The Public's THE VISITOR - Previews- Page 4

[theatrelover123]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 3:26pm

JBroadway said: "^was going to say the same. At non-profits like the Public, shows don’t close simply for being bad. And I don’t see how backstage drama can close a show when it’s already running, and it’s not dependent on ticket sales.

Sad about Stachel, but it sounds like he’s following his moral compass and removing himself from a toxic situation surrounding artistically unfulfilling show. Good for him!"

there definitely was a toxic environment, but from what I've heard the cause has now "mutually" left. Two things can certainly be true about the white-centered story, but there is definitely more to this story not being shared by the theatre. 

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 3:57pm

Yeah I only know what has been officially reported, but given how long Stachel was workshopping this show and how the “white-centered-ness” of this story was not a surprise to him, coupled with the fact that they delayed previews presumably due to his unhappiness…he does not come across IMO as a total victim. His quitting of the show has caused The Public a huge PR problem and I’m unsure how much it is deserved considering that they apparently did try to fix the issues inherent with the story.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 6:07pm

If it had more to do with the way his character specifically was written, as opposed to just being white-centric, then that would make more sense as to the timing. He also may very well have become more confident in voicing his opinions than he was in previous workshops. 

I don't have any insider knowledge either, but based on the bits and pieces that we know, I'm more inclined to side with Stachel. At least until I get additional information to suggest otherwise (if anyone feels like sharing here, or PMing me, I'm all ears). 

I agree it's possible that Stachel had legitimate concerns AND was a nightmare to work with for other reasons. But again, until anyone feels like sharing stories about why he's a nightmare to work with, I'm more inclined to think that he was "the problem" only in the sense that he was the one standing his ground on these issues. 

EDIT: To clarify though, I do agree that there's obviously missing information here about what, exactly, was the nature of the dispute such that it got to this extreme point of contention. 

Updated On: 10/21/21 at 06:07 PM

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 6:35pm

What I mean is that quitting the production during previews is a very...dramatic move, and it is unfortunate that all we can do is assume it was because after years of workshopping the role, the WSYWAT movement made him finally feel comfortable enough to speak up about his concerns (fair enough), which led to The Public scrambling to make their Tony Award-winning actor happy, even delaying previews, only for him to just leave anyway. I mean unless, as you say, there's some secret drama we don't know about, we have to assume that that's basically what happened.

Clearly, The Public should have just "read the room" post-WSYWAT and simply cancelled the production. However, Stachel essentially punishing them (very publicly) for not doing that feels like a "two wrongs don't make a right" kind of situation.

[JasonC3]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 8:08pm

Nobody really has to assume anything unless they want to do so. Anyone can choose to wait until more info comes out.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 8:22pm

we have to assume that that's basically what happened.

"We" don't have to and won't be assuming anything. That is your bizarre take on it knowing absolutely nothing about the facts of the situation whatsoever. 

[InTheBathroom1]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 9:05pm

Just got out of the performance. They cut the intermission so the performance was 95 minutes no intermission. Got out at about 8:40 but started a little late.

For me this was an all around mess. I can’t believe they spent so many years developing this. The music is forgettable, the direction is okay, the performances are fine. There’s really nothing happening here. Definitely a save your money kind of piece.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 9:25pm

Sutton Ross said: "we have to assume that that's basically what happened.

"We" don't have to and won't be assuming anything. That is your bizarre take on it knowing absolutely nothing about the facts of the situation whatsoever."

How noble of you (also, was that the “royal we?&rdquo. I don’t think I said anything inflammatory, and it’s perfectly fine to connect the dots (I didn’t even really “connect” anything - this has all been reported, albeit in bits and pieces). If anyone involved in the show gives a sh*t about what people on BWW think, they can always put out a “statement” to clear things up. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 9:58pm

I doubt they will and at this time, Ari'el isn't talking to the press. Maybe someday we will get the full story but assuming anything off bits and pieces is asinine, in my view.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 10:04pm

I think it is asinine to be so offended by gossip on a theatre chat board. Lighten up, this place is just Us Weekly for theater nerds.

[BakerWilliams]

Posted: 10/21/21 at 10:13pm

A Director said: " Have you seen the show? If not, how can you judge its quality? "

I've seen it.

[Alessio2]

Posted: 10/25/21 at 9:23pm

Any more reports on this?  I have a ticket for my November theater trip but am considering filling this slot with something else...

[Quinn Wilson]

Posted: 10/25/21 at 11:58pm

Thoughts on Alysha Deslorieux?

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 10/26/21 at 6:10pm

Alessio2 said: "Any more reports on this? I have a ticket for my November theater trip but am considering filling this slot with something else..."

If you are here for a short time and have other things to see I would drop this from your schedule. There was not a single redeeming quality about this. If you really want to see DHP this wasn't the vehicle for him. Overall it's a monotonous bore of an evening. It's now down to 95 mins so obviously they thought there was plenty of fat to cut.

[steven22]

Posted: 10/26/21 at 6:53pm

Can I request a refund on my ticket from the public? I'm not sure I want to waste my time seeing this.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 10/26/21 at 7:05pm

steven22 said: "Can I request a refund on my ticket from the public? I'm not sure I want to waste my time seeing this. "

I had to ask twice. The first time they refused to issue a refund and offered a credit for a future performance, so I kept my tickets. The second time around, after Ari'el withdrew from the production,  I got the refund immediately, it only took one email.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 10/26/21 at 8:42pm

It’s also interesting because I think this may be the first time I’ve seen Public performances listed on TDF

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 10/26/21 at 8:49pm

steven22 said: "Can I request a refund on my ticket from the public? I'm not sure I want to waste my time seeing this. "
 

it looks like from the website that their refund policy is pretty limited (much more than Broadway) but here it is:

https://info-faqpt.helpscoutdocs.com/article/405-safe-at-the-public

 

[steven22]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 12:40pm

I emailed THE PUBLIC this morning and they're refunding the cost of my ticket. That was easy.

[Alessio2]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 1:17pm

steven22 said: "I emailed THE PUBLIC this morning and they're refunding the cost of my ticket. That was easy."

Did they ask you for a specific reason?  I think I will be doing the same

[steven22]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 1:19pm

No they didn't. I did say due to covid concerns and Ari'el is no longer part of the production I am requesting a refund.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 1:20pm

Well I’m still excited to see it this week. A new musical after almost two years of nothing, I’m still living for being able to see anything. Plus if it’s not good, it’s now only 90 minutes and I’ll be home in time for Rachel Maddow.

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 1:37pm

Agreed. It's extremely difficult for me to pass up an opportunity to see a new musical from my favorite front-row seat at the Newman, and there's no way I'd let other people's opinions keep me from at least giving it a shot. Hell, I'm seeing Diana next week, and I can't wait!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 1:46pm

The Public is great when you need to change seats, dates and ask no questions about refunds.

[JaggedLittlePal]

Posted: 10/28/21 at 5:51pm

Alessio2 said: "Any more reports on this? I have a ticket for my November theater trip but am considering filling this slot with something else..."

Same! Tickets for our November Broadway pilgrimage. We both love love love Tom Kitt—how is the score? We’ve adored all the other kitt/Yorky productions.

 

But I did hate the movie and the white saviour thing is so terrible and anachronistic.