#76
Posted: 7/20/09 at 8:24pm
The problem with revivals is that fans of the original want them to to look and sound exactly like the original. When they don't fans are disappointed and quickly spread the bad news.
Only an handful of revivals have ever proven to be even more successful than the originals:
PAL JOEY -the original 1940 production - contrary to myth - was a hit but not a blockbuster. The 1952 revival had a much longer and more profitable run.
THREEPENNY OPERA - the original American production in 1933 was a 12 performance flop. The 1954 off-Broadway revival was huge hit running 6 years, but 3 subsequent Broadway productions have all failed.
NO NO NANETTE - a big hit in 1925 and an even bigger hit in 1971
CANDIDE - a legendary flop in 1956. With a new book it was more popular in 1973 but still didn't make any money. The 1997 production also failed but coming after several City Opera stagings it seemed redundant.
GYPSY - None of the subsequent revival have lasted nearly as long as the original, but only the last two lost money.
CHICAGO - a 2-year run in 1976 but a smash in 1996 (and STILL going)
CABARET - a hit in 1966, a flop in 1987 and an even bigger hit in 1998.
Then's there's PETER PAN - a hit in 1954 (The TV deal limited the run but paid off the show), a long running hit in 1979 and then had several successful limited engagements in the 90's.
Any others where the revivals either had longer runs or better financial success?
Only an handful of revivals have ever proven to be even more successful than the originals:
PAL JOEY -the original 1940 production - contrary to myth - was a hit but not a blockbuster. The 1952 revival had a much longer and more profitable run.
THREEPENNY OPERA - the original American production in 1933 was a 12 performance flop. The 1954 off-Broadway revival was huge hit running 6 years, but 3 subsequent Broadway productions have all failed.
NO NO NANETTE - a big hit in 1925 and an even bigger hit in 1971
CANDIDE - a legendary flop in 1956. With a new book it was more popular in 1973 but still didn't make any money. The 1997 production also failed but coming after several City Opera stagings it seemed redundant.
GYPSY - None of the subsequent revival have lasted nearly as long as the original, but only the last two lost money.
CHICAGO - a 2-year run in 1976 but a smash in 1996 (and STILL going)
CABARET - a hit in 1966, a flop in 1987 and an even bigger hit in 1998.
Then's there's PETER PAN - a hit in 1954 (The TV deal limited the run but paid off the show), a long running hit in 1979 and then had several successful limited engagements in the 90's.
Any others where the revivals either had longer runs or better financial success?
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
