Blankenbuehler-helmed KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN in the works? — Page 3

ljay889 said: "I don’t foresee DeBose having any issues with the music. It’s not a strenuous singing role and there’s literally two sets of keys to choose from, or they can even meet in between the Chita and Vanessa keys. I prefer the eerier Chita keys, but I’m assuming DeBose’s voice would be more appropriate closer to the Vanessa keys."

Broadway is allergic to true altos so we'll never hear the Chita keys again

aliceripleyofficial said: "She completely lacks the charisma and sex appeal that Aurora requires... Not to mention that I cringe at the thought of having to hear her sing that score."

You have a point about sex appeal, but charisma? What!?!?!

Y'all are genuinely nasty on here sometimes. So deeply personal comments about another human being whom you don't even know.

Valentina3 said: "Y'all are genuinely nasty on here sometimes. So deeply personal comments about another human being whom you don't even know."

this comment would make sense if anyone was attacking her personally (which plenty could...). i sure wasn't.

Cody Renard Richard posted a photo of the rehearsal room on his insta just now... so this is happening!

Voter said: "Cody Renard Richard posted a photo of the rehearsal room on his insta just now... so this is happening!"

There was a 2-week "tier 3" workshop that concluded June 2 with a presentation for investor types.

Would like to see see Blankebeuhler's choreography for this - but not direction. The Terrence McNally script and physical production deserve a Director.

Robbie2 said: "Spider Woman and Chess are both vying for the Imerial"

Imperial feels too big for SPIDER WOMAN with Ariana DeBose as the only ticketselling name (it played the Broadhurst originally). I might be fine for CHESS with Lea Michele as long as the producers aren't superstitious (the short-lived original production played there).

Is something else already lined up for the Jacobs after Parade? That seems a better fit.

CoffeeBreak said: "Would like to see see Blankebeuhler's choreography for this - but not direction. The Terrence McNally script and physical production deserve a Director."

Agreed. This is not an easy show and thus far, I've yet to see Andy deliver on the level it deserves.

Nicticorax said: "I'm genuinely confused about the intense skepticism towards Blankenbuehler. Is the issue just that he's primarily a choreographer so people are questioning his directing ability, or did he direct something awful that I'm unaware of? For me, Spider Woman is such a dance-heavy show that it makes sense to have a director/choreographer. Obviously I'd like it to be well directed, but I also feel like the book is strong enough that it will shine through with a good cast."

I think a lot of people had issues with his direction of ONLY GOLD at MCC and BANDSTAND. And some people have issues with his break-neck choreography style too. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt because this is better material than those other two shows, but this certainly isn't director-proof.

As for DeBose, the Tonys actually endeared her to me more (she did great work in a tough situation), though I'm still skeptical of how much of a box office draw she'll be in this show. It'll need PARADE-level reviews.

Nicticorax said: "I'm genuinely confused about the intense skepticism towards Blankenbuehler. Is the issue just that he's primarily a choreographer so people are questioning his directing ability, or did he direct something awful that I'm unaware of? For me, Spider Woman is such a dance-heavy show that it makes sense to have a director/choreographer. Obviously I'd like it to be well directed, but I also feel like the book is strong enough that it will shine through with a good cast."

I don't know if this was the last musical directed by the great Hal Prince, but it certainly was his last "successful" show. And he did some marvelous things with it, at times it was top notch musical comedy fare, sometimes campy melodrama, sometimes Felliniesque; these daring and differing tones mixed and matched perfectly. I'm guessing we worry that without a visionary director this might just be a lesser version of a difficult piece.