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Post by raider80 on Aug 9, 2018 20:01:02 GMT
I'm excited to see Nic in something else besides Book of Mormon! Lewis Stadlen has played Horace in a few other productions and I've heard he is really good in the role.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2018 17:10:36 GMT
Nic, my baby! 😍
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Post by Penny on Aug 11, 2018 15:41:37 GMT
Saw this on Friday night and absolutely loved it . Bette was of course fantastic and was lovely to see Charlie Stemp as me and my son loved him in half a sixpence . First time here seeing a broadway show and wow the audience love to whoop and cheer , my son is 13 and is used to seeing shows in the UK but this was a whole different experience!
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Post by raider80 on Aug 25, 2018 2:57:32 GMT
Today is the day. Break a leg to Bette, David, Gavin, Kate and, Charlie and knock it out of the park tonight. Now it's up to the theater god's (Scott Rubin's power of begging) to see if the show will make it to the west end.
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Post by Being Alive on Aug 28, 2018 15:16:03 GMT
Reading the reports for Saturday night were really fantastic. Standing ovations galore (maybe a little too much but its been a special show) Everyone was on top form, and for Bette to tweet that it was "the best night of her entire life" makes me think she might want to carry on the journey just a little longer? (I know people keep hearing its happening but I'd love some confirmation soon!!!)
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Post by Scswp on Aug 28, 2018 18:56:29 GMT
Reading the reports for Saturday night were really fantastic. Standing ovations galore (maybe a little too much but its been a special show) Everyone was on top form, and for Bette to tweet that it was "the best night of her entire life" makes me think she might want to carry on the journey just a little longer? (I know people keep hearing its happening but I'd love some confirmation soon!!!) I doubt this will happen in London with Bette for a variety of reasons. I saw it on Broadway early in the run and enjoyed it, but it is a very dated show and a very ‘American show’ that I think will struggle to sell out night after night, even with Midler. I very much doubt people generally in the U.K. would pay the astronomical prices that were being charged at times over in the US. Yes, of course Midler is an international star, but I would venture to guess that the extent of her popularity in the U.K. is nowhere near the level that it is in America. Even early in the run, on the evening that I attended, the crowd went wild for her - they were whooping and cheering very effusively, thus making it a fantastic experience for both the audience and for Midler. I can’t really imagine British audiences being so vocal with their appreciation- maybe for Midler this would be a bit of a let-down following the New York experience. In addition, I doubt Bette could command anywhere near the salary here that she clearly could in America. I’m not sure the demand for the show itself would be that high and, like I said earlier, I doubt if ticket prices would rise to anywhere near the US equivalents - so Bette would probably be doing the show at a (significantly) reduced salary. Did I enjoy the show when I saw it? Yes. Would I see it again if I had the chance? Yes. But did Bette give a must-see and magnetic performance onstage? To my mind, probably not - certainly not vocally. For me, the night was memorable as a result of Bette’s performance being enhanced considerably by the tangible outpouring of adoration for the star by a very vocal and gushing audience, thus creating an electric atmosphere. These factors, in my opinion, were all contributors to the creation of ‘magic’ - not Midler’s performance by itself. Take away the audience’s vociferous reactions (which, I think is likely to happen with much more reserved British audiences) and it may be that Midler and the production team at large risk ‘bursting the bubble’ of this production. I fear that a London extension could never possibly live up to the massive juggernaut of hype that the New York run of the show managed to generate and sustain, so London may be viewed as being nothing but downhill. Just my opinion! Would definitely buy a ticket if it did come to London and would be happy to be proven wrong! Thoughts of others welcomed...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2018 19:30:37 GMT
From what I've read, there were standing ovations on the closing night for Bette's entrance, Before the Parade Passes By, Penny in My Pocket, The Waiters Gallop, It Only Takes a Moment and three seperate standing ovations in the title number.
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Post by Scswp on Aug 28, 2018 19:46:02 GMT
From what I've read, there were standing ovations on the closing night for Bette's entrance, Before the Parade Passes By, Penny in My Pocket, The Waiters Gallop, It Only Takes a Moment and three seperate standing ovations in the title number. Yes, I’ve read those reports too - and I can well-imagine how those ovations would contribute to Bette’s tweet that ‘it was the best night of her life’. My question remains,though, as to whether such a level of hoopla and hullabaloo would exist in a London performance? The audiences’ reactions contributed massively, in my opinion, to this being ‘an event’; take that away and I’m not sure that the experience will be as memorable- both for the audience and for Midler herself.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2018 20:23:26 GMT
The upside to a transfer to the Palladium would be it offers 800 more seats than the Broadway theatre it played in. That helps with economics.
While Bette probably couldn't command the deal she had in NYC, London offers prestige in playing the west end and in one of the most famous and historic theatres in the world. Plus a very strong possibility of an Olivier Award. It's not always about money (otherwise places like the Donmar would never get anyone famous). If Bette wants to do it then there are reasons that will appeal to her ego if not her bank balance. The West End could also be something she wants to achieve in her career...who knows
Hello Dolly is pretty well known here, especially among older generations who are more likely to see a revival and pay out the money. Also I know plenty of people who love a bit of Americana, I dont think its anymore american than other shows that have played here. You'd also have the American summer tourist market that it would appeal to.
If The king and I with a much less well known cast can transfer then it's not impossible for Dolly to transfer. Will it? time will tell. But I've not really seen a concrete reason for it not to. Even a Bernadette transfer with a bigger name as Horace could work. and if they wanted to tour the UK then Jane MacDonald actually wouldn't be too bad an option.
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Post by Stephen on Aug 29, 2018 0:44:41 GMT
I'm honestly surprised that the King and I hasn't sold out this Summer at the Pally. With the right marketing I think Hello Dolly would sell out a full Summer season with the possibility of extension too!
The Palladium is trying to book more and more individual concerts but it isn't working.
Hello Dolly would be a terrific Summer show.
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Post by Phantom of London on Aug 29, 2018 1:05:27 GMT
Concerts leaves big gaps in the schedule, where a show that does 8 shows a week, fills all the gaps, also you can still do concerts Sunday night!
A worldwide megastar being Bette in a classic Olivier winning musical would easily sell out the London Palladium, which is the most famous theatre in the world and could even have a bigger box office gross than New York.
It would be massive.
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Post by digipal on Aug 30, 2018 18:30:00 GMT
She played to nearly 64,000 people over her six night UK Divine Intervention tour in 2015. I'd say the demands there
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Post by Scswp on Aug 30, 2018 19:16:57 GMT
She played to nearly 64,000 people over her six night UK Divine Intervention tour in 2015. I'd say the demands there Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not trying to be negative. I hope it does come to London and is successful - I would buy a ticket to see it again. I’m just questioning whether it would be the absolute mega-hyped hit that it has been in America. I’m not so sure. I don’t think London could possibly live up to that kind of ‘mania’ (for want of a better word!) Yes, 64,000 people is a lot, but in terms of numbers, that’s actually only about 28 performances at the Palladium. Hope it comes and I’m proven wrong though.
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Post by 49thand8th on Aug 30, 2018 19:22:23 GMT
She played to nearly 64,000 people over her six night UK Divine Intervention tour in 2015. I'd say the demands there I don’t think London could possibly live up to that kind of ‘mania’ (for want of a better word!) Probably not, but would it have to?
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Post by digipal on Aug 30, 2018 19:32:59 GMT
She played to nearly 64,000 people over her six night UK Divine Intervention tour in 2015. I'd say the demands there Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not trying to be negative. I hope it does come to London and is successful - I would buy a ticket to see it again. I’m just questioning whether it would be the absolute mega-hyped hit that it has been in America. I’m not so sure. I don’t think London could possibly live up to that kind of ‘mania’ (for want of a better word!) Yes, 64,000 people is a lot, but in terms of numbers, that’s actually only about 28 performances at the Palladium. Hope it comes and I’m proven wrong though. I've got my fingers crossed I could see it fitting into the ENO's summer season, classic musical, International star with broad appeal, limited run, first west end appearance, mega hyped, cash registers ringing, Olivier nomination and so on Put on your Sunday clothes and prepare for a ticketing meltdown
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2018 22:20:08 GMT
If not Bette. What about Imelda for the London production!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2018 22:33:32 GMT
If not Bette. What about Imelda for the London production! God knows, I love Imelda but no. Just no. She was phenomenal in Gypsy, she was kinda pants in Follies in my opinion, totally miscast bar Losing My Mind. I don't see her in this at all personally. I actually think a couple of names spring to mind. Jane McDonald would of course be fabulous, but also Wendi Peters would be great. And then, of course, Tracie Bennett is just the obvious choice. Really, come on now, that is just obvious. If it does come, hopefully Gavin will come over with it. He's long overdue a return to London and he can add a second Olivier to his colection!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2018 5:31:31 GMT
If any role in any show screams “iconic Americana leading lady” it’s Dolly Levi. I don’t think a Brit would do the role justice if I’m honest. I’m desperate for this to come to London, don’t get me wrong, but if Bette can’t do it here I don’t think it should transfer.
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Post by Scswp on Aug 31, 2018 6:14:26 GMT
If not Bette. What about Imelda for the London production! God knows, I love Imelda but no. Just no. She was phenomenal in Gypsy, she was kinda pants in Follies in my opinion, totally miscast bar Losing My Mind. I don't see her in this at all personally. I actually think a couple of names spring to mind. Jane McDonald would of course be fabulous, but also Wendi Peters would be great. And then, of course, Tracie Bennett is just the obvious choice. Really, come on now, that is just obvious. If it does come, hopefully Gavin will come over with it. He's long overdue a return to London and he can add a second Olivier to his colection! I think you’re right that Imelda doesn’t seem appropriate for this role - does she have the general cheekiness and the cheesiness required? Not sure. She was great in Gypsy and, in my opinion, was good in parts of Follies - but this is a totally different ball game, I think. Wendi Peters would be more suitable, but she isn’t a big enough name, I don’t think. Plus, hasn’t she done this show already somewhere- or have I imagined that? Anyway, I think the idea of an ENO Summer run for a limited time like Chess and Sunset might be the most suitable route for a London run. Here’s hoping.
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Post by ali973 on Aug 31, 2018 7:50:27 GMT
Imelda can't do glam and fab. I know people love her and I appreciate her skill, but I don't need to see her in a musical to hear her "sing".
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2018 13:46:10 GMT
I'm telling ya, Miss Bennett is the one!
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Post by ali973 on Aug 31, 2018 14:15:36 GMT
She'd be a stunning Monday evening Dolly.
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Post by Scswp on Aug 31, 2018 14:29:26 GMT
I'm telling ya, Miss Bennett is the one! I don’t think she’s a big enough name for the ENO or as a name to fill the Palladium.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2018 14:49:15 GMT
I'm telling ya, Miss Bennett is the one! I don’t think she’s a big enough name for the ENO or as a name to fill the Palladium. I didn't say she could sell it, I just wanna see it.
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Post by musicalmarge on Aug 31, 2018 23:07:50 GMT
Ok.... Bette was in London looking at theatres. (Palladium)
BUT Apparently she wanted to do 8 weeks at the Palladium but the figures didn’t add up and it needed to be a minimum of 12 weeks
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Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2018 1:38:52 GMT
I hope it happens. I wouldn’t mind Bernadette coming over to do it, but Bette will make it an event - it’s ‘her’ show this time around and I think those that follow the arts will know that. I hope it happens - the cast album is so much fun.
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Post by drowseychap on Sept 1, 2018 2:03:39 GMT
Loved tracie bennet in rainbow 🌈FABULOUS darlings but yep like people say is she that big of a name sadly not Can’t think of many who would be as big as draw as Bette. ?
Now people mock but saint Jane of the McDonald is currently selling out a tour. Had 2 prime time tv shows a top 5 album and a BAFTA this year so she would definitely put bums on seats
If it does come I do think Bette will to some times like others say u get to a time in life and it isn’t only about the pay cheque If not I’m sure Bonnie will be in the wings oh the outrageously gorgeous and camp su pollard. 🤗
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Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2018 11:25:04 GMT
Jane McDonald has, in the past year, hit a peak at her career quite frankly. She has been EVERYWHERE! I don't doubt for a moment she could shift a sh*t-load of tickets! @ryan and daniel would be there every night!
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Post by Jon on Sept 1, 2018 11:37:54 GMT
I hope it happens. I wouldn’t mind Bernadette coming over to do it, but Bette will make it an event - it’s ‘her’ show this time around and I think those that follow the arts will know that. I hope it happens - the cast album is so much fun. Bernadette was excellent when I saw it but I would be there in a heartbeat if Bette reprised for a limited run
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Post by tommy on Sept 2, 2018 14:30:18 GMT
Perhaps already named on here, but what if Streisand would return to the part in case of a London run? If would perfectly fit within the ENO musical series following Sunset, Chess,... And certainly the musical theatre event of 2019 like Sunset used to be in 2016.
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