once to get the boot?

[AnythingGoes23]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 3:06am

Apparently the show is hanging on by a thread thanks to good houses on a Saturday and low running costs, but that can't last forever and ATG are lining up replacement for a quick get it... They include Evita and Annie Get Your Gun from tour. Newsies apparently are interested but the stage isn't big enough for the tall set. Newsies are still firmly in the wings at The Savoy and if they wait a little bit they could have the theatre for late Autumn, Scoundrels is proving a hard sell with audiences.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 6:06am

I knew DRS would struggle, God forbid something a little smarter would succeed in the creative hell hole that is the West End, same goes for Once.

Updated On: 4/2/14 at 06:06 AM

[WestEndmasterclass]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 6:41am

Newsies are currently looking at what they can/can't fit into them Phoenix for a scheduled opening of early 2015. The Phoenix is a perfect venue for Newsies with not many restricted view seats. It is nice that the venue is getting fresh new shows after Blood Brothers. One of the nicest west end venues (IMO)

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 6:48am

We have to give Dirty Rotten Scoundrels a chance, the show hasn't has its press night yet, look what happened to Shrek and legally with good reviews, the same could happen here.

[Simon Damon]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 7:23am

When Once get the theatre awards for best musicial I think it will run

[ggersten]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 7:27am

When we went last week midweek, the upper circle/balcony was empty - either closed or they upgraded everyone. The dress circle was probably 2/3 full based on my view from the stage before curtain and in the interval. We got great stalls seats for a good price.

[Jonwo]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 11:35am

I'm not sure awards will save Once, awards rarely make a difference unlike on Broadway. The Phoenix would be good for Pippin if that wanted to transfer but I'd be happy if Newsies got the Phoenix. It's a shame that Jersey Boys got the Piccadilly as that would have been the perfect theatre for Newsies.

Would think DRS would run at least a year to 18 months at the Savoy then go on a national tour.

[WestEndmasterclass]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 11:56am

I agree Pippin would be perfect at the phoenix. But I think Kinky Boots and Newsies are top of the list. I would love to see Bridges come over however I don't think it will. Such a gorgeous musical.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 12:06pm

Think Kinky Boots wants the Palace above any other theatre.

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 1:33pm

The awards win gave Top Hat a boost for a while so it could help

[Jonwo]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 1:40pm

It's a tough year for Best New Musical with not only Book of Mormon but also The Scottsboro Boys, in a quieter year, Once would have walked it but at the moment, it could easily be any one of them.

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 2:10pm

God I hope its not Mormon

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 2:31pm

Blasphemy - the Mormons are great.

[Jonwo]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 3:01pm

I'm hoping it's The Scottsboro Boys but you can never tell with the Oliviers

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 3:32pm

Mormon is one or the most overated shows of recent year in my view (closely followed by Matilda). Dont get me wrong, I enjoyed it, it was a fun night but no where near as smart, funny or original as had been made out by the hype

[Jonwo]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 3:59pm

Could Finding Neverland be a suitable show for the Phoenix or the Savoy? It's opening in the summer at A.R.T and I imagine if that's successful, it'll come over here in 2015 unless they're planning to go to Broadway instead.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 4:06pm

Think they should rename that show 'finding theatreland' which it never will.

I would describe both Matilda and Mormon, both smart, funny and original the perfect description for both show.

[Stewart A]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 4:25pm

It's a shame if Once does close. I saw it last year and thought it was one of the best things I'd seen in a very long time and very different. It was also good to hear an original score instead of another juke box 'score'. I saw it on a Friday not long after it opened and was upgraded from upper circle to stalls so I thought that didn't look promising early on in the run.

I haven't seen Mormon but have a feeling it will do well at the Oliviers. I have often found that overhyped shows have been a let down - maybe I go with my expectations too high. Two shows which everyone seemed to rave about were The Producers and Matlida and although I enjoyed them both I was far from blown away by either of them.



Updated On: 4/2/14 at 04:25 PM

[andydh]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 5:53pm

Maybe Newsies needs a bit of a star name in it's initial london cast given it's not the most known show to British audiences.

Goodness knows who, but i did see Richard Fleeshman as a suggestion for Jack Kelly. I wouldn't call him a 'star' exactly but he is a known name and obviously a well known leading man within the theatre world so not the worst suggestion in the world.

Of course the ideal scenario is that Jeremy Jordan reprises his role and comes over here but my guess is that will never happen. Speaking of him, did everyone see his performance of Let it go in the vids to the right ->? Updated On: 4/2/14 at 05:53 PM

[WestEndmasterclass]

Posted: 4/3/14 at 5:04am

Richard Fleeshman would be a perfect Jack Kelly. I think its a shame he didnt get Chris in Miss Saigon. I also think Ashley Day would be a great Jack Kelly. Jeremy Jordan is too old to play a teenager now and isn't known over here.

[EmmaGClarke]

Posted: 4/3/14 at 12:19pm

It would be such a shame for Once to go, I went to see it this week and thought it was wonderful. Although the theatre was perhaps only half full. Perhaps the ticket prices are putting people off?

[bob8rich]

Posted: 4/3/14 at 3:57pm

Will be a tragedy if Once closes so soon - one of the most magical, moving, charming, inventive pieces of musical theatre to hit a West End stage in years. Visually stunning and a really beautiful score. Sadly most audiences tend to want the mega-musicals and do not want to be emotionally and intellectually engaged by a musical.

As for Newsies casting - CRAIG MATHER would be an amazing Jack Kelly.

Updated On: 4/3/14 at 03:57 PM

[rockyhorrorfan]

Posted: 4/4/14 at 11:55am

I saw the movie of Once and it only had one half way decent song. I certainly wouldn't waste my money on seeing the stage show.

[jaqs]

Posted: 4/4/14 at 1:13pm

I took a long time to see Once as I hated the film. It was okay, good cast but they are mostly sat around waiting. I enjoyed it but no need to see it again.

[thespian geek]

Posted: 4/4/14 at 2:03pm

Once is a beautiful piece of theatre, in my opinion.

Also, I think Craig would make a better Crutchy than a Jack.