Lane and Elice react to Riedel’s Comments
Catherine | Dec 26, 2009 | Comments 9
In a recent New York Post article entitled “‘Addams Family’ Vacation,” columnist Michael Riedel … accused Nathan Lane of gossiping about the show at the Four Seasons Spa … made sarcastic comments about the creative team’s holiday travel plans … and referred to the show as “troubled.” Now, I’ve never been a fan of Riedel’s style of “journalism” (using gossip gathered by his so-called “spies” for his “reporting”), but this was particularly irritating to me, especially since he hasn’t even seen the show himself.
Imagine my delight when I saw this article posted the very next day – “Lane’s World – excellent!” – in which Riedel shares Lane’s and Rick Elice’s reactions to his article.
In a letter to Riedel, Lane writes:
Dear Michael,
Just for the record, I am not a fixture at the Four Seasons spa, nor would I discuss the show in public in the manner you described . . .
Everyone on the creative team is working very hard to bring the best possible show into New York. I don’t have to tell you, but I’m going to anyway: Birthing a new musical is no day at the beach. As Larry Gelbart said, “If Hitler’s alive, I hope he’s out of town with a new musical.”
After your column today, I feel [Hitler] might be working for the New York Post.
‘Tis the season of giving, so give us a break! …
The article goes on to share Rick Elice’s reaction to the article:
… “We are not casually lounging in the tropics, nor even visiting tanning salons on the Upper West Side…We’re at work every day, amidst the snow and the shoppers, which is precisely where we want to be. It’s not easy work, but it’s a glorious challenge [and] I wouldn’t trade anything for it. Certainly not the beach, a tan or a mai-tai. Yes, it means we must share your pasty complexion, but we wear ours as a badge of honor.
Hope your holidays are filled with the leisure time about which you seem to enjoy writing. As for me, back to work.’”
I am SO glad to see Rick and Nathan taking up for themselves and the show, and tactfully letting Riedel know that they don’t appreciate being the butt of his “jokes.” Seeing that article yesterday made it a merry Christmas, indeed.
About the Author:
Actually, Lane and Elice were’t exactly ‘tactful’ but they were right on. I was so glad to see that they didn’t let Riedel get away with his usual gossip mongering…especially since he rarely, if ever, bothers to check sources or to make sure his facts are right…and then he wonders why the theater community finds it hard to respect him. I did have a chuckle over his calling Lane his ‘good friend’. Not sure Lane would agree. Well conceived critiques are fine…but this man is NOT a critic, nor has he even SEEN the show. There is a reason they are working out of town: getting it right for Broadway. As Lane and Elice rightly say in their responses, give them a chance to do the work and leave them alone. There will be plenty of time to gossip when they return to NY.
Maybe “tactful” in that they didn’t call him an A@% H&*( !!!
I’m curious to see if this will tame him when the show comes to b’way or make him more “gossipy” – if that’s possible – haha
I don’t understand how this man still has a job, especially since he is known for not reporting the correct facts. It appears as if he is trying to destroy the arts…in the making. I don’t think Addams Family has seen the end of Riedel’s nonsense. This all seems too familiar, as it was not too long ago he was doing this very same thing to the “Pal Joey” production.
Carolyn…
The man still has a job because he works for the NY Post. Both he and the paper are known for not reporting correct facts…to say the least
(I notice there was already a “Liz”, so I’ll be Liz R ;~)
Yes, Carolyn, some of us remember that debacle all too well. I haven’t read his column since. A lot of people think he’s entertaining, but I think he just enjoys ticking people off. Not my cup of tea at all.
Riedel is an idiot. When this show hits broadway people will be scrambling just to find a ticket. It’s going to take New York by storm. Let’s hope no one will give their ticket to him, I know he’s not getting mine!!!
Right on, Bruce!
The producers ought to tell him they’ll be happy to SELL him a ticket, if there are any available. No FREE tickets for Mr. “Knife-in-the-Back” Riedel.
Lovely, Mr. Lane!! as I live in Colorado, I would love it if you and your musical would come our way!! Sounds like such fun and joy. I couldn’t believe that anyone at the Post would be so foolish as to write a slanderous comment!! and incorrect to boot! I guess i am glad I live in a small town where our paper, Longmont Time-Call, trys dilligently to write the truth! (of course, in opinion write ups, there is some good controversies)
Cheers to you!!!