Chitty Chitty to Broadway? — Page 3

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,

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
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

"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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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!!!