In any case, I'm really happy this transfer is happening, but I'm with Forbes on this one: I'm skeptical that this will work out for them financially.
Credit where it's due: they learned from Take Me Out's mistake, and decided to strike while the iron was hot, rather than waiting months after closing to announce a commercial transfer.
But I have to assume Elle Fanning's name is getting a sizeable chunk of people in those seats. Obviously, there's an audience for Paulson too, but enough to fill the Belasco AFTER already running at the Hayes for a few months? The Hayes run is doing well, but it's not 100% sold out, which technically means there's more supply than demand already (just barely, but still). So adding 400 seats per performance is concerning to me. Especially when you consider the increased running cost.
On the optimistic side: affordable tickets will probably be easier to come by, meaning the transfer might benefit from the previously untapped market of people who were priced out of the Hayes run. Also, for all we know, they'll find a replacement for Elle Fanning with equal or greater star power!
DiscoCrows said: "Does anyone know who is producing / managing? When TMO transferred,Barry & Fran Weissler were leading but with general management by RCI."
ATG, Amanda DuBois, Annapurna, and Bad Robot are the commercial producers behind it.
I wonder with Annapurna involved if there is some deal in there for them with the film rights. Their output has been less as of late, but given some of the names involved I could see them producing it.
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
@JoeW4 re the extra seats. They could decide not to sell the balcony, unless and until the show is selling so well that it could bring in extra bucks. That would cut the differential by half (and save some (smallish) costs). As someone who has seen some memorable shows from up there in days gone by, this strikes me as one that might not be well served by the absurdly raked, cramped, and stratospheric level of this beautiful theatre.
@zainmax although we all now know that, barring some fiasco, the show is moving, the article you link, like all the others, does nothing to "confirm" anything.
I wanted to see this but it was set to close before we are back in town. Now we can see it but have to decide - this vs Outsiders vs Enemy of the People.
sppunk said: "I wanted to see this but it was set to close before we are back in town. Now we can see it but have to decide - this vs Outsiders vs Enemy of the People.
Any advice? I’m leaning to dropping Outsiders …"
Just don't miss Appropriate it's gonna win TONY for Best Revival!
"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new."
Sunday in the Park with George
Is Fanning really selling tickets? I didn't see her as the draw...is she? I certainly know who she is, but does she have a following? What created that?
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
I have no idea about enemy of the people, but I thought this play was basic, and The outsiders is likely a front runner for best new musical. I would choose that one.
From what I'm reading, Elle is the weakest of the cast. I want to see Michael Esper get nominated.
dramamama611 said: "Is Fanning really selling tickets? I didn't see her as the draw...is she? I certainly know who she is, but does she have a following? What created that?"
yyys said: "From what I'm reading, Elle is the weakest of the cast. I want to see Michael Esper get nominated.
dramamama611 said: "Is Fanning really selling tickets? I didn't see her as the draw...is she? I certainly know who she is, but does she have a following? What created that?"
"
Hard disagree. I found her hilarious. I found Natalie Gold the weakest of the cast.
But Fanning has a big following because of The Great. When I went a bunch of people at the stage door were talking about how they bought a ticket because of Fanning in The Great.
I do think Fanning sold a not-insignificant number of tickets, even though Paulson got the reviews and her face was on the poster. Sometimes the presence of more than one star can also seal the deal for a buyer if on the fence.
Very curious to see how this does with 400 more seats.
It doesn't appear that they are selling the balcony, which is unfortunate, because those seats would have been more affordable. The cheapest mezzanine seats excluding fees are $94 each.
The cheapest seats are $79, including fees, which isn't bad at all for the rear mezzanine at the Belasco, which I believe is closer to the stage than the mezzanine at the Hayes.