He asked her back when they were going through the Hatter-replacement phase last fall (Rumored names before Shindle were more surprising). She said she wasn't going to do it because they wanted her to try-out in Tampa... she's a very family-first performer (kudos to her). Good thing she didn't though.. that role was a blast when played by Nikki Snelson than Shindle camped it up in Tampa, and by the time it reached Broadway... I don't know what you call that!
I would've loved it, I'm interested how many more people would've gone to see her.
I agree with her about the music and that the direction and plot needed work. But, to say it was so bad that she questioned her love for theatre seems a little harsh.
...CATS I don't think you saw the Broadway production, a total mash up of new and old work that was a simplified, boring plot that had little to do with anything. The music was even more exciting in the Tampa productions. Should've rushed it after the first go!
Kate Shindle made gold out of absolute crap. Based on the audios I have heard of both the Tampa and Broadway productions, and what I have "seen" of the Broadway production, it is evident Wonderland took a downhill spiral. What they had on the world premiere night in Tampa was better than what ended up opening on Broadway.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
^ Which has so often been the case with most Wildhorn shows. It makes you wonder why no one has caught on by now and just stopped tinkering with them before Broadway.
The Tampa production was campy fun. The story was still a little incoherent, but they had more of an adventure story going that made it a lot more exciting. They also had this super fun transition music that was AWESOME!!! It was really catchy... but of course they took that out before Broadway.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
The show was atleast funny in Tampa for it's own reasons, not dumb cliches. The new writers for Broadway seem to have not seen, heard or been told about the previous versions. The songs were better in Tampa too - a rocking opener, catchy duets, heartbreaking ensemble piece and for some songs, better lyrics (ie: The Mad Hatter Song).
The story was much more complex, and thus more interesting than the dinky, stupid baby plot of Broadway.
I still think Nikki Snelson did a much better job than Kate Shindle (besides vocally). Her dancing was difficult and great for "Nick of Time" (and Mad Hatter Song) which was great to watch. She was very very funny as well. Shindle seemed confused (and rightfully so, with two different directors) as to be funny, campy, or serious.
*After Houston I meant by the way. Did it still need work? Yes... (ie: the whole "Home"/jail scene); But by the time it reached Broadway it lost everything it had going for it (minus the cast, voices and score). Tampa 2011 was a wreck but headed in the right direction. Don't know why the writers didn't come in to improve on that one. (As someone who saw each production, and reviewed them on here)
The hair-dos of audience members in Tampa were more interesting than anything on the stage - it was a cheap, stupid, headache-inducing, torturous bore.
