Breaking News: CATS to Return to Broadway This Summer; Andy Blankenbuehler Joins Team- Page 6

[binau]

Posted: 1/24/16 at 8:31pm

"Could a more age-appropriate Marin Mazzie handle it? "

 

Yes absolutely (assuming her health is in good order).

Updated On: 1/24/16 at 08:31 PM

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 1/24/16 at 8:55pm

perfectliar said: "Cupid Boy2 said: "Nothing that has played that theatre since the end of 2009 has sustained a run of more than six months. It seems silly to decry a production as being a waste of space when it very well may be the Simon's first occupant since the closing of Hairspray to keep the lights on for a substantial amount of time."

But All the Way and The Illusionists both recouped at the Neil Simon despite short runs."

 

As I mentioned in my post, I was speaking specifically to musical productions in response to the original poster's assertion that also pertained specifically to musicals. Star-driven plays are great and various variety shows can be lucrative placeholders; they are certainly nothing at which to balk. However, the real money comes from an open-ended hit. 

 

[chernjam]

Posted: 1/25/16 at 12:29am

RippedMan said: "It sounds like we're getting a cheap touring version, so, while I think there might be some hype for the first couple of months, I don't think it's going to be the "experience" that the original once was. Much like this new Les Miz. There were no "wow" moments in the revival. 

 

"

Hey RippedMan - long time, no speak :)  Anyway - who says this is a "cheap" touring version?  ALW hasn't made this a limited run like he did at the Paladium.  He's bringing new folks in on the creative side... sounds like a full-blown revival

[TerrenceIsTheMann]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 1:32pm

"Could a more age-appropriate Marin Mazzie handle it? "

I was reading an interview that she gave with Jason and they said Marin has a big announcement soon. I literally thought of Cats immediately, came here to see if anyone had suggested that and here we are. I really think this is a strong possibility for the summer. She seems to be recovering very well, thankfully, and this would be a triumphant return to the stage.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 1:44pm

It doesn't matter if they know the difference or not. It's a cheap touring version. The barricade in this new Les Miz is laughable as is most of the staging. 

[best12bars]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 2:15pm

Cats would be ideal for Marin, because it's not a demanding role as far as stage time goes, she's a big enough name to merit the part, and she would knock that song out of the stratosphere. Considering what she's been through, a "chance to be reborn each night" would be a very emotional journey for her, acting and singing the role.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 2:21pm

Completely agree, Besty. She'd be superb on so many levels and would bring a certain level of class to this revival that would simply be missing with someone like Scherzinger in the part. I hope it is indeed Marin Mazzie for Grizabella.

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 3:08pm

As much as I love Marin I highly doubt Webber would give up on Nicole. She's his new "muse" or whatever. What he sees in her... I do not see at all.

[best12bars]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 3:24pm

He'll have to get American Equity's approval to bring over Scherzinger, and there will have to be a trade of equal importance (American lead in a major British revival) for Nicole to be able to cross the pond and play the role.

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 3:28pm

Nicole is actually American. I'll still be holding out hope for Marin despite Webber's Scherzinger obsession because of what a lengthy time commitment this production would entail for Nicole. She'd have to stick around 11 months to make it to the Tony ceremony, and her award prospects are something I'm sure she'd consider. 

Updated On: 2/15/16 at 03:28 PM

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 3:31pm

I used to think Nicole was talented but then I saw her version of If I loved you... She completely ruined that song. 

[best12bars]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 3:34pm

Cupid Boy2 said: "Nicole is actually American. I'll still be holding out hope for Marin despite Webber's Scherzinger obsession because of what a lengthy time commitment this production would entail for Nicole. She'd have to stick around 11 months to make it to the Tony ceremony, and her award prospects are something I'm sure she'd consider. 

 

"

 

That just shows you I have no idea who she is. lol

Updated On: 2/15/16 at 03:34 PM

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 4:12pm

Nicole is so wrong in every way for that role.  I've heard a recording of her singing Memories and while it's not bad, it's just wrong.  She's just too young.

Marin would be glorious.  Judy Kuhn or maybe Tonya Pinkins would be wonderful.

This is a show that I have a confusing relationship with.  I hate the orchestrations and choreography, but the show isn't a horrible idea.  It's just somewhat poorly executed and dated.

[Princeton78]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 6:59pm

I don't doubt that it'll be a full-scale revival, but I'm dying to see how much they plan to augment the Neil Simon.  Will there be onstage seating?  Will the orchestra be completely masked as at the Winter Garden?  Will the ceiling be lowered and proscenium altered?  I can't wait to find out!

 

 

[BroadMagTech]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 7:10pm

Princeton78 said: "I don't doubt that it'll be a full-scale revival, but I'm dying to see how much they plan to augment the Neil Simon.  Will there be onstage seating?  Will the orchestra be completely masked as at the Winter Garden?  Will the ceiling be lowered and proscenium altered?  I can't wait to find out!

Same here!

 

 

 

 

"

 

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 7:18pm

Marin would be so amazing in this. I hope someone on ALW's team is reading these boards and might consider. Would be great if Marin's up to it...

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 8:21pm

I don't know why people are speculating that this isn't going to be a full scale revival... If it wasn't why would they bring in the choreographer from Hamilton to do some new work on it?  Unlike the London revival which was announced for a limited season, this hasn't been announced a pre-tour or anything.  I think ALW realizes that he can't bring in a cheap tour version in NYC

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 2/15/16 at 9:47pm

Just to throw this out there, Kate Shindle just said she has a big project coming up that she can't talk about in her interview with Richard Ridge that was posted here today. I'd be curious to hear her take on "Memory" (not that I think this is necessarily what she is referring to, but since Marin and her "I can't say anything yet" comment was brought up I figured I'd throw this out there).

[silent]

Posted: 3/1/16 at 8:16pm

In the article about Scherzinger being cast in DD, it's also mentioned that she's in talks to join the Broadway revival of Cats.