@GertrudeMcFuzz Fun fact…Do you know who wrote that NPH opening number? Lin-Manuel Miranda! That is how he won his Emmy.
Who wrote the NPH number about “it’s (theater) not just for the gays anymore”? That was hysterical. I just rewatched it and noted that NPH must be incredibly fit to not be out of breath when he’s doing so much core work!
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I liked James Corden - but NPH is the best. That 2013 opener is amazing.
@happy1 - wow, thanks for that fun fact! LMM is frighteningly talented.
I looked up “It’s not just for gays anymore” That one was written by the two composers of the show Cry Baby, which I am not familiar with. That was a great number as well.
LMM also wrote the rap that NPH closed the Tonys with - it is especially brilliant because it was written as the show was live, and perfectly recapped the night.
As I mentioned in the other Hamilton discussion, Tommy Kail co-wrote that with Lin but rarely, if ever!, gets credit for it. He and Alex Lacamoire were instrumental in the enormous success of Hamilton, and I feel it’s important to point that out!
Here is a video of the making of that closing number which is kind of interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CR-sAit8LE
For “behind the scenes” guys I think they do get a fair amount of credit for their work. And better yet they get royalties from Hamilton (along with choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler) and should will all be very rich men from this endeavor (deservedly so).
Apparently, Lin Manuel wanted to change the song to “It’s Quiet Uptown” for the Tony Awards in the wake of Orlando, but Jeffrey Seller wouldn’t let him because he wanted a big dance number. Like Hamilton needed to prove anything at this point?? Ugh. It would’ve been so much more apropos.
There are moments that the words don’t reach
There is suffering too terrible to name
You hold your child as tight as you can
And push away the unimaginable …
wow! I had no idea… that’s awesome. The Tony’s are always the best award show (IMO), and I think NPH 2013 will not be topped anytime soon (I’m sure it will eventually!)
@choirsandstages, that would have been the perfect choice under the circumstances. I’m sure LMM isn’t perfect, but the more I learn about him, the more impressed I am.
Given what I’ve read about how loaded “It’s Quiet Uptown,” I am sure there wouldn’t have been a dry eye on the stage. LMM looked stricken and on the verge of tears to me through the Yorktown performance.
I don’t think I could have watched “It’s Quiet Uptown” if they’d chosen that. As it is, I bawl every time it plays on my iPod! It’s an amazing song.
David Javerbaum wrote the NPH opening number “Broadway: It’s Not Just for Gays Anymore.” Fun fact, he also wrote Act of God, which has played in NYC, LA, SF. It all started with his joke Twitter handle, Tweet of God.