NYTimes.com: “Say ‘Hello Gorgeous’ to a new star,” runs a tag line in the ad for “Funny Girl” in the Ahmanson Theater programs being passed out at performances of the new musical “Bring It On.” But the theater’s 28,000 subscribers won’t be getting a chance to do any such thing.
Instead, musical theater lovers on both coasts have had to say goodbye to the prospect of seeing a revival of the show in the foreseeable future. The high-profile production, to be directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher (“South Pacific”) and slated to star Lauren Ambrose, was canceled just a month after it was announced for Broadway next spring.
4 comments:
This is extremely sad news for Broadway/professional theatre. I feel awful for the actress who won't get the chance to perform such a great role. How are Broadway stars supposed to be made if they don't even get the chance? I think that the person who should fill these types of roles should be the person who has the most talent and fits the role best, not the mediocrely-talented celebrity who kind of works in the role and attracts star-struck young adults. I understand the need for producers to have some sort of a guarantee that they'll pull in tickets, though. It's really just disappointing that the show itself and a faith that the cast is talented alone can't bring people in to these shows. This is a bad sign for Broadway. It all just goes to show that how much the interests of the general population are determined by the main-stream media.
I agree with Shannon in that this is really sad and that it is too bad that these performers are not getting a chance. I am also sad because I love the movie and I think that it could have translated well to the stage. I dont think that it is fair to cancel this show just because the season is already littered with revivals. I agree with the article as well that just because someone is a star doesnt mean that they will do well in the show or that it will be successful. I hope that it really is only 'postponed' because this show and its team deserve a chance.
I hope that in the near future Broadway won't rely on using existing celebrities to bring money. If Broadway continues to cast people who are already famous, how will we ever make new stars? I guess that sounds superficial written here, but think of it like this: Barbra Streisand is one of the most beloved singers of our time - but I can safely say that no one would've known who she was had she been turned over for the role of Fanny Brice. What amazing talents are we missing out on because Broadway now needs to cast existing stars in major roles? Also, it bothers me that so many Broadway roles are being filled with stars of the screen. The skills needed for being a talented movie or television actor/actress are completely different from that of a stage actor/actress. Why are we trying to force people like Catherine Zeta-Jones (who pretty much failed in A Little Night Music into stage roles?
First off, I really dislike Funny Girl and I'm not sad that it won't be on Broadway. That said however, it's upsetting to see that producers don't think they would make money because the star won't be Barbara Streisand. Audiences would hopefully still go because they love the show and not because they want to see a big star. Yes, that does have appeal, but is not always a good idea. Like Pia said, forcing stars into roles to make money can be detrimental. I have seen plenty of shows where the big name was pointless and some of the smaller roles were much better. I feel bad that the people were going to be in this show no longer have jobs anymore. And it's sad that Broadway is so scared that they won't sell tickets unless the cast is well known.
Post a Comment