Buckles Blog: Madison Sq. Garden 2008

Monday, March 17, 2008

Madison Sq. Garden 2008

IMG_4067, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

The 138th edition of The Greatest Show on Earth opens in Madison Square Garden, "The World's Most Famous Arena" on Thur. Mar. 20 thru Sun. Apr. 6 for an astounding TWO WEEKS AND FOUR DAYS!

Tickets: $150. $70. $50. and soaring higher into the rafters $28. $20. $15.
Please be advised that there is a $4.50 PER TICKET Facility Fee ADDED to each ticket.
If you have any money left Cotton Candy is $12. and SnoKones in a Souvenir Mug is $15.

"The Greatest Show on Earth promises new thrills and a jaw-dropping time...the audience was awe-struck, glassy-eyed and speechless...that's when they left the ticket window, they hadn't even seen the show, yet"

30 comments:

Anonymous said...: My brain is a little rusty this morning, but I recall the following, albeit unconfirmed, interesting details:

Early 70's, when Ringling was unionized under the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)the clowns minimum salary was $165; showgirls $285. In 2008, according to the Consumer Price Index rates the clowns would be at $900 and showgirls $1,550, approx.

This makes sense cause minimum Actors Equity for Broadway is $1500approx.

Prior to voting the Union out of the GSOE, Irvin Feld held a meeting with all acts -- Irvin was making his case for Ringling and discrediting AGVA for not taking care of its members. I'm greatly paraphrasing -- Irvin: "The Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus cares about you. Just ask Lou Jacobs who's been with the circus for 40 years! Isn't that right, Lou?" Lou stands up and says, "That's not right, Mr. Feld." There's a hush over the entire meeting, Lou continues, "I've been here 45 years."

After the union was voted out, the clowns salary dropped from $165 to $125. according to industry reports.

Finally, regarding the old-time clowns as being frugal (1970's) -- I asked an old timer why he walked from the Garden to the trains on 12th Avenue. "They charge a quarter to ride the bus each way. I walk so I can save some money and take the goddamn bus only when it is raining or we have early shows." "How much do you think you'll save for the 2 months at the Garden?" I inquired. Well known but frugal clown, "At least $20."

That $20. in 2008 money is $147. approx.; 17 March, 2008 08:19
Anonymous said...: Normally I do not comment on postings about my employer but in this case a notation must be entered about the length of stay in the Garden. In the prior posting it is noted that the Garden run in 1972 was 11 weeks and now it is 3 weekends.

Over the years family lifestyle patterns have changed and the New York City live event market has fragmented. Families prefer to access entertainment closer to home. The addition of several new arenas in New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania provides audiences with this option for live events. This is no different than the proliferation of multiplex theatres in the movie industry.

As a natural outgrowth of consumer choice Feld shows (Circus and Disney on Ice) play all arenas in the Greater New York market.

Bill Powell; 17 March, 2008 08:46
klsdad said...: Bill Powell..

No.. No ice shows play the Garden anymore.. not even the Disney shows or the "stars" shows. Don't know why. Wish they did.

klsdad; 17 March, 2008 10:17
Anonymous said...: Those bamboo poles with the Chinese acrobat perched atop reminds me of the daughter tied to the mast in THE WRECK OF THE HESPERUS.

Take note: she didn't get out alive.; 17 March, 2008 11:49
B.E.Trumble said...: I believe that here in the mud of Texas a small stick of floss can still be had for $2.00... And RBBB doesn't have Shane Johnson doing the peanut pitch.; 17 March, 2008 12:06
Anonymous said...: Bill Powell,
I don't have any problem commenting on posting about any employer, and I agree with what you said, not that I would even hint at knowing more about it then you. It was always my understanding that the increase in days at the Meadowlands and the decrease in day's at the Garden, was due to the ease of getting to New Jersey as opposed to getting into downtown Mannhattan. I sure hated to see it happen, as any Garden stay was "truly" once in a life time. That's probably how they were able to make the salary increases each year.
Wade Burck; 17 March, 2008 12:21
Anonymous said...: B. E. Trumble,
What's up with that. You a big shot now with initials? Until the salary structure gets worked out we dont need Shane and his peanuts on GSOE pushing the High end range out of everybodys grasp. LOL

Klsdad,
No. No. You misunderstand. I think "Greater New York Market", is high line marketing speak for everplace, but the Garden. Bill Powell one of the best, doesn't mis-quote. LOL
Wade Burck; 17 March, 2008 12:36
Eric said...: Mr. Powell said, "Over the years family lifestyle patterns have changed and the New York City live event market has fragmented."

I'm assuming that he is NOT talking about a major entertainment event like THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, which played New York in the same venue for seveal years without a shortage of ticket buyers!; 17 March, 2008 13:15
Anonymous said...: I don't mean to nit pick.....BUT FOR A HUNDRED AND FIFTY CLAMS...COULD SOMEONE PLEASE...PLEASE....HANG THE RBBB SIGN STRAIGHT!!!!!....thanks Jim Zajicek (less than perfect); 17 March, 2008 14:15
Buckles said...: Since this is "Dump on Powell day" I might add that due to the K&N policy of eliminating 1/3 of the seats, the Blue Show will only be in the Garden for 12 days.; 17 March, 2008 14:54
Anonymous said...: As the contributor of the orginal photos and commentary, I erred in not mentioning the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island and the Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey.
I intended to but didn't; they are legitimate parts of the MSG history, correction acknowledged and my apology given.

Both of these suburban arenas came into existance in the 70's and the GSOE played them for one week each; since they are located smack-dab in the middle of high income bedroom communities it makes perfect sense that the families would attend the closest arena.

The other arenas: Bridgeport, Wilkes Barre and Trenton only recently surfaced.

Also of note, I believe it was 1971when the Red Unit (now they're called "shows") played the Garden for 11 weeks, then moved out and the Blue Unit came in for 2 additional weeks, repeating the 100th edition in NYC, making a total run of 13 weeks.

In addition, beside Ringling's own merchandise, in those years there was also an outside concession company that sold "kinda like" souvenirs such as pennants and buttons with "Madison Square Garden Circus".

Mr. Powell has made solid remarks and his peerage in the circus industry is not to be ignored, I didn't intend to create a debate.

However, the ticket prices are correct.; 17 March, 2008 15:05
Anonymous said...: Broadway Baby....I am sorry I complained about the crooked sign....I for one had have a Illustrious Career....Never lacking for bookings....Not due to my Talent mind you....But rather because Circus Producers..Like Elephant Divas..Quite frankly can't resist a "Blue Light Special"!!!....Sincerely Jim Zajicek (Critic); 17 March, 2008 15:25
Anonymous said...: Fortunately I've never had any problem commenting on my employers -- thus there have been many, giving me a colorful resume. "Dismissed for failure to shut up" beats "terminated for gross incompetence" hands down. While I understand the notion of a fragmented/changing entertainment market -- something the film business discovered in the 1970's when "movies" opened in large urban theaters and migrated to the 'burbs after a long run -- and I can see the logic to more evenly dividing Nassau, Meadowland, and MSG I wonder if there are some actual numbers Mr. Powell could use to support that? Is there evidence of a decline in seats sold over the later years of the long MSG runs with a like rise in attendance on Long Island and in New Jersey? Or was this more of a theoretical thing?

Can't help but compare the situation to SF Bay Area RBBB appearances where the Cow Palace was the San Francisco date and Oakland Coliseum and San Jose were somewhat secondary at least insofar as the public attention they received. Several years ago without so much as a whisper the show dropped San Francisco from the annual route entirely, ending a 50 plus year history. Isn't that an example of the same kind of marketing? Moving out from the old core venues? Doesn't that suggest that MSG could a week long stand a few years from now? Just another town?

This would be a bit less interesting, except that New York is one of the few places where real entertainment critics take a long look at the show and judge it from year to year. Wht risk a long run in MSG if a Post critic is going to call the show "The Lamest Show On Earth" as was the case in 2006?

While I imagine that Mr Powell is absolutely correct in his whys and wherefores, it's hard to entirely dismiss the idea that the Garden is simply to tough for a slimmed down GSOE, and if a critical ho-hum fails to fill seats, the Garden itself might think the show no longer deserving of longer runs.; 17 March, 2008 15:57
Anonymous said...: Not sure its worth mentioning, but Im sure today with the elevated status of organizations like the NBA, the New York Knicks wouldn't be able to leave the Garden for 2 months. In addition--with regards to the crooked sign, if you look close (on some other photos)you can see how they decorated the set with old-school, reto RBBB posters--I like to see that they at least acknowledge their heritage.; 17 March, 2008 16:03
Anonymous said...: Ben
You've be lucky. I've had 6 in the last 30, and 2 were for contacts expired years. I usually couldn't afford to to leave. What was your secret? If you recall recent posts on broadway baby's subject? Why don't you address Broadway baby interesting observations. I have tried all afternoon, and the phone has been busy. I tried 6 times on to Sat. to make an opening for Jim Zijcheks comment about blue light specals on a different picture, and Broadway Baby manages to get it in.
Wade Burck; 17 March, 2008 17:41
Anonymous said...: Phantom of the Opera? Demographics are 100% opposite of RBBB!; 17 March, 2008 17:43
Anonymous said...: I believe that the Garden and all aspects to the circus are totally the Garden's corporate marketing, PR and a deal is made for the concessions as well, cfoncerning "Garbage Joints". In other words its a Garden Prod. and Ringling provides the show on some sort of percentage. So it would be up to the Garden I assume on the length of engagement, but I am sure it is a meeting of all parties involved, including Ringling, but believe me they do not Lord it over the Garden as they do in other cities. Maybe that is why their ice shows do not play the Garden. Sonja Heinie always did.; 17 March, 2008 18:07
Roger Smith said...: Recently was advised from a highly believable source that RB's 16-to-18 hour set-ups and tear-downs are so horrific now that, as it was put, the shows are falling apart with crew guys departing routinely. Late last week, 6 quit in one day. Most cite no time to rest, much less sleep, along with the concentration camp atmosphere the Felds established, maintain, and enjoy. It was confirmed Nicole sustains her reputation around the clock with everyone in sight.

More? Try this one. Kenny plans a 6-pole Big Top, with 5 rings, replete with menagerie and side show tops as of yore, to play large parking lots for the 150th edition, 11 years hence. This source is not the only one who knows this, but it will be interesting to see who jumps up to deny it.

On the salary theme, the unions were also voted out (or bought out), and $900-a-week skaters on the Feld ice shows now draw $300.

Hoo-boy.

Comments, anyone?

Roger Smith; 17 March, 2008 18:50
Anonymous said...: Hard to imagine the difficulties Feld would have erecting an actual tent for five rings and stages. Afraid they'd have to hold their noses and "Hire Hugo" to come up with the experience and the crews.; 17 March, 2008 19:46
Anonymous said...: Rog..Thanks for the Tip...I'm callin Culpecker as I speak..I am goin to combine the SideShow with them to day and date the 150th in D.C. Much abliged...Sincerely Jim Zajicek(Capitol Center); 17 March, 2008 19:57
Anonymous said...: The New York Theater scene and RBBB share alot since many of the creative staff worked in both, at one time or another.

I&K Feld's involvement with the Broadway hit BARNUM! melded the two worlds even further. Jim Dale and THE Glenn Close starred.

Bill Bradley, popular choreographer on RBBB had impressive credits on Broadway, he started the tradition of the GYPSY ROBE where a dressing robe is awarded to a member of the chorus on opening night. Go to actorsequity.org and go to History and Awards for the whole story.

Beloved clown Duane Thorpe studied theater in New York after World War II. Duane knew everybody, it seemed.

At one time there were two major costume houses in New York: Brooks Van Horn and Eaves. These two companies later merged. The costume houses created the costumes for the big Broadway Shows and Ringling, the circus' wardrobe started manufacturing approx. 6 months prior to dress.

Several of the non-circus personnel with an "inside connection" could view the approved costume sketches in the spring PRIOR to the following year's opening. We were sworn to silence; but we knew what the show was going to look like before the acts did.

Costume designer extraordiare, Don Foote, work with Hollywood's Academy Award winning costume designer Edith Head. His 'how to dress the Hollywood Stars' was evident, especially with the principal's costumes.

Concessions in the Garden are handled by Ringling with their own staff PLUS UNION CONCESSIONAIRES! The UNION CONCESSIONAIRES can sell throughout the show whilst the regular staff cannot.

There's a new MSG planned for Manhattan, west of where it stands now. There's a new arena planned for Brooklyn. In typical NY style, the debate will go on and on and the opening date pushed backed for years.

If the Brooklyn arena ever gets built I wouldn't be surprised to see Ringling at the Garden reduced to a 2-day stand.

Show Lights! $18.00; how many would you like?; 17 March, 2008 20:45
Anonymous said...: Roger Smith,
It is not just a problem, with Ringling after the unions left. It is a problem all over, if we were allowed to discuss it. At least the early editions, did have the buffer of a spokesman. Don't begrudge them that.
Wade Burck; 17 March, 2008 21:16
jerry digney said...: When I was with RBBB in the 70s, we did indeed play NYC for 9 weeks, then 11 weeks--talk about cabin fever! Everyone was happy to see it end and finally get out of NYC but the big date was I believe consistently good and tickets were still pretty cheap (in those days lots of group sales and “school shows” were a big revenue stream)--of course, often they would have to tear down the show for a night or two because of hockey or basketball play offs which was a bit of a pain; After a month or so, the place stunk, but we got press on stuff like "the airing of the elephants," halfway thru the date, when--after weeks indoors--we brought the herd outside for some fresh air. It was costly to play the Garden, I imagine—lots of union musicians and ushers, not to mention pricey ads—also the Garden ran its own novelty concessions (buying some of the supplies from the circus like programs) so the circus didn’t have its own people running the merch sales—for years i think NYC was a great national publicity date for the show (just like the celebrity-hosted, network TV special that kicked off the season for decades in St. Petersburg) and that was usually what happened; now, I don’t see the same volume of national press come out of it, as they’re not on site long enough to build up a similar kind of momentum; tradition aside, with changing tastes and generational shifts in entertainment preferences, it’s unlikely that the circus will ever again sit in a place like NYC for so many weeks on end—but it was an adventure for all back in the day; 17 March, 2008 21:29
Anonymous said...: Wade, the secret to frequent career adjustments can be found in any supermarket. Ramen noodles. At thirty-five cents a meal one can afford to anger almost any employer. Now, it's a bit harder to explain the ramen noodle diet to the spouse and hungry children, so it's important to mix things up a bit by adding oatmeal to the diet as well...

But then again, as Broadway Girl points out at least in a sense -- what's to lose if your corporate employer charges $12 for floss and pays some performers as little as $300 per week? Nothing particular shocking about it I'm afraid. The lou Jacobs story is telling. We live in an age of diminished clowning. There are certainly talented clowns, but there are many who a bit less talented, or less original and they never develop to the degree that they might simply because they starve and quit the business after a few seasons. There's always another would be clown ready to ride the train, and if paying a clown $300 a week seems steep, well, one can always poach from another show that perhaps finds payasos in Latin America and pays them $250 a week -- if they can also drive a truck. I'm not suggesting that unions are or were the answer -- but collective bargaining at least allowed some reasonable minimum. Ultimately what's interesting is that on GSOE shows downsizing probably isn't about saving money on talent, because clearly talent is already unvalued, it more about saving money on lighting techs etc., who generally do get paid according to broader industry standards.; 17 March, 2008 21:50
Anonymous said...: I did an eleven week run in the Garden as Perf. Dir. and we would frequently have to vacate for hockey, basketball and even a heavyweight fight and I would post that all dressing rooms vacate as well. Wardrobe boxes were given a place for temporary storage, but all personal items had to be removed. ALL was accomplished in a matter of minutes and the next day back in Biz. Kind of got those dressinging and team rooms dunged out during the long run. It was "Anazin". l; 18 March, 2008 09:10
Anonymous said...: Pat Long, a retired concessionaire on the Blue unit in the 1970s and 80s, told me that Ringling candy butchers were given the option of working MSG or taking time off when their unit played there. Pat said she took the time off to visit parents and friends.

Lane Talburt; 18 March, 2008 10:25
klsdad said...: Tonight's the night!!
March 18, 2008 - Tues

If you're around midtown
Manhattan around midnight tonight you might like to watch elephants and
other circus animals on their rapid walk cross-town to Madison Square Garden. They enter 34th St. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues and cross 34th Street to the Garden.
Opening night is on Thursday - March 20. Garden opens at 6:30. Performance starts 7:30.
See you there..

klsdad; 18 March, 2008 10:32
Anonymous said...: Roger,
I may be wrong, but I think the reference to the Feld's policy and concentration camp's may border on "unseemly". Kinda hard to tell anymore. The fact checker may have just stepped out for a bathroom break.LOL

Ben, Were not talking smarter here, were talking noble. What takes more courage, speaking out to a current employer or speaking out to a past employer? With your resume, your thoughts might be of value. LOL
Regards,
Wade Burck; 18 March, 2008 10:38
Anonymous said...: Mr. Digney,
Do you remember, I forget what year it was, that a local NY newstation filmed the last elephant going out the curtain at the end of the show, the complete teardown, lifting of the aerial frame, and the complete laying of the parquet floor, up to the Bulls pregame warmup. They fast forwarded about 5 hours of film into a 5 minute incredible wonder of precision "getting it done", on schedule. Trust me on this my son's, in this case, it was "better in the good old day's.
Regards,
Wade Burck; 18 March, 2008 10:52
Anonymous said...: Mr. Trumble, Kudo's to you:

"Silence is the virtue of fools."

Francis Bacon, Sr. - English Lawyer and Philosopher - 1561-1626; 20 March, 2008 11:52

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Monday, March 17, 2008

Madison Sq. Garden 2008

30 comments:

Kids