Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
10086sunset
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/8/16
#1Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/16/18 at 9:45pm
https://nypost.com/2018/01/16/pretty-woman-hooker-gets-a-feminist-twist-on-broadway/
Couldn't they just leave well enough alone?
RippedMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
#2Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/16/18 at 10:00pmI feel like this will be a massive failure. But Mitchell at the helm has me, at least, interested. But does anyone want to see a hit 90s film on stage? No.
bwaylyric
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/22/03
#3Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/16/18 at 10:10pm
I can already hear the groans: “...but the movie was so much better.”
Updated On: 1/16/18 at 10:10 PM
BroadwayConcierge
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/24/15
#4Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/16/18 at 10:11pm
This is shaping up very well to be the first flop of the 2018-2019 season.
Tom5
Broadway Star Joined: 9/23/11
#5Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/16/18 at 10:24pm
J.F. Lawton will have to thread more than one needle. I don't envy him with what might be an impossible task given the story's premise in today's world. Then there is the not trivial matter of the quality of the lyrics and score. Lots of threading required there, too.
#6Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 7:58am
My best friend is a super-high-price escort to the stars, and she's talked to me repeatedly about the balance between being a feminist and being a sex worker; while I think there's a show there, I'm not sure it's "Pretty Woman."
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#7Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 9:16am
Because that, in itself, has no real bearing on the plot. It really doesn't matter if she's older - after all, even in the film, she's the one that took Vivian in and showed her the ropes.
As to the changes, I applaud the attempt. I find watching the film now is pretty cringe-worthy with its old fashioned tone - being nothing without a man. I do think they are only expanding on what DOES exist in the film. Vivian is more headstrong, more responsible than Kit, not involved in drugs, etc. Also, when he offers to set her up as a "kept woman", she turns him down and makes plans on her own future. If they can pull more of that out of her, I welcome the changes.
That being said, I'm not terribly keen on seeing this, but it might have moved a notch or two up the ladder with this info. (Maybe.)
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#8Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 9:53am
...the change they should've made is to have hired, y'know, at least one woman for the creative team.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#9Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 9:56am
Kad said: "...the change they should've made is to havehired, y'know, at least one woman for the creative team."
Accurate. Jesus Christ! (said in Diana Morales voice)
#10Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 10:06am
How nice, another score by songwriters with no theatre experience at all. I wonder if they'll find a Glen Kelly or a Stephen Oremus to try to turn their garage band ditties into something theatrical? (I did very much enjoy the Adams/Vallance songs of the 80s - as nondramatic pop tunes.)
#11Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 10:20amI was incredibly excited when this was announced as in development as I am a huge fan of the movie. I was even more excited when I heard Samantha Barks and Orfeh would be in it. I was excited hearing that Bryan Adams was working on it. This piece of information makes me very weary of what they're doing. I really hope it builds on the film's success and I hope that this recoups and is huge.
#12Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 10:33am
I'm asking myself the question the show's creators certainly should have asked each other by now:
Is there really a musical in this?
#13Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 10:46am
Based on familiarity with the Adams/Vallance songbook, I can see the leading lady's 11:00 number as such (imagine very loud volume and very high notes):
I'm a Pretty Woman
I'm a Pretty Woman
I'm a Pretty Woman, Pretty Woman, Pretty Woman
And I don't need no man
(No man, no man)
10086sunset
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/8/16
#14Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 10:56am
darquegk said: "My best friend is a super-high-price escort to the stars, and she's talked to me repeatedly about the balance between being a feminist and being a sex worker; while I think there's a show there, I'm not sure it's "Pretty Woman.""
Couldn't agree with this more.
Skimbleshanks2
Broadway Star Joined: 2/11/15
#15Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 11:03am
It's just crazy that PRETTY WOMAN is costing $15 million -- does it even have an advance yet? Are people buying tickets?? I just looked at a random Friday on TICKETMASTER and there were hundreds available ...
"See that poster on the wall? Rocky Marciano." - Andy Karl as Rocky in 'ROCKY'
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#16Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 11:16am
Kad said: "...the change they should've made is to havehired, y'know, at least one woman for the creative team.
"
Excellent point indeed. But of course, men know everything.
And if it has sold ANY tickets, it has an advance. They don't determine budget based on an advance as they don't have those funds....and won't for quite some time.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
John Adams
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/1/13
#17Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 11:44am
The success of the film had little (or nothing) to do with the story, direction, etc., but rather with the appeal of Julia Roberts at that time. Had it been cast differently, I doubt it would have had the same appeal for audiences.
The most memorable scene in the movie is Geer/Roberts' scene when he gives her the jewelry and snaps the jewelry box at her hand. Roberts appeal is that combination of vulnerability/naivete, yet still demonstrating intelligence and (in many of her other movies) courage.
Roberts' performance didn't demonstrate a woman who needed a man, but rather a woman who (underneath it all) was in charge of her choices, and CHOSE to be with a man - which is very different. Roberts' specific performance shouldn't be undervalued regarding why the movie was successful.
Since it would be nearly impossible to find an actress who could recapture what Roberts brought to the movie, a new version would HAVE to change the character elements for a better chance at success.
Skimbleshanks2
Broadway Star Joined: 2/11/15
#18Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 2:08pm
dramamama611 said: "And if it has sold ANY tickets, it has an advance. They don't determine budget based on an advance as they don't have those funds....and won't for quite some time."
Just crazy to see another $15 million+ show head to BROADWAY with not many tickets sold thus far -- reminds me a bit of GROUNDHOG DAY tbh!!
I'm sure BRYAN ADAMS will be visiting the show multiple times to try to get the fans in seats ... Oof...
"See that poster on the wall? Rocky Marciano." - Andy Karl as Rocky in 'ROCKY'
Dallas Theatre Fan
Stand-by Joined: 3/10/13
#19Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 8:58pm
Skimbleshanks2 said: "dramamama611 said: "And if it has sold ANY tickets, it has an advance. They don't determine budget based on an advance as they don't have those funds....and won't for quite some time."
Just crazy to see another $15 million+ show head to BROADWAY with not many tickets sold thus far -- reminds me a bit of GROUNDHOG DAY tbh!!
I'm sure BRYAN ADAMS will be visiting the show multiple times to try to get the fans in seats ... Oof..."
You forget that the show is opening in August which is eight months away. The advance will grow once it opens in Chicago and the reviews are out. I suggest you go to the shows tryout page and see the ticket sells for Chicago.
#20Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 9:14pm
In hindsight, the movie is completely disgusting. Of course as a teen, I loved it. As an adult, it's a heinous construct. If there was a ever a wrong time for this show, it's now, in the #metoo era. Will the audience be asked to stand up and dance at curtain to "Pretty Woman" and celebrate that a prostitute was saved. I can't even muster any enthusiasm for this. The fact that this masturbatory fantasia was written by white male (go figure) is even more vile.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
#21Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 9:24pm
I agree with Bettyboy. Whether she turns out to be a feminist or not, the show is still about prostitution. Many a show has failed because its basic plot does not appeal to a wide-ranging audience. I get the sense that this show will have a fairly limited appeal.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Tom5
Broadway Star Joined: 9/23/11
#22Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/17/18 at 9:58pm
Sweet Charity worked for among many, many reasons a great score and a sad ending. My best advice: No jokes.
Skimbleshanks2
Broadway Star Joined: 2/11/15
#23Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/18/18 at 5:44am
Dallas Theatre Fan said: "Skimbleshanks2 said: "dramamama611 said: "And if it has sold ANY tickets, it has an advance. They don't determine budget based on an advance as they don't have those funds....and won't for quite some time."
Just crazy to see another $15 million+ show head to BROADWAY with not many tickets sold thus far -- reminds me a bit of GROUNDHOG DAY tbh!!
I'm sure BRYAN ADAMS will be visiting the show multiple times to try to get the fans in seats ... Oof..."
You forget that the show is opening in August which is eight months away. The advance will grow once it opens in Chicago and the reviews are out. I suggest you go to the shows tryout page and see the ticket sells for Chicago."
I made the same observations about GROUNDHOG DAY last year and everyone said I was overreacting. And that show closed faster than ROCKY...
It’s a telling sign when tickets aren’t selling already... Just sayin’ ... but doubt at your own peril ...
"See that poster on the wall? Rocky Marciano." - Andy Karl as Rocky in 'ROCKY'
#24Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/18/18 at 6:21am
Kad said: "...the change they should've made is to havehired, y'know, at least one woman for the creative team.
"
I know they might as well call it “mansplaining” the musical
Dallas Theatre Fan
Stand-by Joined: 3/10/13
#25Riedel on Pretty Woman changes
Posted: 1/18/18 at 7:34am
Have any of y'all seen the poster for this show? It screams Billy Elliot.
I would post a picture of it but this website is fighting me tooth and nail to post it so, you can see it on the Broadway in Chicago website.
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