Posted: 8/22/24 at 12:25pm
While it’s not my cup of tea, I think this production will last longer (and be more acclaimed with critics and fans alike) than the 2017 revival.
Posted: 8/22/24 at 12:43pm
GiantsInTheSky2 said: "While it’s not my cup of tea, I think this production will last longer (and be more acclaimed withcritics and fans alike) thanthe 2017 revival."
That 2017 revival sold pretty damn well, but making money was always kind of a fool's journey because of the 40-piece orchestra and 26-person cast.
This has a 28-person cast and I believe the orchestra in London was in the 18-23 range. Slightly more manageable numbers. While Scherzinger is not inherently a draw in the way that Glenn Close was, it's coming in with massive acclaim. Sometimes that helps (Prima Facie, Matilda, Lehman, Ferryman), sometimes it does not (Groundhog Day).
If there is any hope of extending past June, replacing a performance of that level of acclaim with an actual star (not merely a Broadway person) will be tricky.
Posted: 8/22/24 at 1:02pm
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "While it’s not my cup of tea, I think this production will last longer (and be more acclaimed withcritics and fans alike) thanthe 2017 revival."
That 2017 revival sold pretty damn well, but making money was always kind of a fool's journey because of the 40-piece orchestra and 26-person cast.
This has a 28-person cast and I believe the orchestra in London was in the 18-23 range. Slightly more manageable numbers. While Scherzinger is not inherently a draw in the way that Glenn Close was, it's coming in with massive acclaim. Sometimes that helps (Prima Facie, Matilda, Lehman, Ferryman), sometimes it does not (Groundhog Day).
If there is any hope of extending past June, replacing a performance of that level of acclaim with an actual star (not merely a Broadway person) will be tricky."
Yeah if I remember correctly the 2017 revival =was consistently in the 90% seats sold ~$1m in grosses and did extend from the initial 12 weeks only thru to the end of June right after Opening Night... And on another forum they mentioned that Heather Headley was approached about stepping into it next year - will be interesting to see how this all comes together.
Posted: 8/22/24 at 2:06pm
Based on Heather’s voice in Into the Woods, that sounds like an absolutely spectacular inspired idea and probably is someone who would actually do it too.
Posted: 8/22/24 at 2:22pm
Nicole is featured in the September issue of vogue. There are posters starting to go up in the subway. Their social media is officially in full swing.
Vogue
Posted: 8/22/24 at 5:58pm
binau said: "Based on Heather’s voice in Into the Woods, that sounds like an absolutely spectacular inspired idea and probably is someone who would actually do it too."
I'm seeing this in Oct, but if Heather replaces next summer...OMG. I'd have to go back 🙏🏼🙌🏼
Posted: 8/23/24 at 2:08pm
Broadway Flash said: "There are posters starting to go up in the subway. Their social media is officially in full swing."
What do the posters look like though? The marketing isn't very compelling to me. With the black and white picture and red text it kind of just looks like Nicole is joining the cast of Chicago.
Posted: 8/23/24 at 2:36pm
It didn’t have Nicole’s picture on it. Just the red letters and black background. I feel like we’re seeing a lot of red in the posters these days probably because it captures people’s attention the most. Gypsy and a wonderful world has that same look too. I also noticed the understudy is some girl they’re bringing over from the Uk. She’s too young, and isn’t that what the alternate is for?
Updated On: 8/23/24 at 02:36 PM
Posted: 8/23/24 at 2:58pm
Broadway Flash said: "I also noticed the understudy is some girl they’re bringing over from the Uk. She’s too young, and isn’t that what the alternate is for?"
That basically means that Mandy will only go on with advance notice and will not fill in if, for example, Nicole calls out sick or gets injured mid-show or can't get to the theatre on time. It's not terribly common, but it means that Mandy does not have to be in the building if she's not scheduled to go on that night. (similar situation to Donna Murphy in Dolly)
Updated On: 8/23/24 at 02:58 PM
Posted: 8/23/24 at 3:12pm
The understudy is a girl named Emma Lloyd. She is from the uk. Does she have any relation to the director? She looks young, she just got married recently and is now here
Posted: 8/23/24 at 3:55pm
How many unscheduled absences did Nicole have in London?
Caroline Bowman would typically be in first-position to go on for Nicole in an unscheduled absence. That's the nature of a standby. So given the presence of her and Mandy, I'd be shocked if Emma Lloyd went on more than once or twice –– if ever. (If she even is an understudy; to reiterate, no official show channels list understudies.)
It's not uncommon to have an understudy who's a little wrong for the role but could fill in in a pinch.
It's also not unheard of to bring a couple of "ringer" ensemble folks over from London.
I'm sure everyone here would be grateful if you stop hyperfixating about this.
Updated On: 8/23/24 at 03:55 PM
Posted: 8/23/24 at 4:15pm
Hyper-fixating about what? This is the first time I’ve mentioned this, you must be confusing me with other posters here who keep talking about the alternate and standby, and now me mentioning the understudy
Updated On: 8/23/24 at 04:15 PM
Posted: 8/23/24 at 5:14pm
[Sorry, I had second thoughts about my level of snark! Please delete if possible.]
Updated On: 8/23/24 at 05:14 PM
Posted: 8/23/24 at 5:35pm
Nicole missed three shows in London. The absences were announced around a week in advance and as such, Rachel Tucker (the alternate) went on for those shows.
Nicole never called out sick on the day.
It was my understanding in London that if Nicole was out, the alternate (Rachel and Broadway’s case, Mandy) had first refusal.
Though obviously if Nicole called out sick with an hour before showtime, the standby would be much more likely as the alternates aren’t hanging around near the theatre.
Nicole’s London standby (who was not Emma Lloyd) never performed in the role. Emma was only in the ensemble and I guess it’ll be the same in New York. Nicole’s London standby was Laura Harrison.
Updated On: 8/23/24 at 05:35 PM
Posted: 8/24/24 at 2:42pm
Actually, it was Lara Denning who was the Norma standby. Laura Harrison was the understudy.
Posted: 8/24/24 at 2:45pm
While I have not enjoyed Jamie Lloyd's previous work (Betrayal and A Doll's House), and am not 100% sold on his approach to Sunset Boulevard, I AM definitely excited to hear this score again. I also can't wait to see Nicole Scherzinger.
Posted: 8/25/24 at 12:21pm
This video from a few days ago (‘episode 1’) is kind of funny, I’m sorry. They keep trying to push this narrative that Nicole was pushed aside in the same way Norma Desmond was, and how similar their trajectories are, when that’s a strange revisionist history. Nicole’s been making millions off her name and talent since The Pussycat Dolls disbanded, despite never launching the solo Pop Star career she wanted. She’s been consistently working her whole adult life, with high-profile projects and very well-paid. It’s interesting that she puts so much emphasis on her Broadway debut as if it’s some long lost dream, when she had an opportunity with Cats almost a decade ago and things (allegedly) fell out due to contract negotiations.
Her doing a whole monologue about, “there’s no ego, no vanity, I literally cut myself open and turn myself inside every night for them…you don’t care what you look like, what you sound like, how insecure you look” is truly AMC commercial worthy. Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this.
All this to say: I can’t wait for September 28th.
Posted: 8/25/24 at 11:24pm
I disagree.I think there are some similarities, Going from girl band to girl band, then fronting the Pussycat dolls and having great success, but then trying to launch a solo career, and it failing miserably No one was interested and then seeing her getting moved aside or overlooked in favour of the younger artists coming through.
Yes she's made a nice living from the tv shows she does now, but it's not like she's doing what she really wants to be doing.
Hey, if it had been around, even Norma Desmond would have gone on Hollywood Squares!
Posted: 8/26/24 at 12:41am
But is that because of her age, or because she was never gangbusters famous? I mean, she was never Adele or Taylor Swift levels of fame here. Beyonce is only four years younger than her. Madonna is still a superstar well into her 60s and packing them in. The pu$$ycat dolls only had one major album and were the opening act for Britney Spears on tour, I don’t think they ever had their own stadium tour the way some of these other pop stars can fill.
Updated On: 8/26/24 at 12:41 AM
Posted: 8/26/24 at 7:39am
I think this is the whole point. Despite her apparent talent she never really made it big. I also think we of all people should respect someone that recognises performing on Broadway is a career privilege and means something. Even myself - you can go and look at the thread. I responded to the idea of her in this show as practically rolling my eyes asking why? She just doesn’t really have the public respect for her talent (yet). Well, I was wrong. And the subtext of this whole thing comes through so strongly in the show and especially ‘As if we never said goodbye’. I don’t think I’d rule out Nicole’s chances for the Tony yet. All it’ll take is a little bit of whining from people that Audra’s voice isn’t a perfect fit for Rose and then the race is on (but Nicole and likely Audra don’t need Tonys to justify their talent. I’ve been through too much disappointment of the years now to realise that while they do mean something, a Tony doesn’t mean EVERYTHING).
The best actress award is so competitive this season I bet we will find a number of them could have won individually in a weaker season.
Posted: 8/26/24 at 9:33am
I can already tell you who will be nominated. Nicole, Audra, Idina, Sutton, and Katie Brayben. Possibly the leading lady from Betty Boop sneaks in there.
Posted: 8/26/24 at 11:38am
I am looking to purchase a pair of tickets as a gift for friends. I have an option of Orch C 1-3 or C 2-4. I've never been this close to the stage at the St James so not sure if the stage would be too high from these seats. Also with this show would you sit house left or right in these seats?
Thanks. :)
Posted: 8/26/24 at 4:00pm
Broadway Flash said: "I can already tell you who will be nominated. Nicole, Audra, Idina, Sutton, and Katie Brayben. Possibly the leading lady from Betty Boop sneaks in there."
100%!
Posted: 8/26/24 at 5:01pm
I'm not so convinced Sutton will be nominated. If next to normal does transfer, Caissie Levy will certainly be a contender.
