--Current readings--
--Current readings--
bwaybabe2
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/5/08
#1--Current readings--
Posted: 3/1/09 at 5:21am
Can you all post which readings you know are going on (which might not be as widely advertised, especially) right now for future Broadway endeavors?
Much obliged 
philly03
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/07
#2re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/1/09 at 3:50pm
I don't know of too many, only some Frank Wildhorn ones:
-Bonnie & Clyde - The Musical (now is going to star Laura Osnes, as opposed to Brandi Burkhardt)
-Rudolf - The Last Kiss: The Musical (English!) (Second Reading (first was in 05/06ish); also supposed to star Brandi Burkhardt (poss. Kate Shindle now) & Rob Evan)
-Count of Monte Cristo (Starring Brandi Burkhardt, James Barbour, Gregg Edelman & Natalie Toro, among a slew of other ATOTC Cast members)
Unfortunately, Wildhorn doesn't have too many opportunities it seems like to produce on Broadway, nor does he want to. 4 shows, 4 shows bashed by the critics, 4 shows flopped, 1 long-running show.
Rudolf is currently having it's Austrian bow in Vienna starring Les Miserables / Lestat's DREW SARICH. Count of Monte Cristo is having it's world premiere in St. Gallen, Switzerland; Dracula, the musical had it's highly acclaimed European (and fully-orchestrated :) ) premiere. That begins in March I believe. CYRANO de BERGERAC ~ The Musical is also having it's world premiere in Japan this May (and June), with an hopeful Spanish production. I haven't heard anything about an English reading in forever though.
Count of Monte Cristo released it's concept album in Europe through Sound of Music, but is also now available on iTunes. It stars Brandi Burkhardt, and many European star theatrical performers.
If any of those transfer, I'd hope/think it'd be Rudolf. It's onto it's second successful production in Europe...(It includes the song "[It's] Only Love" from SP 1.0 also...!).
Hope this somewhat helps!
#2re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/1/09 at 3:51pmah, philly! question for you. When is the B&C reading?
dg22894
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/22/08
#3re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/1/09 at 3:59pm
The Bonnie and Clyde musical sounds cool.
Will Laura still be doing it because she is joining south pacific.
#4re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/1/09 at 4:31pm
in all honesty, I don't care for most of the music from it, although, I must say I am completely and utterly in LOVE with the song from it called "You're All I Ever Wanted"
#5re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/1/09 at 4:41pm
The reading for "A Star is Born" took place on Friday, the 27th.
Updated On: 3/1/09 at 04:41 PM
bwaybabe2
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/5/08
#6re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 1:30am
Thanks, philly03! :) That was a great update!
Count of Monte Cristo was last fall...is there another one coming up...? I really want this one to materialize!
About: "Unfortunately, Wildhorn doesn't have too many opportunities it seems like to produce on Broadway, nor does he want to. 4 shows, 4 shows bashed by the critics, 4 shows flopped, 1 long-running show."
Yeah, what IS up with that?!! Seems to me there is another "blackballing" going on here? His shows might not appeal to some, but they have been very successful otherwise (look at Europe, where they have no "bias"). And his music cannot be put down in any way, because some pieces are spellbinding and evoke the deepest of emotion, so I, again, say, WHAT is up with that?!
Who read for A Star is Born?
hpeabody930
Featured Actor Joined: 9/8/08
#7re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 1:43amBack in November they did a workshop of ELF the musical, which is supposed to be hitting the boards sometime later this year. There was another reading that happened in November with a few Spring Awakening cast members based on a movie, i remember thinking it was a really interesting idea for a musical, but I have forgotten completely what it was...
philly03
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/07
#8re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 3:56pm
Bonnie & Clyde took place over February. It was strictly industry only. Laura Osnes did complete it, and was held at Roundabout. B&C has one truly beautiful song: "I Don't Know the Way," a solo by Bonnie. Who knows is Laura did it justice to Brandi, but who knows if this one will ever get picked up -- I don't have any details on that reading 
!
Count of Monte Cristo's last workshop/reading was actually in early December I believe...several took place directly following A Tale of Two Cities closing -- and I believe Frank took his connections with Brandi Burkhardt & James Barbour to the cast... Count's word premiere is in Switzerland......so not too sure about a future English production.
The music in 'Rudolf - The Last Kiss' is better in my opinion, and it's onto a second widely successful staging, but I'm just not sure how interesting the story is to people over here (It's about the Austrian Crown Prince of the late-late 1800s.); and it's sort of complex: there's these cute little moments ("The Moment I Saw You") to inspiring (James Barbour has been singing "The Measure of a Man" at his concerts reportedly) to serious ("Can I Say Goodbye?" "I Was Born to Love You," which despite sounding like it was ripped out of his Dracula, the musical, is a marvelous song). Although I question why "It's Only Love" is the Act I finale, I wonder if they tampered with the ending to make it more Act-finale-ish. Brandi Burkhardt was the star of that one -- but Kate Shindle has done some work with it too.
For comparison purposes, "Count" is most like "Jekyll & HYDE" & "Dracula, the musical," which is also similar to "Rudolf" and "The Scarlet Pimpernel," but 'Rudolf' is much more "rock"-infused for certain songs (for the better!). "Bonnie & Clyde" is most like "The Civil War." -- which will make it interesting to see how it's perceived. It's .. an interesting blend of country, gospel, blues, showtune-esque. Seems like there's a lot of interest on the story (even several people in this thread), but I don't know how well the music would appeal to everyone.
RE: "Yeah, what IS up with that?!! Seems to me there is another "blackballing" going on here? His shows might not appeal to some, but they have been very successful otherwise (look at Europe, where they have no "bias"). And his music cannot be put down in any way, because some pieces are spellbinding and evoke the deepest of emotion, so I, again, say, WHAT is up with that?! "
Well the critics wouldn't agree with you on that ... I think the problem all started with all the hype started with "Jekyll & HYDE" with it's Broadway opening: the critics were expecting something much different (and it was drastically changed); then he puts up The Scarlet Pimpernel SP 1.0 which was a snoozefest (although the music/costumes/Douglas Sills (& Andreas) were all wonderful), so bashed again; then they rushed "The Civil War" because they released SP 2.0 couldn't hold out at the Minskoff too much longer. It almost seemed like they planned that one to flop - didn't it go on tour right away? And I think if you see/read any interview he did in 1999, he pushed the envelope a little too far with the "3 SHOWS ON BROADWAY SIM." - even if it was only for a month. Then, since all 3 of those flopped whilst on Broadway, for whatever bizarre reason he downgrades the "Dracula, the musical" Broadway orchestra - which destroyed it (perhaps he did it to recoup faster? I really have 0 clue); listen to the Austrian/German Cast Recording that came out last June - the piece would have been amazing & what the critics called "lifeless" would have been totally different."
Phew......sorry for the long post!
Byron Abens
Broadway Star Joined: 7/17/08
#9re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 4:52pmI recently saw a reading of The Dirty Hippie Jam Band Project, presented through Musical Mondays/the BMI Lehman Engle Workshop. It was still in an early form, just a staged reading of Act I, but the songs that are there are quite good and the script is shaping up pretty well. I think it can have a potentially very good life Off-Broadway in the near future.
#10re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 6:02pm
I'm sure Laura did a wonderful job with Bonnie & Clyde. I saw a few photos from the reading but have heard no real details. Oh, to have been a fly on that wall (or on the wall of many of the readings that go on)
I wouldn't be overly shocked if Brandi's connection with Count of Monte Cristo were to end.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
philly03
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/07
#11re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 6:17pm
Yupp, except for "Wonderland" - based off of "Alice in Wonderland," looks like Brandi's entirely done with Wildhorn. Probably in the same sense that Linda Eder has - she's only done Camille work (which has been 2 productions, one small scale) since their split. Brandi may get to hold onto Wonderland, should anything happen with it.
Frank's cycle continues -- Linda & Douglas Sills (both sort of just ended their theatrical careers - Doug not so much though), Melissa Errico & Tom Hewitt (Dracula, the musical debacle; and wasn't this an extra short relationship), Brandi Burkhardt & Rob Evan (Brandi obvious, Rob = ?), now James Barbour & ?? (was Brandi!); maybe Kate Shindle. Not to mention, he hasn't done anything with Christiane Noll (early Dracula work), Chuck Wagner (Dracula, the musical debacle), Kelli O'Hara (another Dracula debacle), among countless others I'm sure..! Perhaps another reason why it's so hard for him to get back on Broadway; but does seem like he still has Lauren Kennedy (Dracula, the musical "New" Concept Album + "Waiting for the Moon" around the same time with husband Alan Campbell), Kate Shindle, some Tale people who were also in SP, and Rob Evan always re-appears; oh and Barbour!
#13re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 6:31pmElf The Musical? Awh, come on.
I'm a professional. Whenever something goes wrong on stage, I know how to handle it so no one ever remembers. I flash my %#$&.
"Jayne just sat there while Gina flailed around the stage like an idiot."
PiraguaGuy2
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/10/08
#14re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 6:39pm
Are you kidding? That would be amazing! It wouldn't even have to be seasonal - I'd go see that in July.
Norbert Leo Butz would be an unusual, but awesome Buddy, and add in Marc Kudisch and Haven Burton in the James Caan and Zooey Deschanel roles, and in the (modified) words of Carl Weathers, "Baby, you got a cast goin'!"
Formerly SirNotAppearing - Joined 3/08
#15re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 6:44pmWith the right casting it could work, I guess.
I'm a professional. Whenever something goes wrong on stage, I know how to handle it so no one ever remembers. I flash my %#$&.
"Jayne just sat there while Gina flailed around the stage like an idiot."
#16re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 8:54pm
"Yupp, except for "Wonderland" - based off of "Alice in Wonderland," looks like Brandi's entirely done with Wildhorn. Probably in the same sense that Linda Eder has - she's only done Camille work (which has been 2 productions, one small scale) since their split. Brandi may get to hold onto Wonderland, should anything happen with it."
Don't want to gossip and I don't know how amiable their split was but it's always hard to work with an ex. I wouldn't be shocked if Wonderland were to go on without her as well.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
philly03
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/07
#17re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 10:18pm
"didn't Linda do a few songs for the B&C demo?"
Yes, I think she did three or four. I'm sure plenty were re-recorded with Brandi (I think Linda may have been/looked too old for this one regardless). The shows that Linda seemed the most interested in were: Camille Claudel (which she did perform in), Havana! (which she released the title song) and Vienna - aka Rudolf - The Last Kiss (probably because her father I believe is Austrian!); that sort of question always pops up as to why she didn't join SP 2.0 / further versions. Linda did plenty of demo work for DRACULA, the musical as well, but I'm assuming she just didn't want to be in that one either.
Not to gossip either, but from that video Brandi did about Valentine's Day from Mamma Mia!...sounds like she ended it with Frank around Thanksgiving and had a new boyfriend by Christmas (didn't she say she got like a picture of those two fused together of them in Tale - Derek Keeling I think?); And she was supposed to do the Bonnie & Clyde reading when it was originally announced, but it randomly switched the Laura last minute (hmm!).
I hope something comes of 'Wonderland'. I could see how she would not want to work with him or vice versa, but sounds to me like this was her "Camille." Notice how Camille has vanished (and no other productions are announced)...the only people who I assume would be able to perform it are Lyn Liechty (Bremen Lucy in Jekyll & HYDE, recently Mina in DRACULA, das musical) or possibly Marta Ribera (Spain's Lucy). Brandi has performed 'Gold' several times, but personally, I think she was too "sweet"/"innocent" for that type of role.
Brandi does have lots to thank for Frank, however. Well, sort of Kate Shindle, who has a lot to thank for Frank too; Kate apparently was her roomate and told her to audition for J&H - history there. Then, Brandi did osme international work with Frank from there, "For the Glory"/The Civil War concerts, and then apparently Frank and James Barbour were having a dinner in regards to the future of his projects, and James requested Brandi audition for Tale - history. So I would assume if Frank ever request her to partake in something, she may do so. But as I said, I wouldn't be suprised if Kate Shindle, whose more like Linda / the starring roles he's created thus far (all have brown/black hair and are tall? Marguerite, Lucy, Mina, Camille, etc.).
#18re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/2/09 at 10:20pm
"I hope something comes of 'Wonderland'."
ME TOO!
I have completely and utterly fallen in love with the song "Once More I Can See"
And despite what people say about Wildhorn, he can write one amazing ballad
#19re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/3/09 at 4:23amI attended Broadway Jukebox on Sunday and Michael Winther mentioned that he'll be participating in an upcoming reading of a show based on 'Little Miss Sunshine'.
nmartin
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/3/05
#20re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/3/09 at 6:34amIs Rudolf about Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria and the Mayerling incident?
musicalman2
Featured Actor Joined: 5/7/08
#21re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/3/09 at 8:30amThere will be an industry reading for a new musical called "The Tapioca Miracle" in spring 2009. John Rando scheduled to direct. Although I don't know the exact names of everyone in the cast, Karen Ziemba and Annaleigh Ashford are in it. Noah Weisberg and Kathy Fiztgerald too. There is a web site. www.thetapiocamiracle.com
philly03
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/07
#22re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/3/09 at 4:32pm
"Is Rudolf about Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria and the Mayerling incident?"
Correct, also loosely base off of the novel named "A Nervous Splendor: Vienna 1888-1889," from my understanding. It's been previously called "Vienna" and "The Last Kiss" - amongst other things. It's also conceived by both Wildhorn & Steve Cuden - the brains behind the characters of Jekyll & HYDE (aka Lucy & Emma).
Opening on Feb. 26 of this year, its now in Austria; more info is at the website:
http://www.rudolfdasmusical.at/
(Both in German & English)
rockfenris2005
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#23re: --Current readings--
Posted: 3/4/09 at 3:34amPhilly, you should be a member of the Wildhorn forum. I don't know why you're not.
Who can explain it, who can tell you why?
Fools give you reasons, wise men never try
-South Pacific
