Filming Final performance of In the Heights

[mayamusical]

Posted: 1/8/11 at 11:56pm

Does anyone know if they are filming the final performance of In The Heights like they did with the final performance of RENT?

[BroadwayShowTime]

Posted: 1/8/11 at 11:59pm

NO!

[rmusic11322]

Posted: 1/9/11 at 12:01am

They are not.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 1/9/11 at 12:29am

I'm filming it myself. DVDs will be $29.99 & available in the dumpster out back of the Richard Rogers in 3 weeks.*

*Money must be paid in advance.

[Radioactiveduck]

Posted: 1/9/11 at 3:06am

Part of me think that's actually a smarter idea than doing a feature film that's been in talks. My reasoning...

Whenever someone makes a movie musical, non-theatre people always say the same thing. "It was good, but I didn't get why everyone was singing the whole time." That's why movie musicals are so hard to sell nowadays...there's a suspension of disbelief we allow ourselves inside a bway theatre. We know that this is a show being put on for us. Films, however, are all about voyeurism...feeling like this story actually happened and we were able to capture it on film. When people break into song and dance, it ruins that feeling, and turns a lot of contemporary audiences members off. Obviously, our consciousness knows it's not true...but when you think about it our "that's not how real life works" triggers are MUCH more sensitive for films than they are for plays.

However...if they released it as a filmed live performance...everyone would know what they were seeing. They'd approach it more like they were watching a concert tour DVD of a band, and audiences would be more receptive to it because they've already accepted the singing and dancing and can experience the story for what it is.

Fatal flaw in this plan...marketing and selling a feature film is infinitely easier and more successful than something like a concert DVD...especially if you're trying to reach new audiences.

Catch 22. The format new audiences will enjoy more...or the format they'll actually go see?

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 1/9/11 at 4:53am

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

You can come up with reasons & justifications all you want, but it's not going to happen. Coupled with the fact that there have been successful movie musicals in recent years only reinforces this. Chicago, Sweeney Todd, Mamma Mia, Hairspray?
Updated On: 1/9/11 at 04:53 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/9/11 at 8:13am

We are no longer a country of well rounded people. People are forced earlier and earlier to "specialize" in things they like/wnat to do: sports, theater, music, academic.

We no longer create jacks of all trades. There is little room for things to appreciate that you are not totally involved in.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 1/9/11 at 8:37am

Yes. The performance will be filmed and made into a free DVD which will then be distributed to everyone who wants one but you. You're not allowed to have one.

[Edna Turnblad]

Posted: 1/9/11 at 9:18am

This is getting a bit ridiculous. I really think the simple fact that Rent was filmed has made everyone think that every show that closes is going to be filmed. It's not going to happen. I'm sure if it were to happen, we would have been informed of it via an official press release. We have not. It's not happening. I know you'd like for it to happen, but it's just not happening.

[GatorNY]

Posted: 1/9/11 at 9:23am

It's a harmless question. Yes it annoys you all, but the OP just joined yesterday, and is probably an enthusiastic theatrical youth who owns the cast recording and thought this might be the only way she/he would have to "see" the show.