Would any television network have the guts to livecast CABARET?

[round2]

Posted: 8/27/17 at 2:29pm

Isn't it likely that a star-filled cast could be assembled for a livecast presentation of CABARET now? This is the kind of mainstream culture I think needs to be highlighted now.

It's not the kind of "family-friendly" musical the networks typically choose, but didn't GYPSY with Bette Midler attract a good-sized audience?

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 8/27/17 at 2:42pm

It would be wonderful to see but it's unlikely.

 

There was a stage recorded version that aired in the UK back in the 90's of the Sam Mendes production with Alan Cumming and Jane Horrocks.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 8/27/17 at 2:43pm

Instead of a live telecast, i'd much rather have sam Mendes and rob Marshall adapt their version for the silver screen... or for HBO and Netflix

Updated On: 8/27/17 at 02:43 PM

[thommg]

Posted: 8/27/17 at 2:45pm

I think the adult themes of Cabaret might keep it from becoming a TV musical, though I'd like to see it. Also,. I think that's what keeps Man of La Mancha from becoming a TV musical. The powers that be seem to lean towards "family friendly" musicals, meaning less adult fare. Gypsy was done before the spate of once-a-year musicals that seem to be done. I'm surprised that JC Superstar is being done, but I guess that fills the spot left by The Passion and can be excused as religious oriented. 

[round2]

Posted: 8/27/17 at 2:59pm

Are there any mature themes in CABARET that are beyond what has been seen in other network television shows? Would advertisers be reluctant to purchase time for their commercials?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/27/17 at 8:30pm

BroadwayHD should have filmed the last revival.

[Itonlytakesajourney]

Posted: 8/27/17 at 10:55pm

I think it might, one day. But it just got revived in 2014, it's had its fair share of the limelight. Fox and NBC are venturing out into more mature shows- JCS, Rent. Of course Cabaret is a bit more risqué, but it has similar content. 

[bk]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 12:08am

If I never have to see the Mendes/Marshall "vision" it will be too soon.  I want the Cabaret as it was written originally - that's it - nothing else.  Do what you will with that version, but that's the version that the authors put on Broadway and it was a game-changer.  

[A Director]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 12:27am

bk said: "If I never have to see the Mendes/Marshall "vision" it will be too soon.  I want the Cabaret as it was written originally - that's it - nothing else.  Do what you will with that version, but that's the version that the authors put on Broadway and it was a game-changer.  

There are three different versions of Cabaret: 1966, 1987, 1998.  The authors put all of them on Broadway.  The first two were directed by Prince, the third was by Mendes/Marshall.  Then there is the movie which is version number 4.

 

"

 

[Public User]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:10am

round2 said: "Are there any mature themes in CABARET that are beyond what has been seen in other network television shows? Would advertisers be reluctant to purchase time for their commercials?

translation: it might offend the alt-right 

 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:26am

bk said: "If I never have to see the Mendes/Marshall "vision" it will be too soon.  I want the Cabaret as it was written originally - that's it - nothing else.  Do what you will with that version, but that's the version that the authors put on Broadway and it was a game-changer.  

That's a legitimate feeling, but it is a non-sequitur. And it harbors contempt (which is OK too) for the authors who, as noted, enthusiastically supported all of the Broadway productions, including the one you hope never to see again. (And guess what? Your wish has been granted: you don't have to see it.)

[PatrickDC]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 3:20am

I wonder if a non-major network like MTV, Bravo, or A&E would take it on? While they may not have big money for a live broadcast, a cabaret can be relatively inexpensive to produce at least set-wise. The club, boarding house, a simple train station and train interior, not much else. Pop stars could be the Kit Kat Girls which would draw the young demographic. 

If MTV was pleased with the ratings and response for Legally Blonde they might be willing to try Cabaret. And there are others they could do: Rent, American Idiot, Spring Awakening, and maybe even Avenue Q. 

[bk]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 5:12am

Oh, Hog - are you now going to follow me and post after every comment I make.  Sounds very familiar.

[bdn223]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:04pm

PatrickDC said: "I wonder if a non-major network like MTV, Bravo, or A&E would take it on? While they may not have big money for a live broadcast, a cabaret can be relatively inexpensive to produce at least set-wise. The club, boarding house, a simple train station and train interior, not much else. Pop stars could be the Kit Kat Girls which would draw the young demographic. 
 
If MTV was pleased with the ratings and response for Legally Blonde they might be willing to try Cabaret. And there are others they could do: Rent, American Idiot, Spring Awakening, and maybe even Avenue Q. 

 

"

MTV and its parent company Viacom is currently in shambles from both a financial and idenity perspective. They haven't had a generational defining hit since 2009 with Jersey Shore, and have lost most of Genration Y to Youtube. Its why they are seem to be rebooting every hit from their Gent X and Millenial Glory Days of the 2000s with TRL, Super Sweet 16, And Siesta Key (A laguna Beach reboot). And then all of Viacom's more expensive/ambitious shows being pushed to Paramount Tv (formerley spyke TV). Therefore I wouldn't expect them at attempt anything like Legally Blonde again unless its somehow Gen Y relevant, for example Dear Evan Hansen or maybe Mean Girls.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:11pm

PatrickDC said: "I wonder if a non-major network like MTV, Bravo, or A&E would take it on? While they may not have big money for a live broadcast, a cabaret can be relatively inexpensive to produce at least set-wise. The club, boarding house, a simple train station and train interior, not much else. Pop stars could be the Kit Kat Girls which would draw the young demographic. 

Have you WATCHED Bravo and/or A&E in the two decades?  Bravo is now the "Real Housewives" network and A&E is the "Storage Wars"/ "Hoarders" /"Interventions" network.  They've both long since abandoned anything having to do with the performing arts.

MTV MIGHT try "Cabaret" if they got Taylor Swift or Arianna Grande as Sally and Justin Timberlake as the Emcee!

 

 

[round2]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:21pm

Can Ariana Grande act? If so I think her and Justin Timberlake are actually pretty good ideas.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:24pm

bk said: "Oh, Hog - are you now going to follow me and post after every comment I make.  Sounds very familiar"

huh? I follow threads, not people, and I post comments only (a) in the ones in which I am interested and (B) in which someone says something warranting a response. I understand you might bristle at being called out on nonsense, but don't misapprehend what I am doing just to feel better. (Or do. Why should I care?)

[RockStarNYC]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 1:39pm

Well, with HBO seemingly entering the TV musical stage...

http://www.playbill.com/article/hbo-greelights-green-days-american-idiot-film

Maybe they will try to do something like CABARET next.

Updated On: 8/28/17 at 01:39 PM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 2:09pm

I think it could be really great, and why not? Michelle Williams would be a marquee name. And we know she can do it.

[ComingUpRoses2]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 2:40pm

I've always thought this would make a great live musical. No, it isn't family friendly, but who cares? There are only so many of those anyway. Give it to HBO or something. Emma Stone was pretty great in the recent revival. I wonder if they could persuade her to return. It'd certainly bring in viewers. 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 2:54pm

They could basically plop the most recent revivals cast in the movie and it would sell like hot cakes, just because of Emma stone. And at the same time Danny Burstein would make his big break. Like why hasn't it happened yet. Are Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall really too busy? 

[thirtythirtyninety]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 2:57pm

haven't heard anything about that American Idiot film in a long time

[bk]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 6:09pm

Dear Hog:  I get it now, I really do - took a while, though.   I offer opinions - you may find them nonsensical, but I find just about everything you post pedantic and nonsensical - so, funny how that works.  But I get it now, I really do.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 6:10pm

Come on, Guy, take it easy for Christ's sake.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/28/17 at 10:12pm

PatrickDC said: "If MTV was pleased with the ratings and response for Legally Blonde they might be willing to try Cabaret. And there are others they could do: Rent, American Idiot, Spring Awakening, and maybe even Avenue Q."

 

Since it's been ten years and they haven't made any further forays into broadcasting musicals I'm going to guess that MTV wasn't over the moon with the ratings and response to Legally Blonde.