What shows will we never see again on broadway — Page 2

Showboat

I've thought for years Mame both needed a revival but also an overhaul to work in today's world. And now that's even more true, perhaps to the point of it needed a large one. That title number on a plantation - "tonight the South will rise again" - simply does not play in 2020. Not tongue in cheek, not no way.

But sadly, Herman later in life wasn't always interested in revising his successful shows, and I wonder how the estate would be on it.

VintageSnarker said: "If we're going with R&H, I would have said Flower Drum Song before TKAI or South Pacific.

I think Show Boat is too important in the history of musical theater to fade away. It's one of the only substantive (vs. frothy or farcical) 1920's musicals that has survived intact and that is still performed with some regularity. I stand by my post in that other thread. Either it'll be presented as a historical piece (possibly with a framing device or a required talkback) or someone will radically reimagine/rewrite it."

I'd love Show Boat in a new film adaptation.

I believe the realistic answer to the forum's question is most of the shows that were on Broadway before the shutdown- I don't think anyone would even think of reviving any of them. The NY theatre industry will have probably received a major makeover by the time it reopens.

Hercules is pretty much confirmed for the St. James, and I'm hoping for A Strange Loop to the August Wilson, KPOP at a theatre TBA, and a boatload of revivals with recording artists, movie/TV stars, and other celebrities guaranteed to break box office records. Music Man, Company, Six, and Plaza Suite will all likely open (as well as the nonprofit productions). Anything beyond that, I can't even begin to predict.

Updated On: 6/21/20 at 03:40 PM

VintageSnarker said: "If we're going with R&H, I would have said Flower Drum Song before TKAI or South Pacific.

I think Show Boat is too important in the history of musical theater to fade away. It's one of the only substantive (vs. frothy or farcical) 1920's musicals that has survived intact and that is still performed with some regularity. I stand by my post in that other thread. Either it'll be presented as a historical piece (possibly with a framing device or a required talkback) or someone will radically reimagine/rewrite it."

It hasn't really survived "intact," in that lyrics, whole songs and scenes have been altered or totally cut. It is never done without some alteration to the book. But I agree with your sentiments, and I hope in the future (though it's unthinkable now) it will be welcome on Broadway again.

Sutton Ross said: "Mr Roxy said: "With Social Distancing& reducing theater capacity to 50% not many shows,would survive unless they doubled ticket prices. These are all exercises in futility until after we reach stage 4 .and see what is left after the dust settles. Most of the restaurants will be gone by than and most of the shows that were playing will.not be returning . No one knows if the audiences will be back .

"They can do that just fine in movie theaters, arenas and stadiums. But to make any kind of profit on Broadway, it simply would not work. As much as I would LOVE some person not squeezing over to my seat due to their size or just hogging the arm rest, I don't see the "every thirdseat being filled" working for Broadway."

RumTumJM said: "Jordan Levinson said: "I believe the realistic answer to the forum's question is most of the shows that were on Broadway before the shutdown- I don't think anyone would eventhink of reviving any of them. The NY theatre industry will have probably receiveda major makeover by the time it reopens.

Herculesis pretty much confirmed forthe St. James, and I'm hoping forA Strange Loopto the August Wilson, KPOPat a theatre TBA, and a boatload of revivals with recording artists, movie/TV stars, and other celebrities guaranteed to break box office records.Music Man,Company,Six, andPlaza Suitewill all likely open (as well as the nonprofit productions). Anything beyond that, I can't even begin to predict.





"

Hercules is going to the St. James? Is that definite? - Others on here said Beauty & The Beast was likely...which makes a more sense. (And that’s coming from a 90s boy, who considers Hercules his favorite Disney movie.)"

Hercules at the St. James is very likely, though Disney has not announced an official confirmation yet.

I say Beauty takes the New Amsterdam fall 2022. Of course, anything could happen before then and Aladdin could possibly not show any signs of mortality, but a show like Beauty deserves a very spacious home. Then again, the two theaters nearly have the same amount of seats (1700+).

This is a fascinating question indeed, but I'll take a shot at it.

Show Boat- I've been paying attention to the recent thread, and while I think that it will definitely see some sort of concert or very limited run for its hundredth anniversary, I don't anticipate a full-scale revival in all its glory. I just don't think that producers would be willing to take such a gamble with a century-old show that doesn't have a massive fan base under the age of sixty.

The Music Man- While I absolutely adore this show and I hope it lasts forever on Broadway, I just don't feel this one. If the Jackman/Foster revival manages to survive the pandemic, I anticipate that that production might be the last one on Broadway. The fans are dying, but I don't think the show will cease to be. It's perfect for community theaters, and I imagine it will exist all over the world in that capacity.

Finian's Rainbow- This one doesn't need too much explaining. The only revival it has had since the sixties lasted only about fifteen weeks. I wish that community theaters would give more attention to this show, because most young people don't even know it exists. I think this one might die out in the next twenty years unless it gets some major TLC.

Singin' in the Rain- No one is begging for this one to return. I don't even see local high schools in my area giving this show any attention, nor has the local community theater ever done it. However, I do believe that this show can be saved with massive stunt casting. Get Darren Criss and Harry Shum in the leads and you've got something.

Then you've got all the ones that community theaters and schools did back before the twenty-first century, shows like Babes in Arms, Me and My Girl, Li'l Abner, Camelot, Over Here, etc. They just wouldn't have the audience, and I don't think they ever will again. It's quite a shame, since Over Here holds a special place in my heart, and I've never seen it live.

My wild card for this list is Sunset Boulevard. Norma is my ultimate dream role, but I'm not quite sure anybody is screaming for this show to return, especially since it was just on Broadway. We'll have to see if a movie (starring Glenn?) ever gets made, because that could make all the difference. I, however, am confident that this is another show that can be saved with stunt casting. Get Lady Gaga or someone else of massive stature in this role and we know it would sell. The question would then become quality.

I apologize for writing a novel here, but I have a lot of thoughts. Does anybody disagree with these?

Jarethan said: "sabrelady said: "Purlie."

I don't know if you ever saw Purlie. I saw it 4times during its original run. The entire rear mezzanine of the Broadway Theatre was priced at $3.00(!!!), which meant that you could get a pretty decent seat if you bought tickets enough in advance; plus it was a great show, with wonderful music. To this day, I play the OCR at least once every 2 months. The score is joyous and the more solemn songs are very affecting.

It is also a satire. The heroes are Purlie and Lutiebelleand Missy, all black. The chorus was ledgy Linda Hopkins and generated goosebumps at times. The entire show was focused on showing how stupid Ol' Cap'n was. I doubt that it will ever receive a big revival, simply because I am not sure the original production, despite running 20 months, broke even. I wouldn't be surprised to see Roundabout tackle it some time, because it is a satire about dealing with ignorance."

It is the first Broadway show I saw (On tour) as a kid and then again years later at Playhouse in the Park in Philadelphia. Sherman Hemsley was in both productions. I have been listening to it recently and was thinking the same thing. I would not be surprised if Roundabout did it. The score is wonderful. (I was singing "Down Home" while listening in the shower just the other day!)