MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Reviews — Page 23

Yes I can understand it must feel odd or even unfair but the reality is that hard working ensemble member wouldn't have a job if it wasn't for Radcliffe - and the show wouldn't be grossing the way it is either. The value that the ensemble member adds is an acting job that many others can do for the same cost or often even less. The value that Radcliffe adds is acting + ticket sales. I do take your point that for very, very long running shows that just seem to rake in profit such as Hamilton it feels like there should be a little bit more to go around than currently. But I can't say I'm that sympathetic about this particular scenario - Merrily is a Sondheim show and was a historic flop, these are major stars, and the producers did take a risk bringing it to Broadway. The key people that took the risks and brought in the dollars would be the Producers and the lead stars, so it only makes sense to me that they receive a much greater share of the money than people who are more commodities that could easily be replaced in an instant if necessary. 

As far as I understand, correct if wrong but the original Hamilton cast did more than just act a part written on a page they were part of the creative process too and shaping of the material/direction/production for what is seen on stage even today. If true, I think they were more than just wise I think the deserve the money because they are adding irreplaceable value. 

Updated On: 7/9/24 at 05:35 PM

You make a lot of fair points but you also have to admit that the difference between $2,000 a week and $50,000 is pretty staggering.
 

Even retail workers get a bonus or commission when a certain budget is hit. If they can charge $1,500 a ticket I think the whole cast making Equity minimum should get a bonus.

Updated On: 7/9/24 at 05:39 PM

JSquared2 said: "TotallyEffed said: "You make a lot of fair points but you also have to admit that the difference between $2,000 a week and $50,000 is pretty staggering.


Even retail workers get a bonus or commission when a certain budget is hit. If they can charge $1,500 a ticket I think the whole cast making Equity minimum should get a bonus."



Going by that logic —- would it also be OK to ask all cast members to take a pay cut when a show is underperforming?"


How is that the same logic?

I agree it's Radcliffe who helped sell out this production with his worldwide fanbase. I believe Sondheim only knew of Radcliffe being casted before had passed away. Personally I wished they had casted 3 truly longtime friends in real life (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson,... and another longtime friend) but I'm also very happy with this trio. I still think this musical would have struggled if it didn't have an A-list celebrity (Radcliffe) in its cast.

Corey Mach makes a good point. Hopefully there was a bonus given to the actors and front/back of house folks? I recall at the end of Music Man a bonus was given to front of house folks though I believe someone on this board stated it was from Hugh Jackman or someone else and not from the producers.

Broadway Flash said: "That sounds very unlike Scott Rudin to do something like that, but in line withHugh Jackman’s kind and generous personality. And the word is CAST not casted. The word casted does not exist."

Annoys me to no end when people use "casted" 

Proshot acquired by Sony Pictures Classics; theatrical release planned

WKevinKlawitter said: "Proshot acquired by Sony Pictures Classics; theatrical release planned"

Well this is just fantastic!!!! Cannot wait.  When is release? Theaters or streaming, or both? 

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Live Capture of Merrily We Roll Along

In an email sent by the show's mailing list 

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sony-pictures-live-filmed-merrily-we-roll-along-broadway-1236177697/

 

 

I never know anymore what’s meant by theatrical releases. A week in New York City and LA to qualify for awards, then on to streaming and some DVD releases? I have a tough time believing they will get too much more ambitious than that, but who knows?

No matter. It’s a wonderful production and I’ll probably catch it somewhere before buying a physical copy.

Linklater’s movie is so far away that I can’t imagine it mattering much, one way or the other. But even with the advantages of film, Linklater and his cast have a tough challenge.

theatergoer3 said: "AMC Theaters has a page with a December 5threlease -

https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/merrily-we-roll-along-80251"

December 5th release date confirmed

I can see this pulling in a few Golden Globe nominations. I'm assuming they keep Groff and Radcliffe in different categories.

I’m not sure it will be eligible for awards, as it is a Fathom event. That being said, the release date doesn’t matter. Films are screened before hand so they can be nominated and with the Golden Globes, they’re notorious for nominated movies sight unseen because of the stars (hello, The Tourist, how are you?).

Wick3 said: "Somehow I think it would have been better to release it January 2026 after the holidays. In early December, people are busy with final exams, holiday parties, holiday movies, rewatching Wicked Part 2, etc."

 

My thought would be closer to Christmas while people are on vacation and out of school. It may have been the only date available?  Or maybe they wanted to release it closer to the "Wicked: For Good" release just two weeks before? I would suspect it may not do as well in January as people will be returning to work and school. Just my thoughts.