Riedel: Kelli O'Hara in THE KING AND I coming to the Beaumont...

[TheatreKid3]

If what is speculated actually does happen, then this will be one of the biggest simultaneous moves of productions ever, if not the biggest.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Disney tries to eventually move Newsies to a larger Nederlander house, especially after the Tony Awards (providing the show racks up and becomes a bigger hit than it already is). Even though I think the Nederlander is a perfect spot for it, I could see them reclaiming the Lunt-Fontanne or even putting it in the Rodgers to increase the amount of ticket sales per performance.

Whatever happens, it will be interesting.

[FindingNamo]

As long as that horse doesn't kick Kelli in the head on his way outta the Beaumont, everything should be fine.

[Jonwo]

Much as it would be tempting for Disney to move Newsies to be a bigger theatre, there is a risk that it would lose momentum moving to a bigger theatre like the Rodgers or the Lunt, it fits the Nederlander like a glove and the show could easily run for years by staying put and selling out the Nederlander, it's the same reason why Jersey Boys and Book of Mormon have not moved to bigger theatres despite being huge hits.

[TheatreKid3]

^ Exactly. I think Newsies is in a perfect location. Couldn't have worked out better for Disney. Even if the show becomes a bigger hit after the Tony's, leaving it in the Nederlander will increase demand for tickets (and also allow them to raise the price per ticket as a result). They are looking at large financial success either way.

[SondheimFan5]

DIdn't I read somewhere that Matilda must be in a theatre with a center aisle and that's why it took the Cambridge in London? Does the Winter Garden have a center aisle?

A Beaumont King & I would be stunning.

[bwayphreak234]

Disney would be dumb to movie Newises to a bigger house. I remember this past summer people were saying The Book of Mormon should have moved to the Marquis since it was wide open. Thank GOD that did not happen. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[TheatreKid3]

Well, truthfully, if it HAD to be done, they could modify any theatre to accommodate the show (providing they wish to shell out the money to do so and it is approved). But that is an interesting observation. The largest Broadway theatre that has a center isle, if I'm correct, would be the Palace.

Maybe Annie will end up somewhere else and Matilda will take the Palace?

[Jonwo]

'Exactly. I think Newsies is in a perfect location. Couldn't have worked out better for Disney. Even if the show becomes a bigger hit after the Tony's, leaving it in the Nederlander will increase demand for tickets (and also allow them to raise the price per ticket as a result). They are looking at large financial success either way.'

Given that Newsies is likely to be a lot cheaper to run compared to Mary Poppins or The Lion King, I imagine it'll recoup by August if not slightly later.

I imagine the RSC and Dodgers will pay to reconfigure a theatre so it has a centre aisle rather than opt for the Palace which would be far too big.

[TheatreKid3]

Yup. The same financial success would occur either way, however.

If the show becomes a bigger hit:
At the Nederlander - demand would rise, driving ticket prices higher.
At a large house - tickets stay regular price, but more are sold per performance.

It's a win/win, assuming the show achieves Lion King's and Mary Poppins' level of popularity, which I believe it will.

This thread has seemed to have turned into "Which theatre will this show go to" thread, haha. It's all very interesting.

[Mildred Plotka]

Brilliant, Namo!

[SondheimFan5]

Also - is this just me - or does a move mean Lincoln Center would stop being the producer/presenter of War Horse and it would be just National Theatre as producer if it did the move?

"The National is also trying to raise its profile in New York, and would like to get its flagship show out from under the Lincoln Center Umbrella."

[Jonwo]

I imagine the Lincoln Centre would want to remain producer as they'll get a small cut for presenting it on Broadway even though they did not originate the show.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

I was hoping for Laura Benanti, I wonder what the rest of the cast will look like, it's bound to be a great production I'm sure.

[bwayphreak234]

Benanti was my first choice too!

[HeyMrMusic]

Ray, with the exception of Louis and the European man track, I hope the rest of the cast will look Asian.

Speaking of, someone point me in the direction of these auditions!

The King and I, Lincoln Center, Vivian Beaumont, Kelli O'Hara... this will be EPIC.

And while I love Lea, she's not a Lady Thiang. Just not in her vocal range, at least not in the sweet spot.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Jonathan Pryce can always get his Saigon make-up out again to become The King!

[CATSNYrevival]

Jose Llana for the king, please.

[HeyMrMusic]

BD Wong?

[fashionguru_23]

I totally agree with Riedel (scary, I know) when he says: "But the National is concerned that the highbrow audience has been exhausted. For “War Horse” to run another five years, it’s going to have to bring in the hordes of tourists coursing through Times Square".

If you're around the Toronto area, a production is in place, and the show is going on tour soon. I think that the producers should like War Horse run for a little while more, and then just close instead of moving it.

[Mildred Plotka]

I love BD Wong but he is all wrong for The King. And after his dreadful performances in Charlie Brown and Pacific Overtures, he shouldn't be allowed anywhere near another Broadway musical.

That being said...

Chris Colfer for Tuptim, please!

[AnythingGoes2]

Matilda would fit very well in The Nederlander. Isn't Newsies supposedly a limited season? If not the Schubert would work too. Broadway theatre is way too big!! Isn't nutty professor after that?

Mamma won't budge I don't think for at least another 2 or 3 years. Richard Rogers would work well for War Horse.

[AnythingGoes2]

Matilda would fit very well in The Nederlander. Isn't Newsies supposedly a limited season? If not the Schubert would work too. Broadway theatre is way too big!! Isn't nutty professor after that?

Mamma won't budge I don't think for at least another 2 or 3 years. Richard Rogers would work well for War Horse.

[CarlosAlberto]

Jose Llana would make a great King. Any thoughts on Paolo Montalban?

[PalJoey]

I imagine the Lincoln Centre would want to remain producer as they'll get a small cut for presenting it on Broadway even though they did not originate the show.

I imagine Lincoln Center (no "the" used in the USA and "center" is spelled "-er" not "-re") would continue to be the producers here and get a very large not a small cut.

[Ed_Mottershead]

I knows he's tied to Zorba, but wouldn't Antonio Banderas be great for the king? Right age, can sing and dance, and presence to die for. Know it won't happen but I can dream, can't I?

[DottieD'Luscia]

^That's a wonderful suggestion.

Granted there are plenty of talent actresses who could do Anna justice and everyone mentioned so far had my vote, but casting the King will be very interesting.