Flops that Deserve a Second Chance

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:22am

What are the flops on Broadway that had mass potential, but fell flat. The FIRST one that comes to mine (no one will be surprised, because everyone knows that I'm flat-out-obsessed with this show) is 'Lestat'. What bryan is to Cry-Baby, Jazzy is to Lestat. I just can't get enough of that score. The score is gorgeous and the source material that it's based is very strong, so I feel that the show DESERVES to be reworked. That will never happen, but I can still dream. What are some of your favorite flops that you would love to see new and improved versions of?

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:30am

Grey Gardens, by far.

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:33am

The Wild Party (LaChiusa)
Amour
A Class Act

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:34am

First off, you need to define "flop."

My first thought was SEUSSICAL. But after its Broadway turn, Cathy Rigby tweaked and redid chunks of the show and the 1st Nat'l Tour was SUPERB!!! Then the non-Equity tour occurred and went back to the original Broadway script but completely re-staged it. BUT it's not really a flop because it's one of the most popular regional titles performed today. Still, I would love to see a complete revisioning and reworking, moreso than what Rigby had done, and brought back to Broadway.

[jagfkb]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:37am

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

If done right ,perhaps even Off Broadway ala Tony & Tina's Wedding, it could become a long running show and much more of a success.

[Rudy2]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:40am

Prettybelle. I bet if a bunch of the songs were cut people today would understand the show's hilarity and have a great time.

I also loved Brooklyn the Musical, and while I think it deserves a revival, it wouldn't be practical because few else like it or, by my estimation, understand it. :)

Another flop I saw was Dracula. That one does NOT deserve a revival.

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:43am

There is only one technical definition of a "flop": a show which closes without returning its investment.

As for non-technical definitions, there are many.

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:46am

By flop, I mean a show that was both a financial AND critical flop.

[staticradar]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:48am

I know I'm probably in a minority here but I think with some retweaks and a bit of work Glory Days could've been a pretty good show. I love the actors involved and the score was decent, some lyrics aside. I found it enjoyable, but the plot was weak and if they worked on that it could be good enough for another shot at least an off broadway run.

Also I do wanna say [title of show] should return, but possibly off broadway is more suited for them as well.

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:51am

Taboo!

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 11:54am

By flop, I mean a show that was both a financial AND critical flop.


- Then Grey Gardens doesn't count.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 12:03pm

Smile.

[philly03]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 12:21pm

"
Another flop I saw was Dracula. That one does NOT deserve a revival."

I'd LOVE to see a re-worked version of DRACULA, the musical - using the European orchestrations and changes, mixed with the great Broadway special effects. Not a perfect show, but some great music in there.


Also:
A Tale of Two Cities
Jekyll & HYDE (Haha well it did flop - critically & Financially on B'way!)

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 12:33pm

Caroline or Change

Passing Strange

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 12:40pm

Where does this technical definition come from? Not the dictionary... so... I'm curious as to what Broadway technical manual you can find definitions to words such as these...?

To stay on topic... SMILE (!!!!!!!!!!)

kmc

Updated On: 7/19/09 at 12:40 PM

[AlgonquinProd2]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 12:52pm

"High Fidelity". I listen to that soundtrack over and over again. Plus the book had some very funny stuff in it as well. It's not quite "Jersey Boys" but it's as good as a lot of shows which have lasted a lot longer.

Also "Rags". This one needs a bit more help, book wise, but the score is terrific.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 12:57pm

HENRY, SWEET HENRY and SIDE SHOW

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 1:18pm

Where does this technical definition come from?

Variety, plus it has been discussed endlessly and makes perfect sense. What people forget is that we define flop/hit by a specific production of a show, but always get offended thinking you are attacking the piece and/or creators.

[CyCoSpAz2]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 1:34pm

Oh man, A Tale of Two Cities.

[mybigsplash]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 1:35pm

CRYBABY for sure.


Btw, I thought Jekyll and hyde recouped? It did run for several seasons.

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 1:37pm

Jekyll & Hyde closed on Broadway as a flop. All Wildhorn musicals have flopped on Broadway, but the man won't quit!

[jagfkb]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 1:39pm

I still stand by the idea that when Disney starts doing revivals, Tarzan AND Little Mermaid should get second chances.

[willrogers2008]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 1:43pm

CARRIE,of course ! Now,as one of the most famous musicals of the last century,would be a smash !!!!

[The Boy From Ohio]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 1:54pm

The Human Comedy, I just got the CD and I'm loving the score. Next year CCM is doing it in their Studio Series and can't wait to see it onstage.

[broadwayman17]

Posted: 7/19/09 at 2:03pm

Lennon