What EXACTLY Constitutes a PREVIEW?

[Sleeth1]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 4:50am

I thought I knew! Thought I understood that it was "preview" performances BEFORE a play/musical actually advertized as OPEN. I must say, though, that it seemed a bit CONFUSING as to how many "previews" any given performance was given. In the book AT THIS THEATRE by Louis Botto there is a reference to a play that he claims had 60+ previews and 100+ performances. In what case would THAT ever be acceptable? Please don't make me look up the title.. I swear it's true. So, I ask.... WHAT EXACTLY constitutes a PREVIEW? Thank you.

[tazber]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 4:59am

During previews a show can change as needed to fix any structural problems. The audiences reaction is the best resource for that. Once a show opens, that is once the press is invited to review it, it's not supposed to be altered. I think it has to do with union laws and whatnot.
Of course shows do make minor changes after opening on occasion, but as a general rule they're set. There are so many shows that have had weeks and weeks of previews only to close after a few perfs.
There is even a show by Jule Styne called One Night Stand (ironic title) that closed DURING previews and never even opened officially.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:06am

A preview is the stage equivalent of a test screening.

[Jon]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:11am

You certainly can change a show after opening, but you have to pay the actors extra for rehearsal. During the preview period, you can have the actors in for additional rehearsal for no extra pay, as long as the total work day - rehearsals and performance - does not exceed ten hours.

[Sleeth1]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:16am

"During previews a show can change as needed to fix any structural problems. The audiences reaction is the best resource for that. Once a show opens, that is once the press is invited to review it, it's not supposed to be altered."

God Lord, though... to what avail? Do some shows just have indefinite "previews" until they decide they have it right? And what about the people who are PAYING to see a preview? Please don't tell me that they're allowed to stop mid-play to change something, or address one of the actors. What is the difference between a preview and a DRESS REHERSAL?

[tazber]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:25am

"Do some shows just have indefinite "previews" until they decide they have it right?"

It's pre-determined. The show sets an opening date and they have until then to tinker. Occasionally the opening can be delayed by a few days if more changes are needed. But it sends out a very bad signal.


"And what about the people who are PAYING to see a preview? Please don't tell me that they're allowed to stop mid-play to change something, or address one of the actors."

Oh god no! The creative staff makes changes between shows. The only time I'm familiar with a show being stopped during a performance was b/c of a mechanical set malfunction. Many preview tix are less expensive that once the show has opened b/c it's still in a state of flux.


"What is the difference between a preview and a DRESS REHERSAL?"

Think of a preview as a Dress Rehersal with an audience.

[Sleeth1]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:45am

"The only time I'm familiar with a show being stopped during a performance was b/c of a mechanical set malfunction".

Mary Poppins flew into a ceiling fan? The Miss Saigon hellicopter accidently beheaded Kim? Don't even TELL me that Norma drowned in her very own swimming pool. You can't just make that kind of statement without giving me the details.

[tazber]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:53am

LOL. It wasn't one particular incident I was referring to, just a general cause to stop a show. I do recall there being a lot of trouble with the Mary Poppins set though. I think they had to cancel a couple of previews b/c of it.
You should start a thread about set malfunctions, I'm sure there would ba a lot of great stories!

[Sleeth1]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:03am

"I do recall there being a lot of trouble with the Mary Poppins set though. I think they had to cancel a couple of previews b/c of it."

The only one I know of for sure was ONE preview in which she CHOKED on a spoonfull of sugar. Later, however, Jane and Michael (BANKS) were found dead in the back alley of the theatre. I still don't believe she did it. I think it was a conspiracy of the sisters Suffrogate. Right?

[tazber]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:09am

Well that's how the story goes, but I have my doubts. Never trust a flying nanny.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:11am

What about a flying nun?

[tazber]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:12am

Never trust any nun. You never know what's under that habbit.

[Sleeth1]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:27am

"Never trust any nun. You never know what's under that habbit. "

I'm not sure whether I can trust a picture in which 3 brothers look like they're about to become "swingers" - among themselves! I'm not saying it's not a great picture. Since I first saw it I've printed it, and now there are various "construction men" in my house making a frame... and I assume they will hang it, also (otherwise no tip!) Now, remind me again? What does this have to do with PREVIEWS? I'll TELL you! Once the picture is properly framed over my fireplace... I will POST a "preview".

[StageManager2]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:31am

You're nothing if not relentless, Sleeth.

[Sleeth1]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:45am

StageManager: Thanks, I think. I've enjoyed your posts. In that picture of you... I can't decide. Are you puffing on a joint or biting your fingernails? LOL Thanks for making me laugh tonight. You're pretty awesome.

[tazber]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 6:48am

SM2 always has funny posts! He makes me laugh a lot.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 7:03am

taz: We both know how much you love being hog-tied and tickle tortured.

Sleeth: I'm playing with my lips. It's a nervous habit I have, not to mention an oral fixation.

Updated On: 3/31/07 at 07:03 AM

[EricP2]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 9:57am

a preview is any performance before the opening night, but these days all opening night really means is the perfromance the media is invited to see, and opening night dates get chosen for maximum press exposure

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 9:59am

Shows that had extended previews

Golden Rainbow
Legs Diamond
Nick & Nora

Do you see a pattern here ?

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 10:33am

FUNNY GIRL also kept extending it's previews back in 1964.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 10:48am

Taz - that's habit with one "b", rabbit with 2. *smiles*

[myManCape]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 12:28pm

a preview is any performance before the opening night, but these days all opening night really means is the perfromance the media is invited to see, and opening night dates get chosen for maximum press exposure

Actually the press rarely attends opening night, simply because it would not be possible to attend the performance then write a review all before the deadline for the next days papers. Opening night is usually reserved for friends, family and special guests. The press usually attend one of 3-5 press performances which are given the last week of previews AFTER a show is frozen so changes between then and opening night are very small.

[Sleeth1]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 2:14pm

"Sleeth: I'm playing with my lips. It's a nervous habit I have, not to mention an oral fixation".

Well let's just get that fixed! The Mary Poppins theatre - back alley.

[Sleeth1]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 2:20pm

"FUNNY GIRL also kept extending it's previews back in 1964"

Well, that's probably only because Barbra was such a perfectionist.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 2:30pm

Nah. Barbra was only 21 and 3/4 at the time and didn't have that kinda creative clout yet. There were problems with the ending of the show, so it was constantly being worked on. On Opening Night, Barbra and Sydney Chaplin (who played Nicky Arnstein) were rehearsing the 41st version of the final scene as the audience was filling into the Winter Garden Theatre.