While I'm not sure that he's A+ Like was mentioned, my guess is that Nick Jonas is going to do the Fox musicals (Is a Rocky Horror happening?) because he's the only young version of NPH that we have that toes Hollywood and Broadway - who could also be the star of one of these.
Also I'm gonna give a big NO to Christmas theme'd shows just because I'd like to see it be more inclusive.
Charlie Brown won't happen- these are big affairs and they would never do a show that is six people on a bare stage, especially one that is mostly solo monologue/stand-up directly addressed to the (non-existent) audience.
Isn't bombshell the one that is being thrown around? I would love to see what kind of train wreck that would be. I personally would love to see something like "Mame" its a solid show with a wonderful score, and would be a fantastic vehicle for a great diva. Plus, very family friendly. Or how about just taking Bartlett Sher's The King and I, from the stage an adapting for television.
Goodness, yes! "Mame" would be a terrific choice! Perfect because nobody really has ties to the movie. Would we want an unknown or a pre-established diva? I'd love to hear some dreamcasts.
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
The thing is, the show chosen, does need name recognition value, and it needs to be a choice people are familiar with.
People forget that though The Wiz movie may be frowned down on in the theatre world, it was and still is pretty popular--a "cult film", basically, and many if not most of the viewers who watched The Wiz Live have a connection to the film version.
I think because Lucy was so involved in "Mame" that it does have a cultish aura around it. I watched it growing up, just because I adored Lucy. But unlike "Peter Pan" and "The Sound of Music", it has no good adaption, which means people won't be overly protective over the property.
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
They really need to get their hands on a title, similar to The Sound of Music which is well known and loved. Unfortunately both Peter Pan and The Wiz are not really well known, and that could be the reason, ratings went the way they went. Having Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige who are renowned fortunately increased that number, but two million is not by much from the previous year.
If I had to choose, I would go for Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver! or even Cinderella for next year. I am sure that would pay off.
I trust you fans of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST know that a big budget feature film of the musical was shot this past Spring/Summer in the UK, for release in 2016.
Lots of great choices so far, but none are meant to be because the networks will insist on appealing to the biggest (teenage) demographic. Might end up being something like "The Little Shop Of Horrors", which isn't bad - excellent score - but not exactly challenging.
One must remember that "stunt" casting usually works best if your "stunt' can sing, dance and act.
Imo, "Damn Yankees" could easily be updated. (just don't hire Douglas Carter Beane).
Jake Glylenhaal as Joe Hardy, Patina Miller or Megan Hilty as Lola (but it might be too low for Megan to sing); and if the Wiz can be a woman, let's say Lady Gaga as the Devil. There are plenty of great Broadway hunks to round out the team. I guess it could be considered too adult for some tastes.
With commercials every ten minutes like clockwork, if I can't DVR it I'm not watching anything.
What about billy Elliot? It was a popular film. Had a nice Broadway run and it's a universal pictures property. The only problem with that is who would you have in the main role. There aren't that many famous young singers that can do ballet.
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