McAnuff to Direct Guys and Dolls for Spring 09 — Page 5

I hope grease goes. taylor hicks is not as much loved as idols like carrie or kelly. He has a very little fan base. His name won't be able to carry that show for long. So i hope and believe Grease will close.

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I said it once and I said it again. The London Guys and Dolls had its issues. Yes, it had glorious choreography by Rob Ashford and the direction/staging had the usual attention to the TEXT that every English revisal seems to have (the Warchus Follies, Mendes Gypsy and Hytner Carousel are prime examples of the English revisal "text is paramount" genre). The London production was a) very dark and b) low budget sets and costumes.

I'm not saying Des McAnuff is a genius or anything, but this is a property which is relatively foolproof. Sergio Trujillo is a wonderful choreographer and I trust Des has some interesting ideas re set design that will distinguish this production from the Donmar production and from the last "comic strip" look Bway revival. I don't think the London production would have enough pizzazz to score with tourists, especially without star casting. The key is providing a production that is star-proof.

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For all of you Grease haters:

This board has been predicting its demise since it opened and it has sold well for the entire year.

Grease isn't going anywhere. Taylor Hicks has brought in fans and when he is gone in September, the show will survive.

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Updated On: 8/2/08 at 05:40 PM

H'mmm. i wouldn't be too sure about that. Des LOOOOVES to stoke his ego w famous faces, whether or not they'd actually perform- well if they can't he'll say it was forced upon him and if they can deliver- he'll say how great it is to have a star who can really take direction. Win/Win fo him. Just forget about the audience

"This board has been predicting its demise since it opened and it has sold well for the entire year."

Well, that was because of the hype from the reality show, and now we are into the summer season. I predict ticket sales will slump sometime in the future.

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I'm not trying to bash Grease in saying it will close. It is common for shows to experience a slump after the summer rush. I never said I hated it, nor did I say I liked it either. And correct, "in the meantime" it is selling well because it is summer and many families will take their kids to this.

I can understand if people criticize a show left and right, to call that bashing. But why does everyone automatically think that people are bashing a show just because they predict it may close? It's being realistic, for the most part.

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Broadway / Production Contract Currently $1,509/week minimum
Producer: The Ambassador Theatre Group
Music/Lyrics: Frank Loesser
Book: Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Director: Des McAnuff
Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo
Casting: Tara Rubin Casting

Approximate 1st rehearsal date (subject to change): December 15, 2008. 1st preview: February 3, 2009. Opens end of February/early March 2009.

Seeking:

Adelaide: Star dancer at the Hot Box Club. In love with and engaged to Nathan Detroit for 14 years; suffering from his lack of commitment. Strong soprano belt and excellent comedic skills required.

Sarah Brown: A missionary trying to save the lost souls of New York. Young woman with a heart of gold who's sure she’ll know true love when she finds it. Soprano.

Sky Masterson: Charming high-roller who has a way with women. Will place a bet on just about anything - and make sure he wins it. Baritone.

Nathan Detroit: Engaged to Adelaide for 14 years. Runs the best “floating craps game” in town. Smooth-talking habitual liar with a quick mind and wit; always one step ahead of the law.

Nicely Nicely Johnson: One of Nathan’s business associates. Not always quick on the uptake. Great comedic timing and tenor voice required (up to an A).

Benny Southstreet: Another of Nathan’s business partners. Comedic sidekick to Nicely Nicely. A bit smarter than others in the organization, but just a bit. Tenor.

Arvide Abernathy: 60 - 70s. Sarah’s mentor at the mission; confident in his calling. A trusted father figure to Sarah. Full, warm baritone/bass.

Lt. Brannigan: Always one step behind the gamblers; dogged in his pursuit. May swagger a bit as the big policeman, but is always easily tricked by Nathan and the others.

General Cartwright: Woman, 50s+. The strict, driven head of the Save-A-Soul Mission. Runs the mission with a strong hand, although there is a heart and faith behind her tough façade.

Big Julie: Gangster from Chicago, with a fearsome reputation. Commands respect from everyone he encounters. Extreme physical types welcome.

http://www.playbill.com/jobs/find/job_detail/22981.html