LIBERATION by Bess Wohl to open at the James Earl Jones theatre in October — Page 2

Falsettolands said: "Simply could not stand this play.

But I sincerely hope Betsy is with the transfer. Really great work on her end."

I’m in this camp. It felt critically overhyped and when I saw it I witnessed audience members falling asleep. Every exciting Off Broadway “hit” doesn’t have to transfer to Broadway. Dead Outlaw is an example of a beloved Off-Bway success turned Bway flop. I wish it well, but this doesn’t feel financially smart.

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "Not sure why this is being rushed in. 9 weeks before first preview with no names attached, this has all the makings of a bust on it"

If this fails it will have nothing to do with the advance notice given before opening. People buy later and later these days.

Especially if the cast does not include boldface names, they'll sell the majority of tickets within two weeks of a performance (and at discounted prices).

Updated On: 8/2/25 at 12:28 PM

Crusty Bagel said: "40 dollar rush tickets ontodaytix. Does anybody else find it curious that their first preview is the same day as Queen of Versailles? They should have chosen a different day"

I'd agree if both shows were opening on the same day,. I'd don't think it's really an issue with opening previews.

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "BoringBoredBoard40 said: "Not sure why this is being rushed in. 9 weeks before first preview with no names attached, this has all the makings of a bust on it"

If this fails it will have nothing to do with the advance notice given before opening. People buy later and later these days.

Especially if the cast does not include boldface names, they'll sell the majority of tickets within two weeks of a performance (and at discounted prices)."

People complain about higher prices when the show gets closer because they didn't think to buy earlier. Dynamic pricing folks!

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Liberation is one of the best plays I’ve seen in a long time and deserves to be on Broadway, but let’s not pretend it is remotely commercial.

If John Proctor is having a hard enough time breaking even each week, Liberation basically has no chance.
."

Am I mistaken. I thought John Proctor was a hit. Didn't realize it was having a hard time breaking even each week.

quizking101 said: "Huss417 said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Liberation is one of the best plays I’ve seen in a long time and deserves to be on Broadway, but let’s not pretend it is remotely commercial.

If John Proctor is having a hard enough time breaking even each week, Liberation basically has no chance.
."

Am I mistaken. I thought John Proctor was a hit. Didn't realize it was having a hard time breaking even each week."

It was a VERY hard sell the first few weeks because, outside of niche theatre circles, nobody knew about the play. The first few weeks of previews even had deeply discounted tickets in the first two rows of the orchestraand in the mezzanine. (I paid $20 each for 2 tickets through Telecharge). But they seemed to take the smart route and get people in the door with cheaper prices to build WoM and, with good reviews, it was a sold out smash."

Not to mention the recent announcement that a movie adaptation of John Proctor in the works from Universal, it's gonna be a hit by the end of its run.

Does anyone know if they will do any cheap ticketing scheme, or if we’ll be able to get it on Hiptix?

https://liberationbway.com/

The online flash sale deal yesterday was $70 per tik including fees. Good locations, but not exactly a steal…will wait for lotto or TDF or papering.

What do we think of the new key art? I……..don’t know how I feel about this concept. That was such a powerful moment on stage and this feels like it’s trying to market the play as something it isn’t.

I haven’t seen the play (going in a few weeks) but I hate it. It reminds me of Naked Boys Singing lol

gibsons2 said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "What do we think of the new key art? I……..don’t know how I feel about this concept. That was such a powerful moment on stage and this feelslike it’s trying to market the play as something it isn’t.

"

Not loving it at all. It was always going to be a tough sell, but trying to lure people who might be more inclined to buy a ticket when "naked ladies" are involved, doesn't sit right with me.

Isn't it a very serious, profound play? Now it looks like Broadway Bares."

Oh! Liberation!

This doesn’t track with what I thought this show was about at all.

Updated On: 10/2/25 at 07:32 PM

Ugh ugh ugh. It is the opposite of what the play is about. I knew there was nudity because of the Yonder pouch but the actual scene was completely unexpected. This art undermines the effect.