LOTR in Canada instead of Broadway?
LOTR in Canada instead of Broadway?
Rentaholic2
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/14/04
#0LOTR in Canada instead of Broadway?
Posted: 5/28/05 at 1:27amJust wondering why it is opening in Canada...I guess I assumed this huge event was going to open on Broadway first.
#1re: LOTR in Canada instead of Broadway?
Posted: 5/28/05 at 3:18am
The Mirvishes and Michael Cohl are heavy investors in the production and they wanted to premiere it in Toronto.
It's not unheard of. RAGTIME had its world premiere here. So did the Hal Prince SHOW BOAT. And KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.
Show is selling amazingly well here. It will have to if they want to recoup the $27 million it is costing!
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#2re: LOTR in Canada instead of Broadway?
Posted: 5/28/05 at 8:19am
I think it is also to boost Toronto's economy (and theatre district). We've been having trouble with keeping shows for long runs because since Sept. 11, Sars,and Mad Cow Desease, tourism has decreased.
The Producers and Hairspray didn't stay for very long here. And The Lion King and Momma Mia both closed after long runs.
jera
"It's not a problem, it's just a challenge, it's a challenge, to resist temptation."
#3re: LOTR in Canada instead of Broadway?
Posted: 5/28/05 at 12:07pm
I know the different levels of government (along with the Mirvishes) were courting the British producers to bring it to Toronto, to boost the city's economy. It seems to be working, because there's a lot of buzz in the city about it.
It's also a lot cheaper to produce the show in Toronto than it is in London or on Broadway. Originally, the show was supposed to open in London but there wasn't a theatre that was open and suitable for it. The Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto is quite high-tech and very adaptable.
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JakeB
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#4re: LOTR in Canada instead of Broadway?
Posted: 5/28/05 at 12:12pmIt was actually going to start in London, not Canada or Broadway. If there is *ever* an alternative to opening directly on Broadway, producers will find it.
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