The Woman in White to Play Final Broadway Performance on Sunday, February 19, 2006 — Page 4

wickedrentq, I saw posted on whatsonstage.com that Michael Ball was out of the show indefinitely and telling fans not to plan any trips to NY to see Ball in the show. This was before I saw any announcements about WIW closing.

I was able to see the show in London and liked it, but never thought it was a really strong show. For me, my favorite parts were the Fosco sections, though I saw it originally with Michael Crawford, who I really loved in that role - especially Fosco's last solo and duet with Marian. It took some time to get used to the projections. And I did quite frankly get tired of hearing about the secret - a little too repetative on that one. But I did enjoy it, even with the faults it did have. However, I am very surprised it is closing so soon. Didn't think it was THAT bad. And, while the show may not have had any big names that were very recognizable here in the states, at least with tourists, I would think that news that the leads were out and understudies were constantly performing had to have had a negative effect. While most of us have seen some excellent performances by understudies (and even some bad ones), your theatrically uneducated Joe Average would see constant understudy performances negatively. Me, I just love good theater - wish I could make it to NY to enjoy more. While I may in some cases want to see a particular actor, I enjoy a good performance, doesn't matter who it is.

Best wishes to the cast. And lots of good thoughts and vibes sent to Maria and Michael. I got to meet and talk with Maria at the stage door in London. She's a wonderful lady, very friendly and seemingly down to earth. All the best to her. I hope she graces a Broadway stage again very soon.

A real shock. Personally, I never cared for many Webber works, and this really was the first show of his in a long time (NOT a Phantom fan) that I really enjoyed. Great performances, suspenseful, visually stunning. I found myself really enjoying it, in spite of itself, and I took my family when I went a second time, and they loved it too!

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"I call it the Michael Crawford connection. DOTV bombed & this with Crawford in it in london closed early & now closes here."


Huh?

That's a stretch.

this is SO upsetting

Boys and girls hop on ticketmaster now....if you use the playbill code they will sell you the premium seats for 65 dollars.

i am in Row G on saturday the 4th at the mat. !!!!!!!

Sad this show is closing because it is soooo good.

anyone notice that the Nederlanders have a sold out show in San Diego and need a theatre in NYC
a Theater which they own
duh?

"Crawford connection is as follows: Crawford was in DOTV a hyped show & it bombed. He was in WIW in London & it closed prematurely. The show also closes prematurely here. Just a quirky little thought is all it was "

The London production opened in September 2004. It is closing at the end of this month. I would hardly call closing 1 1/2 years after opening "premature." Nor would I blame Crawfor for its closing, since four men (Michael Ball, Anthony Andrews, Simon Callow and whoever is there now) have played Fosco since he left.

The news about the Broadway closing has saddened me greatly. My love for the show itself aside, I thought the New York Cast was absolutely amazing.

I wish everyone in the cast all the best, and get well wishes to both Maria and to Michael.

Updated On: 2/4/06 at 03:08 AM

I , too, love this show as I have said in numerous posts. I am so glad I got to see Maria Friedman and Michael Ball together. She "is" Marian and he will always be "Count Fosco" to me. The second act "seduction" is true musical theatre on all levels. I hope these two brilliant performers can find their way back to our shores when they get healthy again. I wish Maria the best in her next battle. And I hope Michael gets over this awful virus so he can wow us again with his wonderful voice.

sorry if this sounds stupid, but is this more of a flop than Bombay Dreams? That had ALW backing. Or was the budget not as large? He lately hasnt had very lasting musicals...

This is very sad indeed...this was a very quick run. I can't believe that things like "Bombay Dreams" and "Good Vibrations" lasted longer (how long did "In My Life"). It wasn't my favorite show but I feel it definitely had much more artistry and artistic merit to warrent a much longer run....and what a terrific cast all around. Here's to the cast and crew!

I was looking forward to seeing Michael Ball when I went and was somewhat disappointed he was out. Maria Friedman was great, but I would have gone back to see Judy Kuhn do the role. Jill Paice and Adam Brazier were both outstanding. It's a shame it's closing so soon.

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Updated On: 2/4/06 at 10:26 AM

I was in the Palace Theatre during the fit-up/ load-in (in London). I thought, 'this is gong to be a massive hit'- it looked like it had so much potential, (and I loved the circular lighting rig). Whoops, got that one wrong.
ALW and Victorian ghost story- it seems an obvious hit, especially with the tourists. Maybe the illness has taken the energy out of the campaign?
I have to say I was massively disappointed with the show- such a superficial treatment: LitP seems like Shakespeare by comparison. And the projections were never right for the Victorian setting.
I am surprised ALW's vanity doesn't see him pump in cash till Tony time, though. Maybe he can't bear the damn projections any more.
Is this another show where the set kills the production?

This really makes me angry! The show is one of the most intelligent and entertaining things I have seen in a long time.

What really bothers me is that this wonerful show closed because it doesn't have women screaming while painted green and "flying." The show is too intelligent for New York audiences, which is sickening being one myself.

From now on I wish producers will understand that if it doesn't ahve people flying, people dressed as animals, and horrible pop songs, a show will fail.

Wow I need to go vent!

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