Profile for BosBroad

That's correct.  They all come out for both signatures and photos except Anna.  Very accessible.

Maybe we could have a talk with and about Pinto thread, and that way if we want to read about the topic of the other threads, it will be easier.  Just a suggestion.  

GreasedLightning:

Well, I think it takes an open mind and maybe a small knowledge of basic opera myths.  I'm not exaggerating when I say I laughed throughout (except the first 10 minutes).

They have some great pull quotes running.

www.livingonlovebroadway.com

Overall, very happy with the reception.  I thought Teachout was just.... way off... but I can see where most of the reviewers were coming from.  I personally loved the play and want to see it again, but I get that this is a show that has a particular demographic.

I agree until the last month marketing was absolutely horrible.  Really, the only success in marketing they've had has been free media generated by Fleming's people, and I'm not sure her message is cohesive with the rest of the marketing, although I'm still not sure what the marketing message is.  They changed their artwork twice, I think.

They seemed at first to bill the entire project only as "Renee Fleming debuts on Broadway, not singing, doing something she's never done. So please pay $100+ to see it."  That not surprisingly wasn't successful.  

One *possible* part of the explanation - at the stage door, a bunch of us were wondering about the difference in the reception for the jokes between opera fans and non-opera fans.  I think you miss A LOT if you don't know opera.  And if you don't like opera and its trappings, I think it would be a hard play to sit through.  

HogansHero - Is that a prediction or something more?

I think Philly is talking about free media/press not advertising.  Fleming has been everywhere in the last three days.  TV, radio, print... she's been pushing hard.  I just don't see it saving the play, though, unfortunately.  

Are you hearing something about May 3?

Well, I loved it and so did all my friends.  The audience was laughing throughout.  

I don't understand the vitriol from many, but to each their own.  

They have a basic marketing issue in that they're trying to market a play on the back of an opera singer who isn't performing opera in it but who does perform opera throughout NY many times each year (providing ample opportunities to see her).

Crossing my fingers for them tonight.  

Philly,

I didn't say anything about attendance not being bad.  I think all of the indicators are bad.

I have heard that Fleming is forgoing a salary.  Unclear if it's true, but she often donates performances where she could make big money.  

Wow.  That's even wore for LoL than I expected. 

Well.... even divas need reality checks once in a while.  

Philly,

The producer is The Lyric Opera of Chicago, which finishes the year slightly in the red repeatedly.  They would have to have serious interest from others.  

Philly,

The % of gross is going to be very low.  No question.  Hopefully it will be high enough to sustain.  I don't need to see the full results to know this.

 Now, I'm moving to the LoL thread and will not feed this here any longer.

I hope HC picks up... I hate to see plays fail and people lose jobs, even if it was probably inevitable.

Philly,

She can draw audiences, but not enough for a product that can't draw on its own at all, and not in this kind of product anyway... at the moment.  They changed their marketing for a reason.

There seems to be such a wide range of opinions on this play.  If you look at social media, even a lot of non Fleming fanatics are posting about how funny they thought it was.  But then others... not at all.  It's really odd how divergent opinion is.  

Of course, I thought it was very funny.. but I have a bias going in.

Interesting points.  Thanks.  I think I'm okay with how the interaction between the writers is written - I suspect it's some acting choices that didn't really convey the attraction at the beginning.  Although, they are both supposed to be smitten with their celebrities, so maybe a single moment of recognition of their attraction is missing.

 Broadwayfan24,

 What would you do to strengthen it?

I've been thinking about this, and I think I have three things.

First, I'd cut a portion of the first 10-15 minutes. 

Thanks everyone for the info on It's Only A Play.  Appreciate it - I didn't know it had recouped, but I just looked last year's grosses and can see why.

 So, if you'll indulge me then - a more general question.  When I look at % gross on the chart, is there a percentage range that signifies health or suggests concern?