What's next for HERCULES? - Page 2

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 1:09pm

disneybroadwayfan22 said: "Alan Menken just confirmed that Hercules is aiming for Broadway after all. (14:10)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ctUVvQ_eUA"

If this is true, I hope they use a completely different book, design, cast, and director than they did in the Park last summer. I know I'm in the minority, but I loathed that production.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 1:28pm

The director is the same, but they are switching book writers (The Tony winner from Tootsie). Jelani actually said in LITTLE KNOWN FACTS that he’s actually unsure if he’s going to take the role again if it’s coming to Broadway and Roger is unlikely to return because of BTTF in London.

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 1:44pm

disneybroadwayfan22 said: "The director is the same, but they are switching book writers (The Tony winner from Tootsie). Jelani actually said in LITTLE KNOWN FACTS that he’s actually unsure if he’s going to take the role again if it’s coming to Broadway and Roger is unlikely to return because of BTTF in London."

I know there were a lot of rumors spoken about how the team last summer was not thrilled with his performance, nor were they originally on board with casting him. 

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 1:44pm

disneybroadwayfan22 said: "The director is the same, but they are switching book writers (The Tony winner from Tootsie). Jelani actually said in LITTLE KNOWN FACTS that he’s actually unsure if he’s going to take the role again if it’s coming to Broadway and Roger is unlikely to return because of BTTF in London."

I know there were a lot of rumors spoken about how the team last summer was not thrilled with his performance, nor were they originally on board with casting him. 

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 2:56pm

I don't know about the former, but he actually did confirm the latter. He initially didn't get it because he couldn't sing Go the Distance in the original key. Lear pretty much had to beg to the creative team (from my understanding) to cast Jelani and then Jelani had to convince an unnamed man in power (I'm assuming Thomas S.) that he was right for the role. It's a really interesting interview (Hercules starts at 46:00).  

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Podcast-LITTLE-KNOWN-FACTS-with-Ilana-Levine-and-Special-Guest-Jelani-Alladin-20200720

Updated On: 8/17/20 at 02:56 PM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 3:08pm

I've been saying for a year now that people need to stop assuming Hercules is going to Broadway, because there's been no indication to suggest that it is, but that I'd be happy to change my tune if we got new information. I guess this is that new information. So I'm perfectly happy to admit that I was wrong. 

But I will repeat one of the things that I (and others) have been saying this whole time: the production that played in Central Park was conceived entirely around the unique PublicWorks mission. It was written and produced for that highly specific context, and that informed a lot of what the final product looked and felt like. So those expecting a "transfer" of the Central Park production will be disappointed, and those who hated the Central Park production are in luck.

Even if it's true that DeBessonet has been hired to direct the new version of the show, we should still expect the new incarnation to be very different. There are some components that I'm sure can stay: the new songs, maybe the cast, maybe the puppetry, etc. But it would need to be a new adaptation (so it makes sense that they would hire a new book writer), and a new production that doesn't center around an amateur community ensemble. I do hope they keep some of the changes to the story, though. If they're smart, I expect that they'll do a completely separate out-of-town tryout for the new version of the show before bringing it to Broadway. Also, even if this is their intention, there's a still a chance that the plans won't pan out. 

@BCfitasafiddle: Are you talking about Alladin or Bart? Personally I thought both of them were pretty good for the material they were given. 

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 3:14pm

I hope it comes to Broadway without the cast last summer. Woof. 

[BwayLB]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 7:33pm

sparksatmidnight said: "He probably had a good laugh after Frozen closed and his musical was just the one sitting on Disney's lap."

I'm open to this

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 8/17/20 at 8:07pm

"@BCfitasafiddle: Are you talking aboutAlladin or Bart? Personally I thought both of them were pretty good for the material they were given."

Alladin.

 

[BJR]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 12:00pm

JBroadway said: "Even if it's true that DeBessonet has been hired to direct the new version of the show, we should still expect the new incarnation to be very different. There are some components that I'm sure can stay: the new songs, maybe the cast, maybe the puppetry, etc. But it would need to be a new adaptation (so it makes sense that they would hire a new book writer), and a new production that doesn't center around an amateur community ensemble. I do hope they keep some of the changes to the story, though.If they're smart, I expect that they'lldo a completely separate out-of-town tryout for the new version of the show before bringing it to Broadway. Also, even if this is their intention, there's a still a chance that the plans won't pan out."

From what I've heard, this was the plan. Whether it moved to Bway after or just licensing, I'm not sure. And whether those plans are still around post-covid, who knows.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 1:45pm

Agreed, JBroadway! Although I'd never seen the film (and still haven't), I enjoyed both of their performances quite a bit.

[DrewJoseph]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 4:14pm

I’d think the material would lend pretty well for a good show. Havent seen the recent park production though.

[Tag]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 4:51pm

I think Nick Adams would be perfect for this (looks-wise he kind of looks like the cartoon).  Unfortunately Cythia Erivo would never allow that casting now.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 6:51pm

Nor would anyone else with a brain. 

[BwayLB]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 8:37pm

LizzieCurry said: "Agreed, JBroadway! Although I'd never seen the film (and still haven't), I enjoyed both of their performances quite a bit."

Never seen the film? Get out of town

[LightsOut90]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 8:42pm

regardless of your feelings about the park production

replacing the only non white member of the creative team with another white guy is a bad look....

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 10:26pm

Kad- yes physically - but there’s no way he can sing that show. Not even a little bit. And no way he can act it. Hard pass.

I don’t think the role needs to be some bodybuilder.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 10:32pm

Nick Adams only gets parts because he spends 23 hours a day in the gym, He is very average in terms of acting, singing and facial attractiveness. Jmo. 

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/18/20 at 10:41pm

Yes, BwayLB, we exist! I also saw the Little Women musical before reading any of the novels or seeing any of the films. Wow!

[silent]

Posted: 3/9/22 at 3:53am

Is there a workshop happening for this show? 
 

Sasha Allen posted sheet music and Muses clip art recently. 

[Tag]

Posted: 3/9/22 at 10:50am

^Could also be potentially auditioning for the live action film.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 3/9/22 at 10:52am

Being that they replaced the bookwriter from the Public production (Robert Horn is now writing it), it would make sense that they should do some kind of workshop.

That live-action film doesn't seem anywhere near "real," and the Russo Brothers (of Avengers Endgame and Community) have a lot on their dance cards.

[melora]

Posted: 3/9/22 at 11:13am

Paper Mill Playhouse announced from the stage during "A Jolly Holiday" that they were planning to present "Hercules" next season.  

[silent]

Posted: 3/9/22 at 2:03pm

Sasha posted “rehearsal” today. Definitely don’t think this is for the film, which hasn’t had any updates in the past year. 

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 3/9/22 at 4:10pm

There is a workshop happening over the next two weeks. Don't know the trajectory, but preparations for Paper Mill would make sense.