Watching Harvey Run
Watching Harvey Run
MarkBearSF
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/25/11
#1Watching Harvey Run
Posted: 4/20/15 at 4:26pm
Just noticed that the OCC snubbed Finding Neverland. From what I understand, these awards are notorious for their quirks, but added to the critical drubbing, I'm wondering what PR stunts and appearances are forthcoming from the show. I'm certain it's too soon to tell long term, but it looks like BO is fine for the time being, so I must imagine Harvey's inclined to go for the Tonys.
Unlike other "outsiders" who needed to be schooled on the importance of schmoozing and selling during Tony season, that's always been his strong suit in the film world. I think it'll be interesting to see how he's able to keep Finding Neverland on people's radar in the next month.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#2Watching Harvey Run
Posted: 4/20/15 at 4:43pm
While I don't expect many Tony noms, either, this means nothing. The huge majority of theater goers know nothing of these awards.
Seeing how it grossed over 1 million bucks last week (and the last few weeks, I believe) I doubt there is anything to be concerned with. Large majorities of the audience love it.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Updated On: 4/20/15 at 04:43 PM
Wayman_Wong
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
#2Watching Harvey Run
Posted: 4/20/15 at 5:04pm
DramaMama611 is right. Harvey Weinstein isn't counting on winning awards to boost his box office. It's already found its crowd. 'Finding Neverland' is the only new Broadway musical that's been grossing more than $1 million a week since it's opened. Based on the wildly rapturous response (I saw at the Lunt-Fontanne), the word of mouth is bringing in the family audience by the droves.
I'm sure Weinstein infuriated and antagonized his critics when he announced last fall that Ben Brantley and Michael Riedel didn't matter to his show's success. This musical has had a target on its back since Weinstein elbowed his way onto last year's Tonys.
It's a shame it won't get the awards recognition (I think it deserves) for Matt Morrison and company, but they'll find great consolation in their $10 million advance and soldout audiences (something that I'm sure that many new musicals would envy).
Updated On: 4/20/15 at 05:04 PM
Stew123
Stand-by Joined: 2/17/10
#3Watching Harvey Run
Posted: 4/20/15 at 5:10pm
To suggest that critics bashed the show because of Harvey is giving Harvey far too much credit. It was simple, most professional critics just didn't like it.
Buddy Plummer2
Understudy Joined: 5/4/12
#4Watching Harvey Run
Posted: 4/20/15 at 5:32pm
^I will point out, however, it wasn't the highest grossing new musical last week; that honor went to "An American in Paris". Granted, the Palace is a larger theatre than the Lunt Fontanne, but given that both films are based upon successful, well established films, both opened within the last week, and "Finding Neverland" has far more star power, I'd say that's a pretty big win for "...Paris".
MarkBearSF
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/25/11
#5Watching Harvey Run
Posted: 4/20/15 at 5:35pm
No question, Wayman.
However, I must say that he seems to have rewritten the book in championing and selling an iffy film to Oscar voters and then using the awards to further market that film. I'm simply observing that, in the coming month, he'll likely be working everything he can to pick up some Tony love (unlike other arrivistes, who may arrogantly shun the month of schmooze.) Whether ultimately it'll make any difference in awards, and finally in ticket sales is anyone's guess.
Wayman_Wong
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
#6Watching Harvey Run
Posted: 4/20/15 at 6:09pm
Yes, there are differences between 'An American in Paris' and 'Finding Neverland.' The former is based on an Oscar-winning Best Picture that's known as a musical; the latter is based on an Oscar-winning drama that wasn't a musical. 
That said, I'm sure that Matt Morrison and Kelsey Grammer are part of its draw now, but it should be noted that 'Finding Neverland' was selling out at A.R.T. (without them), and became the biggest hit in that theater's 34-year history. There is something about this story about J.M. Barrie that is connecting with audiences, if not all critics.
And not all professional critics bashed 'Finding Neverland.' It received a more favorable reaction at A.R.T. The Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) gave out THEIR awards, and 'Finding Neverland' won 8 of them, including Best New Play and Best Musical. Also honored: Jeremy Jordan, Michael McGrath, Laura Michelle Kelly, Carolee Carmello, plus projection designer Gilles Papain and director Diane Paulus.
