I think LuPone is speaking in very broad generalities here. As I understand it, Herman didn't like Jack O'Brien's concept for material which supposedly contained some very new ideas and quite a few changes from the original script. But more often than not, Herman has shown time and again that he is open to (and generally ecstatically supportive of) different productions of his work. This wasn't a case of Herman vetoing something because it wasn't a recreation of the original production...
Updated On: 5/28/11 at 04:43 PM
Glad to hear it. I didn't think he was like that ... which is why these LuPone comments about Herman "not wanting to do anything but the original production" sounded so wrong.
Patti often speaks in sound bites, which don't always convey much subtlety. Or even reality. (And I say this with love.)
MB--With his vast experience with both classics and musicals, Jack O'Brien seems like exactly the kind of director someone like Jerry Herman would WANT to direct Hello, Dolly.
What could he possibly have wanted to do that was so radical?
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/21/06
Also, though, it's DOLLY and he knows the stakes for her return on Bway are pretty high...
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
I spoke to very reliable sources about this and they asked me not to go public with their comments. This much I can say though: They're still working on a revival.
Was there not some "deal" between Herman and the Shuberts - the big three would be revived with LA CAGE first (the one with Gary Beach) then the next HAD to be MAME, then DOLLY?
So, you're saying that....Tovah winked at the camera? When did that happen?!
I respect Ms. Pop's silence, so I guess we have to rumorize: Did the Pone's warm personality and ability to work with others have anything to do with the problems? I mean it's not like her to blame others at any cost. Do they have a second choice in the wings? Bette Midler would be mine.
I would love to see a revival of Hello Dolly - but I have ZERO interest in seeing the same old production. It was nice, but its been done to death. It's time for new direction, new sets, new costumes and new choreogrphy.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/21/06
Can you tell us Ms. Pop if it's been a change of director, or of director and star?
I'm sure the direction, designs and choreo will be different since all those people are dead and there work has been recreated too many times to be fresh at this point. The stickler is of course Herman who is rightly concerned about his score. No one would want to do a B'way production without his input and I am assuming he has some legal standing about any revival on the White Way?
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
Just to clarify a point: The Freddy Wittop costumes have NOT been used in the last two revivals of HELLO, DOLLY! The costumes used in those productions were "inspired" by the original designs.
Thank you very much.
He was a Major Talent, but what Mother names her male child, Freddy Wittop?
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
That wasn't his given name. Freddy Wittop was a Spaniard--I believe he was a Flamenco dancer before he became a costume designer.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
My memory was a bit foggy. He worked as a Spanish dancer but was born in the Netherlands.
Freddy Wittop
Swing Joined: 5/19/11
Lupone with Tommy Tune directing and choreography would be worth seeing. It certainly would break the the mold with past productions. Bring it to DC to preview - we'll support it!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
If there was to be a new director/choreographer, Stro would be the ideal choice.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/09
Please tell me that Stro is more than just wishful thinking. That would be wonderful.
I disagree about Stro. If it was just the choreography I would say yes, her dances have stle and character, but the show needs a stronger/comedic director to give the book a new zip.
But I bet Herman would love her.
Videos