The Vampire Lestat in 2005

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/31/03 at 1:24pm

After reading the interview with Anne Rice, it is mentioned that the Vampire Lestat musical is planned for 2005.

Now I didn't follow much of what went wrong with Dance of the Vampires -- could anyone give me a hint as to what was unappealing? -- the book, score, actors? Or was it the "vampire" theme itself that didn't draw in the audience?

The Vampire Lestat seems very interesting, especially since I enjoy Anne Rice, and the fact that Elton John is contributing his skills is also intriguing. But do you think that a musical about vampires will be a big box office draw? Afterall, there is currently a large obsession with a bunch of witches and wizards (but of course that is based on a classic movie). It should be especially good with Max von Essen as well. What are your thoughts, Broadwayworld.com people!?

[PJ]

Posted: 12/31/03 at 1:48pm

Well, from what I remember reading on the old message board @ broadway.com, I think the musical didn't have anything going for it. I heard the book, score, and especially Michael Crawford were joke. But I did not see the show, of course, so this is not coming from first hand experience.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 12/31/03 at 1:50pm

Ahhh, gotcha'. I remember seeing the marquee outside the theatre when I was going into the city and I remember being curious about it, but nothing ever came out. Probably because it wasn't around for too long.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 12/31/03 at 5:20pm

Max von Essen is a God, but everyone already knew that. What a voice!!!!!!!!! I cannot say enough nice things about this guy.

[lovinlife]

Posted: 12/31/03 at 7:37pm

Dance of the Vampires made people mad because it was overbudgeted, reeeeaaaaalllyyy campy, and had way too many costume changes for the average stuck up critic to take. Also, I was afraid at all times when Michael Crawford was on stage. Afraid that he might drop dead at any moment because he was so damn old and frigin annoying. I did however, think it could have worked with a more serious book, a smaller theatre, and a BELIEVABLE man in the lead role. I don't think Elton John has this in mind. Let's remember, Anne Rice is very picky about who gets rights to use her material. I heard that he gave an interview where he said that it was not going to be a campy musical; but very dark, haunting, and extremely entertaining all at once. So, we'll see. Plus, although panned by critics, he does write musical numbers that even my 60 year old Italian dad will listen to (Aida)!!

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 12/31/03 at 8:02pm

"Also, I was afraid at all times when Michael Crawford was on stage. Afraid that he might drop dead at any moment because he was so damn old and frigin annoying."

I can't tell you how much I wish I could refute this statement on general principles. I can't defend DOTV as great, or even good, theater...but I have to tell you, I had a good time when I went (early in previews) in a "WTF" kind of way. But I have to agree that Michael Crawford made me nervous tottering around on those heels. I wasn't really worried that he was going to drop dead, but I was fairly certain that at least an ankle fracture or asthma attack was imminent. And damn, if he didn't look for all the world like Grizabella strutting her stuff at a cheap dinner theater before she headed for the heavyside layer. And, I suppose that I *could* be wrong, but there were a couple of times where I swear that he was lip-syncing during some of his more physically strenuos numbers.

Adding immeasurably to my enjoyment was that my front row balcony seat allowed me to watch the perplexed expressions on the faces of the many patrons who obviously had bought tickets based on Michael Crawford's name alone, and had NO IDEA what they were coming to see. Now THAT'S entertainment.

[lovinlife]

Posted: 12/31/03 at 8:05pm

Thank you God!! I also thought that he sounded like he was stuggling for breath and life all at the same time. Grizabella, now she'd even make more sense in the role!!

[Old Bat]

Posted: 1/1/04 at 3:06pm

Oh jolly good. Yet another lot of bitching about Michael Crawford. What has the man done to upset you all so much?? I think one or two of us are just a teensy bit immature, don't you? We ALL have people we can't stand and wonder how they ever got where they were, but grown up people don't resort to insults. Of course, if it makes you feel clever and witty...ho, ho, ho.

[Broadwaylilhead]

Posted: 1/1/04 at 3:10pm

Michael Crawford was creepy and NOT in a good way. Seeing him preying for some young twenty-something almost looked like statutory rape...

I also heard that the original was much more dark and sinister but he wanted to make it more campy to differentiate his "acting" performance from Phantom and to use his "comic" abilities that he hadn't been able to use since Barnum.

He should have just sat that show out and waited for something better..

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 1/1/04 at 3:26pm

Old Bat...

I don't dislike Michael Crawford at all. And I wouldn't hesitate to see him again in something else.

I've no axe to grind nor am I trying be witty at his expense. But the truth, as I see it, is that his presentation in that particular show, Dance of the Vampires, *was* embarassing. And the Grizabella description pretty much nails the the look, although I am given to understand that they toned it down a bit later in previews. Did you actually *see* him in DOTV? I admire him for taking the risk, but all said and done, I agree with Broadwaylilhead, he'd have been better off sitting this one out.

[Old Bat]

Posted: 1/1/04 at 3:32pm

I did see Michael in Dance of the Vampires and loved the show and his performance. I did not find him creepy, campy or embarrassing. He was having FUN as was the rest of the cast. I'm sorry that I could only see it twice.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 1/1/04 at 3:42pm

In that case, Old Bat, we just saw things from different perspectives.... It happens.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 1/1/04 at 4:18pm

Gee, there are a lot of twins on this board.

[Old Bat]

Posted: 1/2/04 at 12:51pm

Yes Phantom2. I get a bit carried away when I'm excited and tend to repeat myself - something to do with my age I expect!!