Just a random thought and wondering others' opinions: How long do you think is a fitting amount of time between revivals of a show?
For example, Into the Woods had a (Broadway) revival 15 years after the original but for the most recent revival of Gypsy there was only a 5 year gap (while the first revival was 15 years after the original), so what is a fitting time frame for shows to stage a revival?
I think the time between the original and first revival should definitely be at least 10-15 years, longer depending on the length of the show's original run. Time between revivals, though, can be shorter if there's a good purpose for the production.
In the old days a revival wasn't uncommon as soon as 5 years after the original or something like that. I think the way the media is and how we preserve shows that doesn't fly anymore. I think 10-15 is pretty solid. Give time for a new generation of performers to take on the role.
Anything less than 10 seems unnecessary. Doesn't stop some from doing it though.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
The short answer, to paraphrase Mr. Berlin, is "Any time the traffic will allow." Meaning, if there's a reason - artistically, commercially, or hopefully both - to bring in a new production, then the timing is right (regardless of how soon or how long it's been since the last one). if not, then not.
Opera lovers don't think twice about seeing the same different productions of the same operas over and over again in relatively short order - why should theatre lovers be any different?
Also, the "too soon' objection also often rings false on this board. It seems that the people who complain about "do we really need another revival of - fill in the blank - so soon after the last one closed" are often the same people who will think nothing about going to see the same production multiple times during a run because they love the show so much, or simply because of an intriguing cast change.
The complaint may well be that there are so many other worthy things that deserve a revival, why "this" yet again?
But the fact remains that there's a reason that certain classics continue to fascinate artists and engage audiences. (of course we can all disagree about whether any particular work merits such veneration and continued attention, but that's a different issue).
The Tonys has a rule that a revival can be eligible to compete if it took place at least three years after a previous production closes. Last season, we got an extremely premature revival of The Glass Menagerie about three years after John Tiffany's highly acclaimed production. Even with Sally Field in the starring role, Sam Gold's production still crashed and burned at the box office.
Of course, the most recent revivals of Gypsy and La Cage aux Folles did take place about five years after their previous incarnations.
Reviving (pun intended) this thread thanks to the gentle whispers of an August: Osage County revival on the horizon, and it’s blowing my mind to think it’s been over 15 years since it opened. And since it seems the general consensus here is a 10-15 year gap, I’d say it’s right on time.
I’d be thrilled to see Sally Field as Violet, but I would be genuinely heartbroken to miss the chance to see Laurie Metcalf take it on. It feels destined, even if in my own mind (and the collective mind of anyone with a working brain).
Are there any other “recent” plays that are ripe for a revival?
I always say it should at least be 5+ years. The only exceptions I can think of are Waitress and Beetlejuice but I would not necessarily refer to those as "Revivals". More of a Return Engagement.
I do not believe there should be a revival of something like Spring Awakening, Anastasia, Something Rotten!, etc. Give some other shows time to shine. Also, if the show is on tour, there definitely should not be a revival happening at the same time. But what do I know lol
I would definitely say 10 years would be an appropriate minimum. Giving time for new directors to come up with new ways they can interpret an iconic show whether it may be a musical or play.
I definitely think we are overdue for a Gypsy revival. As well as How to Succeed! Also, is it too soon to ask for a Pippin revival?
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
hearthemsing22 said: "I do not believe there should be a revival of something like Spring Awakening, Anastasia, Something Rotten!, etc."
I agree with this as written, but I do think that the unique approach of the 2015 revival of Spring Awakening fully justified that show's early return.
There’s an acronym we use in government work/ CBCB. It stands for case by case basis, meaning that more often than not there is no hard and fast rule. There are guidelines and expectations, but not so strongly that you can say “typically the rule is X.” Everything is CBCB.