"Is that true? Are you saying that's a Tony eligibility rule? I guess I can't think of a case when a show has been revived less than three years from the original, or even another revival, but it surprises me that they'd have a rule like that. It seems more just like common sense, that producers SHOULDN'T revive a show a year after the original. Theoretically, if some other producer foolishly decided they wanted to do a revival of The Last Ship this fall with new direction, design, etc. wouldn't that be considered an eligible revival? "
In the unlikely event that something like you described happened with The Last Ship (or any show), the producers could always petition to be considered. But, that's such a far-fetched scenario to imagine any producers picking up the rights and re-opening an entirely new production in such a short time span that there's no reason to even address it until it happens.
I've assumed the rule regarding how much time has to pass between closing of one production and the opening of the revival was put in place to deal with tours that are doing "return engagements" (Hair and Fela!, for two recent examples), and shows that close for a short period to do a major re-tooling and overhaul of the show and then re-open in the same season they close (there were rumors that the producers of The Scarlet Pimpernel wanted to be considered as a revival when they closed at the Minskoff in May of 1999 and then re-opened that fall at the Neil Simon).
Not sure how I feel about this- It is a great score, one of the best contemporary scores IMO, but it still feels too recent revive it. But her, if the production is great and has something new and innovative to bring to the piece, then I'm all for it.
I'd be really interested to see a revival. I loved the score, and adored the UK tour version of the musical. However, I hated the original Broadway production. I felt the overly stylised presentation betrayed the brutal honesty of the show's protagonists.
"I've assumed the rule regarding how much time has to pass between closing of one production and the opening of the revival was put in place to deal with tours that are doing "return engagements" (Hair and Fela!, for two recent examples)"
But those "return engagements" (like Hair, Fela!, Christmas Story, Elf, etc.) were the exact same production that had just played on Broadway, so they wouldn't have been eligible for best revival regardless of the time gap. Cabaret was ineligible for best revival last year for the same reason.
The understand that the scenario I proposed regarding The Last Ship was wildly improbable, but that was my point. If that hypothetical situation WERE to come to pass, I still don't see how there could be grounds to disqualify if it truly were a DIFFERENT production of the show.
Still, I have to say I find it very odd that it WAS eligible. Why would it be eligible for Best Revival if the staging, direction, design, etc. was all the same as it was before?
JBroadway, because replication (or not) is not a part of the definition of an eligible revival. Note that there is no award for revival of a performance, set, costumes etc. Just for revival of a show.
The "Cabaret" decision was a bit of an outlier, that situation presents itself only rarely. Roundabout wanted it eligible, and the argument I believe, was that there was precedent with a previous revival of "A Chorus Line" using the same design/choreo/etc as the original and being eligible. Honestly, I think they just said yes b/c they assumed it had an extremely small chance of getting in to the category (given the # of musical revivals, a fourth nominee could only get in as a result of a tie, and its competitors were all well liked and going to get votes).
The only thing different about it was the performances. Which were eligible, except for Alan (interesting note: if Cumming had lost his original acting bid as the Emcee, he would have been eligible for a second nomination for the role).
MayAudra, you are imagining the process. There was no "they" involved: the show was manifestly eligible for best revival and there was no deliberation. Indeed, were there adecision in violation of the rules, it would have been actionable.
I'll totally acknowledge that you're correct about the rules of eligibility. At this point I'm disagreeing with the principal of the thing. To me it's silly that productions with the same direction, design, etc. could be allowed to be eligible for best revival more than once. To me, that's on par with allowing a still-running show to be eligible for the Tonys again. Like if next year they randomly decided to consider Chicago eligible for best revival again. Obviously I know it's not LITERALLY the same thing, since the Tonys go off of opening dates when they consider season eligibility, but from an awards-giving perspective, what's the difference? In both cases they'd be allowing a production which has already had its shot at the award, to be nominated again.
"(interesting note: if Cumming had lost his original acting bid as the Emcee, he would have been eligible for a second nomination for the role)."
Is this true? I always thought once a performer is nominated for a Tony, they aren't again eligible to be nominated for the same role in a 'return engagement' of the same production. The only example I can think of to back this up might be Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan; she was nominated the first time she played the role on Broadway, but not in either of the three return Broadway engagements (though the production itself was nominated twice for Best Revival)
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
"I know from an insider friend. The contracts will be signed very soon"
Is that the same insider friend that told you that the Lyric Opera production of Carousel was definitely transferring this fall?
Whilethismaybetrue, no announcement has been made. There is only sepculstion. Besides, you are the biggest liar here. Nobody will ever believe you. Why don't you try sticking to posting known facts for a while. Try building up a little credibility before before posting hearsay.
But in this case announcements have been made, the casting call is out, they are having auditions, they are rehearsing in August and a Theatre will be named very soon.
"But in this case announcements have been made, the casting call is out, they are having auditions, they are rehearsing in August and a Theatre will be named very soon."
And as the saying goes (updated for inflation) that and $2.75 will get you on the subway.
And by the way, no "announcements have been made." It doesn't cost much to put up a casting notice. We should have a better idea within 48 hours, because they either do, or do not,have a theatre, and either will or will not announce it in the ext couple of days.
A million times UGH. I also thought it was too soon for a Color Purple revival, but at least I can tolerate that show. I have zero love for Spring Awakening- but I do feel that this production would be more suited to off-Broadway, a la Avenue Q or RENT.