"Lestat" - Live Forever or Die Now!

A production source says Warner Bros., which is producing the $12 million musical, has told the creative team that, unless the changes are sweeping and effective, the lid on the "Lestat" coffin will be hammered shut in San Francisco.

http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/62352.htm

My word... Maybe LizzieCurry has been right all along! And, If so -I will be the first to stand corrected Lizzie. Wish I had a ticket for tomorrow night though, Wouldn't you?

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It's better than notorious, LOL! Give us a full report please - I'd love to watch Elton lose it again, He's so funny when he goes off.

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Agreed.

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So if LESTAT doesn't make it in, then what goes into The Palace? Drowsy Chaperone? Martin Short?

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Not sure if there are any shows big enough for the Palace that are ready to come into town right now. Ironic, that in the midst of this theatre crunch -- there are probably a half dozen shows that would like to come in or transfer from Off-Broadway if there were more mid-size theatres available -- if the Palace ended up remaining empty through Tony time.

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Yeah, Riedel said in an earlier column that Elton John has been on tour and busy with other things (including his multimillion dollar wedding) and hasn't been part of the rehearsal process or been there to help fix the show since previews began. This will literally be his first look at the show after handing them a "finished score" several months ago. He actually does this on all of his shows (Aida, Lion King, Billy Elliott) -- he HATES the rehearsal process and refuses to take part in it on a day to day basis. He just doesn't have the patience for it (and as the article points out, has been known to storm out of theatre when something isn't right -- look for a major diva meltdown when he gets a look at Lestat). He stays in contact with the production through the director via phone and fax and when a number isn't working, has been known to quickly write new songs and send them out upon request.

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Thanks Margo for the information. I can just picture Sir Elton having a "major diva meltdown".

Why do I get the feeling Sir Elton has "major meltdowns" more often than he has BM's?

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I want to know if Anne Rice has seen it and what she thinks.

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I'm seeing it Saturday as well for the final look at the show. And I agree with waht EponineThenardier sadi earlier...I've seen a lot worse then this come FROM Broadway.

There's A LOT of schadenfraude going on in regards to this production.

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well i'm glad i saw it

I suppose if they all get SERIOUS, they have time to create a whole new show from this. I've seen incredible things done in 2 months, But it seems Warner Brothers had to swoop down and rattle some cages to (finally) get this done. Word was out that Sir Elton did not "do" rewrites or new songs once he gave you what he had but it looks like he will be doing just that. I agree that he should have been there working close with this cast from day one, but that just didn't happen. I have not spoken to Anne Rice but I do know she has been in the house quite a bit and spys report she seems "pleased". In the article above that Lizzie pointed out, It sounds as if the Director was to be canned for a new one. I do feel sorry for this cast & crew - In all fairness you work with what you are given but sometimes it just isn't possible to turn chicken sh*t into chicken salad without better material to go on.
Everyone knows Elton has a temper and throws fits. They have either seen it first hand, Read about him screaming at reporters in airports or saw the classic footage from VH-1 Divas when he was to play piano backing up Tina Turner for "Proud Mary" and, When Tina tried to get him to play a certain way - He went off on her and some smart camera person moved the camera up toward the ceiling, but let the tape run and the whole tirade was there.
Elton John may need to decide what is more important to him, A great piece of work and/or work ethic or being a "Diva" and throwing fits. The work, If it is good, is what will truly live forever.
This is now a very interesting watch indeed.
Also, I would imagine a LOT of advance sales for this (the NY run), no? And Margo has a great point that if this doesn't make it to NYC, What (and when) will be the next show to play The Palace?
Please let us know what happens tomorrow night - I know Lizzie & Justme2 will be there... Keep us posted and thanks indeed!

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Updated On: 1/28/06 at 01:47 AM

I know someone loosely involved in the production, and I got an email this morning pretty much confirming that SF Examiner story...Lestat's Broadway debut will be delayed a month and the current director is fired. Unlike many here, I enjoyed the show quite a bit, but I relize it needs work. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out, what with Sir Elton's well knows star fits. We shall see...