Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS

[Liza + Jesus = Patti]

Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#1

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:02pm

new article about TOS, with Hunter Bell, from The Advocate Magazine.


Recessionary Tremors: Hunter Bell

Hunter Bell is convinced that, were it not for the economic downturn, his show would still be on Broadway. And he means to bring it back


On October 12th, 2008, Hunter Bell was starring in his own Broadway musical. On October 17th, he filed for unemployment.

Before it opened on Broadway in August, the musical [title of show] was a bit of an Off-Broadway phenomenon. The show’s plot relates how Bell and his writing partner Jeff Bowen, two self-proclaimed “nobodies in New York,” put together the plucky little musical. The pair helped fan the flames of fandom by producing a series of online video episodes, which helped the show develop a vociferous cult following, and eventually led to the Broadway run.

Unfortunately, the show only ran about three months, limping along at about 30% capacity at Broadway’s historic Lyceum Theater. Catty insiders blamed the show’s demise on its insular focus: much of the show’s considerable humor derives from its barrage of obscure theater-related references. But [title of show] librettist Hunter Bell thinks the show could have crossed over to attract a more mainstream audience, had it not been for the current economic uncertainty.

“We knew it was going to be a struggle,” says Bell. “We had an original story at a time when most Broadway musicals are based on established brands, like Shrek or 9 to 5. And when you introduce something new, it takes time for it to catch on.”

Bell says the show’s success was hampered by an economic double whammy. First, audiences currently have less expendable income, and are thus less likely to take a chance on an unknown show. “And I understand that totally,” he says “People are being a lot more careful with their money, and maybe see theater as a luxury.”

Second, investors have less available capital to keep the show open long enough to build awareness as well as a healthy advance ticket sale. “We had some really smart, awesome producers,” says Bell. “But it takes a lot of money to keep a show running.” And the folks who have that kind of money tend to be disproportionately sensitive to Wall Street fluctuations. “It’s not that people don’t believe in you,” says Bell. “It’s just that these are tricky times.”

For Bell personally, the show’s fortunes, or lack thereof, have presented an economic challenge. “I tried to put a little away from the run,” he says. “But a lot of that money we used to pay off the debts that we had created over the past four years trying to put the show together.” So for Bell and Bowen, it’s back to temping and the occasional catering job. “We’ll have to take odd jobs here and there,” says Bell, “But we’re really hoping that doing the show will open doors for us creatively. The hope is that we can eventually make a living as working artists.”

As for future earnings prospects, Bell says he and Bowen are working with the Rodgers and Hammerstein organization on licensing the show for regional and amateur productions. “And that will be a great for generating income in the future,” he says. Bell and Bowen are working on different versions of the show, depending on whether theater groups want to personalize the show. “The idea is to have the original version if you want to play Hunter and Jeff, but we’re also working on a sort of Mad Lib version, kind of a [title of show] template where you can fill in the blanks and make it your own,” he says. “I think we can find a way to do that and not compromise the show, to keep its integrity but still let people make it their own.”

But the show’s licensing future depends on what’s next for [title of show] in what Bell calls the “first-class arena.” Bell says that he and his show partners are actually planning to bring [title of show] back to Broadway once the economic turmoil abates. “Our true goal is to be back in the spring around awards season,” he says. “People more are more focused on the theater then, and we want to be a part of that conversation.”

There’s not a question in Bell’s mind that he and his beloved show are the victims of circumstances beyond their control. “Had there not been an economic scare,” he says, “I believe that [title of show] would still be around, able to weather the storm.”

– Written by Christopher Caggiano

[Liza + Jesus = Patti]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#2

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:06pm

But the show’s licensing future depends on what’s next for [title of show] in what Bell calls the “first-class arena.” Bell says that he and his show partners are actually planning to bring [title of show] back to Broadway once the economic turmoil abates. “Our true goal is to be back in the spring around awards season,” he says. “People more are more focused on the theater then, and we want to be a part of that conversation.”


^^^ VERY interesting. they're willing to take the risk again? I'm still not convinced that it was just the economic turbulence that shut them down. I don't think this show belongs on Broadway...

[Schmerg_The_Impaler]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#2

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:13pm

I think it'll be interesting to see 'amateur' productions of [title of show]. The whole point of it is that it's a show where "I am playing me," so the characters are basically playing themselves. It'll take on a whole new lair if an amateur cast is playing these real people... kind of like the Laramie Project. (Sorry, I just saw a production of the Laramie Project for the first time last night, and I cannot get it off my mind.)

In my pants, she has burst like the music of angels, the light of the sun! --Marius Pantsmercy

[PiraguaGuy2]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#3

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:18pm

I wonder if it'll really come back.

Formerly SirNotAppearing - Joined 3/08

[Robert Taylor]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#4

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:22pm

It would be wonderful to see the show come back, even for a little while, at a smaller venue in order to get more attention from The Tonys. I never got the chance to see it, and would love the opportunity.

Plus, let's face it, the running costs are next to nothing compared with most other Broadway productions, so perhaps a set timeframe for a short "revival" would be just the thing.

[insertclevernamehere]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#5

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:37pm

Can anyone explain to me why they opened so early in the season in the first place? Why didn't they just open in spring in time for the Tonys?

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention...I'm the good cop, he's the bad cop.

[RentBoy86]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#6

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:41pm

Well it says Heidi's only in "Little Mermaid" until sometime in April, so that gives them like three-four weeks to open the show before the Tony deadline.

[Weez]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#7

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:45pm

Would it then be eligible for Best Musical *and* Best Revival of a Musical? ;D

Notes from the Earlham Street Gutter

[Yero my Hero]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#8

Posted: 11/8/08 at 12:49pm

They don't necessarily have to re-open before the Tony deadline. They're already eligible from their first run, so as long as they are playing around the time the Tony voters are voting, they will achieve their purpose of being visible.

insertclevernamehere, I'm guessing they opened so early to take advantage of the big summer season, and they probably also didn't want to "get lost in the shuffle" of all the shows opening in the spring.

Isn't there some rule about the amount of time between a production and its revival (or two revivals) in order to be eligible? I believe it's three years, so [tos] would not be eligible in both categories, although that would be really funny.

Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent

"He's a tramp, but I love him."

[Yero my Hero]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#9

Posted: 11/8/08 at 1:04pm

Which issue is this interview from? It's not on the website in the current issue, or in the archived issues.

Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent

"He's a tramp, but I love him."

[Robert Taylor]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#10

Posted: 11/8/08 at 1:06pm

Yeah, where is the link TooDarnHot?

[Scarywarhol]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#11

Posted: 11/8/08 at 1:08pm

Going from Broadway to catering jobs. How frickin' sad is that?

[SueleenGay]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#12

Posted: 11/8/08 at 1:17pm

"You want to know what true greatness is? It's knowing when to get off."

Charles Kringas

PEACE.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#13

Posted: 11/8/08 at 1:31pm

It's not going to reopen on Broadway. It shouldn't have come to Broadway in the first place. A four-person musical about theatre people with a minimal set? It should have stayed Off-Broadway. Did they really think the tourists were going to come see it? It was a stupid decision.

[Born2bOnBroadway]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#14

Posted: 11/8/08 at 2:03pm

The thing about [Title of Show] is it isn't JUST a fabulous piece of theatre, but the show itself brings people hope. Even in the Off-Broadway runs, the lyrics and book and so moving and the characters/actors so real that it has people (Broadway-hopefuls, especially) more certain that they can do it. Also, [TOS] shows you how talent and four chairs can really make a musical. I definately believe it'll come back when the economy isn't so crazy. When it does, I will be at opening night, duck-taped like mad!
“But we’re really hoping that doing the show will open doors for us creatively. The hope is that we can eventually make a living as working artists.” ----I second this!

[ThankstoPhantom]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#15

Posted: 11/8/08 at 2:38pm

No...a show must be absent from the boards for three years before it is considered a revival...otherwise it's just a hiatus.

How to properly use its/it's: Its is the possessive. It's is the contraction for it is...

[broadwaytourist]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#16

Posted: 11/8/08 at 3:24pm

If anyone takes my idea and runs with it, please cut me in, but I think [tos] would make an excellent sitcom. It would beat the h**l out of something like Pushing Daisies (props to Ms. Chenowith though). Besides, everyone would fall in love with Hunter and Jeffy, and all girls would want to be Heidi and Susan. So, kill the vampire, Hunter, and look west!

[D2]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#17

Posted: 11/8/08 at 3:27pm

"Going from Broadway to catering jobs. How frickin' sad is that?"

No, how frickin' real is that?

Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)

[Brick]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#18

Posted: 11/8/08 at 4:18pm

There is no way it is coming back. What producer would do that? They would have to raise the entire cost again.

And who said the financial crisis would be over in a few months?

[SporkGoddess]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#19

Posted: 11/8/08 at 4:20pm

Pushing Daisies isn't a sitcom. :P

Jimmy, what are you doing here in the middle of the night? It's almost 9 PM!

[RentBoy86]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#20

Posted: 11/8/08 at 4:48pm

Perhaps it will reopen as a "limited engagement." I think it has a real good chance of - if nothing else - being nominated for best musical and best score. And up against "Billy Elliot" I'm sure the vote would go to Elliot. But [title of show] is one hell of a show. They just need to write more songs for Heidi to belt out!!!

[adamgreer]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#21

Posted: 11/8/08 at 4:54pm

Who in their right mind would put up the money to open this again??

By all accounts, the economic problems we're having are going to take at least a year to fix, and as the President-elect told us, it's not something that's just going to disappear the minute he takes the oath of office.

[Kad]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#22

Posted: 11/8/08 at 4:57pm

...Pushing Daisies is actually a really good show.

I've heard rumors about [tos] reopening at NWS.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

[Shannon Bo Dannon]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#23

Posted: 11/8/08 at 5:09pm

As much as I would love for this to happen, I don't think it will. It'd be extremely risky putting up money they may never get back. But A TV show would be so awesome but I highly doubt that'll happen

[Liza + Jesus = Patti]

re: Hunter Bell interview.. discussing downfall/future of TOS#24

Posted: 11/8/08 at 5:16pm

It's in the issue that hits newsstands Nov. 18th... but THIS profile (Hunter Bell's) didn't make it into the paper so the writer posted it on his blog.


Here's a link, Mr. Robert Taylor.

http://ccaggiano.typepad.com/everything_i_know_i_learn/2008/11/will-title-of-show-return.html