Karma is a dish best served cold. Yeah, that's a horrible mix of metaphors, but go with me here...
Evidently there's a distinct possibility that the upcoming musical version of Spider-Man could push Young Frankenstein out of the Hilton Theater. That's the provocative notion that Michael Riedel posits in his column this week.
Apparently director Julie Taymor and her design team for Spider-Man have been having "discussions" with the folks at the Hilton Theater about sight lines, and the rake of the balcony, and whatnot. I can't imagine it's a purely academic exercise. At least it's not as tacky and classless as Susan Stroman and Mel Brooks marching up and down the aisles of the same theater while the hapless cast of The Pirate Queen rehearsed on stage.
Riedel is careful to point out that there are no current plans to shutter Young Frankenstein, but also reports that "several involved" in the show have hinted that it could close before year's end. That would put YF's total performances at about 450, and there ain't no way on God's green earth the producers could make back their estimated $20 million investment in that time.
Pardon me if I chortle, snigger, and snort with glee. It couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of greedy, arrogant, presumptuous schmucks. For a catalog of my grievances with the show and its creators, check out my review.
The new Spidey tuner will reportedly have a score by Bono and The Edge of U2. (Yeah, I know.) Bono is known worldwide for his humanitarian efforts. Perhaps this is part of his mission: to rid Broadway of a show and a production team that are clearly a blight on the artistic and karmic landscape. Would I feel differently if Young Frankenstein had actually turned out to be a decent show? Well, it didn't, so there's no need to speculate.
I guess sometimes it's not so good to be the king. Huh, Mel?
Schadenfreude.
Posted by: Steve On Broadway (SOB) | March 21, 2008 at 09:51 AM
"Making the world a better place to be..."
Posted by: chris caggiano | March 21, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Hey, I'm actually excited about a score by Bono.
Posted by: Esther | March 21, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I heard some of the songs as performed by Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood and the "Geek chorus".
I really liked what I heard, and Wood had a real show stopper.
Taymor has it in her mind to top everything that has ever been done as far as theatricality. A hybrid between rock opera, broadway and circus with Spiderman swinging out over the audience and such.
Gotta wanna see another Taymor creation!
Posted by: Michelle | March 30, 2008 at 06:09 PM