KPOP Sets December 11 Closing Date on Broadway- Page 4

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 12/8/22 at 11:06pm

HeyMrMusic said: "The show seems to be sold out for all remaining performances."

You have to wonder if this newfound interest could prompt an extension...not that I think the show has any chance of running any real length of time or recouping (I expect the next tenant is already lined up), but perhaps another month. This is also why two-week notice can be better than one, though the grosses thusfar had never indicated any level of interest.

There also surely is not any money in the bank, so an infusion of cash (priority loan) would have to come from an outside source.

Updated On: 12/8/22 at 11:06 PM

[quizking101]

Posted: 12/8/22 at 11:31pm

Shutting the doors with five days of notice feels pretty finite, unfortunately. What exactly would happen after Sunday with all tickets cancelled and refunded.

It’s clear that the advance had to really be some pure ****ake for them to drop the ax before one of the most lucrative times of the year

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 12/8/22 at 11:49pm

People are really basic, they will go see Hugh Jackman or Radcliffe or Groff or LEA because they know the name, or Hamilton because they know American history, or what everyone else is talking about. But you try to give them something slightly new and people just won't buy tickets. To me, this was the most attractive show of the season to be honest. But people weren't as excited I guess. Everyone I invite says they don't like KPOP or that they don't speak Korean, I don't speak Korean either!!! Yet, I loved the show. And yes, I agree with the previous poster, the show probably had no advance sales, so no way it will extend. I think there's a possibility it may tour, based on that interview on the LA times that someone posted. But I wouldn't hold my breath.

Updated On: 12/9/22 at 11:49 PM

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 12/8/22 at 11:51pm

But to all of those crying you can't see the show, next time, go ahead and buy a ticket, that's how you keep a show open. Worst case scenario, if it closes, you get your money back. But that's how to keep a show open, spend some money! They need it.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 12:04am

Just checked on ticket availability all shows sold out

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 12:27am

Robbie2 said: "Just checked on ticket availability all shows sold out"

That's how their entire run should have been, and it's not even hard to fill that small theater...oh well. Hopefully it will have life after Broadway. But it will be remembered always as a massive flop.

[JuneJune]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 6:52am

Robbie2 said: "Just checked on ticket availability all shows sold out"

They started doing standing room this week. According to the box office, SRO will be available tonight (Friday) and both shows tomorrow, but not on Sunday (tentative).

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 7:35am

muscle23ftl said: "People are really basic, they will go see Hugh Jackman or Radcliffe or Groff or LEA because they know the name…"

 

Oh, you mean very talented people who paid their dues in the industry and are now enjoying hard-won success? They’re success is not K-POP’s failure. 

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 7:36am

*Their!

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 8:32am

The whole “it’s not hard to fill 650 seats a night” thing is never a productive conversation because, as we know, many shows DO have that problem. And it’s a matter of filling them at an average of $100+.

Social media is reactionary. Nobody was buying when there was so much avail in previews. Nobody was buying when there was manufactured controversy surrounding the NYT. Suddenly it’s a crime for producers to make a sound financial decision to close the show, and the producers + marketers are suddenly villains.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 10:18am

I find that article on The Verge about the social media difficulties FASCINATING because there was actually a similar situation with another fictional Kpop group. The Kdrama Let Me Be Your Knight, which aired earlier this year, was about an idol group, and they actually made music videos with fake album covers and other social media promo stuff for the fictional group in it, LUNA. They released a new music video every week or so, while the drama was airing. It actually became so popular that they ended up releasing a fake album in real life. 

Two examples are https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJQAUKIS36s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XkGK_1i4yA

Their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/band.luna.official/

One thing is that, of course, this was in Korea and not the US (although you could purchase the album through stores that imported Kpop items into the US, like anything else), and some of the fake band members were real Kpop stars (moreso than KPOP the musical). But one thing I also notice is that the video quality and production values for LUNA videos and promos are, imo, much more impressive than the ones I saw for KPOP. I wonder if that was part of the issue? 

Updated On: 12/9/22 at 10:18 AM

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 10:28am

Let this be a lesson to ALL to give new shows a chance. Instead of the reliable shows that will be mainstays or ARE mainstays, shows that have big names-give new shows a chance. Even if the concept isn't one you'd normally be interested in, or anything like that. Broadway, off-Broadway-they ALL deserve a chance. 

[Phillyguy]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 10:33am

muscle23ftl said: "But to all of those crying you can't see the show, next time, go ahead and buy a ticket, that's how you keep a show open. Worst case scenario, if it closes, you get your money back. But that's how to keep a show open, spend some money! They need it."

With inflation, I think a lot of people are more value conscious. We are seeing significant discounts at the last minute. For shows that have many open seats, it’s hard to justify paying a premium in advance when you can buy the same seats at half the price. Perhaps that’s also the curse of the Circle in the Square. There are no bad seats. So a last min tix doesn’t have the same risk of getting a partial obstructed view or far in the balcony. 
 

I paid $109 in advance for the preview. And was slightly disappointed when I saw so many open seats much closer to the stage. I probably could’ve gotten a better seat for half the price at the door. 

I think that’s part of the economics and psychology that the producers didn’t anticipate. 

[Kad]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 10:37am

Law of scarcity is at play here. People are more willing to buy when they think they have a limited window to do so. 
 

But this show has a large cast, and I imagine most are on principal contracts (with folks like Luna having salaries well over the minimum, I’m sure). You’re looking at actor salaries alone costing well over $50k a week, and that’s not including costs of benefit payments. The production needed to be selling large amounts of full price tickets from the start. 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 10:41am

hearthemsing22 said: "Let this be a lesson to ALL to give new shows a chance. Instead of the reliable shows that will be mainstays or ARE mainstays, shows that have big names-give new shows a chance. Even if the concept isn't one you'd normally be interested in, or anything like that. Broadway, off-Broadway-they ALL deserve a chance."

OH-and honestly? Ignore reviews. Stay away. If a show interests you,. see it. 

[inception]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 11:49am

Oops sorry, thought this was the Hands on a Hardbody thread...it sure reads the same

[haterobics]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 2:08pm

hearthemsing22 said: "OH-and honestly? Ignore reviews. Stay away. If a show interests you,. see it."

This sounds like a recipe for seeing a lot of bad shows on topics you would like if they were done well?

I can see not only going by reviews, but if everyone is saying a show isn't that great... 

[TheatreMonkey]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 3:11pm

hearthemsing22 said: "Let this be a lesson to ALL to give new shows a chance. Instead of the reliable shows that will be mainstays or ARE mainstays, shows that have big names-give new shows a chance. Even if the concept isn't one you'd normally be interested in, or anything like that. Broadway, off-Broadway-they ALL deserve a chance."

While I applaud this sentiment, I'm just curious how you square it with your previous statements about other new shows -- namely, "A Strange Loop". When user Jasonc3 made the following post in the ASL Posts Closing Notice thread, 

"...And some topics, stories, or styles—no matter how well done— just don't interest some people at all or at the prices they have to pay for what in their eyes might feel like taking a chance."

You then responded, in agreement, with:

"This. thank you. It's 100% the show. It's not the audiences fault."

Just curious how your thinking has evolved, or what makes "KPop" so different...

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 3:20pm

Thank you for your service TheatreMonkey

[joevitus]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 4:44pm

muscle23ftl said: "People are really basic, they will go see Hugh Jackman or Radcliffe or Groff or LEA because they know the name, or Hamilton because they know American history, or what everyone else is talking about. But you try to give them something slightly new and people just won't buy tickets. To me, this was the most attractive show of the season to be honest. But people weren't as excited I guess. Everyone I invite says they don't like KPOP or that they don't speak Korean, I don't speak Korean either!!! Yet, I loved the show. And yes, I agree with the previous poster, the show probably had no advance sales, so no way it will extend. I think there's a possibility it may tour, based on that interview on the LA times that someone posted. But I wouldn't hold my breath."

I understand your frustration that a show you loved is closing so quickly, and the need to let off some steam. But when a show is given the most generic name possible, has such poor advertising that a greater number of people who could be interested in it don't know the show exists than do, and is targeted directly at the audience demographic with the least financial ability to splurge on Broadway-priced tickets without having some inkling of whether they will enjoy the show or not (teens and young adults), the main problem here is clearly not with audiences. 

None of this means the script, show, performances or design are lacking. But dissing "people" as "basic" and putting the blame on them seems really off the mark here. 

Updated On: 12/9/22 at 04:44 PM

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 5:22pm

TheatreMonkey said: "hearthemsing22 said: "Let this be a lesson to ALL to give new shows a chance. Instead of the reliable shows that will be mainstays or ARE mainstays, shows that have big names-give new shows a chance. Even if the concept isn't one you'd normally be interested in, or anything like that. Broadway, off-Broadway-they ALL deserve a chance."

While I applaud this sentiment, I'm just curious how you square it with your previous statements about other new shows -- namely, "A Strange Loop". When user Jasonc3 made the following post in the ASL Posts Closing Notice thread,

"...And some topics, stories, or styles—no matter how well done— just don't interest some people at all or at the prices they have to pay for what in their eyes might feel like taking a chance."

You then responded, in agreement, with:

"This. thank you. It's 100% the show. It's not the audiences fault."

Just curious how your thinking has evolved, or what makes "KPop" so different..."

Lol wow. You went back and looked at my previous comments? Don't you have anything better to do? That's sad. 

But I guess I could say it's different because I saw Strange Loop, and I unfortunately did not have the chance-nor will I-to see KPOP. But they're both new, unique works that deserved to be seen...you know what? I don't owe you anything. That's all I'll say. Please stick to the thread topic instead of going back and doing something pointless like mentioning comments from...months? ago? 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 5:25pm

haterobics said: "hearthemsing22 said: "OH-and honestly? Ignore reviews. Stay away. If a show interests you,. see it."

This sounds like a recipe for seeing a lot of bad shows on topics you would like if they were done well?

I can see not only going by reviews, but if everyone is saying a show isn't that great..."

I've seen shows that people say aren't great, but I'm interested in. And when I've been at those shows, I've always seen the audiences enjoying themselves and loving the show (Gettin' The Band Back Together for example). Besides, what's bad to one person isn't bad to another.

[joevitus]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 6:33pm

hearthemsing22 said: "TheatreMonkey said: "hearthemsing22 said: "Let this be a lesson to ALL to give new shows a chance. Instead of the reliable shows that will be mainstays or ARE mainstays, shows that have big names-give new shows a chance. Even if the concept isn't one you'd normally be interested in, or anything like that. Broadway, off-Broadway-they ALL deserve a chance."

While I applaud this sentiment, I'm just curious how you square it with your previous statements about other new shows -- namely, "A Strange Loop". When user Jasonc3 made the following post in the ASL Posts Closing Notice thread,

"...And some topics, stories, or styles—no matter how well done— just don't interest some people at all or at the prices they have to pay for what in their eyes might feel like taking a chance."

You then responded, in agreement, with:

"This. thank you. It's 100% the show. It's not the audiences fault."

Just curious how your thinking has evolved, or what makes "KPop" so different..."

Lol wow. You went back and looked at my previous comments? Don't you have anything better to do? That's sad.

But I guess I could say it's different because I saw Strange Loop, and I unfortunately did not have the chance-nor will I-to see KPOP. But they're both new, unique works that deserved to be seen...you know what? I don't owe you anything. That's all I'll say. Please stick to the thread topic instead of going back and doing something pointless like mentioning comments from...months? ago?"

Don't question commenters when they do a 180 and contradict themselves. We're all Walt Whitman! LOL

[DaveyG]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 7:03pm

IMHO the biggest problems with the show are the same problems many shows have: 1) I didn't feel an emotional connection with any characters until maybe the very end and by then it's too late. 2) The songs, even though well written and produced, did not move the story forward or reveal much character. 

If I was emotionally engaged, I would have enjoyed it more. I just felt like I was at a concert of music I'd never heard before. 

It's obviously devastating for everyone involved...but I think it just isn't a very good show. It desperately needed an out-of-town tryout to figure out what audiences respond to. It's a shame. 

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 12/9/22 at 8:34pm

Just a reminder that Broadway is a business. Yes it’s also an art form, but an art form with a big, business-capitalistic scale. 

As we’ve learned, it’s not an easy beast to be part of, and or be successful. Some shows last, others barely get a chance. 
 

This is another show, of many, who have walked this road. It’s joins a lineage, and enters the history books. 
 

May the cast and crew finds jobs quickly.