*I'm not too sure, but I think the timing was off -- the producers and the creatives were busy putting the show together and probably wanted to concentrate on a successful launch of the first Australian musical to make it to Broadway, than having someone around doing a documentary of the process.
*Bits and pieces on behind the scenes were popping out on the message boards, mostly on BWW and to some extent on ATC. There was someone on BWW who worked with one of the producers who supplied a lot of info, especially if we posed the questions. But he was not particularly impressed with the casting of Hugh because he said he did not look like or even summon the spirit of Peter Allen. But that was during the rehearsals, where maybe the impact of Hugh in relating to the audience ( as Peter did) was not yet apparent. Although he would share with us how the box office was doing...and other stuff.
*There was a time when the show was being offered a much larger theatre, but it was Hugh who stood pat and said that he much preferred the Imperial.
*The initial workshops were in June 2002 and the show was supposed to have opened the following spring. Ruthie Henshall sang the role of Liza...but she was no longer around when the show, which was postponed a semester later, started rehearsals in sometime in August 2003. Hugh was at the auditions to test the Liza replacement. Supposedly, Stephanie Block was smarting from the replacement by Idina Menzel for the lead in Wicked ( which Stephanie helped develop in the West Coast). So, Hugh was there to help in that audition to find their Liza. There was an early rumor that Stephanie was the weakest of the three ladies and that there was a possibility she might be replaced. Not sure how true that was...but she eventually proved the critic wannabes wrong.
*There were all sorts of crazy rumors -- one was how Hugh had turned up at the first rehearsals wearing only track pants and the ladies were practically fainting with all of that dancing motions! One of the regulars on ATC, said he came up to the stagedoor to test whether Hugh was going commando or not. LOL - probably just a crazy rumor!
*Also, during the time right before the previews, they rearranged the rows. The first two rows were sold to potential customers, but at the last minute the front row was retained but the second row was eliminated. Supposedly this was because of some lighting issues but nobody believed it ( esp those who lost their second row seats...and were redistributed to other seats in the house, albeit they were given a choice of dates). I was lucky and kept my Row AA seat
*William Ivey Long was the set and costume designer. People, esp on ATC, were all criticizing how poor the sets were. Just one couch!! I remember how big an issue the couch was - LOL! The costumes were also designed by him ( not praised either) as well as Hugh's dressing room. I thought he copied a Prada fabric design for the throw pillow on the infamous couch.
*Tenterfield Saddler was cut out eventually from the previews, supposedly because it did not get the right audience reaction as an eleven o'clock number! It was said that it did not resonate well because it was too Australian...It was replaced by Once Before I Go. But they decided to restore it as a bonus track in the cast recording. The cast recording was done in November, with Hugh recording all his tracks on one day and the rest of the cast on another day.
*The show had originated in Australia. But there were changes to the Broadway show when it started rehearsals. The characters of Liza and Judy were supposedly given more emphasis because they were familiar icons to American audiences. But most of the songs were there ( we listened to the original cast recording from Australia) although some were rearranged to other spots in the show. I don't remember now whether the original cast recording carried the song, but my favorite from the Broadway show turned out to be ALL THE LIVES OF ME. Such a great ballad...and something that summarized Peter's relationships with people around him.
*Rehearsal footages ( with the media around) were released and that made people sit up and listen at how remarkable a performer Hugh was turning out to be. I also remember Hugh saying that he had to lose about 20 lbs or so because he needed a more lithe build for the dancing... Little did we know that he would keep losing weight during the arduous yearlong run.
*Hugh showed up at the queue when the first tickets were sold at the box office and it was prominently reported. I do not remember how he got to have a rose between his teeth.
*There were reports that the show was selling briskly and even speculations that the NY police will be kept busy keeping order when Hugh shows up after the show. Not sure at this point, but I think there was a $ 10 million advance before the show would open.
*The previews started and the show was frozen only a few days before Opening Night.
*Opening night -- many photos were released of the opening night party at the Copacobana. The following day, we were all aghast with the reviews! It was like a funeral -- practically everyone bashing the show. But everyone was also praising the remarkable and unforgettable performance of Hugh Jackman!
*We thought the show could not make it beyond the end of 2003!
*But things changed...Hugh had repositioned the show to focus on breaking the fourth wall incidents because the audiences seemed to enjoy that part during Bicoastal. I do remember that on my second time to see the show ( first week of December) that I was aghast to have been asked, together with my American friend, to dance (the bump and grind routine - LOL!) on the floor while Hugh did it onstage. Towards the end, he asked us if he could give us a kiss ( maybe as a reward) -- haha - we rushed to the edge of the stage in one second flat for the kiss (we offered our cheeks!)
*David set up the official website, as well as a message board. Eventually it became known as the Ozalot ( see Oz-a-lot)board after someone won the contest to name the board.
Those are most of the memories I recall from that time.
Jo
