Outcry for Hunchback - "they" are listening!

[DougFunnie]

WOO HOO!!!

Originally posted by happy snapper
Got it in one, why waste money on "talent" for a generation where cosmetic appearance is the holy grail. Loved the show saw it twice every visit, B& tB was nice but is too rapped up in the quality of the costumes and sets rather than performer level.


Can we get rid of Space mountain its been there at least three years too long

You're my HERO!! Just what I wanted to say! It is very sad... they had such a wonderful & talented group that they have thrown away. I for one am not interested in watching big, stuffed heads prance around stage to a soundtrack.

Hunchback was great because you COULD tell the actors apart if you took the time to notice. The different Quasis, Clopins, and Esmeraldas gave such different performances. I suppose I got addicted to the show because I'm there so much & it was always different. I don't have a favorite attraction at Disney anymore...

My only hope is that they don't use the Backlot Theater for a Lilo & Stitch show~~ using the same style as B&tB. If I can't have my fave show back, I want the replacement to have live & talented actors!! I'm not holding my breathe, though. I haven't liked many changes Disney had made lately... maybe I'm just not a Disney girl anymore. :brick:

 

[mkt]

Talent is talent. Whether it is singing (Hunchback) or Dancing (Beauty and the Beast). 'Nough said.

 

[Cliff]

Originally posted by mktiggerman
Talent is talent. Whether it is singing (Hunchback) or Dancing (Beauty and the Beast). 'Nough said.

True.

Millie Vanilli and Celine Dion ARE equally talented.

Hunchback of Notra Dame = Celine Dion
Beauty and the Beast = Millie Vanilli

Both are very talented.

It's just a matter of opinion. I myself just don't like dancing with fake singing....that's all.

CT : - )

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by 10021982
It's just a matter of opinion. I myself just don't like dancing with fake singing....that's all.

that was just wrong though, likening them to Milli Vanilli. I am not fortunate enough to be a good (or even ok) singer... but I can dance (and act, do stunts, play musical instruments, walk stilts, puppetry, etc)... but I can't sing. Am I a no talent hack?

 

[Cliff]

Woah,...woahh.

Don't go knockin' Millie Vanilli.

Those dudes are very talented dancers.

I don't think it's wrong to compare Millie Vanilli to B and the B.

Just because these folks never recorded their vocal tracks and they lip sync (petend to sing) when they dance does NOT mean they don't have talent.

Millie Vanilli won a Grammy,...I'll have you know. And the people LOVED them too.

CT : - )

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by 10021982
Woah,...woahh.

Don't go knockin' Millie Vanilli.

Those dudes are very talented dancers.

I don't think it's wrong to compare Millie Vanilli to B and the B.

Just because these folks never recorded their vocal tracks and they lip sync (petend to sing) when they dance does NOT mean they don't have talent.

Millie Vanilli won a Grammy,...I'll have you know. And the people LOVED them too.

CT : - )

yeah.. and they also had their grammy pulled. Don't bash the cast. Bash the director who cast it so they can't sing. Most of the B&B cast are able to sing as well (and in fact.. several performers were in both shows).

Are you an entertainer? If so, you aren't showing it.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Dont bite so hard tiggerman. You seem to take this too personaly, its only peoples opinion.

After all I would have thought that the ability to sing would have been quite a major factor in a musical? but that me being old fashioned, next Ill be expecting boy bands to write their own material.

I may not knows art but I knows what I likes ( in a Cornish accent)

 

[Cliff]

It's real simple. I'm not "bashing" the cast. I'm sure that they are a fine group of people. I'm sure that they can sing very well too.

I just don't like watching or listening to ANYBODY "pretend" as though they are singing. Not in ANY genre of entertainment.

I don't mind watching dancers dance to music. That's OK with me but why can't they just dance and NOT prendend to sing???

Ballet dancers can dance very well without doing that.
John Travolta danced in "Saturday Night Fever" without mouthing to the Bee Gee tracks...that worked out pretty well.

I'm a guitar (and keyborad) player. I myself would feel really, REALLY weird if I went out on stage and pretended I was playing a Jimmy Hendricks song when my guitar was never "really" plugged in. I can't imagine the crowd giving me a standing ovation because they thought I was really playing with my teeth/toung like Hendricks!!

How could I take a bow to that??

I don't blame the cast. They are just out there making a living.

I just feel the whole process is very akward for everyone there.

CT :- )

Again, that's just my crazy, whacked out way of thinking here. I know the average person does NOT feel the way I do....so relax, you are in the majority here, not me.

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by 10021982
I'm a guitar (and keyborad) player. I myself would feel really, REALLY weird if I went out on stage and pretended I was playing a Jimmy Hendricks song when my guitar was never "really" plugged in. I can't imagine the crowd giving me a standing ovation because they thought I was really playing with my teeth/toung like Hendricks!!

I'll give you that... I play guitar, bass, drums/percussion, cello, and some other random instruments... and if I was pretending to play.. i'd feel, well.. naked. I'd probably pull an airheads move, and trash the stage

 

[MonkeyHead]

Originally posted by JLW11Hi
Ok, here's what I heard:


Second, the reason B&tB is still going on is because it doesn't require as much work from the actors. Yes, yes, I know that it is hard to play a dancing candelabra and all, but becuase of pre-recorded tracks, it is possible for different CMs to play the characters instead of having the exact same cast every show. Hunchback required the same performers each performance (I think...). It is not fair to the actors to make them do the same show over and over again just because of their popularity amongst guests. Disney isnt really in charge of their careers, and they shouldn't be. How would you like to be an aspiring performer, but are stuck doing the same show longer than you really want to? I am sure they had fun doing the show, but it is always time to move on. The actors are not animatronics. We can't expect them to stay with us forever.

This is truly one of the most unimformed statements to ever come out of these message boards. And that's saying quite a bit.

As someone who works in theme park entertainment, along with dozens of actors, I feel something should be set straight.

This decision was NOT made because it is "unfair to the actors." Most of the upper level performance positions in the theme parks are coveted spots- many of whom are lucky enough to be so good as to get contracts every year and keep portraying characters. There are only three places in this country where acting is a feasable occupation, New York, LA and Orlando. Orlando PRIMARILY because of the theme parks- as it is the ONLY steady acting work available. 95% of the best actors in Orlando work at the parks and live off the pay they recieve there. If someone wants to play a different role, they audition for it, be it at the theme parks or otherwise. Orlando area actors are damn lucky to have shows like Hunchback which last a long time and is steady work.

There are actors at the Adventurers Club at Pleasure Island who have been portraying the same characters for THIRTEEN YEARS. Most of the top contracted actors at T2-3D at Universal have been there since opening day in early 1996.

You're right, Disney ISN'T in charge of their careers. Both Disney and Universal contract things one year at a time, and you can break a contract. If after one year, the actor no longer wants to work there, they are free to audition for another venue. Some work multiple venues simultaneously. Others leave a contract mid-year and never come back.

I guarantee you most, if not all of the cast of Hunchback would have been more than happy to continue doing the show.

After all, most of them are probably looking for new jobs right now.

BTW, all character roles at the parks have multiple people trained to perform them. There are not just multiple "casts" but a plethora of subs, casuals, seasonals, etc. trained for every show character at every theme park in Orlando.

 

[Cliff]

Originally posted by mktiggerman


I'll give you that... I play guitar, bass, drums/percussion, cello, and some other random instruments... and if I was pretending to play.. i'd feel, well.. naked. I'd probably pull an airheads move, and trash the stage

So, if you are right and these folks can actually sing their parts, they must feel really akward up there.

I seem to remember Millie Vanillie going on Arsenio Hall a few months after the public found out the truth. So, they did a song for the audience. I remember them reminding the audience "Now THIS song is for real....this is our REAL voices and were not faking it." So, they sang this song and got a very weak applause. LOL

That night was the bitter end of Millie Vanilli.

Can they put a disclaimer at the begining of the B and The B?? Like a simple; "Attention, the singing and music you are about to hear is 100% pre recorded....thank you."

Would that take any of the enjoyment away from the show?

CT : - )

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by 10021982
Can they put a disclaimer at the begining of the B and The B?? Like a simple; "Attention, the singing and music you are about to hear is 100% pre recorded....thank you."

Would that take any of the enjoyment away from the show?

yes, from the kids who see the show and believe the performers are really singing... it's an illusion

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by MonkeyHead
This is truly one of the most unimformed statements to ever come out of these message boards. And that's saying quite a bit.

As someone who works in theme park entertainment, along with dozens of actors, I feel something should be set straight.

This decision was NOT made because it is "unfair to the actors." Most of the upper level performance positions in the theme parks are coveted spots- many of whom are lucky enough to be so good as to get contracts every year and keep portraying characters. There are only three places in this country where acting is a feasable occupation, New York, LA and Orlando. Orlando PRIMARILY because of the theme parks- as it is the ONLY steady acting work available. 95% of the best actors in Orlando work at the parks and live off the pay they recieve there. If someone wants to play a different role, they audition for it, be it at the theme parks or otherwise. Orlando area actors are damn lucky to have shows like Hunchback which last a long time and is steady work.

There are actors at the Adventurers Club at Pleasure Island who have been portraying the same characters for THIRTEEN YEARS. Most of the top contracted actors at T2-3D at Universal have been there since opening day in early 1996.

You're right, Disney ISN'T in charge of their careers. Both Disney and Universal contract things one year at a time, and you can break a contract. If after one year, the actor no longer wants to work there, they are free to audition for another venue. Some work multiple venues simultaneously. Others leave a contract mid-year and never come back.

I guarantee you most, if not all of the cast of Hunchback would have been more than happy to continue doing the show.

After all, most of them are probably looking for new jobs right now.

you're my new best friend... how about our secret best friend handshake?

Originally posted by MonkeyHead
BTW, all character roles at the parks have multiple people trained to perform them. There are not just multiple "casts" but a plethora of subs, casuals, seasonals, etc. trained for every show character at every theme park in Orlando.

that is true for every show, not just character ones (Except for HHN, which has 2 casts for house and streets, and just 1 cast for Bill and Teds)... I'm one of the many subs/casuals... no more contract for me though

 

[DougFunnie]

Originally posted by MonkeyHead


I guarantee you most, if not all of the cast of Hunchback would have been more than happy to continue doing the show.

After all, most of them are probably looking for new jobs right now.

That is a good part of the reason I am upset. If you went to the show enough you loved the regular casts... it was exciting to see the show start and wonder who would be playing the different roles. Now, I don't know ANYONE "personally" but I catch a lot in conversation with them. There were people who had done Hunchback since the opening, and would have stayed. Very few members of the cast had any desire to leave. The last day I was talking to one of my favorite gypsies & I told him I had been crying all day. He said he'd been crying all week.. I guess he's leaving for Japan any day now..

Another gentleman.. one of the lead roles in HoND.. one of the absolute most talented actors I've ever seen at Disney, isn't even in entertainment. He is taking surveys outside the gates to keep his benefits. This wouldn't be so bad if his wife hadn't given birth to their first child 2 weeks before the last show.

This is why Disney has such privacy policies... so we don't see this. But I know lots of things that happened & now I feel sick when I go in the parks. It was just very wrong.. it would have taken so little to take better care of the actors that worked so hard for Disney for so many years...

I know everyone is going to jump on me with the "That's Showbiz" line, it just doesn't make me feel any better.

 

[MonkeyHead]

Originally posted by mktiggerman


you're my new best friend... how about our secret best friend handshake?



that is true for every show, not just character ones (Except for HHN, which has 2 casts for house and streets, and just 1 cast for Bill and Teds)... I'm one of the many subs/casuals... no more contract for me though

That's actually what I meant. I should have said every "role" in every show instead of "character."

HHN has the luxury of being a bit different though, since the absense of a character or two in a house or street won't make a gigantic impact on the venue usually. The cast of Bill and Ted just has to be really, really careful, since there's upwards of 20+ people in the cast and usually only one swing.

 

[mkt]

Originally posted by MonkeyHead
The cast of Bill and Ted just has to be really, really careful, since there's upwards of 20+ people in the cast and usually only one swing.

I know... I wish I was cast in it this year... grr

 

[JLW11Hi]

Originally posted by MonkeyHead



This is truly one of the most unimformed statements to ever come out of these message boards. And that's saying quite a bit.

As someone who works in theme park entertainment, along with dozens of actors, I feel something should be set straight.

This decision was NOT made because it is "unfair to the actors." Most of the upper level performance positions in the theme parks are coveted spots- many of whom are lucky enough to be so good as to get contracts every year and keep portraying characters. There are only three places in this country where acting is a feasable occupation, New York, LA and Orlando. Orlando PRIMARILY because of the theme parks- as it is the ONLY steady acting work available. 95% of the best actors in Orlando work at the parks and live off the pay they recieve there. If someone wants to play a different role, they audition for it, be it at the theme parks or otherwise. Orlando area actors are damn lucky to have shows like Hunchback which last a long time and is steady work.

There are actors at the Adventurers Club at Pleasure Island who have been portraying the same characters for THIRTEEN YEARS. Most of the top contracted actors at T2-3D at Universal have been there since opening day in early 1996.

You're right, Disney ISN'T in charge of their careers. Both Disney and Universal contract things one year at a time, and you can break a contract. If after one year, the actor no longer wants to work there, they are free to audition for another venue. Some work multiple venues simultaneously. Others leave a contract mid-year and never come back.

I guarantee you most, if not all of the cast of Hunchback would have been more than happy to continue doing the show.

After all, most of them are probably looking for new jobs right now.

BTW, all character roles at the parks have multiple people trained to perform them. There are not just multiple "casts" but a plethora of subs, casuals, seasonals, etc. trained for every show character at every theme park in Orlando.

ok, you make a lot of sence. I can honestly say I didnt know Orlando was one of the best places for actors, and I am really happy to hear that. I would love to stay in WDW to perform for as long as possible, I just didnt think most others would agree with me.

But I guess they do, which again, is great to hear, and I do think it is sad that the show is gone.

(PS, sorry if I sounded like a windbag in my first post. Please take my ideas with a grain of salt )

 

[NoBody]

Originally posted by 10021982



Can they put a disclaimer at the begining of the B and The B?? Like a simple; "Attention, the singing and music you are about to hear is 100% pre recorded....thank you."

Would that take any of the enjoyment away from the show?

CT : - )

As I remember both Gaston and Belle actually sing but the rest of the show is recorded. Obviously the Disney people have been largely inspired by the incredible success of the Disney Broadway shows (like THE LION KING and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) and thus they want the lead characters singing their songs live on stage while the rest of the cast vocals are playback stuff.

 

[Cliff]

Originally posted by NoBody


As I remember both Gaston and Belle actually sing but the rest of the show is recorded. Obviously the Disney people have been largely inspired by the incredible success of the Disney Broadway shows (like THE LION KING and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) and thus they want the lead characters singing their songs live on stage while the rest of the cast vocals are playback stuff.

In the two shows that I've seen, everyone was lip syncing. Not even the lead charachters sang live.

Now in Hunchback, only the background music and choir (gypsy's) are tape. I do believe that the last note in the final line of the last song is tape.

"...the bells of Notre,...DAAAAAMMMME..."

The "Dame" is a rather high note. I'm not sure but I think that is tape. There always seems to be a slight drop out or shift in tone on that last note from the lead singer. ( Clopan) This happens every show and I 've seen it at least 20 times.

CT : - )

 

[NoBody]

The audience is listening!

Why do the "singing" characters have those little black microphones in front of their mouths? Why do the people in the sound booths check the levels of the characters that have microphones? Why do the "VUE" meters on those characters with microphones show different results than the taped playback? Obviously, more characters in "Hunchback" sang live. Beauty and the Beast only have two.