www.broadwayworld.com: The Broadway production of The Music Man has opted not to invite critics to preview performances ahead of its opening night. Breaking from the long-held Broadway tradition, the musical, led by Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster, has instead invited critics to its opening night performance on February 10.
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I think this is just the silliest little thing I’ve ever heard. This revival of Music Man is such a strange occurrence, it completely goes against the way modern broadway is heading and it just feels like an artifact from years ago that is just now getting off its feet because of the pandemic. Considering why they made the choice to not invite critics to previews I see two options. Either they know that their show is horrible and/or boring as all living hell and they are afraid of declining ticket sales that would come after getting bad review. Or they think their show is some incredible work of genius that needs no reviews to sell out seats in the theater. Either way, the thought of this revival just leaves an unfortunate taste in my mouth because of all the problems it has hit along the way, as well as my beef with Sutton Foster.
The Music Man will not invite critics to preview performances? I don’t know about you, but I’m already not feeling great about this revival. Sorry, I have strong feelings about the production considering the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City used to host Beatlejuice (The Musical)– not a fantastic musical either, but definitely a spectacular spectacle. The response offered by spokesperson Rick Miramontez was incomplete, to say the least. “We’re sure members of the press will enjoy the challenge,” he said. Now, despite the comment, the production does future a series of renowned actors and designers. From Tony Award-winning members of the creative team to Tony Award-winning producers, The Music Man (starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster) cannot be that bad. I guess that is why not inviting critics to preview performances sounds silly. For me, it is not about breaking the years-old tradition, but rather a decision I cannot seem to make sense of.
Everything about this production has felt a bit off to me. I have kind of just assumed it would be a standard review, however. I have seen people posting about this ridiculous, no critics before rule, “Music Man” was dropping. I never read deeper into it because I wasn’t concerned. Today, I figured why not bite. I wish I hadn’t… I am simply more confused reading this article than I was when I didn’t understand why the company was making this choice. Rick Miramontez’s quotes is one of the most bizarre things I have seen, it is so filled with sarcasm and so devoid of explanation. I personally believe that the company is simply not prepared for their preview, there has to be a substantial amount of work left to be making a decision with this caliber. Furthermore those in power chose to make the decision to be secretive about it.
I was very surprised to read that Music Man on Broadway will not be allowing critics to view the performance before everyday viewers. Last semester, I actually had the honor of doing some millinery making numerous hats including helping make a statue of liberty crown for Music Man on Broadway, while working under Hugh Hanson. The costume designer of Music Man, Santo Loquasto, is absolutely brilliant about his approach to theatrical costume pieces, and it was such an honor to be apart of making a handful of hats for this incredible production. The level of detail that was demanded in not just the fabrics, but also the shape, structure, and style was absolutely incredible. While I may be quite biased, I truly feel even thought critics will not have time to preview the show they will be impressed. This is because I have worked on making many garments for Broadway productions, but I have genuinely never added so much detail as I did for the hats of just a handful of characters within the production. Without a doubt, Music Man on Broadway will be the next hit show, and clearly it shows as they care little to appease critics and know that the shows detail and effort will show for itself.
This is honestly shocking and very odd that they are breaking precedent like this, but I am not entirely sure it is a bad thing. Obviously, this may help bring in attention and audience members for the project, as the controversy definitely raises publicity, and like the famous saying goes, ”all publicity is good publicity”. However, the comments from the PR manager make the show seem bitter and sarcastic and also makes it look like they have something to add. I think the revival as a whole should be very interesting and it will be nice to see how they go about the production design for it. It also feels like this may also not be what Broadway needs right now when there is such an abundance of creativity in the community post-pandemic. But on the other hand, maybe it is exactly what we need, a positive light-hearted and catchy musical to bring back stable revenue and ticket sales.
I was not super excited hearing the news that Music Man was going to have a revival and I was even less excited when I heard that the show was only casting big names that already have an insanely established career within the industry. I think revivals of shows like the music man only perpetuate the idea that this industry is meant for rich white people and we must keep doing shows like these classics, nothing new. I think the Music Man knows it will not receive the best reviews, even if it does end up being a wonderful show, due to it not doing anything to push the industry forward, rather doing things to move it back. I don't think this show will hurt too much when it comes to sales but perhaps the PR team is keeping reviews out in order to keep sales high. Who knows maybe the team is also keeping reviews out of previews in order to keep a time in this show where the people involved are just putting on theatre and are not worried about what others think.
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