Natasha Richardson, Cabaret, 1998.The Tonys are on Sunday, and while I'm not much of a theater buff, I'm psyched. Because I can finally post Rivka Katvan's Broadway imagery; these pictures are in the PhotoShelter collection, and I love them-- there's something about seeing an actor in preparation that fascinates me. And these feel especially stolen and special-- there's no sign that the actors even recognize Katvan's presence. She's clearly a pro, and has been making this imagery for decades; check out her book Backstage: Broadway Behind the Curtain.
Here's what Carol Burnett says about Rivka (and you know Carol is a straight-shooter):
"One of my least favorite things in the world is to pose for pictures. I have never been that comfortable in front of a still camera . . . until Rivka. But then, you don't 'pose' for Rivka . . . you simply 'are,' and she's right there to catch the moment."
PS photo editor extraordinaire Amber Sexton loves these too, and we spent all morning clucking happily as we made an edit. So here's a super-sized sample. Have a great weekend!
Cyndi Lauper in Three Penny Opera, 2006.
Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews, Tony Awards, 1999.
Elizabeth Taylor, The Little Foxes, 1981.
John Cameron in the Broadway show Hedwig and the Angry Inch in 1998.
Jonathan Pryce in the Broadway show Dirt Rotten Scoundrels in 2005.
Kevin Kline, On The Twentieth Century, 1978.
Alan Cumming of the Threepenny Opera in his dressing room in 2006.
Alan Cumming of the Threepenny Opera in his dressing room in 2006.
Nellie McKay in The Threepenny Opera takes a break on a couch in 2006.
Liam Neeson in the Broadway show Judas Kiss in 1998.
Amanda Plummer, A Taste of Honey, 1981.
Dame Edna in the Broadway show Nothing Like a Dame in 2000.
Christine Ebersole in the Broadway show Camelot in 1980.
Gregory Hines in the Broadway show Coming Uptown in 1979.
Broadway performers show their solidarity during the taping of a commercial to promote New York after 9/11 in Times Square.
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Great stuff. Photos of people getting ready to put themselves out there.
Well, those make me cry. I love Broadway! Can't WAIT for the Tonys. All things equal, I'd rather be in New York City.
I just love these images. It's like eavesdropping on Broadway icons. Rivka's art enables you to look through the keyhole, and see the intimate moments in preparing for another art form. One artist documenting another. Great work!
Susan Baraz
Nice interesting series. One of the best I've seen on Shoot the blog.
Comp, framing, lighting, emotion, use of DOF and soft focus is all great.
Great Stuff.
Keep going!!!!