Oh, the show is bad as is the score. But if there’s one thing I’m going to let happen, it’s let Idina come back with misguided projects every 10 years and enjoy It regardless.
Chorus Member Joined: 5/2/08
I couldn’t agree more. Without a new score/ composer, this will be a curiosity that will quickly fade. We came out whistling the set design but nothing else.
Jumpin_J said: "RippedMan said: "I mean can’t they just redesign be set for any space? I don’t think that dictates which theater too much. I think they think Mendel will sell tickets. Which has proven to do."
Proven? Citations needed. "If/Then" flopped and the play "Skin Tight" at the Roundabout bombed. In the words of Janet Jackson, what have you done for me lately?"
Skintight was off-Broadway, meaning there's no publicly available information about ticket sales one way or the other. She did the role in LA a year later, so it seems really unlikely she viewed the show as a bomb.
But regardless, how many tickets Menzel sells to a show where she doesn't sing, tells you nothing about how well a show will sell if she is singing. For example, Audra McDonald starring in Ohio State Murders didn't move the needle and it closed early. That has no bearing on McDonald in Gypsy being viewed as major event.
Well, that performance was a yawn
If I watched that Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performance in a vacuum, I'd have guessed Menzel is promoting a musical about animals escaping from the Bronx Zoo. Dancing tigers and rhinos don't scream Redwood forest.
Jonathan Cohen said: "If I watched thatMacy's Thanksgiving Day Paradeperformance in a vacuum, I'd have guessed Menzel is promoting a musical about animals escaping from the Bronx Zoo. Dancing tigers and rhinos don't scream Redwood forest."
The chances that a performer there to promote something has a float - of which there are finite and rarely changing (notable that the Bronx Zoo's was new this year, for their anniversary) - that matches the theme of the song they're performing are next to zero. Shucked got the Green Giant float which was a product of an obvious connection and a pre-existing marketing partnership and that's the only thing that comes to mind where a performer's float matched their song.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/19
Jonathan Cohen said: "If I watched thatMacy's Thanksgiving Day Paradeperformance in a vacuum, I'd have guessed Menzel is promoting a musical about animals escaping from the Bronx Zoo. Dancing tigers and rhinos don't scream Redwood forest."
Same thoughts. It was giving Madagascar
New to listen to:
New recording of "Great Escape"
"The Making of..."
Broadway Star Joined: 8/7/10
From the show’s Facebook page:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! In celebration of her return to the Nederlander Theatre, the home of the in-person Broadway Lottery, Idina Menzel will be on-hand to draw winners at a special #RedwoodMusical ticket lottery THIS FRIDAY!
LOTTERY DETAILS: Lottery entrants can enter their names for 1 or 2 tickets beginning at 9 am ET in-person at the Nederlander Theatre on Friday, December 6, 2024. All names must be entered by 10 am, at which time the drawing will begin. Those whose names are chosen can purchase up to two $20.00 tickets (cash or credit card) for Redwood's first preview on January 24, 2025. Entrants must be present at the time of the drawing to win tickets and must present a valid ID that matches the name submitted. Non-winners will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for preview performances at a special price, $55.00 for the mezzanine, $75.00 for the orchestra, that morning only.
A “sneak peek” event is going on today at the Nederlander for the press and influencers, like LEMPICKA did last year.
I have to imagine some footage will drop sooner or later.
Previews start in two weeks, where is the buzz on this show? The song is lovely but pretty generic. Has anyone seen much advertising for this?
Sutton Ross said: "Previews start in two weeks, where is the buzz on this show? The song is lovely but pretty generic. Has anyone seen much advertising for this?"
I see the commercial on TV regularly, as well as on Hulu. I even saw it during the Golden Globes. There are video ads running on the screens on the subway platforms; saw them yesterday. They were in the New York Times Fall Preview issue in November, and I expect they'll also be in the Spring Preview that comes out in Feb. They did a mailer. And I can't escape the ads on social media (but I am definitely in the target audience).
I haven't been in Times Square yet this year to see if they have any outdoor placements beyond the subway screens.
I’d imagine Idina will hit the talk shows once previews are underway. Wicked is having a massive moment so it could work out well for this show.
Reviews will be important, but it’s not a large cast. I imagine Idina’s name back on Broadway will sustain it at least until Tony nominations.
Stand-by Joined: 10/8/18
veronicamae said: "Sutton Ross said: "Previews start in two weeks, where is the buzz on this show? The song is lovely but pretty generic. Has anyone seen much advertising for this?"
I see the commercial on TV regularly, as well as on Hulu. I even saw it during the Golden Globes. There are video ads running on the screens on the subway platforms; saw them yesterday. They were in the New York Times Fall Preview issue in November, and I expect they'll also be in the Spring Preview that comes out in Feb. They did a mailer. And I can't escape the ads on social media (but I am definitely in the target audience).
I haven't been in Times Square yet this year to see if they have any outdoor placements beyond the subway screens."
That’s so interesting. Other than some subway ads, I haven’t seen anything. But then again I rarely watch anything on tv with commercials. On the other hand, I watch a lot of YouTube videos of musical theater performances and yet there haven't been any ads on my feed.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/20
I am debating whether or not I should buy tickets for this because I have gift cards from the holiday. Do you think this is going to be another Lempicka? I have never seen Idina on stage before and would live to see her life soon.
Voter said: "I am debating whether or not I should buy tickets for this because I have gift cards from the holiday. Do you think this is going to be another Lempicka? I have never seen Idina on stage before and would live to see her life soon."
I’m thinking it’ll be our next THE NOTEBOOK.
If no changes have been made, it is very saccharine with songs built to Menzel's strengths and a plot like a colander.
Voter said: "I am debating whether or not I should buy tickets for this because I have gift cards from the holiday. Do you think this is going to be another Lempicka? I have never seen Idina on stage before and would live to see her life soon."
I would imagine that the show has a good chance of lasting for the duration of Idina's contract. If/Then did exactly that, and it feelts like Idina is only a more recognizable name now. While she was riding the high of Frozen back then, she's still known for that, and has additional attention because of Wicked. Especially because this show seems like it's probably cheaper to keep running with a smaller cast, I'd be pretty surprised if they close before Idina wants to go.
RippedMan said: "I’d imagine Idina will hit the talk shows once previews are underway. Wicked is having a massive moment so it could work out well for this show."
It's funny because 'If/Then' was also VERY well timed with Frozen. Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe intentional scheduling to maximise publicity?
Swing Joined: 7/8/21
Updated On: 1/17/25 at 03:20 PM
Although I seem to recall a forest fire provides a major plot point in REDWOOD, I hope all those affected look to the musical as a parable of hope, strength, resilience, and healing in light of recent events in Los Angeles. (Redwood trees themselves are fire-resistant and can survive for thousands of years.)
Anyone have plans to be at the first previews this week?
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