A WONDERFUL WORLD Previews

I see trees of green, red roses too…

Louis Armstrong is the latest icon to get the bio-jukebox musical treatment, as A Wonderful World begins Broadway previews tomorrow (October 16). James Monroe Iglehart takes on the beloved jazz trumpetist, with Darlesia Cearcy, Kim Exum, Dionne Figgins, and Jennie Harney-Fleming playing his four wives. Completing the principal cast are DeWitt Fleming Jr., Jason Forbach, Gavin Gregory, and Jimmy Smagula. A Wonderful World features a book by “Evil” and “This Is Us” writer Aurin Squire, with choreography by Rickey Tripp and direction by Christopher Renshaw (with co-direction by Iglehart and Christina Sajous). Opening night is slated for November 11 at Studio 54.

“Join Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart and a talented ensemble cast as they bring Louis Armstrong’s incredible journey to life, from New Orleans to worldwide fame. This full-scale musical features a rich tapestry of characters, including the four women who helped shape his remarkable life and career. Be captivated by Armstrong’s timeless hits like ‘What a Wonderful World’ and ‘When You’re Smiling,’ performed by a large, dynamic cast. Don’t miss this spectacular celebration of music, filled with vibrant dance numbers, stunning sets, and unforgettable performances. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable night that honors the iconic man who defined an era.”

Who’s marching in?

Right

CoffeeBreak said: "Is this a Roundabout production?
"

Yes, it is included in their subscription package for this season. 

EDSOSLO858 said: "CoffeeBreak said: "Is this a Roundabout production?"
Yes, it is included in their subscription package for this season."

Just to be clear: It is not lead-produced by Roundabout. It is a commercial production "in association with" Roundabout and being offered to subscribers.

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "EDSOSLO858 said: "CoffeeBreak said: "Is this a Roundabout production?"
Yes, it is included in their subscription package for this season."

Just to be clear: It is not lead-produced by Roundabout. It is a commercial production "in association with" Roundabout and being offered to subscribers."

Thanks.  We were curious how that worked for this one.  I have a feeling James T is THE one to see in this with no star on the bill .

Updated On: 10/15/24 at 12:50 PM

Post-opening it looks like he's mostly missing the Wednesday eve performance and the Thursday matinee (their dark day is Tues), and in previews he's mostly skipping both Sunday shows. But given the differing schedules surrounding previews, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, it's not 100% consistent week to week.

Better to announce it now instead of announcing on the fly or not announcing at all. It should reduce the yelling that we got with Lindsay Mendez in Merrily.

This has gotta be a tough role on JMI's voice, no?

Updated On: 10/15/24 at 01:51 PM

Who caught this tonight?   Anyone..?

Musicals .. lots of scenes and songs.

This is not selling well…at all. Looking ahead the next two weeks, you can observe that this is definitely a “matinee lady” show, as those are all very well sold and the evening shows are mostly a sea of empty seats. If they traded the Sunday or Monday night for an extra matinee, it might be better. 

However, unless this gets some blockbuster reviews, I cannot see this going past January. This is probably a musical that would’ve been a hit 25-30 years ago when the demographic who was probably most familiar with and appreciative of his music were still alive.

I’m going to one of James T. Lane’s performances in a few weeks since he excites me more than Iglehart.

so is this considered a jukebox musical?

Zeppie2022 said: ""
Maybe someday producers will learn that not every music icon that boomers loved when they were younger needs a Broadway musical."

Boomers?  My parents are Boomers, in their mid 70's. Their generation loved The Beatles & Bob Dylan.  This is a star from their parents generation. My Grandmother just passed at 94.  While she had all of her mental faculties up to the endd, In the last few years she & my grandfather weren't rushing out to any new musicsls. The last few years they've lived with one of my uncles, so I don't think they were even going out to the grocery store on their own. They were the WWII generation who danced to big band music.  I remember at weddings as a little kid seeing them out on the floor still swinging - they were probably in their 50's then, my age now. This show is probably 40 years too late. 

Smaxie said: "Also, not every show is out to capture the youth market.

And a word about advance sales. Very few shows have advance sales at the moment. It's largely been a casualty of the pandemic with most shows doing business a few weeks in advance, or week of. It's not a metric to beat any show over the head with. And the reality is that Wonderful World is quietly ahead of most of the fall musicals, with Gypsy leading the pack."

Two things:

1) Even if they aren’t your key demographic, you still need to secure a portion of their sales to survive. (I’m not sure what you consider “youth” - personally, I’m 30).

2) Look at the 10/20 evening performance - it’s about 70% unsold 3 days away. Do you honestly think they are going to sell (not paper) at least 250-300 of those tickets by then?