British transfers?
British transfers?
#1British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 10:19am
We know Dear England, Patriots, Sondheim’s Old Friends, and Tammy Faye are transferring. But what about Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Sunset Boulevard, Guys and Dolls, Crazy for You, Operation Mincemeat, The Witches, Next to Normal, Streetcar Named Desire, Everyones Talking About Jaime, Mamma Mia, The Motive and the Cue, Aspects of Love, Spring Awakening, The Phantom of the Opera?
OuttaTowner
Leading Actor Joined: 5/30/05
#2British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 10:53am
I’d say the of those that you list, were likeliest to (eventually) get Sunset, the Motive & the Cue, and - pending an appropriate space - Guys & Dolls.
Now that the actor’s strike is settled, it’s unlikely that Mescal would be available for Streetcar.
BETTY22
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/29/13
#3British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:12am
Sunset is confirmed. Hearing it has commitment from St James theater
BIG BALONEY
Leading Actor Joined: 6/21/03
#4British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:13am
Although I saw and liked Dear England I have doubts if it will be a success here. Very British but a run at Park Ave. Armery could be the best venue. Old Friends & Guys & Doll's will settle in but the others are not very likely in my opinion. Sunset Boulevard only if Nicole Scherzinger is attached. Crazy For You was entertaining and Charlie Stemp is dynamic but the show is dated in many ways and commands a big cast. Mincemeat seems more attuned to the British humor and Jamie, well it's been years now and the run in L.A. didn't knock the roof off. As for the others they been around the block to often and demand has flattened out.
#5British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:18am
Broadway Flash said: "We know Dear England, Patriots, Sondheim’s Old Friends, and Tammy Faye are transferring. But what about Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Sunset Boulevard, Guys and Dolls, Crazy for You, Operation Mincemeat, The Witches, Next to Normal, Streetcar Named Desire, Everyones Talking About Jaime, Mamma Mia, The Motive and the Cue, Aspects of Love, Spring Awakening, The Phantom of the Opera?"
Hands down, my favorite show of last year was "Standing at the Sky's Edge" but that show would die a quick death here. It's HUGE in it's scope and requires an incredibly large cast. "Operation Mincemeat" is also a distinctly British show that I don't think would catch on here. It's the exact opposite of "Sky's Edge" in that it's a very small show with a very small cast but the issues, I think, are the same. Shows about a place ("Sky's Edge" ) or event ("Mincemeat" ) that mean something really only to Brits is a hard sell here, no matter the quality of the show. I hope that makes sense lol.
As for the others, I think the failure of "Crazy For You"'s to catch means that it's chances of a transfer (despite all the raves) is dead. "Sunset" is absolutely coming over and I'd love American audiences to be able to see "Motive and the Cue" because it has some brilliant performances. "Guys & Dolls" is the one that I think is still up in the air, out of all of those.
As for the rest, it's still way too early to know anything about "The Witches" or "N2N" (which doesn't even start previews until next summer) but I'd say there's zero chance of the others.
And now, my "controversial" opinion. There's way too many imports coming over right now. Yes, the quality of some of these is brilliant but do we really want an exact replica of shows here that are playing on the West End? There's so many American plays and musicals that deserve a shot at being produced on Broadway that I fear won't have a shot if we keep getting import after import after import.
lopside
Stand-by Joined: 11/16/21
#6British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:28am
That's pretty much a privileged take Jordan. Everyone knows you get the chance to see shows on both sides of the pond. Not everyone else does. Moreover, in even such a packed season like this, there have really only been two imports, and a vast number of new American musicals.
#7British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:33am
Did I literally not say it was a controversial opinion of mine? Of course it's a "privileged" take, I never said "My non privileged take is..."
Plus, "privileged" or not, people are allowed to have opinions. Everyone here who spends money to see a show has a "privileged" take since many many others can't afford to see the shows. I think a lot of people here forget this is a message board to have discussions on topics presented. This was a topic/question presented to people who post here and I, being someone who posts here, responded to it.
lopside
Stand-by Joined: 11/16/21
#8British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:42am
And I responded in exactly the same manner, on a message board. It's a simple disagreement with you, which you've taken entirely too much to heart.
There has never really been a case where imports on either side ever pose the risk of new work not getting a look in.
#9British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:47am
K.
ANYWAYS - I do hope "Motive and the Cue" comes over but only if Johnny Flynn and Mark Gatiss can come with it. They were both so brilliant.
#10British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:48am
God this calendar year has been an amazing year for musical theatre in London and New York City!
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
KevinKlawitter
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/21/20
#11British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 12:27pm
OuttaTowner said: "I’d say the of those that you list, were likeliest to (eventually) get Sunset, the Motive & the Cue, and - pending an appropriate space - Guys & Dolls.
Now that the actor’s strike is settled, it’s unlikely that Mescal would be available for Streetcar."
iirc the rumor (on these boards at least) was that Taron Edgerton was going to be the Stanley in the Streetcar transfer, not Paul Mescal.
#12British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 1:19pm
KevinKlawitter said: "OuttaTowner said: "I’d say the of those that you list, were likeliest to (eventually) get Sunset, the Motive & the Cue, and - pending an appropriate space - Guys & Dolls.
Now that the actor’s strike is settled, it’s unlikely that Mescal would be available for Streetcar."
iirc the rumor (on these boards at least) was that Taron Edgerton was going to be the Stanley in theStreetcar transfer, not Paul Mescal."
He looked so uncomfortable in Cock that I'd be surprised to see him back on stage anytime soon. When they announced he got Covid I remember telling my friend I wouldn't be shocked if he never returned to the show...
As for Dear England, it is an enjoyable play – and I'm saying this as someone who's not British nor a football fan – but trying to bring it to Broadway is a bizarre choice. There is room for some star/stunt casting, and I guess they might try to appeal to the Ted Lasso fans?
#13British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 2:11pm
I can agree with Binau on that! After seeing shows on both sides of the Atlantic this year, I can safely say that this was by far the best year of theatre. Cannot wait to see what 2024 will have in store! As for the topic of this discussion, I absolutely want American audiences to see some of the theatre I saw in the UK this summer, but this season in New York is already crowded as is for musicals. I think maybe transferring Sunset Blvd would be okay, but then let everything else transfer for the 24-25 season.
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
C4b2a3b
Stand-by Joined: 8/13/08
#14British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 2:39pm
BETTY22 said: "Sunset is confirmed. Hearing it has commitment from St James theater"
Ii'm sure this is has been discussed elsewhere, but is Spamalot an open ended run?
Wonder if Scherzinger would also be transferring too. I loved Doll's House. Would be so interested to see this production of Sunset.
#15British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 2:52pm
If “Sunset” does indeed come To Broadway, it would absolutely be with Nicole.
#16British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 3:17pm
I’m surprised we haven’t had more transfers honestly. This season seems to be mostly new American musicals, and some good musical revivals. I still don’t understand how something like Dear England can get to Broadway but not English, or Downstate. Does anybody know why the National Theatre Follies never came over or the Almeida’s Spring Awakening? Or could they still come in?
Owen22
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/24/11
#17British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 4:01pm
Project Mincemeat has to transfer. Besides it being amazingly entertaining, it has a cast that will be all the rage on Broadway. Everyone will want to see these marvelous actors. It will be a hit. Not even a necessarily limited run hit.
I am still flabbergasted at the amount of love the British critics gave The Witches. The show is a mess, mainly due to an inexperienced (in musicals anyway) director. Now, I do believe there might be a very good musical underneath the mess, but until it's found, Jesse Green would kill this show, even though its London based critic already (bewilderingly) gave it a kiss of approval. This kills me to say, as I am a huge Dave Malloy fan.
#18British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 4:19pm
How are you all so rich that you can flit from continent to continent so often?
Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$
#19British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 4:48pm
I don’t go to London often which is why I’d like some of these to transfer. That said, I did go this year, and I was lukewarm about Guys and Dolls, but loved Aspects of Love. It was an exquisite production, and I’m happy to see Laura Pit Pulford will be staring in Standing at the Sky’s Edge. If anything transfers, I hope it’s this new musical because the music sounds fantastic, and if it’s as good as the reviews say, it should absolutely come to Broadway. Why would the National bring over some play about soccer, but not a new musical to Broadway? Also, there was an article a few months ago saying Mamma Mia is coming back in 2025.
#20British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 4:52pm
I agree with Jordan that Sky’s Edge is just too British to ever succeed on Broadway. I was so moved by the ending song I basically cried, but the story, characters and structure of the whole piece (which does not always follow the traditional ‘rules’ of what we are told good musicals are) is not something I see working well in NYC.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#21British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 5:00pm
Broadway Flash said: "Does anybody know why the National Theatre Follies never came over or the Almeida’s Spring Awakening? Or could they still come in?"
When those productions played in London it had only been a half-dozen years or so since their most recent Broadway revivals.
Deaf West Spring Awakening (2015)/ Almeida (2022)
Kennedy Center Follies Transfer (2011)/National Theatre (2017)
Given that neither killed at the box office plus the increase in capitalization from the UK to US, particularly for two shows with large casts, I don't think it is surprising they did not transfer.
AEA AGMA SM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
#22British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 8:26pm
The current assumptions are that the new US tour of Mamma Mia will land on Broadway later this year or early next year. Right now it’s last announced booking is for DC in August, but at this point nothing is official.
Edit, by “later this year or early next year” I mean 2024/25, as for some reason I just fully ignored that we still have December to get through, lol
chrishuyen
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/12/14
#23British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 10:26pm
C4b2a3b said: "BETTY22 said: "Sunset is confirmed. Hearing it has commitment from St James theater"
Ii'm sure this is has been discussed elsewhere, but is Spamalot an open ended run?
Wonder if Scherzinger would also be transferring too. I loved Doll's House. Would be so interested to see this production of Sunset."
IIRC Spamalot's marketing has kind of just been "we'll play until April unless people really like us" or something
BoringBoredBoard40
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/27/21
#24British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 10:55pm
Operation Mincemeat is trying to transfer, they have Broadway producers attached.
I really think the assumption that it is too british is a weird one, as an American I am familar with the story, and if the budget makes sense it could end up a sleeper hit, it already has a very passionate fan base in the UK as well...
#25British transfers?
Posted: 11/26/23 at 11:04pm
How do you know that neither killed at the box office? They don't post grosses in London
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