Bill Condon talks about Side Show's "almost entirely new" book

[chanel]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 10:07am

And 60% new score. But it's all in the spirit of the original, of course.


http://www.out.com/entertainment/michael-musto/2014/10/27/dreamgirls-bill-condon-side-show-sherlock-holmes-broadway

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 10:19am

They'd be better off in the revival category from a strategic standpoint. At least there, they'd almost certainly be nominated (this all depends on whether "Dames at Sea" or "Can-Can" makes it in this season) and get the coveted spot on the telecast.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 11:13am

I think the subject of Side Show is something people consider a bit too freakish and it will never make a good musical.

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 11:15am

Ahem, American Horror Story: Freak Show.

It does pretty well. We'll see...

[chanel]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 11:27am

Ryan Murphy happens to be his ex. In the interview, Condon addresses the fact that they're both focused on circus freak themes right now.

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 11:32am

I know. It's a nice coincidence for Side Show that American Horror Story is so popular. It may allow Side Show to ride that wave.

[Kad]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:07pm

It would, if Side Show's marketing were better and played up the freak show-ness rather than making it look white Dreamgirls.

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:12pm

Yes, it would, Kad. The marketing team is missing an opportunity here.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:16pm

They played up the freak show aspect in the advertising when it ran in DC.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:18pm

But American Horror Show isn't a stage musical. I think that's one of the reasons why Carrie always had problems. Except for Sweeney Todd, it's difficult to get freakishness into a musical.

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:28pm

They should go back, then. AHS is quite popular and they could possibly snag a portion of that audience.

Kad-since I value your opinion here-do you think they'll successfully petition this into the new musical category? (I still that would be foolish. If no other revivals open, this gets a slot.)

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:29pm

They'd be better off in the revival category from a strategic standpoint

Wait. There's some doubt that this WON'T be in the revival category? Updated On: 10/27/14 at 12:29 PM

[Kad]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:31pm

There is absolutely no way this would be considered a revival, regardless of how much is changed. At most, depending on the extent of the revisions (if it is truly indeed a wholly new book), it could be nominated for Best Book.

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:33pm

It appears as though they are marketing it as a new musical. (And for revivals, I'm guessing the committee won't let them have a best score nod. I argue that if you won't let material under the 'classics' rule (like Hedwig last season or others placed there before) have a nod in score, why should this?)

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:35pm

Kad, I assume you mean considered a "new musical." Anyway, I completely agree.

[Kad]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:37pm

Well, they're in the unfortunate position of reviving a show no one particularly cares about - or knows- outside of the theatre community. There's no point in heralding it as a return, because who knew it was around in the first place?

I don't know the extent of the revisions to the score, but if it is as high as 60% new material, I still think the Tony committee would not allow elgibility. The show already was nominated in that category in 1998.

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:42pm

I just think it's a silly marketing decision. I have no insider info about Dames at Sea or Can-Can, but unless they or Gigi come this season-and they need theaters-Side Show automatically gets a nod-and a slot to perform.

[Kad]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:44pm

Side Show doesn't necessarily get a nod, it could be snubbed if, for some reason, people find it egregiously bad.

I will say that it will need serious help to survive even toward the nominating period.

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:47pm

I thought some film company was helping with the finances now due to Bill Condon's good offices. (Although how much help they are willing to give isn't really known.)

It could snag the revival nod by default, though.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 12:49pm

As of now, the following revivals we're getting this season are:
The King & I
On the Town
On the Twentieth Century
Side Show

[dreaming]

Posted: 10/27/14 at 1:17pm

Right, which is why I pointed out that unless Dames at Sea, Gigi or Can-Can opens this season, Side Show will likely get a nod for revival and land a slot to perform on the telecast.