#1
Posted: 1/2/10 at 6:33pm
I recall an interview several ears ago where Sondheim discussed the possibility of a SWEENEY film. He said he was interested, but only recently, since for years he feared a poor film would damage the musical's reputation. (Nevermind that both NIGHT MUSIC and FORUM received mediocre to poor films and both are done with regularity and/or are respected shows.) He was eventually convinced when someone mentioned GUYS AND DOLLS, and how the musical is considered one of the best though the film certainly isn't.
How do you think the NINE film will affect the musical's reputation?
(I realize many of you like the film, and that is absolutely allowed. You must agree, though, the general word-of-mouth for the film is not a good and it will be considered a pretty big flop in the end. But love it, you may.)
It's easy to say it won't be affected: indeed, here is a show that has one a Tony for both its Broadway productions. And yet, the score was trashed in several major media outlets for "not having one good song", not evoking the period correctly, or being downright bad. I believe this to be Mashall's fault, as many of us do, but that is besides the point when few if any critics came to Yeston's defense.
I realize RENT, THE PRODUCERS, and PHANTOM all had anemic films, but all of those titles had major reputations as quality or popular titles before the films were released. NINE's reputation was and remains unknown to the puiblic.
It's hard to imagine a major Broadway revival, even in 10 years, succeeding on Broadway without a very major star. A majority of the public would see the title and think, "Oh, that bad musical all those stars did a few years ago." And what major star would do it?
How do you think the NINE film will affect the musical's reputation?
(I realize many of you like the film, and that is absolutely allowed. You must agree, though, the general word-of-mouth for the film is not a good and it will be considered a pretty big flop in the end. But love it, you may.)
It's easy to say it won't be affected: indeed, here is a show that has one a Tony for both its Broadway productions. And yet, the score was trashed in several major media outlets for "not having one good song", not evoking the period correctly, or being downright bad. I believe this to be Mashall's fault, as many of us do, but that is besides the point when few if any critics came to Yeston's defense.
I realize RENT, THE PRODUCERS, and PHANTOM all had anemic films, but all of those titles had major reputations as quality or popular titles before the films were released. NINE's reputation was and remains unknown to the puiblic.
It's hard to imagine a major Broadway revival, even in 10 years, succeeding on Broadway without a very major star. A majority of the public would see the title and think, "Oh, that bad musical all those stars did a few years ago." And what major star would do it?
.gif?width=300)
