NBC’s HAIR LIVE pulled from schedule- Page 3
NBC’s HAIR LIVE pulled from schedule
#50Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 10:41am
A confluence of factors here, though I think the failure of Rent is the primary reason, and there's no way "standards and practices" wasn't already having a nightmare (and it's highly unlikely Jim Rado was prepared to rewrite... basically everything):
* Bob Greenblatt, who gave the thumbs up to the live musical initiative, has left the network, and the first thing the new guy or gal always does is push their own slate at the expense of the other guy's favorites
* Craig Zadan has died, and in spite of the initial announcement that "the show must go on," Neil Meron may have ultimately realized he wasn't emotionally ready to proceed without him
* Galt MacDermot has also died, and though that may not matter much to the network (though personally I would miss his involvement, as he was involved on the music side with every new production of Hair, no matter how foggy he got with age), maybe that screwed things up from a legal perspective and his estate wasn't ready to sign off on future decisions
They were in casting as recently as this past week, so this was definitely a last-minute decision. Can't say I'm displeased with the ultimate choice, though; hiring Diane Paulus indicated to me that they weren't putting a lot of thought into it beyond "she did the most recent production, right?".
Formerly gvendo2005
Broadway Legend
joined: 5/1/05
Blocked: After Eight, suestorm, david_fick, emlodik, lovebwy, Dave28282, joevitus, BorisTomashevsky, Seb28
Updated On: 2/5/19 at 10:41 AM
Broadway Legend
joined: 5/1/05
Blocked: After Eight, suestorm, david_fick, emlodik, lovebwy, Dave28282, joevitus, BorisTomashevsky, Seb28
#51Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 10:44amdisneybroadwayfan22, maybe lay off the hyperbole a bit?
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
HereAndThere2
Stand-by Joined: 12/17/18
#52Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 10:45am
Disappointed that, at least for now, it won't be "Hair". Was looking forward to a show that I first saw in 1968 London, sitting in the audience in my U.S. Navy uniform. Lots of memories of that time in my life, both good and not-so-good.
But I could be very happy with a live TV version of "Hello, Dolly!". Can think of three ladies who might be interested in the lead role: Bette, Bernadette or Betty.
raddersons
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/14/13
#54Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 11:18am
Hair was always a bad choice for this, particularly since from Sound of Music onward, these presentations have been pitched squarely as programming for the whole family. Nothing about Hair is family programming... and the same could be said of Rent, which was undoubtedly a major stumbling block for its success (let's face it, its bad ratings were not due to its 11th hour announcement that it was not going to be really live).
They need to be looking at recognizable but safe choices like Annie, Music Man, Joseph, Oliver, etc.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Updated On: 2/5/19 at 11:18 AM
#56Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 11:46am
CATSNYrevival said: "Sex and drugs are out but brutal murder is in?"
That’s how we do things here in ‘murica!
#57Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 11:48am
CATSNYrevival said: "Oliver? Sex and drugs are out but brutal murder is in?"
Explain that to the million productions of Oliver done at elementary schools.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#58Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 12:00pm
CATSNYrevival said: "Sex and drugs are out but brutal murder is in?"
That's literally every night of primetime television.
#59Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 12:04pm
As a fan of Hair I'm pretty relieved, because I wouldn't have wanted a totally watered down version, but am also a little sad that more people won't discover it. I do think that Netflix (or HBO or Showtime) should create it uncensored with a killer vocal cast - that I'd be pumped about.
And even though it was misguided, I totally understand why they wanted to do shows like Rent and Hair, since JCS did so well. They're a great bridge for people who listen to mostly rock/pop music and want to be introduced to something different yet familiar.
On that note... I think they should do Little Shop. Catchy music that appeals to the masses, and family-friendly enough. (At least as much as Grease.) Jake Gyllenhaal could reprise his City Center role - he was perfect. Tommy in Concert would be a good choice too. ...As would Memphis, though I know a lot of people here wouldn't be into it, haha.
#60Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 1:48pm
You might say NBC has pulled Hair.
Were they already in rehearsals? I think this is too bad. Jesus Christ Superstar was excellent.
I'm guessing they were struggling with content. Hair is pretty dirty. And dated. Once the Rent fiasco happened, and they realized they'd be up against the GoT finale, it was over, Johnny.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#61Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 1:54pm
LIttle Shop WOULD be a great choice!
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
sabrelady
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
#62Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 5:51pm
sabrelady said: "the nude scene was just the cast stripping off ON STAGE while Claude sang Where DO I GO?."
That's what the nude scene has been in every production of Hair that I've seen, including Broadway. What's wrong with that?
IT pulls focus from Claude's big moment(Where Do I Go?)- You have to at least start to feel for Claude then or the ending is not as meaningful. Instead , you are distracted w all the people getting undressed and the power of them standing naked, open, vulnerable ( like Claude) is diminished.
When I have seen it( admittedly many years now) there has been a large sheet of material ( almost the size of a parachute it seemed) on the ground and the Tribe undress under that in very dim light while Claude is spotlighted. When The sheet is removed and the actors stand up nude, Claude is now the only clothed performer and yet if it was done right he is still the focus and the nudity it a backdrop. ( also u don't have to see the naked actors fumbling around to pick up their clothes after)
In the production I saw last weekend, the stage was small, w very little depth , I presume the decision was guided by such physical limitations as well as directorial preference. I have a different POV.
Color/colour, Practice/Practise, theater/ theatre
#63Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 6:39pm
The idea that the show was cancelled because it would be competing against American Idol and Game of Thrones is total spin.
The network has already put substantial money into the project, and if it were that simple, they would have just moved it to another date.
No, this is clearly NBC realizing in the wake of RENT that the the content wasn’t going to work or appeal for network TV. I also think it’s possible there could have been some friction between the creatives and the Network about the content being cut.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
EmeraldOzian
Understudy Joined: 10/18/16
#64Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 7:32pm
It's been done to death but I heard a rumor suggesting they were looking to obtain the rights to a Broadcast version of Annie to set around Christmas time.
VintageSnarker
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
#65Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 7:38pm
disneybroadwayfan22 said: "The hard truth is nobody wants live musicals. Period. Theres always complaining. There is always something to bitch about. The musical isnt right. This actor is terrible. The camera work is wrong. Blah blah blah. RENT Live and its ratings are proof: No likes them or wants them. And NBC is getting the message."
Disagree. I think they should lean into this. You need to pick shows with some element of camp or at least an earnestness/willingness to fail. In another world, Rocky Horror wouldn't have been such a bad choice. The problem is having such bloodless productions that try to get around audience complaints. In my mind, the live musicals should have more in common with reality TV. Especially if they want to keep bringing in untested pop stars, etc. who hopefully bring in audience members but haven't done a lot of live theater. If they can do them well, that's great. If that's not the goal, then at least make it a live event with some spontaneity and spectacle. The worst sin of these live musicals is being boring.
sabrelady
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
#66Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/5/19 at 7:49pm
dramamama611 said: "LIttle Shop WOULD be a great choice!"
Totally agree- The only folks who'd be bothered are dentists
#67Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/6/19 at 2:36am
spiderdj82 said: "I'm still hoping for "The Music Man" with Seth MacFarlane as Harold Hill."
I would have said the same thing, but have you seen the YouTube video with MacFarlane doing "Trouble" with an orchestra? He is strangely off and seemingly uncomfortable with the material (even though I know he has said he loves the show and the part, and has lobbied to land it). I was quite surprised how good he was not.
Musical theater singing/acting is a specific set of skills. Most people can't squeeze in a vehicle role like Harold Hill between writing, producing and directing.
I'd feel more hopeful with NPH (as the poster after you suggested). I'd buy band uniforms from him.
#68Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/6/19 at 2:38am
CATSNYrevival said: "Oliver? Sex and drugs are out but brutal murder is in?"
In the United States? Always.
Look at the MPAA ratings, year after year.
#70Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/8/19 at 9:34am
These discussions are good to have, but always make me worry that musicals as a genre are becoming defined in the popular imagination as children's entertainment; also, that for most people "family friendly" means only the most anodyne theater possible. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who's parents took me to lots of "grownup" theater when I was a kid, and it didn't ruin me or bore me (usually).
#71Hair Pulled
Posted: 2/9/19 at 4:10pm
They should really look at "HELLO DOLLY!" for live TV. Megan Mullally would be ideal.
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