Posted: 10/7/23 at 5:59am
Theatreboard posters are saying a theatre has been secured for a 16-week West End run with Cassie in 2024. Take it with a grain of salt until official announcement.
Posted: 10/7/23 at 12:12pm
"Zeppi2022 unfortunately I would suggest that a "Best Score" Tony has not seemed to have a massive impact on box office historically. Especially when talking about a revival of a production where Tony Awards were won years ago, to take it further for example "Spring Awakening" won "Best Musical" - the biggest deal for any musical and one that consistently has shown to ignite the box office (though not as much in recent years). Yet in the revival it didn't seem to matter and sales were weak."
You are correct but my point which I did not articulate correctly was that this would be mentioned in their advertising of the show.
"I would agree with Kad that the show stands to be successful for other reasons. It is interesting to look at a show like next to normal and it shows the importance of time in suggesting the success of a show or not. Some shows close and are quickly forgotten only to become rare curiosities. For whatever reason, next to normal has stood and survive the test of time. It is performed all over the world, audiences seem to react well and the material works. The last 10 years have been a pretty good 'out of town' Broadway tryout that audiences want this material. "
It was successful on Broadway because it was a powerful show that was well written book in addition to a great IMO score. It is about a serious subject that is not the general "run of the mill" story for a Broadway musical. In the hands of the good actress, the role of "Diana" is fantastic opportunity to shine.
Posted: 10/7/23 at 12:14pm
That west end board claims a West End transfer has been booked for Summer 2024, so hoping there is still a chance.
Posted: 10/7/23 at 12:26pm
Summer would make sense since I believe Levy has a project lined up in the next few months. I hope if it does happen they’re able to keep everyone in this cast.
Posted: 10/9/23 at 2:01pm
JasonC3 said: "Theatreboard posters are saying a theatre has been secured for a 16-week West End run with Cassie in 2024. Take it with a grain of salt until official announcement."
I really hope this is true. I was planning to do a solo NYC/Broadway trip next spring/summer, but I will go back to London again in a heartbeat to see Caissie/this production again. Desperately hope they can keep the entire cast. I think they had such good chemistry and wonderful interpretations that Trevor Dion Nicholas as Dr. Fine/Madden made me care about a character I usually find borderline insufferable. I'm guessing we should know in the next couple of months, right?
Posted: 10/10/23 at 1:03am
I finally caught up with this show at its last performance and won't say much more than Cassie & Co were as brilliant as I had heard (minus the kid who played Henry who seemed out of his depth). Easily the greatest Diana and Natalie I have ever seen, as would have been Jamie Parker's uber-stoic Dan if I had not seen Brian Darcy James at the inferior, initial Second Stage production. Michael Longhurst has directed the Next to Normal of my dreams.
Sharon D Clarke was sitting across from me, there to cheer on her Caroline director and former costar. (Actually she and Cassie go way back to the original London production of Ghost).
Having has such an exquisite, thrilling week seeing this and Sunset, I was left somewhat depressed wishing I could be this thrilled with a NEW musical...
Posted: 10/12/23 at 1:42pm
I would not be devastated if it skips the West End and goes straight to Broadway.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Could-the-London-Production-of-NEXT-TO-NORMAL-Transfer-to-Broadway-20231012
I was also at the final performance (as was Joe Locke from Heartstopper it seemed!). I didn't realise Sharon D Clarke was there too!
I hope the person playing Natalie transfers to Broadway. She is by far the best Natalie I have seen or heard too. And the pairing between them would start to feel a little iconic if they did this on a broader scale!
Updated On: 10/12/23 at 01:42 PM
Posted: 10/12/23 at 2:24pm
binau said: "I would not be devastated if it skips the West End and goes straight to Broadway.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Could-the-London-Production-of-NEXT-TO-NORMAL-Transfer-to-Broadway-20231012
I was also at the final performance (as was Joe Locke from Heartstopper it seemed!). I didn't realise Sharon D Clarke was there too!
I hope the person playing Natalie transfers to Broadway. She is by far the best Natalie I have seen or heard too. And the pairing between them would start to feel a little iconic if they did this on a broader scale!"
Nothing would make me happier than having this production back in NYC! With the London cast transferring…
