SIDE SHOW To Replace BULLETS At The St. James? — Page 2

"This is not the little, precious, chamber musical Side Show that previously flopped on Broadway."

I don't know what show you saw in 1997, but the Side Show I saw was definitely not little, precious, nor chamber. It was large, dark, sometimes fun, and more often banal and maudlin. It had a cast of more than 20, and what counts as a full Broadway orchestra these days (actually larger than we get in 2014).

Its problem was that the writers couldn't settle on a tone - was it a dark Cabaret-style bit of expressionism? Was it a flashy showbiz story? Or was it a lowbrow and generic exploration of "feelings," showing that, despite extreme physical differences, we're all really the same (a Hallmark sentiment that gets the tourists almost every time - but not this time).

Maybe they've decided on what they're saying this time at bat. But there's no precedent to lead us to believe that a flop this big will hit the second time around.

Stranger things have happened but my gut feeling is that this show will not proceed on to Broadway. Unless they do some stunt casting... would love to see Candy and Liz take a stab at it.

In terms of musicals, only three revivals have been officially confirmed so far (On the Town, On the Twentieth Century, The King & I), with several other possibilities (Dames at Sea, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Side Show, etc.).

I think if Rebecca taught us anything it's that nothing is "for sure happening" until it actually happens.

just got off the phone with a friend from Philadelphia who saw the original and this revival. He was a fan of the original and is now raving about this revival. He would not tell me anything more because I am seeing the show this coming Saturday. He is certain though that since I loved the original I will really like this revival.

I loved the original, and thought the revival was brilliant and much improved. I suspect it's suffering from the same problem the original did - the marketing challenge. Yes, it's gotten great reviews, and yes it's something theater people are eager to see (and should!), but beyond that it's still a hard sell, as evidenced by slow ticket sales in DC. I'd love to see someone take a chance on transferring it, but a fall opening at the St. James sounds like certain death.

I think dreaming's comment is right on. Is it even a possibility for the Roundabout or another subscriber-based company to take it? I don't know how they operate in terms of picking up works developed elsewhere.

Well it would die a quick death there. If Follies can't make money, I don't know how they expect this to work. It's a cult musical at best.

Seriously thought this version of SS was so much better. That being said there were some clunker moments and I still think cutting Tunnel of Love was sad (even if what they do now fits) -- I hate to say that I doubt it will go on to NYC.

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I think putting it in the St. James is a huge mistake. That theater is a barn. The producer needs serious guidance here. BAD MOVE.

Great move to put it in the cavernvous St James, the show should make it to January 03rd.

So Bullets and Side Show another 2 flops for the St James!

Wonder what will go into the Palace and Marquis?

Updated On: 7/10/14 at 04:31 PM

Looking at Pippin's box office numbers, is it possible that the Music Box might be open by spring?

I think a smaller theater could serve the musical better than a larger one like the St. James.

I agree, Up in One. The St. James is extremely intimate for its size. I think it is the best theatre on Broadway that seats more than 1,500 people.

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Updated On: 7/11/14 at 12:49 AM