THE VISIT with Chita Rivera aiming for Broadway 2012?

I just came back from Chita's "My Broadway" concert (she is currently in Australia), and she claimed that "we" are aiming for The Visit to reach Broadway next year....

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Updated On: 6/22/11 at 09:47 AM

That's great! I enjoy the vast majority of this score and hope they can pull it off. The subject matter is so dark but what a fascinating story.

Yes please!

If I remember correctly the project was developed for Angela Lansbury almost 11 years ago and it was supposed to be her comeback to Broadway stage in almost 15 years of absents, but she had withdraw from it (and a couple of very interesting film projects) due to her late husband illness. Then Chita Rivera took over the leading role, but the musical never made it to Broadway.

I hope this is true!!

I believe THE VISIT was written before THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS. So technically SCOTTSBORO was their final collaboration.

I saw it at the Signature in Virginia a couple of years ago--great cast, Chita Rivera, George Hearn. It was well done and had some interesting music. I remember working on a college production of The Visit way back in the 60s., and later on trying to figure out how it could ever be a musical. Well, Kander, Ebb and Signature figured it out--very effectively.

JPF

It would probably behoove the production if it were a limited run under the auspices of a non-profit company in the city, such as Lincoln Center.

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I would be thrilled if this finally made it here. I saw it at Signature and it is a production that has haunted and stuck with me since...in a good way. The performances, staging, and the score were wonderful and I count it among some of the best shows I have ever seen.

That being said...and I hadn't really thought about it until just reading Kad's post...it probably would best be suited for a run at a non-profit. Though, it belongs in an intimate off- Broadway house much like the Newhouse or the Pels (which despite my thoughts on Death Takes A Holiday, fit the show well). With Godspell taking the Circle (which would totally be ideal) and ROA setting up camp at the Hayes, this would be totally lost in a big Broadway house and would probably not be a commercial success.

Again, I hope Chita's sentiments prove true, but I hope it finds its way to NYC in a manner that suits the piece allows it to flourish.

Well, unless she's blatantly lying or senile at least it implies that the project hasn't been abandoned, which is always good news?

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I can't imagine there isn't renewed interest after the 12 Tony nods of SCOTSBORRO BOYS. Yes, it didn't find an audience but it was remembered well. Plus, it's receiving 2 top-tier regional theatre prods next season.

I, for one, hope it happens. I was disappointed when the planned Public production fell through.

2014? Did you not read my post, bk? It's coming to Broadway in 2012. I've booked my flights and hotels, and cancelled my psychiatrist appointments because the news has cured my depression. Last time a production of this show fell through I nearly committed suicide I was so disappointed, but this time it's different. Because I know that it is going to come true, thanks Chita!

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Saw it in Chicago. Great grande dame role for Chita, who got to show what a fine actress she is. However, if there is a great musical to be made from Durenmatt's play, this is not it.

YES PLEASE!

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