Jump to content

#23: Lordy. He is one more hunkalicious dude!


Ansamcw

Thread Title Poll  

56 members have voted

  1. 1. What should be the next thread title at FCA?

    • It is more than just the vox and the humor and the gahness!
      3
    • Somewhere out there Clay is looking cute and talking with an accent and practicing a dance.
      31
    • In so many ways, Clay has made me throw my sanity to the wind.
      1
    • Clay is just standing out there with his naked voice, balls proud, singing his heart out without a safety net.
      4
    • "Them desire prospered New Year"
      2
    • He's one yummy man from any angle I look at him.
      4
    • I just betcha "Sir Robin" is going to fit his Clayness like a second skin.
      11


Recommended Posts

And now for a totally shallow post- but in the interests of sharing:

Check out these two clips from Wichita-

Jazzy Medley by Laura Q- starting at about 4:20

And Jingle Bells Medley by Gibb Gal starting at about 2:00

That tongue is amazing!! Imagine what else ....................

Thinking about luscious lips and what they hide behind them

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Honestly, Spamalot ain't Shakespeare by any means. Clay will have to learn some twisty dialogue for his Sir Robin role, but any Monty Python fan could recite many of the lines verbatim. [And I think Clay told one of the M&G groups he already had his lines down.] I have no real worries about his dancing, as I think he will be well-coached, and we know he's got the stage presence and comic timing. Sir Robin's not the star of the show, and I'm sure the ensemble will support Clay, especially since Mike Nicole's has given him a stamp of approval. Better to have a "Stunt Cast", I think, and keep working, than to face a continued slide in ticket sales and have the show close.

I would be a little concerned about Clay fans going into Spamalot cold, as it definitely ain't My Fair Lady or something. Spamalot is loud and bright and more than just a little rude, and there's a minimal plot to tie the numbers together. No surprise to Monty Python fans, but unwary ticket buyers may be in for a shock.

Hee! I can't see them being able to plop a performance of Sir Robin's big number "You Can't Succeed on Broadway" down in the middle of a morning TV show, for instance, because out of context a line that goes something like "You can't succeed on Boradway without any Jews" comes across as a little shocking. :imgtongue:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good morning , all. I hope everyone is feeling blessed in some special way today. The New Year is just around the corner and I'm going to try to make a list. I love lists. I make lists and than I forget to go read them and mark things off. Clay Aiken is getting better looking every minute. LOL!!! Spamalot... Praying for good opening night reviews. I put that on my list to pray about that. *g* Have a great day.

Aww, merryclay, I hope you don't set yourself up too high in wishing/hoping for 'good reviews' for Clay's debut. I think the actual broadway reviewers will at least be fair, and the ones who kick Clay simply because he is Clay - they will never change. If you ask me, the biggest thing you'll have to fear come January 19th is the fans. *I* 'pray' that those who are there will at least consider their 'power' before posting their reviews. There are a relatively few of us, and clack or no, we will set the tone, at least on the boards. Don't agree? Think the opening night of DCAT. Think the opening night of CITH. And those were Clay's shows. I think that a portion of the people going to see Spamalot have no real idea what they'll be seeing. (Psssst: Clay doesn't sing Solitaire.) And even more scary are those who will judge him not having seen it, but based on a few negative reactions from those in attendance. Again: CITH

Listening to the last few cellcerts only drove these thoughts home to me. It was like watching NASCAR. Nobody asked how wonderfully they drove, how skillful was the maneuver in turn 3, how beautiful the shine on the hood. Nope. How many crashes were there, and was there any blood?????

I'm not proposing *gasp* censorship, merely that we consider how much impact our words will have. Is our right/need to express every thought that ever enters our head more important to us? Given how many times that the very people posting their initial disdain came around (of course, after their damage had been done), could those who hate it at least wait a day or two? Yes, I did get a lovely new pair of rose coloured glasses for Christmas. Why do you ask? *g*

Quoting this, just because this whole thing needs to be seen again. Thanks for this Cindilu, I wish some (a few)of the fans could cut him some slack and just give a performance or show a chance to settle in before gracing every one they come in contact with their critique. Another thing to consider is that Monty Python type humor is not for everyone and that could certainly color some perceptions of the show and Clay's performance. After all, even Clay had to see it a second time to really appreciate it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

lucky, what a wonderful Christmas surprise from your kids! You wouldn't happen to have before and after pictures, would you?

Hee, no, I am not sure you'd even be able to angle a picture in that room, it's so tiny! But they basically tore down the old green wallpaper (that had been there since we moved in 6 years ago and looked horrible), repainted the room a nice warm brown colour, and put up new towel racks, etc, complete with nice new fluffy white towels, and a framed picture.

Cute story - when my mom was leaving this morning, we were standing in the driveway, and she came over to me and hugged me and said "Clay told me I had to say I love you, so...I love you". Awwwwwwww, and here I thought she wasn't paying attention during the skating special yesterday!

How cool was that special, anyways? Much more Clay-centric than I anticipated. I loved the way they mentioned his name at every commercial break, too. I think getting him involved in figure skating was a stroke of genius. I hope they have him back again another time.

OK, off to perhaps spend my Chapters/Indigo gift card, and meet cindilu2 at the movie theatre. Nice break to have a kids-free day, once in a while. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At this point, I knpow which reviews to ignore. Wish other people could see a pattern. Yes, everyone has a right to an opinion, but some opinions are same old same old. I wish I felt free to drag out old reviews of each concert so others could see the pattern, it is there. Hint: any review that starts off l;isting the negative things rather than the good things may seem fair to the reviewer, but the first things set the tone forthe review. maybe we can have some one teach the art of writing a review to some people. As balanced as the review may be if you take it apart, opening with well I haved this..... and going does not mean you are above a yes fan. I think to many people, they are afraid of being an uncritical fan because of the polly Positive insults slung around so easily.

BTW, Jamar belatedbirthday-1.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I absolutely loved Spamalot the two times I've seen it...I can't wait to see it with Clay. What concerns me are the people in the fandom who had a HUGE issue with what they perceived as a crotch grab during the summer tour and Sir Robin singing about things being shitty and such. They didn't think Clay should lower himself to grabbing his thigh....what in the world will they do when they actually hear the word shit come out of his mouth....plus a few other colorful lyrics in his big song?

If they go to this, they better be prepared for a WHOLE nuther kind of Clay...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I absolutely loved Spamalot the two times I've seen it...I can't wait to see it with Clay. What concerns me are the people in the fandom who had a HUGE issue with what they perceived as a crotch grab during the summer tour and Sir Robin singing about things being shitty and such. They didn't think Clay should lower himself to grabbing his thigh....what in the world will they do when they actually hear the word shit come out of his mouth....plus a few other colorful lyrics in his big song?

If they go to this, they better be prepared for a WHOLE nuther kind of Clay...

And then's there's the high-pitched screaming, butt-grabbing and references to Sir Robin soiling his armour from time to time...

:naughtywag:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

playbiller said:

At this point, I know which reviews to ignore.

I am trying harder about that - I read a review (actually just criticism) elsewhere, about the skating show, and it was, at first, kinda dragging down my enjoyment of the show, because I was watching with those things the person didn't like running through my head - then I found myself with that Clay Aiken grin on my face, and I just added a name to the do-not-bother-reading list.

Not putting down people with negative opinions, it is just that I have gradually come to see that the negatives have nothing to do with my own fandom, so buh-bye!

The last two weeks, life-and-career-wise, have been absolutely ruinously horrible, and the show did make me feel a bit better.

I think to many people, they are afraid of being an uncritical fan because of the polly Positive insults slung around so easily.

Heeee.....I would of course sling those insults right back, I no longer give a flying feck about that stuff; the day I start spending lots of time on stuff I DON'T like is the day they can get me some therapy.

My sister came over last week and in very grave tones informed me that she is now a Groban fan - but assured me that Clay's MDYK is still her number one - and when I said I didn't care for Groban's monotonous (to me) vibrato and phrasing, she told me it was only because i would feel disloyal to Clay.....WTF???? baby, baby, where did the fun go?

Heh, I enjoyed Sweeney Todd a great deal more than I do the constant put-downs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My mom's discharged YAY.

I don't know anything about Spamalot, or the movie that inspired it. I often wonder if I should go in cold or at least watch The Holy Grail. I've seen some of the original actors and liked them but am not a fan of silly which I "think" this is. Right now I'm excitred about it because it's Clay.

As for reviews... I like honesty in my reviews. I do like to avoid reading all over clay nation on opening night and honestly, even like to know who the cellcerter is before I listen in at halftime. I appreciate all they do, really, it's an art but this has been my pattern since NAT.

It's interesting to me but one thing I noticed about us is that we expect perfection from Clay. When I go to a concert I don't expect Clay to sound just like the record. The live performance has it's own rewards. But even coming out of concerts I noticed that many times first mentioned is what he messed up even when people are still in fog. Oh he was great, just missed that note on MDYK. I don't know if it's because this is ordinary cristicism or if we've gotten in the habit of wanting him to be perfect for the NJU people. My answer to that is there are a whole bunch of popular stars that sounds like crap every time they sing live so don't care that Clay is perfect. With Spamalot a whole big level is taken out anyway because he neither created the concept or picked the songs. I honestly don't know what to expect. I wish him well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Couchie, I'm not sure I'd say Spamalot is silly as much as it is seriously snarky, smartassed, irreverent, off the cuff humor.

That's why I think Clay will fit like a glove...he is a natural at subtle, off the cuff humor, I think.

I'm very excited.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ms. Tomato wisely said

I often wonder if I should go in cold or at least watch The Holy Grail. I've seen some of the original actors and liked them but am not a fan of silly which I "think" this is.

I don't think of Python humor as silly so much as it is off-the-wall - there is some pretty dark and intelligent humor in there - I recommend watching Holy Grail!

It's interesting to me but one thing I noticed about us is that we expect perfection from Clay. When I go to a concert I don't expect Clay to sound just like the record. The live performance has it's own rewards. But even coming out of concerts I noticed that many times first mentioned is what he messed up even when people are still in fog. Oh he was great, just missed that note on MDYK. I don't know if it's because this is ordinary cristicism or if we've gotten in the habit of wanting him to be perfect for the NJU people. My answer to that is there are a whole bunch of popular stars that sounds like crap every time they sing live so don't care that Clay is perfect.

Big giant word! I don't expect perfection from anyone, I am generally just happy to be in the presence - not just Clay, other concerts, too - it is the concert experience I love, I hate when it seems like a vocal few are practically holding up scoring points like a concert was an Olympic event - it seems strange to go to a concert just watching for things to be critical of.

Heck, I even had fun at an MC Hammer, Boyz to Men Salt'n'Pepa concert, was not my kind of music, but the joy was infectious.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it will help that opening night fan reviews can only be given by posters who have actually, you know, SEEN the show, and won't be based on a half-heard underwater cell cert and a track listing. I realize I've been guilty of doing the second thing myself, especially with the TV and Not-Cool medleys from the DCAT, which I hated in concept and grew to love based on the videos and seeing the show live.

It's hard to say about whether or not you should go into Spamalot cold or not. I'm a MP fan, and had watched The Holy Grail DVD again about a month before I saw Spamalot. There are definitely bits from the movie that are dropped straight into the show that Python fans would know very well. Other musical numbers and whatnot are brand new for Broadway. I don't think there are too many "In" jokes that a newbie wouldn't find funny, though. Hmmm, jumpingjacks and others who have seen Spamalot, what do you think?

Sounds like some ((HUGS)) are still in order, as are a few "Yay's!" for Couchie's mom.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I didn't feel like there was anything in the show that a non-MP person wouldn't get...I haven't seen a lot of Monty Python stuff and I still laughed myself sick. The second time was even better than the first. I saw it in Houston last summer and it seemed like the guys and I were the only ones laughing outloud....in Denver it was a less subdued crowd and the whole place was nuts.

I really think it's a lot of fun.

Play, I know you're right but I'm guessing it will be less about Clay and more about disliking the show. I would bet most will say it is beneath Clay to be in such a "off color" production. That's what is going to bug me.

Being in "My Fair Lady" or "Les Miz" would be more his caliber, ya know, even though he is an unknown entity on the Broadway stage.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the reaction to Spamalot will be very interesting to watch. The closest thing to a Python moment that I can think of, was the horse bit on Kimmel. Fans who didn't "get" that, will probably have trouble with a lot of Spamalot. Parts of the play are just seemingly random bits, without content or meaning, just funny as hell. I suspect the reviews will be all over the place and review the concept as well as Clay's performance.

I doubt very much that "professional" critics and reviewers will bother reviewing a play that's several years into its run just because of a minor cast change. If they do, even if the reviews are awful, it is a real testament to the high visibility of Clay.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I personally am sick to death of people dripping acid all over everything Clay does and itemizing every crack in his voice or 1/2 second of imperfection. I've yet to go to any concert by anyone where every note was perfect. Clay's voice imperfections are miniscule compared to most artist's I've seen. I don't mind honesty, but when the same people write the same kinds of nasty comments over and over again, it does take on the appearance of doing it just to get attention (ref: Psychology 1A).

AND (since I'm on a roll), I especially dislike the constant comments about how he's "tired" or "exhausted" etc. Are these people on the bus with him? Sleeping with him so they can verify that he's not getting enough sleep or the poor thing can't handle 20 concerts? Horse pucky.

Is that pissy and honest enough?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Morning!! I'm SO glad we have Boxing Day....I can't imagine having to go to work the day after Christmas festivities. Does anything actually get accomplished if you work that day??

luckiest1 what a great Christmas gift! Did you know it was happening or was it a surprise?

Couchie, so glad to see the good news about your Mom!

I had thought (a bit, hee....) about going out to do some Boxing Day bargain hunting (I need another TV badly) but we are fogged in; I can't even see across the street. So I'm staying home. Twisted my own arm, talked myself right into it. A whole DAY to work on pictures, play with some art stuff I bought in Buffalo before the concerts, talk to y'all......whee!! :lmaosmiley-1:

I know NOthing, nada, bupkes...about Spamalot. Likely won't have time to get and see the movie. But I plan on enjoying the hell out of it anyway if I get to go...and I vote for cindilu2's review suggestion!

My glasses are firmly in place as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just looked at the list of people going on opening night and the next 3 nights after that...WTH? These tickets are not cheap...I know I've seen the show twice but I just can't imagine going to it on 3 or 4 consecutive nights.

I know people go to many, many concerts in a row but I always thought that was because ya never knew how he would change it up...I don't think that's gonna happen in this show. I guess I don't understand that mind set....and I wish I had their money! Ouch!

I wonder if any of the people going to consecutive shows are going to see anything else while there?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

JJ I can imagine going 3-4 days in a row. We have to fly clear across the country to see Spamalot, so we have to see it while we're there--can't go and then wait a few weeks and go again. We've got tickets for 2 nights (and MAY add more.) I suppose it does seems somewhat irrational, but people go to gamble day after day when they are in LV or Atlantic City (or ANY casino, for that matter) or go to one baseball/football game after another. It's not really different. Even if it's the same show, you can't catch every nuance in one performance. If I see a movie I really like, I always try to go back to see it a time or two to "study" it.

PS: Yes, we plan to go to a play every day that we're there. I love Broadway!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

But its Clay playing a PART- I dont really understand how they can criticize the dialogue/language when it is ACTING the part that is set out for him.

I watched Monty Python a lot years ago- definitely irreverant humour- but humour nonetheless. Its definitely an acquired taste

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm flying clear across the country, too...I guess I'm just in a different place with seeing him...once will be enough for me. Perhaps if I hadn't seen the show already, I'd feel different....I dunno.

I am going to see Clay but I am not going just to see Clay...the show is a big draw for me.

I love Broadway, too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, I have tickets for opening night and I will be getting tickets for closing and a coulpe of times inbetween. I will be going with different people each time. I like watching the same movies over and over. And I must admit I have seen each episode of Fauwlty towers several times and if it were on now, I would watch it again. I may do a silly walk on my way to the show, but I will not have a dead parrot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can see I touched on a subject that I should have kept my mouth shut about...my apologies.

I'll shut up now.

I didn't feel touched. LOL. I think people just view this differently. That's ok. I don't understand how anyone could just go ONCE so I can understand how you could feel the opposite.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
×
×
  • Create New...