Odd, I would think for Applause to work the script would need to have a hell of a lot more of All About Eve's wit, snap, crackle, pop and above all, sophistication - not less. Also having difficulty understanding how any version of Applause could be estranged from All About Eve - if it's not that story, what is it? Opening Night is a great movie but I don't see it as suggesting musicalization (maybe, though I doubt it, as an avant-garde opera, but that would hardly work with Applause's score as a foundation) let alone as a model for rewriting Applause.
And speaking of show biz musicals, agree with those who suggested City of Angels, a great funny show very much due for a revival. And if 20th Century is a success - hopeful! - then it may be very likely to happen.
Updated On: 1/4/15 at 11:13 AM