Down With Love?!?

[kyleorlando]

Posted: 6/26/09 at 10:28pm

OK. I know this has probably been discussed here a million times. But still...

Why isn't "Down With Love" a Broadway musical?!?

We (meaning my friends) watched it on DVD tonight and played our drinking game "Insert Song Here".

This movie (and drinking game) has resulted in a bunch of drunk theatre queens passed out in my apartment!

Updated On: 6/26/09 at 10:28 PM

[inick122492]

Posted: 6/26/09 at 10:53pm

It does seem perfect for musical. I think Sutton Foster would probably play Barbara. I could see how it would become a phenomenon like Hairspray.

[kyleorlando]

Posted: 6/26/09 at 11:18pm

I know, right? We've already cast Stephanie J. Block as the editor!

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 6/27/09 at 7:08am

This has been mentioned many times

The film was rubbish, great concept, great cast, dreadful script

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/27/09 at 8:57am

And I was going to say: because no one else thought it was a good idea. Things we think of when we are drinking are not usually great ideas!

[bwayguy22089]

Posted: 6/27/09 at 11:39am

The production and costume designs are amazing though.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/27/09 at 5:19pm

Heck, Marc Shaiman wrote the film's score and with Scott Wittman, they both wrote the end credits 'musical number' "Here's to Love". They could pull another HAIRSPRAY bit and apply their award-winning talents to a Broadway musical adaptation of DOWN WITH LOVE.

Maybe it was screaming to be a Broadway musical to begin with... not a film.

Link to the "Here's to Love" musical number/video (with cameos by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJbqE7ekZ_A














Updated On: 6/27/09 at 05:19 PM

[sondheimboy2]

Posted: 6/27/09 at 11:47pm

I think that this would make a much better Broadway show than putting "Enchanted" on-stage.

Take something and find out where it sings and and let it develop into it's own entity.

Not take something that already has songs and find moments where you can stick other songs in.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 6/27/09 at 11:59pm

Because it bombed.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 6/28/09 at 12:52am

I always thought this would be a great musical, with the sets of the film ready to be Broadway sets. And heck, they even already have one number with "Here's To Love"! I think Shaiman and Wittman are brilliant enough to adapt anything...I don't think I've ever heard a song of theirs I didn't like, if not love.

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 6/28/09 at 1:11am

Since I first saw it, I thought "Down With Love" would make a great stage musical. Every scene is just so visually stunning that I think it really could work for the stage. Really the material is so "simple" in that classical way that can work and be improved for the stage. Also, while I think the roles were played to perfection on screen, I don't think it would be that difficult for others to replace them. As pointed out in other threads, this is the type of problem shows like Legally Blonde faced, since Reese Witherspoon's Elle was so ingrained in the public psyche. And can I also point out one trivial fact that I just love? It's the only film I can think of where an out gay actor (David Hyde Pierce) is seen romancing an out lesbian actress (Sarah Paulson). I know they are the supporting characters, but I just remember it being so cute and believable at the time. In an age where actors still sometimes fear that being out will cost them jobs, I just find this little fact pretty cool.

[Taryn]

Posted: 6/28/09 at 1:55pm

I make no apologies for how much I totally adore this movie.

Can David Hyde Pierce please please PLEASE reprise his role?

[shh282]

Posted: 6/29/09 at 10:54pm

I never saw this movie but decided to try it because of this thread. LOVE IT. and agree about the musical

Barbara - Kerry Butler
Vikkie - Gina Gershon
Catcher Cheyenne Jackson
Peter - David Hyde Pierce

Just saying. Didn't mean to do the Xanadu reunion but I think it'd be awesome.

[Taryn]

Posted: 6/30/09 at 2:10am

Just rewatched the movie; I still absolutely love it. I can't get enough of Ewan McGregor's reading of the line: "I don't want sex, I just want to be married!"

[TheKryptoniteKid]

Posted: 6/30/09 at 6:53am

I love this film but my only criticism is that the word "homosexual" is used. As the team were trying to recreate the Doris/Rock style romantic comedies, this word was NEVER used.

Musical, please.

[nearthestage]

Posted: 6/30/09 at 7:08am

I enjoyed Down With Love also. If it were to be brought to the stage however, I don't think DHP would reprise his role as Peter. He's been pretty vocal about not wanting to be type-cast in Niles-type roles; a cloth from which Peter is definitely cut.

Personally, I believe he has shown his versatilty as a performer so this is no longer an issue.

If all the spectulation were to become reality; are there any thoughts as to who would be a substantial replacement in the role of Peter. Assuming of course DHP turned it down.