Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
Kathleen Marshall certainly has a lot more hits than she does flops, but, IMO, she's still hit or miss. She's certainly gained a lot of credibility with Wonderful Town and Pajama Game, but what can she do to make Grease any different?
What can she do to make GREASE any different?
Prior to us seeing the finished products, the same could have probably been said for both WONDERFUL TOWN and THE PAJAMA GAME. In many, many ways, GREASE might provide some interesting possibilities that neither WONDERFUL TOWN nor THE PAJAMA GAME could ever have.
I have issues with Kathleen Marshall, I think she can be a bit lackluster at times (FOLLIES anyone?). However, I suspect GREASE will be a big hit, and while I doubt it's gonna be "fresh" (it's GREASE, I don't see anything fresh about it), it will probably be a very energetic fun production with Marshall in charge.
I think it's a moot point to predict anything regarding the Tonys for next season. I mean, we don't even know what revivals will indeed open or not. As I said, I'm not really sure if PORGY & BESS will make the transfer or not, I feel a bit iffy about its chances of opening this season.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
True....and after seeing the cast, compared to Danny and Sandy, it seems likey they're going for parody (with older-looking people playing teens), like the original production.
But Marshall didn't direct FOLLIES - she only choreographed it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
I "know a friend who knows a friend" who knows Mike Nichols and says he's pushing very much to do Follies but wants to wait till Donna Murphy was free
It would be a very tight squeeze to have a hundred performances of Follies in the St. James before Grinch opens in November. If it is to run at all, isn't it more likely to be later in the season?
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
Eric, that makes sense since the rumors I've heard all agree in that one of the reasons FOLLIES is on hold is due to Murphy. I would love for this show to transfer and see la Murphy take her third Tony.
I'm with you there, Ray.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/07
The Wiz won't be going to Broadway until after it plays San Fransisco NEXT summer.
PLEASEEE let Follies happen. I'm fine with them waiting for Murphy. She was brilliant, so it would be well worth the wait. The only let-down would be no Joanne Worley But I'm sure there's more fun casting possible for Stella.
But Worley was my favorite in the supporting cast, she was so winning, and stole the show in every one of her scenes. Hopefully, there will find a Stella as fantastic as her.
I think a limited engagement would make sense, it's the only way I would see Victor Garber involved too. His show is debuting during mid-season so if FOLLIES doesn't happen in the fall, he'll have to be replaced as well. It would be sad to lose him, I thought he did something different with Ben.
I'm more excited for the revivals than the original musicals.
I would love for Follies to transfer.
I'm more excited for the revivals than the original musicals
Ditto.
Same here. There are a few new musicals I'm mildly interested in, but I'm not dying to see any of them.
I especially can't wait for Sunday in the Park with George!
Broadway Star Joined: 2/21/06
There was a rumor a few months back about a revival of "Stop the World -- I Want to Get Off" but I haven't heard anythign lately. Casting Newley's role could be a challenge.
Anyone heard if that is a go or not?
I'm don't see why Mike Nichols would be brought on to direct the FOLLIES revival when Casey Nicholaw received such raves for his work helming the Encores production. I would think they would want to keep the cast and creative as close to that of the Encores mounting as possible.
Stand-by Joined: 5/22/06
From what I understand, the PORGY revival has been pushed back to Fall of 2008, due to the director's schedule. But, yes, it is still happening.
I'm don't see why Mike Nichols would be brought on to direct the FOLLIES revival when Casey Nicholaw received such raves for his work helming the Encores production. I would think they would want to keep the cast and creative as close to that of the Encores mounting as possible.
- Agreed. I'd want to see the same direction and choreography.
Maybe Mike Nichols is interested in producing?
Just a thought.
I thought Casey Nicholaw's choreography was fantastic (of course he's no Michael Bennett but who is?) and very effective. I particularly loved "Who's that Woman?" and "You're Gonna Love Tomorrow/Love Will See Us Through." Oh, and the underrated "Bolero d'Amour."
Having said that, I must confess I'm a selfish bitch, if the option is FOLLIES without Nicholaw or no FOLLIES at all, I pick the former.
Looks like we can add PAL JOEY to the list.
According to Playbill.com:
"The production has yet to be officially announced, but the industry paper says Wicked producer Marc Platt is aiming for a Broadway bow next spring."
PAL JOEY Revival - Playbill.com
Mike Nichols could produce with the original creative team in place, and still bring some good ideas to the production.
And make Oprah the Executive Producer. That seemed to help out another show a great deal.
Where has PORGY & BESS been mentioned as a possible revival?
I think FOLLIES should wait for the 2008-2009 season, so we continue to have one Sondheim revival every year. The Tonys could get a little uncomfortable for me if I had two Sondheim revivals to cheer for.
Revivals are always going to be more inspiring to us than new shows, 'cos we at least have a vaaaaague idea of what to expect. Of all the new shows, the ones that are getting most chat on here are the two we already know pretty well - The Little Mermaid and Young Frankenstein - so that just helps prove we're always more keen on things we already know. I'm rambling a bit, I've lost my train of thought somewhere. I'm sure we'll be more enthusiastic about the new shows once we actually have some material to be enthusiastic about.
Plenty O' Somethin': London Porgy and Bess Coming to Broadway
Videos