What musical should Meron and Zadan do next?- Page 20

[darquegk]

Posted: 12/13/13 at 5:26pm

Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Nicely and Broadway Benny Southstreet would be a fantastic duo. What about this for a knockout TV cast:

Nathan: Seth MacFarlane
Sky: Michael Buble
Sarah: Laura Osnes
Adelaide: Megan Hilty
Nicely: Eric Stonestreet
Benny: Jesse Tyler Ferguson
General: Audra McDonald
Arvide: Stephen Colbert
Big Jule: Brad Garrett

[Wildcard]

Posted: 12/13/13 at 5:35pm

Remember, they needed almost a year long commitment from Carrie for auditions, publicity, rehearsals, etc. That would exclude the likes of Gaga, Adele or some of these other names being mentioned as they have concert tours, movies, etc.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 12/13/13 at 5:38pm

They also need people who are big but not HUGE. Yes, Carrie Underwood is really big, but she's not Adele, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Beyonce, etc in terms of worldwide popularity at the time she signed in to do this. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw their next show built around one of THE VOICE coaches, particularly Usher or Christina Aguilera.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 12/13/13 at 5:49pm

Carrie Underwood, based on album sales and tour ticket sales, is huge. She is a massive country superstar. I'm not sure how one could see it any differently.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/13/13 at 5:55pm

If they do Guys and Dolls I really love the idea of Michael Buble as Sky. Michael Buble in anything, really.

[Tink2]

Posted: 12/13/13 at 6:58pm

"I think it would be a great idea to have a reality TV special "The Search For Oliver," which leads to the 2 or 3 finalists and lets audiences vote on the winner. Yet another reason to tune in. And I'm guessing Oliver should be around 9 or 10, although 10 is more likely since he has to carry a good chunk of the show."

I like this idea. As big as reality shows are now, I think the country would love being able to help choose the leading actor. I do think a show with children in it is something they will seriously consider, or a Disney musical. They want a family friendly event, like SOM. I know ALW has been doing this in England for years to cast West End shows. This could end up having such a positive impact on theater here.

Updated On: 12/13/13 at 06:58 PM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 12/13/13 at 7:00pm

Ray- Carrie Underwood is absolutely as big a star as the names you mention. In terms of record sales and award wins, maybe even bigger.

Updated On: 12/13/13 at 07:00 PM

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 1:20pm

Okay, I didn't think she had the same kind of international appeal, but sure, you guys would know better than me. I stand corrected.

Had it been formally announced that the decision was down to three musicals? Looks like NBC confirmed it:

A follow-up live musical for next year’s holiday season with Sound Of Music executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron is already in the works, with the title choices narrowed down to three, according to NBC Chairman Robert Greenblatt. Rights issues are currently being sorted out, with the network and the producers expected to make their selection after the first of the year.
Deadline.com

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 1:27pm

Sounds about right. I'm very curious and look forward to seeing what they choose. I still feel an OLIVER! or PETER PAN is a more realistic choice... We'll see.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 1:34pm

It would probably be a ways down the line, but I think Demi Lovato could probably handle Evita. Her Fs are better than Elena Roger's. The idea of Aguilera as Eva is exciting as well.

[justincharacter]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 1:54pm

"A follow-up live musical for next year’s holiday season with Sound Of Music executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron is already in the works, with the title choices narrowed down to three, according to NBC Chairman Robert Greenblatt. Rights issues are currently being sorted out, with the network and the producers expected to make their selection after the first of the year.Deadline.com"

Crossing my fingers for West Side Story!

[darquegk]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 2:00pm

I doubt Evita would ever fly- the main songs are beloved, but its recitatives are less appealing to the mainstream ear than Les Mis or Phantom, which still cut theirs down to be more accessible.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 2:17pm

Greenblatt said an interview today they wanted something for next year that had appeal for "kids and their parents"

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 3:07pm

Which eliminates most suggestions from those who do not understand what could qualify as a TV-G family friendly special. Just as expected.

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 3:17pm

We're pretty much back to Oliver! and Peter Pan, assuming they can square the rights to either one.

EDIT: And appealing to parents and their kids does not mean G only, Liza. Plenty of PG movies have appealed to parents and their kids lately.

Updated On: 12/14/13 at 03:17 PM

[dannyboy]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 4:40pm

Want to get hugh ratings.......Justin B in Grease

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 4:44pm

Besty, you're right. I have no inside knowledge or information. I just believe, based on what I do know, that they will be aiming for a TV-G rating again. It is the most parent friendly rating possible and while you or I do not give those ratings much weight, there are hundreds of thousands of families -- if not more -- who do take careful note of those ratings. That is the only reason I feel shows like GREASE would never happen, even if it's toned down.

Posted: 12/14/13 at 5:38pm

I'll bet it will be WEST SIDE STORY. By far one of the most widely known musicals thanks to its hugely popular film adaption. OLIVER! is no lighter and much less well known, although I'd much rather have that than PETER PAN, which as written I'm not sure could really work in this context.

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 6:17pm

I think it's going to come down to two things among the few shows that might work:

1) Who is available to star and also do it live. Stars are the first priority.

2) Getting the rights. i.e., will Mackintosh or Cathy Rigby let them do their shows, since both own rights.

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 7:00pm

Zadan and Meron have already held the television rights for Peter Pan before.

[justincharacter]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 7:11pm

If they are going to produce West Side Story (like they need to do), I would like to see Justin Timberlake as Tony. He has a big enough name, he can act, dance, and I'd just like to see if he can switch to a theatrical voice.

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 7:32pm

Justin Timberlake is a 32-year-old man. Tony is a teenager.

I would love to see them do WSS. Highly doubt it will happen though.
Updated On: 12/14/13 at 07:32 PM

[justincharacter]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 7:37pm

I know, and I get that. Although, I think he could pull off the look if he shaved and dyed his hair a lighter color

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 7:56pm

Like this?

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 12/14/13 at 8:08pm

I don't think "family friendly classic" when I think WEST SIDE STORY.