Derren Brown - Coming to Broadway???

[LastDance21]

Posted: 6/13/19 at 11:35am

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

[macnyc]

Posted: 6/13/19 at 3:02pm

I enjoyed the show at the Atlantic and I don't think this going to Broadway is far-fetched. Apparently Brown does have a following. Maybe a limited run? A theater may have a vacancy for a few months that Brown's show can fill. It wouldn't need a large set, scenery, etc.

[BritCrit]

Posted: 6/13/19 at 3:34pm

Derren Brown is British - that almost guarantees he will do well on Broadway...

But seriously, his shows have always done well in the West End. It will be interesting to see him make his Broadway debut...

[BroadwayMarley]

Posted: 6/13/19 at 3:35pm

I saw this at Atlantic and loved it.  This was more than an ordinary magic show.  Very intelligent and entertaining.  I highly recommend it.  That being said, it is not something I would be likely to see a second time.  So, I would not be surprised if its broadway success will likely depend largely on first timers.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 6/13/19 at 3:47pm

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.

[LastDance21]

Posted: 6/14/19 at 10:37am

JSquared2 said: " 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."

No disrespect, JSquared2, but this is NOT the same producing team as THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG.  Only J.J. Abrams was part of that producing team, and let's be honest, J.J. Abrams is a TV/Movie person, not a Broadway person.  Kevin McCollum is the reason THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG has been so successful.  Perhaps you are confusing Kevin and Jeffrey?  

I don't think it will have an audience that warrants a 17 week run.  That's all I'm saying.  Just because you "sell out" a 199 off-Broadway space, doesn't mean you will be able to do the same thing in a Broadway house.  Perhaps it should have been one of those "Artist in Residence" type things and make it a 2-3 week run instead.  

[Hamilfan2]

Posted: 6/14/19 at 11:42am

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.

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/9/19 at 5:32pm

Seeing it this week and looking forward to it

[Rwohlars]

Posted: 9/10/19 at 9:57am

I just saw this show with my wife this past Saturday. Wow what a show. From the comments above I can say maybe in 17 weeks you will get a musical or play again at the Cort theatre. So don't worry. For now Derren Brown is amazing people including myself. I was skeptical and never seen a "magician" live. WOW. I got chills from this show. It is beyond amazing. I got bamboozled and I liked it. I liked it so much we are going again. The audience participation was a great part of the show. He has no problem selling this out. There wasn't one empty seat when we went.

[haterobics]

Posted: 9/10/19 at 11:28am

LastDance21 said: "I don't think it will have an audience that warrants a 17 week run. That's all I'm saying."

If that were true (which I don't think it is), then it would simply close early?

[Pashacar]

Posted: 9/11/19 at 2:46pm

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.

[dave1606]

Posted: 9/11/19 at 10:49pm

I saw this on Tuesday. I don't usually go for the special event shows on Broadway, but I have to say I took a chance with a TDF ticket (Row A second row orchestra) and thoroughly enjoyed this. 

Derren Brown isn't necessarily doing anything that is new in the world of magic and mentalism etc, but he is such a charismatic performer and ties it all together so nicely that it makes for a really fun evening. 

I'd highly recommend this especially if you can grab a TDF ticket. It was such fun and I'd love to go back if to see if I could catch the gorilla!

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/12/19 at 12:07am

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*]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 1:23pm

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!!!

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 1:51pm

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.

 

[getupngo]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 2:20pm

after seeing all the hype, the "blow you away ending" was SO underwhelming.

the other stuff was pretty cool, but very basic mentalist stuff

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 2:26pm

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

[getupngo]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 2:32pm

uncageg said: "Did anyone take note of the show posters on the walls in the theater?"

nope totally didnt notice why

did they have the animals on them?

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 4:14pm

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

[leighmiserables]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 9:40pm

uncageg said: "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."

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Pretty sure the vast majority of them had the word "tiger" or images of tigers on them. 

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 11:13pm

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]

Posted: 9/15/19 at 1:48am

Got to finger Derren's ears this afternoon, so typical NYC day.

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 9/15/19 at 2:03am

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.

[haterobics]

Posted: 9/16/19 at 2:03am

UncleCharlie said: "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."

Them! I put my right index finger in his left finger, and vice versa... 

[Wick3]

Posted: 11/1/19 at 12:28pm

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:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

I also noticed the show posters throughout the theater. In particular, I remember seeing a poster for a play called Thai Girl. 

During the show, Derren Brown drew a pretty good portrait of Marilyn Monroe.

In Act 2, the audience member question he correctly guessed was a man in his 30s wondering whether he'd get his pilot's license. Derren also guessed he was a former gymnast (which was correct!) My friend and I were in awe!

While Derren Brown's head was covered, he picked on a lady who was there with her boyfriend. Derren was hesitant to tell us her secret but then stated that her secret is she's worried her boyfriend may know about her girlfriend. It was shocking to see her boyfriend's face after that remark. The entire audience was in awe!

Yes, my friend and I did think that there's a possibility both people were planted in the audience but I don't know... I don't think they were but certainly it's possible.

What baffled us was the last bit after the video. Wow! No idea how Derren does it every night but we were certainly entertained!!!