The Music Man should do the right thing and postpone/cancel the run now — Page 2

MollyJeanneMusic said: "This is all assuming Hugh won't want to renegotiate, which I could also very clearly see - although I did hear a rumor on a Disney news website that he's in negotiations to play Hades in Hercules, which could get in the way. But he's been so enthusiastic about this show - I couldn't see him walking away without a good fight."

I think that's by far the most likely scenario. If/when they have to reschedule, I think they'll do it based on Hugh's availability. Sutton too to a lesser extent, but definitely Hugh

I guess one thing that works in Hugh's favor is that the TV/film industry is down also, so that industry will have to rev up and work through the backlog of productions waiting to get their turn to film. So hopefully that'll leave Hugh so wiggle room with any upcoming projects. Younger films in NYC so that should be easier to accommodate both, if necessary.

Last May 7, Hugh was in an hourlong chat via Zoom at 92Y with ColumbiaU film Prof Annette Innsdorf, taking in questions from the participants.

*On TheMusicMan, he said it is going to happen, but will likely be pushed back. He did say he has been continuing the preparations for the show. Weekly singing lessons, Zoom sessions with Music Director Patrick Vacariello (he said he has just sang the score that morning), Zoom sessions with choreographer Warren Carlyle and also mentioned the February 2 1/2 weeks workshop he did with Sutton and Warren. He showed off the showboater hat he said he was practicing some tricks on. He was also excited talking about how they are looking at the many drafts/songs dropped of the original production ( Some which did not work then... may work now). Btw, he said he is committed to the project for one year but he did not clarify if that holds true if the show gets postponed for a long period.

*The session was mostly on filmmaking, films in general, some of his film work and his latest movie Bad Education. It seems he is also participating in online MFA classes with Annette Innsdorf during the lockdown. Btw Bad Education was not a movie commissioned by HBO - it premiered at Toronto filmfest where film distribution rights were bought by HBO at a record-festival price. So, he doesn't really have a working relationship with HBO as suggested here. But the movie was very well-received (at Toronto & with the HBO release - RTomatoes rating at 94%). He also talked about his recently completed WarnerBros film ( in terms of principal photography)& now in post-production. It is called REMINISCENCE, with a Black List script written by Lisa Joy Nolan ( wife of Jonathan Nolan who is co-scriptwriter of brother Chris) and which has also been directed by her. Hugh talked about the movie ( sci-fi romantic thriller) which happens in a near future Miami affected by climate change. He called it a film noir. Btw, Lisa and Jonathan Nolan conceived and directed episodes of Westworld. WarnerBros has already dated it for wide release on April 16, 2021. He did express strong interest in movies that are deep in the study of human nature ( character studies) - hence the choice of Bad Education, which is an indie film based on the largest USA school embezzlement scandal which happened in Roslyn, New York.

*Interestingly, he mentioned that he was just talking that morning to his longtime agent ( Patrick Whitesell of WME/Endeavor) who has helped guide his career. I was hoping that the reason why they were in discussion was they could be talking of alternative plans in case The Music Man gets postponed for a considerable time? Or maybe it was all about something else - LOL!

He did mention how impressed he was with Scott Rudin's work pace - they seem to be in very constant contact as developments on the show and about Broadway are happening.

We'll see... but he seems very enthusiastic about The Music Man.

Updated On: 5/13/20 at 10:43 PM

Yeah, I don't care about Hugh Jackman at all. Norm Lewis with Sutton or Jessie is absolutely fine with me!

akhoya87 said: "Maybe they can get Norm Lewis and Jessie Mueller to fill in... or just Jessie. I would give my right kidney to see her as Marian on Broadway. She was splendid in the Kennedy Center Concert series. I am less jazzed about Sutton Foster. "

I would like both of them, please. It won’t happen, but I would be much more excited about this production if it was.

I don’t think they will, or need to, make any comment or announcement until End of June when rehearsals are due to start.


It’s obviously likely they will not be able to rehearse but it’s not completely out the realms of possibility, it’s also not out the realms of possibility that during June a clearer picture of a what delay past Sept will be required. Oct, Nov, Spring 2021... it’s still too early to call firmly and to make any decision that means you loose HJ.

I wouldn’t rule it completely out. Yet.

Sutton Ross said: "And he will sell about 6 tickets.It will not open before starring Norm Lewis. It is not about talent alone, it is about star recognition. If they opened with Lewis -- minus pandemic -- they would have to lower the prices of most seats by at least $100, and they would not sell the Premium seats at the current prices...reduce those by hundreds."

Um, I was saying I would prefer him. And, that's a complete lie anyways, he played to sold out crowds when he was Harold Hill and received RAVE reviews. He is perfect, much more talented than Hugh and only 5 years older. He's perfect for the part if Hugh's schedule won't allow it. Period!"


<<edited by BWW staff>>. No one is paying big bucks to see an unknown (to the general public) Norm Lewis over a Hollywood superstar like Hugh Jackman. I and most everyone else paid hundreds of dollars to see Jackman. 99% of the ticket buyers would not have bought tickets or paid nearly as much for most anyone else.

Updated On: 5/14/20 at 09:09 PM

mamaleh said: "The name of Norm Lewis was thrown in as a possibility. Hmm, well, in a few weeks he will be 57. He's insanely talented, but that's definitely pushing it. Plus, will tourists flock to see Lewis as they would Jackman? No way.

I'm hopeful we'll get updates in a timely manner soon so we know what will happen with the megabucks spent on Music Man tickets."

Norm Lewis has a Voice-From-God...but he isn't a terribly persuasive actor (Sweeney was just too much for him, poor guy). There are subtleties to the role of Harold Hill that he just could never maneuver.

akhoya87 said: "Did not mean to turn this into a Jackman v. Norm Lewis discussion. I was really rooting for Jessie, anyway. I like Sutton Foster just fine, but my desire to go see this is a solid "meh" (and Hugh Jackman moves the needle for me more than Sutton Foster does)."

The show itself wouldn't survive without a massive star, especially not at the Winter Garden. The last Broadway revival was a big flop; no way it would never turn a profit with Broadway stars alone.

blaxx said: "akhoya87 said: "Did not mean to turn this into a Jackman v. Norm Lewis discussion. I was really rooting for Jessie, anyway. I like Sutton Foster just fine, but my desire to go see this is a solid "meh" (and Hugh Jackman moves the needle for me more than Sutton Foster does)."

The show itself wouldn't survive without a massive star, especially not at the Winter Garden. The last Broadway revival was a big flop; no way it would never turn a profit with Broadway stars alone."

Oh, please, the last revival ran 20 months - and through 9/11. That's not a flop by any reasonable definition - unless Bierko's wonderful (Preston-channeling.... i know, I know...) performance just wasn't your thing. Did it make money? Maybe not.. but no flop. Dance A Little Closer was a flop. Into The Light was a flop. Honeymoon in Vegas was (sadly) a flop.

Updated On: 5/15/20 at 03:29 PM