I do think Finding Neverland will be critic-proof... to an extent. It's just a question of how much of one.
Remember, The Addams Family managed to run well over a year in that theatre- despite critical thrashing and absolutely no awards- just based on brand and actor recognition. It didn't recoup, but 722 performances is nothing to sneeze at.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
It seems like people are letting their dislike for Phillypinto cloud their judgement. Thought I don't agree with Philly on most things, or the way he presents his arguments typically, I found this post helpful and fairly accurate. At least as accurate as one can expect from projecting 5 months in advance.
would love to have more of your teenage rapid enthusiasm, conviction and passion for everything you say and do in how i live my days.
Brain science has shown the pre-frontal cortex responsible for higher level thinking doesnt fully form until you are about 25, so Phillypinto you have that to look forward to and a bit of higher level thinking "hallpass" on some of your more controversial thinking and ideas until you get there....
I find it funny Philly says there is a formula for making a successful show when last week he/she was laughing at me for saying you can sometimes spot patterns over time to get a feeling on what shows will and won't be successful, he also stated theatre was too 'unpredictable'. Yet now there is set formula
If only more producers had stumbled on this formula, they'd be far fewer flops!
I also agree that The King and I and Finding Neverland can't be classed as long runners, just because they are selling well now doesn't mean they will be in 2 years time. Plenty of shows start strong but fade over the course of a year. Personally I suspect Finding Neverland may follow a similar line to Addams Family.
Is there really still talk of Fist Wives Club? It has had a pretty terrible run in Chicago. We have seen producers make mistakes like that in the past, so I guess it is possible. It seems like a bad idea though.
Carousel is absolutely not coming in the fall. It still has to play in Houston next spring. If it does come to Broadway (and that is a huge IF) it won't be until the fall of 2016 at the earliest. The reviews don't seem strong enough for that to actually happen though. The reviews are warm, but not glowing.
Many of you know my opinion of First Wives Club, and while I would love for it to transfer, I doubt it will.
I'm still trying to figure out why it didn't sell well in Chicago. Honestly, I think the winter weather had a lot to do with it. Road and weather conditions weren't good for most of it's run. I know most of the reviews were pans, but I found it very enjoyable and thought Prince, Cusack, and Sherril were phenomenal. I also think it's funny that when the First Wives 1.0 opened in San Diego, it was selling so well that they extended it despite worse reviews. For First Wives 2.0 in Chicago, most days the theater was under 50% capacity. I think the title has a respectable amount of name recognition and could be a great crowd pleaser. I was chatting with the Merch lady and she said that the audiences that were seeing it were loving it. Not to mention that the creative team were really working to make it better. I know It Shoulda Been You just opened and how it will do has yet to be seen, but I feel like First Wives is that kind of show (fun and fluffy with a score that could be better).
I hope the Chalk Garden comes in. I don't see Les Mis closing. Why would it? I see Hedwig closing, and Fiddler going in there. Carousel needs to come in! What happened to King Kong? Also, isn't Nerds coming in? and the Honeymooners? ooo I'm so excited!
Does anyone know what happened to The Heart of Robin Hood, with Euan Morton and Gabe Ebert? I thought it was slotted for The Marquis after it's run in Toronto. I read that the Broadway engagement was delayed, but haven't heard anything since.
Does anyone know if there are any plays ready and willing to take a theatre for a limited engagement for the summer if the Heidi Chronicles and/or Living On Love close in early May, as is rumored? Both theatres are reserved later in the year but what will happen all summer if either of these shows closes??