Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Why is War Paint Still Playing?
#1Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 2:51pm
I'm interested in hearing your theories about why War Paint is still playing and hasn't announced a closing date yet. A friend had an interesting theory. He speculated that Patti had it written into her contract that the show had to run for a speculated length of time.
I've finally listened to the cast recording. Admittedly I listened to it only once and many times cast recordings only come alive for me after I see the related shows, but I don't see how they thought this show would succeed on Broadway. For a show to recoup these days it seems it needs to be marketable to the tourist crowd and hopefully have strong reviews (although the non-theater tourist crowd doesn't care as much about this, they will like to say they saw a Tony-winner).
Even though they are both old school-type musicals, it seems Hello Dolly! has everything that War Paint doesn't - strong reviews and most importantly a big star that appeals to both theater folk and tourists (Patti and Christine are both lauded within theater circles, but really don't have much appeal to the broader-based tourist crowd).
So what do you think of my friend's speculation? Is he on to something or do you have your own theories? And why'd the producers think this could recoup?
#2Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 3:05pm
Miles2Go2 said: "I'm interested in hearing your theories about why War Paint is still playing and hasn't announced a closing date yet. A friend had an interesting theory. He speculated that Patti had it written into her contract that the show had to run for a speculated length of time."
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
#3Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 3:12pm
Because enough people are buying tickets that producers don't feel the need to close yet?
I'd be shocked if it made it through September, but I truly have no idea what their advance or their weekly nut is. I can't imagine they're making much, if any, profit at the moment.
The idea that LuPone had it written into her contract that the show must run a certain length of time is hilarious, though. There's no way any producer would ever agree to such a demand.
10086Sundays
Broadway Star Joined: 5/5/17
#4Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 3:13pm
Here's a couple recent threads on this:
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1102977#4953018
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1102896#4951549
bkersey
Swing Joined: 3/18/15
#5Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 3:40pm
Because it's a fantastic show and people are buying enough tickets to make it run. I doubt it's a very expensive show to run.
#6Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 3:57pm
I feel like it could go to January and close. That seems standard for a star vehicle of this caliber.
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nasty_khakis
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/15/07
#7Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 3:57pm
bkersey said: "Because it's a fantastic show and people are buying enough tickets to make it run. I doubt it's a very expensive show to run."
Not true Large set pieces, lots and lots of costumes and wigs to maintain, ensemble, and Patti alone does not work cheap. Sure, she could be waiving certain things or taking pay cuts to keep it running, but she's making good money, car service to and from the theatre, and they're probably paying for an apartment in the city (I know Gypsy and WotV had to).
#8Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 4:26pm
. It's sad that LuPone is choosing this as her final musical of her career if you ask me.
"
Totally agree there (and I'm in the minority that truly enjoyed War Pain)t. It'd be nice for her last musical role to be something as (if not more) meaty than Rubinstein, but in a show more people were interested in seeing. I'd think a revival if some sort but nearly every role I dreamcast her in she's already played!
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#9Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 4:35pm
I think it's a fantastic show with a beautiful score.
#10Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 4:37pm
I hope to see it again. I listen to it often.
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kaykordeath
Stand-by Joined: 4/14/17
#11Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 4:42pm
I wonder if the stars have a guaranteed contract. While the comment above about a guaranteed RUN is highly unlikely, if the stars are guaranteed to be PAID, the producers may very well be mitigating their losses. If they're going to pay, they may as well take SOME income to offset it.
#12Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 7:36pm
I recall years ago when someone very connected to theater said some big name celebrities have it written into their contract that the play/musical will not close with their name on the marquee. They would want to be replaced first, and let the show close once someone else took over the role.
Is this still true?
#13Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 7:48pm
I was there last night and the theatre looked pretty full for a Thursday to me.
#14Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 7:53pm
Yes, but how many of those Thursday night tickets were sold at a deep discount, or comped? I think in the long run, that' what matters most.
#15Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 8:00pm
Allowing the show to continue to run - or closing it - is a decision solely left to its producers.
Period. End of conversation.
rattleNwoolypenguin
Broadway Star Joined: 10/11/11
#16Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 8:23pm
Ya know, why do people do posts like this?
Do you realize you're kinda rudely speculating on why and when a whole bunch of people are gonna be unemployed?
Why don't we spend more time cheering original musicals on that are still open?
Why is it still running? Cause clearly people like it.
#18Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 8:32pm
Because when it closes Patti (supposedly) retires. If I were the producers I'd keep it running forever too.
#19Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 8:40pm
I think the point though is that are there actually enough people liking it at the moment for it to make a $? I hope it is indeed not THAT expensive to run and around its break-even point. That would explain why it hasn't closed yet - they might be hoping that things pick up steam (with shows closing around them and a good marketing strategy to tap into their key demographic - old people - maybe it can. I'm doubtful personally though).
As far as whether the role is meaty enough for Patti. Personally, I am grateful that we had the opportunity to see her in this role (and see the show in general). While some of the 'meat' might have been trimmed because she had to share the stage with Ebersole, the role was meaty. A few interesting/great songs ("Now You Know", "Back On Top", "Forever Beautiful" - not to mention some of the duets); a character that had an arc (rise and fall - ageing - even if a little cliche); humour/fire/bite. All I can say is good luck to anyone that thinks she will find another meaty role like this any time soon.
Bette's Tony win was pretty embarrassing when you experience Ebersole's "Pink" or some of Patti's performances. We are so lucky.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Updated On: 8/18/17 at 08:40 PM
#20Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 11:14pm
rattleNwoolypenguin said: "Ya know, why do people do posts like this?
Do you realize you're kinda rudely speculating on why and when a whole bunch of people are gonna be unemployed?
Why don't we spend more time cheering original musicals on that are still open?
Why is it still running? Cause clearly people like it."
You're probably right. In my curiousity, it might have seemed I was advocating for the show to close and subsequently for people to lose their jobs. I am genuinely curious how War Paint continues to play while other shows with mixed reviews and poor box office showings have already announced closing dates in the near future as it helps me understand the business of Broadway productions better. I suspect a lot of it comes down to the star power of Patti Lupone and the taste for risk by the producers as well as other aspects we'll likely never know.
Once again, sorry to offend. I'm new to these message boards. I believe in the power of musicals and don't want to earn the reputation as someone who doesn't.
#21Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 11:18pm
David Stone has the money to risk
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#22Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/19/17 at 11:08am
rattleNwoolypenguin said: "Ya know, why do people do posts like this?
Do you realize you're kinda rudely speculating on why and when a whole bunch of people are gonna be unemployed?
"
Do people feel this same way when analysts speculate something such as retail stores closing locations (Macy's, Sears, JCPenney just this year alone) due to the impact of the internet? It's called business. You see a business - such as a store or a Broadway play - not attracting paying customers, and you wonder how much longer they can survive and their staff will stay employed.
#23Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/19/17 at 11:35am
David10086 said: "rattleNwoolypenguin said: "Ya know, why do people do posts like this?
Do you realize you're kinda rudely speculating on why and when a whole bunch of people are gonna be unemployed?
"
Do people feel this same way when analysts speculate something such as retail stores closing locations (Macy's, Sears, JCPenney just this year alone) due to the impact of the internet? It's called business. You see a business - such as a store or a Broadway play - not attracting paying customers, and you wonder how much longer they can survive and their staff will stay employed.
"
Yes but when the OP puts in their own review, it turns it from a question into an editorial.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
#24Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/19/17 at 12:15pm
A friend had an interesting theory. He speculated that Patti had it written into her contract that the show had to run for a speculated length of time.
Where did he come up with that idea? And why Patti?
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#25Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/19/17 at 12:59pm
Yes, it's worth the price of admission just to hear "Pink."
bear88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
#26Why is War Paint Still Playing?
Posted: 8/19/17 at 1:28pm
Wouldn't the producers be hoping for people like me, someone who likes original productions and wants to see something (or someone) they can't see on tour?
I was in New York in April. I bought tickets a week in advance to see Great Comet, an option that will not exist soon. I tried to get tickets for Dear Evan Hansen, but that was touch and go, as I didn't want to pay scalper's prices. We got lucky, thanks to advice from people on this board.
If those plans had fallen through, I debated what to see. We probably would have seen Sara Bareilles in Waitress, and then picked from what was left. War Paint wasn't my first choice, as the reviews seemed pretty tepid, and I'm not obsessed with Patti Lupone. But I was curious to see her and Ebersole, because they are the sort of Broadway stars you're never going to see on tour.
If we were going in the fall, with Waitress going on tour, and Great Comet, Groundhog Day,and Bandstand closed, I definitely would have considered War Paint more seriously.
Any Broadway producer betting too heavily on people like me would be foolish. But don't some shows do a little better in the fall once the summer tourist crowd leaves and the options are more limited? Unless the production is losing a lot of money each week, what's the harm in giving it a shot?
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