Steve On Broadway (SOB)

Which British Hits Will Be Broadway-Bound?

Which British Hits Will Be Broadway-Bound?

In this morning's New York Post, theatre critic Clive Barnes sizes up some of the current prospects for British imports to the Broadway stage. In addition to dutifully noting the eagerly anticipated Mary Poppins due later this year, along with Billy Elliot The Musical that will arrive by 2008, Barnes gives props to the ubiquitous Michael Grandage-helmed productions. Those include two musicals (Evita and Guys And Dolls) and one play (Frost/Nixon). All three have received their share of critical acclaim and box office success across the pond.

Barnes' personal favorite pick for a Broadway transfer is the highly praised revival of Sunday In The Park With George that graced the London stage earlier this summer, although he doesn't hold as much hope for its arrival on the Great White Way as the aforementioned shows. He also is clearly optimistic about a the chances of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll drama coming to American shores.

But the show that he thinks has the greatest potential for a Broadway bow is none other than the Queen-inspired stinker We Will Rock You -- a bad jukebox musical that continues to play to UK audiences despite terrible reviews. It should be noted that it has already been produced in the United States at the Paris Las Vegas, but like so many other theatrical productions hitting Sin City, the show closed much earlier than originally anticipated. Who would have thought Vegas audiences would have shown that much good taste?!

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Related Stories:
Billy Elliot Set for 2008 Broadway Bow? (September 6, 2006)
Critics Find Frost/Nixon to Be Unimpeachable (August 23, 2006)
Which Broadway Musical Will Depart Next? (August 21, 2006)
Evita to New York: I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You (June 28, 2006)
Sunday in the Park With George Revival Opens in London's West End (May 22, 2006)
Guys and Dolls Imported to Broadway from London? (May 15, 2006)
Rejoice! Gavin Lee to Cross Atlantic for Mary Poppins on Broadway (May 8, 2006)

Labels: Billy Elliot The Musical, Broadway, Evita, Frost/Nixon, Guys And Dolls, London, Mary Poppins, Rock 'n' Roll, Sunday In The Park With George, Transfer, We Will Rock You

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, September 20, 2006