TRIP OF LOVE on Broadway? — Page 2

Sounds like Trip of Love is a fun show, looking forward to it coming to Broadway

Answer to TheseBoots. I'm not saying any negative things about the show. I'm questioning, yes, why they are doing the try-out in Osaka rather than Tokyo (more theatre goer population), and yes, pointint out the show seems like another jukebox show.

I merely report what my trustworthy theatre goer friends (who actually travel to Europe, US, and Korea to see different musical shows throughout a year) thought about the show as this is a try-out and I'm sure the creators want to get some feedbacks (good or bad).

I mean did you hear what happened to Glory Days? Wouldn't you want to make sure the show will be ready for big sharks? Obviously you are connected to the show, so really, you have to listen to ALL the feedbacks. GD creators got many feedbacks on what were not working but they didn't changed the show much. It is wonderful to believe in what you are doing but you need someone who can assess your show objectively (read: have a meaningful try-out).

Also the mystery of filling up the balcony, I found out they have started to offer a student discount and senior discount. For a student discount, the price of the ticket is reduced to $30 (from a shocking $120 in balcony section) but they can only sit in the balcony. For a senior discount, it's $80. I think that's a great way to promote and encourage to those people who cannot afford $120.

BTW I'm a huge supporter for theatre. I travel to different cities to see a regional show, world premiere, try out, as well as subscribing a local theatre/regional theatre etc.. I recently saw a brilliant show at La Jolla Playhouse for mere $37 and I thought this play should go to Broadway! But when you start charging $100 or more, my expectation for a show gets higher too. So I'd say I don't support theatre blindly, I want a good theatre experience in general.

Sorry to burst your bubbles but this is a "discussion board," not "a fan page for TOL" nor "discussion board only for those who saw the show," certainly not a "shill board." Many people who participate in bww boards don't, can't, haven't seen a show on BROADWAY, let alone at oversea. I mean even in this particular thread, how many people (who are not shill or connected to the company members) actually saw the show? Only one?

I know it's annoying to hear any type of inconvenient truth (especially for people connected to the show), providing a context of this so called "try out" in Japan (Osaka vs Tokyo, papering, substantially reduced ticket price) may be valuable for those don't read Japanese or don't know what's going on in Japan.

BTW I LOL when I read an article about a dummy (an advertising doll much like Colonel Harland Sanders of KFC) visited the show and PARTICIPATED on the stage. This dummy is quite popular in Japan I guess, and its visit generated quite a scene (lots of media attention). I'd say it would be pathetic and embarrassing if this is the way to generate a buzz. You can see him below, it's like WTF.

Updated On: 5/21/08 at 11:13 AM

wow i'm surprised to see so much negativity being written on this thread! the entire topic was "does anyone know anything more" and it seems that the people who know NOTHING at all about it are trashing it, before even giving it a chance.

it seems like an awesome experience, all the pictures i've seen look amazing. the entire cast is completely high calibre and i see no reason for it NOT to have a future in new york. hopefully that future will allow room for some more americans in there as well... that is my question, are all the japanese performers expected to transfer with the show? how does that work with visas and green cards and such? i imagine they are all a huge part of the story by now...

I'm questioning, yes, why they are doing the try-out in Osaka rather than Tokyo (more theatre goer population)

Why do shows tryout in the US in Denver or Houston instead of Chicago or Boston?

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I've no doubt the producers have a connection to someone in Japan, especially considering how much it would cost for an American to produce a show there. But so what? Remember when Harold Rome's Scarlett premiered in Japan? These things happen and it's ok. And despite the language barrier, the Japanese have been fans of American pop music for DECADES. A book show performed in English would be more of a shock than a 60s revue, which makes much more sense.

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All right, time to clear up a few things.
Yes, this is a discussion board and everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, those opinions should be based on what that person knows or can contribute. Not on what they think is, or should be happening. Therefore I will state what I know.

First Off: The Language Barrier
As I have stated before, this is a non-book show. There is no spoken word at all in the production. I know this as FACT. One of the reasons the tryout is being held in Japan is for this reason…Can a non-English speaking person enjoy this show? Many foreigners travel to NYC and see STOMP because they don’t understand Xanadu or Spamalot (that being said, all of these shows are terrific). That is one of the reasons for not having a North American tryout at this time.

Secondly: The “Clown”
The Clown (who’s name is Tarot) who appeared in Trip Of Love was not the producers’ idea. Tarot belongs to a much-loved restaurant in Osaka that after many years of business is closing. The owner of the restaurant is a fan of the show and asked if Tarot could make an appearance at the show? I know it sounds crazy but this was considered an honor in Japan. If you could read the articles from which you pulled the pictures you would have understood better. Also, I don’t think the term “WTF” or “LOL” should be used when you know nothing about someone else’s culture. It makes you sound immature and ignorant.

I hope this helped.