Clearing up rumors: The Wiz, Spiderman, and CMIYC

[FIERCEY516]

OK. saw a thread questioning the status of a few musicals and thought it was important to clear up the rumors on three shows.

let's clear up "Spiderman", "Catch Me If You Can", and "The Wiz"

Spiderman -- the process is really moving along. A book and score could be finalized by the end of this Summer. Taymor has been meeting with theatre associates at the Hilton and has been taking extensive tours of the theatre, before and after "Young Frakenstein" performances. 2009 early Winter is their target date (though I'm sure it will get pushed back).

Catch Me If You Can --there was ANOTHER private reading two weeks ago (there have been a lot). Producers say they were aiming for early winter of 2009 but it's been pushed back. Expect a target date of Summer 2009. still needs some work, appearently.

The Wiz -- according to Bill Brown (author of The Wiz), the Producers were unable to get the theatre they specifically wanted following the La Jolla production so they put everything on hold. This fall/winter, the team will take "The Wiz" on a 3 city tour of Toronto, San Fransisco, and Chicago which will lead to a New York premiere in Spring of 2009.

[Yankeefan007]

Who are you?

[MuppetManiaMan]

Better clear up all those "Enchanted" rumors...
Hahaha!

[lakezurich]

They are taking THE WIZ to Chicago for a Pre-Broadway?! Where did you get this info from? If this is true I'm totally stoked! I wonder if this will be through BIC, and what theatre they will use?

[FIERCEY516]

according to Bill Brown, who wrote the script, and is closely involved with the Revival.

[lakezurich]

did you hear this from his mouth?

[FIERCEY516]

yes. of course.

I have knowledge of these three shows specifically, which is why I was attempting to "clear up" the rumors.

[mll85]

I remember The Wiz being scheduled to have a pre-Broadway engagement in SF this summer but it was cancelled due to "scheduling difficulties." But it's good to hear that there's a possibility that it's still going to happen.

[scaryclowns223]

Oh no.

Oh no no nonononono.

I think we have another sock puppet in "Sondheim is God."

Uhoh.
This is like chenzel, only with better taste.

Upsetting.

[lakezurich]

I am more excited than I can put into words. I saw video clips from the most recent staging of The Wiz revival and I thought it looked awsome

[FIERCEY516]

"The only shows that should be on Broadway are Stephen Sondheim."

just so you are aware, the only material Mr. Sondheim is working on is some rewrites for "Bounce" ... he rarely writes new material anymore.

He spends most of his time creating and designing new board games. It's his hobby and I kid you not.

I love him and I know you love him but don't expect much new material from him anytime soon.

[FIERCEY516]

anyway, time to get back on topic.

I am personally looking forward to "CMIYC" if it makes it to Broadway... I've heard some rumblings of potential cast members and it excites me.

not looking forward to "Spiderman" . never been a big Bono/U2 fan

"The Wiz" should be decent but I heard it might not be the same cast. which means there wouldn't be any Tituss Burgess. and that makes me very sad.

[DrTheatre]

So the WIZ is back on in SF?

[DrTheatre]

So the WIZ is back on in SF?

[Patti-Is-Perfection.]

Yes. And Patti is playing Toto!
Hahaheehee! IN MY DREAMS!
Literally.

[Midnight Radio]

Oh great, a 3rd one. Suddenly cute turns into obnoxious...

[shh282]

The last I heard it was Christian Borle, Nathan Lane, and Annaleigh Ashford for CMIYC

that still true?

[FIERCEY516]

Nathan Lane???

Christian Borle did some of the original readings, as Leo's character (the main guy), but I heard they'll go for a fresher face if it heads to Broadway.

you heard correctly about Annaleigh but Laura Bell Bundy has been rumored as well (as the southern girlfriend)

the only person I know of, for a FACT, is Tom Wopat.

he has a clause in his "A Catered Affair" contract that he can leave the show only to be a part of CMIYC if it arrives on Broadway. He would play Tom Hank's role (the detective?).

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Aaron Tveit dd the last workshop for Frank Abagnale, Jr.

[FIERCEY516]

correct. He is the newest man.

originally, it was Christian Borle.

I highly doubt Aaron will stay with it the entire time.

Maurice Murphy (SPELLING BEE) is also a featured character in the current readings.. doesn't mean he will follow it to Broadway but there's always a chance.

[shh282]

I thought LBB was working on her Country career?

[FIERCEY516]

again, just rumors shh282. who knows if LBB will actually be involved?

as of now all I know is that Tom Wopat will play Hank's character (the older detective)

and Maurice Murphy could be a featured character on Broadway run, as well

everything else is rumors/speculation

[shh282]

haha sorry, I jump on rumors like they're truth.

bad habit .

[adamgreer]

I thought Katherine McPhee was now involved in Catch Me if You Can?

[Heybeenfood]

Tamyra Gray replaced Katherine Mcphee directly before the summer workshop. I heard that Sara Gettelfinger actually replaced Gray for the presentation. This is the Jennifer Garner role.