We are getting ready to select a production to do next summer. We have a 57 year tradition of producing an outdoor summer musical that draws thousands each year.
Our Board has selected a few shows from which to select from. They are:
Crazy For You Guys and Dolls 42nd Street Singin' in the Rain Footloose Seussical
I am not worried about finding the talent necessary to do any of the shows....fortunately we don't have a problem finding the actor/dancers. I am just wondering what show(s) from the above you think would be crowd pleasers and bring in good audiences in the midwest? We have done Guys & Dolls in the past but it has been several years ago. Our audience consists mostly of families and retired folks.
Your comments or insight on any of the above shows would be greatly appreciated as we make our choice. I guess I am leaning towards Crazy For You, but I am not overly familiar with the show.
I would say Footloose (it's my favorite of those) except for the crowd you say you get. Probably not the best choice. I would say Guys and Dolls or 42nd Street.
"This table, he is over one hundred years old. If I could, I would take an old gramophone needle and run it along the surface of the wood. To hear the music of the voices. All that was said." - Doug Wright, I Am My Own Wife
The stage version of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN isn't wonderful either...
You already did GUYS AND DOLLS, do something different.
Since your audience consists mostly of families and old people, CRAZY FOR YOU and 42ND STREET would be great choices. They are both very dance heavy shows, the casting is similar (though more of a male dancer for the former), and they contain insanely recognizable tunes.
If I had to choose 1, I would say 42ND STREET.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."-Charlie Manson
FOOTLOOSE is a huge crowd pleaser, we sold out in our produtcion and the cast had a blast. We had the same type of crowd, pleanty of oppertunities(Sp) for everyone in the cast Guys and Dolls is only great if you have a million amazing guys and no diva girls! Sorry but it's true and way overdone
Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone and ta'en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
~Cymbeline
I have NEVER met Cheyenne Jackson. I have never hung out with him in his dressing room, he did not tweet me, he never bought me a beverage, and he mostly certainly didn't tickle me. . .that is all.
I honestly say Singin in the Rain, because the Old Folks will flock I'm sure, and it can be fun for the kids. If we were just thinking of the families with kids, I would say Seussical of course.
I did the stage production of Singin in the Rain and it was one of the worst shows I ever participated in. I would recommend 42nd Street or Seussical.
"In theater, the process of it is the experience. Everyone goes through the process, and everyone has the experience together. It doesn't last - only in people's memories and in their hearts. That's the beauty and sadness of it. But that's life - beauty and the sadness. And that is why theater is life." - Sherie Rene Scott
Although I have also heard Singin in the Rain on stage is not good, that is probably the title most people will know, and they will probably be more inclined to cough up money if they have heard of the show.
"Crazy For You" would probably be your best bet. It features Gershwin music that retirees would like, and dancing that could still thrill young folks.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
As much as people probably disagree, I would say Seussical. It is a really good show that is fit specifically for families. Kids love it because they recognize the characters on stage. Seniors will enjoy this show because it is whimsical and fun and easy to comprehend. This show is simple yet fun and makes an excelent family production
I think Crazy for You is cute, but a lot of people will be drawn to Singin' in the Rain.
If Percy Blakeney were in Les Mis....
Percy: Sink me! If it isn't Javvurt!
Javert: Zsah-vair, it's pronounced Zsah-vair.
Pecry: But it's spelled J-A-V-E-R-T Javvurt.
Javert: Repeat after me Zsah...Zsah....
Percy: Oh! Zsa-Zsa! Like the Gabor sister! Well I personally have always prefered Eva.
Javert: (Looks for gun)
I would vote for SEUSSICAL. The others have been done to death. Also, SEUSSICAL has the potential for being profound and entertaining... the others not so much.