The fate of WSS and MOCKINGBIRD

[Dollypop]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 2:44pm

We've had some inkling about the re-openings of many shows but there've been no rumblings about WSS and MOCKINGBIRD--both Rudin productions.

Do you think either one will re-open?

[NameGreg]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 2:57pm

I’m guessing Mockingbird will be back but not WSS.

[DAME]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 2:57pm

Dollypop said: "We've had some inkling about the re-openings of many shows but there've been no rumblings about WSS and MOCKINGBIRD--both Rudin productions.

Do you think either one will re-open?"

I hope the Mockingbird tour is still on.   

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 3:04pm

DAME said: "I hope the Mockingbird tour is still on."

"Mockingbird" is currently still scheduled for San Diego in November/December (with Richard Thomas).

 

 

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 3:25pm

And it’s scheduled to open in the West End early next year.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 3:26pm

I hope West Side Story comes back. I found this new production to be tremendous.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 4:34pm

I'm hoping WSS returns, too. Let me explain why:

My granddaughter was 5 years old when I took her to WSS . She'd been to lots of children's shows but this was her first full-length musical. The other side of the family was outraged that I was taking a toddler to a show like WSS but I knew the music and dancing would keep her engaged.

Engaged she was! She sat on the edge of her booster seat and was wide-eyed from beginning to end. She couldn't wait for the intermission to end so the second act could begin. The only time her eyes left the stage was during the "Tonight Quintet" when she turned to me and whispered, "This is thrilling!"

Over dinner afterwards, all she could talk about was the show.

Well, she's 16 now and living in the mid-west with her family and she follows the theater scene on the internet. When she learned that Broadway was re-opening she called me and made me promise that the first show I saw would be WEST SIDE STORY and I was to send her a detailed report on the changes they've made in the show. I'm also to send her the souvenir booklet.

I'm getting antsy about keeping my promise to my favorite girl.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 5:20pm

That's cute, Dolly!

If it doesn't come back, I'd wonder why? It was doing well prior to the shutdown. And a lot of time and work has gone into it and with the movie on the horizon, it would make sense to do so, no?

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 5:46pm

I'm not going to nag Meg about a potential reopening date for West Side Story. I hope it eventually comes back though, minus SR of course.

[JayElle]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 7:54pm

RippedMan said: "That's cute, Dolly!

If it doesn't come back, I'd wonder why? It was doing well prior to the shutdown. And a lot of time and work has gone into it and with the movie on the horizon, it would make sense to do so, no?"

The trade mags and other news articles wrote that those 2 shows were subject to Mr. Rude finding others to take over.

https://deadline.com/2021/04/scott-rudin-broadway-league-confirm-resignation-ramifications-theater-landscape-immense-1234742961/

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/24/theater/scott-rudin.html

 

[quizking101]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 7:56pm

RippedMan said: "That's cute, Dolly!

If it doesn't come back, I'd wonder why? It was doing well prior to the shutdown. And a lot of time and work has gone into it and with the movie on the horizon, it would make sense to do so, no?"

Eh, the knife has the potential to cut both ways. I could see the film goosing up the box office for a bit before people (who are already theatre-hesitant anyway) decide it may not be necessary to travel to NYC to see it live.

[@z5]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 8:07pm

As much as I hate Rudin and think he's a total pig - it's sad the casts/crews are caught up in all of this. Both shows were spectacular.

 

Was really hoping to see WSS again after it reopens.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 8:09pm

quizking101 said: "RippedMan said: "That's cute, Dolly!

If it doesn't come back, I'd wonder why? It was doing well prior to the shutdown. And a lot of time and work has gone into it and with the movie on the horizon, it would make sense to do so, no?"

Eh, the knife has the potential to cut both ways. I could see the film goosing up the box office for a bit before people (who are already theatre-hesitant anyway) decide it may not be necessary to travel to NYC to see it live."

 

This brings back memories of when the Ethel Merman company of HELLO DOLLY!  was playing to large crowds at the St James Theater while just a few blocks away 20th Century Fox's movie was at the Rivoli Theater with 10 or 12 people in attendance.

 

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 8:17pm

I haven’t heard a peep about West Side Story. Personally, I just wonder if there is too much drama for that team to build the momentum again. It seemed like the production had problems but the company was going with it and would have weathered the opening and the run. With the time that has passed is it possible it’s just going to count its losses and close.

[@z5]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 8:26pm

That was the thought when it initially opened too - but it was continuously selling REALLY well. I had to book tickets for my family over a month in advance bc there was almost nothing left back in Feb 2020.

[Globefan]

Posted: 5/12/21 at 11:47pm

I don't think WSS will reopen in the shadow of the new Spielberg film 

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 12:31am

I loved Dollypop’s story! I have to admit that I’ve been reading his posts for years…but it was just in the last year that I realized he was a guy! 

[David10086]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 1:04am

Dolly your story brought tears to my eyes. I wish I won the lottery so I could fly your granddaughter out to NY and buy tickets to every show on Broadway for the both of you to enjoy! ❤️

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 1:46am

It does suck that the casts are going to see the brunt of this since it won't effect Rudin's pocketbook but now all these casts and crews are out of jobs. 

I'd think any producer would step in and raise money for TKM it was selling very well and I'm sure would do well on tour. WSS I could see as a risk, but it clearly was selling great. 

[A Director]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 3:13am

If WSS comes back it will compete  with the new movie. Without seeing the movie, it's a sure bet the choreography will be better.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 1:39pm

At the time of shutdown, WSS was dealing with a lot of regular callouts from the newbie cast, including leads. By the time the show opened the entire cast was exhausted, many were nursing injuries. There was the fallout from the alleged perp in the cast, the swapping of choreographers, and the hazardous set (rain, running around backstage and up stairs, etc.) Now with the Rudin stuff, I’m not sure how eager this group is to resume.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 2:05pm

While I would love nothing more than for this to return, I could certainly understand why if it does not. The show already had controversy surrounding it before the pandemic hit and before the Rudin allegations hit the fan. Also, I can see how this particular production might not work well in tandem with another major adaptation (the Spielberg film that will most likely be staying more true to the original film and original stage production than this current revival) coming out at the same time as they are trying to begin performances again on Broadway. I said it this in the previews thread, but this West Side Story revival is extremely brutal, raw, and violent - more so than any other version of West Side Story.

[East Village]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 2:54pm

WSS cast was told to plan on reassembling in October for a November reopening

[gibsons2]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 3:31pm

East Village said: "WSS cast was told to plan on reassembling in October for a November reopening "

Such great news!! 

 

[Dolly80]

Posted: 5/13/21 at 3:50pm

WSS should absolutely reopen. It’s a bold and electrifying production and why should all of those people be jobless because of that asshole? 
 

Ramasar should definitely  not come back but everyone else should.

Updated On: 5/13/21 at 03:50 PM