Shows You Thought Would Flop That Ended Up Being A Success — Page 2

Gee... what a pal.

Agreed with Jeckyl--when even much of the fanbase is bitching about the current version of a show (nearly everyone prefering the original tour) yet it ran and ran...

"It was impossible for Piazza to flop, as it was a not-for-profit production. "

True in a sense but I think what others meant--and what I meant certainly was that we didn't expect it to be the relative hit it was--running solidly a little over year. It was a happy surprise.

E

Well just remember all the insiders who predicted AWAY WE GO (later OKLAHOMA!) would flop.

They all said ANNIE GET YOUR GUN was in serious trouble and never mind that pr stuff about a girder in the theatre breaking.

They were sure nobody could turn Shaw's PYGMALION into a successful musical.

And remember all those people who though a musical of Little Orphan Annie was the worst idea they ever heard.

Hey, if anyone could accurately predict a show's success they'd be rich overnight!

---

"...remember all those people who though a musical of Little Orphan Annie was the worst idea they ever heard"

Actually, I still think that I really don't understand the appeal...

Mamma Mia - I remember when it was just supposed to be a little 'filler' show at the Prince Edward for a few months in 1999. 8 years on and it's seen off most of its competitors.

Jersey Boys- I thought it would go the way that alot of the jukebox musicals have gone and would last a couple of months and then close.

The Drowsy Chaperone- I thought that since it was an original idea and wasn't based on a movie or book or used popular songs or had big names in the cast that it would have lasted a few months.

Wicked- The first time I saw it, I thought it was okay and then the second time I saw it, I was bored out of my mind. I almost fell asleep during it. I actually thought the big thing of that season when Wicked opened would've be Little Shop of Horrors since everyone knows it and the movie, but I was wrong.

Bump

---

I didn't necessarily think these shows would outright "flop" -- but I never predicted the amount of success they enjoyed.

I never in a million years thought that Mamma Mia! would be as internationally successful as it has been. I never realized that so many Americans still liked the music of ABBA that much to keep it going. I was also leery since the last Ulvaeus/Andersson show Chess flopped in NYC. I figured it would be a show that would be a hit in the U.K. but not be as popular in the USA. Oh..how I was wrong!

I never thought that the off-broadway transfers Spelling Bee, Urinetown, or Avenue Q would have been as successful as they have been -- or that they each would be Tony award winners.

Another show would be Aida. When it missed out on the Best Musical Tony nomination and wasn't able to perform on the telecast, I thought it was doomed.

---

I never thought that The Wedding Singer would last a month. Then I saw it, and hated it more.

Ave Q.

I didn't think it would "flop." But I didn't think it would have the staying power that it has had.

---

Lion King- I thought people wouldn't come thinking it was just a rehash of the movie or a glorified theme park show

The Producers- sort of the same, I also thought people would grow tired of Nathan Lane's schtick post-Birdcage

Avenue Q...I was almost positive.

---

It didn't recoup all its money is what you mean right? still it ran 1543 performances (I don't get how it oculdn't recoup with that many) which by nearlya nyone's definition gives it SOME element of success as much as I don't necesarily like it

Well, we got to stick to the established Variety definition of hit or flop - otherwise, we could find success in ANY production.
So, no, sorry the show, like all of Wildhorn musicals on Broadway, flopped.

---