Riedel on vultures circling ‘Great Comet’ — Page 14

"So, why the hell shut down the show?"

Because there is no advance and the current sales are insufficient to avoid losses. Would you be willing to lose a six figure number each week to keep it open? No? I didn't think so. It is not surprising that yesterday's shows were well attended but this is no Indecent. Have a look at the grosses on Monday, past and next. It's the reality check you are missing.

dramamama611 said: "I wonder if they are getting pressure from the Imperial? Especially since the advance is so low (mostly due to nothing being announced - pre the Oak fiasco - about a new Pierre) even though they sell a great amount of day of sales.



How long do you suspect it will take them to retore the theater to its "normal" proscenium state? "

Gentle pressure perhaps. I am told that none of the alterations are as difficult to un-do as they appear. The biggest project is unbolting and rebolting seats, and judging by full replacements in other theatres, that's basically 1 week (so let's call it 2).

HogansHero said: "dramamama611 said: "I wonder if they are getting pressure from the Imperial? Especially since the advance is so low (mostly due to nothing being announced - pre the Oak fiasco - about a new Pierre) even though they sell a great amount of day of sales.



How long do you suspect it will take them to retore the theater to its "normal" proscenium state? "

Gentle pressure perhaps. I am told that none of the alterations are as difficult to un-do as they appear. The biggest project is unbolting and rebolting seats, and judging by full replacements in other theatres, that's basically 1 week (so let's call it 2)."

For the theater itself, I think the fixes are not minimal. but not great.

• The stage can be dismantled
• The stairs removed (I presume this was done with an eye for removal)
• The walkways are over seat locations (same presumption)
• The walls are just hung with red cloth and paintings
• Replace chairs

Interestingly, the entrance hall changes may be more work unless that's just wallboard mounted over the existing walls.....

JustAnotherNewYorker said: "Interestingly, the entrance hall changes may be more work unless that's just wallboard mounted over the existing walls...."

I wondered about that the first time I stepped into the Imperial box office lobby after having previously been there for the revival of Les Miserables. I was stunned by what they'd done to the formerly ornate decor; surely it must still be there, but covered up - right?

schubox said: "Lot666 said: "JustAnotherNewYorker said: "Interestingly, the entrance hall changes may be more work unless that's just wallboard mounted over the existing walls...."

I wondered about that the first time I stepped into the Imperial box office lobby after having previously been there for the revival of Les Miserables. I was stunned by what they'd done to the formerly ornate decor; surely it must still be there, but covered up - right?"

It honestly looks like they just painted sheets of press board and put them on a frame in front of the existing walls"

That's what I'm thinking; I can't imagine the house would've actually let them remove the original decor!

^ Pierre is just a smaller role. Natasha and Anatole are much bigger roles with bigger parts in songs. Say if a typical Groban Mom walked into the show without an inch of understanding, she would think Pierre would spend a large chunk of the show... involved I guess? But he's not really doing much for a long time. I could see a Dove Cameron-esque actress (decently large following, musically involved) take on Natasha for a bit. That would up ticket sales (not by much, but it's something).

Lot666 said: "schubox said: "Lot666 said: "JustAnotherNewYorker said: "Interestingly, the entrance hall changes may be more work unless that's just wallboard mounted over the existing walls...."

I wondered about that the first time I stepped into the Imperial box office lobby after having previously been there for the revival of Les Miserables. I was stunned by what they'd done to the formerly ornate decor; surely it must still be there, but covered up - right?"

It honestly looks like they just painted sheets of press board and put them on a frame in front of the existing walls"

That's what I'm thinking; I can't imagine the house would've actually let them remove the original decor!"

I'm pretty certain it's all just covered up, including a drop ceiling of sorts for grating over lights IIRC. The paint or glue smell was still slightly evident the second day of previews.

They did take out the coat room to build the backstage access, I imagine that was the only true change.

Updated On: 8/10/17 at 03:48 PM

Kelsey Bell who played Mary must've been put out to pasture like Brittain. I asked staff where she was b/c Courtney Bassett played her slot. They said "she was on vacation" with a eye rolling. Guess she got the Brittain treatment too.

Stangland is very good. He played the role exclusively at the ART.

Bisous3 said, "There's pressure on him in a way to use this opportunity to bring attention to the racism/lack of diversity on Broadway in general."

Agree that diversity needs attention, but throwing all those diverse actors on the street with a show closing does not accomplish the goal. You don't burn down the house if you don't like the wallpaper.

Keep the show going and praise the variety of performers. Oak had a the chance to be a hero by welcoming Mandy. Sounds like it was an Oak v management tussle, which could make him want to walk and take the "so there attitude."

I would've preferred Oak to be Oak rather than a weeping willow on this matter.

Gelsey's leave from the show was planned and expected. She's doing work on some other projects in Japan. Courtney Bassett is the first understudy for a Mary, so it makes sense that move into the role for a planned amount of time--roughly a month in this case.

People are mistakenly thinking this is another instance of one actor being replaced by another, but it's not.

JustAnotherNYorker said, "Interestingly, the entrance hall changes may be more work unless that's just wallboard mounted over the existing walls....."

It looks like cement back board which is commonly used in bathroom remodels b/c it's waterproof unlike drywall. It's also great on floors prior to tiling the floor and walls. It's usually screwed in. For that matter, they could probably just finish over it. Takes a beating better than drywall.