PARADISE SQUARE - Broadway Previews- Page 9

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 12:06pm

I certainly think the Times piece is fair and newsworthy; I only noted that it’s perhaps the last thing this show needed on opening eve. (It’s so fair it could have been in the business section.)

I would hope that future publicity puts some focus on the lead, suggesting that a star making performance is a reason to go. Sooner rather than later. If they need to sell tickets, promise something specific. The generic poster is attractive but in no way evocative of theatrical excitement. Will an unmissable 11 o’clock spot get paying customers? More likely than the lure of a history lesson. 2022 is a tough climate. 

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 12:09pm

Forgot to mention, was I the only one confused about the time period in the beginning? They start with talking about the war but also there are multiple interracial marriages so I thought there was no way this could be during the Civil War until they started talking about Yankees and rebels and the Emancipation Proclamation. 

Also the NY Times piece mentions that only 2 Foster songs are left but by my count there's at least 4: Camptown Races, Gentle Annie, Angelina Baker, and Why Should I Die in Springtime (though it's modified a bit). And for those who like the more tabloid side of the press, Deux Moi has posted multiple accounts of a show where checks are still bouncing/issues with finances which I can only assume to be this show. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 1:11pm

Kalakungo did get a good profile in the NYT that ran during the Spring Preview edition.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2022/02/25/theater/joaquina-kalukango-paradise-square.amp.html

The show also had a CBS Sunday Morning piece that bizarrely ran during the pandemic before Broadway was even announced.

Except for the JK NYT piece, nothing about the communication strategy for this show has been good — advertising, press, marketing, digital. And that likely stems from what material they’re working with and a producer who hasn’t worked on Broadway this century. 

Updated On: 4/3/22 at 01:11 PM

[HogansHero]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 1:36pm

re press, marketing,etc., I think a lot of it gets back to the same place: lack of money and, to a slightly lesser degree, the unwillingness of most top tier people to work on any basis other than pre-paid. 

one other comment from the feature no one wanted on the morning of opening:

“I made the decision, in terms of marketing, that our best [meaning only available] course was to ensure that we filled the previews to capacity at whatever average ticket price we could get, and let word of mouth take over” 

WOM is not a marketing strategy; it is a reaction. It's like saying "we are closing to tour." 

[LucasIvy]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 2:16pm

I thought that Richard Zoglin's piece in the NYT did a good job framing the stakes at play for Drabinsky, but for a pedigree media outlet it failed at truly investigating his depth of his control of the show, the issues with his creative team and the revolving door of departures. Not to mention, his accepting Drabinsky at his word about marketing. Please! This is a man who spent millions on TV, print and billboards....and now he believes in word of mouth? That is like booking the best restaurant in town and forgetting your wallet. 

Well, this will all mean nothing in a few hours when the reviews come out. Hit or miss? We shall see soon. 

 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 4:46pm

Anecdotal evidence only, but this show seems to have fewer reports at this site than other new pieces. I’ve been here since we discussed Wicked in previews and everything since and this musical hasn’t inspired much of social media debate. We’ve catalogued the flaws and merits but it hasn’t been a fierce battle of pro and con. I expected more pushback against my reservations from devotees. Maybe reviews will inspire “told ya so” and “see, haters?” chat but so far not much passion in the conversation, other than about the standing O.

Updated On: 4/3/22 at 04:46 PM