RE: London Rocks! (2014 to Present)
** Slides over soapbox, takes a perch **
I hope this is not perceived as breaking forum rules with names, as they are readily available to the public as being associated with the park. These ladies did not get the recognition they deserved. Especially Ms. Isler, as she was a performer and not an executive like the others.
My opinion is that Ms. DeHart (loved by many performers as opposed to most hating Voldemort, I mean Gasparich) was responsible for the majority of well received shows, including the original version of Monster Stomp and Fiends in the Festhaus, up until her departure. That was about the time American Jukebox was replaced by the less popular country shows at the Canadian Palladium. I'm not sure if this was the beginning of Gasparich's reign. Speaking with Ms. DeHart was always pleasant and fun. Talking to Gasparich...well let's just say not so much so. Ms. DeHart never did a 180 when seeing you approach. Ms. DeHart also gave us Gabriel and Isler during her time.
Mentioning American Jukebox, some downplay that show, but it was always standing room only when we watched it. While certainly not Broadway and actually quite simplistic, it was always well choreographed and performed. The venue was just ill-conceived and Ms. DeHart did the best she could. Compare the investment & quality of American Jukebox/Monster Stomp in the Palladium to the cost and quality for The Globe/London Rocks/MSoRR. Not much of a return in investment (mostly LR's fault). Sometimes less is more.
I do know that one of Ms. DeHart's protegees, Ms. Isler, was significantly responsible for fantastic and well received work like Monster Stomp Revamped and Night Beats. Just look at Night Beats after the current choreography put her "talent" into that show. Ms. Isler also choreographed or directed TIO, Miracles and Deck the Halls during her time up until her departure (2013?). The new choreographer then made her mark on some of these shows.
Which brings us to Gasparich, and/or crony, that brought our current award winning choreographer to the park. Cue the running in a circle, hand pats down the bodies, and other moves notes by COS. SO much better that classy ballroom dancing, right? Her name is not out as much, so I refrain from posting it.
I'll also note that the old BGW teams produced award winning shows for BGW. Be it internally created or sourced out to competent creative entities. So far, the new team of "professionals" have failed at this. Remember Celtic Fyre was created out of house. My opinion on Gasparich's ill will for this show is the extremely high success of a show not his. A little disclaimer, I have seen a touch of the new choreographer in Celtic Fyre, thankfully very small so far. Look and you'll know where. She doesn't do Mix It Up nor Miracles as they are choreographed by other teams...and it shows. London Rocks 2016 speaks for itself.
All of this is my opinion for the decline in quality and simplistic nature of recent shows. Also, the current rotation of performers from New York do not have the tribal knowledge of the old choreography to pass along like days of old. Though, it's more likely the new choreographer just wants to make her mark. A Gasparich crony after all.
A little more disclaiming. I don't know, nor have met, her personally. She might be a wonderful person. Her style just doesn't work for me. We are better the new London Rocks, Night Beats, and Killarney Kommotion, in my opinion. I'm really not a trash-another-soul type of person and feel poorly writing some of this. Everyone has feelings and tries their best in some way. This single choreographer, though the subject of this rant, is not solely responsible and to blame for these issues. It has been a TEAM effort. Gasparich and one other bad cookie are gone. I will breathe better when two more, I can think of, are smoked out and removed. By some small stretch of a dream, if Mr. Lensenmayer can be lured back perchance other alumni could be wooed back. If not, there is plenty of great talent in the world, just make that reach BGW.
** Kicks soapbox away, rubs at leg cramp **
As Craig Ferguson use the say, "I look forward to your letters." (Thomas, please don't rough me up too much for grammar
)
p.s. That last paragraph being said, Zachary and Weiner have done a good job. I have found myself humming a few of the catchy songs they've done for park shows. That reminds me, check the Entertainment forum for a link.
Oh, and for some of that public background, I present some interesting reads for those that have not seen these.
From Busch To Broadway A good history lesson for Ms. DeHart and backwards in talent flow from the way it works now.
1989 Season Opening With Barrage Of Song And Dance An interview with entertainment manager Ms. Cuddihy before she was promoted to VP of entertainment and Ms. DeHart became entertainment manager.
DropBox - The 21st Thea Awards - A Coming of Age Story by Graeme Baker
BGW starts on page 8, but check out pages 10 and 11. Castle O'Sullivan was also an outside creation but you can see the in-park management responsible for that on page 11. You can look up Gary Goddard, or his old company Landmark Entertainment Group, to see the quality available and once used by the park. Quality talent like Jim Henson's Creature Shop for Castle O'Sullivan, The O'Shea School of Irish Dancing for Irish Thunder, and Colm O'Foglu who was also involved in the music for Celtic Fyre. Damn those public stocks, budget limits, and profit margins.
Note Gasparich's position at this time. Also there, another bad cookie who was in a much lower, and very different, position at the time. *Hint* Responsible for the fanned Festhaus seating debacle a bit back, and thankfully gone.
Sorry, really done this time.
