Postponed Indefinitely: ROOM On Broadway - News & Discussion Thread — Page 4

Just based on the trailer link, it looks like the production might go inside Jack's mind, a la Curious Incident, so I could imagine some theatrical flourishes to open up the world outside the room.

Interesting tidbit in the NYT. Which could mean that they aim to call it a musical –– especially if that field continues to be quite thin from an awards standpoint, and if LEOPOLDSTADT continues to be the Best Play favorite.

“The producers have previously described ‘Room’ as a play with music, but as there has been considerable work done since the last production, they do not plan on making a definitive call on this until after the show is frozen, as is traditional for productions that could technically qualify for either category.”

In terms of marketing, it's probably better to call it a musical. How many songs were in the Canadian production? And how do they fit into the plot?

If the producers don't know if their show is a play or a musical maybe they shouldn't be bothering.

It will end up being a musical if they think it can take out Kimberly, and based on the reviews in Toronto it might be the only thing that could this season...also if they are hoping to tour the show marketing it as a musical has a bunch more benefits

pethian said: "In terms of awards consideration, is it solely the producers who decide whether it is a musical or a play with music? Could, for example, the Tonys decide differently and independently of the producer's decision and then could the Drams Desks arrive at a different verdict? Or is it whatever the producers say it is?"



as I understand it, the Tony committee has the final say. They tend to abide by the choices of producers, but not always. The closest point of comparison, I could think of, are the cases where some shows have tried to petition themselves as revivals, and gotten denied. That’s what happened with Shuffle Along, which was in no way shape or form an actual revival. It was just Scott Rudin, pulling his usual BS, as an attempt to avoid competing with Hamilton at the Tonys.

IIRC it was a similar situation with Nice Work If You Can Get It, as well as One Man Two Guvnors - both of which were VERY loose adaptations of stage shows. Again, these were clearly not revivals.

This situations feels different because, unless there are a TON of added songs, it’ll probably be more borderline/subjective. In which case it’s more likely that they’ll just go with whatever the producers decide.

But as the revival situations indicate, the Tonys TECHNICALLY make the final call.

I get it from a producing stand point, but, I already think this will be a tough sell and making it a musical.. I think people associate with a good time.. so I'm not sure I think that's the best way to go...

Full cast has just been announced:

"Joining Ms. Warren will be Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes (Hamilton, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations) as SuperJack, Tina Benko (The Rose Tattoo, The Crucible, "The Rehearsal" ) as Interviewer/Police Officer, Michael Genet (The Prom, Choir Boy, She Hate Me) as Grandpa/Doctor, Triney Sandoval (Bernhardt/Hamlet, Marvin's Room) as Old Nick, child actors Aiden Mekhi Sierra of New Jersey and Christopher Woodley of New York City alternating in the role of Little Jack, and three-time Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award nominee Kate Burton (The Constant Wife, Hedda Gabler, The Elephant Man, "Grey's Anatomy" ) as Grandma.

Alexis Gordon, who won a Dora Award for her performance as Ma in the North American premiere production of Room, will make her Broadway debut as understudy for the role of Ma. Anthony Chatmon II (Hadestown, Be More Chill) will understudy the role of SuperJack."

Updated On: 2/15/23 at 11:37 AM

It's interesting to see that the actress who originated the lead role in the North American productions will now be the understudy. Great for her to make her Bway debut and all, just not the usual trajectory I suppose.

EDSOSLO858 said: "Full cast has just been announced:

"Joining Ms. Warren will be Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes (Hamilton, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations) as SuperJack, Tina Benko (The Rose Tattoo, The Crucible, "The Rehearsal" ) as Interviewer/Police Officer, Michael Genet (The Prom, Choir Boy, She Hate Me) as Grandpa/Doctor, Triney Sandoval (Bernhardt/Hamlet, Marvin'sRoom) as Old Nick, child actors Aiden Mekhi Sierra of New Jersey and Christopher Woodley of New York City alternating in the role of Little Jack, and three-time Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award nominee Kate Burton (The Constant Wife, Hedda Gabler, The Elephant Man, "Grey's Anatomy" ) as Grandma.

Alexis Gordon, who won a Dora Award for her performance as Ma in the North American premiere production ofRoom, will make her Broadway debut as understudy for the role of Ma. Anthony Chatmon II (Hadestown, Be More Chill) will understudy the role of SuperJack.""



Having seen this in Toronto, I will say this is a very good cast. Also so happy to see Alexis Gordon make her Broadway debut!

The previously announced Broadway production of ROOM, which was set to begin previews in just a few weeks, has been postponed indefinitely. The reason for the postponement, according to a press release, is "due to a shortfall in capitalization and following the withdrawal of a Lead Producer."

The production, featuring songs and music by Scottish songwriters Kathryn Joseph and Cora Bissett, and directed by Ms. Bissett, was originally scheduled open on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, with previews beginning on April 3, 2023. Adrienne Warren was cast in the lead role of Ma.

"In the midst of our rehearsals we were informed by one of our Lead Producers that due to personal reasons, they did not intend to fulfill their obligations to the production. Since being notified, the rest of the producing team has exhausted all possible avenues to keep the show on track, but the narrow timeline and economic shortfall created by this series of events has proven to be insurmountable," said producer Hunter Arnold. "We are incredibly disappointed not to be able to open this remarkable production at this time and are especially heartbroken for our incredibly talented cast and creative team who were hard at work in the rehearsal room."

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadway-Production-of-ROOM-Has-Been-Postponed-Indefinitely-20230316?fbclid=IwAR0Pr8G05qEsyrFLP5ltktVQuR_t-QZVDaB8aJHP3Ger2efNLxMAmXLGA-U

Wow this is very unfortunate for everyone involved.
however, did we really need another musical or play with music or whatever they were calling it, adapted from a Hollywood movie? no!