Riedel on Nerds — Page 3

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#51

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/25/16 at 4:39pm

Wilmingtom said: "I do understand that going into rehearsal or previews without your capitalization is not unusal. I still think it's bad producing."

You have every right to, and you may be right, but it is always good to remember that Broadway exists only because of crazy, delusional people.

#52

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/25/16 at 4:49pm

So true, Hogan, and I'm thankful for them.

#53

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/25/16 at 5:42pm

Well the whole thing materialized overnight. Which doesn't bode well. I mean, I wonder how rehearsals were. Did the director have blocking already done? Did the choreographer have weeks ahead of time to map things out? Etc.

#54

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/26/16 at 6:00pm

Nerds went out of town THREE times. Between the two Philly productions (the latter of which got some great reviews comparing it to The Book of Mormon), there was a production in North Carolina that was billed as pre-Broadway with a cast that included Leslie Kritzer and Diana DeGarmo. I attended the second Philly production. There were many Broadway producers there, including Jordan Roth. There was also a 29 hour reading that investors attended and a full on lab less than 2 years ago. Also, it was supposed to open on Broadway in 2008 directed by Jerry Zaks. Sadly, I don't think it will ever open now. Too bad. I loved the show.

#55

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/26/16 at 11:41pm

I shudder to ask but what's a "29 hour reading"?

(ETA I'm seriously asking. So if that was a typo of some kind, I mean no offense.)

Updated On: 3/26/16 at 11:41 PM

#56

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/26/16 at 11:49pm

The 29 Hour Reading is something producers devised because the AEA workshop contract is expensive and often gives the actors involved pay-out entitlements if they don't continue with the project. It's basically a mini-workshop in the form of a "staged reading", in which there can be no more than 29 rehearsal hours total.

Updated On: 3/26/16 at 11:49 PM

#57

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/26/16 at 11:52pm

GavestonPS said: "I shudder to ask but what's a "29 hour reading"?

(ETA I'm seriously asking. So if that was a typo of some kind, I mean no offense.)"

Further info on a 29-hour reading:
http://makemusicals.com/2011/07/sneak-peek-inside-a-musical-theatre-festival-29-hour-readings/

"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt

#58

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/27/16 at 12:09am

Got it, guys, thank you very much.

29 hours total for rehearsals and the performed reading. (And of course you're sending actors home with a tape of their songs so they are putting in extra time "off the books", if they choose, which they always do.)

That sounds very close to the time we used to have back in the 70s and 80s when such things were done without union involvement. (Which isn't to say I think a union rule is a bad idea. I'm sure there were abuses in the old days. It's better to have the time requirement defined in advance.)

#59

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/27/16 at 12:13am

HogansHero said: "Wilmingtom said: "I do understand that going into rehearsal or previews without your capitalization is not unusal. I still think it's bad producing."

You have every right to, and you may be right, but it is always good to remember that Broadway exists only because of crazy, delusional people.

Hogan scores again. "It is always good to remember that Broadway only exists because of crazy, delusional people." One of my favorite message board quotes ever. So true. And, as has already been said, God bless them for their insanity.

"

#60

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/27/16 at 12:25am

GavestonPS said: "I shudder to ask but what's a "29 hour reading"?

(ETA I'm seriously asking. So if that was a typo of some kind, I mean no offense.)

"

Another money quote. And I shall now always here this phrase as Gaveston clearly (and understandably) heard it, as a reading lasting 29 hours. I'm shuddering with you, Gaveston. (Although actual 29-hour readings, in my experience, are very exciting and fun. A lot of work for the performers, and a great education for the creators.)

#61

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/27/16 at 12:37am

Just sounds like a show that just wasn't meant to come to Broadway. Which is awful. They've obviously been working on it a ton and we'll never know if this was the production to make it a success. I'd love to see 54 Below pick it up and do a concert of it. Or hope they get a recording so regional theaters can pick it up.

#62

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/28/16 at 12:38am

^^^ I would pay $20 and 2 drinks for that. Is NERDS eligible for Encores if it never even opened or previewed? That can be their post mortem.

#63

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/28/16 at 1:18am

Just surprised there's still no recording for this show. I mean, we've got so many other shows that have been recorded and something like this seems like it might have an okay regional life.

#64

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/28/16 at 1:44am

Yeah, it seems like after 10 years they might record it to hope to license it.

"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."

#65

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/28/16 at 9:22am

Well, a cast recording requires money, which they clearly don't have.

#66

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/28/16 at 9:44am

"Is NERDS eligible for Encores if it never even opened or previewed?"

Now that gave me the best laugh of the month.

#67

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/28/16 at 10:37am

neonlightsxo said: "Well, a cast recording requires money, which they clearly don't have.

"

in many instances, the licensing agency acquiring a property will partially -- or fully -- fund a reference recording. that being said, i don't see what agency will be eager to get their hands on a property like this. not much name value and really NO major history or following...

#68

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/28/16 at 10:37am

RippedMan said: "Just sounds like a show that just wasn't meant to come to Broadway. Which is awful. They've obviously been working on it a ton and we'll never know if this was the production to make it a success. I'd love to see 54 Below pick it up and do a concert of it. Or hope they get a recording so regional theaters can pick it up. "

They did a 54 Below concert in 2014 with Wesley Taylor and Lauren Molina.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

#69

Riedel on Nerds

Posted: 3/28/16 at 10:53am

I would think they should just pick up whatever pieces they can and try to get another regional production of the show somewhere. It may never make it to Broadway, but I could see this being a title and subject matter small regional theaters, community theatre and colleges might might have some interest in.

Updated On: 3/28/16 at 10:53 AM

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