"Pajama Game" not coming back to NY? Touring instead

[jimnysf]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 4:36pm

At least according to this in Variety...

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117945424?categoryid=15&cs=1


As for the winner of the tuner revival award, "The Pajama Game," "It looks very strong that there will be a national tour in 2007-08," says commercial producer Jeffrey Richards.

A Broadway return, following the end of the Roundabout run June 17, seems less certain, thanks in part to a continued theater logjam at musical houses.

"If you could find me a theater that would be available, I would gladly move into it," Richards says.

Besides, legitlegit insiders are questioning the viability of bringing the show back to New York without leads Harry Connick Jr. and Kelli O'Hara, who only committed for the limited run. In his Broadway debut, Connick in particular has been a significant draw.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 4:38pm

Not surprised by this. Part of the charm of that production was the Harry and Kelly combo.

[Just_John]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 5:19pm

This would greatly upset me because I didn't return to see it again- since I thought I'd be able to see it for cheaper when it returned.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 10:33am

It was magic and I agree that Harry & Kelli were a BIG part of it's success. Without them, the show would be very differnt. A tour would work, however.

[Enjolras77]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 10:46am

I think this is probably a smart decision. Although, the selfish me wishes it would come back since I wasn't able to get to NYC to see it during its limited run. However, the show seems tailored to Connick's strengths and his chemistry with Kelli O'Hara is top notch. Both would be hard to replace or replicate. Also, I was actually wondering recently how they would be able to find an open theatre with all of the other shows already set for next year. With so many *perceived* great productions in 2006-2007 it might would be more competition than a Connick-less Pajama Game could handle.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 10:52am

Touring it instead would be the smart decision. Without Connick, this show would probably languish and its better to go straight on tour as a triumph than to waste money on remounting it in New York.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 10:55am

I agree that it might be a mistake to bring the show back to Broadway, but I also feel that the only reason that the show won the Tony over the incredibly deserving SWEENEY TODD was because people wanted to make more money off of the show during a commercial Broadway run. What a wasted award now, when it CLEARLY belonged to TODD.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 11:01am

If it continues on BWAY, it will flop.

IMO, they came up with the perfect cast, sets, costumes and they got really lucky.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 11:40am

This really pisses me off.. because that Tony really went to waste.

Sweeney could've benefited greatly from the award. There was no point in giving it to TPG, especially if it's not coming back this Fall to Broadway.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 11:42am

It's not wasted if the people who voted for it really thought it was the best musical.

However, it's my hunch that people voted for the show because of it's financial possibilities, but not the actual production.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 1:33pm

Well, while on tour, it can be billed as the "Tony Award winning production of the Pajama Game" to drum up ticket sales....

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 1:44pm

Munk, I don't think Tony voters had financial success in mind at all. Yes, there can be a whole debate over Sweeney vs. Pajama, but the fact of the matter is, the latter is a more universal show, with more well-known material and a happier mood, which appeals to more audiences. The best revival is the one that can appeal to all.

Regardless of that, though, I wish the Tonys had happened much earlier, because I can't help but think that TPG knew the Tony would go to Sweeney, and so they (largely Harry and Kelli) decided to close. I think they figured they'd just go out boldly after losing. When the show won, I keep imagining that they think, "Oh... it was really that good? Maybe we should have stayed...." Ah, oh well! Tour it is!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 1:46pm

Tony or not, Connick had prior commitments.

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 1:50pm

This is true. I just really believe that winning that Tony might have swayed some opinions about whether or not to stop. :)

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 1:52pm

I don't. They already received rave reviews and were totally sold out...it's not like the Tony would have given them something they already didn't have.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 1:57pm

I've never agreed with you more Munk.

All of the Monday night quarterbacking have virtually mentioned that the likelihood is that the Tony voters, especially the regional ones who are looking for a strong tour, voted for Game.

"The best revival is the one that can appeal to all."

I disagree...it is the one that is the best.

Todd

[junglered]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 2:10pm

I loved both "The Pajama Game" and "Sweeney Todd". They were both excellent revivals, but clearly are apples and oranges. The Tony voters went with their favorite for "Best Revival". "The Pajama Game" with Harry and Kelli was a wonderful, feel good show. If performers of their caliber are not available in the Fall, maybe the show should not re-open. If great replacements can be found, I think the show could still play to sell-out audiences. I think "The Pajama Game" will do quite well as a touring show as Kathleen Marshall has shined up this chestnut to give it mass appeal. I thought that the revival of "Sweeney" was incredible and was amazed by the talent in the cast. I do not think that "Sweeney" would tour well. It's audience is much more limited than "The Pajama Game".