To many on this thread, it's easy to explain a flop. But to me, it's one of the mysteries of life. I"ve seen shows which were very good, good reviews and good word of mouth close prematurely (Tick Tick Boom). I"ve also seen shows which the audiences loved, had tons of talent on the stage, and great music close prematurely (Trailer Park). And of course, we're all aware of bad shows which run forever (I Love You, You're Perfect). Yes, I know-it appeals to turists..
Bad concept, as in THE TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGING. They had the marketing (commercials right up to the end), star power (Twyla Tharpe, Michael Arden), but target audience (Dylan fans) wasn't buying it. And that big fake guitar was hideous! Some other recent bad concepts: Urban Cowboy, and all those stupid vampire musicals.
JLY's Jersey Girl, where are you getting those numbers? The cast of Jersey Boys is 13.
4 principals (Frankie, Tommy, Bob Gaudio & Nick) 2 Supporting roles (Gyp & Bob Crewe) 7 Chorus tracks (3 women, 4 men) That is a total of 13 Actors who are members of Actors Equity onstage (as there are also 4 swings who cover various roles, including leads, but they are not in the show)
Then there is about 9 or 10 musicians, which includes the conductor, who plays in the band). Two of these musicians are listed in the program as actors, since they appear as bodies on the stage at numerous times not playing their instruments, they are Joe Payne and Ken Dow.
IBDB lists these musicians as " Keyboards: Deborah Hurwitz, Ron Melrose and Stephen "Hoops" Snyder; Guitars: Joe Payne; Bass: Ken Dow; Drums: Kevin Dow; Reeds: Matt Hong and Ben Kono; Trumpet: David Spier;" but that was on opening night, and I think that may have changed.
Of the 13 member cast, 3 of these members if Actors Equity also are considered onstage musicians, they are Steve Gouveia, Donnie Kehr and Christian Hoff, who actually play onstage. I believe they also get paid via the musicians union as well. The rest of the cast, even when they appear to play instruments, are "faking it" (even if they can actually play, including Daniel Reichard and J. Robert Spencer, who are never really playing).
So, based on all of that information, I am counting 12 onstage musicians, however, they may be some additional ones who are not credited on IBDB. But, I sincerely think there are only 12 or 13 total. Of course, several may play more instruments than listed, but probably never at the same time.
As many others have said, there are a lot of factors.
Bad reviews - Brantley kills Bad marketing - if life gives you lemons, make a musical Bad producing - banking on the talent involved and not the show itself Bad concept - why write a show about someone whose life nobody cares about? why write a show based on a movie that wasn't that good to begin with? why write a show using the songbook of legendary musicans? Bad ideas - as described above: In My Life, Lestat, Lennon, Wedding Singer, Good Vibrations
it seems beyond me that producers of some shows/flops, really think their shows are going to do well on Broadway. think about it- producers wouldnt bring a show to New York if they really didn't think it was going to be a hit or something because they dont want to waste the money. How some producers really think their shows are going to be the next big thing, such as IN MY LIFE or LESTAT, is beyond me. Like seriously, producers wouldnt bring a show to Broadway if they didn't think it would run a couple years or make back its money and do well! Wow...
I know this sounds silly, but sometimes little things like logos and titles of musicals can count. If someone wants to see a show, they might try looking on Broadway.com. When on Broadway.com, it lists the shows with the logos next to them. I know that from personal experience, if I am intrigued by a logo or a title, I might click on it and read the summary. If the logo and/or title is weird and/or stupid, I might glance over it.
Also, sometimes hearing about a show makes a big difference. If I'm looking on Broadway.com, I might be more resistant about seeing a show I know nothing about.
Yeah that's true. Mostly people like shows that attract the eye, like shows such as Hairspray, WICKED, Jersey Boys ,and POTO. Looks always have to count for some credics. That's a shame.
The Drowsy Chaperone A Chorus Line Avenue Q Curtains Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me
Granted, one's a revival and the other's all about Martin, but seriously, its not so much about being completely original, adaptation is a part of the artform, its more about not being a Tarzan [Bad movie adaptation] or a Mamma Mia! [Jukebox] or a Wedding Singer [Feels like it came out of a marketing meeting]. Otherwise, adaptation is fine (Oklahoma!, West Side Story, The Pajama Game, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Chicago, La Cage Aux Folles, Passions, The Producers).
I have several names, one is Julian2. I am also The Opps Girl. But cross me, and I become Bitch Dooku!