Why did Ragtime fail the first time around? — Page 2

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#26

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/10/09 at 5:51pm

^^^^^
Blaxx said it. Although it ran for 3(?) years at the Hilton, the 42nd Street revival was unable to recoup due to high running costs and closed as a flop. The vast size of the Hilton, along with the often large and lavish production values of the shows that play there, just makes it really hard for productions to pay back their investment.

"You drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!" - Betty Parris to Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's The Crucible

#27

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/10/09 at 5:53pm

I always wondered how Wicked would have done there.

Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany

#28

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/10/09 at 5:54pm

In fact, every show that has played there has flopped (not counting the Grinch's limited engagement).

Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE

#29

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/10/09 at 5:59pm

Dottie, I think had Wicked played the Hilton instead of the Gershwin, it would be the Hilton that would be selling out each night and we would be having this discussion about the Gershwin theater.

In fact, didn't the Gershwin have a reputation as a flop house before Wicked opened?

"You drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!" - Betty Parris to Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's The Crucible

#30

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/11/09 at 4:31am

Yup, the Gershwin was just as bad if not worst. Then Wicked came along.

Hopefully something will be able to turn a profit at the Hilton, but things like Spider Man don't exactly sound like a hit to me.

Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE

#31

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/11/09 at 8:56am

I saw the touring company in Boston. It was a huge disappointment. The whole production looked cheap, scaled down to almost nothing, and the performances were so far over the top that the story wasn't engaging or credible. I look forward to seeing a quality revival one day.

#32

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/11/09 at 9:28am

I just hope they can get the financing right this time. I really liked Ragtime and would like to see it return.

#33

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/11/09 at 6:04pm

It's not really a matter of getting the financing "right" this time. This production from all reports is far less elaborate than the original (which should knock out the criticism that the original was overproduced) and without all the grafts added in, will have a more reasonable break-even.

The big challenge will be the NY Times. Brantley hated the show the first time around, while admitting that many of the individual elements were strong. Maybe they will let one of the other reviewers cover it this time.

Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!

I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com

#34

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/11/09 at 6:58pm

Its my understanding that the budget is in the $8-9M range. They saved the set from the Kennedy Center and are modifying it for the Neil Simon. The budget for the Kennedy Center Production was around $4M.

#35

re: Why did Ragtime fail the first time around?

Posted: 8/11/09 at 8:50pm

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