#26
Posted: 9/14/05 at 12:15pm
Sources? I'm just asking because several people have claimed to know for a fact that it is moving to the Minskoff and Poppins will take the New Amsterdam.
Disney's next big project — Page 2
#27
Posted: 9/14/05 at 1:23pm
I could see Mary Poppins going into the Minskoff. That would make much more sense (hoping Disney will spruce up the place a bit). Lion King is still going strong, but it's life is more limited, I believe. Transferring a show that has run nearly ten years into a larger theatre just doesn't make much sense. Poppins is likely to be a hit based on the popularity of the film.
Now, transferring Lion King to a similar theatre to make way for Tarzan would definitely work. The New Amsterdam is an excellent location for an all new production and the theatre's decor seems as if it would fit in with the show. I was skeptical about the idea of bringing Tarzan to the stage, but from what I've seen and heard so far, it sounds quite promising.
As for The Little Mermaid, it has been in the works for so long, I won't believe its coming until I actually see the marquee on the theatre. When it does arrive, expectations will be HUGE, so I'm sure they're pulling out all the stops on this one.
Hunchback was perfect for a stage production, but I really didn't care for the scenic design and the choreography in Berlin. The book, score and costumes were great, but it does need some work. The set, consisting of a grid of blocks that rise out of the stage floor in various configurations and projections, was interesting for about 15 minutes and then became tiresome and dull. The interior of the cathedral during God Help the Outcasts was the only visually striking moment. The costumes were beautiful, especially the gargoyles (one of which was changed to female). And the new additions to the score were fantastic. I especially liked that they returned to the original ending of the story rather than the happy ending of the animated film.
But as far as Disney creating a "monopoly", well, that's not really true. The company has proved to be successful musical theatre producers and I really don't see the harm in that, but they will never completely control every musical on Broadway nor do I think they wish to. They do provide one thing that many other shows have not in the past 10+ years - shows the public wants to see. Disney has had three Broadway productions and all three have been hits. That is impressive and respectable. If they have the money to produce more and if their current productions are still doing well, then why should they be denied what anyone else is allowed to do? Is it right to limit the number of shows a producer is allowed to open on Broadway? Or is it simply that it should be okay to do so if the company is Disney?
Now, transferring Lion King to a similar theatre to make way for Tarzan would definitely work. The New Amsterdam is an excellent location for an all new production and the theatre's decor seems as if it would fit in with the show. I was skeptical about the idea of bringing Tarzan to the stage, but from what I've seen and heard so far, it sounds quite promising.
As for The Little Mermaid, it has been in the works for so long, I won't believe its coming until I actually see the marquee on the theatre. When it does arrive, expectations will be HUGE, so I'm sure they're pulling out all the stops on this one.
Hunchback was perfect for a stage production, but I really didn't care for the scenic design and the choreography in Berlin. The book, score and costumes were great, but it does need some work. The set, consisting of a grid of blocks that rise out of the stage floor in various configurations and projections, was interesting for about 15 minutes and then became tiresome and dull. The interior of the cathedral during God Help the Outcasts was the only visually striking moment. The costumes were beautiful, especially the gargoyles (one of which was changed to female). And the new additions to the score were fantastic. I especially liked that they returned to the original ending of the story rather than the happy ending of the animated film.
But as far as Disney creating a "monopoly", well, that's not really true. The company has proved to be successful musical theatre producers and I really don't see the harm in that, but they will never completely control every musical on Broadway nor do I think they wish to. They do provide one thing that many other shows have not in the past 10+ years - shows the public wants to see. Disney has had three Broadway productions and all three have been hits. That is impressive and respectable. If they have the money to produce more and if their current productions are still doing well, then why should they be denied what anyone else is allowed to do? Is it right to limit the number of shows a producer is allowed to open on Broadway? Or is it simply that it should be okay to do so if the company is Disney?
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#28
Posted: 9/14/05 at 1:34pm
The Minskoff is smaller than the New Amsterdam.
"Gif me the cobra jool!"
#29
Posted: 9/14/05 at 1:35pm
TARZAN already has it's theatre so there's no more speculation needed on this show's location.
THE LION KING has always been a big seller and I don't see it closing anytime soon. If Disney wants to use the theatre it owns for it's new production, then so be it. The Minskoff is basically the same size as the New Amsterdam. It has a larger orchestra but a smaller mezzanine. So, in essence, it will still be turning a profit and it would finally bring a hit to the Minskoff.
Minskoff Theatre Seating Capacity: 1710
New Amsterdam Theatre Seating Capacity: 1747
THE LION KING has always been a big seller and I don't see it closing anytime soon. If Disney wants to use the theatre it owns for it's new production, then so be it. The Minskoff is basically the same size as the New Amsterdam. It has a larger orchestra but a smaller mezzanine. So, in essence, it will still be turning a profit and it would finally bring a hit to the Minskoff.
Minskoff Theatre Seating Capacity: 1710
New Amsterdam Theatre Seating Capacity: 1747
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
Updated On: 9/14/05 at 01:35 PM
#30
Posted: 9/14/05 at 2:32pm
I'm glad yall enjoyed the words "dibs." Wouldn't you think that Disney would announce that the Lion King is moving already? Fiddler already announced its closing, so why would Disney not give people a "heads up" in terms of buying tickets and whatnot? What other shows have moved? Didn't Les Miz move? Or wait, that was in London - nevermind.
#31
Posted: 9/14/05 at 2:48pm
Lots of shows have moved theatres:
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST moved from the Palace to the Lunt-Fontanne.
CHICAGO moved from the Shubert to the Ambassador.
CABARET moved from the Henry Millers to Studio 54.
Just to name a few.
I believe A CHORUS LINE moved a number of times. And there was also talk of the recent TWELVE ANGRY MEN moving from the American Airlines theatre to the Al Hirschfeld...but that never happened.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST moved from the Palace to the Lunt-Fontanne.
CHICAGO moved from the Shubert to the Ambassador.
CABARET moved from the Henry Millers to Studio 54.
Just to name a few.
I believe A CHORUS LINE moved a number of times. And there was also talk of the recent TWELVE ANGRY MEN moving from the American Airlines theatre to the Al Hirschfeld...but that never happened.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
#32
Posted: 9/14/05 at 2:48pm
RentBoy, Disney moved Beauty and the Beast from the Palace Theater to the Lunt-Fontanne in 1999 to make way for Aida.
#33
Posted: 9/14/05 at 2:49pm
Of recent vintage...
Les Miserables moved from the Broadway Theatre (to make way for Miss Saigon) to the Imperial Theatre.
Chicago moved from the Richard Rodgers to the Shubert to the Ambassador.
Beauty and the Beast moved from the Palace to the Lunt-Fontanne.
Les Miserables moved from the Broadway Theatre (to make way for Miss Saigon) to the Imperial Theatre.
Chicago moved from the Richard Rodgers to the Shubert to the Ambassador.
Beauty and the Beast moved from the Palace to the Lunt-Fontanne.
"Gif me the cobra jool!"
#34
Posted: 9/14/05 at 2:49pm
No, Rentboy, you were right. Les Miz moved from the Broadway to make room for Miss Saigon. Chicago moved twice (from Richard Rodgers to Shubert then to the Ambassador). I think I read that the original production of Once Upon a Mattress moved something like four times.
And Mister Matt, I totally agree with you. Four musicals out of 20+ is hardly a monopoly. If anyone should be accused of having a monopoly, I would think it would be the Shuberts.
And Mister Matt, I totally agree with you. Four musicals out of 20+ is hardly a monopoly. If anyone should be accused of having a monopoly, I would think it would be the Shuberts.
#35
Posted: 9/14/05 at 2:50pm
A Chorus Line played its entire run at the Shubert Theatre.
"Gif me the cobra jool!"
#36
Posted: 9/14/05 at 3:14pm
The original production of Annie also moved three times, from the Alvin, to the ANTA/Virginia/August Wilson, to the Eugene O'Neill and finally to the Uris/Gershwin.
The Pirates of Penzance moved from the Uris to the Minskoff.
The Tap Dance Kid moved from the Broadhurst to the Minskoff.
The '86 Cabaret moved from the Imperial to the Minskoff.
Pippin moved from the Imperial to the Minskoff.
The original 42nd Street moved from the Winter Garden to the Majestic and to the St. James.
Dancin' moved from the Broadhurst to the Ambassador.
Grand Hotel moved from the Martin Beck to the Gershwin.
The Pirates of Penzance moved from the Uris to the Minskoff.
The Tap Dance Kid moved from the Broadhurst to the Minskoff.
The '86 Cabaret moved from the Imperial to the Minskoff.
Pippin moved from the Imperial to the Minskoff.
The original 42nd Street moved from the Winter Garden to the Majestic and to the St. James.
Dancin' moved from the Broadhurst to the Ambassador.
Grand Hotel moved from the Martin Beck to the Gershwin.
"Gif me the cobra jool!"
#37
Posted: 9/14/05 at 3:17pm
Well, paint me yellow and call me a banana! For some reason, I always thought the Minskoff was much larger than the New Amsterdam. Guess I should have checked it out before opening my mouth. I gues it just looks bigger.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#38
Posted: 9/14/05 at 3:22pm
That's right!
I was thinking of 42ND STREET that moved.
Thanks magruder.
I was thinking of 42ND STREET that moved.
Thanks magruder.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
#39
Posted: 9/14/05 at 4:00pm
Mary Poppins is the only new Disney I'm interested in. I'm excited about this.
"This table, he is over one hundred years old. If I could, I would take an old gramophone needle and run it along the surface of the wood. To hear the music of the voices. All that was said." - Doug Wright, I Am My Own Wife
#40
Posted: 9/14/05 at 4:02pm
I am a huge big Disney fan but I am also not a fan of Disney buying out other businesses. But Disney has done a lot for Broadway and Times Square by cleaning it up and making better for families to enjoy Broadway.
And why in the heck can't they bring Hunchback to broadway!!! I want it to be done soo bad!!! I love the GErman cast recording...makes me cry!
And why in the heck can't they bring Hunchback to broadway!!! I want it to be done soo bad!!! I love the GErman cast recording...makes me cry!
"Have a child for warmth and a baker for bread and a prince for... whatever!"
#41
Posted: 9/14/05 at 4:10pm
I don't think Disney could have a monopoly on Broadway. The Shuberts and Nederlanders already have that covered.
#42
Posted: 9/14/05 at 7:19pm
i know that they are working on mary poppins, tarzan, and the little mermaid
#43
Posted: 9/14/05 at 8:44pm
I don't quite understand the dislike for Disney's theatrical ventures... the are willing to use a lot of money to create artistically valid shows... i know some people will disagree with me but look at the names they have had involved over the course of various productions...
Julie Taymor- Lion King
David Henry Hwang- Aida
Bob Crowley- Aida/Tarzan/Mary Poppins
Matthew Bourne-Mary Poppins
Robert Falls-Aida
Doug Wright-The Little Mermaid
Sir Richard Eyre- Mary Poppins
Jullian Fellows-Mary Poppins
Natasha Katz-Aida/Beauty and the Beast...
Not only are these people ARTISTS in the true sense of the word but with the exception of Jullian Fellows these are ARTISTS who make their home in theater... it's not like the hire people outside of the theater world... they hire Broadway performers... they bring business to the theater district from people who usually would not spend their money on theater...they bring families to Broadway... the general distaste for a Disney production is the awful snobbery which keeps many people away from theater... i have no complaint with people who simply don't like the shows Disney has produced so far (in fact I do have complaint with you if you actually LIKE Beauty and the Beast)... but to dismiss a production because it's a Disney production... why? I wish a pox upon your house! I wish a pox of Lennons, Brooklyns, Good Vibrations on your house!
kc
Julie Taymor- Lion King
David Henry Hwang- Aida
Bob Crowley- Aida/Tarzan/Mary Poppins
Matthew Bourne-Mary Poppins
Robert Falls-Aida
Doug Wright-The Little Mermaid
Sir Richard Eyre- Mary Poppins
Jullian Fellows-Mary Poppins
Natasha Katz-Aida/Beauty and the Beast...
Not only are these people ARTISTS in the true sense of the word but with the exception of Jullian Fellows these are ARTISTS who make their home in theater... it's not like the hire people outside of the theater world... they hire Broadway performers... they bring business to the theater district from people who usually would not spend their money on theater...they bring families to Broadway... the general distaste for a Disney production is the awful snobbery which keeps many people away from theater... i have no complaint with people who simply don't like the shows Disney has produced so far (in fact I do have complaint with you if you actually LIKE Beauty and the Beast)... but to dismiss a production because it's a Disney production... why? I wish a pox upon your house! I wish a pox of Lennons, Brooklyns, Good Vibrations on your house!
kc
Jesus saves. I spend.
Updated On: 9/14/05 at 08:44 PM
#44
Posted: 9/15/05 at 12:01am
None of this is definite - it's only being talked about.
It's not even absolutely definite that FIDDLER is closing in January, despire their closing notice. Depending on what effect O'Donnell has on the box office (which, I imagine, will be close to nothing,) they might extend. From friends associated with FIDDLER, they all agree that Rosie is quite good. I can't wait to see her.
As for the moving around of Disney shows, it doesn't matter to me what goes where - but I am completely opposed to the idea of them knocking down restaurants which are, in my mind, staples of the theatre district. Where will I go get drunk after a terrible rehearsal if Barrymore's is gone?
It's not even absolutely definite that FIDDLER is closing in January, despire their closing notice. Depending on what effect O'Donnell has on the box office (which, I imagine, will be close to nothing,) they might extend. From friends associated with FIDDLER, they all agree that Rosie is quite good. I can't wait to see her.
As for the moving around of Disney shows, it doesn't matter to me what goes where - but I am completely opposed to the idea of them knocking down restaurants which are, in my mind, staples of the theatre district. Where will I go get drunk after a terrible rehearsal if Barrymore's is gone?
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#45
Posted: 9/15/05 at 12:13am
Oh, wow, Chicago got moved around a lot. Why? What was the reason for it moving. Well it sounds like most of the shows that moved around were still very successful.
I still don't get how O'donnell does musical theater? i mean she can't really sing, yet she does all these musicals. Granted Grease and Suessical you dont' really have to sing, but Golda requires some good singing, but who knows...
I still don't get how O'donnell does musical theater? i mean she can't really sing, yet she does all these musicals. Granted Grease and Suessical you dont' really have to sing, but Golda requires some good singing, but who knows...
#46
Posted: 9/15/05 at 1:55am
"The Pirates of Penzance moved from the Uris to the Minskoff.
The Tap Dance Kid moved from the Broadhurst to the Minskoff.
The '86 Cabaret moved from the Imperial to the Minskoff.
Pippin moved from the Imperial to the Minskoff."
hm..The minskoff sounds like this magical farm where my dog went when I was a kid after it peed on the couch AGAIN...Rex loved that farm so much, he never came back...
The Tap Dance Kid moved from the Broadhurst to the Minskoff.
The '86 Cabaret moved from the Imperial to the Minskoff.
Pippin moved from the Imperial to the Minskoff."
hm..The minskoff sounds like this magical farm where my dog went when I was a kid after it peed on the couch AGAIN...Rex loved that farm so much, he never came back...
#48
Posted: 9/15/05 at 3:12pm
Disney came up in the Once Around the Sun thread and I mentioned a couple of things about Hunchback. I thought I would include the link for a website on the Berlin production of Hunchback including lots of images and info if anyone is interested.
Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#49
Posted: 9/15/05 at 3:36pm
New Amsterdam isn't a huge theatre, I believe. I feel that Lion King's move would be every successful for the show. Mary Poppins!? I've been waiting for this for ages!
#50
Posted: 9/15/05 at 4:45pm
thanks for the site. I wish this would come to Broadway. Itd be amazing.
EDIT: I wonder when that site was last updated? It said in 2002 there would be a tour? Well that was scrapped. I would really love to see this show. I prefer the more "adult" disney musicals. I think Huntchback and Poch. are the best of Disney. I would consider Beauty and the Beast to be somewhat "adult." I mean it does have talking teapots, but the mood of the show is kind of dark. Maybe then judge the reactoin of American audiences with Mary Poppins, considering this version is much darker than the movie.
EDIT: I wonder when that site was last updated? It said in 2002 there would be a tour? Well that was scrapped. I would really love to see this show. I prefer the more "adult" disney musicals. I think Huntchback and Poch. are the best of Disney. I would consider Beauty and the Beast to be somewhat "adult." I mean it does have talking teapots, but the mood of the show is kind of dark. Maybe then judge the reactoin of American audiences with Mary Poppins, considering this version is much darker than the movie.
Updated On: 9/15/05 at 04:45 PM
