Reading of New Sondheim Musical with Nathan Lane and Bernadette Peters — Page 5

g.d.e.l.g.i. said: "A separate source entirely, another reporter who would be in the know (with some digging),had simply this to say when I asked them: "I'm hearing reports of three different projects at various states right now, so truly I do not know which is titled Square One. If he doesn'tclarify in the next couple of weeks I'll shake him down to save my own sanity."

Well, the good news hidden in the confusion is that, with three different projects in varying states of completion, he is far from done, and -- even posthumously -- this sure ain't his last."

I was going to say, it increasingly sounds like there is more than one project. The project Nathan and Bernadette did doesn't sound like Bunuel since that has a larger cast in earlier readings...and wouldn't The Public presumably be producing such a reading if it was?

But that letter saying they're back at work on it has me thrilled. To think we may get two more shows is incredible.

BJR said: "g.d.e.l.g.i. said: "A separate source entirely, another reporter who would be in the know (with some digging),had simply this to say when I asked them: "I'm hearing reports of three different projects at various states right now, so truly I do not know which is titled Square One. If he doesn'tclarify in the next couple of weeks I'll shake him down to save my own sanity."

Well, the good news hidden in the confusion is that, with three different projects in varying states of completion, he is far from done, and -- even posthumously -- this sure ain't his last."

I was going to say, it increasingly sounds like there is more than one project. The project Nathan and Bernadette did doesn't sound like Bunuel since that has a larger cast in earlier readings...and wouldn't The Public presumably be producing such a reading if it was?

But that letter saying they're back at work on it has me thrilled. To think we may get two more shows is incredible."

This fills me with the opposite of confidence. Multiple projects means scattered attention and seemingly no strong commitment to any of them. As LJ points out, Sondheim writes very slowly. And at his age, it's quite possible that, posthumously, all these works will still be unfinished.

If the one that recently had a reading has more financial backing, that could mean he's focusing on it and it will be seen through to completion, but who knows what the chance of that is? Road Show/Bounce (/Wise Guys/Gold!) seems to indicate that those who produce Broadway musicals no longer wish to produce new Sondheim. 

Updated On: 9/17/21 at 10:30 PM

A Director said: "Why are people convinced Nathan Lane and Bernadette Peters were the ONLY actors who were part of the reading?"

I was thinking this as well. While the show about the couple would make sense for them, I am sure there’s roles for them in the Buñuel. 

This is probably still the musical inspired by Bunuel's work. Square One is a title that works for a film based on Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, which is a film that often finds it's characters running around in circles. Nathan Lane and Bernadette Peters would also fit the Bunuel types that appear in Discreet Charm and The Exterminating Angel. I also didn't get the impression that the reading was just Lane and Peters and it seems like this will no longer be premiering Off Broadway first. Sounds like it has financial backing for a Broadway opening.

Could it be possible that the reports that the Bunuel project was completely dead were incorrect and it was only dead at The Public?

Updated On: 9/18/21 at 02:24 PM

Georgeanddot2 said: " it seems like this will no longer be premiering Off Broadway first. Sounds like it has financial backing for a Broadway opening.

Could it be possible that the reports that the Bunuel project was completely dead were incorrect and it was only dead at The Public?"

Nothing appears or seems or sounds like anything beyond what has been said (in contradistinction to guessed). There is zero indication it will not premiere off-B (nor would that be inconsistent with having financial backing {of which there is no mention anywhere} nor is there any indication that it was ever "completely dead" {what does that even mean?} or that it was only dead at the Public {including that it would not go forward at the Public if/when it is ready to go forward. Let's try to separate facts from guesses and, above all, be patient. 

Only trying to have some fun:

 

Updated On: 9/19/21 at 06:27 AM

binau said: "RippedMan said: "I still wish we got a good "Bounce" production. I think it's a solid show but just never seemed to gel."

hahaha really? The show has had public productions by 3 highly respected (sometimes legendary) directors: Sam Mendes, Hal Prince, John Doyle. They even tried a reading (apparently directed by Eric S) withBernadette Petersherself involved. I honestly believe if there was any "Gold" in the show these people would have found it. Otherwise, keep trying to revive this dead horse feels a little like a "Waste" at this stage."

I agree, we need to be done with this show for now. Road Show has a lovely score with several true Sondheim gems, but the overall book isn’t strong and the characters are hard to relate to or care about. It was quite exciting to hear the score received well by audiences in the recent Encores! staging.

I think what excites me about about the Buñuel piece the most is that the plot of both films is pure Sondheim material, it’s right up his alley. It seems much more fitting than the show about the couple.  

If anyone is curious what Nathan Lane and Bernadette sound like together(ish):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgh2MI6s0P8