Sunset Boulevard Revival Broadway Thread- Page 6

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 1:31pm

Brian said that, because of the concert nature of the set, it's not worth paying big bucks for.  Well, not if you're coming for the set I suppose.  I'm coming for the performance.

[Mike66]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 2:15pm

I'm very surprised by some of the comments "grading down" the show because of the set design.  The set design in London was clever, inventive, connected all of the characters perfectly well, and allowed a huge orchestra to be on stage providing wonderful sound.

I've seen lots of shows these last few years with less scenario, that got lots of praise and awards.  Just a few -- Once.  Color Purple.  Next to Normal.  Fiasco's Into the Woods.  The projections in DEH or Curious Incident.

Why all the displeasure with what Sunset is doing?  It cant be that it's "different from the original"

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 2:17pm

I'd go for the full orchestera. 

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 3:07pm

I think what people are resisting is the idea of seeing Glenn Close in a "concert" version of a musical with a ticket price nearly double that of the elaborate "full" production she played on Broadway before.

[Mike66]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 3:32pm

QueenAlice said: "I think what people are resisting is the idea of seeing Glenn Close in a "concert" version of a musical with a ticket price nearly double that of the elaborate "full" production she played on Broadway before.

Fair enough.  But it's not a concert version.  At least not if they are presenting what they did in London.  It's a staging that explains everything.  Not like Les Mis where everyone just stood up and sang.  All of the pieces are there.

One very clever thing they did, which I really liked was that for the car chases they had actors holding 2 "car lights" in their hands and moving across the stage and up and down the staircase -- it was a very clever way to show a chase scene without having actual cars.

As to the prices -- all of the shows have gotten very expensive.  We saw (and loved) Oh Hello on Saturday with dicounted TKTS -- and paid $120 each.   For an hour and a half.  Um, Oh Hello -- indeed.

 

 

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 3:38pm

Mike - I don't disagree with you - but I think its a perceptual thing.  What made the event a hit in London was that British audiences hadn't had an opportunity to see Ms. Close in the role before, and it didn't matter that it was a stripped down physical production because her presence was enough. But American audiences already had a chance to see Close in the role - so to have her come back in a scaled down staging but at top dollar pricing is clearly giving ticket buyers some pause.  

I think they should have just done this as a week long concert at City Center - a la SUNDAY IN THE PARK, where it would have sold out and perhaps become enough of an event to move it to Broadway again.

[Mike66]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 3:44pm

I think they should have just done this as a week long concert at City Center - a la SUNDAY IN THE PARK, where it would have sold out and perhaps become enough of an event to move it to Broadway again.

 

Totally agree with this.

I thought she was great in the role.  Better than I had expected going in.  But it's a lot of money. And I suspect it's all on name recognition for non-theatre patrons.

And considering what folks paid to see Pacino stink up the place not very long ago, it's hard to blame the producers for trying...

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 5:17pm

For 2/2 - 3/9

Code: MAIL

Ticketmaster.com

Orch $109

Mezz $69

[chernjam]

Posted: 1/10/17 at 6:23pm

Mike66 said: "
I think they should have just done this as a week long concert at City Center - a la SUNDAY IN THE PARK, where it would have sold out and perhaps become enough of an event to move it to Broadway again.

 That's a good point... Part of the reason though they went this way, I believe, was that he Palace was going to be vacant from now until June when they wanted to start renovations on the theatre.  And after the success in London, I think they thought it would be an easy sell.

 

I still think once we get to opening night, ticket sales will be fine.  Perhaps not sell out - Hamilton-Wicked-Lion King grosses - but a respectable run 

[broadwayboy222]

Posted: 1/17/17 at 7:38pm

Just got some pictures of the Marquee from a family member who's currently in the city and still can't believe that everything looks pretty complete, however The Illusionists billboard is still in the Palace's spot. What are they thinking?? With ticket sales so low, why wouldn't they want to take advantage of the prime Times Square spot?? Let's hope it goes up soon..... 

[evic]

Posted: 1/17/17 at 8:39pm

I think this run will be a big disappointment.  It was successful in London because they never saw Glenn in the role.  Word is out that it is a concert version meaning no big sets and people don't want to pay exhorbitant prices for a concert....unless it is at Encores.  And opening in the dead of winter is the kiss of death.  New Yorkers have already seen her 20 years ago- and tourists don't care.  They should have done it with a 20 piece orchestra and saved a lot of money.  If Patti were doing it.........every queen in town would flock to the Box Office and it would sell out.

[10086sunset]

Posted: 1/17/17 at 9:50pm

broadwayboy222 said: "Just got some pictures of the Marquee from a family member who's currently in the city and still can't believe that everything looks pretty complete, however The Illusionists billboard is still in the Palace's spot. What are they thinking?? With ticket sales so low, why wouldn't they want to take advantage of the prime Times Square spot?? Let's hope it goes up soon..... "

 

You seem rather concerned about ticket sales...I believe War Paint needs that concern more than Sunset...

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 1/17/17 at 11:16pm

broadwayboy222 said: "Just got some pictures of the Marquee from a family member who's currently in the city and still can't believe that everything looks pretty complete, however The Illusionists billboard is still in the Palace's spot. What are they thinking?? With ticket sales so low, why wouldn't they want to take advantage of the prime Times Square spot?? Let's hope it goes up soon....."

Use of that particular billboard is an additional expenditure beyond the cost of renting the Palace itself. 

[ChrisTyler12882]

Posted: 1/18/17 at 1:27pm

Did Glenn use the same keys for the recent London production or has it been lowered since '94?

[scampsweep]

Posted: 1/18/17 at 3:02pm

In London, Glenn used the same keys, but struggled a bit IMO. If memory serves me correctly, they might have lowered The Perfect Year slightly, but not completely sure. Norma's two main songs were in the same keys as 1994 from what I could tell. 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 1/18/17 at 3:06pm

Cupid Boy2 said: "broadwayboy222 said: "Just got some pictures of the Marquee from a family member who's currently in the city and still can't believe that everything looks pretty complete, however The Illusionists billboard is still in the Palace's spot. What are they thinking?? With ticket sales so low, why wouldn't they want to take advantage of the prime Times Square spot?? Let's hope it goes up soon....."

Use of that particular billboard is an additional expenditure beyond the cost of renting the Palace itself. "

 

Yes.

 

[Princeton2]

Posted: 1/18/17 at 4:27pm

I dont think this felt like a concert at all. it was directed, staged and acted like a normal show, the set was simple but effective (more of a set than chicago, color purple for instance). Nothing felt cheap or short changed.

is it the original staging? no, and it's highly unlikely that set will ever be seen again. but is it a concert? no. p

the only weak link was Michael Xavier as Joe

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 1/18/17 at 10:53pm

So many people worrying about sales. At $300 a pop for much of the orchestra they might not have to sell as many to make their nut. We don't know the budget.  

Also does Glenn wear the turban in this? Please say yes. 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 1/18/17 at 11:35pm

Also does Glenn wear the turban in this? Please say yes. 

No Turban

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 1/18/17 at 11:40pm

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 1/20/17 at 2:34am

I think I saw an interview of Glenn saying she wanted to wear less turbans, but she still wears turbans in some scenes...but that was in London and may have changed. I'm seeing it soon, cannot wait. She acts the s**t out of it. Queen Glenn Close is back!

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 1/20/17 at 2:51am

http://suburbarazzi.lohudblogs.com/2007/08/10/close-streep-and-streisand-in-three-way-race-for-remake-of-sunset-boulevard/

[10086sunset]

Posted: 1/20/17 at 8:01am

muscle23ftl said: "http://suburbarazzi.lohudblogs.com/2007/08/10/close-streep-and-streisand-in-three-way-race-for-remake-of-sunset-boulevard/"

 

I simply wish this wasn't from 2007...

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 1/20/17 at 11:12am

I guess the film won't be happening any time soon...but getting to see this on Broadway, and with Glenn Close is the best treat I can ask for!

[pnewelljr]

Posted: 1/20/17 at 3:33pm

Any word on Rush/Lottery/Young Person/Student policies?