& JULIET Will Have Pre-Broadway Engagement In Toronto- Page 2

[binau]

Posted: 12/12/21 at 7:13am

I agree with Jordan this show is just wonderful, I caught it for the second time yesterday for fear Omicron might shut everything down soon and I had a smile on my face the whole time. It's just pure joy, visually spectacular and I agree the songs really work in the way they have used them (I am sure if this makes it to Broadway people here could find ways to criticise but honestly, if this was an original score I think we'd be claiming it's one of the best/most melodic/catchiest of all time). I have a bit of a prejudice against jukebox musicals but this is really special. The entire 'concept' of the show within a show is a great device for some very funny moments (in addition to the humour within the 'show' itself). 

One caution I would say is the actors really make all the difference - the first time I saw the show with a bunch of understudies (including Juliet) I thought the show was enjoyable but a little sloppy and lacked a bit of emotional honesty. However, watching it again especially with Miriam-Teak Lee it was a completely different experience. She is a very strong vocalist (I guess you can hear it from the recording), a stunning dancer and most importantly an excellent actor. A genuine triple threat. She brings so much depth to the emotion of her scenes and songs that we are 100% committed to and invested in her plights. She also has extra special 'thing', Charisma or x-factor you need in a lead/star. Without this honesty, I felt the show was kind of winking at itself and the audience (especially in the first act) too much with little depth. 

I'm not one to think that there is often a reason to transfer West End casts to Broadway because I think the greatest musical stage actors in the world are in New York City (see the Company Revival for a good example of why). However, the three actors I would want to go with the show (or hope they really can find adequate replacements) are:

* Miriam-Teak Lee as Juliet
* Cassidy Janson as Anne
* Melanie La Barrie as Nurse

Updated On: 12/12/21 at 07:13 AM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/12/21 at 12:54pm

Beyond excited for this show. It just looks like a total blast and a nice big splashy fun production show. 

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 12/12/21 at 1:53pm

I am thrilled for the continued developments on a transfer. I had a conversation with someone earlier this week on which route they would go were they to cast stateside and not transfer any of the West End cast. Names I tossed around for Juliet, without any idea of which route casting would actually go, included Celia Rose Gooding, Hailey Kilgore, Adrienne Warren, Brittney Johnson, etc. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/13/21 at 4:46am

Owen22 said: "The best news about this is that it will be introducing director Luke Sheppard to Broadway. I preferred his London version of "In the Heights" to Broadway's and his West End musical "Adrian Mole" was a joy. I'm seeing his "Rent" next month in Manchester, which is supposed to be terrific."

I saw the London production of "In the Heights" and thoroughly enjoyed it! 

[Dave13]

Posted: 1/23/22 at 12:09pm

I caught this show in a London in December. Absolutely loved it.  I was looking for news of this coming and came across this thread. Hopefully some of the original cast will come over. Can’t imagine it without Miriam. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 1/23/22 at 12:45pm

I’m hoping some of Martin’s newer and lesser-known songs can feature in the North American premiere. 
But then again, the show seems to be effective enough right now. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/23/22 at 12:51pm

I can’t see any reasoning to alter the songs in the show, if/when this transfer happens. 

[Mark_E]

Posted: 1/23/22 at 12:53pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "I’m hoping some of Martin’s newer and lesser-known songs can feature in the North American premiere.
But then again, the show seems to be effective enough right now."

The songs all fit so well! The one song I wish they had included though, is My Life Would Suck Without You.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 2/14/22 at 3:30pm

Casting notice basically confirms this for 22/23 season. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 2/14/22 at 7:20pm

The question now is which theatre in NYC would house the show. If the Shuberts produce it, I would bet on the Cort Theatre as that's reopening later this year. If the Nederlanders produce, I would expect their flagship theatre after Mr. Saturday Night is done. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 2/14/22 at 7:21pm

Dylan Smith4 said: "The question now is which theatre in NYC would house the show. If the Shuberts produce it, I would bet on the Cort Theatre as that's reopening later this year. If the Nederlanders produce, I would expect their flagship theatre after Mr. Saturday Night is done."

No way this is playing the Cort. This show needs a midsize / larger house. FWIW, it’s playing at a 1400-seat house in London right now.

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 10:53am

EDSOSLO858 said: "Dylan Smith4 said: "The question now is which theatre in NYC would house the show. If the Shuberts produce it, I would bet on the Cort Theatre as that's reopening later this year. If the Nederlanders produce, I would expect their flagship theatre after Mr. Saturday Night is done."

No way this is playing the Cort. This show needs a midsize / larger house. FWIW, it’s playing at a 1400-seat house in London right now."

The only theatre that would equal the capacity size from London would be the Imperial, but Cinderella is probably going there this fall. I doubt the Shuberts would give the show their flagship theatre. The Cort would be perfect as it would be reopening later this year.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 10:59am

The Cort is an AWFUL theater for a big musical like this. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 11:07am

Jordan Catalano said: "The Cort is an AWFUL theater for a big musical like this."

Ok, never mind. What theatre would you suggest for a musical like &Juliet?

[RippedMan]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 1:35pm

It's a big show. It's a big splashy musical. So it needs a big theater. 

[cLo7]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 1:54pm

I saw Once Upon a One More Time in DC and LOVED Aisha Jackson!  She would truly shine as Juliet!  I'm sure that's not a likely move, but...that would be great!  Haven't seen &Juliet, just obsessed with the cast recording.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 2:07pm

cLo7 said: "I saw Once Upon a One More Time in DC and LOVED Aisha Jackson! She would truly shine as Juliet! I'm sure that's not a likely move, but...that would be great! Haven't seen &Juliet, just obsessed with the cast recording."

She is currently Joaquina Kalukango’s standby in Paradise Square. How long it survives on Broadway could possibly affect her potential availability.

Updated On: 2/16/22 at 02:07 PM

[Wick3]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 2:20pm

I went to the Mirvish ticketing site for & Juliet in Toronto and it looks like one can only buy tickets through packages. 

Does anyone know when they'll start selling single tickets for this show in Toronto this summer?

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 3:08pm

Wick3 said: "I went to the Mirvish ticketing site for & Juliet in Toronto and it looks like one can only buy tickets through packages.

Does anyone know when they'll start selling single tickets for this show in Toronto this summer?"

Wick3, our "season" resumes in April. No idea when tickets will go on sale, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was earlier than late April/early May.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 4:12pm

While I’d love to see Adrienne warren as Juliet I’d also be interested to see Laura Osnes as Juliet.  At her cabaret a few years back she did a show from rock of ages. And it was so good. 
For Romeo I’d love Lucas Steele or Kyle Dean Massey
For Shakespeare.  Cheyenne Jackson

Shakepeares wife Carolee Carmello 

 


 

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 4:49pm

Updated On: 2/16/22 at 04:49 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 4:51pm

Theatrefanboy1 said: "I’d also be interested to see Laura Osnes as Juliet.”

LOLOLOL 

Laura Osnes isn’t even allowed to go SEE a Broadway show, let alone star in one!

Updated On: 2/16/22 at 04:51 PM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 4:55pm

Updated On: 2/16/22 at 04:55 PM

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 7:31pm

Shuberts don’t have a ton of midsize houses, but I can see this working in the Belasco. 
 

I agree this would also fit nicely at the Nederlander/Lunt Fontanne/Marquis as well. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 2/16/22 at 7:37pm

Well, Mockingbird is going to the Belasco, so that won't work. Beetlejuice will probably be at the Marquis for a while. The Lunt-Fontane could be possible if Tina doesn't last. My money is on the Nederlander Theatre once Mr. Saturday Night completes its run.