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Post by inthenose on Apr 22, 2022 18:53:24 GMT
I agree, whilst I'd never go to something like this in a million years, that doesn't mean others can't and have a brilliant time. The way I see it is it's better to have the option than not!
Some performers will do a roaring trade (CHF, Elphabas, people from Six) in merch and photos which I can't begrudge either.
I do think there is a bit of a carny "hustle" tradition about these convention events, however. The smaller performers often handle the cash themselves in their bumbags, and there's something a little uncomfortable/disingenuous about the act of physically paying someone for a minute or so of their time/a signed photo from their stand. It's a little bit of a soliciting situation for my liking...
An actor I worked with previously told me about the "con circuit" and how certain fans will go to every single one, always pay for a photo and autograph, and it was his responsibility for those five or so minutes to be their "friend". He would make notes on certain superfans with key info, e.g. "cat named Fluffy" for example, then when they pay to meet him again he can check his notes and say "how's Fluffy!!?" which would make that customer's day. Basically, creating a false parasocial relationship in order to secure repeat business. Very carny.
I was also astonished how much relatively obscure names can make in one day, thousands of pounds for shaking hands and taking photographs.
That said, if people choose to do it and enjoy doing it, what's the harm?
I will finally also add, people at these events *can* be truly intolerable. You know the screaming fans at, say, a cast change or first night at Wicked? How they will do anything to get attention from "their cast", usually hurting the enjoyment of those around them?
Now imagine that non-stop, for a whole weekend, in costumes. It isn't for everyone, but some will love it, mostly 12-16 year olds.
Security is always on hand at the big events, and there is always at least one fight/notable incident at every one I've had dealings with. Arguments over cosplay, their favourite actor/actress, who gives the best gift to the actor, how long the actor talks with one person instead of another etc etc etc. The ExCel seems worst for this for some reason.
Despite all that, I'm glad it's happening and hope everyone who goes has a great time.
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Post by richey on Apr 22, 2022 21:13:26 GMT
Surprised to see negativity about it in here. As soon as it was announced I put a post on Facebook and lots of my friends, like me, got quite excited about it.
I've been to conventions at Excel before and found them enjoyable so really looking forward to it.
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Post by FairyGodmother on Apr 22, 2022 22:08:53 GMT
CHF isn't going, it's her birthday.
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Post by h86 on Apr 23, 2022 7:50:18 GMT
I think it’s a great idea.
Broadwaycon has been going for a few years (pre pandemic) so why not something similar over in the UK.
So many fans want more contact and interaction with performer and this gives them a chance to do that. Also doing industry workshops and talks is great to give people a taste of what is involved.
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Post by HereForTheatre on Apr 23, 2022 8:18:12 GMT
I wouldn't go for the meet & greets anyway, I don't care about that at all really. It's the other things that interest me. Conventions are more than just about going to have a picture with your fave. It's a whole experience and event. If I go I'd just have a nice time looking around all the stalls and popping into some of the performances and q&a's or whatever. Yes you can have all the fangirls but for many it would be just a casual stagey afternoon.
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Post by jacob on Apr 23, 2022 10:05:42 GMT
Similar to events like RPDR con.. I think this will be a hit
providing there are no workshop issues, major cancellations , problematic goers etc etc
should all be fine:))
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Post by danb on Apr 23, 2022 11:50:12 GMT
On reflection it is just taking MT fandom to its logical ‘end point’, like most recording & touring artists have already done. Bet they’re gutted they can’t do a limited edition, hand numbered, gatefold coloured vinyl box set of the event to really make it desirable! I just hope the profits get ploughed back into theatre rather than some grotty, would-be producer/promoters pocket. (And that it is an enjoyable event for those who have chosen to go).
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Post by scarpia on Apr 23, 2022 17:17:10 GMT
Not for me but it'll be interesting to know how it does. I always find Broadway does these kind of events far better than the West End. There's no real sense of theatre community in London in the same way there is in New York. Broadway flea market is free and there is a lot of good stuff (old props etc) that one can get. The recent West End flea market pre-pandemic was a bit rubbish in comparison.
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Post by musicalcritical on Apr 26, 2022 2:23:07 GMT
Has any event like this taken place in London before?
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Post by interval99 on May 6, 2022 13:50:48 GMT
From YouTube shorts
Promo clip for the con. I am expecting most board members can do better than the three I could name.
As for which casts I would like to see reunited unfortunately would be impossible for most without a seance but the original American idiot cast at the Arts from only a few years back would be good to see perform again and all young enough to be able to.
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Post by interval99 on May 6, 2022 13:53:48 GMT
And if you do watch who is the bloke on just before Layton
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Post by richey on May 6, 2022 14:06:08 GMT
From YouTube shorts Promo clip for the con. I am expecting most board members can do better than the three I could name. As for which casts I would like to see reunited unfortunately would be impossible for most without a seance but the original American idiot cast at the Arts from only a few years back would be good to see perform again and all young enough to be able to. Why do I get the impression from that video that they've not actually got much planned so far? |
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Post by Dr Tom on May 6, 2022 14:09:57 GMT
And if you do watch who is the bloke on just before Layton Jon Robyns? I didn't have the patience to go through it all. I hate videos without controls. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 6, 2022 14:32:22 GMT
1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8.  9.  10.  11.  12.  13.  14.  15.  16.  |
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Post by Dr Tom on May 6, 2022 14:40:26 GMT
I think I can name five. But I won't say which five!
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Post by richey on May 6, 2022 14:43:44 GMT
Ooh is this the musical theatre equivalent of Wordle?
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Post by cezbear on May 6, 2022 14:44:08 GMT
Trevor Dion Nicholas
Jodie Steele
Millie O'Connell ?
Lauren Drew
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Vicki Manser
Jon Robyns
Layton Williams
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Cassidy Janson
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Started well then fell down with it!
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Post by inthenose on May 6, 2022 15:07:22 GMT
It's a veritable who's that of musical theatre...
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Post by alece10 on May 6, 2022 18:20:49 GMT
I can name 6 and one of them belongs in the bad behaviour thread because of her behaviour at WOS a few years ago.
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Post by mattnyc on May 6, 2022 18:36:08 GMT
We have BroadwayCon here in NYC. I went once. Never again. It was about 5 years ago so I would have been 38 and that seemed about 30 years older than the rest of the crowd was. If you like kids running around SCREAMING and crying dressed as their favorite characters from musicals you think are some of the worst things ever written, then you’ll have a ball.
I went only because there was a panel discussion featuring members of the original cast of “Follies” and for me, it made the day worth it. But there wasn’t enough aspirin in the world for the headache I had when I got home.
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Post by LaLuPone on May 6, 2022 18:36:45 GMT
I can name 6 and one of them belongs in the bad behaviour thread because of her behaviour at WOS a few years ago. Ooh can you spill anymore on this?? |
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Post by interval99 on May 6, 2022 19:11:01 GMT
We have BroadwayCon here in NYC. I went once. Never again. It was about 5 years ago so I would have been 38 and that seemed about 30 years older than the rest of the crowd was. If you like kids running around SCREAMING and crying dressed as their favorite characters from musicals you think are some of the worst things ever written, then you’ll have a ball. I went only because there was a panel discussion featuring members of the original cast of “Follies” and for me, it made the day worth it. But there wasn’t enough aspirin in the world for the headache I had when I got home. Wow that follies panel must have been great to hear how they felt about the show at the time and it's reception and would have seen it's reputation grow over the years. Something like that would be worth going to, but to make money and get people in I expect it's going to be the more recent musicals with the built in vocal fans who they want to get over to excel. |
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Post by mattnyc on May 6, 2022 19:28:00 GMT
We have BroadwayCon here in NYC. I went once. Never again. It was about 5 years ago so I would have been 38 and that seemed about 30 years older than the rest of the crowd was. If you like kids running around SCREAMING and crying dressed as their favorite characters from musicals you think are some of the worst things ever written, then you’ll have a ball. I went only because there was a panel discussion featuring members of the original cast of “Follies” and for me, it made the day worth it. But there wasn’t enough aspirin in the world for the headache I had when I got home. Wow that follies panel must have been great to hear how they felt about the show at the time and it's reception and would have seen it's reputation grow over the years. Something like that would be worth going to, but to make money and get people in I expect it's going to be the more recent musicals with the built in vocal fans who they want to get over to excel. It was incredible. Part of it is here - |
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Post by Dawnstar on May 6, 2022 20:36:30 GMT
We have BroadwayCon here in NYC. I went once. Never again. It was about 5 years ago so I would have been 38 and that seemed about 30 years older than the rest of the crowd was. If you like kids running around SCREAMING and crying dressed as their favorite characters from musicals you think are some of the worst things ever written, then you’ll have a ball.
That sounds even worse, by about 10 years, than I'd expect it to be. As in, I thought it'd be over-excited 18 year olds rather than over-excited 8 year olds.
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Post by mattnyc on May 6, 2022 20:41:02 GMT
I was half kidding. Anyone under 20 seems like they’re 8 to me lol. But really it was 12-20somethings.
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