CATSNYrevival, The reason why I think that Cats became such a huge hit is this. I think it's because the plot is next to none and it has a lot of catchy songs and flashy dancing and costumes etc. I think that it became the longest running show in Broadway history because it was a show that people who came to visit NYC from another country could enjoy without even speaking a word of English.
I think that some shows are successes based upon what kinds of shows they are. I think that most Disney shows are a success not because of reviews or anything like that. I think that it is because people will flock to see them because they are based on movies that people know and love. I think that this will be the same case with Shrek. While I don't think that Shrek will get good reviews I don't think that it will matter because I think it will sell regardless.
Also word of mouth plays into it a fair amount. Gone are the days where The New York Times could close a show just by a bad review. There are more and more places to get word of mouth opinions. There is this message board for example. Also The New York Times has reader reviews for all the shows that they review. So it allows more people to voice their opinion on a given show rather then just the critic.
"If you try to shag my husband while I am still alive, I will shove the art of motorcycle maintenance up your rancid little Cu**. That's a good dear"
Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll