"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
~ Muhammad Ali
Previews start Tuesday night. (So no one really knows) I'm going on Weds. night. I love Chaplin, so I'm kind of excited.
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 Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
Well I didn't want to get into it, but he's a Satanist.
Every full moon he sacrifices 4 puppies to the Dark Lord and smears their blood on his paino.
This should help you understand the score for Wicked a little bit more.
Tazber's: Reply to
Is Stephen Schwartz a Practicing Christian
I was there last night! I loved Rob McClure in Where's Charley? and he's fantastic in this.
"In theater, the process of it is the experience. Everyone goes through the process, and everyone has the experience together. It doesn't last - only in people's memories and in their hearts. That's the beauty and sadness of it. But that's life - beauty and the sadness. And that is why theater is life." - Sherie Rene Scott
Sorry for all the posts in a row, but I was having trouble posting that Matilda pic!
I wanted to post it in this thread because this is how marketing should be done. Matilda doesn't start previews until March, yet the producers are plastering Manhattan with posters now. The artwork makes the show look fun, magical and has the feel of Harry Potter artwork. The quote, "The Quest for a Great New Musical is over," is excellent and makes me even more excited to see this come spring.
On the other hand you have the three (marketing) duds this fall: Chaplin, Rebecca and Scandalous. It doesn't matter the quality of these shows. They are almost guaranteed to flop if the producers/marketing teams don't get to work. I haven't received one mailer for any of these shows and I haven't seen a single poster for Chaplin around town. (Not that the bland artwork would help sell many tickets. Their marquee is about as dynamic as "The Story of My Life" marquee!)
I have seen a few Rebecca posters up, but that "R" on fire looks cheap and tacky. Scandalous is further off, but they really should be marketing now. You shouldn't be trying to build an advance/excitement after previews start. Be like Matilda and get the word out early.
Chaplin might be brilliant (it could also suck), but no one will see it if the producers don't get the word out that it's even playing.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
Chaplin is offering 2 for 1 tickets for Broadway week. I decided to purchase a couple of tickets with that deal. I also got a very elaborate mailer for Rebecca which looked like a formal invitation. Will probably check that one out, too.
Unfortunately, not every show can afford to do an ad blitz several months before previews even begin. Matilda is coming as a transfer from the West End where it has done very well and made a lot of money. The producers therefore have money to make a huge splash in NY with advertising before the show even starts rehearsals - something Billy Elliot did quite well a few years back.
Rebecca, Scandalous, and Chaplin don't have enough big money behind them to do the same thing. If I was a betting man, I would put money on these three flopping due to lack of advertising, lack of interest, and fall openings for shows that just don't have anywhere near enough buzz to make it through winter.
Scratch and claw for every day you're worth!
Make them drag you screaming from life, keep dreaming
You'll live forever here on earth.
It's tough. Matilda is a big, splashy family musical. Chaplin and Rebecca aren't trying to become that show. They are playing in smaller theaters, and are being done on a smaller scale. I'm excited to hear everyone's reviews though.