SWEENEY TODD
The original production in 1979/80 did pay off through tours and post Broadway productions. ANd the current revival was classified as a hit in February.
And yes, MILLIE despite a 2 year run was a (financial) flop.
But we need to broaden the definition.
Financially shows are either hits or flops depending on whether they made money (or not.)
But many flops were successes (Hal Prince cites PACIFIC OVERTURES as one. It won awards, and continues to be revived to challange and fasciate audiences.) And these days a show can be a popular success and run 4 years and STILL not make it to the hit category.
I submit that a show that is a FAILURE is a production which does not achieve its goals, does not attract a significant audience (running 6 months or less) and does not have much of post-Broadway life through a tour, regional productions and community stagings.
Examples of recent FAILURES: IN MY LIFE (obviously), SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, JANE EYRE...
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com