Posted: 6/20/16 at 7:10pm
^ I think you're underestimating the popularity of Harry Potter. They sold out all of their performances in London until next year, I don't see them opting for a small house on Broadway anytime soon.
Posted: 6/20/16 at 7:14pm
Is Bandstand really not coming? After all the talk and website and casting announced?
Posted: 6/20/16 at 7:27pm
Harry Potter is currently playing a 1,400 seat house in the West End. The Lyric has a little over 1,900, which is a pretty big difference. A space like the Al Hirschfeld would be far more reasonable and much more in line with the house size for which this production was originally designed.
Updated On: 6/20/16 at 07:27 PM
Posted: 6/20/16 at 7:29pm
If Harry Potter went to the Hirschfeld, Jordan Roth, with Book of Mormon, Frozen at the St James, & that should work on building some new houses! Smart bookings!
Posted: 6/20/16 at 7:29pm
I was thinking the Hudson, again with the ATG connection, for Harry Potter, but maybe that's too small.
Posted: 6/20/16 at 7:46pm
Laura Osnes said they were waiting until post-Tonys to see what houses would be open. So they're currently shopping around for a house to take.
Posted: 6/20/16 at 8:06pm
I am well aware of Potter's popularity in London. They would prefer a small musical house than a large musical house, they don't want to risk damaging their product with it to be swamped in a big house. Also you can make more money in a smaller theatre than a big theatre.
Posted: 6/20/16 at 8:41pm
Cinders, where did Laura say that?
Posted: 6/20/16 at 8:58pm
I really enjoyed Bandstand. It was powerful IMO.
Posted: 6/20/16 at 9:06pm
She said it in a Periscope about a month ago. Unfortunately Periscope's only live for 24 hours, which is why I didn't include a link.
Posted: 6/21/16 at 3:43am
Another thing to consider for Harry Potter besides the size might be the location and facade. They did a lot of art work on the facade at the Palace in London. I can see them wanting to replicate that in one way or another, and have a house that looks pretty and magical on the outside as well. I think the Lunt Funtane could fill that bill, which of course has Charlie going in there... But we don't know how successful that will be and how long it'll run... and as of now Harry Potter hasn't announced a transfer yet. I don't doubt it's coming but it could be another season away.
Posted: 6/21/16 at 11:20am
I heard The Bandstand is trying to come in this fall. Perhaps Lincoln Center will put it in the Beaumont?
Posted: 6/21/16 at 12:13pm
Considering Harry Potter's 20th Anniversary for its original Printing is June 7, 2017 and US printing September 2018 I would not be surprised if the producers wanted to open the show on Broadway on one of these dates. Also I would think Ms Rowling would want the play to open in a house with a true lobby that can transport audiences into the world of Harry Potter. Therefore I believe the theaters that the producers are considering are:
Al Hirschfeld*
August Wilson*
The Broadway (likely too large of a theater though)
The Imperial (we don't know how The Great Comet will do without Grobin)
Lunt Fontanne (we have no idea how Charlie will do)
Palace( likely too large and the raising of the theatter might be an issue)
Sondhiem (Not that likely but I think it would be a perfect fit)
*I can see Jordan Roth putting either of these shows out to pasture to make way for the surefire hit Harry Potter will be much like the Neaderlanders do at the Lunt Fontanne*
Also do we know where Spongebob is going after all it opened to pretty unanimous praise in Chicago?
Updated On: 6/21/16 at 12:13 PM
Posted: 6/21/16 at 12:17pm
Jessie Mueller said: "I heard The Bandstand is trying to come in this fall. Perhaps Lincoln Center will put it in the Beaumont?
"
I doubt LCT would waste the Beaumont on the Bandstand.
Posted: 6/21/16 at 1:06pm
bdn223 said: "Considering Harry Potter's 20th Anniversary for its original Printing is June 7, 2017 and US printing September 2018 I would not be surprised if the producers wanted to open the show on Broadway on one of these dates. Also I would think Ms Rowling would want the play to open in a house with a true lobby that can transport audiences into the world of Harry Potter. Therefore I believe the theaters that the producers are considering are:
Al Hirschfeld*
August Wilson*
The Broadway (likely too large of a theater though)
The Imperial (we don't know how The Great Comet will do without Grobin)
Lunt Fontanne (we have no idea how Charlie will do)
Palace( likely too large and the raising of the theatter might be an issue)
Sondhiem (Not that likely but I think it would be a perfect fit)
*I can see Jordan Roth putting either of these shows out to pasture to make way for the surefire hit Harry Potter will be much like the Neaderlanders do at the Lunt Fontanne*
Also do we know where Spongebob is going after all it opens to pretty unanimous praise?
As I said earlier, if the reviews are good/great thhen all 3 theatre owners will scramble for the franchise. Michael Riedel is waiting on the reviews, before he releases is scoop, he will be all over this.
Also the lead producer on this Sonia Friedman is very smart and if the 3 theatre owners are vying to get this show, like I think they will, Sonia will use this as a bargaining chip, for producion rights on future productions.
"
