Posted: 4/12/15 at 10:49am
In regards to transferring, this is a co-production with Houston Grand Opera and will be playing in Houston next April-May (2016). So, wouldn't any talk of a possible transfer (if at all) happen post-Houston once this production has finished its scheduled "run?"
Posted: 4/12/15 at 12:01pm
Interesting review, Paul W. Thompson. Thanks for so many in-depth perceptions. I will never forget the last LC production, for its staging and visuals, for the performances of Michael Hayden and Audra McDonald (Sally Murphy? not so much) and for finding a new way to present the story. It made me love a show that I was never all that enamored with (probably because of the lackluster movie, although I did see John Raitt in 1965 at LC, and he was still pretty amazing). But you've added to my excitement, and can't wait to see it.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 12:02pm
I'm seeing this on Thursday and I can't wait! Does anyone know where and what the stage door is like?
Posted: 4/12/15 at 1:34pm
"In regards to transferring, this is a co-production with Houston Grand Opera and will be playing in Houston next April-May (2016). So, wouldn't any talk of a possible transfer (if at all) happen post-Houston once this production has finished its scheduled "run?" "
Yeah, it would make sense that it would have to play Houston before it could transfer to Broadway. Even though the rumors are causing a second guess or two, I still feel like a transfer is unlikely.
Does anyone, other than phillypinto, know if any Broadway producers have come to Chicago to take a serious look at the show and the possibility?
Posted: 4/12/15 at 1:57pm
An agent friend of mine with a client in the show told me that this production with this cast is not going to transfer to Broadway.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 1:59pm
whether its this specific production or not, they can still do a revival of Carousel
Posted: 4/12/15 at 2:09pm
"whether its this specific production or not, they can still do a revival of Carousel"
In the words of Audrey II, "No sh!t, Sherlock."
That, of course, is not what any of this conversion has been about.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 2:20pm
yes it is because it sounds like a lot of people want a Carousel revival, and what we are talking about is producers doing a revival of Carousel
Posted: 4/12/15 at 2:25pm
"yes it is because it sounds like a lot of people want a Carousel revival, and what we are talking about is producers doing a revival of Carousel"
No, as the title suggests, we are talking about this specific production and this production's prospects of transferring.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:10pm
what does it matter what production we are talking about? Its still Carousel on Broadway. Im not even really going off topic, you should see other threads.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:13pm
I would love to see Carousel again on Broadway, no matter what production as long as it is good.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:21pm
http://entertainment.suntimes.com/music/carousel-ready-spin-lyric-opera-chicago/
its coming :))
Updated On: 4/12/15 at 03:21 PM
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:40pm
"whether its this specific production or not, they can still do a revival of Carousel"
Don't you think R&H Theatricals would want to see how King and I plays out first?
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:44pm
I am all for a revival of CAROUSEL on Broadway as we are way overdue but unfortunately not happening with the amazing cast @ the Lyric Opera in Chic.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 3:50pm
While nothing on the Lyric website mentions Houston, here is the HGO website:
https://www.houstongrandopera.org/Site/Tickets/calendar/view.aspx?id=6813
Same production a year from now, with a different cast.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 4:04pm
"http://entertainment.suntimes.com/music/carousel-ready-spin-lyric-opera-chicago/
its coming :))"
Where exactly are you getting that it's coming? A hopeful actor does not mean anything is certain. Just ask Michael Arden.
I'm not saying it is not ever going to happen, just that wishful thinking does not mean anything. We are talking about a production company that has never been on the business of transferring productions to Broadway. The reviews have to be great, and Broadway producers have to have enough interest to do it. On top of that, this production still has to play in Houston before it can transfer to New York, and that production opens a year from now. That is a long way away still.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 4:07pm
why does that production have to happen first? lol
Posted: 4/12/15 at 4:18pm
Because contractually they would be obligated to, or else the Lyric (or whatever producers are involved) would have to pay Houston Grand Opera for the portion that they already contributed to the physical production.
Since you are in the business and going to be a big star you better learn quickly how contracts work.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 4:19pm
"why does that production have to happen first? lol"
If you are co-producing a production and have put up a considerable amount of money for the production, would you want it to suddenly play an open ended run on Broadway before it makes it to your stage?
It has to play in Houston first because it has already been cast, many contacts have been signed, and this is the way business works.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 4:20pm
If Houston Opera helped fund it than they sure as better get it before Broadway--I am certain it would be in their contract.
Incidentally, while Stratford's musicals are very hit or miss for me, this season (I believe opening next month) they have two R&H. Sound of Music and... Carousel which I have hope for since it's directed by Susan Schulman
Posted: 4/12/15 at 4:56pm
and given that dance heavy On the Town isn't doing so hot... and still awaiting a verdict on An American In Paris - I wouldnt' be confident that a three hour dance heavy show that - to some- apologizes for domestic abuse - is really going to fly on today's Broadway. Without some major major stars -
They should just revive Carnival! - and get all the people who think they are going to see Carousel because they confuse the titles.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 5:25pm
And we have a new topic.
Help me through the logic of someone who would say the show apologizes for domestic abuse.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 5:54pm
"I wouldnt' be confident that a three hour dance heavy show that - to some- apologizes for domestic abuse - is really going to fly on today's Broadway. Without some major major stars"
I wouldn't really consider Carousel to be a dance heavy show. Even if it is, An American in Paris is making a lot of money, and Cats is all dance which people love.
Posted: 4/12/15 at 6:08pm
Posted: 4/12/15 at 6:25pm
Carousel is fairly dance heavy. At least originally on stage the Louise Ballet is about 20 minutes--a significant part of Act II (I guess usually now it's down to 15--I think it's 17 mins on the London RNT recording,) and June originally had a very long dance break as did, I think Blow High Blow Low. I still think Agnes DeMille was exaggerating (as she was known to do,) when she claims out of town Louise's ballet was nearly an hour... You'd think the critics in those cities would have mentioned that--and really how much story did she have to tell for a ballet that long?
Re the domestic abuse. I think some feel that Julie's line about being hit and it feeling like a kiss or whatever (is this where Phil Spector got his song idea?) which is a direct translation from Molner, is meant to justify the spousal abuse. I don't think it does, the issue is far more complex than that, but I can see how it's a tricky issue. Also in the musical's big change from Lilliom, the play ends with hope--Louise seems optimistic now (and some would say that's because she was slapped,) and Billy is going to Heaven, etc. Lilliom ends with no redemption and Louise's fate looking pretty hopeless.
