Any rumors about what production could be ready to replace "Water for Elephants" at the Imperial?

[neil30043]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:06am

There's always some musical that is waiting for the right theatre. Is there one that can fill the Imperial for this year's Tony Awards? Jonathan Graff's new musical? An import from London? Will they rush Kristin Chenoweth's production? 

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:12am

Definitely not Cheno’s musical. They made the decision to hold off until next season because of the stacked deck of female-led musicals this coming season. Many were hoping for Menzel/Cheno rematch.

I don’t think Groff has the ability to fill such a large house with a musical about a crooner from the Boomer era.

I’m guessing MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN IF GOOD AND EVIL

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:16am

Whatever the show is, it’s going to be a SMASH!

[neil30043]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:23am

I'm thinking that "Smash" would be perfect...hoping for a Smash!

[inception]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 1:42pm

I don't >know< who thinks it's a good idea to put money into a show based on a flop TV show from 10 years ago that at the time was called "TV's Biggest Trainwreck"

Updated On: 10/3/24 at 01:42 PM

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 1:48pm

Call_me_jorge said: "Whatever the show is, it’s going to be a SMASH!"

 

Unless it's Smash.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 2:04pm

inception said: "I don't who thinks it's a good idea to put money into a show based on a flop TV show from 10 years ago that at thetime was called "TV's Biggest Trainwreck""

Nothing about that show's trajectory to Broadway has made sense to me. And with the level of changes reported out of the workshop it may be a situation of "alienating the people who liked the TV show + alienating the people who never cared about it to begin with."

It could do gangbusters in licensing, but $20 million is too much to merely be a loss-leader.

Updated On: 10/3/24 at 02:04 PM

[Jarethan]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 2:48pm

inception said: "I don't >know< who thinks it's a good idea to put money into a show based on a flop TV show from 10 years ago that at thetime was called "TV's Biggest Trainwreck""

I have assumed that the people who did watch the show were comprised of a lot of lovers of musicals.  I would think that provides a sizable potential audience and name recognition for tourist season.  We also know that they already have a bunch of good, if not well-known, songs that will also help when the TV ads start.  After experiencing a decent number of musicals in which the music was the weakest link, I am encouraged that the score if off to a good start.

One think that I know nothing about...do we know which characters / story lines are going to get the primary focus (I assume scope will need to be narrowed).

[pablitonizer]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 3:24pm

inception said: "I don't >know< who thinks it's a good idea to put money into a show based on a flop TV show from 10 years ago that at thetime was called "TV's Biggest Trainwreck""

 

My thoughts exactly! The TV series was cancelled after season 2 and the show got terrible reviews overall (after being critically acclaimed in the pilot episode). I wish them the all best, but it's a very odd option for a musical imo.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 3:33pm

I’m sure it’s to get it to licensing and touring. 

[BdwyFan]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 3:57pm

SMASH. I wish they’d announce and start selling tickets! 

[nealb1]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 4:20pm

Quizking101, when you say they made the decision to hold off until next season because of the stacked deck of female-led musicals this coming season. Many were hoping for Menzel/Cheno rematch.

Who are the they you are referring to?  

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 4:44pm

Likely, Bill Damaschke and the producers of Queen of Versailles

[Kad]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 4:47pm

nealb1 said: "Quizking101, when you say theymade the decision to hold off until next season because of the stacked deck of female-led musicals this coming season. Many were hoping for Menzel/Cheno rematch.

Who are the they you are referring to?"

The Flying Wallendas, Rose.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 5:05pm

Kad said: "nealb1 said: "Quizking101, when you say theymade the decision to hold off until next season because of the stacked deck of female-led musicals this coming season. Many were hoping for Menzel/Cheno rematch.

Who are the they you are referring to?"

The Flying Wallendas, Rose."

I can actually hear you saying that.

I still think Bombshell would have been a better option than Smash. 

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 11:44am

It wouldn’t be anywhere near the Bombshell we saw in the tv series. There was no structure, no bones. At least now we can see the songs performed live without it begging bogged in a non existent show. 

[neil30043]

Posted: 10/9/24 at 9:40am

So my original question remains unanswered still? I mentioned, perhaps a London import: "Mincemeat" has since announced their theatre. I mentioned Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin, they have announced their theatre. People felt like Kristen's show might pass on the competition this year. So is "Smash" looking like the likely winner? Any new thoughts? It would be a shame to let the Imperial go dark.

[scripps]

Posted: 10/9/24 at 9:55am

The Imperial will not be dark this spring. It will likely have Smash, but if a production already announced for this season cannot secure the Winter Garden, then that will get the Imperial over Smash. 

[Bwaygurl2]

Posted: 10/9/24 at 10:24am

scripps said: "The Imperial will not be dark this spring. It will likely haveSmash, but if a production alreadyannounced for this season cannot secure the Winter Garden, then that will get the Imperial over Smash."

I suppose you are referring to Good Night and Good Luck. 

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 10/9/24 at 12:14pm

neil30043 said: "So my original question remains unanswered still? I mentioned, perhaps a London import: "Mincemeat" has since announced their theatre. I mentioned Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin, they have announced their theatre. People felt like Kristen's show might pass on the competition this year. So is "Smash" looking like the likely winner? Any new thoughts? It would be a shame to let the Imperial go dark."

It's not going to sit dark. Your question has already been answered. Smash is taking the Imperial.

[nativenewyorker2]

Posted: 10/18/24 at 4:01pm

If Back to the Future stays open and Good Night, Good Luck gets the Imperial, does that mean SMASH comes in next season?

Updated On: 10/18/24 at 04:01 PM

[OhHiii]

Posted: 10/18/24 at 4:59pm

Back To The Future will be closing in time for Good Night and Good Luck. It’s not staying open not a chance. 

[yyys]

Posted: 10/18/24 at 5:22pm

The Motive and the Cue or is it going to Music Box?

[WayTooBroadway]

Posted: 10/20/24 at 12:25am

Dorian Gray is going to the Music Box.