'The Story Of My Life' to close February 22.- Page 2

[raulmark]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:31pm

this pisses me off. Could they not wait one more week? I had a ticket for this Tuesday, dammit!

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:33pm

I was going this Wednesday...

=(

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:40pm

If you guys are already in the City, tomorrow isn't sold out. I found a few orch and mezz seats. One being Row A, center mezz.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:42pm

I wonder if he will ever have a hit-the problem is that these tiny, 2-7 cast member shows rarely do well on Broadway

It's not the size that matters. It's what you do with it.

I don't buy the assumption that small cast shows won't succeed on Broadway. They will if well done and if they get the support of the critics and theatre community.

Based on reviews alone, LITLE MERMAID would have closed in 5 days as well BUT it had a recognizable title that has sold and continues to sell tickets to a show that is (from all reports) sub-par.

STORY OF MY LIFE is a small show with a much lower break-even yet could only sell $78 K worth of tickets in its first week of previews. (It would need about double that to break even.)

Why were sale so sluggish? The economy, perhaps. The lack of a recognizable title, and two leads that while well known ion theatre circles are not big marquee draws.

The critics listed the show's shortcomings, but the reviews did not focus on some of the aspects the show did well. Notably a rich score, loaded with character detail. To churlishly damn the show for sounding too much like Sondheim, well is there anyone better on Broadway for new writers should emulate? Would you really rather they try and copy Frank Wildhorn??

Ultimately we get the Broadway we deserve and if the critics enjoy hammering away at an underdog show, we can look forward to a long line of stage retreads of already established movies with pre-sold audiences.

But that doesn't bode well for the state of the art.

[raulmark]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:43pm

yeah,I think I'll be spontaneous and get a ticket for tomorrow!

[BenKaye]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:46pm

I'm definitely seeing the final performance of the show. Such a premature closing. I wish the best of luck to Will, Malcolm, Richard, Brian, and Neil. All such talented individuals.

[matty159]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:48pm

Such a shame. I am heavily debating whether to book a ticket, get in my car, and drive up this evening to see tomorrow's matinee.

[Tevye the Dairyman]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:56pm

I'm not quite getting why the loss of this show seems to be affecting so many people...it really just wasn't that good. i know that's an opinion and all but...i mean the book and lyrics were tacky, amateurish, and for the most part just plain poor. the music seemed like the composer was attempting to write in the style of sondheim and perhaps guettel but had the talent of mr. wildhorn. the performers did their best with the given material but...i don't know i'm just not sure how people can just compliment the show so much, it kinda blows my mind. the show should never have been mounted on broadway.

[raulmark]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 5:56pm

ok, I'll be there tomorrow! I've never been to a closing performance...I guess this will be it.
They better have a magnet or something for sale!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 6:04pm

the music seemed like the composer was attempting to write in the style of sondheim and perhaps guettel but had the talent of mr. wildhorn.

I totally disagree. The music and lyrics are nothing like a Sondheim score. The only reason the score sounds like Sondheim is because of the orchestrations by Jonathan Tunic which he seems to have written entirely in the style he usually reserves for Sondheim.

[Tevye the Dairyman]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 6:09pm

you have a very good point, but did you not hear the little musical flourish that occured every time Alvin pulled a story off the shelf? Sunday...

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 6:12pm

I saw the final preview performance. It was a sweet little show and I appreciated the performances of the two lead actors. While definitely not a standout show for me, its a shame it did not have a longer run.

[steven22]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 6:43pm

Will Chase has terrible luck!

[Magica]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 6:50pm

oh poo, so much for waiting until next week to see it.

[musicaltheater1]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 7:23pm

I hope a recording is released. No matter what the critics say, I personally find the songs to be beautiful and memorable. I do wish Will Chase the best. For his talent, he deserves a hit project.

Updated On: 2/21/09 at 07:23 PM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 8:14pm

By spring, the songs will be working their way into club acts, from Joe's Pub on down. The show will be published. College Theater Departments with two strong singing male students will jump to do it. At first as student - directed productions, anyway. Then community theaters will get their hands on it, too. The show will have a life, by this time next year, the authors will have seen another production somewhere. We often forget, Broadway is just one theater in one city.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 9:30pm

I doubt many colleges or community theaters will produce this....you can't pull in too much of an audience with an unknown title and no cast in those realms...who would come see it?

Yes, it will get published....but I doubt too much will come from it.

I cannot imagine ANY recording of this being produced professionally. Much too expensive.

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 9:53pm

Anyone think there will be Student Rush available tomorrow?

And that chord that played whenever Alvin found something reminded me of the chord right before "There are giants in the sky!" And a couple melodic lines seemed right out of "Children Will Listen."

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 9:58pm

I can definitely see college drama departments doing this, especially as senior showcases.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 10:12pm

I cannot imagine ANY recording of this being produced professionally. Much too expensive.

Oh, yeah a tiny two person cast with a nine piece orchestra would be soooo expensive. If they wait and record after the equity contracts expire they could do it for real cheap.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 10:16pm

I saw this tonight. Grabbed a rush ticket once I heard it was closing. It was alright, but nothing special. I don't think it was a bad show, but there just wasn't much there. The two leads were fine, the music was... adequate, but I just couldn't see the show finding much of an audience.

(I honestly left the theatre humming Sunday in the Park With George! They kept repeating this one musical phrase that sounded to me like it was lifted directly out of Sunday. The whole "Write what you know, Tom" bit.

[philly03]

Posted: 2/21/09 at 11:08pm

..and I thought ATOTC/Tale's two-day announcement was bad...!

Best to Chase though, agreed with pretty much everyone on here: great performer!

[dave1606]

Posted: 2/22/09 at 1:58pm

I have to say its sad because the two leads are so talented..and some of the music is goregous, the play it self was just a stinker. does anyone have the demo? I would love to have that! PM me please!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/22/09 at 3:10pm

Anyone know if there will be closing night photo coverage or will no one bother?

[bk]

Posted: 2/22/09 at 5:51pm

"Oh, yeah a tiny two person cast with a nine piece orchestra would be soooo expensive. If they wait and record after the equity contracts expire they could do it for real cheap."

Uh, no. Mr. Tunick alone precludes "cheap." He is entitled to his entire orchestrating salary over again should a recording occur. Add to that the copyist costs and the AFM musician costs and you are so far north of cheap it isn't even funny.