Will Little Shop of Horrors extend further?

[Claire8]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 6:30am

Coming to NYC in late April and would loooove to see Little Shop. It doesnt have an official closing date as far as I can tell but ticket sales are only up till March. A quick google tells me this was following an extension. Do you think its likely to get extended further?

[quizking101]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 9:04am

Anything is possible.

Someone said a while back that that could be the new Sweeney Todd (in terms of a successful extended off-Broadway run). I think part of it is going to be seeing how sales do without Groff (which - based on when I was looking for tickets, are pretty good), as well as future casting the show, since Blanchard and Borle aren’t probably going to be around much longer

[Rosette3]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:01am

Do any of the cast members have other known commitments after March?

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:13am

I would LOVE to see this extend with a new Audrey. I thought Tammy Blanchard's performance was the ONLY weak thing about this wonderful production.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:28am

This theater is known for long runs so I’m sure they’ll do whatever they can to keep it going. Obviously I can’t see the future but I’m fairly certain it’ll be running through the summer.

[bdn223]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:56am

The production itself is sending mixed messages on whether or not it will be extending.
In the pro extension side the show has spent a lot of money advertising in the past month to the point of purchasing a full billboard in Times Square. This something you never see from Off Broadway production unless it is long running or splits the costs with another show like the shared New World Stages billboard currently occupied by The Play that Goes Wrong and Jersey Boys. It can be theorized that a show logically won’t spend this much on advertising with only two months left in its run and such minimal means to recoup these costs especially when playing in an off Broadway theater. Add to that producers knew that once Groff left their maximum potential grosses for the week drop dramatically thus why spend the money if you know that you can’t recoup it as easily.

In the anti extension side as previously stated potential grosses have dropped dramatically without Groff. Most of their advertising as of late seems to denote that there is a decent amount of availability in tickets. Based on the initial casting producers likely knew that they were riding a fine line of financial viability even if the production sold out. The fact is that the production’s initial run sold out before even beginning previews and yet still hasn’t announced recoupment only furthers this argument. Thus for this show to continue to run it needs to keep that SRO status, which its clearly doesn’t have.

If I had to guess producers have been trying to come up with a new group of leads that will sell just as well, but that they can also afford. If they do extend, I would wager the biggest name will of the next cast will be Audrey considering its the most common dream role, and thus they can get a Broadway star do take a pay cut to perform the role at off Broadway prices.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 12:00pm

I would so love to see Megan Hilty do a few months in this.

[Claire8]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 7:12pm

Thanks everyone!! Fingers crossed! Sounds like if it does extend I'll need to get onto buying tickets straight away then? Doesn't seem like last minute will work as well for this one.

[Rosette3]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 10:42pm

Claire8 said: "Thanks everyone!! Fingers crossed! Sounds like if it does extend I'll need to get onto buying tickets straight away then? Doesn't seem like last minute will work as well for this one."

YMMV but yes buy tickets when you can. I was waiting to take my chances with the in person lottery. A week out I noticed they released a block of tickets (roughly 15-20 seats). I accepted I had horrible luck and bought a ticket. They were $119 so same price when they first came out i.e. no discount for "waiting", I just lucked out I wasn't left SOL.

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 10:49pm

I’d think this would just turn into an open run but maybe they’re waiting to recoup to make that happen?

[Claire8]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:53pm

Rosette3 said: "Claire8 said: "Thanks everyone!! Fingers crossed! Sounds like if it does extend I'll need to get onto buying tickets straight away then? Doesn't seem like last minute will work as well for this one."

YMMV but yes buy tickets when you can. I was waiting to take my chances with the in person lottery. A week out I noticed they released a block of tickets (roughly 15-20 seats). I accepted I had horrible luck and bought a ticket. They were $119 so same price when they first came out i.e. no discount for "waiting", I just lucked out I wasn't left SOL."

From what I can tell you can get reasonable seats for wed/thurs nights for $69 + fees. That’s orchestra row K-N at end of the row. I assume none of the seats are bad in that small venue?

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:55pm

I sat L 4 and 6 last night and thought they were great. I paid 69 each and thought it was a steal.

[Rosette3]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:59pm

Claire8 said: "Rosette3 said: "Claire8 said: "Thanks everyone!! Fingers crossed! Sounds like if it does extend I'll need to get onto buying tickets straight away then? Doesn't seem like last minute will work as well for this one."

YMMV but yes buy tickets when you can. I was waiting to take my chances with the in person lottery. A week out I noticed they released a block of tickets (roughly 15-20 seats). I accepted I had horrible luck and bought a ticket. They were $119 so same price when they first came out i.e. no discount for "waiting", I just lucked out I wasn't left SOL."

From what I can tell you can get reasonable seats for wed/thurs nights for $69 + fees. That’s orchestra row K-N at end of the row. I assume none of the seats are bad in that small venue?"

It's small venue not a bad seat in the house. I saw the show back in November, so consider $69 a steal!

[MattieIce2018]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 1:16am

I sat in K2 (house right on the aisle, $69) last week and honestly the only thing I noticed compared to a more central seat was that the shop door blocked the upstage left window. Only difference it made was that I couldn’t see one of the girls during Da-doo. Definitely worth it, and a steal for that price when the seats across the aisle from me cost at least as much.

[JPeterman]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 3:19am

In regard to the original posters question, I spoke to someone associated with the show when I was in town around New Years and I asked this same question because I am coming back to NYC this summer with my family and I was hoping they could see the show in May or June.

The person I spoke to was very careful with their choice of words, and my impression was that the powers that be would like to continue to extend the show but it had not yet been decided if they were going to extend again.

It sounded like they were a little gun shy to extend again, as if ticket sales for the current post-Groff extension were less than they had hoped they would be, and that if sales pick up for the current extension they would like to extend again, but if sales do not pick up, they will most likely not extend further.

As I said, they were very careful with what they said and how they worded things, and I am offering my interpretation. But on the bright side, I definitely got the impression that it was possible that it may extend further.  And I sure hope it does, it was fantastic.

Updated On: 1/20/20 at 03:19 AM

[bdn223]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 10:09am

I honestly think none of the producers thought that Jonathan Groff would be the production’s main selling point. Seymour is a thankless role, and is typically seen as the second banana to Audrey despite being the show’s true protagonist. They tried to sell the show on its 3 leads, arguably thinking Borle and his two Tony awards would be the biggest draw. This is furthered by his two Tony awards being for roles that he chews so much scenery it was a miracle there were sets left at the end of the productions, which aligns with his role in Little Shop.

Groff’s career on the other hand has been one who has been always playing second banana in cultural phenomenons. He’s the, “Oh yeah he was in that” It started with Spring Awakening, which despite being the show’s protagonist, he clearly became the 3rd lead after Lea Michele and John Gallager Jr. Then came the Shakespeare in the Park turned Broadway revival of Hair, which he left before the transfer, but it arguably Reignited Gavin Creel’s career, and made stars out of to Will Swenson and Cassie Leavy. This was followed by Glee, where he was a recurring love interest for Lea Michele at the height of its popularity. Next was Frozen, where out of some twist of luck he was the only main character without a real song. The movie went on to solidify Idina Menzel as a Broadway legend along the lines of Bernadette Petters, and Patti Lupone, but Groffs association with the project seemed to be an afterthought. This was then followed by his casting as King George III, in Hamilton, where he seemed to be the only lead not to get a major career boost. This led to Mindhunter on Nexflix, which is critically lauded, but not heavily watched and is once again is more known for being a David Fincher piece then Groff’s involvement. In my opinion his extremely wide career net finally has rewarded him in Little Shop of Horrors. It likely also helped that Little Shop was perfectly positioned between season two of Mindhunter and Frozen 2. If I had to place my finger on it, producers likely didn’t realize the true extent to his selling power until they extended past Groff’s contract. Yes he had two prearranged weeks of absences for Frozen 2 media, but the rest of the run was sold out at that point, and if many audience members likely settled for tickets, thinking it was the only way they could see the production.

[Impossible2]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 1:54pm

bdn223 said: "I honestly think none of the producers thought that Jonathan Groff would be the production’s main selling point. Seymour is a thankless role, and is typically seen as the second banana to Audrey despite being the show’s true protagonist. They tried to sell the show on its 3 leads, arguably thinking Borle and his two Tony awards would be the biggest draw. This is furthered by his two Tony awards being for roles that he chews so much scenery it was a miracle there were sets left at the end of the productions, which aligns with his role in Little Shop.

Groff’s career on the other hand has been one who has been always playing second banana in cultural phenomenons. He’s the, “Oh yeah he was in that” It started with Spring Awakening, which despite being the show’s protagonist, he clearly became the 3rd lead after Lea Michele and John Gallager Jr. Then came the Shakespeare in the Park turned Broadway revival of Hair, which he left before the transfer, but it arguably Reignited Gavin Creel’s career, and made stars out of to Will Swenson and Cassie Leavy. This was followed by Glee, where he was a recurring love interest for Lea Michele at the height of its popularity. Next was Frozen, where out of some twist of luck he was the only main character without a real song. The movie went on to solidify Idina Menzel as a Broadway legend along the lines of Bernadette Petters, and Patti Lupone, but Groffs association with the project seemed to be an afterthought. This was then followed by his casting as King George III, in Hamilton, where he seemed to be the only lead not to get a major career boost. This led to Mindhunter on Nexflix, which is critically lauded, but not heavily watched and is once again is more known for being a David Fincher piece then Groff’s involvement. In my opinion his extremely wide career net finally has rewarded him in Little Shop of Horrors. It likely also helped that Little Shop was perfectly positioned between season two of Mindhunter and Frozen 2. If I had to place my finger on it, producers likely didn’t realize the true extent to his selling power until they extended past Groff’s contract. Yes he had two prearranged weeks of absences for Frozen 2 media, but the rest of the run was sold out at that point, and if many audience members likely settled for tickets, thinking it was the only way they could see the production."

You missed out Glee and the lead role in Looking which I'd say did more for his career than anything else did.

[mpkie]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 2:15pm

Jonathan Groff is the only actor of the three leads who is a household name. If I mention Jonathan Groff, most people would be familiar. Two people recommended Mindhunter to me and told me Jonathan Groff was in it. He definitely blew up in Glee.

As suggested in an above post, I'd kill to see Megan Hilty take on Audrey. What a dream it would be to see that!

[Jarethan]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 3:27pm

Impossible2 said: "bdn223 said: "I honestly think none of the producers thought that Jonathan Groff would be the production’s main selling point. Seymour is a thankless role, and is typically seen as the second banana to Audrey despite being the show’s true protagonist. They tried to sell the show on its 3 leads, arguably thinking Borle and his two Tony awards would be the biggest draw. This is furthered by his two Tony awards being for roles that he chews so much scenery it was a miracle there were sets left at the end of the productions, which aligns with his role in Little Shop.

Groff’s career on the other hand has been one who has been always playing second banana in cultural phenomenons. He’s the, “Oh yeah he was in that” It started with Spring Awakening, which despite being the show’s protagonist, he clearly became the 3rd lead after Lea Michele and John Gallager Jr. Then came the Shakespeare in the Park turned Broadway revival of Hair, which he left before the transfer, but it arguably Reignited Gavin Creel’s career, and made stars out of to Will Swenson and Cassie Leavy. This was followed by Glee, where he was a recurring love interest for Lea Michele at the height of its popularity. Next was Frozen, where out of some twist of luck he was the only main character without a real song. The movie went on to solidify Idina Menzel as a Broadway legend along the lines of Bernadette Petters, and Patti Lupone, but Groffs association with the project seemed to be an afterthought. This was then followed by his casting as King George III, in Hamilton, where he seemed to be the only lead not to get a major career boost. This led to Mindhunter on Nexflix, which is critically lauded, but not heavily watched and is once again is more known for being a David Fincher piece then Groff’s involvement. In my opinion his extremely wide career net finally has rewarded him in Little Shop of Horrors. It likely also helped that Little Shop was perfectly positioned between season two of Mindhunter and Frozen 2. If I had to place my finger on it, producers likely didn’t realize the true extent to his selling power until they extended past Groff’s contract. Yes he had two prearranged weeks of absences for Frozen 2 media, but the rest of the run was sold out at that point, and if many audience members likely settled for tickets, thinking it was the only way they could see the production."

You missed outGlee and the lead role in Looking which I'd say did more for his career than anything else did."

 

I think your comments are very realistic, with one minor exception.  I do not think he was in Michelle's shadow in SA.  He was the one who got a Tony nomination, and he was the one whose face you seemed to see everywhere.  Nevertheless, the fact is that Moritz is a showier role than Melchior -- he essentially has a nervous breakdown and commits suicide for crying out loud -- and Groff was overshadowed by Gallagher, who was great in a great role.  That has been the case in every production of SA that I have seen, however; Moritz has always overshadowed Melchior.     

I have often wondered whether Groff would transition from teddy-bear-cute, talented featured player to real leading man.  The HBO show (was it Knowing??) did not do that IMO; he may have been the lead, but he didn't really 'own the show'.  Similarly, he was excellent in Mindhunter, but it was a real ensemble show to me  and I did wonder a number of times how someone edgier would have done that role (nevertheless, here's hoping it returns at some point and with the original cast).  

I was unable to see LSOH, but what I have read has clearly been consistently positive, suggesting that he made more of the role than was actually there; but that was OB and, while he clearly was a big reason for ticket sales, he really did not have to sell that many tickets.  The real test for me will be if he ever gets another lead role in a successful Broadway musical (as a real adult father than a teen ager in heat) and 'owns' it, or a really meaty role in a movie or limited run TV show that triggers bigger and greater things.  

 

[Impossible2]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 3:34pm

I don't think the roles are the problem, they are all strong roles, he just isn't that great.

I find him the epitome of beige. He's proficient, but there is absolutely nothing special enough about him to push him to the next level of stardom beyond his current fan base. 

I certainly wouldn't say he is a household name either. In some parts of the US maybe, but not everywhere.

[JPeterman]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 10:37pm

The main reason this Little Shop of Horrors is so good is Christian Borle. He is stellar. It is like watching your super funny best friend, and only you and he share all of the inside jokes. Groff is good, he does a fine job, but the magic in this show is Borle.

Updated On: 1/20/20 at 10:37 PM

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 1/26/20 at 5:54pm

Saw the matinee and had a fun time. Count me in with a few people on this board who loved Tammy. She is giving it all on that stage, and it was great to see a different Audrey. Yes she twitches and she looks like she's on drugs, but she's fun. 

Updated On: 1/26/20 at 05:54 PM

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 1/26/20 at 9:00pm

Has anyone been keeping up with Stubhub? There are a shocking number of tickets up (given the size of the theater) for some dates. If scalpers are still able to turn a profit (or at least not drop their prices last minute at a big loss) that would indicate that there might still be enough interest to power an extension.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/27/20 at 8:41am

I would see this show immediately if Hilty was Audrey.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/27/20 at 10:31am

I think Hilty really is the best and most obvious choice for who should go into the show.