All I’ve been thinking about since this performance is “does G z know who Slash is” and how long do we have to still be able to roll slash out for a fun rock moment? (Dad rock and musical theatre are so interconnected to me, same amount of unbridled passion and lack of self consciousness required 💆🏻♀️)
One of my favorite moments is the second shot of Slash, when Ryan peeks around him to look at the camera man). And apparently if you were there live Slash kept playing into the commercial break!
I loved that he was sitting next to sister when he began singing, and then gave her his hat. I think a lot of actors may have wanted to be show-offy and start next to a famous person. A nominee, maybe. I also appreciate that he was not afraid to express his disappointment that Greta and Margot were not nominated but he still agreed to perform.
Agree! That was such a sweet moment to put the hat on her head. And it looks like the seating was shifted so Margot, Greta, and America could all be in the front row together sans their dates to sing along.
I loved the Ken performance live; it was right up there with Gaga and Bradley singing Shallow (I admit it! I watched that one maybe 50 times.). Now I know why I love the Ken performance so much - thanks Caitlin! Could you do a Craft Talk on Shallow next please!!!
That's a great idea, I started writing a bit about how that was the only other recent performance that compared, which is interesting because it's SO stripped down and Ken was so mega-camp, I will see what I can work up :)
Very cool! And thank you for articulating the differences in the performances....one stripped down - one totally camp and out there - and both so great and the product of amazingly talented professionals.
I loved it! Have watched it over and over since. Though, Ryan’s momentary giggle I took to be caused by Mark’s melodramatic facial expression making him laugh, rather than a step being missed.
My sister was one and I have always spent a lot of time around theater people—you KNOW they are going to give it their all and pay attention to every single detail! You want a theater person planning your 40th birthday or giving a very extra wedding toast.
Thank you! It was so fun to really dig into it and think about all the behind-the-scenes work, the camera work, the stage work, the lighting, the choreo, the singing....really emphasizes how live performance has a magic that can't always be replicated on screen.
Thank you for your journalistic service. I LOVED this performance, obvs, since I am a RG fan from way back and even had the privilege of seeing Dead Man's Bones live at the Middle East back in the day. SWOON. But there were def some details I missed! Love this!
I'm stoned and laughed at every word of this masterpiece about a masterpiece. Brava to all.
My god, so am I, and so did I!
All I’ve been thinking about since this performance is “does G z know who Slash is” and how long do we have to still be able to roll slash out for a fun rock moment? (Dad rock and musical theatre are so interconnected to me, same amount of unbridled passion and lack of self consciousness required 💆🏻♀️)
One of my favorite moments is the second shot of Slash, when Ryan peeks around him to look at the camera man). And apparently if you were there live Slash kept playing into the commercial break!
I loved that he was sitting next to sister when he began singing, and then gave her his hat. I think a lot of actors may have wanted to be show-offy and start next to a famous person. A nominee, maybe. I also appreciate that he was not afraid to express his disappointment that Greta and Margot were not nominated but he still agreed to perform.
Agree! That was such a sweet moment to put the hat on her head. And it looks like the seating was shifted so Margot, Greta, and America could all be in the front row together sans their dates to sing along.
I loved the Ken performance live; it was right up there with Gaga and Bradley singing Shallow (I admit it! I watched that one maybe 50 times.). Now I know why I love the Ken performance so much - thanks Caitlin! Could you do a Craft Talk on Shallow next please!!!
That's a great idea, I started writing a bit about how that was the only other recent performance that compared, which is interesting because it's SO stripped down and Ken was so mega-camp, I will see what I can work up :)
Very cool! And thank you for articulating the differences in the performances....one stripped down - one totally camp and out there - and both so great and the product of amazingly talented professionals.
Loved this. An exemplar in high camp.
Completely agree! Especially all the direct eye contact with the camera.
This was excellent. As a recovering theater kid, I feel so seen! Thanks for triumphing the professionalism that went into this performance.
It had SO many theater kid moments...I really did scream at the lighting cues knowing someone spent MANY hours on those.
I loved it! Have watched it over and over since. Though, Ryan’s momentary giggle I took to be caused by Mark’s melodramatic facial expression making him laugh, rather than a step being missed.
You could be right! It was such a delightful little exchange, especially when you look at the pink suit and the pink shirt next to each other.
This essay is wonderful. I’m going back to watch this again immediately
Thank you! I kept thinking about it and finally just had to let the spirit move me and spend three hours screenshotting haha.
Bravo! Theater kids rule, do they not? What a pleasure to read.
My sister was one and I have always spent a lot of time around theater people—you KNOW they are going to give it their all and pay attention to every single detail! You want a theater person planning your 40th birthday or giving a very extra wedding toast.
Thank you so much for this beautiful play by play, helping me see so many moments I missed.
You're so welcome! I kept reading shorter recaps and finally was like, I MUST GO DEEPER!
Just shared in MY Substack today.
Wonderful recap with a lot of insights that I missed. Really appreciate your write up!
Thank you! It was so fun to really dig into it and think about all the behind-the-scenes work, the camera work, the stage work, the lighting, the choreo, the singing....really emphasizes how live performance has a magic that can't always be replicated on screen.
I am so so so glad you wrote this ahhhhhh!!!!
I haven't watched the movie but I was excited for the performance because I love Ryan Gosling. Your reporting of it is excellent.
Thank you! The movie version is obviously more over-the-top, but I may have preferred the live one!
This essay has made me want to go back and watch it a dozen more times and find all the beautiful, campy, brilliant moments!~
I'm so glad! It's a very rich text lol
Thank you for your journalistic service. I LOVED this performance, obvs, since I am a RG fan from way back and even had the privilege of seeing Dead Man's Bones live at the Middle East back in the day. SWOON. But there were def some details I missed! Love this!
WOW those are RG bona fides! My sister was a huge Young Hercules fan so he's been a staple for me for a long time as well. What a career he's had!
He really has. Respect.
Have to add this great analysis of Ryan's singing from a vocal coach to the discussion! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jmDarocvH0