Something without a huge cast to keep it simple. Maybe Gypsy? Though, they would want something more family rated but I can't think of anything with a small cast or limited set changes.
I disagree. Get a good leading man in the role of Higgins, someone relatively well-known for Eliza, not to mention the fact that it's a classic musical, and I bet they could bring in an audience. It's certainly more family-friendly than a lot of other shows.
"Was uns befreit, das muss stärker sein als wir es sind." -Tanz der Vampire
Nothing slow. These shows should "bring in" new theatre people not "push away".
Hairspray, a jukebox musical, Bye Bye Birdie, Dreamgirls, Pippin Revival, Cabaret Revival, Billy Elliot, Anything Goes, Aida, La Cage aux Folles, Legally Blonde, Little Shop of Horrors, Memphis, Miss Saigon, Spamalot, Thoroughly Modern Millie, West Side Story
I definitely agree with all of you. (on different things) I think the musical would have to be something exciting and vaguely, if not very, familiar with audiences across America. I know Tim Minchin wants to do a movie musical of Matilda, which I think would be awesome! But as for the live productions, I know Peter Pan was basically a flop... So it's kind of hard to tell which one would be more successful. I LOVE the idea of My Fair Lady. A good leading man as Higgins is key, while with Eliza, you could most likely get away with someone more from the theatre than from Hollywood, per say.
Definitely not Gypsy, La Cage aux Folles, Miss Saigon, or Camelot - these shows would not attract numbers, unfortunately. Actually, many of the shows people have mentioned here would not do well numbers-wise, and that's all NBC/FOX cares about. That is another reason why we will not get true Broadway performers as leads, no matter how much more talented they are than Hollywood celebrities. They just don't attract a basic crowd. I could see something like Hairspray and West Side Story doing well. The musicals I would most want to see would never be done. And if they ever would be, the casting would most likely make me cringe. I think My Fair Lady would be good, too, but, again, the casting would worry me.
Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
Since we may have been this close to The Music Man - I presume it's still on the list. But, for family audiences, I'm thinking NBC may go with Oliver! (unless there really is going to be a new film version, so rights aren't available).or Annie - which at least has a song about Christmas.
What I would love to see will not be on NBC or Fox..
The question is who is going to be "Carrie Underwood" next year? What name will people tune in to see? For example, would Meryl Streep bring in viewers for say, Mame or Hello Dolly (not that I necessarily think that would be good casting for other than ratings) . Does it have to be a recording star? or just a well known actor?
If NBC had any brains, they should buy the rights to A Christmas Story (to be shown at Christmastime). Cable stations show that movie around the clock in December. Plus, it would have to be G or PG enough to sell ad time. Just no more Carrie Underwood stunts please, she couldn't even sing and dance at the same time without becoming winded, not to mention her acting.
I would love to see them do West Side Story. I agree with Steve C. that it's surprising there hasn't been any talk about "A Christmas Story." A charming show that I think could be a cash cow for a network.
The movies of West Side Story and The Music Man are so good and Preston's performance in the latter is so iconic. WSS lends itself more to a stage revival (yes, again!); Music Man is very much of its time, I saw it with Dick Van Dyke in the 80's (boring!) and then on Broadway with Craig Bierko (okay), not sure that it would work on Broadway today but on television...perhaps. Didn't Matthew Broderick do it several years ago? The book really needs work and it's a good score but, surprisingly, not as durable as some other scores from that time. Both shows have different kinds of nostalgia appeals, however, though the Americana of Music Man is such a distant era so I don't know how audiences would relate to it today.
Two musicals that might be fun to see live would be "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" or "Guys and Dolls"...
Beauty and the Beast would be fun, plus It's very well known and family friendly. Although I doubt we'll see any Disney live musical unless it's on ABC. My other picks are Singin' In The Rain, The Music Man, West Side Story, South Pacific, Cinderella, and Avenue Q (I know, never gonna happen, but one can dream!)
I forgot about Xmas Story! That's a fantastic show that I think would be pretty popular. I personally would LOVE to see Music Man or even Singin' In the Rain (probably wishful thinking)... Also, I've been waiting for an Oliver! revival of some sort in NYC; maybe that would be a good choice. Also, for any of you Music Man fans, Forbidden Broadway did a couple parody songs (one's entitled "76 Hit Shows". They're pretty good.
If it's a Christmas show, I definitely would love to see "A Christmas Story" I loved it when I saw it on Broadway. One of the best shows I saw that season. But I believe that "White Christmas" would be perfect!
NBC does their live shows the 1st week of December which is the last week of November sweeps. A Christmas Story seems like a no brainer considering they already have a history with (Paul & Pavik ??; sorry I should remember them by now) from SMASH. It's got everything, singing, dancing kiddies, Santa Claus and the LEG lamp! Oliver would seem too adult when it comes to Nancy and Bill Sikes IMO.