i am no particular fan of Platt's (Ive really only seen him in Book of Mormon and Parade, brilliant both times) and I am skeptical of the audience demand for his concerts (though I think for some the word "broadway" next to his name will be enticing enough) but i have to say, watching the deranged reactions to his obvious success has truly become a favorite past time.
TheatreFan4 said: "I can say with confidence that I have never heard one of his songs intentionally or even it just coming up on my Spotify in rotation. I just do not see him selling out 3 weeks of shows based on him and his music. His Pop Career is astroturfed and just a sand box to play in. It was evident from him getting pushed right to an arena tour 2022 that he couldn't sell."
Same. At least you'll sometimes hear a Lea Michele song at Duane Reade. But we could have stopped the thread here...
BroadwayNYC2 said: "While The Palace is iconic, I can assure you nobody cares besides us who re-opens it."
For the love of everything holy, please stop mentioning Streisand as a viable alternative. That was never going to happen. I highly doubt that she was even approached. Her live concert days are over. That ship sailed at least 10 years ago. I saw her last live performance in NY, and let’s just say that she was not in the best of voice, and that was in 2012. And, even at the height of her singing career, she never would have agreed to do even 3 shows a week, let alone 6-8.
As for Gaga, maybe she was approached, maybe not, I really don’t know. But I guarantee that if it was Gaga, there would be just any many dissenters on this board, if not more. Love her but she’s exactly where she belongs in Las Vegas. At least Ben is a 2-time Tony nominee and 1-time winner, and gave one of the most iconic musical performances by an actor in Broadway history…whether you think so, or not. So his daddy is in the biz. So what? As if any of the aspiring performers on this board wouldn’t take advantage of having a few doors opened for them if their parents were in the same position. Girl, puhleeeze!
Strange Lupone said: "$375 is his top ticket price.”
“$375. For Ben PLATT?!?!?"
He’s also offering seats for as low as $69.75 and not selling the first row so they can be held aside for rush and lottery participants. And a $375 VIP ticket includes the following…
VIP tickets include a post-show meet & greet photo opportunity with Ben Platt, as well as a specially-created tour gift, exclusive VIP merchandise, and a custom tour laminate with matching lanyard.
For the love of everything holy, please stop mentioning Streisand as a viable alternative. That was never going to happen. I highly doubt that she was even approached. Her live concert days are over. That ship sailed at least 10years ago. I saw her last live performance in NY, and let’s just say that she was not in the best of voice, and that was in 2012. And, even at the height of her singing career, she never wouldhave agreed to do even 3 shows a week, let alone 6-8."
You apparently didn't see her last performance in New York, which was at Madison Square Garden less than five years ago. And yes her voice has aged but it was still a thrilling night. I would absolutely love to see her play the Palace.
Wick3 said: "Has Ben Platt released his new album yet? I'm waiting to hear his new music first before deciding whether to buy tickets or not."
The album is out May 31. There is a single called "Andrew" out now. It sounds very folky, almost like Simon & Garfunkel maybe? But it sounds like they double tracked Platt's vocals on the recording. Your mileage may vary.
I kind of left packing for my LA trip to the last minute and them threw a bunch of clothes into a bag & said I'll figure it out when I get there. My last Saturday morning walking the Strand ( sort of a boardwalk along Manhattan & Hermosa Beaches) I was left with my t-shirt from Parade with the photo of Ben & Micaela. It was busy down at the beach, and most people don't pay attention to what other people are wearing, but I did notice a few people do double takes and then look more closely at the t-shirt. I can't help worrying that one of those people might have been some sort of rich LA investor who may have gotten the impression that Platt is a big enough star to dump some money on just because they saw some random guy wearing a t-shirt with his face on it. I would feel so guilty.
BroadwayNYC2 said: "I just can’t believe we’re letting Ben Platt performed in the hallowed halls of the same theater that hosted LESTAT and ALL SHOOK UP."
And don't forget HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, and the closed on opening night HOME SWEET HOMER!
inception said: "Today Lady Gaga announced eight new dates in June & July of her Piano & Jazz residency at the 6,400 capacity Dolby Live at the Park MGM in Las Vegas.
It has been reported that she makes approximately $1.5 million per show.
In 8 shows she can perform to approximately 20,000 more people than could see an 18 date run at the Palace Theater."
At this point in her career, it's not about the money. Same goes for Streisand and Adele. If they wanted to do even 4-5 shows a week (like Springsteen did), it would happen. For Platt, it's not about the money either -- it's just a vanity project.
Highland Guy said: "I would think that stars of the magnitude of Lady Gaga would be thrilled to reopen The Palace for the simplehonorof doing so."
The honor of being on the same stage as Spongebob Squarepants... thirty feet above new retail space... I'm sure Gaga would want to pay *them* for that!
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Kad said: "Highland Guy said: "I would think that stars of the magnitude of Lady Gaga would be thrilled to reopen The Palace for the simplehonorof doing so."
The honor of being on the same stage as Spongebob Squarepants... thirty feet above new retail space... I'm sure Gaga would want to pay *them* for that!"
As it states in many places, I don't think he's opening the Palace, he's merely the first to announce a performance there and I think they're saving the opening act for a big announcement.
I also got a vip ticket... and compared to prices I've previously paid for vip tickets to see his last tour or even recent broadway shows, this was cheap. I like Ben Platt and I enjoy his music (perhaps I'm one of the only ones but 🤷♀️), I do think that they have lowered the prices for this though as I don't think it will be successful without doing so. Saying that, I know that he has a following who will travel to see him so I'll be interested to see what happens (I'm making a special trip from the UK but I don't think many would!).
I prefer him in theatre, and I wish he would to more of it, but I do think (and I know not everyone agrees) that he is a wonderful performer.
inception said: "Wick3 said: "The album is out May 31. There is a single called "Andrew" out now. It sounds very folky, almost like Simon & Garfunkel maybe? But it sounds like they double tracked Platt's vocals on the recording. Your mileage may vary.
It is indeed very Simon & Garfunkel and I like it a lot. Certainly a lot more than any of the snoozy numbers I've sampled from Elephants, Notebook, Outsiders, and Lempicka. I'm not a super-fan, but already this concert feels more like a notable Broadway event than any of those doomed-I-fear musicals.
JSquared2 said: "And don't forgetHOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, and the closed on opening night HOME SWEET HOMER!"
I know it was a flop, but I adored Priscilla each of the three times I saw it, and it's one of a very few Broadway shows to make me cry (in fact, twice each time I saw it).
The pre-sale for most of the dates for Platt's tour through July that starts after the NY run at the Palace begins this morning at 10am local. The pre-sale offer code is HONEYMIND.
Shows here in the Pacific Northwest are at theatres, which seems more sensible than stadiums. Portland, Or is at Keller Audtorium which is still massive. He plays Benaroya Hall in Seattle & the Queen Elizabeth in Vancouver.
TheatreFan4 said: "So like... His engagement at The Palace just seems to not be selling which is... we'll it's hilarious."
Are we surprised?
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
I’m just surprised he hasn’t released the full album yet. In my experience I’d listen to the album first and if I like it, then buy a ticket to the concert.