Encores! 2023 Production hints??? — Page 2

Jordan Catalano said: "With Encores’ new “mission” to reimagine one show each season (like “The Life” this year), there’s gonna be a riot if they finally do “Dear World” and do a totally different version."

I'll be surprised if it's anything but David Thompson's rewrite (which he premiered in 2000 at Goodspeed and has since tinkered with for various iterations).

I expect there will be some tinkering with OLIVER! too, mainly surrounding Nancy. Cameron Mackintosh must have finally given up the NY first-class rights to OLIVER!, unless he's working with Encores on this version.

Updated On: 6/13/22 at 03:34 PM

Audra and Denee should be the only Piazza pairing.

"I'm hearing Piazza with Ruthie Ann Miles, Oliver with NPH and Dear World with Donna Murphy, so here's hoping!"

Correct about Piazza.

It would be wonderful for a Kelli O'Hara production directed by Victoria Clark. But I hear Kelli has NO interest in doing Margaret.

If it is Ruthie (who I love) and even if it was Kelli: they both feel a little young for Margaret. I wouldn't have any trouble believing them in the roles. I just would've thought of someone older first.

Jordan Catalano said: "I believe Kelli is the same age now that Victoria was when she did the role."

So wild. Feels like no time has passed since then. Ah well, what is age anyway? I'm here for whatever happens.

Jordan Catalano said: "WiCkEDrOcKS said: "Jordan Catalano said: "With Encores’ new “mission” to reimagine one show each season (like “The Life” this year), there’s gonna be a riot if they finally do “Dear World” and do a totally different version."

I mean...let's hope they learned their lesson this year, with THE LIFE. "


Speaking with someone associated with Encores, I was told (last week) they will be continuing to do that same thing to one musical each year, now.

"

Fix it, Jesus.

Never realized how perfect Danny would be as Fagin until now

It's official!! The Light in the Piazza, then Dear World, then Lionel Bart's Oliver!

Updated On: 6/13/22 at 05:58 PM

Jack Viertel wanted to do Dear World many many times, but Jerry Herman (and I am assuming later his estate) would only let him do the rewriitten version, which is designed more as a chamber musical with a very small cast and no ensemble. Viertel did not wish to present that version of Dear World (I have looked into producing Dear World myself and I am really not a fan of the new version).

I am sure they will put together a great cast, and I am looking forward to seeing the show, but I wish it was the original version.

So did the production of Piazza with Renee Fleming & Dove Cameron never have plans pre-covid to move on to New York?

Regardless of which version they do of Dear World it is exciting. This morning getting ready for work I suddenly thought, "What a shame that After8 isn't still with us....Not that he would enjoy whatever they do with one of his favorite shows."

For myself, I cancelled my NY hotel reservations for December (guess I'll just be forced to go to Mexico this winter) & rebooked for March, even though it is too early yet to officially get that week off from work.

inception said: "So did the production of Piazza with Renee Fleming & Dove Cameron never have plans pre-covid to move on to New York?"

At one point the commercial producers attached were hoping it would land on Broadway but obviously those plans have changed. Perhaps some of that decision was facing facts that Renee Fleming is NOT a draw on Broadway or with investors, after two flops in a row.

Updated On: 6/14/22 at 10:09 AM

theatreguy said: "Of the 3 shows, Dear World strikes me as the only "hidden" gem."

OLIVER!'s last Broadway revival was 39 years ago and it ran less than a month. Yes it's done regionally/in schools and the film is beloved, but it's a show that I personally have never seen professionally on stage. I assume that will be the show where musical theatre "connects us," perhaps involving a children's chorus or partnerships to fight child homelessness. SIDE NOTE, my dream cast is now Patti LuPone as Fagin.

And even PIAZZA, though only 18 years old, is not a show that's likely to be revived on Broadway anytime soon. Similar to PARADE, the Gala presentation (not technically an Encores production), another hidden gem from the not-so-distant past that's unlikely to be revived on a grand scale.

Updated On: 6/14/22 at 10:22 AM