Maybe this is why 100 Years is delayed...

by **Toph** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:09 am

What the heck is this? Looks pretty big time - but why not a word from the DeYoung camp or website...Inquiring minds want to know...

http://www.gcadstransfer.com/TROIKA/101dalmatians.html

by **chowhall** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:53 am

Good for him. This is where his heart lies. I hope it's a huge hit for him.

by **Abitaman** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:16 am

The man has talent. Let him spread around. But I do wnat more ROCK from him.

by **stmonkeys** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:33 am

oh the irony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dennis will bring a "DISNEY"* show to broadway.... avenging hunchback????? LOL! bravo! good luck dennis- mazel tov!

OK- technically MSG is between 7th and 8th... but close enough.

*yes i realize that this isn't the disney version...but still! LMAO

by **Toph** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:50 am

stmonkeys wrote:oh the irony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dennis will bring a "DISNEY"* show to broadway.... avenging hunchback????? LOL! bravo! good luck dennis- mazel tov!

OK- technically MSG is between 7th and 8th... but close enough.

*yes i realize that this isn't the disney version...but still! LMAO

What are the songs that he has been composing? Are they new? Or are they old Styx, Hunchback, solo songs that have been incorporated?

by **bugsymalone** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:14 am

A total mystery to me, this project. However, I am sure if it comes to be, all will be revealed in time. :wink:

I will say that Dennis came up very quickly with two new songs for Hunchback that were just killer pieces and worked well in the production.

If he has been working on more music for....whatever, then good for him. He is finding his niche for, to quote Sir Elton, 60 Years On.

Bugsy

by **yogi** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:42 am

Can anyone download this for me on here, I am filtered out of this website.

Thanks in advance.

by **brywool** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:17 am

While this is cool for Dennis, it really does prove that Styx did the right thing by moving on without him. Sorry, but it really does. The guy is not a "rock guy" any longer and has made the leap (or fall, depending on your perspective) into musical theatre. As somone else said, that's where his heart lies and more power to him for going after what he wants to do. The same is to be said of Styx for doing what they want to do.

Geez, everybody's happy, cool.

It is really interesting that there's not been word one about it. Maybe he's just backing it? Haven't had time to read the flier.

by **brywool** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:23 am

Tried to edit my post but it wouldn't let me- he's pretty much "the composer". It'd be interesting to hear it. Wish he'd pick something a bit deeper, but it'll be cool.

by **chowhall** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:41 am

yogi wrote:Can anyone download this for me on here, I am filtered out of this website.

Thanks in advance.

Here ya go.

All production photos courtesy of Luis Alvarez
Overflowing with melody, wit, warmth and imagination, 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL brings this world-famous classic to new life in a brand-new song-and-dance filled stage version.

A musical adventure story with a lively contemporary score by Dennis DeYoung, the inspiration for the production’s unique and delightful concept came directly from re-discovering the original 1957 novel by British author Dodie Smith. Bookwriter BT McNicholl was charmed by the source material’s whimsical point of view:

Not long ago, there lived in London a young married couple of Dalmatian
dogs named Pongo and Mrs. Pongo.. They were lucky enough to own a
young married couple of humans named Mr. and Mrs. Dearly, who were
gentle, obedient, and unusually intelligent, almost canine at times.

“Here is an enchanting, upside-down vision of the world: seeing life from the dogs’ point of view,” observed McNicholl. “Embracing this wonderfully daft proposition, we are instantly transported to a slightly topsy-turvy, exciting, and altogether fantastic reality that gives grand license for song, dance and spectacle.”

Delivering the author’s quirky premise required a simple, bold theatrical conceit. “We tend to look upon dogs as somewhat unusual, mysterious, and often amusing creatures, and no doubt we must seem the same to them.”

“Typically,” he points out, “stage productions present animals or exotic creatures using some form of puppetry (as in The Lion King) or dressing actors in animal costumes (Cats). But here, given that our premise is inside-out, we invert the equation: The animals are human and the humans are exotic.”

“Thus, we present the humans in a heightened form of dress and scale so as to appear larger than life – as they would seem from a dog’s point of view,” says Director Jerry Zaks. As for the lovable Dalmatians, they will have “No ears, no paws – but, rather, a clever use of costumes in the black-and-white palette that will immediately set them apart from the human characters. This represents a technical solution to the question, ‘How do we present dogs and humans on stage simultaneously?’”

“Theatrical wizardry aside, audiences will want to see 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL because it’s a classic tale,” Zaks believes. “Children ripped away from their parents by a force of evil is frightening. How do the parents find their children and rescue them? Their reunion will be cause for rejoicing, and will enchant and mesmerize audiences of kids and grown-ups alike.”

As an added surprise, the creators promise a special ending with real Dalmatians, in a one-of-a-kind finale that will leave everyone cheering.

JERRY ZAKS
Director BT MCNICHOLL
Bookwriter DENNIS DEYOUNG
Composer

Jerry Zaks has most recently directed the acclaimed City Center Encores! production of Stairway to Paradise. He has received four Tony Awards, four Drama Desks, two Outer Critics Circle Awards, an Obie and an NAACP Image Award nomination for his national tour of The Tap Dance Kid. He has directed more than 30 productions in New York, including Guys and Dolls (Tony Award), Six Degrees of Separation (Tony Award), Lend Me a Tenor (Tony Award), House of Blue Leaves (Tony Award), A Funny Thing…Forum (Tony Award nomination), Smokey Joe’s Café (Tony Award nomination), Anything Goes (Tony Award nomination), La Cage aux Folles (Tony Award, Outstanding Musical Revival), The Foreigner (Obie Award), The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Obie Award), The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, Little Shop of Horrors, The Man Who Came to Dinner, A Bad Friend, The Front Page, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Assassins (Drama Desk nomination), Wenceslas Square, Sister Mary Ignatius…, Beyond Therapy and The Civil War. He also directed the Old Vic’s production of The Philadelphia Story in London, starring Kevin Spacey, as well as the award-winning film Marvin’s Room, starring Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton. Mr. Zaks served as resident director at Lincoln Center Theater from 1986-1990 and is a founding member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre. He has also directed episodes for the long-running hit comedies “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Frasier” and “Two and a Half Men.” A graduate of Dartmouth with an MFA from Smith, he received the SSDC’s George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre in 1994 and an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Dartmouth in 1999. Since 1990 he has been proudly affiliated with Jujamcyn Theaters. BT McNicholl is a BMI Award-winning librettist and lyricist, whose work includes the critically well-received musical The It Girl (published by Samuel French and Hal Leonard Publishing). With composer Stephen Sondheim, he adapted the book of the composer's A Little Night Music for the concert stage. In the world of family entertainment, he is one of the leading creators of highly-rated theatrical entertainments for Busch Gardens and, for Disney & Kenneth Feld, the hit stage adaptation of Winnie The Pooh which opened in New York and London is now in its 5th year of an international tour. In his 15 years on Broadway, he is proud to have been on the creative teams of Cabaret, Spamalot, and the current success Billy Elliot.

Dennis DeYoung is best known as keyboardist, songwriter and a founding member of the rock group Styx. He was the lead singer and composer of Styx hits; 'Lady,' 'Come Sail Away,' 'Best of Times,' 'Mr. Roboto,'

'Show Me The Way,' and 'Don't Let It End.' With DeYoung in the group, Styx sold over 30 million records worldwide. He has penned three #1 records and 9 top ten singles. His song 'Babe,' won the People's Choice Award for Best New Song in 1980. His music has appeared in 15 major motion pictures and more than 25 television shows, ranging from
'E.R.' to 'South Park.'

Most recently DeYoung's CD 'Dennis DeYoung and The Music Of Styx Live With a Symphony Orchestra,' went platinum in Canada. The companion DVD is triple platinum. His latest release '100 Years From Now,' spanned a #1 hit in Canada. It is scheduled for an 2009 release in the U.S., on Rounder Records.

Dennis starred as Pontius Pilot in the 1993 National Production of, 'Jesus Christ Super Star.' He received a Jeff nomination for his performance. The first production of his musical 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame,' was staged in Nashville, Tennessee by the Tennessee Repertory Theater, directed by Mac Pirkle.

In 2008 Dennis' 'Hunchback Of Notre Dame,' was staged at the Bailiwick Theater in Chicago to sold out houses and critical acclaim. It received a nomination for best musical by the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee. He is currently writing the music and lyrics for a theatrical production of '101 Dalmatian's,' directed by Jerry Zaks.

Dennis continues to tour throughout the world performing with his rock band and with symphony orchestra's.

For more information check his web site at Dennis DeYoung.com.

All production photos courtesy of Luis Alvarez
MAGIC ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT LUIS ALVAREZ
Magic Arts & Entertainment has been bringing hundreds of thousands of people to their feet each year throughout their 25 years in the entertainment industry. And from the very beginning, the company has been led by business partners Lee D. Marshall and Joe Marsh.

As former partners in Magicworks Entertainment, Marshall and Marsh began by producing David Copperfield’s first –ever tour in 1983. The company then grew to produce, manage, book and promote a versatile roster of live entertainment events that expanded to include such high-grossing concerts as the North American tours for Janet Jackson, Cher, N Sync, Britney Spears, Barry Manilow, The Backstreet Boys and many others.

Theatricals have always played a main role in the body of Magic’s tour producing roster. Past Broadway theatrical credits have included the Tony-nominated Hello Dolly! starring Carol Channing, Jekyll & Hyde, Ann-Margret starring in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Cabaret, The Gin Game starring Julie Harris and Charles Durning, Off-Broadway’s The Marijuana Logues starring Tommy Chong, West Side Story, A Chorus Line and Mannheim Steamroller’s A Christmas Angel among dozens of others.

In 1998 Magicworks was acquired by SFX Entertainment (now Live Nation). After this acquisition, the former Magic office became SFX’S Family Touring Division overseeing the following tours: The Magic of David Copperfield, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, Rugrats, A Live Adventure!, Arthur, A Live Adventure! , Titanic: The Exhibition and St. Peter and The Vatican, The Legacy of the Popes Exhibition.

Marshall and Marsh ran this division until 2001 when they then left to open Magic Arts & Entertainment, reuniting with many of their former Magic staff.

Marshall, Marsh and their staff have over 150 combined years of experience in the entertainment industry. And today, the office continues to produce a roster of shows throughout North American theatres throughout each year. Current tours include The Magic of David Copperfield, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, Mannheim Steamroller, Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley, the upcoming tours of Bob the Builder Live and 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL

In 2008, Magic Arts & Entertainment was acquired by the Tix Corporation (stock symbol TIXC), with Marshall and Marsh assuming the roles of Co-CEO of Tix Productions, a newly-formed subsidiary of Tix Corporation. The Magic office is run out of Cleveland, OH and Salt Lake City, UT.
Troika has over two decades experience producing shows of all types and sizes throughout North America and the world: touring, sit-down, casino and leisure markets.
International venues include Russia, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Korea and Japan. Troika is most recently involved in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China with productions of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, 42ND STREET and CHICAGO.

The company is experienced in casino and leisure markets having produced for Caesars, Grand Casino, Hilton, Eldorado and Harrahs (Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Lake Tahoe and Branson.) Located in Maryland in the Washington D.C. area, Troika is outside the New York mainstream. The company prides itself on thinking “outside the apple,” delivering a top quality product using cost-effective production methods.
Luis Alvarez, the youngest theatrical producer and director in Madrid, is responsible for one of the most successful shows in Spain. 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL premiered at the Wonderland Theatre in 2001. Following its triumphant inaugural year, 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL, moved to the historic Calderon Theatre in the center of Madrid. This was the first time in Spanish history that one show was performing with two different physical productions in two different locations; the original show in Madrid and the other one on tour. In 2002 Mr. Alvarez received an award for the Best Theatrical Producer in Spain.

Mr. Alvarez and 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL broke all records for sponsorship deals in Spain. Kellogg’s, Kodak, Iberia, Haagen Dazs and many other well known companies sponsored the World Premier of 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
ENTERTAINMENT PUPPY TOURING
PALACE

MSG Entertainment (MSGE), the live entertainment arm of Cablevision Systems Corporations, is a worldwide entertainment company recognized for its signature combination of event production and entertainment marketing. In addition to the nearly 700 entertainment concerts and events that take place each year at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, The Beacon Theatre and Chicago Theatre, MSGE has recently signed an exclusive co-booking agreement with Boston’s Wang theatre. MSG Entertainment's live events include The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which includes the national arena tour and the theatrical tour which will hit 23 markets outside of New York in 2008. More than five and a half million people visit Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall annually for concerts, award shows, and family attractions.
MSGE brings its signature expertise to arenas, stages and city streets throughout the world and has produced numerous original multi-run shows over the last decade, including the #1 holiday show in America, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. In 2007, MSGE partnered with Cirque du Soleil to present, Wintuk, the first family show presented by Cirque du Soleil which was created specifically for the Wamu Theater and played to record crowds.

In addition to its productions, MSG’s portfolio of legendary venues are consistently recognized for their excellence again and again. Once again Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall were ranked #1 venue in their respective class by the two leading industry trades – Billboard and Pollstar.
The North American tour of 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL will have another star beyond the adorable pups, with a one of a kind “mobile puppy palace” these dogs will be traveling in style! Producers of 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL are creating a one of a kind home for these 20 roving canines.

Equipped with their own grooming station and portable playground these special pups will be treated like royalty. The bus will be specially outfitted with an awning to shade the moveable fencing that makes a safe running and exercise area no matter where these extraordinary dogs may be. Never to be alone, the bus will provide housing for two trainers to share lots of love and these unusual quarters.

Once in the performance cities these dogs will be living in luxury at an animal friendly hotel. Making the bus available for special visits with schools, hospitals, nursing homes and pet stores, this touring extravaganza will be teaching loving pet care to all who care to learn.

by **Rockwriter** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:38 am

brywool wrote:While this is cool for Dennis, it really does prove that Styx did the right thing by moving on without him. Sorry, but it really does. The guy is not a "rock guy" any longer and has made the leap (or fall, depending on your perspective) into musical theatre. As somone else said, that's where his heart lies and more power to him for going after what he wants to do. The same is to be said of Styx for doing what they want to do.

Geez, everybody's happy, cool.

It is really interesting that there's not been word one about it. Maybe he's just backing it? Haven't had time to read the flier.

This appears, at least at first glance, to be legitimate, but we shall see. Dennis is in Germany right now, I think, so maybe if this is a brand new announcement, he's not had the time to get it onto his web site. This appears to be one of only a handful of references online to this , so it may be something that's not even been the subject of a formal press release yet. It could be something where Dennis was tapped at the last minute to join an existing project, and could have something to do with Hunchback having won the Jefferson Award recently, thereby giving him more legitimacy in the eyes of theater producers. Who knows? Even though I doubt this will be my cup of tea, good for him if it comes off. Maybe it will lead to him being able to score a Disney film somewhere down the line, something I am convinced he could do very well at.

As an aside, I still don't think this makes him "not a rock guy". Do differing styles, and the ability to perform each in turn, mutually exclude one another? Not to mention the fact that he likely did not originate or conceive this project, but is once again probably just taking a job someone offered. I've never, ever understood anyone's problem with him doing different things (when Tommy does primarily acoustic-based things outside of Styx, does that make him, too, "not a rock guy"? Or Todd when he plays at jazz festivals? Or Gowan when he performed a solo concert with an orchestra?), but oh well. To each his own point of view, lol. I still see it that the best of what Styx had to offer in its prime contained a healthy dose of Dennis' melodic and dramatic flair . . . which could be construed to say that Styx in its prime was "not really a rock band", LOL. There's even plenty of critics that would agree with that statement.

I hope all is well.

Sterling

PS What about Freddie Mercury? Pete Townshend? Elvis Presley? Are any of those guys "rock guys" by definition? Hmmm . . .

by **StyxCollector** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:04 pm

Rockwriter wrote:This appears, at least at first glance, to be legitimate, but we shall see. Dennis is in Germany right now, I think, so maybe if this is a brand new announcement, he's not had the time to get it onto his web site. This appears to be one of only a handful of references online to this , so it may be something that's not even been the subject of a formal press release yet. It could be something where Dennis was tapped at the last minute to join an existing project, and could have something to do with Hunchback having won the Jefferson Award recently, thereby giving him more legitimacy in the eyes of theater producers. Who knows? Even though I doubt this will be my cup of tea, good for him if it comes off. Maybe it will lead to him being able to score a Disney film somewhere down the line, something I am convinced he could do very well at.

I would think it has a lot to do with the Jeff Award. I do get the irony, considering the whole shelving of Hunchback had to do with the Disney film. It didn't seem like anything of this kind was in the works when I talked to him before Hunchback a few months ago, so I'm guessing this is pretty new. It could have been something that was in negotiation or under wraps, but I somehow doubt that. Given the lineup of people they list working on the show, this looks legit unless it's the brainchild of some theater geek.

by **styxfanNH** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:57 pm

Disney's movie was adapted from the book The One Hundred and One Dalmatians by: Dodie Smith

by **yogi** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:39 pm

I DONT believe this.

Good one!!!!

by **bugsymalone** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:27 pm

I guarantee, if this is the real deal (and no one knows it yet for sure), that all aspects of it were kept completely quiet for very obvious reasons and some none of us may ever know.

Adding, too, that if he is working with with Jerry Zaks on a project, it can mean very good things for him down the road for this phase of his career.

As an aside, I still don't think this makes him "not a rock guy". Do differing styles, and the ability to perform each in turn, mutually exclude one another? Not to mention the fact that he likely did not originate or conceive this project, but is once again probably just taking a job someone offered. I've never, ever understood anyone's problem with him doing different things (when Tommy does primarily acoustic-based things outside of Styx, does that make him, too, "not a rock guy"? Or Todd when he plays at jazz festivals? Or Gowan when he performed a solo concert with an orchestra?), but oh well. To each his own point of view, lol. I still see it that the best of what Styx had to offer in its prime contained a healthy dose of Dennis' melodic and dramatic flair . . . which could be construed to say that Styx in its prime was "not really a rock band", LOL. There's even plenty of critics that would agree with that statement.

Very good point, Sterling, not that it will have any impact on those who already have their minds made up on this.

Bugsy

by **cinj** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:29 pm

[quote="Rockwriter

As an aside, I still don't think this makes him "not a rock guy". Do differing styles, and the ability to perform each in turn, mutually exclude one another? Not to mention the fact that he likely did not originate or conceive this project, but is once again probably just taking a job someone offered. I've never, ever understood anyone's problem with him doing different things (when Tommy does primarily acoustic-based things outside of Styx, does that make him, too, "not a rock guy"? Or Todd when he plays at jazz festivals? Or Gowan when he performed a solo concert with an orchestra?), but oh well. To each his own point of view, lol. I still see it that the best of what Styx had to offer in its prime contained a healthy dose of Dennis' melodic and dramatic flair . . . which could be construed to say that Styx in its prime was "not really a rock band", LOL. There's even plenty of critics that would agree with that statement.

I hope all is well.

Sterling

PS What about Freddie Mercury? Pete Townshend? Elvis Presley? Are any of those guys "rock guys" by definition? Hmmm . . .[/quote]

Good point. I think what Brywool meant was that Rock music isn't really where Dennis' heart is. Yes he can rock very well, but it seems he'd rather do musicals.

BTW - I finally read your book. DAMN! That thing was good! Read the whole thing in 2 sittings. Thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into it.

Cinj.

by **chowhall** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:34 am

yogi wrote:I DONT believe this.

Good one!!!!

I don't have near enough time or energy to come up with something that long. I'll leave that to you. :wink:

by **yogi** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:50 am

But you do have time to sponge off of mom, have her purchase your concert tickets and then both of you heckle the performer.

by **chowhall** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:04 am

yogi wrote:But you do have time to sponge off of mom, have her purchase your concert tickets and then both of you heckle the performer.

Step away from the crack pipe. It's probably too late for you though.

by **StyxCollector** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:42 am

cinj wrote:Good point. I think what Brywool meant was that Rock music isn't really where Dennis' heart is. Yes he can rock very well, but it seems he'd rather do musicals.

Go where the money and the opportunities are. I don't think it's too much more complicated than that. Yes, Dennis does like things other than doing the rock show (no secret there), and he wouldn't do it if he didn't want to, but I think the haters are thinking too much. You don't think that Styx wouldn't jump at the chance if someone wanted to do a musical with Styx songs in part or in whole? Oh yeah, they endorse one - Rock of Ages which they also promote on StyxWorld.com (Styx isn't the only music, but I think one or two songs are in there). Here's the banner:

So if people are going to chide Dennis, cast an equal light elsewhere. You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

by **brywool** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:35 am

Rockwriter wrote:
brywool wrote:While this is cool for Dennis, it really does prove that Styx did the right thing by moving on without him. Sorry, but it really does. The guy is not a "rock guy" any longer and has made the leap (or fall, depending on your perspective) into musical theatre. As somone else said, that's where his heart lies and more power to him for going after what he wants to do. The same is to be said of Styx for doing what they want to do.

Geez, everybody's happy, cool.

It is really interesting that there's not been word one about it. Maybe he's just backing it? Haven't had time to read the flier.

This appears, at least at first glance, to be legitimate, but we shall see. Dennis is in Germany right now, I think, so maybe if this is a brand new announcement, he's not had the time to get it onto his web site. This appears to be one of only a handful of references online to this , so it may be something that's not even been the subject of a formal press release yet. It could be something where Dennis was tapped at the last minute to join an existing project, and could have something to do with Hunchback having won the Jefferson Award recently, thereby giving him more legitimacy in the eyes of theater producers. Who knows? Even though I doubt this will be my cup of tea, good for him if it comes off. Maybe it will lead to him being able to score a Disney film somewhere down the line, something I am convinced he could do very well at.

As an aside, I still don't think this makes him "not a rock guy". Do differing styles, and the ability to perform each in turn, mutually exclude one another? Not to mention the fact that he likely did not originate or conceive this project, but is once again probably just taking a job someone offered. I've never, ever understood anyone's problem with him doing different things (when Tommy does primarily acoustic-based things outside of Styx, does that make him, too, "not a rock guy"? Or Todd when he plays at jazz festivals? Or Gowan when he performed a solo concert with an orchestra?), but oh well. To each his own point of view, lol. I still see it that the best of what Styx had to offer in its prime contained a healthy dose of Dennis' melodic and dramatic flair . . . which could be construed to say that Styx in its prime was "not really a rock band", LOL. There's even plenty of critics that would agree with that statement.

I hope all is well.

Sterling

PS What about Freddie Mercury? Pete Townshend? Elvis Presley? Are any of those guys "rock guys" by definition? Hmmm . . .

Then let's phrase it like this:

The guy obviously didn't have time for Styx, so the band made the right decision and Dennis is getting full control over everything he does. Everybody wins except Froy.

by **Rockwriter** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:41 am

cinj wrote:[quote="Rockwriter

As an aside, I still don't think this makes him "not a rock guy". Do differing styles, and the ability to perform each in turn, mutually exclude one another? Not to mention the fact that he likely did not originate or conceive this project, but is once again probably just taking a job someone offered. I've never, ever understood anyone's problem with him doing different things (when Tommy does primarily acoustic-based things outside of Styx, does that make him, too, "not a rock guy"? Or Todd when he plays at jazz festivals? Or Gowan when he performed a solo concert with an orchestra?), but oh well. To each his own point of view, lol. I still see it that the best of what Styx had to offer in its prime contained a healthy dose of Dennis' melodic and dramatic flair . . . which could be construed to say that Styx in its prime was "not really a rock band", LOL. There's even plenty of critics that would agree with that statement.

I hope all is well.

Sterling

PS What about Freddie Mercury? Pete Townshend? Elvis Presley? Are any of those guys "rock guys" by definition? Hmmm . . .

Good point. I think what Brywool meant was that Rock music isn't really where Dennis' heart is. Yes he can rock very well, but it seems he'd rather do musicals.

BTW - I finally read your book. DAMN! That thing was good! Read the whole thing in 2 sittings. Thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into it.

Cinj.[/quote]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked the book. For some reason two continuous sittings seems to be the magic number; people keep telling me over and over that they read the book in two intensive days. I anticipated that most people would read it a chapter at a time, so I wrote it in such a way that the beginning of each chapter has a small recap of the previous. If I had known people were going to blow thorugh it all at once, I would not have chosen to do that. LOL, I guess that shows what I know . . .

I hope all is well.

Sterling

by **brywool** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:42 am

StyxCollector wrote:
cinj wrote:Good point. I think what Brywool meant was that Rock music isn't really where Dennis' heart is. Yes he can rock very well, but it seems he'd rather do musicals.

Go where the money and the opportunities are. I don't think it's too much more complicated than that. Yes, Dennis does like things other than doing the rock show (no secret there), and he wouldn't do it if he didn't want to, but I think the haters are thinking too much. You don't think that Styx wouldn't jump at the chance if someone wanted to do a musical with Styx songs in part or in whole? Oh yeah, they endorse one - Rock of Ages which they also promote on StyxWorld.com (Styx isn't the only music, but I think one or two songs are in there). Here's the banner:

So if people are going to chide Dennis, cast an equal light elsewhere. You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

promoting something that uses Styx's music (Like that film with Heather Locklier) isn't the same as abandoning your main focus and putting all your focus elsewhere. The fact that those songs are used is a way to promote Styx and others. It's a good thing. It's not requiring the band to go into limbo for years so they can be Andrew Loydd Webber.

by **Rockwriter** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:47 am

brywool wrote:
Rockwriter wrote:
brywool wrote:While this is cool for Dennis, it really does prove that Styx did the right thing by moving on without him. Sorry, but it really does. The guy is not a "rock guy" any longer and has made the leap (or fall, depending on your perspective) into musical theatre. As somone else said, that's where his heart lies and more power to him for going after what he wants to do. The same is to be said of Styx for doing what they want to do.

Geez, everybody's happy, cool.

It is really interesting that there's not been word one about it. Maybe he's just backing it? Haven't had time to read the flier.

This appears, at least at first glance, to be legitimate, but we shall see. Dennis is in Germany right now, I think, so maybe if this is a brand new announcement, he's not had the time to get it onto his web site. This appears to be one of only a handful of references online to this , so it may be something that's not even been the subject of a formal press release yet. It could be something where Dennis was tapped at the last minute to join an existing project, and could have something to do with Hunchback having won the Jefferson Award recently, thereby giving him more legitimacy in the eyes of theater producers. Who knows? Even though I doubt this will be my cup of tea, good for him if it comes off. Maybe it will lead to him being able to score a Disney film somewhere down the line, something I am convinced he could do very well at.

As an aside, I still don't think this makes him "not a rock guy". Do differing styles, and the ability to perform each in turn, mutually exclude one another? Not to mention the fact that he likely did not originate or conceive this project, but is once again probably just taking a job someone offered. I've never, ever understood anyone's problem with him doing different things (when Tommy does primarily acoustic-based things outside of Styx, does that make him, too, "not a rock guy"? Or Todd when he plays at jazz festivals? Or Gowan when he performed a solo concert with an orchestra?), but oh well. To each his own point of view, lol. I still see it that the best of what Styx had to offer in its prime contained a healthy dose of Dennis' melodic and dramatic flair . . . which could be construed to say that Styx in its prime was "not really a rock band", LOL. There's even plenty of critics that would agree with that statement.

I hope all is well.

Sterling

PS What about Freddie Mercury? Pete Townshend? Elvis Presley? Are any of those guys "rock guys" by definition? Hmmm . . .

Then let's phrase it like this:

The guy obviously didn't have time for Styx, so the band made the right decision and Dennis is getting full control over everything he does. Everybody wins except Froy.

LOL, maybe so. I still believe he'll be back at some point, but who knows? The band members themselves don't really know. In the meantime it's going to continue like it has for years, with some fans supporting one, some fans supporting the other, some fans supporting both, and some choosing not to support either entity if they can't have exactly the combination of people that they want. In other words, business as usual!

Sterling

by **StyxCollector** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:54 am

Put another way: notice the incessant touring is kinda over. The dead horse has seen its last beating. I think at this point Styx is trying to figure out the plan going forward. New material? Tricky - it's not going to sell that well; they'd be better of just selling stuff at shows at $20 a pop. They'd make more money if they did it themselves. Little reward for lots of effort. Touring? Well, again, that ship has left to some degree, too. Look at their touring schedule - a cluster of dates in a concentrated area (for example, 2/6 - 2/21 on the West Coast). JY's wife's illness certainly factors in as well. Bottom line: they can't do what they've been doing. They need a new game plan. I don't think they even know what it is at this point.

Dennis has certainly done what he wanted and managed things totally different. He's not playing any larger venues or different rib fests (lol) than Styx is, but playing live isn't his primary focus. I'm sure he's getting paid well to do the dates in Europe right now.

I'm not sure what Dennis coming back would buy either side at this point.

by **Toph** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:51 am

StyxCollector wrote:Put another way: notice the incessant touring is kinda over. The dead horse has seen its last beating. I think at this point Styx is trying to figure out the plan going forward. New material? Tricky - it's not going to sell that well; they'd be better of just selling stuff at shows at $20 a pop. They'd make more money if they did it themselves. Little reward for lots of effort. Touring? Well, again, that ship has left to some degree, too. Look at their touring schedule - a cluster of dates in a concentrated area (for example, 2/6 - 2/21 on the West Coast). JY's wife's illness certainly factors in as well. Bottom line: they can't do what they've been doing. They need a new game plan. I don't think they even know what it is at this point.

Dennis has certainly done what he wanted and managed things totally different. He's not playing any larger venues or different rib fests (lol) than Styx is, but playing live isn't his primary focus. I'm sure he's getting paid well to do the dates in Europe right now.

I'm not sure what Dennis coming back would buy either side at this point.

I don't think you will ever see it happen - unless the current band tooks 2-3 years off. But then the core fans are getting that much older - some are bordering on grandparents status...

by **StyxCollector** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:08 am

Toph wrote:I don't think you will ever see it happen - unless the current band tooks 2-3 years off. But then the core fans are getting that much older - some are bordering on grandparents status...

My line in the sand has been 2010 - I always have said if it didn't happen by then, it wouldn't. But even if it did, who really cares at this point? I've seen Styx with Dennis already so what's a reunion really going to buy me? I say let sleeping dogs lie.

by **brywool** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:13 am

Rockwriter wrote:
brywool wrote:
Rockwriter wrote:
brywool wrote:While this is cool for Dennis, it really does prove that Styx did the right thing by moving on without him. Sorry, but it really does. The guy is not a "rock guy" any longer and has made the leap (or fall, depending on your perspective) into musical theatre. As somone else said, that's where his heart lies and more power to him for going after what he wants to do. The same is to be said of Styx for doing what they want to do.

Geez, everybody's happy, cool.

It is really interesting that there's not been word one about it. Maybe he's just backing it? Haven't had time to read the flier.

This appears, at least at first glance, to be legitimate, but we shall see. Dennis is in Germany right now, I think, so maybe if this is a brand new announcement, he's not had the time to get it onto his web site. This appears to be one of only a handful of references online to this , so it may be something that's not even been the subject of a formal press release yet. It could be something where Dennis was tapped at the last minute to join an existing project, and could have something to do with Hunchback having won the Jefferson Award recently, thereby giving him more legitimacy in the eyes of theater producers. Who knows? Even though I doubt this will be my cup of tea, good for him if it comes off. Maybe it will lead to him being able to score a Disney film somewhere down the line, something I am convinced he could do very well at.

As an aside, I still don't think this makes him "not a rock guy". Do differing styles, and the ability to perform each in turn, mutually exclude one another? Not to mention the fact that he likely did not originate or conceive this project, but is once again probably just taking a job someone offered. I've never, ever understood anyone's problem with him doing different things (when Tommy does primarily acoustic-based things outside of Styx, does that make him, too, "not a rock guy"? Or Todd when he plays at jazz festivals? Or Gowan when he performed a solo concert with an orchestra?), but oh well. To each his own point of view, lol. I still see it that the best of what Styx had to offer in its prime contained a healthy dose of Dennis' melodic and dramatic flair . . . which could be construed to say that Styx in its prime was "not really a rock band", LOL. There's even plenty of critics that would agree with that statement.

I hope all is well.

Sterling

PS What about Freddie Mercury? Pete Townshend? Elvis Presley? Are any of those guys "rock guys" by definition? Hmmm . . .

Then let's phrase it like this:

The guy obviously didn't have time for Styx, so the band made the right decision and Dennis is getting full control over everything he does. Everybody wins except Froy.

LOL, maybe so. I still believe he'll be back at some point, but who knows? The band members themselves don't really know. In the meantime it's going to continue like it has for years, with some fans supporting one, some fans supporting the other, some fans supporting both, and some choosing not to support either entity if they can't have exactly the combination of people that they want. In other words, business as usual!

Sterling

I'll support both by buying their product, but Dennis really needs to put something out in the US while I'm still interested.

by **classicstyxfan** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:27 am

62 is the age one is eligible to begin collecting social security isnt it ?

I believe 1 or 2 Styx members are perilously close to eligibility..........

If they ever do have that long hoped for reunion, I hope they can all still remember their parts and the lyrics !

tick-toc-tick-toc

by **pinkfloyd1973** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:34 am

classicstyxfan wrote:62 is the age one is eligible to begin collecting social security isnt it ?

I believe 1 or 2 Styx members are perilously close to eligibility..........

If they ever do have that long hoped for reunion, I hope they can all still remember their parts and the lyrics !

tick-toc-tick-toc

Dennis will be first, hitting that milestone in February :shock:

Robin

MR

Maybe this is why 100 Years is delayed...

Maybe this is why 100 Years is delayed...

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