Phantom searches for identity, disappoints, lacks, and turns stale- Page 2

[FiddleMeThis]

Posted: 7/14/16 at 9:58am

The lair set comes from the basement and requires a huge build out, including removing the actual stage and replacing it with a whole new deck. This show would close before it moves. 

[Dave13]

Posted: 7/14/16 at 10:01am

I haven't seen the show in years, but happen to have Thursday matinee tickets next week. Thought it would be fun to fill out a Broadway marathon with a Thursday matinee.  I will let you know my thoughts.  

[Fosse76]

Posted: 7/14/16 at 10:39am

Telegram Spam said:
"4. Notwithstanding the above, I do think that it won't be very much longer before the show needs to confront the choice of moving to a smaller theatre, or closing. (To return for a big 40th in 2028.) This past Sunday, there were many, many empty seats in the mezzanine and balcony. "

 

Phantom isn't even close to closing. While it doesn't sell out like it used to (and as you said, it was the Hamilton of its day), it still pulls in a significant number of tourists and sells-out often. Contrary to the many opinions in this thread, the Majestic is not too big for the show. And not to ignore your experience on Sunday (on a day when the show is typically dark), but so far this week every performance was mostly sold out. SO personal experiences are not the most persuasive argument.

 

"The Majestic is the crown jewel of the Shubert Organization, and is unquestionably lusted after by many of the shows eyeing Broadway in 2017 and 2018. Although the current weekly gross is hovering in the 80 percent range, it is nonetheless a waste of the Majestic. "

 

80% is not a number that launches discussions to close or transfer a show. Its a bit ridiculous to think that either Andrew Lloyd Webber or the Shuberts would look at Phantom's numbers and think it needs to close. And while I have no doubt that before Phantom the Majestic was in high demand, the Shubert and Broadhurst are currently the most in-demand Shubert houses (the Schoenfeld is high on the list as well). No current producers have ever considered putting a show into the Majestic. It is not nor will it be available. How is a show that frequently sells out and earns in excess of $1 million/week a "waste" of its theater?

 

"realize that there must be a strong temptation to cling to the theatre long enough for a 30th anniversary marketing blitz - and it looks like they have trimmed the size of the cast enough to operate a lean, mean, machine - "

To my limited knowledge, the show is operating with approximately the same number of cast members as when it opened. And if I recall correctly, it has one of the largest Broadway orchestras.

 

"but I really think the Shuberts should begin to work with the producers on a transfer to a new home. (There is certainly precedent for this. In 1987, "42nd Street" was the tenant at the Majestic. In order to win the New York production of Phantom for a Shubert house, the organization negotiated an exit deal with David Merrick. "42nd Street" moved across the street to the St. James...a Nederlander house! It's time for history to repeat itself with "Phantom...""

 

Phantom operates without a stop-clause, that's how badly the Shuberts wanted the show. Until Andrew Lloyd Webber says "close it", it's not going anywhere. Plus as was mentioned by someone else, Phantom can't simply transfer to another theater. Any theater would need extensive renovations to its stage and backstage areas as well as reinforcement in the ceiling to accommodate the chandelier. Let's not forget many theaters across the country were built with Phantom's specifications and older touring venues had extensive work done to bring in the tour. Why would anyone go through all that trouble?


If you've never seen the show, or if you haven't seen it in a long time, run to the Majestic and savor the "Hamilton" of 1988...before it's too late!"

 

Talk about hyperbole! Phantom is no closer to closing than Wicked or The Lion King.

Updated On: 7/14/16 at 10:39 AM

[castlestreet]

Posted: 7/14/16 at 10:52am

^ Game, set, match...

[devonian.t]

Posted: 7/14/16 at 11:54am

Some people seem to think shows should close just because they have grown bored with them and want something new.