BE MORE CHILL (Broadway) Previews — Page 6

I think it's interesting to see how "fandom" or "stan culture" is beginning to play a role in broadway (or, arguably, less of a role than people assume it would). 

For example, you have shows like HP where a large part of the young, internet fanbase kind of rejected the script when it first came out. But the show itself is thriving and has no end in sight.

Or situations like Cody Simpson replacing Zach Adkins from Anastasia, where stan twitter was literally trying to hold boycotts. But yet he's drawing in a large chunk of the audience every night. 

Then you have shows like BMC that have a huge internet fanbase but are struggling. 

Stan twitter and tumblr's opinions don't seem to be nearly as significant as they think they are. 

That said, I do plan to give the show a chance and this isn't hate toward the show itself. I've listened to the cast recording and most of it's pretty meh, but there are definitely a few numbers that I think would be worth it to see live alone. But I do think this shows fanbase is actually hurting it more than helping it. 

Ledaero said: "swingmode said: "I think it's interesting to see how "fandom" or "stan culture" is beginning to play a role in broadway (or, arguably, less of a role than people assume it would).

I think the internet as a whole is becoming a major factor in the industry. I know producers and casting directors are really considering internet influencers as a major factor when it comes to casting actors in major productions. Resumes are starting to list Instagram handles and # of followers. I have friends in the industry that have told me straight up that certain actors in their productions have been cast because of their internet following and not their talent whatsoever, since internet followings means more ticket revenue."

Oh, I agree for sure that it influences decisions. That's why BMC was brought to Broadway in the first place. That's also why I find it so interesting, because I'm not sure the results will match up to the expectation.

 

There's only one new song, and it's the one they already released. Still think there's gonna be a new recording though. I would say it's on par with Great Comet with the amount of changes.

DiscoCrows said: "Do you guys think this show gets a Broadway cast recording in a few months time?

I think realistically it will, as most Broadway musicals do anyways, but the original is such a big part of what got the show to where it is today, I feel like it’d be a bit difficult to market. I hope those producers know what they’re doing.

Just a thought, though."

I can see a new Broadway cast recording happening but keeping costs low by getting the masters of the original recordings and replacing the vocals. 

 

Towards the end of the first act, I kept asking myself the same question. "Why is this show so long?"

There's no reason it's running close to 2:45. It really does the show a disservice. 

According to IBDB, Synced Up is between Be More Chill Part 2 and A Guy that I'd Kinda Be Into.

I feel like Loser Geek Whatever is far too long and doesn't tell us anything new about Jeremy. Couldn't they just add a verse to Upgrade?

And I agree Loser, Geek, Whatever is far too long. I stopped caring about the character..

Updated On: 2/17/19 at 11:01 PM

herewegoabc said: "When I saw it off-Broadway,I actually felt like it was Act 2 that dragged some. Specifically The Pants Song. It felt pointless and seemed way too long. I also feel like Pitiful Children could benefit from being cut down a little bit.

YvanEhtNioj, where is the new song, Synced Up, located? I saw that you felt it was one of the parts that dragged. "

Oh my goodness I wish they cut The Pants song. So weird. They could’ve gone without it. 

Braniff Forever said: "How common isi it for the creative team to cut or add songs in previews? Do you think they are aware that most people think the show is too long?"

I've found it's pretty rare for shows to make extensive changes in previews. It's more of fine-tuning. Besides time restraints, getting a universal agreement to cut things/kill your darlings is a tough thing. I imagine especially at BMC, where they're such a tight-knit group, I doubt anyone is going to do serious work on it.

However, I do know that Superhero at 2ST has been cutting songs/characters left and right (thankfully). My friend saw it the other day, and apparently saw a very different show than I did it's first week.