Derren Brown - Coming to Broadway???

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Mentalist-Derren-Brown-Will-Bring-SECRET-to-Broadway-This-Fall-20190613

What are everyone's thoughts on Derren Brown coming to Broadway for 17 weeks?

I know that Atlantic Theatre Company produces great work that made it's way to Broadway (The Band's Visit, Spring Awakening, and Beauty Queen of Leenane). However, when will producers learn that just because a one-person "magic show" sold out its run Off-Broadway in a house with a seating capacity of 199, doesn't mean it will be able to fill up a Broadway house like The Cort, which has an approx seating capacity of 1092?

I understand that he has a following on Netflix, but come on now. 17 weeks?

I guess J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Seller, and Thomas Kail needed a tax write-off.

Updated On: 6/13/19 at 11:35 AM

LastDance21 said: "What are everyone's thoughts on Derren Brown coming to Broadway for 17 weeks?

I know that Atlantic Theatre Company produces great work that made it's way to Broadway (The Band's Visit, Spring Awakening, and Beauty Queen of Leenane). However, when will producers learn that just because a one-person "magic show" sold out its run Off-Broadway in a house with a seating capacity of 199, doesn't mean it will be able to fill up a Broadway house like The Cort, which has an approx seating capacity of 1092?

I understand that he has a following on Netflix, but come on now.17 weeks?

I guess J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Seller, and Thomas Kail needed a tax write-off."



What's your beef with Derren Brown? This is the producing team that had a nearly 2 year Broadway run of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG that recouped, followed by a successful tour and off-Broadway run. I think they know a little bit about what they're doing.

Don't forget this show doesn't have to sell out every night to recoup. It is a one person show that will likely require minimal set and a small crew. The running costs for this will be incredibly low, shouldn't be too hard to turn a profit.

I saw the TV spot for this last night and it made me cringe. I had some interest before, as like magic and mentalism, but he seemed cocky and weird, and the choices there made me doubt whatever creative choices were happening at the Cort.

Does this guy have much of a following to draw from? Curious to see more reports before I bite.

Saw it last night. I was afraid it would feel long but it didn't. There is one question I am dying to ask people who saw it but we were asked not to give anything away after seeing the show. It reminded me a lot of "VERSO".

Also, they are serious about phone use. you are told during the pre-show announcement that if you are caught taking pictures or filming, you will be asked to leave the theater. And it wasn't said jokingly.

Broadway Bob* said: "Not to be "that" guy, but what kind of merch was on sale at the show? Intrigued since it's not a typical Bway show if it has interesting merch. Thanks!!!"

Unless I missed it, I didn't see any merch. I thought there would be some in the outer box office lobby but didn't see any.

Did anyone take note of the show posters on the walls in the theater?

I noticed them when I sat down. Never remember seeing them before. Wondered if it was just something new the theater was doing. As I was leaving I looked at the ones on my side again briefly. I think the first letters of the titles in the shows spelled out "secret". I think. If not, I feel sure they played into the show in some way. It was pretty hard not to notice them for anyone sitting upstairs.

Updated On: 9/13/19 at 04:14 PM

Ok, Leigh I noticed that and just figured the word secret was involved but I will go with your observation as I do remember seeing that on one poster as I left.

haterobics said: "Got to finger Derren's ears this afternoon, so typical NYC day."

And you'll never wash that finger again. Yeah, we know.

Saw the show for the first time two days ago and was intrigued and baffled. I recommend seeing the show with friends (went with a friend of mine and we certainly talked about the show during intermission.)

I didn't realize Derren Brown was gay! He mentions this during his introduction and I just thought it was so cool to see a gay magician/actor/performer onstage! As a gay man myself, I think it's great to see more gays be out and proud out there!

It seems to me every show would be a different experience but I am curious what your experiences are like!

Due to the nature of the show, I'll use the spoiler alert to state my thoughts below: