Kathie Lee desperate? Scandalous in trouble?

[jbm2]

This morning on the Today Show- Kathie Lee tells everyone that Scandalous previews are now "buy one, get one free". I know this promo has been online for awhile- but to announce this discount on national tv???
Is Scandalous in trouble?

[Auggie27]

They've put out that offer on-line, it's ubiquitous. It's "in trouble" in the sense of a tough show to sell for $125 a ticket. I've said it before: if Kathie Lee were appearing in it, the sales would be double. That's the kicker: she's liked as a performer, but as a bookwriter/lyricist, she's not box office. I understand the myriad reasons why she shouldn't dream of appearing in the show. She's a writer, she's proud. But the show needs a star, desperately. Those who claim Carmello would sell tickets were viewing the production from the rarefied and narrow world of theater boards and stage doors. This is material in search of a star performance, to fill a theater eight times a week; and they didn't bother to find one. Dubious thinking. Esparza couldn't float a similar show last season, and I'd argue he's a bigger draw than Carmello (and that show had the beloved composer Mencken on its side.)

[CapnHook]

Exactly, Auggie.

Desperate? No. Trouble? Sure, just like many other Broadway shows.

Only way SCANDALOUS will be a hit is if the word of mouth is EXTRAORDINARY. Otherwise, it was a foolish run.

[little_sally]

In Carolee's defense, she is the only reason I'm planning to see this show.

[DAME]

Good for her for doing whatever it takes to sell tickets and promote her show. I hope it is a big fat hit . I know nothing about this show but I am rooting for it.

[SNAFU]

I have heard that ticket sales for the previews have been almost non~existant. I blame the crappy artwork.

[japhun2]

So you are saying if you had the opportunity for free publicity for your show, you would not take advantage of it? I think EVERYONE in her position would do the same thing.

I am not interested or excited about this show, but hope it has success and if the word of mouth is good, I will go for sure!

[Bettyboy72]

This show would be a huge hit with a celebrity in the lead.

[SNAFU]

Patti!Patti!Patti! Ok, she is a bit old for the role but hey, It's Thea-tah!

[Bettyboy72]

Scandalous needs a star female. You're telling the story of a female evangelist-which is a hard sell. People would feel more of the draw of Aimee if she were being played by a LuPone, Peters, or even a stunt cast of pop star or TV star.

[random person 112]

You've heard the score right? No film or television star in their right mind is going to do a show with lyrics and music that amateurish. It's also insanely difficult from the bits we've heard so..

[Mildred Plotka]

I think Carolee has the potential to sell more tickets when the reviews come out. If they're the "Why is this her first starring vehicle?"/"Broadway's hidden treasure shines at last" variety, I think she could end up helping ticket sales. She's truly phenomenal in the role. Problem is, at least in Seattle, the show never lives up to Carolee.

[RippedMan]

They need better marketing. That artwork is just awful. The show is about some clouds and an apple? What?! Why not do it like old journalism style? That would better promote the show.

[ClumsyDude15]

Two words: Glea. Michelphaba.

[jbm2]

a ton of new dates were just put on TDF

[jbm2]

How large is this theater? Is it one of the largest (or smallest) theaters on Broadway?

[Auggie27]

I thought of someone like Marie Osmond. Just a bigger than life media personality who'd pull theater parties. Sorry, the gifted Ms. Carmello, and brilliant she is, is not box office beyond the kind of attention garnered here. People who say "she's why I'm buying a ticket" fail to note the irony of where they're expressing such sentiments. Here. In a thread on a theater board. To fill 1400 or more seats 8 times a week, an enterprise must appeal beyond this rarefied world.

This show is not REBECCA (sorry), which has name recognition based on the beloved novel and film. This material requires a charismatic above the title star whose drawing power transcends the theater community. We could all prepare a short list of women who might fill the needs.

Sadly, this is an example of good faith, people doing "the right thing," i.e. bringing a show in with the actor who gave unstintingly to workshops and out of town gigs. But it doesn't solve the commercial problem. Nothing in this discussion is an indictment of Carmello; it's about filling those seats in 2012. If the show itself isn't a star, a star is needed. Not a new concept.

[LYLS3637]

I'm more inclined to think the average person doesn't believe Kathie Lee Gifford to be talented in this field. She's the lyricist, co-composer, and librettist. That can not sound appealing to many people, especially people who have an interest in theater.

As much as I absolutely love Carolee Carmello and George Hearn, I'd sooner listen to Britney Spears attempt singing live then spend money on that woman's ego trip.

[Marianne2]

For what it's worth, I had won a pair of tickets for this at the TDF booth at the flea market and did managed after a few tries to trade them. Either a lot of people had them or the ones that didn't, didn't want them. Kathie Lee Gifford certainly does not have me interested in seeing it.

[Gothampc]

Maybe she learned something from Rosie's mistakes. Rosie would rather have three people in the audience for Taboo than to let one discounted ticket be sold.

[little_sally]

Actually, I think Kathie Lee is going to be as big of a turn-off to people as she is a draw. Everyone I've mentioned her to in regard to her involvement in this show seems to not want to see it because of her.

[dreaming]

I adore Carolee Carmello and yet I see that this could well be a losing proposition. (I will see it, but I'm part of the 'rarefied' culture going to see the star-an unknown outside the theater community.)

Marie Osmond would likely have put more butts in the seats. I think a bankable star would have been well advised, period.

[Marianne2]

little_sally-That's exactly the reason I was hoping to trade. I would have gone had it not worked out, but I wasn't curious enough to not try trading.

It's a shame too because I really liked Carolee Carmello when I saw her in Mamma Mia. She just hasn't done anything I am interested in since then.

The artwork sort of reminds of something out of the tv show, Pushing Daisies.

[Kad]

I think it's insane they didn't open this one out-of-town first.

[Gothampc]

I think there are thousands of Midwestern ladies who adore Kathie Lee. It's just getting them on the bus and to New York City to see the show that Kathie Lee needs to think about.

[JoeKv99]

I think the subject is fascinating and would love to see the show but would rather get an unscheduled root canal by a dental student than sit through anything by Kathie Lee.