Would anyone call "Xanadu" a "sleeper hit"?

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 10:34pm

"Xanadu" seemed like it was kind of a big joke until previews started. Then, it seemed like it gained some credibility. Is it too early to call it a "sleeper hit?" Do we have to wait for reviews before it's safe to say that it exceeded expectations?

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 10:35pm

I say definitely wait for the reviews.

[mominator]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 11:06pm

A "sleeper" is an unexpected hit. (Little Miss Sunshine is a very good example) Xanadu may not do well with the critics, but it is the audience in the theater every night that will be the telling factor if it is a hit.

[little_sally]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 11:39pm

Not to mention, the show has gone up in the grosses every week since it started previews. Oh, I so want this show to do well.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 11:57pm

I was one of those many people who thought it would never make it to load-in. But 4 times later, I'm in love with the show and hope it has a respectable run on Broadway - I know I'll be spending an insane amount of money this summer seeing it again and again.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 12:28am

If not sleeper, then "drowsy?" :)

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 12:47am

Slightly OT, but why does the show only play 7 performances?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 1:18am

I wouldn't call it a sleeper hit, I'd call it a debacle.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 1:18am

It seems you're in the minority, munk.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 2:13am

I know!

But it's so strange...I don't get how I'm the only one.

[Born To Reign]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 8:21am

I don't know that I'd say "debacle" but I lean more toward Munk's side. I can't name another Broadway show done on a middle school budget. I also don't think it'll play to tourists, which is a necessity these days. Once every gay man 25-50 has seen it and laughed at the movie's jokes all over again, it'll be done.

[Craig]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 8:51am

I've seen it twice, once very early in previews and the other time very recently. The audiences were very diverse. And there were, indeed, a lot of tourists there.

It may not be for everyone, but I think its audience goes beyond 25-50 year old gay men...

[Born To Reign]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 8:52am

You may be right, only time will tell

[Steve2]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 9:02am

Well 1) the theatre is small and 2) there were 19.80 discounts and are currently 50% off discounts and 3) it is getting good "buzz".

If the reviews are OK after opening and the crowds remain (and maybe pay full price?) then it would indeed be a sleeper hit. Most people thought it would be DOA.

[FrontRowCenter2]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 9:15am

My experiences were the same as Craig's - when I saw it last week the audience was amazingly diverse - from what I could see, most of the audience members around me in the orchestra were definitely tourists.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 9:44am

I really think that XANADU would get good reviews when it opens
on 7/10 or at least mixed to good ( I hope so ! )The word of mouth seem to be very good right now, and most people who seen the show have a great time based on what Ive seen & heard personally .. When I went to Helen Hayes last 5/27, 6/17 and 6/23- the crowd is very diverse--probably 15% only were gay men...I think I have a picture of the line (crowd )- I might post it later when I find it..

J*
Updated On: 6/29/07 at 09:44 AM

Posted: 6/29/07 at 9:55am

Went in the first week of previews- audience full of curious folk and theatre afficionados

went again on tuesday the 26th- it was FULL of tourists. and all of them were up on their feet, standing ovation and dancing before the final song finished. They are totally eating it up.

Going again on July 8th, sunday nightprior to opening night-

buzz is great.
people are digging it..and realizing that you have to just sit back, relax and not expect a deep thinking piece...but a fun campy, silly goof of a time.

so its working well.

the music is infectuous. you can't stop singing them or humming the great score.
You can't help but think of 'moments' in the show that string this event together.
You can't help but fall in love with the absurdity of it.

There are PLENTY of other broadway shows that survived well under a 'middle school budget'. Not everything has to be expensive, big and flashy.

what this show has ..that alot of other shows lack is a great ensemble...talent and HEART.
and what it lacks in budget,..they make up with it by having a lot of heart..and having a lot of fun on stage..and you can feel that.

Urinetown, Ave Q, Batboy, A chorus Line, Rent, jesus christ superstar, rocky Horror, Fantasticks, caroline or CHange, Company, Sweeney Todd, forbidden Broadway, Hair, Little SHop, Charlie Brown, Threepenny opera

those are the ones I can think of now that are all musicals that were done with a 'middle school budget'. That don;t necessarily have to spend the tons of money that other shows have.

I think Xanadu will prevail.

I have taken 3 different people (of varied tastes and backgrounds) to go see it and they are going back again.

so there is defenitely an interest there.
and I can't wait til the CAST ALBUM comes out in sep/oct.
for now, i put together my album on itunes including 'fool' 'evil woman' and 'strange magic' and it's all I listen to right now at work.

:)

Updated On: 6/29/07 at 09:55 AM

[mominator]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 10:15am

Speaking of audience diversity. There was quite literally, a little old lady with white hair and a cane in the first row, when I saw it. During the finale she was having a grand time bopping to the music.
As it was said before "who knows, only time will tell" But IMHO it will run the summer and most likely into the holiday season.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 10:19am

I think it ultimately comes down to how many people in the audience are paying full-price tickets. There is clearly a solid amount of people seeing the show every week but with a theatre as small as the Helen Hayes and all the discounts they offer, it'd be interesting to know if they can afford to run on that.
I'll definitely be checking out this show next time I'm in NY if it's still running. It sounds like mindless fun that doesn't pretend to be "good."

[Born To Reign]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 10:26am

They can. It's a 9 member cast and not a highly technical show (besides the lift, mirror, etc.) I think they planned on selling a lot of TKTS tickets, etc. and budgeted accordingly

[Broadwayboy2631]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 10:56am

Mildly off topic, but are they still selling rush tickets because I want to go next weekend.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 10:57am

There are PLENTY of other broadway shows that survived well under a 'middle school budget'. Not everything has to be expensive, big and flashy.
what this show has ..that alot of other shows lack is a great ensemble...talent and HEART. and what it lacks in budget,..they make up with it by having a lot of heart..and having a lot of fun on stage..and you can feel that.

- I agreed with you 100 % on that!

**********
as for this comment :

I also don't think it'll play to tourists, which is a necessity these days. Once every gay man 25-50 has seen it and laughed at the movie's jokes all over again, it'll be done.

- Pls see pictures below (I'm nothing trying to be shady or anything, okay?-J*
********************
As promised here's a picture of the crowd outside the Helen Hayes Theater for Xanadu & somehow you'll get an idea of the crowd...-j*







Updated On: 6/29/07 at 10:57 AM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 11:37am

bump-sorry I had to re-update my pics-see above
thanks-j*

[singingbackup]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 11:52am

I hope to stand in that line again!

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 6/29/07 at 11:55am

I think it potentially could run for a while. I left the theatre wondering how long I'd have to wait for the cast album. You can't get the music out of your head!