Posted: 4/11/15 at 12:30pm
I want this to transfer more than anything! I agree with the above posters who were blown away by Pasquale in BRIDGES -- as much as I wanted Kelli to win the Tony, I would have been voting for Pasquale even more decidedly. Just amazing. This role seems PERFECT for him! Osnes can do no wrong but I just see this cementing Pasquale as a top musical leading man if it transfers.
Posted: 4/11/15 at 1:19pm
According to someone I know in the show, it is definitely not extending.
Posted: 4/11/15 at 2:21pm
Does anyone know if there are understudies for this production?
I looked on the Lyric website and the program posted and didn't see any but I may have missed it.
Posted: 4/11/15 at 4:07pm
There are understudies, some in the ensemble, some external.
Posted: 4/11/15 at 4:26pm
A friend who saw it and mostly loved it (he thought some of Ashford's choices were too strong--like having Jigger almost rape Mrs Mullins,) pointed out that a Broadway transfer would suffer from losing his fave aspect--the gigantic and gorgeous sounding chorus and orchestra. Sure On the Town and a small handful of other shows have had large orchestras lately, but I don't remember a chorus this size on Broadway since Livent's Show Boat and Ragtime--which were glorious but we all know how financially well those went.
Posted: 4/11/15 at 4:32pm
So, if this were to transfer, what's more likely - the fall or next spring? I'm hoping the fall, preferably sometime around November 18th to the 22nd, when I'll be in town.
Updated On: 4/11/15 at 04:32 PM
Posted: 4/11/15 at 4:33pm
Cast close to 60, 37 piece orchestra....... can't wait to see this!
Posted: 4/11/15 at 4:49pm
It can always take the Lyric !
Posted: 4/11/15 at 4:50pm
Would R&H Theatricals (or whatever they're called) put into consideration not wanting to have a major Carousel and King and I at the same time? or would it matter?
Posted: 4/11/15 at 5:42pm
"Can Pasquale actually act? He looks so soap opera I have a hard time believing he would actually be able to handle the dramatic heft of the role. It's not an easy character to play by any means, and requires much more than a good voice."
Yes, he's a great actor. I saw him in the original Light in the Piazza in Seattle, a role he had to leave because he was on the cable drama Rescue Me--youtube some of his scenes there. There's a reason he's been so successful outside of musicals--and not just because of his looks (though those help.)
Anyone who has seen this--do they mention why Mrs Mullins is in the Louise Ballet? (I mean it's stylized but it's not technically a dream ballet like in Oklahoma!) Or do they just hope you won't notice D'Amboise in both roles?
Posted: 4/11/15 at 5:43pm
"What's the rationale for changing the time period of the book?"
Read the interview with Ashford in the program link posted above. He talks a lot about it. Some of his rational makes sorta sense to me, some not (he is quick to point out it's not exactly 30s set--it's vaguely but also "anywhere" Ok...)
Posted: 4/11/15 at 5:44pm
Also, any comments on the ballet and Ashford's choreography? (I only really know his Fosse/60s Jazz dancing he loves to use) as well as any changes? Is Highest Judge still there? Do they use the slightly re-worded ending (re the hit stuff) like the concert did?
Posted: 4/11/15 at 9:23pm
somebody post a review as soon as you can.
I'm confused though. when I lived in Chicago the sunday newspaper was out in stores Saturday. So I guess since the show is opening Saturday then the review wont be in the paper until Monday. weird. maybe it will be online before then? anyone with info here?
I'm taking the plunge. haven't been back since I moved in 2001. this show I couldn't miss. Friday night. :) fell for pasquale in Man of No Importance - Streets of Dublin. wow. I knew this roll was perfect for him.
I'm even doing airbnb in boystown. fun.
Posted: 4/11/15 at 9:41pm
It's intermission now. I'm here reviewing the show for BroadwayWorld! All the critics are here. Reviews will come, I can assure you!
Posted: 4/12/15 at 12:59am
again, this is 99.9% not transferring, at least not in its current form.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 1:03am
As soon as I get to my hotel, I will get on my laptop and share my thoughts.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 2:36am
In the Broadway.com periscope, someone asked Laura Osnes and Paul Wontorek if it was transferring and they said "maybe." Someone also asked Laura if she's coming back to Broadway, and she said "yes maybe in this musical" and had her fingers crossed. Pretty sure that sounds like producers have expressed interest in bringing it to Broadway. With this amount of excitement over the cast and production, and the fact that its a classic show that hasn't been on Broadway in 20 years, I think it would be dumb not to bring this to Broadway!!
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:27am
It's puzzling that so many want this to transfer without having seen it. It seems to be a euphemism for, "I can't get to Chicago to see it so please bring it here." That's not really how it works.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:41am
Philly,
The producer is The Lyric Opera of Chicago, which finishes the year slightly in the red repeatedly. They would have to have serious interest from others.
Also, this is part of the Renee Fleming Musicals Initiative. She may not be brilliant at running her own Broadway "career," but she's been a super administrator there. If there's any chance that this won't benefit Lyric Opera, it won't happen. She'll never risk the company - and neither will anyone else there.
Updated On: 4/12/15 at 03:41 AM
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:46am
I was at an event with her in January where the host point blank asked her if there was any chance of it coming to broadway and she said "its highly unlikely"
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:58am
1. Renee is only a creative consultant. How much of a say does she have in the business aspect of things? Plus, I would think a transfer of the production would help the Lyric Opera get their name out. I hear this show is a hot ticket right now so the Renee Fleming Musicals Initiative is clearly helping them.
2."They would have to have serious interest from others." Well it seems like they do if this many people have been talking about it, and writing things in the papers about the possibility of a transfer.
January was a long time ago. It is interesting to me though that the Lyric Opera is getting so much attention over this production. They don't necessarily have to produce this on Broadway though. Cant producers just get the rights to the production or something.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 4:33am
Posted: 4/12/15 at 5:40am
Laura said in an interview a little while back that no, there were no plans for the show to transfer, so if she's changed her answer since then, to a maybe, and that she has her fingers crossed, I don't think that's anything to sniff at, and it may be very likely that they're considering it.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 6:09am
Well, the review doesn't tell of the hoped for perfection but still lots to look forward to and a glorious, memorable night of theatre. My ears can't wait for that choir and that orchestra with those classic songs. So glad I made the decision to travel.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 6:21am
And my two cents about a transfer.
Im not sure there is quite the excitement that is related on the board here.
i was looking for tickets in the fall but couldn't quite make the decision. Kept putting off and didn't finalize until February. There were still many tickets available and I was able to get very good seats at 50% off. Clearly not a ticket-buying frenzy in Chicago. I don't know how it ended up, what the ticket situation is now.
