Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
A Director
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/18/07
#1Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 12:29pm
Audra is the STAR and the box office draw. Can the show survive when she's gone for the summer?
#2Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 12:36pm
I disagree with this. Brian Stokes Mitchell and Billy Porter are definite draws...and for the more savvy theatergoers you have the choreography of Savion Glover, the direction of George C. Wolfe and the music by Eubie Blake. Audra does not carry this show on her shoulders, and that is not to diminish her role in the show in any way, shape or form, but it is my opinion that the show will be just fine when Audra goes on hiatus. There is enough talent up on that stage to sustain this show.
Hairspray0901
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/29/08
#3Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 2:32pm
Not going to lie - I saw the show for Audra. I typically try and see every new show of the season but had she not be in it, I probably would have skipped this one. It was my first time seeing her in anything and she blew me away!
#4Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 2:46pm
I saw the show for the show. Also for the cast and creatives. I am a hige Audra fan and would have been disappointed had she not been in when I saw it but there is too much other great talent on and behind stage for me to have not seen it because she was out.
I have had a few weeks to let this show roll around in my mind. Even with the comments I have made here about it, at the end of the evening I was told a good story that I could follow and saw some wonderful performances. I also witnessed some of the best choreography ever Along with beautiful costumes, lighting and sets. It did feel like I was walking out of a good old Broadway show.
I think it will survive for at least a year. I have faith that Audra's replacement while she is away will be a good choice. JMO
Just give the world Love.
AnnieBlack
Leading Actor Joined: 4/3/14
#5Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 3:56pm
When 'Stokes' was announced for this show, I thought he would be an equal draw - boy, was I wrong- this is here show to say the least (was lucky enough to have seen it last night at opening). Wonder if Stokes will ever retake his 'leading man' status that he seemed to enjoy a decade ago
#6Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 4:08pm
The show's been selling very well in previews and got a pretty solid set of reviews last night, plus she's only gone for nine weeks. It's definitely possible sales will go down, but I don't think the whole thing will crash and burn because Audra isn't there.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
VintageSnarker
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
#7Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 4:13pm
" When 'Stokes' was announced for this show, I thought he would be an equal draw - boy, was I wrong- this is here show to say the least (was lucky enough to have seen it last night at opening). Wonder if Stokes will ever retake his 'leading man' status that he seemed to enjoy a decade ago"
What are the chances of a Man of La Mancha revival?
#8Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 9:20pm
Just because Audra is featured more in the show doesn't make Stokes-Mitchell any less of a draw.
Just give the world Love.
AEA AGMA SM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
#9Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 9:26pm
VintageSnarker said: "" When 'Stokes' was announced for this show, I thought he would be an equal draw - boy, was I wrong- this is here show to say the least (was lucky enough to have seen it last night at opening). Wonder if Stokes will ever retake his 'leading man' status that he seemed to enjoy a decade ago"
What are the chances of a Man of La Mancha revival?"
He did already headline a revival of La Mancha back in 2003. I honestly don't remember if it was received well enough to warrant giving him another revival of the show as opposed to seeking out someone new for the role.
#10Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 9:51pm
I imagine the show will continue to sell well in the coming weeks as informed theatregoers will want to see it before Audra's hiatus. I do think it will drop off after she goes.
Still, with positive buzz, summer tourists who don't know any different will see it. And of course you'll have those who didn't pay attention to schedule announcements who pitch a fit when they find out Audra isn't in it.
I like a good rhyme more than a good time
pushdabutton
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/05
#11Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 9:54pm
Is Audra scheduled to be out for the entire summer? If so, does she have plans to return in the fall?
#12Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 10:12pm
pushdabutton said: "Is Audra scheduled to be out for the entire summer? If so, does she have plans to return in the fall?"
Audra will be out from June 21 - Sept 25, 2016. She returns to Shuffle Along on Sept 27 and is contracted through June 11, 2017. Source: http://www.playbill.com/article/audra-mcdonald-will-miss-three-months-of-shuffle-along-performances-com-362398
I like a good rhyme more than a good time
#13Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 11:02pm
I could see it when I'm in New York in June, but I'm choosing to wait until I'm back in November because I really do want to see Audra. I've never seen her perform live. So, there are those who will wait (who know who she is) and those where it won't matter - and that's probably most of the tourists who just want to see a good show and don't really care or know the actors involved.
#14Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/29/16 at 11:53pm
It boggles my mind why they even did this. Why not open in the fall? Regardless of how well they inform audiences, Audra will be seen on the Tonys, possibly win one and then audiences will get to the theatre and no Audra. Bizarre on so many levels. She is easily the biggest star in the show and it's a sweetheart of a role. The show will flatten without her charms.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
Smaxie
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/26/05
#15Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 12:00am
Audra returns to the show on September 13, not September 25.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
#16Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 12:03am
Bettyboy72 said: "It boggles my mind why they even did this. Why not open in the fall? Regardless of how well they inform audiences, Audra will be seen on the Tonys, possibly win one and then audiences will get to the theatre and no Audra. Bizarre on so many levels. She is easily the biggest star in the show and it's a sweetheart of a role. The show will flatten without her charms.
"
Yeah, they should have had an out of town tryout now, then open in the fall when Audra came back.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
#17Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 12:07am
They should get Vanessa Williams to play the role during Audra's hiatus. Vanessa would TOTALLY be a box office draw!
A Director
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/18/07
#18Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 1:03am
When you are a five time Tony winner, you can do whatever you want. "You want to do another show in London this summer Audra? Anything your little heart desires! Who cares if ticket sales drop. If you have the time send us a postcard."
#19Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 9:17am
A Director said: "When you are a five time Tony winner, you can do whatever you want. "You want to do another show in London this summer Audra? Anything your little heart desires! Who cares if ticket sales drop. If you have the time send us a postcard."
"
*six
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
10086sunset
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/8/16
#20Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 9:20am
Bettyboy72 said: "It boggles my mind why they even did this. Why not open in the fall? Regardless of how well they inform audiences, Audra will be seen on the Tonys, possibly win one and then audiences will get to the theatre and no Audra. Bizarre on so many levels. She is easily the biggest star in the show and it's a sweetheart of a role. The show will flatten without her charms.
"
This pretty much hits the nail on the head.
perfectliar
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/1/04
#21Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 2:31pm
For what it's worth, I have two friends who bought premium tickets for last weekend and got a refund when Audra was out. As much as they said they also wanted to see Billy Porter and Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra was the draw for them, especially to pay premium prices. I can see this happening often in the summer months, depending on what happens at the Tonys. If it picks up some wins, it may be a good option for the tourists who can't get Hamilton tickets.
Mike66
Leading Actor Joined: 12/17/15
#22Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 4:05pm
Any idea when tickets for the end of October will go on sale??
THANKS
pushdabutton
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/05
#23Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 6:38pm
Thanks for the information NJBroadwayGirl. I appreciate it!
Broadway kid 2
Stand-by Joined: 6/7/14
#24Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 6:57pm
A Director said: "Audra is the STAR and the box office draw. Can the show survive when she's gone for the summer?
"
10086sunset
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/8/16
#25Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?
Posted: 4/30/16 at 10:18pm
Broadway kid 2 said: "A Director said: "Audra is the STAR and the box office draw. Can the show survive when she's gone for the summer?
"
Broadway kid 2, why do you keep doing this every time you post?
Honestly, at this point it feels like trolling. Every post is a quote with zero content added by you.
