Will Piazza extend?

[itstheM]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 1:38pm

Now that Light in the Piazza has 11 noms and the Tony's will give it more attention, will they extend past September so more people will have a chance to see it?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 1:49pm

It depends on what Lincoln Center has booked for the Beaumont this Fall. Nothing's been announced yet, but it's likely that Piazza will have to close in order to make way for the next production that'll probably be coming in around October or November.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 1:56pm

Please forgive me if this is an ignorant question, but if business picks up and TLITP wins so high profile awards, Is it possible for it to move to a different theatre?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 1:59pm

Sadly, 11 Tony noms isn't going to make PIAZZA any more of an accesible Broadway musical. I can't imagine it transfering to a regular Broadway house, and frankly I think even with a few key Tony wins, they are going to have a hard time filling the Vivian Beaumont this summer. This is just not a summer tourist musical.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 2:01pm

I wasn't expecting, just wondering if it was possible.

[leomaxfrank]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 2:06pm

Wouldn't that be interesting? A transfer out of Lincoln Center!

Margo - When is the last time you honestly think that all 4 best musicals have had a shot to win? I think with plays, it has happened a number of times over the past 15 years. Can't say the same with musicals.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 2:12pm

It's possible theoretically, but it won't happen. Transferring theatres is a VERY expensive proposition (usually a couple of million dollars) and it's only done with big blockbuster hits that have the potential to run for years after the move (Cabaret, Chicago etc....).

Piazza is a terrific show, but it's potential audience is rather limited with its esoteric subject matter, a very complex score and no stars above the title. Despite a strong slate of reviews and tons of nominations from the OCC and Drama Desk, it's attendance numbers have been in the 50s, 60s and low 70s. No producer would invest money to move a show with box office numbers that weak.

Now, I guess if somehow it were to sweep the Tonys, including Best Musical (never happen) and immediately sell out through September, perhaps the scenario might change. But, it's highly unlikely.

Posted: 5/10/05 at 2:15pm

I thought 11 noms was quite impressive, I would expect to see a boost in sales from the noms and any wins-- plus a good song or medley on the telecast would help too.

Like Margo said, they might have some other show planned, and I dont know how often or likely it is that LCT transfers shows out to other theaters. I was very happy for the September extension.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 2:17pm

Thanks, guys!
I'll just have to make another visit before it leaves.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 2:18pm

I think the only thing that's going to guarantee a healthy commercial run for PIazza is a Best Musical win. That said, it's unlikely to happen. I think the show will play out a respectable little run, win a nice set of Tonys (Well-deserved for Actress, Score, Lighting, Orchestration and perhaps even a featured category) and then enjoy a longer life in the regional scenes.