Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
theatreguy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/31/03
#1Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 4:51pm
Opening on Broadway this fall, so says Gallagher by way of the LA Times ...
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-mn-peter-gallagher-20140212,0,5042819.story#axzz2t9A6wXOL
WiCkEDrOcKS
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
#2Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 4:58pmHasn't this been "coming next season" for the last few seasons?
#2Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 5:10pmChenoweth has around 14 Broadway shows that are "coming next season".
theatreguy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/31/03
#3Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 5:10pmYes. Roundabout was going to do it 2 years ago, but then Chenoweth booked GCB and decided to do that instead. They then came VERY close to having it in the Sondheim this spring but that fell through at the last minute.
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#4Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 5:24pmThe true star of the original production was the set. OMG! The open sequence in the first act and, She's a Nut, in the second were over the top design wise. I would love to see, On The 20th Century again, and I think both Gallagher and Chenoweth would be great, but its the production values that will be the draw for me. Who's designing?
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
Stevie72
Stand-by Joined: 1/19/14
#5Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 5:25pmso its happening really happening
#6Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 5:25pm
Roundabout was considering it, but I doubt for the Sondheim, as Beautiful had it booked.
If it's being done by Roundabout, well... expect a pale imitation of that beautiful original set.
It's a fantastic show I would love to see revived- and it's a role Chenoweth is actually RIGHT for.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Stevie72
Stand-by Joined: 1/19/14
#7Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 5:35pmyes she was a strange choice for Promises
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#8Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 5:36pm
If it's being done by Roundabout, well... expect a pale imitation of that beautiful original set.
Kad, your post saddens me. The set was what made this show.
Please producers if you're reviving, On The 20th Century, revive the set - all of it. It was sheer Broadway magic.
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
Updated On: 2/12/14 at 05:36 PM
DAME
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/15/04
#9Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 6:01pmI was fortunate to see both Madeline Kahn and Judy Kaye in the show. It was fabulous... I will never forget that set. EVER!
HUSSY POWER!
------ HUSSY POWER!
#10Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 6:15pm
I'm SO obsessed with this cast recording. I pretty much play "I've Got It All" and "Veronique" everyday on my way to work! And I love Cheno. And Peter. I've been waiting for this ever since the stupid rumors started. Hopefully this won't fall through again!
Updated On: 2/12/14 at 06:15 PM
Stevie72
Stand-by Joined: 1/19/14
#11Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 6:16pmno can we have a great original set
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#12Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 8:31pm
In most cases, I would love a brilliant original set - even prefer it as it would bring a fresh take on the production. With, On the 20th Century, how do you improve on spectacular perfection? Okay, I'm sure there is room for a new scenic interpretations, but this was perhaps one of the greatest Broadway designs of all times. It would be near impossible to compete with my memory of Robin Wagner's amazing sets. Definitely on the top or near top of my best sets list.
Stevie72, did you see the original production?
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
Updated On: 2/12/14 at 08:31 PM
#13Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 9:46pm
I also saw both Kahn and Kaye, the latter many, many times. And, yes, the set was amazing.
But Reprise LA did it about a decade ago as a "staged concert" and the story and comedy still worked, even without all the flashy mechanics.
bobs3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/8/12
#14Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 10:20pmI will actually believe this happens when I hear rehearsals start and tickets go on sale.
Stevie72
Stand-by Joined: 1/19/14
#15Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 10:30pmNo I am just saying that we should be original and not recycle the same old sets
#16Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 11:20pm
the set was amazing / The true star of the original production was the set / spectacular perfection / that beautiful original set / I will never forget that set. EVER! / yes, the set was amazing
Somebody describe the set, please!
Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#17Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 11:32pm
^ Wow! Gladly.
The opening was a series of many set pieces all smoothly transitioning from one to another. It was the process of the company boarding the train. It started in a grand train station (Union Station in Chicago?), transitioning to the platform and then the train itself. The train split down the middle and opened up like a book. Ultimately the main set - the train cars - wagoned on. Each piece was more spectacular than the next and there were many to make up just this one number. In fact, in just the opening sequence more scenery moved on and off (in all directions) than most shows have all night.
The body of the act takes place in a series of train cars that were gorgeous and elaborately built. They ranged from the fancy private cabin that Lily (a movie star) is staying in, to a lounge car, etc. The cars wagoned across the stage placing the car where the scene is played usually center stage.
In act two, there is a brilliant and funny number, She's a Nut, which topped the opening. She's a Nut, takes place all over the train and its a sort of a madcap romp performed at fever pitch. The train cars would pull on and off during the crazy action that was onstage. These moments were divided by a huge and elaborate automated drop of the front of the train which transitioned to the caboose. Both positions had the ability to showcase, Imogene Coco (the nut) - first in the conductor's window and then against the back of the train. Between, this drop and the train cars the staged cleared and a miniature train traveled across the stage against a night sky. Each piece was spectacular, but in just that one number, the stage picture changed and transitioned itself countless times. It was over-the-top spectacular.
And, as enthusiastic as I'm typing here, it doesn't do it justice. It was a WOW!!!!!
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
Updated On: 2/12/14 at 11:32 PM
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#18Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/12/14 at 11:45pmI should add that the train was Art Deco detailed in chrome. Everything about the physical production was spectacular.
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
theatreguy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/31/03
#19Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/13/14 at 12:05am
Here are some pictures from the book Broadway Musicals by Martin Gottfried.
Model of the curtain: 
The actual curtain, during the open of act two: 
Model and drawing of the train's first entrance - it came straight down and then split open to reveal the interior: 
One section of the train. Lily and Oscar also each had a private car: 
The song She's A Nut had the cast chasing Imogene Coca around the train, including with the conductor ...: 
... and right on the back: 
And finally this ground plan gives you an idea of how tightly everything was packed into the St. James: 
Updated On: 2/13/14 at 12:05 AM
Stevie72
Stand-by Joined: 1/19/14
#20Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/13/14 at 12:07amwho should do the creative work
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#21Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/13/14 at 12:22am
I just finished scanning the same images. Thank you Theatreguy for posting them.
Anyway... as you can see - SPECTACULAR. And, the pictures don't do the sets justice.
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
#22Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/13/14 at 5:59amThose production stills of the set are amazing!! It sounds like it was one gorgeous production!! The detail alone! I can't imagine how much it cost to mount the original production. I really hope if they go forward with a revival they replicate the original...I would love to experience that.
#23Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/13/14 at 6:16am
I love this show so much.
I'm not getting my hopes up anymore for a revival though. Too many false starts.
And I maintain that the show is much more than a set. It's a well written adaptation of a classic screwball comedy with one of Coleman's best scores.
Despite losing best musical to Ain't Misbehavin' it won:
Score
Book
Actor
Supporting Actor
Scenic Design
As much as I love Nell Carter, I can't believe she beat Imogene Coca.
....but the world goes 'round
Updated On: 2/13/14 at 06:16 AM
#24Peter Gallagher to star with Kristin Chenoweth in On the 20th Century
Posted: 2/13/14 at 6:51amSet or no set, ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY can work really well with the right stars. The Actors Fund production, a one-nighter several years ago, featured Marin Mazzie and Douglas Sills, and they sang and performed brilliantly, hitting every note and getting every laugh. Oh, and very little set.
