US Coram Boy: Huge Success or Dismal Flop?- Page 2

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 10:48pm

I really don't understand how this piece can get a commercial run in the U.S, however, it's quite admirable that the producers decided to take the risk to put on a piece on Broadway that from what I've read/heard is quite brilliant with a top-notch cast (who doesn't love Jan Maxwell?--except for Alec Baldwin, that is).
Didn't 42nd STREET--a musical with a recognizable name--closed in red after a four year run because of its cast size?
YankeeFan's question voices out the concern of many of us. Then again, one can only assume that the producers went through all these questions before investing their money.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 11:37pm

Maybe the producers just wanted to give American audiences the chance to see this show knowing they'd never get their money back. And they're probably counting on word-of-mouth to build during the preview period.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 11:43pm

Just out of curiousity, when was the last time that a new play with no recognizable star recouped?

Non-profits don't count.

Updated On: 3/15/07 at 11:43 PM

[Bobby Maler]

Posted: 3/15/07 at 11:48pm

There is no other show I am anticipating more than "Coram Boy." I've heard it's brilliant and I honor and respect Boyett Ostar so much for bringing something that needs to be seen to theatre lovers in the US. It deserves all of our support.
I'm not familiar with how royalties works, but wouldn't it be possible that with productions in every major regional theatre in the years to come and/or a possible national tour and/or a film that they will recoup their money over the long term? It reminds me of the brilliance of "Amadeus" and the size and scale of "Angels in America."

[allofmylife]

Posted: 3/16/07 at 12:28am

But, my god, to fill fifteen hundred plus seats eight times a week with a show that nobody except this small community has heard of over here, with little advance press.... did anyone notice them building a hugh shed on the side of the theatre because they are gonna have to have someplace to store the GIANT cojhonnes it takes to risk that much money on such slim chances.

This is daring....

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 3/16/07 at 12:58am

I don't think we have cojhonnes here in America. One of our many problems.

[Weez]

Posted: 3/16/07 at 4:46am

Maybe it'll sell tickets the same way it sold so many tickets here in the UK that it sold out before I could see it; school groups. Many many school groups. And not a single seat left for a sad little theatre fan who really really enjoyed the book and wanted to see the play.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 3/16/07 at 9:53am

Personally, I think its awesome the huge-ass straight play is making a comeback....who knows? Maybe we'll see revivals of DEAD END or IDIOT'S DELIGHT in the near future.

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 3/16/07 at 12:01pm

This play, along with the Menier Chocolate Factory's "Sunday in the Park" were by far the two best shows I had the pleasure of seeing over the course of my semester studying at RADA. Though I have no idea whether this will succeed or fail, I agree that it is wonderful that the producers have decided to take the risk regardless as this is a gorgeous, epic play filled to the brim with beautiful Handell music, a compelling story, and one of the most impressive underwater stage effects I have ever had the pleasure of seeing (Little Mermaid, take a hint).

BUt I will say it is ALL about the marketing. I wish they would get a poster that further helped people get interested in the play. The story is extremely dark, yet the music so lush and beautiful. So i can see why the marketing probably will prove very difficult. BUt if I can start the word of mouth here, I cannot recommend this play enough. THough Coast of Utopia will take the TOny for its sheer scope and the Stoppard name behind it, if it were up to me, Coram Boy would win it hands down.