Why Aren't These Shows Revived? — Page 5

Little Me was revived in 1998-99 with Martin Short and Faith Prince. And pretty much bombed..

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I really enjoyed the last revival of LITTLE ME. I thought it was done very well and of course Martin Short and Faith Prince were priceless.

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The reality is -- almost every show that could possibly be a commercial success has been revived. Some multiple times.

The only exceptions I can think of (that have had no revival at all) are SOUTH PACIFIC and perhaps FUNNY GIRL (with the right lead).

It would be fun to see shows like 110 IN THE SHADE and ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY but they're simply isn't enough of an audience for those shows without a major star or a not for profit like The Roundabout behind it.

yup--as I said previously, there's gotta be a movie or TV star to drag in the crowds for these...even if he/she is a bit over the hill, or not mega-star power (eg, Christina Applegate). The tourists who make up 65% of the audience require this, or some sort of "spectacle" a la Phantom or Cats. I'll bet that's why The Producers, for example, will not run as long as these: it's a uniquely American show which does not make sense to most Asian sensibilities. it's rooted in a paricular brand of American show business. Asise from Nathan Lane, is the show a huge hit in London? I can't seem to recall. I know that the CA version with Martin Short and Jason Alexander was not a sell-out.

"Pipe Dream" was a show that even Rodgers and Hammerstein didn't have a deep conviction to write. I think "South Pacific" is the only show in their canon that could stand a revival. I like the "110 in the Shade" idea!

cool--you think you and I can put it together?

I was thinking Jennifer Anniston; she can do plain and homely country girl, right? And then Nathan Lane as the sheriff, and Matthew Broderick as the rainman. Paul Newman as the father...

But it barely made back its investment, right?

Margo--I am guessing that this was because of word-of-mouth buzz? Do you think? The show became "hotter" as it went along.

There is talk of the revival of Mame starring Christine Baranski (at the Kennedy Center Feb 18 - Mar 26, 2006) heading to Broadway, but who knows?

I saw a really great production of Mame at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia years ago...although seeing Angela Lansbury in the original Broadway production is indelibly stamped on my consciousness as one of the greatest events of my youth. So Mame could be done...or RUINED by sticking somebody in it with a huge name like Lucille Ball. UGH. That movie is unwatchable. I have never been able to sit through more than about 3 minutes of it.

I think revivals are extremely important. However, it would be really nice if the funding could find its way to NEW works and support writers and composers who are LIVING. Wicked is based on a novel, but just about everything else was a movie first. Urinetown was original. Spelling Bee was conceived for the stage (I believe)...although I find the score completely unmemorable (not so The Marvin Trilogy). Avenue Q is a one-joke, gimmicky--albeit amusing--parody of a children's show that has been running for over 30 years. Movin' Out is new, but the music isn't. Where are the innovators? Maybe we wouldn't pine for revivals if we had the promise of something new.

I recently bought the CD of Promises, Promises, and remembered every word from when I was a kid. The music and arrangements are wonderful. But I agree with those who said it may come off as rather sexist. I even felt that way listening to the lyrics.

I saw the revival of Bye, Bye Birdie with Tommy Tune and Ann Reinking, and it was delightful. One of the reasons it worked is that they did not--and rightly so--"update" it. (In fact, at one point, Tommy Tune's Albert said something pretty blatantly sexist to Ann Reinking's Rosie, and he turned to the audience and said something like "What do you want, folks, it's 1959!" It put the whole show in perspective. Besides, if it's done right,that show is silly and fun so you don't analyze or question it. I agree that it could be revived in the same way that How to Succeed was pulled off.

I'm very curious about Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Delacorte. I listened to that 2-record vinyl OBC recording and stared at those photos in the gatefold sleeve hypnotically.

Maybe the new musical about Versace's killer will be fun.

(I'm trying to be ironic here. Please don't anyone start reaming me out for being insensitive. It's just a joke.)

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...with many calling it one of the finest performances they'd ever seen by a male performer...

The man had absolutely nothing to do and was continually upstaged by the supporting cast until he shook his booty in Act Two. Less than underwhelming.

Jerusha Bromley
Walpole, Mass.