One Song Glory
One Song GloryPractically even before you could say, "FLOP!" the $2.5 million Broadway musical Glory Days has shuttered.
Not since 2003's failed Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All with Ellen Burstyn has a show closed immediately after its one opening night shot at glory.
Interestingly enough, when I took in a performance over the weekend, I kept getting asked by other members of the audience (including one unnamed critic), "Why are you here?" At the time, they made me feel like some old lech, but in retrospect, I think they were surprised to be there themselves.
This is a show that should never have transferred to Broadway without being better vetted along the way, including perhaps in an Off Off-Broadway gig that could have played more appropriately to its target audience.
The pummeling was pretty severe with potshots coming from all directions. While I thought the tiny tuner from James W. Gardiner and Nick Blaemire had some promise, it came across as completely underdeveloped and sadly lacking in any memorable tunes, with the exception of Jesse J.P. Johnson's heartfelt "The Open Road."
Now, the only thing open is the Circle In The Square Theatre's space. Any guesses on the next tenant?
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:
Did Critics Make This A Glory Day For Glory Days? (May 7, 2008)
Glory Days (The SOB Review) (May 7, 2008)
Opening: Glory Days Hopes For Glory Night (May 6, 2008)
Early Tony Handicapping (March 25, 2008)
No Glory In Crap Shoot (March 24, 2008)
Glory Days Yet To Come This Broadway Season? (March 19, 2008)
Labels: Adam Halpin, Andrew C. Call, Broadway, Closing Notices, Closings, Eric Schaeffer, Glory Days, James W. Gardiner, Jesse J.P. Johnson, Musical, Nick Blaemire, Steven Booth, Transfer, Washington DC
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008
4 Comments:
I have seen two possible contenders for the spot in Circle in the Square, the monotonous musical "ACE" (starring Darren Richie and Michael Arden) and the disappointing "Wiz" Des-Mcanuff directed revival. Both shows were unsalvageable IMHO: Ace had a monotnous score and the Wiz had many problems, including an unfunny new book and god-awful synethesized "hip-hop lite" re-orchestrations.
Due to Circle in the Square's unique configuration, most shows would not be a natural fit for the space.
OK - I'm going to put my vote in for THE BLACK SUITS - Joe Iconis' musical (I know that is a shock). It was one of the 8 shows selected for the Public's Summer Play Festival. It had a brief moment where it was once part of the MCC season but due to "artistic differences" it got cancelled. Since it is "currently looking for a home", maybe after the SPF production there will be a chance for a Broadway run...
Is it even possible for title of show to switch venues? since I would think the smaller CITS theatre fits the smaller tos show? Or is too late now?
BB and Alicia, Thanks for providing your picks. I agree that the Circle in the Square is not conducive to very many shows.
Vance, You raise a good question. Unless the folks at [title of show] have gone all out and suddenly splurged on a set and lighting design, why couldn't it move to this venue? After all, isn't the CITS where it was supposed to be all along?
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