The same company handles the marketing for both OOTI and Be More Chill. I heard a rumor that they are actively trying to keep OOTI in CITS so as to prevent Hadestown from coming in. Be More Chill does not want that competition during awards season.
I vaguely remember at the time Francesca was hired, there was an interview stating she didn't like Musical Theater.
Also I only remember two things from that production:
1) She used the same stage trick twice, where someone was flown up into the rafters (as if swimming upward) and then the character emerged through a trap door to signify they made it to land. Using it twice wouldn't have been a big deal except that it was for Ariels big end of act 1 i made
I think it depends on what you want to see. There is a lot of theatre in LA but sometimes its just wading through all the smaller houses to find the gems. As anywhere, quality can vary greatly from production to production.
Frosh: Smile (Ensemble) Sophmore: Once Upon a Mattress (Jester) Junior: Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), The Diviners (Dewey), Mayhem in Maeville (Bud) Senior: Once on this Island (Tonton Julian), Godspell (Jesus), You Can't Take it With You (Tony)
I would choose side front mez. the mez hangs over around row r of the orchestra i believe. I saw the show on tuesday and there is a lot of action that happens at the top of the set. not sure the sightlines from the back of the house but wouldn't want you to miss anything.
I found the show thouroughly delightful. Is it great art? I don't think so, but I left the theater utterly elated, and had a smile on my face throughout most of the show. In regards to Soo, her performance was
Side Show previews in LaJolla Nov 9
2013, 11:14:07 AM
Ray is a singer/dancer in the girls act. It is also inferred that he and Buddy might have a relationship.
I saw the show last night (Friday, 11/ and I have to say I wasn't as impressed as some of the others who have seen the show.
I did not find Manoel Felciano a good fit for the role of Terry, and for me, Private Conversation was the least enjoyable moment in the show.
As reported abo
Annie Preview Thread Nov 21
2012, 01:47:52 PM
So apparently standby Jaidyn Young is going on as Annie today. I actually was Bert Healy in a regional production of it out here with her when she found out she got the Broadway gig.
Anyone going to see her today? Thoughts. I loved working with her.
Playbill's Dozen Dream Miss Hannigans Feb 25
2012, 09:31:50 AM
Andrea McArdle has done the role twice and and has gotten poor reviews both times. The first was in North Carolina and the Second was in Southern California.
Side note, I was at a party with the artistic director for the theatre in Southern California where he told me that he wanted Harriet Harris for Hannigan, but there was pressure from the rights holders to hire McArdle. Just an interesting tidbit.
What Musicals should be revived? Feb 23
2012, 09:10:02 AM
The Rink starring Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson or Patti Lupone and Laura Benanti
So--who will replace Bernadette? Dec 22
2011, 04:49:37 PM
I have a feeling since this is playing LA its gonna be someone at least moderately well known from TV and/or Film.
What about the Sally of Toni Collete or although she might read a bit young, Debra Messing.
And furthermore since we don't really know if either of the gentlemen will transfer, I would like to throw out Scott Bakula and Jason Alexander as Ben and Buddy respectfully.
What Kander and Ebb show should be revived? Jun 3
2011, 09:36:57 PM
I saw the Reprise! production of Zorba back in '05 I think. It was amazing what director David Lee did with the show. Also as far as Banderas being too old, Marc Kudisch played Zorba in that production and was fantastic.
Also in the cast: Stan Chandler as Niko; Judy Kaye as Hortense; Camille Savioly as the Leader; and Leslie Margharita as the Widow.
Went back the next day with the friend i was staying with and won the center front row lottery tickets.
(That week also saw Ave q, Assassins, little shop & rent)
Roles they DIDN'T get.... May 14
2011, 11:50:14 AM
Not to keep harping on the Toni Collete/Chicago thing but....
Vanessa williams was supposed to do wild party but dropped out
Toni Collete was offered the lead in Bridget Jones Diary but turned it down to play Queenie on Broadway...the role went to Renee Zellwegger.
Toni Collete was auditioned for and was seriously considered for the role of Roxie in Chicago, but the role went to Renee who had just come off of the great success (and box office reciepts) of Bridget
Funny Girl Revival Feb 17
2011, 12:35:31 AM
The Ahmanson makes total sense. I know Bob has a very strong reputation with the Center Theatre Group in LA.
I thought that they wanted to find someone unknown as well.
His Out of Town TryOut's there:
Drowsy Minsky's 13
His California/SoCal Premieres:
History Boys South Pacific Boeing Boeing Spamalot Topdog/Underdog Goat, or who is slyvia
I'm sure there's more, but that's all i can think of
I know that julie has gone on record of saying that it needs fine tuning to work out the stunts... but she has also said that she is NOT changing anything to the script or score.
So if nothing to the material of the show is being changed.....then why not review it.
Do they really need and extra month to make the production safe?
Because really....it should have been safe from the beginning.
Has anyone ever missed their first or last performance? Feb 2
2011, 11:59:20 AM
If i'm remembering correctly both Stephanie J. Block and LaChanze missed several press performances for Pirate Queen and Color Purple respectively. In fact i believe that Color purple was initially reviewed with the understudy and the show was re-reviewed with LaChanze.
Also let's not forget that Roger Bart missed 2 or 3 weeks of previews for Young Frank because he had "hurt his back"
and I have to say I wasn't as impressed as some of the others who have seen the show. 
