Riedel on Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell coming to Broadway

[10086sunset]

http://nypost.com/2017/11/07/a-meat-loaf-musical-might-actually-end-up-on-broadway/

This could have the possibility of being so bad it’s good.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

From the people who brought you Spider-Man and Dance of the Vampires, a Meat Loaf jukebox musical. Ya think?

[Alex Kulak2]

After Spongebob The Musical this season. I don't think my heart can take this...

[RippedMan]

It says they're touring first, smart. It'll do fine on the road, but I can't imagine it would have much life here. 

[kevinr]

I saw "Bat Out of Hell" last week (front row)......a highly energetic cast, great music, good performances though the storyline is a little thin.   I did enjoy it though I must admit and am glad I saw it.

[GavestonPS]

My favorite rock album and my favorite film (MURIEL'S WEDDING) are hitting the stage at the same time. And I have no desire to see or hear either live.

But I'm sure Jim Steinman loves seeing his compositions attributed to the talented Mr. Aday.

 

[songanddanceman2]

It actually got very strong reviews here in Manchester then in London.

[newintown]

The plot sounds like a variation on We Will Rock You, a spectacularly stupid show that was enormously popular with hoi polloi audiences (in the UK).

[tourboi]

Caught the show in Toronto. Baffled by the London reviews. Toronto reviews were more honest, but held back. New York critics would probably destroy it.

The book makes WE WILL ROCK YOU look like high art. When they have to give you a newspaper on the seat to try and establish basic plot points (which even that doesn't do well), that's a red flag.

Great performances, stunning lighting, but choreography that all looks the same, and a set that wows at first but then uses up all its tricks in act one, and that book... dear god that book.... 

[Lot666]

tourboi said: "When they have to give you a newspaper on the seat to try and establish basic plot points (which even that doesn't do well), that's a red flag."

You mean like The Great Comet?

[10086sunset]

GavestonPS said: "But I'm sure Jim Steinman loves seeing his compositions attributed to the talented Mr. Aday."

LMAO.... Gaveston, you really hit the nail on the head!

[Dancingthrulife2]

Dreamgirls revival also got strong reviews in London. But I went in not anticipating that I would hate my guts for shelling out 100 pounds and two precious hours on this uninspired, misguided disgrace of the magnificent original sans Amber Riley.

[Jarethan]

Count me out.  I am so discouraged by the musicals that seem to be moving forward.  Juke box musicals and kiddie shows.  

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Well, if anyone has any doubts, they could try reading it. It seems they posted an ad recently for a call seeking a new understudy for Andrew Polec, and the (then-)current script was attached. Good night, and good ****in' luck.

[fashionguru_23]

Dance of the Vampires is there in all its glory too!

[yankeefan7]

"Bat Out Of Hell" is one of my guilty pleasure albums but the thought of this being on Broadway makes me cringe - lol

[Lot666]

I recently saw the "Bat out of Hell" episode of the Classic Albums television series and was surprised to learn that all the key creatives behind the album (Jim Steinman, Meat Loaf, Ellen Foley, and Rory Dodd) came from and met one another through Broadway shows.

[GavestonPS]

^^^ Did they mention why Ellen Foley was not credited in any way on the original vinyl and cassette tape releases? IIRC, she also was ignored on the original CD release.

Something I've always wondered...

(Yes, I've worn out several recordings of BOOH.)

[BentleyB]

Saw it in Toronto this afternoon. Skimpy Story, act two needs to have two songs cut, great singers, cheesy choreography, amazing set design and lighting...when it works (show was stopped for ten minutes due to technical issues). It was entertaining, but wouldn’t see it again and I love see shows a second, third and fourth time or more. Can’t see it will make it to Broadway. 

[Lot666]

GavestonPS said: "^^^ Did they mention why Ellen Foley was not credited in any way on the original vinyl and cassette tape releases? IIRC, she also was ignored on the original CD release.

Something I've always wondered...

(Yes, I've worn out several recordings of BOOH.)"

Ms. Foley actually told that story herself, cutting back and forth between commentary from her and Karla DeVito. The gist of it seemed to be that Foley was the voice and DeVito was the video performer, with DeVito then going on to sing the part during the tour.

[RippedMan]

Would the show easily tour? Like design wise.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

They crammed it into the venue in Manchester, as it was specially designed for the London Coliseum. No clue on what changes may or may not have been made in Toronto, but I think I heard it was cramped there as well. (Translation: not without a total re-design.)