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

[blaxx]

Posted: 6/19/20 at 1:47am

Urban said: "In My Life"

That show was so bizarre and hilarious, I'd sit through it again anytime!

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 6/19/20 at 1:51am

Showboat

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 6/19/20 at 3:29am

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.

[BJR]

Posted: 6/19/20 at 11:40am

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.

 

[raddersons]

Posted: 6/19/20 at 11:45am

The Mikado

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 6/19/20 at 12:07pm

We will never see (or hear the great score of) Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me again.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 6/20/20 at 10:26pm

Purlie.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/20/20 at 10:38pm

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 .

In answer to the title of this discussion sad to say any musical by Frank Wildhorn.Will Never be in any Broadway house

[darquegk]

Posted: 6/20/20 at 10:50pm

jonartdesigns said: "We will never see (or hear the great score of) Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me again. "

Given how much specialty and nonce material Shaiman has written, as well as stuff for things that aren’t available for production, a “musical world of Marc Shaiman” revue would be great fun. You could even skip his three big musicals and still have enough great and funny material for a whole night. Especially “‘Mamushka,” “Stepbrother to Jesus” and the extended “Dreidel, Dreidel” sketch.

[Globefan]

Posted: 6/20/20 at 10:57pm

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. 

[LaneBryant]

Posted: 6/20/20 at 11:17pm

All the ones with 27 white principals and all the actors of color thrown into the ensemble to create fake diversity and make White producers feel like they're doing something to keep their show from being protested.... aka Music Man and all of his friends....

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 6/21/20 at 3:40pm

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

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/21/20 at 4:27pm

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 third seat being filled" working for Broadway. 

[joevitus]

Posted: 6/21/20 at 4:52pm

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.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 6/21/20 at 6:47pm

LaneBryant said: "All the ones with 27 white principals and all the actors of color thrown into the ensemble to create fake diversity and make White producers feel like they're doing something tokeep their show from being protested.... aka Music Man and all of his friends...."

Why stick to revivals? Something Rotten, Beetlejuice, Jagged Little Pill, Dear Evan Hansen, Frozen, Bandstand, etc. 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/21/20 at 8:05pm

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]

Posted: 6/21/20 at 10:55pm

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 a lot more sense. (And that’s coming from a 90s boy who considers Hercules his favorite Disney movie.)

Updated On: 6/22/20 at 10:55 PM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 6/22/20 at 2:19am

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+).

[Lot666]

Posted: 6/22/20 at 10:32am

Jordan Levinson said: "Hercules at the St. James isv ery 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+)."

I'm expecting the Beauty and the Beast revival in 2023 or 2024. 

Updated On: 6/22/20 at 10:32 AM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/22/20 at 4:59pm

TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON

PURLIE

A.MAJORITY OF ONE

FLOWER DRUM SONG

[Jarethan]

Posted: 6/22/20 at 6:05pm

sabrelady said: "Purlie."

I don't know if you ever saw Purlie.  I saw it 4 times 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 Lutiebelle and 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.

[Lanie J]

Posted: 6/23/20 at 4:11pm

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?

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 6/23/20 at 5:03pm

Well I hope sunset boulevard is revived. I agree it would have to be with a star. But I would love to see a revival of the original. I saw the one a couple years back with Close. Which I’m glad. And the score was lush. But I really want to see this mansion and staircase that’s talked about.
I could see them going for a big star. But yes I want quality! Looking 15-20 years out. I could only see someone like Gaga starring in it. It really takes a certain star power elegance.

I’ve never seen the music man or mame live so I would hope that they are revived. I would also hope that shows like showboat are revived. I love the “event” type shows. Ala hello dolly where it really becomes a did you see it type thing

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/23/20 at 5:14pm

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!)  

 

[Hot Pants]

Posted: 6/23/20 at 6:09pm

I expect that the next time Anything Goes is on Broadway, they’ll do a bit of rewriting to either remove the Chinese characters or update them so as to not offend.

Speaking of shows that Sutton Foster won a Tony for that also happen to have problematic portrayals of AsiansI was upset that the Ashley Park Encores (at least I think that’s where it was) production of Thoroughly Modern Millie got cancelled, cause I believe they said they were gonna update the show to make it less offensive.m and I would’ve liked to see how they handled that.