Grease *potentially* books the Atkinson

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 1:39pm

http://www.showtixinc.com/news/index.php

"NBC is producing a new television show, You’re the One That We Want, in which America will choose the two leads, Sandy and Danny, for a new production of Grease. A similar television show in England was recently produced with great success. A target opening of 2007 has been announced potentially for the Brooks Atkinson Theatre."

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 2:02pm

Maybe it's potentially because if the show TV show isn't a success, then what hope do they have for the Broadway production?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 2:09pm

Rentboy, that’s silly - they aren't going to have the competition and then not produce the musical. If the TV show isn't a success or there isn't interest in the new production of GREASE - they will simply announce it as a limited engagement production.

Tentative in this case simply means the contract details haven't been worked out with the theatre owners.
Updated On: 11/30/06 at 02:09 PM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 2:27pm

It just seems many reality shows seem to start out strong and then fizzle down the line. I have a feeling they're setting themselves up for failure. Granted "Grease" is a safe bet to be fairly successful.

[purpleprince101]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 2:59pm

not a bad match

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 7:15pm

Am I the only one who is not excited about this? I actually like the concept of a reality tv show, but does it HAVE to be Grease? I supposed it is mainstream enough, but still...

The hosts of the show were on Christmas at Rockefeller Center, and they said that the winners would be on Broadway for a year.

[TheaterAddict7652]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 7:42pm

I'm not exicted for this. I personally don't really like the idea of a reality tv show- but I don't hate it with a burning passion. I'm just not a fan of reality tv in general.

I don't like the idea of Grease coming back to Broadway again. Like hermionejuliet said, its way too mainstream- I'd prefer an original show, or at least a show that hasn't been revived yet, instead of a show thats a staple in high school and community theater.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 9:26pm

I don't mind the reality show, I'm just mad that the show is GREASE! I wish it could be a show that hasn't been on Broadway for awhile, but could still attract viewers. Oh well, that's the way the world turns...

[Horton]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 9:56pm

I hope that if this show is successful, it will do wonders for broadway.

[LollyNYC]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 11:17pm

grease is pushing back its start from the spring to way later btw. so if its potentially booking anything it should maybe want to finalize dates?

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 11:20pm

No matter what, if this TV show is a hit, it will be great publicity for Broadway. I'm really glad they are doing this.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/30/06 at 11:22pm

like most Broadway shows, they will be signing 1 year contracts. if the show bombs, it can close at any time.

I just don't understand why they're choosing Grease!?!?! It closed only 8 years ago. They should have picked West Side Story, a musical that NEEDS to be revived!

[jimnysf]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 1:48am

I hope it's a gigantic flop! We don't need another "Grease" and we don't need any more game show contestants on Broadway! Stop the insanity.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 2:42am

Well, unless they are getting their contestants from THE SURREAL LIFE, I don't think this revival of GREASE is going to be "Weissler-ized" with has been stars.

Who knows - they might actually give some really talented unknowns a big break with this show. Connie Fisher who won the BBC HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA contest is supposedly fantastic in the role - a real discovery.

[K2503]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 4:09am

You are right Michael. The BBC programme was a great success and I believe a second series has been commissioned to cast a revival of Joseph. Connie Fisher was not an unknown as such. She had, I believe, been in a few shows in the chorus, but never a lead or featured performer, always, shall we say, the bridesmaid. She is brilliant in the show, and has received rave reviews despite the "West End mafia" saying the show, Connie herself, and Andrew Lloyd Webber especially would be left with a huge flop.

The show “discovered” a number of people with different strengths. There was someone who, although was knocked out of the show, was offered an audition for Evita. The woman in second place is I believe doing a Gypsy project, and another has been in discussions over a recording contract. The qualities the Producers were looking for in the revival to play Maria, just called out for an unknown actor – but who is going to fork out millions in ticket money for an unknown actor? Well 10 weeks or so on the TV show cured that!

I love musical theatre - but had not seen many shows recently. Since this series has aired I have seen two shows and have booked for three more. So I think it was a win win situation for the West End, to find new performers, and publicise the medium.

I hope Grease work for you and that it throws up some real talent.

Updated On: 12/1/06 at 04:09 AM

[timote316]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:29am

While I certainly agree WSS is beyond ready for a revival, such a show should not be cast this way. Love it or hate it, GREASE is the perfect show for such a "gimmick".

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 10:41am

I agree that a West Side Story revival is over due... but I sure am glad they aren't casting it with a reality show.

Like it or not though, this show is going to bring people to New York to see shows. This is the kind of thing, along with shows like Lion King, Mary Poppins, etc, that, although they may not be critical or artistic successes, is keeping Broadway alive and allowing us to have shows intelligent pieces of art like Grey Gardens and Spring Awakening.

I welcome this reality show with open arms.

[catstagestud]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 12:53pm

Well I, personally, am ecstatic for this show. My friend's sister has been cast in it and will be making her Broadway debut so I'm thrilled, and I hope that the reality show is successful.

Cheers,

Christopher