With The Wiz Live! done, what musical should they attempt next?
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/13
As I've consistently said the last two years, THE MUSIC MAN is always at the top of their list. This year would have been it but they couldn't land the two names they felt they needed to make it a "hit" (Timberlake and Bell). That being said, THE WIZ seemed to be right the choice. They needed to bring in a more diverse crowd.
Anyway, my guess remains either MUSIC MAN or CINDERELLA for next year. We shall see.
Understudy Joined: 8/8/15
I loved Peter Pan. But unfortunately could not sit all the way through the Wiz. The casting was fabulous and loved everyone s performances, but the music simply did not do it for me. Also the fact that every five minute we get a break didn't seem to make it an enjoyable evening.
I think this should be the end as their choice of titles isn't really that great. Music Man ahhhhh will that get them an audience for 2016?
I truly hope they choose something other than MUSIC MAN. We had a TV version of it not too long ago and I really don't see the need to do another one, especially since there are SO many other great shows that need a filmed production.
I think they should take advantage of the fact they put on the live shows during the holiday season and actually do a holiday show. Like a Christmas story the musical or elf the musical.
An Evita OBC reunion concert.
I don't think The Music Man is the default next choice anymore.
They have now shown that they can choose a less well known show and make it exciting.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/29/08
Elf would be GREAT for 2016. They would get incredibly high ratings - have Will Ferrel play Papa Elf, or, make a cameo in some way and they'd be set. I think that's one of the most popular holiday films these days and it would be amazing - especially since they're at MSG this season.
Wish they would try WEST SIDE STORY, which would be a great opportunity to give latino actors a chance to be on one of these specials. But is that show too much of a downer for a December family special?
They already air the animated version of Elf every year.
And while they may not want to go with something very well known, I don't think they'd go with something as new and generally unknown as Elf.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/14
my fair lady corresponding with its sixtieth anniversary....
gypsy
i think it would also be amazing if they did a more current musical like
A Chorus Line
Rent
the producers
hairspray
spamalot
A less well known show but one with high name recognition : Superman
Something must be done to erase the memory of the atrocious tv version done years ago.In addition, people might tune in for the novelty of a singing Superman.
How about Cheyenne Jackson as Kent/Superman?
ljay, I don't think they want to end their "Holiday special" with Maria crying, holding a gun while her boyfriends dead body is carried off screen.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Leading Actor Joined: 9/16/13
Elf or Cinderella would be the top of my list although we already have adaptations of both. I really like the idea of Hairspray but I feel like it's probably to recent to do it again. They probably want this to be a traditional family event and I'm not sure if The Music Man would achieve that goal. Wicked could be good but there's no way that is going to happen anytime soon. Perhaps Bye bye birdie could be a nice follow up to FOX's Grease.
Maybe the timing is right for Universal to dig out The Grinch. :)
I am honestly suprised everyone keeps saying Hairspray because thats all my friends and I could talk about last night.
Hamilton22 said: "In what world is Elf unknown?
"
Elf the musical, not the movie (duh)
In what world is it well known?
The only thing people may know is the cartoon version, and that didn't even pull in big ratings.
Jordan Catalano said: "ljay, I don't think they want to end their "Holiday special" with Maria crying, holding a gun while her boyfriends dead body is carried off screen.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!"
That would just be...so wrong. In every sense of the word. "West Side Story" and holiday family entertainment don't really go together.
I don't think they would even consider "elf". "elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas" premiered last holiday season and it was just released on DVD and blu-ray a month ago. That would just be overkill.
Whatever it is, I really hope it isn't "The Music Man".
Stand-by Joined: 6/10/09
West Side Story!! I actually thing Hairspray could be great as well.
I wouldn't think ELF would be available until they've drained every penny out of it touring.
Apparently many do not read the posts that precede theirs.
Why would anyone in their right mind choose "West Side Story" as a holiday family entertainment television event?!?!
Jordan Catalano really hit the nail on the head when he posted earlier:
"ljay, I don't think they want to end their "Holiday special" with Maria crying, holding a gun while her boyfriends dead body is carried off screen.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!"
I wonder if West Side Story would be a good choice.
I can see them doing it, it's a classic!
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/15
On last night, the music wasn't the problem. The problem was most definitely the acting. Mary J. Blige and a few others just couldn't hold their own in this type of show. Also, Uzo Aduba was totally miscast.
When it comes to Hairspray, Zadan and Meron are the ones who produced the film a few years back, so I doubt they bring it to the live! style of production as well.
I totally see The Music Man being the perfect choice.
Videos