Are shows truly frozen after opening?

[bwaybffs]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 2:50pm

On top of a new cast stepping into the principal roles of Frozen The Musical, there was a new song added to the show called "I Can't Lose You." I thought shows were considered "frozen" after opening night (i.e. no further changes will be made to it). Does this happen often? Can someone explain this to me? I am very confused. 

[Ceej]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 2:54pm

Many shows have implemented significant changes well after opening. Some that come to mind are WICKED, LES MISERABLES, MISS SAIGON, and most recently MEAN GIRLS to name a few.

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 3:05pm

The term "frozen" mainly applies to the point during previews that any changes are completed, and the show will be presented in its opening night form. 

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 3:10pm

Beauty and the Beast had "A Change in Me" added for Toni Braxton when she stepped in as Belle four years into the shows original run. 

Wicked has had songs cut down, lighting/blocking changes etc. 

Lion King was shortened. 

[Hot Pants]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 3:28pm

I recall Spongebob still made changes after opening. Which is pretty interesting since it had strong reviews. Most productions wouldn’t have altered the show if that happened.

[Pashacar]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 4:01pm

Hot Pants said: "I recall Spongebob still made changes after opening. Which is pretty interesting since it had strong reviews. Most productions wouldn’t have altered the show if that happened."

Curious what those were. Saw it a few times and only noticed a chance in the first projection sequence, which I imagine was cut for being too "adult" of a joke.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 4:04pm

Pretty much never truly frozen, no.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 7:40pm

When Ginger Rogers joined the original HELLO DOLLY! Gower Champion replaced the singing competition in the Harmonia Gardens and replaced it with the Polka Contest. It's been that way ever since.

Also, when Charlie Stemp joined the recent revival the "Dancing" number was restaged to showcase his formidable talents.

Also, when Merman played Dolly, two numbers were added to the show: "Love Look In My Windo" and "World Take Me Back"

Updated On: 2/23/20 at 07:40 PM

[grumpyoptimist]

Posted: 2/22/20 at 3:12pm

For a show an acquaintance was in recently, someone in our group asked if they were frozen.  He kind of wrinkled his nose and said "yes, but like a slushee."  I think that might describe most shows...

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 2/22/20 at 3:28pm

Ha, I love that ^

What changes were made to Mean Girls?

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 2/22/20 at 3:57pm

Not to mention that many performers transpose songs to fit their vocal range. I'm wondering if Patrick Page's replacement will have to take Hades' score up.

[RemlapLBC]

Posted: 2/23/20 at 3:39pm

bwaybffs said: "On top of a new cast steppinginto the principal roles of Frozen The Musical, there was anew song added to the show called "I Can't Lose You." I thought shows were considered "frozen" after opening night (i.e. no further changes will be made to it).Does this happen often? Can someone explain this to me? I am very confused."

Les Miz on Broadway was trimmed down to get it under 3 hours and stop paying OT every show.

[Tag]

Posted: 2/23/20 at 3:50pm

It even happened 30 years later at Phantom!