Chitty Chitty to Broadway?- Page 3

[Poodle]

Posted: 9/3/03 at 8:20am

So far Michael Ball hasn't been asked and I wonder how certain this production is to transfer on Broadway.

Ticket sales are not good in London, down to half empty stalls mid week even before Michael left the show. Now best seats are left even on Saturday nights. Possibly the problem is the very nature of the show? This is not a "Les Mis" that the wider public will go to see over and over. The tunes are catchy but very much for kids.

Also further script changes have brought the production even closer to a British pantomime than it was before. The comedy borders on slapstick. It might even be stretching things to term it as a "musical". It really is a West End Panto...the sort of show that takes place on a smaller scale in towns all over Britain each Christmas and relies on tired jokes, chirpy characters and a well known star to sing it's Toot Sweet Tunes. (Pantomime as a theatre form isn't respected exactly!) In Chitty, the star is the car. People go to see it fly. But can an "effect" carry a show on Broadway?

In the beginning, Chitty with it's original cast was stronger than it's become now. Changes have weakened the script, emphasised the farce and some recent cast changes haven't worked well. Michael Ball did have a superb voice and while his acting was less than convincing in Preview, it did improve greatly over the run. But when it comes to Broadway, his name is not well known by the wider US public and this show needs a star who will carry it and pull in those crowds. Otherwise you're down to buying tickets to see a car fly. Will that make a show a success on Broadway?

[DofB5]

Posted: 9/3/03 at 8:09pm

If Disney and the Lion King can do it, why couldn’t Chitty? It is a much beloved story and I think it is pretty well known here in the States. I would have every expectation for it to be successful.

Now for something completely different–saw a story on the news about a car that can convert to a boat. Now if they could only figure out a way for it to fly.........

BTW I would gladly “settle” for a concert from Mr. B.

D

[kec]

Posted: 9/3/03 at 11:31pm

I have seen Chitty several times, both with the original cast and the "new" cast that started in March. I have seen the changes that were made when that new cast came in, but none of those changes made the show seem more like a pantomime. I assume you are talking about changes that came about after Michael Ball left?

I don't agree that the show is going to need a "name" star to make it on Broadway. A "name" does not automatically guarantee success -- Dance of the Vampires is an example. Chitty is a fine family musical, but I believe anyone who has fond memories of the movie will be interested in seeing the stage production whether or not they have kids. As D says, both Lion King and Beauty and the Beast have done fine on Broadway -- granted the latter has had the occasional "name" star as Belle, but for the most part the actors are probably only well known to regular theatre goers.

Michael is not a complete unknown in the United States. He has many fans here who would very much like to see him return to the States, whether it be for a concert or to do a show on Broadway. His name is familiar to people in the theatre community because of his work in Aspects of Love

Inspires, why do you think Michael would find the prospect of Chitty to Broadway challenging? Michael has said himself that he would be interested in reprising the role on Broadway. He got his start in musical theatre in the 80's and is certainly no newcomer to the Great White Way.

I agree, his concerts are fantastic, and I'm looking forward to to seeing him perform in November. But keep in mind some of the music he does best come from musical theatre.

[Inspires!]

Posted: 9/4/03 at 6:04am

kec,

Of course it would be challenging! Don't you consider that anybody taking a musical of this dimension would find it stimulating, but nevertheless rather daunting to find oneself on Broadway? And yes he has stated in various media articles and interviews stated that he would be interested - who wouldn't!
Michael's career to date has exhibited that he can perform anywhere and in any type of situation, be it a musical such as Chitty, or his superb one man show at the Donmar Warehouse (which to my mind has been his most challenging, yet personally rewarding work to date).
Michael Ball's character is such that he loves to give his all to his audience, and as was proven in Chitty he actually led most of the cast!
So yes, he would find this 'vehicle' challenging, but more in the way of taxing - and not nearly inspirational enough to show his immense talent.
Michael has shown to be an extremly sensitive guy, and if Chitty were to go to Broadway, and he is offered this opportunity, then yes he would probably go, but not for long, as his heart belongs deep rooted where he feels comfortable, his homeland!
So, Chitty to Broadway - a definite YES, but without Michael Ball!
Michael Ball to Broadway - YES, as a showcase to display his exquisite vocal talent!
'Alone Together' to Broadway!

[Poodle]

Posted: 9/4/03 at 7:29am

It's true, later script changes have taken Chitty deeper into pantomime but it was never far away. Nicola McAuliffe, Brian Blessed, Anton Rodgers and most other cast members acknowledged this. The structure of the work, the caricature rather than characterisation, the catchy simple songs, the stand up routine of the spies, the traditional style sets, the audience hissing and booing....it's all straight out of Panto. That's not to say the cast doesn't perform well. Kids love it because it has all those qualities. But whether the old British Panto genre will translate onto Broadway masquerading as a new musical, is a different matter.

Chitty is difficult to describe as "a fine musical". It entertains in the style of the old Variety shows with it's dated sense of humour and jokes about foreigners being funny. There is nothing innovative or original here, and the musical score is limited in it's appeal to adult theatre audiences. Chitty's one achievement and the basis for the whole enterprise is that car.

Michael Ball performed "Hushabye Mountain" reprise and made it powerful enough to bring the house down at every performance in the latter days of his time with the show. If he'd been allowed to open his lungs at full throttle a few more times and been given good, strong songs....then the appeal of Chitty as a musical could have been far greater, I think.

If there was any justice, then Mr Ball should be offered the Broadway role. But there are other things to consider. He has a few hundred US fans and they'd have to buy an awful lot of tickets! Chitty needs to attract audiences of thousands at top Broadway prices to be a success. The overheads of running this show are immense, let alone the budget required to stage it. On the West End the show's ticket sales are not holding up, yet the Lion King was hugely strong for a long time and still running. That comparison doesn't bode well for Chitty. The producers will have to take an objective view.

[sharon1]

Posted: 9/4/03 at 10:16am

Poodle
I am sincerely impressed with your views of Chitty. Knowledgeable and constructive. From other sources you have reaffirmed the belief that the original cast was very good and recent changes have not been up to snuff. In a very positive way you have again established the magnetism of Michael Ball's vocal capabilities. I have heard over and over again that the Hushabye reprise did indeed bring down the house every night. I believe also that you are correct that he should be offered the part at least, but also, maybe more powerful songs to showcase his ability are also needed. Who knows? I am only a fan

[Inspires!]

Posted: 9/4/03 at 10:48am

Sharon

Yes, you may only be a fan, but what is actually needed is for Michael to establish his vocal talents to the full in the US.

Chitty at the Palladium Theatre was an absolute 'hit' whilst Michael Ball was pulling in the crowds,and by that I mean fans who were willing to pay to see the musical in one particular case 150 times! Now, don't get me wrong, if you wish to see something then that is entirely up to the person involved, but in the main it was fans (so called) who turned up to see him almost every day? That is somewhat worrying, as in some cases these were not admirer's of this gentleman's talents, but actually stalkers!
Yes, Michael does give to his fans, but not at any price!!!
If he were to reprise the role in Chitty on Broadway, then believe me the main fan base would not be there!
Think seriously Mr Ball before you commit yourself to a project that in the long run might just lead to a short sprint!

[kec]

Posted: 9/4/03 at 11:38pm

"Don't you consider that anybody taking a musical of this dimension would find it stimulating, but nevertheless rather daunting to find oneself on Broadway?"

Maybe I'm interpreting this wrong, but you make it sound as though this would be Michael's trip to Broadway, when it actually it isn't.

If I am wrong in my original interpretation, then I would say that perhaps he would find it a bit of a challenge as he does need to, as you say, establish his vocal talents to today's Broadway audiences. I realize Chitty isn't the best vehicle for him to do this (no pun intended ), but if he and the show go to Broadway, it's a good start.

Were he to come to this side of the pond for something other than Chitty, I would certainly hope it would be a reprise of his Alone Together show. That would certainly showcase his enormous gift. But that show is best done in a small house, like the Donmar Warehouse, which I understand only seats 250 people -- maybe an Off Broadway house, or perhaps a small club like the former Studio 54.

I've come to know many of Michael's fans over the last year and have yet to meet anyone who was a "stalker." I don't doubt the man has his share of overly obsessive fans who do cross the line. But those that I have met and who I have seen at the stage door were very respectful of the man, oftentimes not trying to catch his attention but rather just watching as he interacted with other fans, especially the young children. Will some of them go to see him on Broadway? I believe so, at least once. But I also believe Michael will find himself many new fans on this side of the pond were he to do either of the above.

Poodle, my apologies, I didn't clarify my comment -- once I learned the term , I was aware that Chitty has always been considered very close to pantomime. But what changes I saw (one or two of which I didn't like at all) did not make it seem any closer to panto than it was already. Apparently, with someone new as Caractacus, the pantomime element is really being played up.

I do think it's a fine musical -- but then my opinion is somewhat prejudical because I have very fond memories of this film from my childhood. I'm also a big fan of the Sherman Brothers music, since I grew up on some of their best stuff (i.e. Mary Poppins) Yes some of the humor is dated but I think that's due to the time in which it is set.

As I have said, and others have said it too, Chitty was not a show for Michael to "stretch" his vocal chords, except when he did that reprise of Hushabye (now THAT change I loved! ) But I understand it brought him many new fans. My main reason for seeing Chitty in the first place had nothing to do with Michael Ball -- I had no idea who he was. But I learned quickly .

As I have said, I think Chitty will draw audiences, for the reasons I stated in my previous message. But it has to get here first, and whether or not it actually does will depend on the producers and when/if a big theatre like the Ford Center will be available.

[Sally]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 12:20am

The show sounds to me as if it could be a lot of fun, but...

"The structure of the work, the caricature rather than characterisation, the catchy simple songs, the stand up routine of the spies, the traditional style sets, the audience hissing and booing....it's all straight out of Panto. That's not to say the cast doesn't perform well. Kids love it because it has all those qualities. But whether the old British Panto genre will translate onto Broadway masquerading as a new musical, is a different matter.
... It entertains in the style of the old Variety shows with it's dated sense of humour and jokes about foreigners being funny. There is nothing innovative or original here, and the musical score is limited in it's appeal to adult theatre audiences. Chitty's one achievement and the basis for the whole enterprise is that car."

If all this is true, it sounds like another opportunity for the NY critics to crucify a show starring a Brit Michael---dated jokes, a score with limited appeal, a FLYING CAR! They might have started writing their cutting remarks already.

Americans aren't familiar with Pantomime; they might not "get" it. I'd like to see Michael Ball, but the recent appearance of Michael Crawford on Broadway proved, if nothing else, that a dedicated fan base isn't enough to keep a show open if the critics don't like it and the non-fan audiences stay away.

[kec]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 12:35am

Ah, but Sally, a couple of NY critics have already made favorable comments about this show -- Ken Mandelbaum from Broadway.com and the critic from the New York Post, Clive Barnes. It was Mandelbaum, in fact, who originally said the show would be here around 2003.

When I saw the show, I didn't see a pantomime -- I had no idea what that was -- but I liked what I saw. I loved the film as a kid, the stage production brought all those lovely memories back and gave me many new memories to savor. I admit I was startled when the audience booed the Child Catcher, but I do enjoy shows with audience participation (i.e. the Christmas Revels), and so quickly got into the spirit of the thing.

The show is fun all round.

[Inspires!]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 6:27am

It is true that Michael has a strong fan base, but that being said it is not wide enough to carry such a musical as Chitty! Although he is known to have admirer's from the US (and yes I've met many of the also) they are not sufficent in numbers to actually keep this musical going on Broadway for a long period of time. That is why my suggestion is that if he were to take Chitty to Broadway then employ his name for only a quick, short period to get it off the ground (no pun intended )..but then again would he sincerely wish to be associated with something that is bound to fail?
Going back to the fans issue - Michael himself was extremely worried by the obsessive actions of some of the persons who followed his every move. That is not healthy, nor is it right to expect too much from a person, who let's face it at the end of the day is just doing his job.
Forget Chitty, Michael, and move on, and if Broadway is beckoning, greet it with your voice, and not hisses which will 'Truly' be the case!

[kec]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 7:46am

Inspires, I'm not saying that Michael's fan base will carry the show on Broadway if it makes it there with him at the helm. No fan group is that powerful, as Sally pointed out regarding Dance of the Vampires. I am saying that I don't believe the show itself will be the failure you seem to think it will be, whether Michael is in the cast or not.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 9:34am

Unless Michael already knows when it's happening I'd say the longer the wait for a Broadway theatre goes on,the less likely it is that he will go when/if it transfers.Much better for him to take Alone Together where he doesn't have to commit himself to a year away.If it happens,a short stint in Chitty(like Denise Van Outen did in Chicago)would be more likely.

As I'm here in the UK I don't know enough about Broadway to know if Chitty would work there or not.I don't think there is any doubt that Michael's fanbase has helped support the show during term times here.Again the producers could open the show with the original Caractacus there would be enough fan interest to support
that and then after eight,twelve weeks whatever find a star to then pull in the home crowd,time will tell I guess.

[sharon1]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 11:30am

As someone who just wishes to see Chitty, I really wish they would bring the entire West End Cast. I love Brian Blessed and Nicolla McAuliffe. But you may be right about the long wait. MB might not come the longer it is put off or due to the length he may be required to do the show. Alone Together would be great in the intimate setting of a small theater or cabaret. Ever since I saw the video of that Donmar show I have wanted to see it live. It is a terrific piece of theater.

[Sally]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 8:13pm

"As someone who just wishes to see Chitty, I really wish they would bring the entire West End Cast."

I don't think that is possible. The American unions have rules of some sort to make sure American actors get work---don't know the details, though.

[sharon1]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 9:32pm

I know it is not possible and of course equity has its rules. It was just a thought that's all. Nothing meant by it.

[kec]

Posted: 9/5/03 at 11:04pm

"I don't think that is possible. The American unions have rules of some sort to make sure American actors get work---don't know the details, though."

Yes, Equity has rules covering that. But there are also rules that allow for an "exchange" of talent. There have been a number of actors from other countries over here on the Broadway stage over the years -- Michael Ball, Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Jonathon Pryce, Lea Salonga and more recently, Liam Neeson and Alan Rickman. By the same token, Gwenyth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and Matt LeBlanc have performed in the West End within the last couple of years. Shuler Hensley, who played Jud Fry in the recent revival of Oklahoma, originated the role in London. I'm sure there are others, but these are all I can think of at the moment.

Maybe not ALL of the original West End cast would be able to appear on Broadway, but Michael, if he's wanted and wants to do it, should be able to.

[DofB5]

Posted: 9/6/03 at 11:27am

If Mr. Ball is worried about stalkers in his own country, perhaps a change of venue would do a world of good.

I know that he is not as well known over here in the States and as I’ve stated before, perhaps if he would do a co-star tour with someone else he could establish himself a little better. I would like to see him release a single over here just to see how it goes. It would at least make a start for him to introduce himself to the American public at large.

It’s to bad the PBS stations couldn’t sponsor a concert tour much like is done for skaters. They could take their most popular stars and showcase them. It would be a service to both parties, I’m sure, bringing PBS stations some much need publicity as well as whoever was in the tour.

D

[jo]

Posted: 9/6/03 at 1:00pm

Michael Ball is releasing a new album next month -- and the buzz is that one of the most awaited songs is a surprise duet (" Me and My Shadow" ) with Antonio Banderas! They met when they were filming the Andrew Lloyd Webber Celebration video and renewed their acquaintance when Michael came over to do his BBC series called "Ball Over Broadway" , which included the show NINE, last spring. I understand the recording of "Me and My Shadow" was done around the time of the recent blackout in NYC

Maybe the duet could be released as a single, backed with an oldie called "I Wish You Love"?

Updated On: 9/6/03 at 01:00 PM

[DofB5]

Posted: 9/6/03 at 1:16pm

I'm looking forward to the new CD.

Sorry to disagree, Jo, but if I was going to go with a single with an oldie on it, I would back it up with "I Wouldn't Know". That's just MHO.
D

[jo]

Posted: 9/6/03 at 9:56pm

Sorry, too, D -- but the track listing only includes "I Wish You Love"

From HMV.co.uk :


1. I Wish I Were In Love Again
2. Me And My Shadow - Duet With Antonio Banderas
3. You Had Me From Hello
4. This Guy's In Love With You
5. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
6. Time In A Bottle
7. She Makes My Day
8. You've Changed
9. What Makes You Stay
10. God Give Me Strength
11. Didn't We
12. I Wish You Love

It's supposed to be released in the UK around October 20.

Jo

[Inspires!]

Posted: 9/7/03 at 7:03am

This is looks as if it is going to be a terrific album, which will show Michael's full vocal range, and covers (yes all of them are!!!) all areas of music genre.
All are actual show stoppers and Mr Ball will 'make them his own' which actually is one of his amazing strengths.
The only disappointment is Michael considering it 'cool' to warble with ANTONIO BANDERAS! Come on, please, the bloke may be good looking, but his voice is somewhat 'thin'! Good job he'll be 'shadowing' Michael
Hopefully this new album released in the fall will highlight Mr Ball's superb versatility...forget Chitty, and start anew!

[Poodle]

Posted: 9/7/03 at 11:21am

The down side of Great Old Standards is that people are used to hearing them sung by Great Old Singers. Personally I rate Michael Ball's vocal talent above Sinatra any day, but the rest of the world doesn't agree. He's not going to achieve greater acknowledgement from public and critics alike, by singing the same old material that's been covered by countless others before him.

Michael's cds are virtually never played on radio or tv in Britain. So to those who suggest a single release from this album....how would the public ever get to hear it?

Any offer to star in Chitty on Broadway, might risk a flop...
something Michael doesn't need at this point in his career. My own view is that the inspired original London cast did wonders with mediocre material. Broadway will be more difficult with this show.

I think "Alone Together" in a small venue off Broadway stands a far greater chance of success and critical acclaim than Chitty. This contains old songs, but here they are in a brave, exciting, new theatrical format.

I'd like to see Michael be equally brave and exciting in his music. Stop doing so many covers. Create a musical identity
for himself. Be himself. Inviting Antonio Banderas on a track is a good move....working with other cool artists helped Tom Jones re-invent himself. Michael needs original ideas, exciting arrangements and a new approach more than anything else now. And I hope he makes it back on a theatre stage somewhere in the not too distant future...whether West End or Broadway.

[Inspires!]

Posted: 9/7/03 at 4:57pm

As said earlier I think Michael would do well to forget Chitty and see how well his new album is actually received. The covers that he's doing should be amazing, but having said that, am rather disappointed to discover that Michael has not written any original material himself. I know that the songs that he's written or co-written have shown that he does have a talent lying dormant, and hope that he concentrates more in this direction?
If the deal is done, with Chitty, then I wish him all the best on Broadway, but don't hold your breath babe, as it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Antonio Banderas duet is a bad move, as there are much better singers who would actually compliment Michael's voice. I consider this in no way 'cool'. Bad decision Michael! Antonio has proved in Evita etc. that he can screech his way only just out of a paper bag!
Still if there's clouds in the sky, and storms are ahead, then Antonio would be in a perfect position to shadow Michael! Yes, someday Over the Rainbow, way up high!!!

[kec]

Posted: 9/7/03 at 11:00pm

Regarding a possible single release, I think most of us were thinking more along the lines of a U.S. release rather than a British release. I think it would be a good way to "introduce" Michael to American audiences, particularly in a duet with someone who is well known to American audiences as Banderas is.

"The down side of Great Old Standards is that people are used to hearing them sung by Great Old Singers. "

Yes, that will be true for those people who remember those songs sung by the likes of Sinatra etc. But there are many young people today who have no interest or knowledge of those singers from the 40's etc. To them, the standards, with new orchestrations, new singers etc., would be completely new. An example: back in the 70's,(I think), a young Dutch singer, named Taco, had a hit single with a song titled "Putting on the Ritz." I thought it was a new song, and was really surprised to learn that the song had been written by Irving Berlin in the early part of the 20th Century.

Inspires, I again disagree with you. Banderas' voice isn't that bad. Yes, he did a poor job with the title song from Phantom in the ALW birthday video -- he was singing out of his range for one thing, reaching for the high notes. But his performances of the songs from Evita were well done. But, as that tape was done several years ago, I suspect his voice has improved greatly since then, especially as he has been performing in NINE on Broadway 8 times a week.

We'll just have to wait and see when the cd is released.