NBC’s HAIR LIVE pulled from schedule
NBC’s HAIR LIVE pulled from schedule
jacobsnchz14
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
#1NBC’s HAIR LIVE pulled from schedule
Posted: 2/4/19 at 9:41pm
NBC is no longer moving forward with its planned live version of the musical Hair.
Live musicals are a part of this networks DNA and we are committed to continuing that tradition with the right show at the right time, said Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks, co-chairmen of NBC Entertainment. Since these shows are such enormous undertakings, we need titles that have a wide appeal and were in the process of acquiring the rights to a couple of new shows that were really excited about.
Hair was originally set to air on NBC on May 19, which would have put it up against a number of other television events, including the series finale of Game of Thrones. According to an individual with knowledge of the decision, NBC is not completely abandoning live musicals, but will no longer plan on airing them as regularly as they have in the past.
The announcement also comes after Foxs live version of Rent brought in the lowest ratings ever for a live broadcast musical. The show averaged just a 1.4 rating in adults 18-49 and 3.4 million viewers. By comparison, when NBC staged Sound of Music in 2013the first live broadcast musicalthe show pulled in a 4.6 rating and 18.6 million viewers.
NBC had previously announced they would also stage live versions of A Few Good Men and Bye Bye Birdie. Jennifer Lopez was set to star in Bye Bye Birdie but the production was pushed back multiple times. Alec Baldwin was at one point attached to A Few Good Men, but that project also remains in limbo and Baldwin is no longer involved.
https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/hair-live-nbc-1203128419/
BwayLB
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/18/17
temms
Broadway Star Joined: 7/21/04
jacobsnchz14
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
LuPita2
Broadway Star Joined: 9/11/18
BwayLB
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/18/17
#11Hair
Posted: 2/4/19 at 10:02pm
BrodyFosse123 said: "ANNIE: Live!
"
I would not be too surprised if Neil Meron would be willing to do Annie again after he and Craig Zadan (RIP) produced the Wonderful World of Disney remake 20 years ago. Just use the original libretto out of respect for Thomas Meehan, a newcomer as Annie, an all star cast and Leapin Lizards.
#12Hair
Posted: 2/4/19 at 10:02pm
temms said: "I never for a microsecond believed this would actually happen."
Really? I, for one, have no trouble believing they would go through with a misguided TV Broadcast. It's not like it would be the first time.
Also, more broadly speaking, with all the terrible projects being produced these days in the world of theatre, I'm beginning to become numb to it. It no longer surprises me when people throw money at an obviously terrible enterprise.
#13Hair
Posted: 2/4/19 at 10:12pm
I hope Netflix sees this as an opportunity to fill the void and film more theatre/broadway related content for themselves.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
Updated On: 2/4/19 at 10:12 PM
jacobsnchz14
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
#16Hair
Posted: 2/4/19 at 10:14pmSuch a smart choice on NBC’s part. Obviously the failure of RENT both in ratings and to successfully edit an adult musical for network television influenced this. NBC should stick with family fare for these.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
Hairspray0901
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/29/08
#18Hair
Posted: 2/4/19 at 10:19pm
NBC was stupid to greenlight this from the start. You cannot do HAIR on a network that censors the majority of the show. Let Netflix get in the game of producing these theatre events.
NBC should do 1776. Or GHOST. Or SISTER ACT. Or OKLAHOMA. Or RAGTIME.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
After Eight
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
#21Hair
Posted: 2/4/19 at 10:28pmThe hard truth is nobody wants live musicals. Period. Theres always complaining. There is always something to bitch about. The musical isnt right. This actor is terrible. The camera work is wrong. Blah blah blah. RENT Live and its ratings are proof: No likes them or wants them. And NBC is getting the message.
LuPita2
Broadway Star Joined: 9/11/18
luvcaroline
Broadway Star Joined: 10/19/05
#23Hair
Posted: 2/4/19 at 10:37pm
CapnHook said: "NBC was stupid to greenlight this from the start. You cannot do HAIR on a network that censors the majority of the show. Let Netflix get in the game of producing these theatre events.
NBC should do 1776. Or GHOST. Or SISTER ACT. Or OKLAHOMA. Or RAGTIME. "
I want all of those!
BwayLB
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/18/17
degrassifan
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/23/08
#25Hair
Posted: 2/4/19 at 10:43pm
disneybroadwayfan22 said: "The hard truth is nobody wants live musicals. Period. Theres always complaining. There is always something to bitch about. The musical isnt right. This actor is terrible. The camera work is wrong. Blah blah blah. RENT Live and its ratings are proof: No likes them or wants them. And NBC is getting the message."
Not true. People are going to complain no matter what. Same with film musicals. Just because some people didn't like Mary Poppins Returns doesn't mean they should stop making movie musicals. I welcome these musicals with open arms, and I hope they never stop producing them. Also, as someone else pointed out, The Sound of Music, The Wiz, and Jesus Christ Superstar were all excellent. Going to throw Grease in there as well. I enjoyed Hairspray Live too!
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