How much $$$...- Page 3

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 9:23am

I remember reading somewhere that Nickelby ran over 10 hours once you took in account all of the intermissions and that there was even a "dinner break". To me that sounds like a nightmare.

Updated On: 4/22/06 at 09:23 AM

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 9:37am

I read somewhere that once Livent fell, the theatre scene in Toronto waned dramatically. At one time, I've heard, it was considered the number three city in the world that had a great theatre scene (following London and New York, of course). Despite never going to Toronto, I hope that LOTR brings a new audience to its theatre so that it may once again expand.

[Tag]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 1:50pm

That Livent article is 4 years old, hardly current.

[StartaFire]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 5:21pm

I actually just wrote a research essay on the costs of broadway productions. According to "On Broadway" a book by Steven Adler the average show may cost around$550,000 to operate for one week.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 5:29pm

did anyone see Nicholas Nickelby?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 7:16pm

There is a multidisc DVD of Nicholas Nickleby available through Amazon and other sources if you're interested. The entire show was filmed live on stage for PBS with the original cast and staging. It's brilliant.

Updated On: 4/23/06 at 07:16 PM

[allofmylife]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 8:41pm

The other problem is that this is not a musical based on "The Lord of The Rings" but rather a giant spectacle with some songs. I was, frankly disappointed. I know and love the Mirvishes and want to see David and Ed do well, for all they have done for theatre, but I fear this show could get savaged if they try to run what they have onstage at the Princess currently on Broadway. Firstly, we all know the knives will be out of the sheaves. There are people who make their bones by trying to bring down big shows and this would be a bigger target that Drowsy Chaperone by a mile. Secondly, it's not a traditional musical. It isn't even something similar to a Lloyd Webber extravaganze. And thirdly, it is following on the footsteps of one of the most successful film trilogies in history. Those are big shoes to fill and this "spectacle" doesn't do that.

[Tag]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 9:39pm

I'd say it's highly doubtful that the Mirvishes would be part of the producing team for Broadway.

UNLESS the show does amazingly well in Toronto.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 2:58am

Of course you are correct. What was I thinking? But at any rate, whoever produces the show will face those problems. This show might do much better travelling endlessly on the road and playing in stadia instead of theaters, thereby avoiding most of the critics. It struck me as closer akin to Cirque du Soliel or The Ice Capades anyway.

And BTW, I believe I heard that the Livent guys were charged with additional counts somewhere recently - like within the past few months. Belive me, they are not out of the water by a long shot. Obviously, the fact that Garth is staying in Canada means he still faces big problems down here.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 3:43am

Didn't they convert the theater to be able to house the show? Like digging up the basement to fit in the elevator lifts and stuff? what makes them think that they can run this show in London? Wouldn't they have to do the same thing over there? And in smaller houses?

[allofmylife]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:47pm

There are a few very big barns in London. For instance the Appollo Victoria, which housed Starlight Express or The Victoria Palace which is often used for more "exotic" shows (although "Me And My Girl" played there for years in the 1930's, mainly because no other house would have them. After the 1000th perf, I'll bet the other guys were jealous).

And as for digging up the stage, that was incorporated into the production cost, I believe.

[Tag]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 8:00pm

They wanted to put the show on in London first, but couldn't find a theatre big enough at the time.

At the Princess of Wales in Toronto they had to restructure most of the under stage area including reconfiguring structural support. The also extended the stage/pit, the conductor now stands around where row BB used to be.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 4/24/06 at 2:07am

Tag, you are right about the POW theatre. And as I'm stuck away from my house in LA on location (humorously enough in Toronto until the 28th!) I can't consult my book on West End Theatres, but I'm sure they could find a big barn or two. I was told there were other considerations that brought them to Toronto, where it's cold and damp tonight.