MEMPHIS to be Filmed Live for Nationwide Digital Cinema Distribution!

[Rob]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 11:17am

Click Here to Read MEMPHIS to be Filmed Live for Nationwide Digital Cinema Distribution!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 11:26am

I'll bite: I think this is a great idea, and, if this proves successful, more should do it, in the vein of the National's broadcasts.

I just wish it wasn't MEMPHIS.

[CandiceElyse]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 11:30am

agreed. I won't argue with any musical being filmed in order to reach the greater public, but I, too, wish it wasn't Memphis. I wish it was Next to Normal. I think people would be better served to see just how amazingly different musicals can be.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 11:33am

I hope it plays AMC. I have a gift card that I was never going to use.

[justafan2]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 11:44am

Does this mean that, eventually, it'll be available on a DVD format?

[Edna Turnblad]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 12:10pm

Do I want to see Memphis? Not really. Am I going to go see this in a movie theater if it's close to me? Probably.

[phantom39]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 12:21pm

This is incredible! I hope they follow RENT's path and release it eventually on DVD.

And wait, who's Broadway Worldwide? Isn't that the team behind Jekyll and Hyde from years ago?

Updated On: 1/13/11 at 12:21 PM

[HummingAlong]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 12:33pm

I'll agree. I think this is a great thing to be doing. Hell, I moved to New York to be here for theatre! I wonder what they'll charge to see it in a cinema. You can obviously never replace the electricity of being in a live performance with actors right in front of your face, but boy, could I have saved some money... Just kidding, of course, I'd take live theatre any day, but this is a great way to make shows accessible for people who otherwise could never see them. (ie - couldn't afford a touring show, aren't in proximity to a touring show, a touring cast doesn't yet exist, can't get out to NY, etc.)

This is an interesting step for theatre. Not without its drawbacks (which I've obviously not discussed) but I think it's interesting.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 12:52pm

Not sure, but I would guess this will probably cost around the same as the Met Opera broadcasts...around $20.

A DVD release would provide another revenue stream for both Broadway Worldwide and the producers of MEMPHIS. It will probably cost around the same as the Met Opera broadcasts...around $20.

For those complaint that it is MEMPHIS being preserved, consider that the underlying rights to the source material of some shows might prevent this from being done. If those rights can be negotiated I would be all for getting "original cast videos" as standard adjuncts to the live performances.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 12:57pm

From what I can tell, when shows get exposure like this, people will want to see them even more. A great many of the people I talk to want to see shows they've already seen or at least heard of. If Memphis shows on the big screen and people go see it there, they'll want to see it live should they ever go to Broadway. This could lead to a much longer run for Memphis than most expected. I do echo the sentiment that I wish this had been for another show, though.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 12:57pm

I just love this.

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 12:59pm

And no one here believed Sparky on ATC......

[Fosse76]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 1:09pm

I've known since Monday, and have very mixed feelings. I think they should have waited until the tour finishes its firt-run. It's probably a ploy to get Chad Kimball to show up for work

I think television broadcast will do more to generate interest in the show. Why should people pay $100 to see it when it comes to their town when they already paid $20 to see the EXACT same thing? An actual film version would be a better marketing tool for the stage show.

[phantom39]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 1:30pm

Looks like this is the Broadway WorldWide they're talking about, as Don Roy King directed both Smokey Joe's and Jekyll for the same company (and will be directing MEMPHIS).

It's interesting they're filming shows again, as their last production was almost 10 years ago.

http://www.broadwayonline.com/

http://www.broadwayonline.com/aboutall.htm

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 3:51pm

I was wondering if Chad's voice will be up for it. I saw the show on Saturday night and he was out. That being said, I really liked his understudy (Bryan Fenkart).

[Michelle616]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 4:07pm

There are much, much worse shows to preserve on film. This is exciting!

[ace33]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 5:16pm

I don't see how they would do this without Chad Kimball (or Montego Glover)... He's no Nathan Lane or David Hasselhoff (j/k) but his u/s Brian Fenkart is not of caliber. I've seen him perform and he's very good but Kimball and Glover are the headliners.

... this is the perfect example of why this show does so well (despite being so hated): it appeals to the masses. I LOVED N2N, but could it sell enough tickets in this movie format? Memphis on the other hand is entertainment fit for much wider auidences. This board (and other WELL-seasoned bway patrons) are in the minority.

[sally1112]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 5:23pm

I agree with the above posts. I think this is a great idea, and wish it was the fate of all shows. Not thrilled that it is this one, but I'll see it and own the DVD if one comes along, because Im that OCD/supportive.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 9:57pm

i will certainly see this in a theater - i think its a terrific idea, esp for this show - from what i understand...

the fact that i still havent seen this show - despite it being the Tony Winner says something...it saves me from seeing the road company and i'll get to see with OBC.

[jv92]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 10:24pm

it's a good idea, but why Memphis? There's so much better mediocrity out there.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 10:41pm

Damn, I was at the box office and a guy was there asking for a ticket set up because he was taping the show, I should have posted something!

Anyway, I feel bad for anyone seeing the show this weekend, because you know Chad (and maybe Montego) will be out to save their energy for the taped performances.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 10:58pm

I wonder when it will be screened.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 1/14/11 at 12:39am

Anyway, I feel bad for anyone seeing the show this weekend, because you know Chad (and maybe Montego) will be out to save their energy for the taped performances.

Is that the excuse Kimball's going to give this time? Seems as though he's almost never IN the show.

[phantom39]

Posted: 1/15/11 at 11:00am

Some more bits from LiveBway... They're going to use 5 HD cameras to capture the show, screenings will begin this May, and international dates and a DVD release are likely.

http://www.livebway.com/?page_id=645

Updated On: 1/15/11 at 11:00 AM

[Stewpot]

Posted: 1/15/11 at 11:28am

Come on, I can't be the only one to have been extremely annoyed by Huey's strange affects.

Aside from the goofy high kicks, the voice and facial expressions were like watching two hours of a George W. Bush speech. Ugh.