The stars sing their support in “Prop. 8 –The Musical”One thing I don’t need is another reason to love Allison Janney.
Yet here she is, front and center in a funny video that once again proves her worthy of my adoration.
Welcome, to Prop 8 – The Musical. Created and written by Hairspray composer Marc Shaiman — “six weeks later than he shoulda,” according to the credits — the video is a three minute, star-studded musical view and revue of California Proposition 8.
Here’s the story: During a celebration of “a brand new bright Obama day,” pro-8 folks, dressed in black, sneak in and put hate in the constitution — because the Bible says that gay love is a sin. Jesus (Jack Black) appears on the scene to point out that the Bible also forbids shrimp eating and encourages wife stoning. Then Neil Patrick Harris, billed as A Very Smart Fellow, reminds all present that gay marriage provides a boost to the economy. Finally, an argument everyone can agree with. See how many stars you can spot in the video.
Quite a lineup, isn’t it? Here’s the cast (in order of appearance):
California Gays and The People That Love Them: Jordan Ballard, Margaret Cho, Barrett Foa, J.B. Ghuman, John Hill, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph, Rashad Naylor, Nicole Parker My favorite moments:
The stage picture when the bigots sing “sodomy.”
Margaret Cho’s tattoos.
Maya Rudolph’s dramatic moment — it’s just so community theater.
The reactions when Neil Patrick Harris points at Janney as he sings “lesbian.” What’s your take? Is Prop. 8 — The Musical a stylish satire or an asinine afterthought? Submitted by on December 4, 2008 - 9:00am. |
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I love it!
Not Too Late
This video is amazing and only brings more awareness to the ridiculousness of Prop 8. Equal rights should be upheld and I applaud all the actors in this video for standing up and speaking out. Plus, it's pretty damn funny!
http://prop8isgay.com/
i love it
Is it too little, too late?
Is it too little, too late? Yeah, I guess. But I don't really think a musical spouting off the same gay arguments (let's face it, retaliating with other ignored or arcane verses from Leviticus isn't changing any Christian's mind about gay marriage) would have changed many votes. And I don't know how many California Yes on Prop 8 voters frequent funnyordie.com anyway.
So, instead, let's just enjoy the glory of Alison Janney and the truly awesome Neil Patrick Harris singing. If I didn't love How I Met Your Mother so much I would campaign to keep him onstage in a musical every day of the year.
Mixed feelings...
I love Marc Shaiman and basically every single person involved in this production (including the lesser known background boys, like Barrett Foa and John Hill, whom I adore). I think it's hilarious and fun and totally appropriate. "Too little, too late" is a statement, I think, that is never relevant to Prop 8 or anything akin to it. As long as it is still in effect, there is never a "too late."
However, I do understand the grievance that some have with this. It's not so much the fact that Shaiman wrote it after the fact. It's that most of these celebrities didn't have jack to say about Prop 8 until now. Margaret Cho was a part of the anti-8 movement from the start, so she is exempt, but the others were decided absent from the discussion when the influence was pivotal. It gives the message that now that it's not quite so controversial (being as the fundies got their way and are too busy cackling on their throne of hypocrisy to publicly condemn anyone who whines about it), they're all willing to get out there and show their disapproval.
It's a slippery slope. But I enjoyed it!
It's hilarious
Yes, it would have been better if it came out two months ago, but as someone else pointed out, this isn't the kind of thing that's really going to sway voters.
It's hilarious, and I think that people just need to enjoy it for what it is.
The Musical..
As a huge fan of Musical theatre I have to say that I loved this when I saw it yesterday. So good to see so many stars. Shame it wasn't done earlier..? I don't know really, because as has been said this certainly wouldn't have swayed any votes, but it is good to know that people are still annoyed about prop 8 and want to keep it in the public arena.
too late
I can't stop watching it!
I keep watching it over and over. It's late, yes. But it's hilarious and apt. Idealogues don't listen to reason, so I'm not sure whether this would have done anything anyway.
-Mattie
http://www.matsie.net
Mya Rudolph is my hero.
i think its effin fantastic!! its funny .. it speaks the truth .. its good entertainment with a good point
well done
& PS .. did i mention i love Mya Rudolph?!
"what else does the Bible say .. Je-sus?"
haha .. LOVE that crazy bitch!
Yes, I concur
Yes, I concur
It´s awesome!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHA
Hi ladies!Ah, what a breath
Hi ladies!
Ah, what a breath of fresh air this blog is, you should see the things being written on other blogs. Oh boy! People really hate us, and if not us, certainly ME!
Laugh through the pain. Well put.
The lesson about sitting back has been learned. We all share that shame. That is what my (clearly ridiculous but straight-forward) first verse presents. A gay and gay friendly society that was so under the spell of what the election of Obama spelled for the future, we simply fell asleep at the wheel.
It won't happen again!
xo Marc Shaiman
It's like Barack keeps saying
Instead of looking to others for help, or at least in addition to that, keeping asking youselves- 'am I doing all I can?'
Where do people get the idea that blaming others for being brilliant and entertaining in reaction to bad news is wrong, or somehow invalid? I don't get it.
NOW what's important is keeping the overturn of prop 8 in the public radar. Until it's GONE FOR GOOD.
THE Marc Shaiman...
Are you actually THE Marc Shaiman? Seriously??
First of all thank you so much for this mini musical. I love it! Secondly, I know this will sound like a cliche, but I love your work. I have seen Hairspray 3 times in the West End (LONDON) and the film more times than I care to remember!
Please keep doing little things like this, it will make a difference in the end, and you are right, there is a lot of hate out there on other forums, even on the abc soap boards. Its quite shocking, and I am constantly surprised that so many people still feel like they do. I honestly thought that we were further along than this..
Thank you again, YOU ROCK!!
i think perhaps the reason for the complacency...
...can be summed up in these two sentences: "Its quite shocking, and I am constantly surprised that so many people still feel like they do. I honestly thought that we were further along than this.."
Perhaps things look different from inside Cali or from inside whatever gay community bubbles some of us are surrounded by, but from where I am sitting, right in the Bible Belt Midwest, this doesn't surprise me AT ALL.
Did we REALLY think that letting the majority vote on the rights of a minority was EVER really gonna come out in our favor? The concept itself is completely ass backwards, and generally doesn't bode well in the grand scheme of things.
Not that I think it's totally a result of complacency, because many people DID work hard to attempt to stop this heinous thing, but I do think in places like Cali, where there are large gay communities, there was a veil that separated people from the reality of the way the rest of the world still thinks. It's sad, but true.
We SHALL overcome, but we HAVE to keep being OUT, being LOUD and actually talking to people outside of our bubbles. And even then, we have to acknowledge that logic and reality quite rarely make a dent in faith and religion. That is something I dunno that we can ever overcome. :(
And for the record, not trying to slam anyone of faith here, but let's face it, arguing logic and reason to someone who truly believes that the word of god tells them that gay is bad, is prolly not gonna work. We have to start thinking outside the box.
We also have to keep pressing the point that no matter what someone's religion says, religion DOES NOT get to dictate civil law in this country. Period. End dot.
thanks
Yeah yeah, too little too late...
Whatevs. It's hilarious. And it wasn't going to wind up any place that would sway a bunch of voters anyway (not like they could have/would have run this on network tv.)
The only people to blame on the loss is ourselves. Sorry, the No on 8 campaign was a joke. And as for the celebs getting involved now? Well look, everyone puts their efforts towards the things that directly affect them at the time. This probably didn't hit home for most of them until the uproar after the loss.
Losing may have been a blessing in disguise because now it's not just wacky CA liberals doing what they do over there and of course they allow gay marriage in the land of Hollyweird and San Francisco. Now it's an actual movement. The responsibility to keep the momentum is on us now and we can't blow it again.
Time will tell, I suppose...
So anyway, anytime folks like this get together and make funny shit I am thankful.
P.S. Rashida Jones, I love you. Gay marry me some day? :)
never too late
Should they have been doing all this before the election, sure.
But this wasn't the first time gay marriage as been voted on by CA and it won't be the last time.
There's problably going to be another initiative on the next ballot (as long as it gets enough signatures).
You could say that they're campaigning early for the next vote.
No more than our marches were too little too late
The passing of Prop 8 galvanized support for gay marriage and galvanized people across the country to show their support. Is that too little too late? Never. I never had any doubt in my mind that Allison Janney supported gay marriage. And yes, she is awesome. Sad she hasn't been around much lately.
Besides, I did see some celebrities in anti-Prop 8 things before the election. And as long as they voted against it themselves, I don't think it's ridiculous.
Plus, we can't change the past. All we can do is move forward.
And as many have pointed out, this is pretty much preaching to the choir. Doubt it would have even been seen by many pro-8 people much less have changed their minds.
my only criticism is...
that now I want a shrimp cocktail, dammit!
Criticism of this video is entirely undue. Would it have been better to have this 6 weeks ago? Sure. But criticing it now is simply pety. We still have a fight to win and it will not be won by being petulant with those who support us.
Especially when they do it with such awesome biting humor. I needed the laugh!
My love for Allison Janney is like the eternal rocks beneath. Sigh...
xxx
LGBT Community and Musical
I have to say that it's brilliant, I loved it. I really don't feel it's "too little, too late." I think there were mistakes made during the campaign for No against Prop 8, but we'll learn from them. If you think about it, sometimes issues like these are swept under the rug for a while until it seems "like the right time" to bring it up again. We're not hiding anymore, and it's wonderful.
I have to say though, the queer community can be way too friggin critical at times. No offense, but either way this play would have drew criticism. "It's too much...it's too little...it's not enough...you're being to stereotypical..."--no offense but the complaints can go on and on.
It's also NOT a requirement that celebrities voice out their beliefs. Support comes from all ends and it doesn't mean they have to use a podium to help. Some of these celebrities probably donated towards our cause for equal rights, but they don't advertise it. We really don't know what they did to help the cause but whether it was before Prop 8 or after, they're helping raise awareness. Let's be a little grateful.
Picking and choosing
Yep, we pick the things we like and condemn what we are afraid of or know nothing about. The modern human being has not really developed into a thinking, rational being who does not regard the "unknown" as something frightening but as something worthwhile to explore/understand/accept/tolerate; hence, we are not able to effectively separate church (whichever church that is) and state.
And I bet that some people really regret that stoning one´s wife (or just any woman) isn´t in the cocktail anymore.
Homo sapiens sapiens (under these circumstances, I insist) R Us.
love that video. great
love that video. great idea, great execution and added star power. what more do you need?
granted the timing could have been better, read earlier, but I consider prop 8 passing a wake up call for the gay community. it is never too late and we finally are doing somethingm, creating visibility, protesting, openly speaking out about our issues and concerns. and when someone manages to do so in an entertaining and fun way even better. we need more of these fun examples cos I consider it easier for our "adversaries" to swallow. let's give em hope ;)
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No on H8! pics
Better late than never
I love it! Seriously, it just makes my day. (and it made my day yesterday too) The highlights for me are Allison Janney, the sodomy part (how funny is it that it's only women who are behind people?), the whole Jesus part, especially the "we pick and choose" thing, and every single second of Neil Patrick Harris.
I was reading the cast list and I noticed that Lake Bell was listed. When I watched it the first time, I recognized a lot of faces, but I didn't remember seeing her. So I watched it again (a few times) and got a couple of glimpses of her on the far left of the stage. It was kind of like Where's Waldo. Her facial expressions were hilarious, if you can find her.
why do people feel the need to complain about everything?
this video is hilarious, and id say it was about 90% of my gchat contact list's away messages yesterday. NPH is hysterical, and allison janney is great. too little, too late really isnt the point. i dont think it's going to change anyone's mind, but hey, visibility matters, right??
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http://rightmindleftcoast.wordpress.com
Allison Janney
One thing I don’t need is another reason to love Allison Janney.
Amen!
haha
so gay ! lol
Love it
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-Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.
I blog, therefore, I am
Holy Crap
Neil Patrick Harris
that was pure awesomeness.
I love Neil Patrick Harris.
As for it being to late, I don't think so at all. The more publicity against prop 8 the better, IMO.
I found this video on
I found this video on youtube last night and could not believe my eyes! Then by this morning it was gone and i was afraid i had dreamed it! I was telling my friends about it all day and then i come home and here it is, on Afterellen. I should have known i could rely on you guys :D.
This thing just totally rocked my world. All those things you mentioned Linster was where i giggled. The whole sodomy thing and the pointing to Allison when mentioning lesbian (which is totally an inside joke, when she started out agents told her she would only ever be able to play a lesbian or an "older" lady, coz she was tall, lol, she sure proved them wrong! But funny none the less) (Oh and Maya's voice during that solo thing totally reminded me off when she used to play a pre-teen girl in the Wake Up Wakefield sketches at SNL) At any rate, thanks so much for this, im gonna go watch it a gazillion times now, lol. And bask in the glory that is this fabulous clip.
HA!
This musical reminded me of A Mighty Wind.
Better late than never is right. I still believe that a lot of the celebrities didn't think that Prop 8 would pass so they didn't worry about as much as they now realise they should have.
I love Neil Patrick Harris and Alison Janney and Sarah Chalke and....and...well all of them. It was great to see so many big names in the production.
"That which you believe becomes your world."
LMAO!!
love love love neil patrick
love love love neil patrick harris and maya rudolph.
They can make musicals like this to the cows come home for all I care, at least it's getting a good message out there.
love musicals! love nph!
fantastic!
LOL!! amazing piece!!
Kirk Cameron
The guy with Andy Richter looks exactly like Kirk Cameron. Ha!
HAHA!
It's true! That guy looks A LOT like Kirk Cameron, and the resemblence just made the video that much more hilarious.
-Ange
http://www.spinner.com/category/laugh-rage-cry/ Tegan and Sara on Prop 8.
msn messenger: the.ange@live.com
Never too late but always too little (keep em coming)
I loved it!
And it totally reminded me of The Producers, with their musical "Springtime for Hitler" XD
Who cares that its too late to sway the voters, whats done is done and can't be changed. And you never know who might see this and their perspective on things might be changed, which enough for me.