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Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

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#1

Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 3:46pm

I was lucky enough the other day to see a video from a very well known show in 1987, very early in previews, that was so drastically different from the version that existed on Opening Night and I was wondering what people thought (if you can remember) are some shows that changed during their previews.

I find it amazing personally, how so much can be cut from a "mediocre" show and than replaced with material to turn it into a work of art. Anyone else have examples?
#2

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 3:56pm

'13' changed a lot.
2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot
#3

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 4:21pm

I was going to say, 13 cut a whole act!
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent

"He's a tramp, but I love him."
#7

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 6:15pm

9 to 5 changed quite a few songs/scenes, though I don't know if that's considered "a lot" by others' standards.
Wicked Tour (2/26/08); Wicked Bway (7/1/08); HAIR (7/1/09); Rock of Ages (7/2/09); Wicked Bway (7/3/09); Mary Poppins Tour (8/2/09); Wicked Tour (11/18/09); Wicked Tour (12/5/09)

Updated On: 8/24/09 at 06:15 PM

#11

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 6:42pm

"Wicked" changed a lot too. Well, from the time it did it's pre-Broadway run in San Francisco to the time it opened on Broadway.

No. If you heard the soundboard from San Fran then you would know the only real differences were some dialogue (& lyrics) and Dillamond's funeral (Cut before the soundboard)

Updated On: 8/24/09 at 06:42 PM

#12

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 6:44pm

Aida changed BIG TIME!

"If we don't live happily ever after at least we survive until the end of the week!" -Kermit the frog "I need the money... it costs a lot to look this cheap!" -Dolly P. "Oh please, Over at 'Gypsy' Patti LuPone hasn't even alienated her first daughter yet!" Mary Testa in "Xanadu" "...Like a drunk Chita Rivera!" Robin de Jesus in "In the Heights"

"B*tch, I don't know your life." -Xanadu After that if he still doesn't understand why you were uncomfortable and are now infuriated, kick him again but this time with Jazz Hands!!! -KillerTofu
#13

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 7:14pm

In regards to "WICKED"...they replaced "Which Way to the Party?!" with "Dancing Through Life", cut out some minor things (Dilly funeral) and beefed up the role of Elphaba since audience members complained she didn't have enough stage time. I didn't get a chance to see it when it was pre-Broadway, but have been told it was a much different in tone then what made it to Broadway.
#14

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 7:24pm

^ It really wasn't that different at all. The changes were minor.

I think Jordan was wondering about shows that changed drastically during Broadway previews, not on try out runs.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
#15

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 7:29pm

"Impressionism" changed a lot during it's previews, I believe.
"There's nothing good on. The media hates Christmas. The media loves vampires, though. Maybe they will show a Twilight Christmas."
-Danmeg's 10 year old son.
#16

re: Shows that have changed the MOST from previews to their openings

Posted: 8/24/09 at 7:41pm

DOTV was a very different show before it ever hit American shores. To once again quote Jim Steinman, "It was so horrible, I disowned it. They turned a dark, brooding opera into a campy romp and then wondered why everyone hated it. The producers of the New York show were like the Bush government: they may have been everywhere, but they weren't aware of anything."
"There is no problem so big that it cannot be run away from." ~ Charles M. Schulz

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