TICKET GIVEAWAY TO GOLDEN BOY: Win two tickets to see “Golden Boy,” Clifford Odet’s drama, first produced on Broadway in 1937 by the legendary Group Theater, about a man who defies his family and a promising career as a classical musician for a shot at immortality in the boxing ring. Directed by Bartlett Sher (South Pacific), the Lincoln Center Theater production at the Belasco Theater begins performances November 8th and features a cast of 17, including Danny Burstein (South Pacific, Follies), Seth Numrich (War Horse), and Tony Shalhoub (Monk, Lend Me A Tenor).
To enter the contest:
Describe the best fight scene you’ve ever seen on stage.
Three requirements to win the tickets:
1. Please put your answer in the comments at the bottom of this blog post, because the winner will be chosen through Random.org based on the order of your reply, not its content.
But you must answer the question, or your entry will not be approved for submission.
2. Please include in your answer your Twitter name and follow my Twitter feed at @NewYorkTheater so that I can send you a direct message. (If you don’t have a Twitter name, create one. It’s free.)
3. This contest ends Monday, October 22, 2012 at midnight Eastern Time, and I will make the drawing no later than noon the next day. You must respond to my direct message on Twitter within 24 hours or I will choose another winner.
(The tickets are for a performance between November 8 and December 13, 2012. You have to be in New York City and able to attend one of the designated performances.)
I must give the edge to the “hovering over the audience” fight scene in Spider-man: Turn off the Dark. I find it absolutely incredible how the choreography is based off of wires and harnesses shifting in multiple directions. And then to have the characters meet each other and have one climb on another….I’ve never seen anything like that…and who knows if I will again.
Hmmm…I’ve seen so many fight scenes, but none immediately leaps to mind as the best…currently I quite like the fight scene in Newsies, the newsies versus the cops, Delanceys etc.
Twitter: @ladystardust25
I’m not sure if this counts but the riot/dance number between the police and coal miners from billy elliot was beautiful to watch.
@zegrandduchess
I loved Kevin Kline in Cyrano a few years ago. His physical grace and athleticism were on full display, and his sword fight in tempo with his reciting verse was so much fun.
@lparkernyc
West Side Story’s fights are the only fights in the world that I can call beautiful. I love the opening with the Sharks and Jets and the rumble.
@jffmiele
The Great White Hope had a tremendous fight scene with James Earl Jones…it was over 40 years ago and it is still strong in my memory.
I loved the fight scenes in Beautiful Burnout. It was almost entirely choreographed through boxing, movement and dance all in a boxing ring.
@MildlyBitter
Without a doubt sleep no more has the best fight scenes I’ve ever seen. Extra points when they are happening a foot from your face.
@candrewandrew
I am going to have to say the Strath Haven HS production of Oklahoma in 1990. When the fight breaks out during Farmer and the Cowman, one of the farmers took a swing at Will, then Ado Annie spins him around and actually punched me . . . er him . . . in the jaw and laid him out for a moment. Both were commended on how realistic it looked.
@movidude74
The violence/fights in regional production of “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” were equal parts disgustingly believable and hilarious. Let’s just say, it was not for people who faint at the sight of blood..
@alanaenchanted
The fight scene from “One Man, Two Guvnors” was hysterical. James Corden was hilarious fighting with himself.
@cyclops40002
Hands down, Edward II at Chicago Shakespeare 2008 season. The most amazing theatre experience I have ever had- took promenade staging to a different level! Standing just inches away from all the action was so intense and made all of the fight scenes more brutal and emotional.
Care Blanchett as Blanche in Streetcar fighting Stanley–excellent production!!
James Earl Jones in “The Great White Hope”.
The overture to Golden Boy the musical!
Kevin Kline’s swordplay in Cyrano de Bergerac. Just brilliant, and he never missed a step or a beat. @theatricalgems
The fight scene between Spiderman and Green Goblin. One minute you’re on the ground, next one you’re over the Chrystler Building looking down at a fighting scene!
@thismademyday
the WW1 fight scenes in WARHORSE are amazing man, horse. barbed wire… amazing
The wrestling in Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity–a version of real world staged combat.
@mlottjr
Does the opening scene of the second act of Lieutenant of Inishmore count? THAT was brilliant.
William Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet by far. The famous scene between the families.
@noisefunk
The fight scene in Treasure Island, staged last year at Irondale Center in Brooklyn, directed by theatrical fight master B. H. Barrie.
@lyndacc
Barbara and Violet at dinner – August Osage County
I’m from Cincinnati Ohio, so I’ve had the privilege of seeing fights choreographed by k. Jenny Jones, the first (only?) female Fight Master of the Society of American Fight Directors. I remember my stomach dropping when Jackie gets struck across the face in Theresa Rebeck’s Mauritius.
@UnderwoodWrites
I loved the dance-fight scenes in Billy Elliot. Very dynamic and thrilling! The fusion of dance and fighting created a captivating vision. @mymusicboxes
Royal Shakespeare’s production of Richard II in 2008 starring Jonathan Slinger. Every fight was choreographed perfectly and continued the story! Loved it! @julessssss
“Sucker Punch” at the Royal Court Theatre in 2010. The theater space was a boxing ring. Fantastic fight choreography.
My vote is the final scene in Oleanna. Utterly visceral and scary.
@JoeThomasNYC
12th Night in Central Park.
The current Broadway production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf – Pretty much the entire play, but when George grabs Martha by the throat towards the end of the show, I almost screamed out loud. An amazing, visceral show.
@rockeratheart
West Side Story! You can’t beat fighting through dance. @AshleyRaeBK
My favorite fight scene is the argument between Roger and Mark during “Goodbye Love” in RENT. It’s not a physical scene, so much — I think maybe they shove each other? — but it’s an absolutely heart-wrenching scene that cuts to the bone.
My favourite fight scene on stage was Liev Schreiber’s fight scene in the recent AView From A Bridge revival.
@corellianjedi2
Congratulations to Antoinette Miller, who won the random drawing, using Random.org and based on the order of her response. Your answers included a diverse lot of memorable fight scenes.