Dracula

[HotTicket]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 8:43pm

I just got an offer for preview tickets for Dracula. Has anyone heard anything good or bad?

[Shawk]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 8:51pm

Well, it's Wildhorn, so be prepared to have very adamant opinions of all sorts thrown at you shortly.

I've heard mixed reviews of the La Jolla production, but this seems to have a strong cast so that's something.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 8:58pm

saw it in 2001 at the La Jolla Playhouse, and pretty much hated it. I was at the time a huge Wildhorn fan, and Dracula left me really disappointed. it was panned by the local critics and almost everyone I talked to around town and on the Playhouse staff seemed to have problems with it. it was widely expected that it would just disappear before it ever made it to Broadway, but the fact that it's resurfacing now after 3 years makes me hopeful that they've somehow made it better. I plan to see it, and I'd say it's worth checking out if only for the cast and the design (which was absolutely incredible). the score showed a good amount of promise in La Jolla. if they've managed to fulfill even half of what it may be capable of, it just might be better than Dance of the Vampires.

[HotTicket]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 9:00pm

Thanks so much, I think I will wait to get tickets

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 11:10am

Jarico and I got tickets for the first preview. We'll let you know.....

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 11:28am

All I know is having sat through Dance Of The Vampires, it would take a heck of a lot to get me back in a theatre with a vampire themed musical.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 11:34am

The problem on paper with a production like a musical of Dracula is the the show's basic necessity at all.

Will this version tell this familiar story better than any other version?

This is a fundamental question that authors must ask themselves at the outset.

I hope they do have a "better mousetrap" as it were.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 11:38am

Updated On: 5/27/05 at 11:38 AM

[BoyWithTheBugle]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 12:50pm

web site is cool. There is also a download of one of the songs that Linda Eder is singing.
Sounds good to me.....

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 1:05pm

"Will this version tell this familiar story better than any other version?"

Well, it's the first musical version to hit Broadway. The only other Broadway version was the play seen in 1927 and 1931 which had a successful revival in 1977 and won Tonys for Best Costumes and Revival.

As far as films go, the only successful versions were the Lugosi classic and the unintentionally campy Coppola remake. Classic horror tales will always be revived on the big and small screens, but rarely do you see them on Broadway, so technically, it is the first Broadway version of its kind. So while the adapation of this work is nothing new, this version will be something new and it definitely has possibilities.

[mallardo]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 2:46pm

I can't believe there are so many people looking forward to a Frank Wildhorn show.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 2:49pm

Why?

[mallardo]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 3:07pm

After The Scarlet Pimpernel and Jekyll and Hyde, you want more?

[Zola Q. LaPlaya]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 3:16pm

I'm not holding out great hope here, but please let us know if it's good.

[magruder]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 3:51pm

My feeling with Frank Wildhorn has always been that he needed stronger collaborators. The guy is just a composer after all. The book and lyrics to his shows, where most of their failings have been, have been the work of others. With Dracula, Don Black, Christopher Hampton and director Des McAnuff are all a step above his previous collaborators, so there is every reason in the world to hope for better things on this one. Plus, they have assembled a first-rate cast and production designers.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 3:53pm

Before it went to Broadway, Jekyll and Hyde was fantastic. I loved The Scarlet Pimpernel. I left at intermission during the premiere of The Civil War. Dracula has potential for being a hit. There has not been any negative buzz so far during the rehearsal period like Dance of the Vampires or Taboo. Maybe this one will really work for Wildhorn.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 3:56pm

I don't understand why people don't like the Scarlet Pimpernel. Its first Broadway incarnation needed work, but once they fixed it, man oh man it's the funniest most entertaining show I've ever seen in my life. You haven't LIVED until you've seen Percy and his men do the handkerchief and hat dance!!! It was so much fun. 'Highly underrated. It's a shame.... Updated On: 6/8/04 at 03:56 PM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 4:00pm

I actually preferred the first incarnation to the second and the touring productions. The first act finale and the opening of the second act in particular were much stronger before the changes.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 4:14pm

Well, obviously I disagree. SP1.0 was on the right track but I much prefer "Storybook" opening the show and all the little changes, deletion of "Only Love", "Believe" and "Vivez" (ugh...) plus the inclusion of "I'll Forget You" which was my favorite song from the concept album, and so brilliantly used to great effect in the jail cell just before her name is called. It was chilling. I think overall it was much better the third time around.

[Shawk]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 4:22pm

I knew it was just a matter of time before this ended up a debate about Wildhorn. It took somewhat longer than I expected, actually.

I'm not the hugest fan but this does have a good cast and some new people on board Team Wildhorn, so it could work out. We shall see.

[marcy marc]

Posted: 6/8/04 at 5:28pm

I would get tickets now if you are curious...they are only 65 before opening and 100 after. I heard songs and saw pics of set, I am curious to see the reception. Will it be 3 shows in a row to open in summer and win the tony?? or will dracula be the boy from syracuse.

marc