Paramour cancels 4 performances

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 7:31pm

Is this just to spark more interest in the show? I can't really see them fixing something they should have fixed in previews. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/PARAMOUR-Cancels-4-Broadway-Performances-for-Creative-Changes-20160811

[theatregoer3]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 8:24pm

This is actually quite typical of Cirque shows. They do continue tweaking them over the first year.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 9:19pm

I love that they're willing to work on it. Kinda curious what they tweak. 

[asmith0307]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 9:20pm

I agree. Cirque actually redoes each of their shows (even the ones that have been running for YEARS) every few years.

 

When we talk about Paramour, we sometimes forget that it is not a typical Broadway musical. Rather its is a Cirque show in a Broadway theater and will probably behave as such. 

[10086sunset]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 10:23pm

Does Cirque need to run a show called Toruk in Brooklyn in September?

I don't understand why they would cut into Paramour. 

 

[Islander_fan]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 12:36am

10086sunset said: "Does Cirque need to run a show called Toruk in Brooklyn in September?

I don't understand why they would cut into Paramour. 

In addition to Toruk, Crique's new arena show based on the movie Avatar, is indeed coming to The Barclay's Center for a very short run soon. On top of that, their new big top touring show, Kurios, is playing an eight week engagement on Randall's Island starting the middle of September. 

And, these are all shows done by Cirque. So, what exactly would they be "cutting into?"

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 1:22am

Islander, I think what sunset means is that they are bringing 2 more of their shows into the city that could possibly take attendance away from Paramour. I am to see Paramour next month. The ticket was a gift. However, If I was spending my own money, I would probably see Kurios. It is a "traditional" Cirque show in a tent and that is what they are known for. Then, if able to, I would see Paramour. I know people who want to see Paramour but after the announcement that  Toruk is coming, they are opting to see that instead.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 1:50am

Well, Vegas currently has how many Cirque shows running? I don't think that's at all on their agenda. And, as a fan, I want to see all 3. So, I don't think it's cutting into anything. There's a market for it all. The problem with Paramour is that it's being advertised as if it's a straight-up book musical, and it's not. It's a Cirque show. Their logo on the marquee is even quite small. But I'm really excited to see Toruk too. 

[10086sunset]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 6:06am

@Ungaged - Thank you for explaining my point. You nailed it. 

@Ripped - You make a great point about the problem with Paramour being advertised as a straight up book musical.  Regarding the Vegas shows, Mystere opened in 93 at Treasure Island and was a massive hit. It was followed by O at the Bellagio in 98. That's a five year gap between starting a second show to run at the same time as the first. Believe the next show was Zumanity at New York -New York in 03. The difference being these shows were selling out nightly while Paramour is coming in around 50 % gross potential after initially opening strong. 

While I understand the Cirque touring model, thought they would have protected Paramour until it was on solid footing. There's a ton of competition on Broadway alone before factoring in the nightly competition throughout New York City in the forms of concerts and the like. I don't understand competing against yourself, especially when Paramour was such an expensive and high profile undertaking. 

Updated On: 8/12/16 at 06:06 AM

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 11:20am

Also, Vegas is different.  These shows are sit down shows. For people who go a lot they know that, most likely, if they didn't see a certain Cirque show it will still be there when they return. I wanted to see "O" but ended up seeing "KA" back in 2008 because there was some corporate night going on at "O". As much as I wanted to see it, I was fine with that because I knew "O" wasn't going anywhere anytime soon and I planned to return to Vegas. I, however, will not follow a show around the country to see it. Having worked for one of their shows, DRALION,  I have met hardcore fans that have followed shows. Most people don't do this and you don't have the option of returning to NY, and knowing a Cirque show will still be there. And living here, I would go for the show I know will only be here for a few weeks. And if I had a trip planned to NYC while a Cirque tent show was in town that might not be coming to a town near me, I would see it over Paramour.

Even at the height of the recession, when I went to Vegas, these shows stayed open. I don't think they have to worry because they are one of the main attractions in Vegas. 

Back on topic, I am really interested in finding out what will change in Paramour. I am wondering if they are changing out acrobatic acts. I do know that a lot of their touring performers can only be in the states for a short amount of time and they have to switch them out. They also have a few back up acts in case of injuries or people just not able to go on.  Only speculation but I doubt they are doing anything with the book or score but possibly having to incorporate a new acrobatic act into the show. I would imagine that would warrant cancelling shows for technical reasons. 

Just my rambling thoughts!

Updated On: 8/12/16 at 11:20 AM

[bowtie7]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 6:14pm

Variety article on the changes

 

http://variety.com/2016/legit/news/paramour-cirque-du-soleil-changes-broadway-1201836435/

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 9:05pm

Well, I was partially right.