THE GREAT COMET Announces September Broadway Closing; Final Performers for Role of 'Pierre'

[NYadgal]

LizzieCurry - that's the same video!  (I hadn't seen it before I saw his Instagram link).   I love it!   So glad it's being shared widely and enjoyed!

[Broadway Joe]

I didn't read this whole thread yet and I don't care to place blame on anyone cause I saw comet and enjoyed it but I don't really care that it's closing. Just wanted to chime in that this guy Casal is an ass and I simply won't support anything he does (which doesn't seem like it will even be a hard thing to do) and so is Erivo, I won't support her either.  I put them in the same category of overreacting morons like that other ass Patti Murin. 

[JayElle]

Saw show at 2.  Going tonite.  Oak good on some songs but doesn't have projection like josh. Regardless, he got ovations for his songs. Told ticket office I was heartbroken and they're sad.  Long lines for tkts. Now people r going. Where were they when the show needed them.  Would love to know why he wouldn't call Mandy to reconsider per nypost.  

Isn't Cynthia from England?  Aren't their theaters govt funded?  Why is she running dialog on this?

[JayElle]

Saw show at 2.  Going tonite.  Oak good on some songs but doesn't have projection like josh. Regardless, he got ovations for his songs. Told ticket office I was heartbroken and they're sad.  Long lines for tkts. Now people r going. Where were they when the show needed them.  Would love to know why he wouldn't call Mandy to reconsider per nypost.  

Isn't Cynthia from England?  Aren't their theaters govt funded?  Why is she running dialog on this?

[bwayrose7]

I can't help wondering if, in a weird way, this whole fiasco will make it likelier to get revived down the line than it would have otherwise. Now, it's not just the "cool and weird" show that couldn't find a big enough audience, but it's the innovative, creative show that was sunk prematurely by a scandal. Maybe I'm foolish, but I feel like that kind of history might prove irresistible to some producer down the line, the idea of bringing back a show that got its chances cut short the first time around.

[Itonlytakesajourney]

bwayrose7 said: "I can't help wondering if, in a weird way, this whole fiasco will make it likelier to get revived down the line than it would have otherwise. Now, it's not just the "cool and weird" show that couldn't find a big enough audience, but it's the innovative, creative show that was sunk prematurely by a scandal. Maybe I'm foolish, but I feel like that kind of history might prove irresistible to some producer down the line, the idea of bringing back a show that got its chances cut short the first time around.

 

That's possible actually. I think, in a way, it might be similar to Pippin. Not because Pippin flopped, but because both GC and Pippin are very weird, creative, artsy works that can be very appealing to producers. The idea of a show like that- one with a different-than-the-norm kind of concept- attracts producers and directors into making something new of these shows. 

 

[MinervaMoon]

bwayrose7 said: "I can't help wondering if, in a weird way, this whole fiasco will make it likelier to get revived down the line than it would have otherwise. Now, it's not just the "cool and weird" show that couldn't find a big enough audience, but it's the innovative, creative show that was sunk prematurely by a scandal. Maybe I'm foolish, but I feel like that kind of history might prove irresistible to some producer down the line, the idea of bringing back a show that got its chances cut short the first time around."

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 2017 and All That Followed

[BroadwayConcierge]

MinervaMoon said: "bwayrose7 said: "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 2017 and All That Followed"

Omg. Dead.

[VintageSnarker]

MinervaMoon said: "bwayrose7 said: "I can't help wondering if, in a weird way, this whole fiasco will make it likelier to get revived down the line than it would have otherwise. Now, it's not just the "cool and weird" show that couldn't find a big enough audience, but it's the innovative, creative show that was sunk prematurely by a scandal. Maybe I'm foolish, but I feel like that kind of history might prove irresistible to some producer down the line, the idea of bringing back a show that got its chances cut short the first time around."

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 2017 and All That Followed

Oh, good Lord. Can you actually imagine...?

 

[poisonivy2]

BroadwayConcierge said: "MinervaMoon said: "bwayrose7 said: "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 2017 and All That Followed"

Omg. Dead.

 

"

In which Cynthia Erivo plays "Natasha" but then the show closes early because she got pregnant.

[JayElle]

Despite all this he said/she said stuff, I went to TGC today for both shows...2 and 8...audience members I talked to had little knowledge on the controversy.. Most didn't read or cared....Oak got standing ovations and overwhelming applause as did all the members.

The audience laughed  and clapped throughout.  You wouldn't know anything was happening.  So, why the hell shut down the show? Ticket agents told me they've been getting incredible sales.  If Howard Kagan had any brains, he'd  post an "show extended another 2 weeks" just to see what happens.  It was mobbed.  I tweeted Oak & Mandy to work it out and keep the show open. The staff, performers, and customers were all perplexed that they would close it.  Is anyone listening?   Duhhhhh

[bear88]

The average person, even a Broadway theatergoer, doesn't follow all this drama - which hasn't really gotten all that much mainstream attention anyway. The show still manages to fill the Imperial, almost. That hasn't been the problem. I had thought it might survive longer because it's an easy ticket for a unique and well-reviewed new musical. But I think I overrated the desire for what Dave Malloy acknowledges is a "weird" show.

Kagan didn't plan ahead at all, it seems, about replacing Groban. But I have grown weary of being angry about this. The producers made a lot of mistakes, but they also financed a show I enjoyed a great deal.

One question for people who know more than me: Does a Great Comet tour make sense? Non-Broadway crowds don't expect stars, so that's less of a problem. But can the show work as a touring production on a traditional stage? I can easily see the show being appealing in San Francisco, where I live, and Carole Shorenstein Hays is one of the producers and the owner of the Curran Theatre. But how many money-losing shows make a profit on a national tour? As we've learned, this musical is not for everyone. Fun Home put out an announcement not long ago that its tour is now turning a profit, but that show seems a lot easier because of its small cast, simpler logistical challenges. and its Tony for Best Musical.

 

[n.holden]

bear88 said: 

... One question for people who know more than me: Does a Great Comet tour make sense? Non-Broadway crowds don't expect stars, so that's less of a problem. But can the show work as a touring production on a traditional stage? I can easily see the show being appealing in San Francisco, where I live, and Carole Shorenstein Hays is one of the producers and the owner of the Curran Theatre. But how many money-losing shows make a profit on a national tour? As we've learned, this musical is not for everyone. Fun Home put out an announcement not long ago that its tour is now turning a profit, but that show seems a lot easier because of its small cast, simpler logistical challenges. and its Tony for Best Musical.

I don't know if it makes financial sense, but I definitely hope it happens. The Curran Theater would be cool because it's small and they could make it a really intimate experience. I hope the tour gets some understudies from the original at least, like Shoba Narayan as Natasha or Scott Stangland/Dave Malloy as Pierre. 


 

 

"

 

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

n.holden said: "bear88 said: 

... One question for people who know more than me: Does a Great Comet tour make sense? Non-Broadway crowds don't expect stars, so that's less of a problem. But can the show work as a touring production on a traditional stage? I can easily see the show being appealing in San Francisco, where I live, and Carole Shorenstein Hays is one of the producers and the owner of the Curran Theatre. But how many money-losing shows make a profit on a national tour? As we've learned, this musical is not for everyone. Fun Home put out an announcement not long ago that its tour is now turning a profit, but that show seems a lot easier because of its small cast, simpler logistical challenges. and its Tony for Best Musical.

I don't know if it makes financial sense, but I definitely hope it happens. The Curran Theater would be cool because it's small and they could make it a really intimate experience. I hope the tour gets some understudies from the original at least, like Shoba Narayan as Natasha or Scott Stangland/Dave Malloy as Pierre. 


 

 

"
"

I see them potentially touring, but I don't see it at the Curran. My guess is that they will go back to the original staging for a tour, which implies no Mezz/Balcony. The changes necessary to safely integrate the stage/Mezz stairs will not work for a tour, so they are likely to stage in an open space (as the original tent). I see them looking for open spaces, perhaps like small arenas or single story theaters, probably with tables and chairs (not stadium seating) to minimize the changes necessary

[LizzieCurry]

Like the backyard at El Rio?

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

BTW, I just looked and found no seats available for the 3rd. If so, this may be the first time they have sold out without TKTS in a quite a while. Too bad it took closing to do this....

[leighmiserables]

JayElle said: " If Howard Kagan had any brains, he'd  post an "show extended another 2 weeks" just to see what happens.  It was mobbed.  I tweeted Oak & Mandy to work it out and keep the show open. The staff, performers, and customers were all perplexed that they would close it.  Is anyone listening?   Duhhhhh"

Honestly, I think it's possible. It's happened before. I'm sure Dave wouldn't mind doing another couple weeks.

(Plus, on a selfish note, I missed buying tickets for the 3rd so an extension would be preferable.) 

[SonofRobbieJ]

I see them potentially touring, but I don't see it at the Curran.

If the tour does happen (which is what is anticipated), it will be playing The Curran.  

 

[bear88]

leighmiserables said: "JayElle said: " If Howard Kagan had any brains, he'd  post an "show extended another 2 weeks" just to see what happens.  It was mobbed.  I tweeted Oak & Mandy to work it out and keep the show open. The staff, performers, and customers were all perplexed that they would close it.  Is anyone listening?   Duhhhhh"

Honestly, I think it's possible. It's happened before. I'm sure Dave wouldn't mind doing another couple weeks.

(Plus, on a selfish note, I missed buying tickets for the 3rd so an extension would be preferable.) 

"

I glanced at Telecharge last night and saw that Sept. 3 almost sold out. But isn't that simply because many fans of the show want to see the final performance? The Sunday show a week before it closes has plenty of seats available as of now.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

After seeing this show, I am now devastated it's closing. The story is really plain, but good god, the direction and  the music makes up for it. I called HELLO DOLLY this, but this show is also magical. I was in love the whole time during the show and actually nearly started crying at the beginning. TGC doesn't deserve this ending and I'm so sorry for everyone!

[JPeterman]

If it ends up touring, it doesn't have to necessarily be in all the traditional theatres.  It could go back to its roots and tour with a tent like Cirque du Soleil, or maybe even buy the tent set up from the failed Peter Pan 360 tour lol

 

http://www.chron.com/entertainment/arts-theater/article/Peter-Pan-360-extended-6535202.php#photo-8707074

[leighmiserables]

bear88 said: "I glanced at Telecharge last night and saw that Sept. 3 almost sold out. But isn't that simply because many fans of the show want to see the final performance? The Sunday show a week before it closes has plenty of seats available as of now."

Unless there's something wrong with how it's coming up on my computer, there's only about four tickets left for that Sunday as of now. 

I don't think the influx in ticket sales is enough to warrant any extension beyond a few weeks, but I do think one of that length is very possible. 

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

It's clearly because it's the final performance that sold out the 3rd (that's why I'm willing to spend freely for a Banquette seat for the 3rd). If they did try to extend, I think they would have to refund many of the seats for that day, so I don't really see it benefitting them much or happening. 

 

As for the Curran, maybe--but I think the tent or single story is more likely. The construction necessary to get it to work in a traditional proscenium theater [with mezz/balcony and bolted seats] does not lend itself to short residencies

[poisonivy2]

I just saw that Lucas Steele, Brittain Ashford and Amber Grey have all been with the show since 2012. Wow. That's an incredible amount of dedication on their part. 

[Stage Door Sally]

Thwarted in my efforts to see Mandy in The Great Comet, I finally saw the entire show online.

Overall, I am glad I saved my hard-earned money. I agree with others that sitting on stage was the way to go to be up close to the actors. Sitting in the mezz, I may have left at intermission. It was a noble effort and should be applauded as such. Where it fell short for me was it was sing-through. It would have benefitted from dialogue because the exposition was confusing as hell. Also, in the end, the plot was ultra simplistic. Complex characters, simplistic plot. Groban was WONDERFUL. Would have been worth it to sit on the stage to see him. Denee Benton was also very good. But the special effects and extra little things in this production were lost on me. I never engaged with the show. Perhaps it was meant for a younger audience. In any event, I could see this as the grandfather for similar interactive shows in the future. Someone has to be the groundbreaker.

[bear88]

Maybe you're right about the Aug. 27 show. It looked like there were plenty of seats available, but it was late when I looked, and I'm not in a position to check again.

As for any possible tour, wouldn't the logistics of getting tents in city after city be more logistically difficult and expensive than rearranging the show for more traditional venues? Sure, the mezzanine and balcony folks would lose a lot of the interaction, which would change the experience. But in the end, I'm not sure that would hurt ticket sales much on tour.

If I'm an investor in the show, I don't want to spend more to set up and dismantle tents all over the country to bring in fewer ticket sales. I would happily see the show in a tent, but I just question the financial viability of doing that.

If it does tour, which I'll believe when it happens, I would be very surprised if it doesn't end up at the Curran in San Francisco.