by a first rate cast. While we love the memory of the movie as we see it played out live in front of us, our patience is tested as it seems forever to get to each punch line. At nearly three hours, the production feels bloated, despite some spectacular production numbers and outstanding performances. Let’s hope Mel, director Susan Stroman, and team will trim less potent elements and bring the wit, timing and spontaneity now missing before the company moves to New York.
Sun, Aug 19, 2007 10:18 pmFrank McKown
Santa Monica, CA
About the August 14 performance: the sets, musical staging, and performances were all on the money. I agree with TN that the first act finale dragged. It's difficult to top bringing the monster to life. Though it's not useful to compare the stage performances to the screen performances (Peter Boyle and Marty Feldman are no longer with us) I think it's helpful to make a note on the ending. When I recently watched the film again, I listened to the monster's words and found them very moving. A monster's soliloquy delivered in Shuler Hensley's rich bass voice would have tied things together nicely.
Sun, Aug 19, 2007 10:14 pmBruce
Portland, OR
The show was hilarious and very entertaining if you can stomach Mel Brooks; he ain't for everybody! (See comment from James - Seattle) However, if hilarious parody of musicals goneby, ribald humour, a complete lack of political correctness, and overplayed stereotypes are your cup of tea, then this is the full monty. (Personally, I found this show far less disturbing in terms of overplayed stereotypes than "The Producers.") Igor and the doctor did stand out. Even so, the cast felt exceptional, all around. I would dramatically shorten the dance number at the end of act 1 because it was too long, and because it took itself too seriously as a long formal dance number within a show that takes traditional musical formulas and then completely knocks them on thier head. I'd also shorten the "Ritz" number in spite of it's impact. With the exception of these two numbers, the show held my rapt attention and I laughed the whole way through. I think I'll have the love-epiphany parody "Deep Love" performed by Megan Mullaly stuck in my head for weeks - I thought that was the highlight of the show just because it totally and humorously deconstructs so many sappy sentimental love-epiphany songs from old tired musicals (I'm thinking of Camelot when it was here, ugh). She was spot-on perfect for this part. Summary: A humorous must-see if you have the stomach for Mel Brooks work.
Sun, Aug 19, 2007 8:19 amTN
Redmond
I had the opportunity to see Young Frankenstein last week due to a fortuitously-timed business trip. As a life-line Mel Brooks fan, I was giddy at the prospect of seeing Young Frankenstein in preview. Although I found myself leaving the theater a little disappointed, I am optimistic that they will work out the kinks and deliver a brilliant product to Broadway. To that end, I humbly offer my thoughts, in hope that they will trickle back to the right ears.

Overall, I was entertained and had an enjoyable evening. It was a treat to be in one of the first audiences to see this much-anticipated show. But this show is not, in my opinion, ready for Broadway. The set was truly amazing. It was elaborate and beautiful but without disrupting the pace of the show. The set changes were at times immense and yet flowed seamlessly. Costumes were likewise stunning. However, I felt that the showwas overlong and bloated with several musical numbers that felt like they had been inserted without regard to the pacing and flow of the entire show. (See Miss Erin's comments. She articulates the issue better than I can hope to.) But my biggest concern is that the musical numbers for the most part just weren't funny. Having recently seen Spamalot, I could not help but compare the two shows and YF did not benefit from the comparison. Too many large ensemble numbers, too many jarring transitions, nothing particularly memorable. Indeed, there really was not one catchy number that you left the theater humming.

Overall, the casting was quite good. YF is full of roles that feel as though no one but the original cast could possibly have filled. It was hard not to picture Cloris Leachman spitting, "He vas my boyfriend," Terri Garr vrolling in ze hay, Madeline Kahn keeping Gene Wilder at arm's distance with the line, "taffeta darling" or Marty Feldman explaining how the brain belonged to someone named Abby Normal. In Seattle, some of the actors had more success than others at exorcising the ghosts of the original cast. Andrea Martin is well cast as Frau Blucher, but I would love to see her a little freakier, as she is in the movie role, holding back from the others rather than joing the gang so quickly as she did here.

Megan Mullaly is potentially a bombshell. She has the ability to camp it up and she definitely has the pipes for this role. But again, as Miss Erin writes, "The humor of a double entendre is totally lost when the character knows she's being dirty." But I would also go further and note that it dumbs down the show when the character has to virtually shine a spot light on the joke to make sure the audience does not miss it.

Christopher Fitzgerald was wonderful as Igor. Marty Feldman left large shoes to fill and Fitzgerald did so in great syle.

Sutton Foster was fine, but did not blow me away. Her part lacked the innocence of Terri Garr's original Inge. The movie Inge somehow manages to be a dumb blond and yet wise, serving as a perfect foil for Frederick's pomposity and mania. The stage Inge did not manage to do the latter. She managed to be simultaneously less dumb blond and less wise.

Roger Bart is a challenge for me to comment on because I am so reminded of Gene Wilder's perfection in this role and any comparison feels unfair. However, Roger Bart did an admirable job with the role given some of the musical numbers he had to work with.

Mel, I have faith in you. I have been a fan since I was a child. I look forward to seeing the final product in New York!
Sun, Aug 19, 2007 7:50 amKatie
Saint Paul, MN
I saw the first preview performance of 'Young Frankenstein' and was thoroughly entertained, despite the somewhat bloated 3 hour length. Roger Bart is thoroughly invested and a joy to watch as young Dr Frankenstein. "Puttin' on the Ritz" is a fantastic, explosive showstopper and worth the price of admission. All three of the female leads were weaker than I had expected. Sutton Foster's Inga seems perfectly performed but the character is bland and forgettable. Much like Ms Mullaly, it's a shame that such a talented actor comes across as another expensive piece of set dressing. The humor of a double entendre is totally lost when the character knows she's being dirty. This totally ruins the fun of Brooks' guilty pleasure junior high humor. Megan Mullaly has some stellar pipes and she appears to know she's the diva in this piece, but some of her numbers are extraneous and distracting. Her fantastic character seems to be sprinkled in some scenes to get laughs and keep it funny, but it is out-of-place and slows the pace to a snail crawl. Andrea Martin's Frau Blucher has funny moments but her broad strokes suffer when one has Cloris Leachman's fully invested movie version to compare with it. On the other hand, Christopher Fitzgerald's Igor is phenomenal, and his interactions with Bart are a blast to watch. Every time Igor and the Doctor are onstage, things lighten up a bit and time passes much faster.

My biggest problem with the show as it currently plays is that many of the songs exist outside the flow of the story. Every time something starts to happen, there's a song that stops the pace dead in its tracks. The best musicals are constructed with songs that move the pace, further the story and continue the arcs of the characters. Audiences will come along for the ride for a couple of well-done show stoppers but even with Susan Stroman's fantastic choreography, most of the songs feel like afterthoughts thrown in to use the well-toned chorus line.

Mr Bart's performance stands out so nicely because he is the most earnest thing about this production. The whole production team is trying so hard to get "BIG! LAUGHS!" that they are missing the hordes of chortles and guffaws that naturally flow in Brooks' original movie. I've been recommending the show to my friends on the strength of Bart's Frankenstein, 'Puttin on the Ritz' and the laboratory itself, but warning them about the unreasonable length. If the show was half as long, it would surely be twice as funny. Brooks and his team have some work cut out for them before they head back to Broadway. At least "Young Frankenstein" has moments where it fully succeeds in winning over the audience. The show could be great, but now it's simply mildly amusing.
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 10:30 pmMiss Erin
Georgetown
We were in NYC last week and saw Legally Blonde, Hairspray and Wicked. We loved them all. Two nights ago we saw YF at the Paramount. Of the four shows (Wicked we've seen twice) this one ranks with Wicked in its visual stimulation and overall jaw dropping factor. Simply fantastic! Way beyond our expectations. Hilarious! The props were amazing. The actors were super. This is not just the movie dragged out onto the stage. It is a whole new experience. There are a number of familiar lines from the movie but beyond that, the actors do a great job of making the characters fresh and new and the view will blow you away.
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 1:04 pmSteve, Lee, and Natalee
Woodinville
[b]Hi, Mel,
I've been a fan for a very long time of all your work. Funny, funny show and it was terrifc! We saw it Wed., the 15th. The cast was perfect. The music, the sets, dancing numbers, etc., etc. were first rate. All the stuff that you added that wasn't in the movie was great - which by the way is one of my favorites.

I know it was a preview so I have a suggestion - It was a bit too long. Even though the costumes and the dance numbers were really well done, you might consider shortening the dancing...except "Putting on the Ritz" which was hilarious and brought the house down. The scene with the housekeeper (she was wonderful) was very funny ("He was my boyfriend") the monster and the fiance (Madeline Kahn's role) with the hair and the song broke me up; the bit with the blind monk was fantastic (the monk was so great even though I kept seeing Gene Hackman)!; I could go on and on. As a former New Yorker, I think it will be a smash on Broadway.

Thank you so much for a joyful evening. You really are something else. I'm not your mother, but...you are a genius!!! If I could afford it, I would see it again. How about that for a compliment! You haven't lost your touch. Keep it coming.

Lee Miller
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 12:05 pmLee Miller
Bellevue, WA
A business trip to Seattle allowed an opportunity to see YF. Yes Mel Brooks is trite, predictable, slapstick - and it all comes together in a musical extravaganza that starts off high and goes up from there. Not a weak member of the cast. And even at nearly three hours long, I found myself wishing there was more, particularly for Megan Mullally to showcase her comic talent and stellar voice. This production cost a lot and every penny was spent well. I was grateful how closely it followed the original movie - no need to tweak with something that was so perfect. Certainly there will be adjustments before it makes it to Broadway, but I'm glad I got to see the unedited version. My sympathy goes out to those who will compete for the Tony Awards.
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 11:45 amSteve B
Phoenix, Arizona
OOOOOOOMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGG.... It was one of the best... matter of fact the BEST musical i have EVER seen.... I saw it yesterday and man i could not sleep.... the Set..... the effects.... AMAZING.... I NEEEDDD to see it again....
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 11:41 amJordon
Renton
Young Frankenstein was nothing short of amazing! Every aspect of the show was first rate - certainly one of the most entertaining things I have ever seen. It certainly shows Mel Brooks' comedic genius, as well as the wonderful
actors right down the line. How do they keep up that energy night after night? The wonderful direction/choreography of Susan Stroman, the eye-popping sets, amazing lighting.... You can see just how much work (and money) went into this. It was a night in the theatre I will not soon forget. This show will definitely
clean up the awards on Broadway next year. Run to the Paramount to see this before it leaves here.
The icing on the cake for me was that I actually had a close encounter with Mel Brooks while walking back to my car after the show. I called to him how wonderful the show was, which he acknowledged.
Perhaps we might see "Blazing Saddles, the musical" in our future! What a hoot that would be!
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 11:17 amTodd Case
Shoreline
Wow.

Am I the only one who missed the kool-aid when they passed it around the theatre? This show was, while not quite horrible, definitely not good.

Given the fact that the production is still in preview and is subject to tweaking, I won't break it down bit by bit or joke by joke. But overall the thing was bland, unoriginal, and and believe it or not, dated. Production numbers were fine, standard fare, but throughout the show I often found myself reminded of other, more powerful, original, and enjoyable numbers from other shows.

The performances in general were fine. Roger Bart was okay; it was difficult to understand him at several points (which, frankly, probably has more to do with the terrible sound system at the Paramount than with him personally). At last night's performance, anyway, he seemed disengaged. But that may change in NY.

Megan Mullaly was fine. Not much more than fine, but okay. I think she was given a lot of slack by the audience because of her prior work. She did fine with what she had, I suppose.

Sutton Foster did what she could do with the part, but the buxom blonde of Mr. Brooks' movies and musicals gets old, and once again, Inga felt like a boring rehash of the big hearted, big voiced, big boobed bimbo of much of Mr. Brooks' work. A very good performance of a re-hashed part.

Standouts included Chrisopher Fitzgerald as Igor and Andrea Martin as Frau Blucher. Maybe they had more to work with, maybe not. But they definitely made the show. Without them, the show would have been close to unbearable.

I know these comments are conclusory, and I am not giving a lot of specifics; in preview status, who knows what the final result will be? But I hope the NYers here to work on it take the ridiculous "Seattle Standing O" with a grain of salt.

At one point during the performance I thought about my now deceased grandfather, sitting around the thanksgiving table making the same old jokes that may have been funny "back in the day," but were just plain dumb and oftentimes offensive in the present. So you sit and listen to your grandfather, and you smile at the right times and you sigh inwardly because you love him and put up with him. But at $450 a ticket in NY, I don't think NYers will be as kind to Mr. Brooks.
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 11:14 amJames
Seattle
I saw the first preview showing of YF and was blown away; completely entertained. Yes, I knew it was a preview, but maybe that is because I'm from the theatre community here and understand what preview means. Seeing a preview doesn't mean you get half of what the show will be when it opens. I knew I would be seeing scenes, music and dancing that will, no doubt, be cut from the show. But that is half the fun of going to one of these events. I will see what the Broadway goers won't.
The sets, special effects, alone, were worth the price of admission. But the caliber of talent was just awesome. Not a weak link in the bunch. It will, of course, change nightly; and will, I hope, eventually be cut simply because it was too long. I can't even pretend how those chorus members feel after a double show day. My thought would be with the musical numbers, not that they were terrible, certainly could be trimmed without any loss to the whole.
In a world where we watch the quasi-talented on reality tv shows weekly,why on Earth, is it a 'risk' for a community to see real talent on-stage trying hone a new vehicle for the industry? Hey, you might learn something or see something you may never have the chance to see again. You can say, 'Hey! I saw the guy from Desparate Housewives singing and dancing like a 'madman'." or "I saw Young Frankenstein when Megan Mallaley or Andrea Martin from SNL played that character!".
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 9:29 amKit Harris
Seattle
I was at the first paid performance on Tuesday night, August 7th.

There were the three names that I was familiar with, Roger Bart, Andrea Martin and Megan Mullaly. New to me was Christopher Fitzgerald, a standout as 'Igor.' He dances! He sings! He is a great comedian! Also Sutton Foster excelled in her role as 'Inga,' a standard Brooksian blonde bimbo (Inga? Ulla?) and managed to give it her own flair. The spilits? On top of a bouncing farm cart? Holy Hannah! Shuler Hensley was the monster. The key to Young Frankenstein is his part. If the core sweetness doesn't come across, the show wouldn't work. Mr. Hensley made you want to hug the monster, but be ready to flee at any moment!

Puttin' On the Ritz was Mr. Hensley's stand out moment. Except for the part in the cave. And the part with the blind villager...and....

It was a very long show, which I expected. All of the numbers were amazing. But I can see how a shorter show would be stronger. Each number is brilliant, I expect to buy the cast album after they arrive on Broadway to find out what songs made it. It must be awful having to make cuts.

At times the crowd reaction to Ms. Mullaly's entrances and exits held up the show for a couple of beats. That might just be preview factor. But applause every time she moved?
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 8:41 amGina T
Seattle
Crove to seattle to see the show-its fantastic..almost perfect for Broadway..Great songs,fabulous stage craft and really really funny..don't miss it..
Sat, Aug 18, 2007 1:12 amRyanito
Vancouver Bc
What an unusual privilege to attend a show where everything is "Top Notch", and this is. Not a(n obvious) : missed cue, bead of sweat on the hard-dancing performers, sorry note from the singers or orchestra, 'technical foul' (I gather the techies and orchestra are the only home-grown part of this spectical, and good going to them, too!).
You could see the VERRRY high-quality costumes (Notice the intricately adorned Tyrolian-attired "Transylvanians" espicially) and sets (the "Roll in the Hay" number, replete with technically-endowed rolling forest scenes on rear-projected scrims (HOWWW did they do THAT?!?!), and featuring two dancer-horses 'pulling the haycart', as they travel-stroll throught the countryside, & whinnying when they hear "Frau Blucher"s name-JUST like in the original 1974 movie. Sometimes a good gag is a good gag. It still makes me laugh).
The ensemble/swing dancers also SING. There is an incredible 4-part barber-shop group in the village scenes which chills you with its harmonies (these guys are also, you will note, featured dancers).
The dancers All will make you tired watching them jump 4' high and throw each other around in character. And don't bother looking for anything out-of-sync; I wasted my time looking for a petulent 'extra' (or 'Supernumerary', as the Operahouse calls them), and saw no one bored with their part, or out of step.
Stars to Supernumeraries, everyone seemed to be glad for the chance to be part of a soon-to-be-Broadway-toasted show. And even appeared happy in their parts.
I am satified, and saving my pennies to see it again before it leaves Seattle. I wish I could explain some of the sight-gags and song lyrics, but they won't convey properly, unless/until you see it yourself. It's a Mel Brooks/Susan Stroman thing. Wowie.
Fri, Aug 17, 2007 3:40 pmMac Mckenzie
Edmonds
The premier show of Young Frankenstein was nothing short of amazing. Those actors work so hard...as does everyone behind the scenes as well. And how do they keep track of all of the sets and get them set up for the next scene so quickly? I think one of my favorite scenes was when Megan Mullally (Elizabeth) makes her appearance by rising up from under the stage with her bright red dress on...that was amazing...the crowd when nuts. And of course Puttin on the Ritz was fantastic as well. I can't imagine the producer making any changes to the scenes...they were all so well done....and the live orchestra was fantastic. I feel privileged to have been able to see the show here in Seattle and pay the modest $70+ for the show...it was worth every penny. I hope in the future that more broadway shows can premier here in Seattle...we really appreciate it.
Fri, Aug 17, 2007 3:29 pmKeith Lau







Turbo Tagger


Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Young Frankenstein tickets New York

Come fall, New York will have a mad scientist taking up residence on West 42nd Street: 'Young Frankenstein,' the musical based on the 1974 film of the same name, is making its way to Broadway.

Like the long-running and recently-closed (in New York, at least) 'The Producers,' another movie-to-musical brought to you by Mel Brooks, the new show promises to be big, flashy, dirty and all-around funny.

AND expensive.

The best seats in the house are going for $450, setting a new (and most say unfortunate) high for Broadway theatre tickets. But even if you start looking under the couch for some extra coinage now, you might be too late: Word is the show already has a whopping $15 million in the bank and the good seats are nearly impossible to get.




Our Life: Little Mermaid on Broadway

Little Mermaid on Broadway
This weekend Nellie, Mila, Che' & I went and saw the Pre-Broadway show of "The Little Mermaid" in Denver. It was so amazing! Got to love Disney! I couldn't believe how they pulled off the people swimming like Mermaids & the water! The mermaids/fish were on those shoes that you see kids roll around in. It totally looked like they were swimming the whole time! Ariel was beautiful and her voice was so amazing! Their imagination to create this show was off the charts! The scene were Ariel got her feet kicked butt and when Ariel saved Prince Eric! WOW! I could go on and on.



Our Life: Little Mermaid on Broadway

Little Mermaid Broadway review

Saturday, August 18, 2007
"The Little Mermaid" Pre-Broadway review




On Thursday night Ryan and I went to see The Little Mermaid downtown. They are having their soft opening here prior to opening in December on Broadway. I was not quite sure how they would do everything. I also had some pretty high expectations since that is my favorite Disney film. Well, it was great! The music was very good. They wrote a few original songs for the musical and had some of the same from the film. The actress who portrayed Aerial did a fantastic job. She has an outstanding voice and sounded very much like the film (as a side note, she is also originally from CO!). The actress who played Ursula had a great voice as well and we so good. People were laughing at the jokes throughout the performance and everyone seemed entertained, even all the children who attended. I did not hear one get upset/bored. This is something I would absolutely see again. If you have the chance to catch it here (it's here until September 6th I believe) or on Broadway, I highly recommend it. Ryan is not a musical fan but he went with me, so sweet!! This is hard to say, but I have to be honest when I say that I enjoyed it more than Phantom of the Opera, which was previously my favorite. Thanks for the great birthday seats (which were orchestra center I might add!) Mom and Dad (oops, this is Austin's blog, grandma and grandpa!)!
There is my personal ramble for the day, enjoy :)
http://ryandsa.blogspot.com/2007/08/little-mermaid-pre-broadway-review.html




Van Halen is selling $800 VIP tickets for Boston Garden show

Each 5 Star VIP Package gets you:

A reserved seat inside the ramp!*
Van Halen 5 Star souvenir laminate!
Backstage tour!
Pre-show party!
Exclusive Van Halen gift bag!
Crowd-free merchandise shopping!
Parking**


5 Star Package Price: $ 795.00 Prices are in U.S. dollars


Coming Soon


*Exact seat location available day of show.
**Where available.
You will be required to sign a waiver and release of liability.



"Cyrano de Bergerac tickets go on sale at www.tixx.com

"Cyrano de Bergerac
NEW YORK — One of the theater's most famous noses will be back on Broadway this season.
Kevin Kline will play the title character in a revival of "Cyrano de Bergerac," opening Nov. 1 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Jennifer Garner will co-star as Cyrano's beloved Roxanne.
Edward Rostand's classic romance, translated and adapted by Anthony Burgess, will begin previews Oct. 12. The limited engagement will run through Dec. 23.
Daniel Sunjata will play Christian, the handsome soldier also in love with Roxanne.
Kline, a two-time Tony winner, starred in a production of "King Lear" last season at the Public Theater.
"Cyrano de Bergerac" will be Garner's Broadway debut. She is best known for her starring role in the television series "Alias."
Sunjata, currently starring in the ESPN miniseries "The Bronx Is Burning," was seen on Broadway in Richard Greenberg's baseball drama "Take Me Out."
The production will be directed by David Leveaux.
"Cyrano de Bergerac" was last seen on Broadway in 1984 in a Royal Shakespeare Company production starring Derek Jacobi and Sinead Cusack. Jose Ferrer starred in a popular revival of the play in 1946 and received an Oscar in 1950 for his performance in a film version.




Monday, August 20, 2007

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Tour 2007 tickets on sale Saturday 26th

Ticket will be on sale this Saturday for 10 cities including the tour opener in PHILADELPHIA ful

Nascar ticket news

Rain may put damper on NASCAR schedule
Michigan race postponed until today, when more rain is forecast. If it isn't run by Tuesday, it may be moved to end of schedule, which would affect points race.
By Jim Peltz

August 20, 2007

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Steady rain forced NASCAR to postpone the Nextel Cup race Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.

The 3M Performance 400 was rescheduled for 9 a.m. PDT today, but the forecast called for more rain today and possibly Tuesday.

It was the fourth time this year that a Cup race was rescheduled because of poor weather.

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said that if the 200-lap race was postponed both today and Tuesday, NASCAR would then have to decide whether to hold the race Wednesday or push it back to the end of the season.

Running the race as late as Wednesday is problematic because the Cup teams need time to move their cars and personnel to Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in time for practice and qualifying ahead of the next race Saturday night. NASCAR's Cup champion is determined by the Chase for the Cup, a 10-race playoff among the 12 drivers highest in points after the season's first 26 races. There are four races left to decide which drivers qualify.

The first of the Chase races is scheduled at New Hampshire International Speedway on Sept. 16. But if the Michigan race can't be held this week, New Hampshire would become the 26th race to decide the Chase field.

That means the final race of the year, currently scheduled Nov. 18 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida, would instead be held here in southern Michigan, possibly the day after Thanksgiving, Poston said.

But he emphasized that NASCAR would do everything possible to hold the Michigan race this week.

Current points leader and two-time Michigan winner Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports is to start on the pole.

Next to him on the front row will be Greg Biffle of Roush Fenway Racing.

During the rain delay, a top executive of Dale Earnhardt Inc. said the team hopes to name a replacement driver for departing Dale Earnhardt Jr. within the next two weeks.

"We're trying to figure out who will fit in our driver lineup that complements the entire team," said Max Siegel, DEI's president of global operations.

Earnhardt is leaving his family team after this season to join Hendrick. But he will not take his car No. 8 with him, because he could not reach terms on a transfer with DEI, which holds the number under lease from NASCAR.

The failed talks were the latest example of the strained relations between Earnhardt and Teresa Earnhardt, his stepmother and DEI's chief executive.

"It's her number, it's her decision, it's just unfortunate," Earnhardt said. "My personal feelings are disappointment but like I said, I kind of knew it was going to be hard to convince her to let us have it and that's the case."

Siegel said "I understand his frustration and his disappointment," but that he had "no interest in re-opening those discussions and debating them in the media."

Earnhardt said he and Hendrick hadn't chosen a new number.

"We'll just kind of get over the idea that we're not going to be No. 8 no more, which I'm fine with, and hopefully my fans can do the same and we'll build on a new identity," he said.

Meanwhile, NASCAR team owner Richard Childress said he's willing to talk to this year's Indianapolis 500 winner, Dario Franchitti, about driving a stock car one day.

"We're really good friends," Childress said. "At some point he's going to want to look at this series, and when he is I'll be there to talk to him. But I think he's got some other things he wants to accomplish right now."

Childress also said he'll decide within 45 days whether to add a fourth car and driver to his Cup team, which now consists of Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer.




Sunday, August 19, 2007

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Tour 2007

tour dates and tickets for Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Tour 2007 Magic Tour

Oct 2= Hartford
Oct 4= NY Madison Square garden tickets Oct 6= NY
Oct 9= Charlotte
Oct10= Atlanta
Oct13= Houston
Oct14= Dallas
Oct17= Denver
Oct19= Phoenix
Oct22= L.A
Oct23= L.A.
Oct25= Oak
Oct27= Portland
Oct28= Seattle
Oct31= St. Paul
Nov1= Milwaukee
Nov3= Chicago
Nov5= Auburn Hills
Nov6= Cleveland
Nov8= Pittsburg
Nov11= D.C.
Nov12= D.C.
Nov14= Philly
Nov16= Philly
Nov18= Boston
Nov19= Boston


>From there on to Europe for three weeks before Christmas


starting on Nov 29 in Barcelona



Thursday, August 16, 2007

Springsteen, E Street Band to reunite for a bit of "Magic" tour 2007 tickets

Springsteen, E Street Band to reunite for a bit of "Magic"
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 08/16/07
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NEW YORK — Bruce Springsteen is back with the E Street Band — and a bit of "Magic."

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer returns Oct. 2 with a new album, titled "Magic," his first collaboration with his longtime New Jersey mates since the Sept. 11-inspired "The Rising" in 2002, Springsteen announced through his publicist today.

The album, other than its atmospheric title track, is billed as Springsteen's return to rock 'n' roll after his solo "Devils & Dust" and the folk-inspired "The Seeger Sessions." Fans can expect Clarence Clemons' familiar saxophone, Danny Federici's soaring keyboards and Max Weinberg's pounding drums — along with a lot of guitars.

The 11-song album is Springsteen's first of all-new material since April 2005, when he released the acoustic "Devils & Dust." Springsteen's 15th studio album follows last year's "The Seeger Sessions," where the Boss and a 17-piece backing band played reconjured versions of songs associated with folkie Pete Seeger.

For this album, recorded with producer Brendan O'Brien in Atlanta, Springsteen reunited with the full E Street Band to recreate its Garden State wall of sound: guitarists Steve Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, bassist Garry Tallent, drummer Weinberg, keyboardists Federici and Roy Bittan, sax man Clemons, violinist Soozie Tyrell and vocalist Patti Scialfa.

Last year, Springsteen said he'd already written a "whole book of songs for the E Street Band." He assembled the band earlier this year and they finished the album in two months, about the same amount of time spent recording the multi-platinum "The Rising."

Songs include the title track, the album opener "Radio Nowhere," "You'll Be Comin' Down," "Livin' in the Future," "Your Own Worst Enemy," "Gypsy Biker," "Girls in Their Summer Clothes," "I'll Work for Your Love," "Last to Die," "Long Walk Home" and "Devil's Arcade."

Details on a worldwide tour featuring the band were expected to follow. Springsteen and the E Street Band sold out arenas and stadiums around the globe during a 15-month tour behind "The Rising."




Monday, August 13, 2007

Van Halen-David Lee Roth reunion leads to first tour in 22 years

Van Halen-David Lee Roth reunion leads to first tour in 22 years
The on-again, off-again Van Halen reunion tour with singer David Lee Roth is once again a go. The quartet announced a 25-date North American tour Monday, including Oct. 16 at the Allstate Arena and Oct. 18 at the United Center.

Tickets ($149.50, $79.50 and $59.50) for the Chicago shows go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday through tixx.com

Roth, the Southern California quartet’s original vocalist, has not toured with the band in 22 years. A few attempted reunions went bust, most recently last January. An expected tour announcement was derailed when guitarist Eddie Van Halen entered a rehab clinic for undisclosed reasons in March.

Despite racking up more No. 1 hits on Billboard’s mainstream-rock chart than any band, and releasing two 10-million-selling albums (“Van Halen” in 1978 and “1984” in 1984), the quartet has had a fractious history. After Roth was fired in the mid-‘80s, he was replaced by Sammy Hagar, who parted ways with the band a decade later. Van Halen regrouped to record new music with Roth, only to have that brief reunion dissolve in acrimony. Gary Cherone took over as vocalist, and lasted for one album before being ousted in 1999. Hagar came back aboard for a reunion tour in 2004, and then split again. The lastest twist is that founding bassist Michael Anthony has been given the boot, and Van Halen’s teenage son, Wolfgang, has replaced him.

More internal politics could be read into the four-page press release announcing the tour from the tour promoter and two public-relations firms. The release mentioned neither Hagar nor Anthony, and focused exclusively on the six albums the band recorded with Roth from 1978 to 1984, even though the band subsequently scored nine Top-40 hits with Hagar.

Though the band has not recorded an



Van Halen tour tickets onsale Saturday


VAN HALEN: First Reunion Tour Dates Announced - Aug. 13, 2007

www.tixx.com has tickets for the VAN HALEN reunion tour has announced the details of their much-anticipated reunion tour with David Lee Roth today at a Los Angeles press conference. The arena tour kicks off September 27 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and continues through December 11 in Calgary, Alberta. Tickets go on sale this Saturday 10am via www.tixx.com . The first confirmed dates are as follows:

Sep. 27 - Charlotte, N.C. @ Bobcats Arena
Sep. 29 - Greensboro, N.C. @ Coliseum
Oct. 01 - Philadelphia @ Wachovia Center
Oct. 07 - Toronto @ Air Canada Centre
Oct. 10 - Cleveland @ Quicken Loans Arena
Oct. 14 - Indianapolis @ Conseco Fieldhouse
Oct. 16 - Chicago @ Allstate Arena
Oct. 18 - Chicago @ United Center
Oct. 22 - Auburn Hills, Mich. @ Palace of Auburn Hills
Oct. 24 - Minneapolis @ Target Center
Oct. 26 - Kansas City, Mo. @ Sprint Center
Oct. 28 - St. Louis @ Scottrade Center
Oct. 30 - Boston @ TD Banknorth Garden
Nov. 03 - East Rutherford, N.J. @ Continental Airline Arena
Nov. 13 - New York @ Madison Square Garden
Nov. 20 - Los Angeles @ Staples Center
Nov. 23 - Glendale, Ariz. @ Jobing.com Arena
Nov. 25 - San Diego @ Cox Arena
Nov. 27 - Sacramento, Calif. @ Arco Arena
Nov. 29 - San Jose, Calif. @ HP Pavilion
Dec. 01 - Portland, Ore. @ Rose Garden
Dec. 03 - Seattle @ Key Arena
Dec. 05 - Vancouver @ GM Place
Dec. 09 - Edmonton, Alberta @ Rexall Palace
Dec. 11 - Calgary, Alberta @ Pengrowth Saddledome

The trek will feature founding VAN HALEN members David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen, with Eddie's son Wolfgang on bass.

VAN HALEN last toured in 2004 with vocalist Sammy Hagar, grossing nearly $40 million, according to Billboard Boxscore.




Saturday, August 11, 2007

Jersey Boys Theater Tickets discount code

Jersey Boys Theater Tickets discount code, Every Friday morning www.tixx.com has a special discount code for Jersey Boys tickets, this is a discounted price from normal prices charged by ticket brokers for hot tickets to New York's top theater shows. This discount code will not get you tickets for less than face value, as the Jersey Boys is still one of the toughest tickets in New York. The discount code will save you at least $35.00 per ticket, a great saving for Jersey Boys tickets. We also have special tixx.com discount codes for Wicked, The Lion King and The Color Purple. so visit our site each week to see what theater tickets we have on special. go to www.tixx.com


Friday, August 10, 2007

49ERS RENAME FIELD AFTER LATE WALSH

49ERS RENAME FIELD AFTER LATE WALSH
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The field which provided the canvas for many of Bill Walsh's masterpieces will now bear his name.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that the San Francisco 49ers' home field at Monster Park has been renamed 'Bill Walsh Field' during a public memorial service for the Hall of Fame coach.

Walsh, the architect of the 49ers' dynasty in the 1980s, died on July 30 at the age of 75.

Walsh, who died after a three-year battle with leukemia, won three Super Bowls with the 49ers and revolutionised the game with his innovative West Coast offense.

Nicknamed 'The Genius', Walsh posted a 102-63-1 record in 10 seasons with the 49ers and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

He won 10 of 14 post-season games and six division titles from 1979-88, being honoured as Coach of the Year in 1981 and 1984.

"So to Bill Walsh, on Bill Walsh Field, we say that we will always remember, we thank you for the gift of hope and opportunity you restored to this great city," United States Senator Dianne Feinstein said.



The Jersey Boys Meet the Ultimate Jersey Boy: Bruce Springsteen!






Who's the Boss? Bruce Springsteen, of course! The Garden State's most celebrated native son made his way to the August Wilson Theatre on August 8 to check out Jersey Boys, the story of the Four Seasons, the pop quartet that paved the way to superstardom for the pride of Asbury Park. Springsteen came backstage during intermission to meet the starstruck Broadway cast and pose for a few photos. And tramps like us, baby, we tagged along to capture the scene!
Photos by Bruce Glikas/Broadway.com

more here


Wednesday, August 08, 2007

How Will Rain and Bad Weather Affect Your US Open Tennis Tickets?

Q. How Will Rain and Bad Weather Affect Your US Open Tennis Tickets?
Raining on the day you have tickets to the US Open ? It's your worst nightmare. You trekked out to Flushing Meadows to see your favorite tennis players, but the rain won't go away. So here's what you do.
A. Rain delays are not uncommon at the US Open in Flushing Meadows, but to get completely rained out of a session, well, that's tough luck. The US Open staff makes every effort to deal with rain, letting the show go on, but in case of an all-day rain, you might end up going home . If the weather looks bad on your US Open day, plan to go to Flushing Meadows regardless. It's likely that the grounds crew will have tennis swinging. If it's a real downpour, check the TV news and US Open.org for announcements. But, seriously, don't chance missing your day at the Open on account of a little moisture.

Buying tickets from a ticket broker for the US open and it rains, what do I do ? First you need to know the sellers policy, many of the best tickets for the US Open are sold as strips, meaning that you have one ticket that is good for that prime seat location to every match. The US Open figures that if you purchased a strip, you won't miss any tennis if its played Tuesday or washday hey you have a ticket for everyday. However, this is where it gets crazy, most brokers buy parts of a strip for tennis fans who want to offset the cost, and for those who can't make 13 days of tennis matches, ... so the ticket broker does not get a refund from the season ticket holders, because the USTA does not give a refund to the season ticket holders. The only tickets that get replaced are the single session tickets that are mostly located upstairs and are far from a desirable ticket. These tickets never sell out ever since they built the huge stadium and therefore the USTA will replace them, most likely giving you a ticket to this years US Open, if there is still time or a ticket to next years Open... once again the USTA has the money, and they really don't want to give the cash back. So please know whom you are buying the tickets from and what the terms of the sale are ... at tixx.com our policy is real simple no refunds no exchanges for any tickets that are in the loge or courtside level, we don't want to charge you for weather insurance and if we were to consider covering the cost for replacing possible rain tickets we would have to raise our prices accross the board for all tennis tickets to cover the fees we would could possibly incur...so pray for good weather at the US open ....there is nothing like a nice day at the US Open a real fun day one i have not missed in nearly 25 years


Tuesday, August 07, 2007

VAN HALEN Tour To Be Announced Next Week - Aug. 6, 2007










Report: VAN HALEN Tour To Be Announced Next Week - Aug. 6, 2007

According to Ray Waddell of Billboard.com, sources say a Hollywood press conference in one week will announce a 50-date American arena tour by VAN HALEN to begin in early October. The tour will feature founding VAN HALEN members David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen, with Eddie's son Wolfgang on bass.

VAN HALEN last toured in 2004 with vocalist Sammy Hagar, grossing nearly $40 million, according to Billboard Boxscore.

Wolfgang Van Halen, the projected replacement for VH bassist Michael Anthony, told People magazine in April 2007 that he wasn't disappointed there wasn’t' going to be a VAN HALEN tour this summer following his father's decision to check himself into rehab. "My dad's taking care of himself," he said. "I also think I'm too young for the experience, because I know there are a lot of bad things out there."

Eddie Van Halen issued a statement addressed to fans in early March announcing that he was seeking treatment because "at the moment I do not feel that I can give you my best.

"That's why I have decided to enter a rehabilitation facility to work on myself, so that in the future I can deliver the 110 percent that I feel I owe you and want to give you," the statement said.

Back in January, Eddie Van Halen told Rolling Stone magazine about Wolfgang, "Wait until you hear this kid play. I pick him up from school every day and we jam. We've got a shredding bass player now that's laying down the law for Alex [Van Halen, drums], so I get to weave in and out."

VAN HALEN was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.




To report any abusive, obscene, defamatory, racist, homophobic or threatening comments, or anything that may violate any applicable laws, please send an e-mail to bmouth@bellatlantic.net with pertinent details. Anyone posting such material will be immediately and permanently banned. IP addresses are recorded to aid us in enforcing these conditions.

COMMENT | first post
posted by : RealityDose 101
8/6/2007 2:47:44 PM


would be nice but i'll believe it when i see it. btw get michael anthony back you dummies!




COMMENT | Yeah, right...
posted by : parlyboy
8/6/2007 2:48:50 PM


It'll be cancelled the week after next!!




COMMENT | should be great
posted by : rockinmetalforever2000
8/6/2007 2:50:38 PM


hopefully they dont charge 225 pere ticket like the police.what are van halen worth per ticket?anywhere between 75.00 & 150.00 ?




COMMENT |
posted by : jc411502
8/6/2007 2:50:53 PM


"so I get to weave in and out."

He must be talking about driving somewhere.




COMMENT | It's not a successful rehabilitation
posted by : dhanishattuck
8/6/2007 2:53:11 PM


Unless you get to root causes and CLEARLY Eddie has anger issues cause I think everyone agrees that Mike is not in VH thru no fault of his own. If Ed can't get his head out of his ass, then he won't truly be able to fight his other demons. He has to learn to forgive and let go and not be so paranoid.




COMMENT | jc411502
posted by : The Bishop
8/6/2007 2:54:42 PM


That was purely awesome.

Thanks for the laugh.




COMMENT | Not sure there's rehab for EGO
posted by : Your Only God
8/6/2007 2:55:28 PM


and Eddie thinks its the singers he's worked with have ego problems. Sounds like he suffers from LGD. (Lead Guitarist Disease)




COMMENT |
posted by : robtune
8/6/2007 2:55:43 PM


Bring Michael back!!!!


P.S. Now!




COMMENT | SO WHAT!!!
posted by : BOLTED SPINE
8/6/2007 2:58:38 PM


It will never be like the good ol' days.




COMMENT | Don't bring back Michael Anthony
posted by : The Mighty Metal Pete
8/6/2007 3:01:17 PM


.....and only charge us half of a premium reunion ticket(say 50-75$ instead of 100-150$).

(sarcasm duly noted).....like that would really happen!!!!! Their perception of Big Mike & ours is a bit different.




COMMENT | ^^SO WHAT^^
posted by : bennycrusher
8/6/2007 3:04:37 PM


IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!!!!




COMMENT | No Mikey=No Tickets for me
posted by : ThisIsMyUsername
8/6/2007 3:04:50 PM


For shame, EVH.




COMMENT | 3/4 original...
posted by : Belexes
8/6/2007 3:05:47 PM


sucks. All he has to do is make peace with Michael and his hot sauces. Come on Ed, get a grip!




COMMENT | VHLinks....
posted by : ThisIsMyUsername
8/6/2007 3:07:14 PM


I saw a post at the Links that VH is utilizing Michael Anthony's PRE-RECORDED background vocals.
What utter shit.




COMMENT | This Will will suck
posted by : Ding_Bat
8/6/2007 3:08:48 PM


This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck-This Will will suck




COMMENT | VH
posted by : Ned Flanders
8/6/2007 3:11:01 PM


Coming soon to Blabbermouth: "Report: Van Halen Tour cancelled...again."




COMMENT | Yeah we all love Mikey but...
posted by : 11:11
8/6/2007 3:16:15 PM


We can still see Mikey out w/ Sammy. I find it strange that nobody seems even a little excited to see what this kid can actually pull off. This is the son of the guy that changed rock guitar playing forever. One of the best musical minds in history (though a little dusty for the last several years). I'm pumped to see what lil' Ed has to offer. The only problem I have with this whole damn thing is that they haven't toured in support of NEW GODDAMN MATERIAL in ages! For a couple dudes that have a studio in the back yard, they don't put a whole lot of shit down on tape! Give us a new record already! ...then tour.




COMMENT | It will start as a tour,
posted by : NASCARBill
8/6/2007 3:19:46 PM


it will end as a lawsuit.




COMMENT | American tour?
posted by : WhiteRatt
8/6/2007 3:21:35 PM


no Canada?




COMMENT | I predict this tour...
posted by : kidgruesome
8/6/2007 3:22:55 PM


will probably kill any chance of Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth ever touring, recording, being friends, etc. again. I mean, its been documented, that they just can't get along. We'll see though, I hope I'm wrong.




COMMENT | ^^
posted by : nyetfall82
8/6/2007 3:24:10 PM


Nobody wants to see what Wolfgang can do b/c he's VH's son, is in high school, and he isn't Mike. Quite frankly, why would anybody want to pay as much as these tickets are going to cost (and we all know that these ticket prices will make our cornholes so sore we might as well been drinkin Mike's hot sauce) when we don't even get to see the real VH. Simply put, why the hell should I settle for anything less than the original when the guy missing isn't dead? That's just laziness and petty behavior from Eddie. Unless it's all of 'em I don't need to see people my dad's age try to rock out and steal all their fans' cash one last time.




COMMENT | It's true...
posted by : cubeees
8/6/2007 3:24:25 PM


a close friend who knows the band told me two weeks ago that they have been rehearsing with DLR and that things are going great.

That being said, we've all seen it before, and an implosion is far more likely than a success with VH. I plan to go, but only if I can get tickets for one of the first two shows. Anything after those is a total and complete crap shoot if you ask me...




COMMENT | NASCARBill
posted by : kidgruesome
8/6/2007 3:25:28 PM


You summed up my prediction in one sentence. Aces, my friend.




COMMENT | They should be ashamed of themselves...
posted by : wiseblood
8/6/2007 3:30:50 PM


Having only ¾ of the original line-up is a huge kick in the guts to every Van Halen out there!
I've got nothing against Ed's kid - but expecting fans to fork out big dollars to see something like this is rude and can even be perceived as a quick money-grab.
If it really were about the fans, those egotistical Van Halen brothers would have done the right thing by calling Michael Anthony back!
I will not be going to see this incarnation of "Van Halen" at all.






COMMENT | `
posted by : Cyprus
8/6/2007 3:38:39 PM


Maybe Mike doesn't want to come back. After all, he has always hated Roth, loves Sam, and after the crap the VH brothers have put him through the last few years (i.e. forcing him to take a pay cut on the 2004 tour, kicking him out, etc.) I wouldn't blame him for staying away.




COMMENT | Questionable situation....
posted by : destructivesounds
8/6/2007 3:42:01 PM


Is Eddie in good shape physically or mentally?
Will his son handle the spotlight or turn into a degenerate?
Will DLR lose his mind and think it's 77 again?

One things for sure.....$$$$$$$$$$$$
If they don't fuck up and fight while touring.

I'd like to see them do this right.

As for Michael. Who knows? Perhaps Eddie always needs to have someone on the outs or perhaps he's always wanted his son to work with him and this is his big chance. It's more for Eddie than for the kid, if you ask me...




COMMENT |
posted by : Magical_Rainbows_From_Hell=The Stupidest+Longest Name eva!
8/6/2007 3:44:29 PM


Anybody thinking that they're gonna "stick it" to Eddie by not buying a ticket is retarded. If this tour happens, they're gonna sell-out every night.

P.S: Play
Romeo Delight, Outa Love Again, In A Simple Ryhme, Sinner's Swing, Little Guitars, and One Foot Out The Door!




COMMENT | give it up on michael
posted by : thor65
8/6/2007 3:51:19 PM


i can't really believe you people wouldn't go just because ma isn't there. do you really sit there and watch him when eddie is there playing guitar? i've seen them numerous times, and i never went thinking "i can't wait to hear ma's bass solo and his background vocals".




COMMENT | Does Al have any kids...
posted by : 11:11
8/6/2007 3:59:25 PM


that can sing? Why not make the band 100% Van Halen!? Keep it in the family.

Mikey's seems to be doing just fine and no-doubt keeping life stress-free for himself being w/ Sammy's band and making big bucks w/ the hot-sauce deal. I agree w/ Cyprus here. Mikey probably doesnt need the hassle or the money. And if he needs the money, then it aint worth the hassle.

Things change folks. Bands change. If there's more harmony w/ this line-up that allows the creativity to breathe better and it gets some new VH cranking through my speakers, then I'm all for it.




COMMENT | Bring back Mike and Sammy...
posted by : MetalPause
8/6/2007 4:00:50 PM


Yeah. That's right. I said it.




COMMENT | pfft
posted by : StygianKING#1
8/6/2007 4:20:51 PM


heres come the outrageous ticket prices again


and no michael? fuck that. it aint a reunion




COMMENT |
posted by : dflprd1
8/6/2007 4:22:23 PM


VAN HALEN Tour To Be Announced Next Week only to be cancelled the following week.




COMMENT | cubeees^
posted by : crankitup
8/6/2007 4:29:32 PM


....hit the nail on the head. Anything beyond the first few shows is going to be an absolute toss up and with the ticket prices that they would likely demand it could be an ugly deal if they end up cancelling a bunch of shows after it's already underway. History tends to repeat itself with a lot of these reunion tours especially when it involves bands that have been split up for long periods of time due to major differences so I won't be buying unless the ticket prices were guaranteed to be refundable in the event of a cancellation. Risky proposition but if it pans out, it would be a sweet show even without M.A.




COMMENT | DLR
posted by : slowfro
8/6/2007 4:30:38 PM


Sorry folks but DLR ain't got it no more. He can't sing and he doesn't have the energy of 1984 to make you forget that he can't sing. You all will be appreciating Sammy a lot more after this tour!






COMMENT |
posted by : metaljoint
8/6/2007 4:50:15 PM


I would go just to see eddie




COMMENT |
posted by : rando
8/6/2007 4:52:46 PM


Opening act: The Michael Schenker Group.




COMMENT | Parlyboy
posted by : Scotts_Orange_Juice
8/6/2007 4:54:48 PM


"It'll be cancelled the week after next!!"

Ha ha....priceless.





COMMENT | Pure bullshit...
posted by : 1GRITVOX
8/6/2007 4:55:44 PM


....no MA no tix for me...




COMMENT | Dave
posted by : Scotts_Orange_Juice
8/6/2007 4:57:00 PM


I just hope diamond dave don't fuck shit up with his egomaniac ass...

Eddie almost gave him a swollen fat lip at the MTV awards!




COMMENT | rando-
posted by : 11:11
8/6/2007 4:57:07 PM


NICE.
LOL




COMMENT | rando
posted by : Scotts_Orange_Juice
8/6/2007 4:58:47 PM


"Opening act: The Michael Schenker Group."

lol...that is, if either act don't cancel out of the tour...




COMMENT | Fuck yeah!
posted by : StarsAndBars420
8/6/2007 4:59:16 PM


I will gladly give up Michael Anthony for getting Eddie & Dave on stage.




COMMENT |
posted by : axeslinger0u812
8/6/2007 5:36:52 PM


i'm as big a vh fan as anyone on here, and I agree with starsandbars420. I don't go to a vh concert to see michael anthony and his jack daniels bass. granted, it is cool. and his harmonies will be missed, but eddie and whichever singer he decided to bring along was the ticket for me. i'm looking forward to getting to see some of the old material, as we all know dave can't sing any of the sammy songs. and if he does, and it doesn't suck, i would shit my pants. but how sweet it will be when they pull out hot for teacher, mean streets, unchained, or little dreamer, doa,...the list could go on. this is fucking diamond dave and fast eddie. perhaps there's a tarnish on dave, and it's more like moderately quick eddie, but still. i'm there. if it happens.




COMMENT |
posted by : booch
8/6/2007 5:45:36 PM


vh rlz




COMMENT | =VH=
posted by : RiotAct666
8/6/2007 6:08:22 PM


Hell yeah i'm there baby!




COMMENT |
posted by : Skanna
8/6/2007 6:15:55 PM


No new album? Then why bother?




COMMENT | Well
posted by : Expanded Consciousness
8/6/2007 6:36:48 PM


Eddie is forcing this to happen - his son in Van Halen.
Dave doesn't want it.
The management doesn't want it.
Live Nation (tour promoter) doesn't want it.
The fans don't want it.
Rock history doesn't want it.
Just Eddie.
It's all about Eddie.
The money won't be there.
Imagine Sting reuniting The Police and only inviting one along, but putting someone else on guitar or drums.
It is a joke.
Eddie has been a joke snce 1985.
He must enjoy being laughed at, mocked, criticized.

Should have done the reunon tour first.
Then after that fuck around with different lineups.

Eddie, you are a joke!




COMMENT |
posted by : IAmNotStephenColbert
8/6/2007 7:04:34 PM


I'm going, I don't care, if DLR is there then so am I.




COMMENT |
posted by : DannyBonnaduceForeheadVein
8/6/2007 7:16:16 PM


for some reason i do not belive that dlr will be wearing the same get ups he used to, and a mellowed out dlr just wont do. his stage presence was great as the ultimate party dude, but seeing a 40+ year old act like he's 20 is going to be kind of lame. maybe its better that we have the albums to remember them by and we should just leave it at that.




COMMENT |
posted by : pigchop
8/6/2007 7:19:26 PM




A shredding bass player? Why does everything these days have to 'shred'? Damn kids these days won't listen unless it shreds and the singer grunts his way through every song.

Idiots.

Van Halen needs not a bass player who shreds, but only plays solid. And of course, in the case of Van Halen - michael Anthony fits the bill. Oh sure, he may not be the greatest bass player, but he is solid enough - that and some great backing vocals.

I figured Eddie Vanhalen would come to his senses after this last go with rehab; would go to Michael Anthony and ask him to be a part of this tour and, not as a hired gun.

Bummer.









COMMENT | Ho-hum
posted by : Ministry of Anarchy
8/6/2007 7:28:19 PM


Bigfoot is real, rednecks get abducted by UFOs, drinking Coke with Poprocks in your mouth is dangerous, GnR will release Chinese Democracy, Van Halen will do a reunion tour!!!!!!

Haven't we heard this all before?????






COMMENT |
posted by : battery666
8/6/2007 7:36:20 PM


It's not VH without Michael Anthony and his jack daniels bass.




COMMENT |
posted by : DESERTPLAINS
8/6/2007 7:38:12 PM


GET MICHAEL ANTHONY, THEN MAYBE. No one wants to pay 100 bucks to watch a kid learn how to play bass. What a load of shit.




COMMENT | God will you naysayers please stop!
posted by : SchecterShredder
8/6/2007 7:38:53 PM


DLR and Eddie are cool with each other. There will be no damned implosion so to speak on this tour. They will fly to gigs or have seperate tour buses for the shorter runs so there won't be a lot of *in your face time* These guys need each other @ this point in time. DRL knows it, Eddie and Alex know it also. I'm curious to see Eddie's kid rock out with 'em. I love Mikey as much as the rest of you, but he wasn't CRUCIAL to Van Halen. His backing vocals maybe, but bass wise, no. He is good friends with Sammy now and probably has no interest in doing old Van Halen songs when he can do whatever he wants to with Sammy without getting bitched at/out. Oh, and did I mention Sammy's checks don't bounce and arn't small either. Sammy took Mikey in when he was confused about where to go and what to do. God bless Hagar for not letting Mikey fade into retirement. He's better off with Sam and he knows it. No matter what, I wish all these guys the best of luck and hope they can all shake hands again someday.




COMMENT | I'll check out......
posted by : Ministry of Anarchy
8/6/2007 7:44:14 PM


the ONLY 2 to take the time out to show up for the HOF induction(the ones who RESPECT their fans, and don't just love the fans for their money).

Unlike Dave,Eddie and Eddie's bitch of a lapdop Alex(from Stroh's????), who because they were on the rag that night, didn't even bother showing up nor thank the fans for their support.




COMMENT | Wait
posted by : SchecterShredder
8/6/2007 7:58:33 PM


Before we judge them on the RnR hall of fame no show, lets not assume to know what really happend. That was right in the middle of Eddies trip to rehab and the associated sadness and realization of what's happening. Thanks to Sam and Mikey for showing. But lets not get all judgemental here. Everything is NEVER black and white.




COMMENT | van halen tour cancelled
posted by : metalwarlord
8/6/2007 8:03:21 PM



eddie van halen....today went into rehab for electro shock therapy...he has ruined 2 versions of van halen..and needs to be rehabed....in other van halen news alex van halen slipped and broke his wrist apparently he slipped on his hair grease....tour will resume in 2020....further details to follow

american press reporter


metalwarlord2007

metal up your ass




COMMENT | Yeah....
posted by : Ministry of Anarchy
8/6/2007 8:07:34 PM


Eddie was in rehab(but he chose to go in RIGHT before the induction. Why????? Was he afraid of being shown up by Dave or the bad blood between him and Sammy/Mike). But where were Dave and Alex????? What....couldn't Dave get the night off from waiting tables??? Is Alex soooooooo brother-whipped that he couldn't show????? Got news for ya.....neither had anything better to do!!!!!!!

The truth is they DON'T care for the fans, they just want to put some butts in the seats......plain and simple, they love the fans' wallets more than the actual fans.....and it will show when they announce the ticket prices!!!!!




COMMENT | W T F !
posted by : vanhagar
8/6/2007 8:13:53 PM





It's not Van Halen with out Michael and Sammy!

Roth hasn't been apart of VH since 1984.

They won't tour ever again.
Sammy and mike have it made.


!


I miss those Van Hagar years.


.




COMMENT | another tour...
posted by : Persecutorxx
8/6/2007 8:15:07 PM


jesus christ....




COMMENT | Reunion tours
posted by : Expanded Consciousness
8/6/2007 8:18:26 PM


Reunion tours are about recreating the past.
Looking up there and seeing the original four horseman make a triumphant return.
It ain't gonna have the magic without Mike there.
It's gonna fall flat.

I'm still going.
Though many won't.





COMMENT | NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by : SLAYTANIC WAR RABBIT
8/6/2007 8:20:23 PM


FUCK NO! FUCK YOU EDDIE!!! YOU'RE NOT GETTING MY HOPES AGAIN!!




COMMENT |
posted by : JO JO
8/6/2007 8:36:14 PM


have Mike and Wolfgang do the tour. Wofgang can play guitar bass drums and keyboards.

problem solved.






COMMENT | Mike Anthony is a HAGARITA!!!
posted by : Ultra Man vh
8/6/2007 8:57:21 PM


Anthony made it real clear that he is Sammy's boy. Yeah I would love to see the original 4 back together, but I will settle for seeing The Diamond One and The King of Six Strings sharing the stage again. These two guys had an AWESOME chemistry together, something that Ed never had or could develope with Hagar. Van Hagar was a candy ass pop act.




COMMENT | Throw Bottles At The Kid
posted by : ThrashMe
8/6/2007 9:05:57 PM


It is either Michael or nothing...why should some sperm monkey get a free ride to be in VH because he got shot out of a ball sack..screw that...I hope th elittle bastard gets laid by some groupies and get AIDS.

Sammy is laughing all the way to the bank with his $80 Million on the To Kill Ya sale plus his still owned 20%....VH fucked up.

Roth...it would have been cool 10 years ago but these days he is shot....better to get the guy from Atomic Punks..he was better than Dave ever really was live.

I hope Michael sells his hot sauce for $100 Million dollars just to piss of the bone head Van Halen Bros.




COMMENT |
posted by : BUZZWICKED
8/6/2007 9:27:46 PM


3 EGO MANIACS AND 1 KID....WOW ..




COMMENT | Where is fthegop......
posted by : Ministry of Anarchy
8/6/2007 10:18:54 PM


as much as we didn't see eye to eye on this, it just isn't the same without his opinions on the DLR/Hagar debate!!!!

Come back fhtegop.......all is forgiven!!!!! ;-)




COMMENT | Retirement Tour
posted by : BadMofo
8/6/2007 10:21:53 PM


This is the Retirement Tour. If they can gross 50 million on this tour, then these guys will never have to work again. As for that dude who said this is all about Eddie, I am sure Roth could use the money as much as anybody. These guys will get along for this tour for sure as they won't be doing this much longer and can live fat for the rest of their lives.




COMMENT | Congratulations
posted by : steveowabo
8/6/2007 10:58:58 PM


Bmouth has officially posted what is likely to be the most copied and pasted headline of the month..

Yeah, been a VH Fan for years, believe it when I see it.




COMMENT | If you really want to relive the 80's
posted by : lake monster
8/6/2007 11:19:19 PM


go see the Atomic Punks. They do Van Halen better than Van Halen does these days and it wouldn't cost you a mortgage payment for the ticket.

Has anyone actually heard DLR lately? Any chance he'll be lipping during these shows? Now I fully realize EVH spent three whole days in rehab, but does anyone really know if he is still sober or if he has rekindled his relationship with Smoking Loon?
Inquiring minds really DO want to know.

These turds have been shafting their fans for years. Why will it be any different now?




COMMENT | HOF
posted by : calislim
8/7/2007 1:04:19 AM


I think it was wise of Roth to skip the HOF ceremony... although it may have been an honor to be inducted, it was a turkey of a show. Especially if he knew the bros wouldn't be there either.... I can't imagine Roth sitting there having to endure Velvet Revolver's awful performance or having to watch Sammy/MA with Paul Schaffer . . .




COMMENT |
posted by : MetalBeer666
8/7/2007 4:52:17 AM


What the hell did Michael Anthony do to deserve being dissed like this ?


aw hell just get Michael Schenker to play bass !






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