The Donmar to Revive "Spelling Bee"...

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 9/3/10 at 12:15pm

So how long before it comes to Broadway?
The set will be so minimalistic the show will take place at "Black Brick Wall Middle School" and instead of bleachers they'll have folding chairs.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 9/3/10 at 12:29pm

Really?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 9/3/10 at 7:06pm

It's being billed as the U.K. premiere, not a revival.

[Kad]

Posted: 9/3/10 at 7:17pm

..and this is arguably one of the few shows that WON'T have minimalism detriment it.

[MariusPontmercy]

Posted: 9/4/10 at 7:04am

The Donmar has, as far as I know, only ever transferred one musical to Broadway (Cabaret), and that was years ago. It's not the Menier or anything! The Donmar is leagues ahead in my opinion.

If you want something to worry about regarding this production, forget the venue and try the director. I've only seen two productions he's done, but they were two of the dullest things I've ever sat through.

[Weez]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 6:48am

I've seen three Jamie Lloyds. I actually thought the production of Polar Bears was all right, even though the play itself was a confused mess. The Lover/The Collection... actually, that's another one I'm going to blame on the playwright, I've not yet clicked with Pinter. XD The Little Dog Laughed wasn't brilliant though, thank heaven for Tamsin Greig and Harry Lloyd! But then, they're all plays. What we need is someone who saw Piaf (even though that's borderline musical/play with songs) or has snuck into Passion rehearsals. He could yet prove a most talented director of musicals!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 7:43am

I was going to inquire about revival v UK premiere. Thanks for already addressing that!


I liked Spelling Bee well enough, but doubt I would be up for another production.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 9:34am

Aww Weez i loved the Little Dog Laughed
And yes it's not a revival as its never been done in the UK
Hopefully this can transfer to a West End small theatre and enjoy the run that Avenue Q did.

There UK and Broadway Cabaret was Amazing, as was there production of Guys and Dolls (it's such a shame you did not get that production and instead got that overblown mess of a revival)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 10:24am

Saw PIAF. Enjoyed it a great deal. I'm shocked they haven't talked of bringing it over here, if only for Elena Rodger to win a Tony.

[newintown]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 10:35am

Even if it has been done previously in the UK, it's far far FAR too early to use the word "revival." Honestly.

And who in their right mind would bring this show (which I enjoyed enormously at both 2nd Stage and Circle) back to Broadway anytime in the next decade. it JUST closed.

Sometimes the revival posts on this board resemble dachshunds hysterically rolling over and peeing on themselves...

[joshy]

Posted: 9/5/10 at 7:22pm

Jamie Lloyd, the director, has a history with William Finn - he directed the (I think) UK premiere of Falsettoland at the Edinburgh Fringe a decade ago, which was supposed to be brilliant. (You can see a Guardian review from the time here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2001/aug/14/theatre.edinburghfestival20011 ) This makes me think that Lloyd pitched the production to Grandage for the Donmar, and as he's the darling of the Donmar at the moment, it's going to happen....I'm really looking forward to it.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 9/6/10 at 1:59pm

I'm excited to see a fresh take on a show that's pretty well-known. I wonder how the design will differ and if they'll mess with the structure of the show at all?