How long will South Pacific last?

[jagfkb]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 1:05pm

Seriously, I know it's been doing amazing buisness, especially for a revival, but they're occupying one of Lincon Center's main theatres. I highly doubt they would want to close this show, especially when it's doing so well, but it's either that or perhaps a move? The show would have to be redesigned/ staged, but otherwise it could probably fit into a regualr theatre. I was thinking maybe the Shubert? Even if it's a little small, it could probably fit slightly redesigned sets. However, should they not want to transfer, how long? Two years most?

[kissmeimirish]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 1:20pm

Let's see what happens in January when the show has two new leads. If business falls off I'd give it another year in that space which would slightly surpass Piazza's run. If business is still strong, who knows? I doubt it would move to another theatre. Part of this productions charm is seeing it performed in a huge open space. Sort of like the Jones Beach theatre only classier.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 1:21pm

Bernard Gersten has already said that the show was designed for the Beaumont, and that it will remain in the Beaumont for as long as it runs.

LCT rents out other Broadway theatres for their other productions in the mean time.

[little_sally]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 1:24pm

I don't think the two leads leaving will have an affect on ticket sales.

[winston89]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 1:28pm

little_sally, I agree. I feel that most people went to see it for the show itself and the fact that it had Kelli and Paulo in the leads was just an added bonus.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 2:26pm

LCT is using the Booth for Dividing the Estate; they used the Belasco for Awake and Sing!; they used the Booth for Seascape.

It's not unprecedented for them to rent theaters the same way MTC did with DOUBT and Roundabout did with NINE.

[Princeton2]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 2:51pm

What date in January do the leads leave? is Matthew Morrison going or staying?

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 2:58pm

I think as long as it is doing well they will keep it. I mean why take it out? And the new show in the theater might not do as well...

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:05pm

isn't Paulo Szot leaving in November? to be honest, I was much more charmed by him, Loretta Ables Sayre, and Danny Burstein than I was by Kelli O'Hara.

[caitlinette]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:06pm

Who's replacing Paulo and Kelli?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:10pm

I think another 18 months or so at least. I somewhat doubt much longer - at least at Lincoln Center. LTC can surrender the Vivan Beaumont for 2-3 years on one production, but not 5.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:12pm

Plus it's an EXPENSIVE project for them to undertake. I've already gotten one or two "PLEASE DONATE" mailers.

[justafan2]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:22pm

Is it possible that Kelli will extend her contract? How long is Danny Burstein scheduled to stay? Loretta?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:38pm

Paulo Szot's last performance is November 30th.

Kelli O'Hara and Matt Morrison's last performance is January 4th.

I believe (though I'm not 100% sure) that Danny Burstein and Loretta Ables Sayre are staying with the show for at least another six months past January.

I'm hoping that Sher will pursue Celia Keenan-Bolger (who was one of four at the final callback for Nellie during the end stage of casting) to replace O'Hara.

Updated On: 10/21/08 at 03:38 PM

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:42pm

well, Contact ran for 2 1/2 years and right now South Pacific is bringing in more money than Contact did during it's peak. I can see South Pacific running for a while.