Am I correct in saying that The Public is a non-profit with a subscriber-base? If so, given these reviews, would they keep the show running until it’s already planned 11/28 closing date even if they are having trouble selling tickets to fill seats? I believe traditionally these subscriber houses would just keep the show running through its planned run, but wondered if there is any history of The Public pulling the plug early.
I know reviews don’t always have much to do with a show’s popularity, but as someone who admittedly hasn’t seen the show, I’d think a show like this might be more vulnerable to poor reviews and also that the reviews might be more closely aligned with the thoughts of its core audience.
Obviously, I’m not wishing anyone out of a job. Just curious.
@Miles I don't think they will have trouble getting enough bodies in the seats to keep going and that's what matters. I'm sure a decent number of tickets are committed, and I am sure others who have not seen it (including me) will still want to see it, so no, I don't think they would contemplate pulling the rug out from under it.
All their shows play through, but this is a new pandemic type thing we're seeing, so who knows? I've seen them extend shows and then just put them up on TDF.
HogansHero said: "@Miles I don't think they will have trouble getting enough bodies in the seats to keep going and that's what matters. I'm sure a decent number of tickets are committed, and I am sure others who have not seen it (including me) will still want to see it, so no, I don't think they would contemplate pulling the rug out from under it."
i agree 100% that the Public will likely see it through to the end, but I was there on Sunday and it was no more than 3/4 full.
Remember also that ticket sales make up a fraction of The Public’s revenue streams. They also have donors, sponsors, and of course revenue from bway transfers (Hamilton above all). It’s a heck of a lot cheaper to run a show in the Newman than it is for Roundabout or LCT to run a Bway show. If some Public shows have half-full houses in this transition year, that’s ok.
It feels like there is a chance they might not record a cast album? Eek. Has anything been announced?
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
@Zion24 3/4 full is fine and would never result in cancellation. What I was suggesting is that if they were only drawing, say, 35 people a performance, they might re-evaluate but so long as they are getting numbers like that, I can't imagine. There would be almost no cost saving. An off-B show in an owned house is not evaluated like a commercial Broadway show.
The number in Union Square was stunning. I have issues with the original book, but the show was a great night at the theater! Don't miss it guys.
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
We had tickets for tonight and had just arrived in the city when we got the email, text and call at 5:30 that tonight’s show was cancelled. We were bummed for sure!!
I saw the show last night, and thought it was fine, not terrible, not great. It has a lot of elements that are working for it. David Hyde Pierce is excellent (he was the main selling point for me anyway) and the cast was well committed.
When the show dealt with broader emotional topics like music, spirituality, and romance/connection, the material worked best. However, the immigration aspect of the story (which is most of the piece) was definitely schlocky, preachy, and one note, only scratching the surface of these issues without ever teaching us anything new or really ever going anywhere interesting.
Some of the songs were solid and well delivered, but many of them, again, suffered from surface level depiction of events and ideas. The white savior problem with the show exists, however it didn’t personally bother me as much as others. Walter is an interesting enough character, and I was fine that he was the lead.
The audience seemed to somewhat enjoy it, there was laughter and polite (if not quite rapturous) applause in some moments. Again, I overall felt this show was just okay. It has some elements that do work really well and others that simply fall flat. I do not think this show is terrible, and it is a relatively engaging night at the theatre. If you’re a fan of anyone involved on the creative team or of any of the actors (particularly David Hyde Pierce), check it out. I was on the fence, and I’m overall glad I saw it.
Tom Kitt: “Nothing better than spending your birthday doing what you love with people you love.” posted as a caption on a picture of the cast in a recording studio.
Ahmad Maksoud also posted a story of him in the studio “Studio Recording Magic”
Anthony Chan posted several stories including “@cassiewassie295 and I always joked about being able to be on an original cast recording, but today, I get to be a part of one! WHAT” and “happy birthday @tomkittmusic. why not make an album for your birthday”
Robert Ariza: “Having the best time being reunited with my VISITOR cast, singing @tomkittmusic’s incredible score (on his birthday, no less!). Life is good”
Looks like it’s getting a cast recording! I personally liked the show but given the general reception this seems pretty surprising
Glad to hear this show is getting a cast album. I didn’t get to see it and I’m curious to at least hear the score. It seemed like this show had a ton of buzz and then a cultural shift kicked it to the curb. I’ll be happy to judge for myself.
I liked this a lot better than Kimberly Akimbo. With some edits this should've moved to broadway instead. But I know the demand at the public was very low for some reason.
Interestingly, I got Berkeley Rep's new season announcement, and it included this:
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OUT OF CHARACTER Written and performed by Ari’el Stachel | Directed by Tony Taccone Peet’s Theatre | Starts Jun 2023
Tony Award winner Ari’el Stachel’s new solo show explores the intersections of race, mental health, and survival in a way that’s raw, authentic, and entertaining.
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Given the description and title, I wonder if this show has to do with Stachel's departure from The Visitor.
RunningThatRoad said: "Interestingly, I got Berkeley Rep's new season announcement, and it included this:
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OUT OF CHARACTER Written and performed by Ari’el Stachel | Directed by Tony Taccone Peet’s Theatre | Starts Jun 2023
Tony Award winner Ari’el Stachel’s new solo show explores the intersections of race, mental health, and survival in a way that’s raw, authentic, and entertaining.
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Given the description and title, I wonder if this show has to do with Stachel's departure from The Visitor."
Well then I wonder if he will go into how he was a very problematic performer and was eventually fired for it.