Scottsboro Boys: Farewell

[NYadgal]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 11:03am

I know there are a number of threads about this show, but wanted to start one that had nothing to do (directly) with the protests or rush or... I wanted to have a thread for us to share our thoughts on this show, and report on the final performances, if anyone is attending.

Just wanted to simply say that I'm so grateful to have seen this remarkable show. It's such a loss that it's closing too soon, and that Broadway audiences didn't embrace it soon enough.

Congratulations to the talented artistic team for this inspired and inspiring performance.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 11:16am

I really enjoyed this show when I saw it in New York, shocked because it is coming off so quickly, but no offence to The American people, but Americans do not like self criticism, that is why this show failed.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 11:48am

I don't think that's why it failed. I don't think they spend enough money on marketing nor did they give it ENOUGH time to find an audience as exemplified by closing before the new year.

however, Americans to have a tendancy (in droves) to go for "happy, happy, joy, joy" instead of having to {gasp} think.

That being said: I simply adored the show, found it to be stimulating, thought provoking, sad and heart breaking. I will always be sorry that my schedule wouldn't allow for a second viewing.

Thank you, Scottsboro Boys.

Updated On: 12/12/10 at 11:48 AM

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 12:17pm

Americans to have a tendency (in droves) to go for "happy, happy, joy, joy" instead of having to {gasp} think.

Certainly this is true of tourists, but New York used to have a core base of theatre enthusiasts who could keep a well-reviewed show going for at least 6 months, which would have gotten this and BBAJ through until the spring awards season. Sadly it seems that core group has diminished, because the past few seasons some truly fine productions that opened to enthusiastic press still were not attracting sufficient ticket-buyers.


IF the stories being circulated about SCOTTSBORO BOYS reopening in the spring are true it may prove the point, but how many shows have folded announcing they would be back at Tony time and never returned. But if ANY show deserves a second chance it is THIS show!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 12:37pm

I made a day trip up from DC yesterday with the encouragement of both NYadgal and WithoutaTrace. I'm so glad I did! Very rarely has a show made me speechless like The Scottsboro Boys. I was so choked up by the end, that just thinking about it on my train ride back to DC brought tears to my eyes.

Joshua Henry's powerful, riveting and heartbreaking performance will stay with me for a very long time.

What made me sad most of all is knowing that this actually took place. Very disturbing indeed.

I'm not the type of theatre-goer who needs "happy, happy, joy, joy" from a show all the time. I want to feel something, and Scottsboro Boys made me feel a lot of things.

There are a handful of shows that have packed an emotional wallop for me: the revival of Ragtime, The Light in the Piazza, the 1988 production of Our Town, and now, The Scottsboro Boys.

Thank you to all involved.

Updated On: 12/12/10 at 12:37 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 12:42pm

Oh, Dottie! I'm so glad you did. This epitomizes "art".

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 1:17pm

Agreed, dramamama. And, Dottie, I'm so glad you got to see the show. It's one that will stick with me forever and I'll keep my fingers crossed for a spring run just so more people can see it. Will anyone else be there tonight? I'll report back after the show!

[NYadgal]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 1:47pm

Yes, I'll be attending tonight.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 4:30pm

It will be missed

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 4:52pm

"Americans to have a tendency (in droves) to go for "happy, happy, joy, joy" instead of having to {gasp} think."

Well, Lord knows I love to do both. But this is really a travesty.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 4:56pm

Americans want instant gratification & life to be a Disney movie. The real world than takes over.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 4:59pm

Ain't it the truth, Mr. Roxy.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 5:02pm

Scottsboro is a casualty of what broadway has become. It needs to be a glitzy Vegas type show or if a straight play you need a big big big star or stars to succeed. Quality dramas & musicals have no place on Broadway with few exceptions. The people have spoken & they want FLUFF Mindless FLUFF. FLUFF has its place but just not everywhere.

[wonkit]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 5:04pm

My most heart-felt thanks to all of the performers and creatives who make this such an amazing, touching, thought-provoking experience. May they all have much success in the future.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 5:46pm

This closes and now we are talking about a musical of American Psycho.

The defense rests.

Updated On: 12/12/10 at 05:46 PM

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 5:50pm

I so, so wish I had gotten a chance to see this one. Really hoping that the spring engagement rumors are true.

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 5:52pm

I'll also be there tonight ......

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 7:41pm

I was there this afternoon and what a wonderful show! Kander was there and when he walked him, people applauded. Fabulous cast and the audience was extremely receptive. The protestors were outside and were mostly ignored. The cast got a standing ovation and rightly so. Brilliant sets, marvelous music; what a pity it is closing, but I am so happy I was there to be part of it.

[Ariella]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 8:10pm

Thank you, Scottsboro Boys. It's been amazing.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 11:14pm

I was there tonight and I have never been so emotional at a performance. Everyone in the cast was at their best and they seemed to really be cherishing every moment they had left with the show. In the opening when they sing "It's your final chance to meet the Scottsboro Boys," I got very sad. The show was wonderful all around. It was my fifth time seeing it and I have noticed even more each time concerning the brilliance of the direction and the performances.

John Kander was there tonight as well and he got a standing ovation when he walked in right before curtain. After the extended bows and standing ovation, one of the actors ran down and pulled Mr. Kander to the stage. The cast was then joined by Susan Stroman, David Thompson (I think), and it looked like stage management. They each had a glass of champagne for a toast (little Jeremy's was empty). John Kander toasted Fred Ebb and David Thompson toasted the real life Scottsboro Boys. The cast and creatives lingered on stage with each other as the audience exited. This show needed more time to build an audience and I hope that it has more of a chance to be seen, whether it be in the spring, on tour or regionally.

Thank you to all involved for taking a risk and allowing me to remember what theater can and should be.

[After Eight]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 11:25pm

"but Americans do not like self criticism, that is why this show failed."


Not trying to be a chauvinist here, but do you think the British like self-criticism? Or anyone, for that matter?

I don't feel that that's the sole reason the show failed. There are many reasons.


"Americans want instant gratification & life to be a Disney movie. The real world than takes over."


"Ain't it the truth, Mr. Roxy."


It ain't the truth. Otherwise, "Next to Normal" wouldn't have run over a year. Nor would a play like "Angels in America" and many others have been hits.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 12/12/10 at 11:38pm

Thank you, After Eight. The problem with generalizations is they are always wrong.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/13/10 at 12:07am

Next to Normal was always discounted and on TDF for quite a long time. It was never a hit like Wicked or Billy Elliott

It had a nice run but I will still stand by my statements. If you disagree fine.

Updated On: 12/13/10 at 12:07 AM

[chewy5000]

Posted: 12/13/10 at 12:08am

I was there this afternoon, the first show I have seen. I found it to be both extremely exciting and moving. Bravo to all involved.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 12/13/10 at 12:33am

Brian Stokes Mitchell was there at the show tonight. I wanted to say something to him as we walked out, but I was too much of a mess.