"I have one question: why?
This show should have died before it hit Broadway."
I believe the "why" is that, if I understand correctly, most of the backing comes from Carlebach's family, and those who believed in Carlebach's different take on Judaism, who want to keep his name alive.There is a tiny niche market out there for this, and they want to find it and spread the word. I doubt that they believe that they will ever recoup. I agree that the Broadway run was ill-advised.
"To quote another although more respected and produced flop; [Title of Show] the producers know if their [they're?] 9 musical directors' "favorite thing" they are more likely to be produced then 100 musical directors' 9th favorite musical."
The people behind the much-reviled [Title of Show], while certainly passionate about the show, were a little more business-savvy. They knew that if they made it to Broadway, they could license it as "Direct from Broadway. They already had a following and a recording, and they have since had a fair amount of success in regional theaters, colleges, community theaters, and even high schools. It has played as far away as New Zealand and Japan.
I didn't hate Soul Doctor as much as most seem to. Eric Anderson was excellent in the title role, and Amber Iman was an extraordinary Nina Simone. Carlebach did lead an interesting life. The is a story there, but I think the writers were too close to find it. The book was a mess.
As to Josh Young, who knows? Maybe he believes in the piece. Maybe he wants to go on the road. Maybe he wants to be a big fish in a small pond. Maybe he just needs a paycheck. This won't harm his career.
Updated On: 5/11/18 at 12:24 AM