Anytime Angela Lansbury's name is above a marquee, I'm happy. I really like it and can't wait to see the show!!
^I couldn't agree more!
Of course you all hate it. It wouldn't be Broadwayworld without someone moaning about something.
Not everyone hates it, but dissenting opinions are not limited to BWW. It's pretty much a part of life.
But of course if you knew anything about Broadway, you would know that is just preliminary artwork to fill the frames because the box office is opening. Almost every show changes the art once the show is either up and running or after the opening to take advantage of the reviews.
I don't know about anyone else, but I was speaking of the all-too precious logo, which doesn't seem like it is going to change much at all. I don't like it because it resembles a production of The Fantasticks being produced at American Girl Place. With the twinkly stars and cutesy curly font and color scheme, it looks like the entire production was aimed at 8 year-old girls. It lacks creativity and imagination and is more twee than a tea party with Hyacinth Bucket and Nellie Oleson while watching an episode of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. I literally like nothing about it.
They're making a mistake with not including "the guy" in their promotions. Of course, casting a recognizable actor would have helped.
A Little Night Music is as much about Frederik as Desiree, if not more. Haven't they read the libretto?
I do like the logo, font, and color choice on the marquee. But those giant star's heads say nothing about the show, and I agree they look like a Hallmark movie. Or even worse, a Lifetime chick flick.
If they sell this as a "show about women for women," that's a huge mistake. This isn't a trendy romance novel for the latte-sipping book clubs. It's a big Broadway revival that will require MEN, yes, even of the "straight" variety, to shell out the bucks to see it.
So the "female appeal" of those big headshots is not the way to go to market it. They might start by not denying what it's about. Set the mood behind the big fat stars' heads with some period artifacts, compelling lighting, or birch trees, or something other than "broadcast ready" cable channel blandness. Hire a designer, for crap's sake.
So promoting Alexander Hanson will sell more tickets to straight males than the very sexy Catherine Zeta-Jones?? Updated On: 10/20/09 at 03:53 PM
No, but I agree with besty that it was a mistake leaving his name off of the marquee. His name being above the title (to me, anyway) is more about the importance of his role in the show than it is about his name being recognizable.
He will still be billed above the title, check the website. He is just not on the marquee.
His name won't help sell tickets at all.
But neither will an emasculated ad campaign.
I think best12bars has a good point about chick-flickyness. That is what it comes across as to me, especially with the nightgown thing (if it's being used anymore, that is). Even without it..
The font reminds me of the original My Little Pony logo. But, I don't hate it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
Updated On: 10/20/09 at 04:50 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
To be fair, I can't imagine production shots drawing the "average" straight man in any more than the way it is now.
Unless they use these shots.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
Eeek! Those are real "candyland" photos!
Night Music is a romantic comedy and a period piece, so appealing to the "average straight New Yorker with expendable income" isn't going to be easy. They will still need their business very much, or the guy with the wallet is going to tell his wife he'd rather spend the money to see "Chicago" again for the 4th time.
They were very smart to hire a sexy film star in the leading female role. But why do you hire Catherine Zeta-Jones if you're going to sabotage it by putting her in a douche ad to sell tickets?
How about a provocative pose with sexy lighting? A period boudoir with a bare shoulder? Or peeking seductively around a birch tree? How about the silhouette of a man standing behind her? Fredrik? Or Carl-Magnus? Or something more daring with a bare man's arm reaching around her from behind?
Be creative! Not "Lifetime Channel" bland.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
Aren't those pictures a scream? I just found them on Google.
But to your point, is the average straight New Yorker, etc, going to be wandering down in front of the Walter Kerr and decide to buy tickets? While I agree that the design and the photos are rather blah, I don't think that they are going to sabotage the show in any way.
The ad campaign's approach doesn't usually stop at the front of the theatre. I would guess the whole look and focus of their campaign would carry over into the print ads, TV spots, etc. They usually create a "brand identity."
And while this may not kill the show or sabotage it much ... wouldn't it be better if the campaign actually HELPED it? Call me crazy.
Back to your Li'l Abner Presents A Little Night Music photos ...
LOL!
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
I keep trying to figure out what's going on with Madame Armfeldt in that last one. What's that on her head? Is it a wig? Is it a muff?
It looks like somebody glued shag carpet onto a football helmet.
LOL
Yes.
It's definitely the Bob Mackie approach. With Vicky Lawrence as Fredrika, Harvey Corman as Mme. Armfeldt and Carol as Desiree. And I can just hear Harvey's "Jewish grandmother" accent now.
It's definitely the Bob Mackie approach. With Vicky Lawrence as Fredrika, Harvey Corman as Mme. Armfeldt and Carol as Desiree. And I can just hear Harvey's "Jewish grandmother" accent now.
That would've been amazing.
I was going to say Carl-Magnus looked like King Friday XIII, but I obviously was remembering King Friday's complexion incorrectly. He's not even close to ruddy.
Well, for ONCE, it's not deceptive advertising... except Catherine looks all of 24 in that pic and Angela all of 42.
But, at least they are advertising what this production of the show is: ALNM with no set or artistry or magic (thanks Trevor!) and 2 huge A-list stars.
P
That is what it comes across as to me, especially with the nightgown thing (if it's being used anymore, that is).
- Clearly it's not being used, as it's not on the website or the marquee, Lol.
I agree the marketing is naff but I don't agree that this production is devoid of artistry or magic.
It may not be staged in the traditional Broadway idiom but it succeeds at achieving its own intentions - which are well illustrated by the London advertising campaign and not this cheap, crass and commercial design.
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