Houdini

[jo]

Not sure if this is an official announcement, but more like PLAYBILL formalizing what it may have heard on the grapevine -- Houdini will be on Broadway no earlier than 2015!

www.playbill.com/news/article/185065-Houdini-Musical-Starring-Hugh-Jackman-Sets-New-Broadway-Target-Season?tsrc=nx

Houdini Musical, Starring Hugh Jackman, Sets New Broadway Target Season
By Adam Hetrick
03 Dec 2013



Houdini, the upcoming musical starring Hugh Jackman (The Boy From Oz, "Wolverine") as the legendary illusionist, is aiming for a 2015-16 Broadway arrival.

Tony winners Scott Sanders and David Rockwell are producing the musical about the life of the turn-of-the-century illusionist, which features a score by Tony Award nominee and three-time Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, "Pocahontas").

Houdini had previously been announced for a Broadway arrival during the 2013-14 season. A representative for the production confirmed the new targeted 2015-16 Broadway arrival.

Academy Award-winning screenwriter and playwright Aaron Sorkin had been attached as the book writer for Houdini, but departed the project in early 2013. His successor has not been named.

Tony-winning Hairspray and Coast of Utopia director Jack O'Brien will stage Houdini. Co-producer Rockwell (Hairspray, The Normal Heart) will also render scenic design for the musical. Kurt Andersen, who has been developing the musical over the last several seasons, serves as a creative consultant.

I wonder if Hugh will consider a limited non-musical engagement on Broadway before this much delayed project. He was talking about several possibilites and that he wanted to get back to the theatre soon!

Jo

[mamaleh]

Was just about to post this. I had a feeling we shouldn't be holding our breaths anytime soon. There must be some problems with the show yet to be ironed out. I do wonder whether the main reason for the delay is Sorkin's departure.

I'm hoping he'll do a limited engagement of something classical to really stretch himself. (It's been a while since ROMEO AND JULIET at WAAPA). And fair's fair---he's been teasing about London for so long, he should really do it there.

Ellen

[jo]

This was the last report we had from Hugh on the project --

Do you have any update on the Harry Houdini musical that was being workshopped for Broadway?

We had our final workshop at the end of October. We will determine if we move forward soon. I would love to make this happen—and if it does, hopefully by the end of 2014!

Things certainly did not happen as he hoped for!

And I do get wary of very long gestating projects!


The 2014-2015 season would have sounded a more reasonable wait ( for them to finish the draft, workshop it, cast it, and do the tryouts)...but for the show to need another two years ( if Hugh is not keen on a non-spring opening, it may have to open in spring of 2016)) -- that sounds too far into the distance! It is not as if Hugh's film career can also wait indefinitely, as he needs to commit to certain major film projects, too.

At this point, I am not very hopeful that the HOUDINI project would ever get off the ground ( at least with Hugh on it). I hope he opens his schedule not just for straight plays but also for a new musical ( Didn't Aaron Sorkin say recently that he is beginning to work on a musical?). To be honest, I am not too hopeful about a musical score from Stephen Schwartz ( he may be able to compose a brilliant song every now and then, but an entire musical score is a different thing). No offense meant, but I did not like Wicked at all. The only song that I really like from him ( from another play) is "Meadowlark". I could be very wrong, though, as millions of fans of his musicals will say so. Or is it the book that is proving to be troublesome ( although I would imagine that if they had been able to agree with Sorkin to allow them to continue from where he started, with a concept and some prelimary work, given the amount of time given to the new bookwriter - I doubt this would have been the sticking point).

Classical plays -- Too bad Coriolanus ( I can't remember the name, but a prominent theatre critic suggested this as an excellent project for Hugh...but there will be filmed production of the Donmar staging with Tom Hiddleston) and Henry V ( I think this is the forthcoming Jude Law project) are already scheduled either for a stage run or a filmed production. I wonder if a Shakespeare comedy could also tempt Hugh back to the stage? How about Taming of the Shrew, Ellen? What about classic plays from American or other playwrights ( not named William S)?

Which director can tempt Hugh with a new stage project? Trevor Nunn or Mike Nichols or maybe Nicholas Hytner or somebody else ( not too sure about Jack O'Brien after the recent disaster with Macbeth).


Jo

[mamaleh]

Well, it's official. As per Variety, Hugh has pulled out of HOUDINI. Hard to post link via phone.

Ellen

[Jamie]

Dec 23, 2013 18:40:09 GMT -5 mamaleh said:

Well, it's official. As per Variety, Hugh has pulled out of HOUDINI. Hard to post link via phone.

Ellen

Here's the Variety link. Apparently the reading that was scheduled never took place and this is the final news: variety.com/2013/legit/news/hugh-jackman-exits-brewing-broadway-musical-houdini-1200990992/

[foxie]

Oh no it was the most thing I was looking forward to it was perfect for him I wish he would stop picking scifi etc. damn it Hugh do broadway. It is better than a dumb movie about pan

[jo]

Not totally a great surprise - I have half-expected this development to happen, after the last announcement that the show may not open till the 2015/2016 season. It's been a troubled show from the start!

But I would like to look at the silver lining -

*Hugh can now look at other Broadway projects that are more easily hewed to his schedule. Could be another musical or even a straight play? Who knows, we might even see him back on stage earlier than the 2015/2016 season

*Hugh can also push for a movie musical project, without too much typecasting as purely a musical star. Hopefully, there will be some strong developments on the Barnum project (Greatest Showman on Earth)

*There could be major and very promising film projects that he can now look at, including something with a strong dramatic content, because he is no longer bound to the Houdini schedule.

*And maybe I was too apprehensive, but I am not really a great fan of Schwartz as a composer and maybe he does take a long time for his work to develop until he is happy with the results. So, this could be for the best for both Jackman and Schwartz?


We'll see ...

Jo

[jo]

Interesting post on BWW --

bobs3
Houdini
Posted: 12/24/13 at 01:43am

He is already attached to a film bio of P.T. Barnum (no, not the Cy Coleman musical). Carey Mulligan is reportedly in talks to play Jenny Lind.

Harry Houdini may have been too close for comfort.

I've read that Carey does her own singing in INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, with co-star Justin Timberlake.

Remember when Hugh shared the host dais with Carey M for brief moments, during the Met Museum's Costume Institute Ball in 2012 ?







Jo

[broadwaygal]

I am disappointed in a way, but not surprised. I think there was an indication that there were problems
with it as soon as Aaron Sorkin left the project. It just takes too long to mount a Broadway musical.

I really hope that Hugh has another play in the works soon.

Cheryl

[carouselkathy]

Cheryl, I was concerned and disappointed when Sorkin dropped out. He's one of my favorite writers, so this diluted my original enthusiasm for the project. I'm not surprised that Hugh has decided to bail, because he is now in the Oscar nominee club, had great review for PRISONERS, and is probably getting more interesting film offers. Another Broadway project will come along. Here's my suggestion: Adam Guettel wrote a great score for FLOYD COLLINS. It never got to Broadway, and I never saw the show, but the score is perfect for Hugh. The story also includes a great commentary about the excesses of the tabloid press. Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald have both recorded the song, "How Glory Goes" from the score. I wish Hugh would give it a look.

[klenotka]

Carrey Mulligan! I love her! She was awesome as Sally Sparrow in Doctor Who

As for Houdini, I am not disappointed at all (I always doubt a biographical musical...and it would be far away, on Broadway again). Maybe he could do some play in London if he will miss stage...he will spend some time in London next year anyway

[mamaleh]

That's a well-made point, Lenka. Relatively few get to see him on stage, so all the better when he can be "there" for everyone up on a screen. And now that he's getting juicier roles and more respect among top filmmakers, I'm hopeful there will be another Oscar nomination--and possibly a win--in his future.

By the way, I just learned there's another Houdini musical. www.youtube.com/channel/UCMaNTewl0ayx4VgrltZt_kQ
Doing the vocals are Josh Young (JC SUPERSTAR revival) and Michael McCormick (CURTAINS, CHAPLIN).

Ellen

[JH4HJ]

This is a play I think I'd like to see, regardless of the cast. That said, it's a pity he won't be involved. Hugh would definitely make it worth a 2,000 mile trip to Broadway for me. The "Show Man" aspect (so ably displayed in The Prestige) is right up Hugh's alley. If the storyline is interesting and the songs are good, he could soar in this role. For some reason (which I can't really explain to you in words - it's just a "feeling" I get) Hugh (his charisma) "comes across" in theatrical productions far more than in any of his films. It may just be my inherent preference for stage over movies. I do understand that career-wise he has the opportunity to reach a far wider/larger audience with one film (and only a few months work - and a HUGE paycheck) than is possible spending an entire year on stage.

Whatever the project eventually turns out to be, I would like to see him CREATE an outstanding character in a NEW Broadway musical. ...something "for the ages" - - Hugh definitely has "the gift" - all he needs is the right vehicle. I hope he finds it soon.

[ocjackie]

This just makes me sad. I was so looking forward to multiple trips to NYC. It just makes me so grateful that I made the trip to LA to see him there. There is NOTHING like seeing him in person. My selfish wish is that he picks up something on Broadway, even if it's for a short period of time, so we can see him live. Whatever happens, I want to see him holding that golden statue he so deserves. Best of luck Hugh, whatever the journey will be. I know we will all be there cheering him all the way.

[jo]

Given the problems that have plagued the project since it started development, theatre board members have understood that it might have been too long a wait for Hugh, seeing that he has been involved with the project since around 2009. Unfortunately, others from non-theatre sites and social media who are not aware of the delays due to the changes in the creative team, have speculated that Hugh is "abandoning" the project even though "the show is expected to open in 2014" ( many do not know that a representative of the project has confirmed to Playbill that the show is actually being positioned to open on Broadway for the 2015/2016 season)...or that he has not been offered enough by the producers...or that he is choosing a $$$$ project option??

But these comments on USA Today's report on Hugh's departure from the project are very intuitive --

Bill Harmon · Top Commenter · San Francisco State University
This is a classy gentleman. No doubt there were problems that came up but rather than speaking ill of anyone he made a classy statement.
Something so many in his business seldom do.
Thank youu, Hugh



Dave Melges · Top Commenter · Owner at Dave Melges Fine Art Photographer · 1,366 subscribers
I agree, there aren't a lot of movie stars that you can expect class and professionalism EVERY time, but Jackman never seems to let us down.

I wonder how much of creative and working style differences have also plagued the project. It would be interesting to know the "real reasons" for the abrupt departure of Aaron Sorkin, who was excitedly talking about how he was going to write the book of the musical before he left so suddenly?

Nosy Jo

[jo]

Or looking back at what Ellen noted in an earlier post --

I'm thinking he's going to base his decision on the quality of the piece so far, come the reading later this fall. If he gives it a thumbs up, he'll stay with the project; if not, bye-bye HOUDINI.


Ellen

This could be the real reason smiley-rolleyes010


Nosy Jo ( again!)

[jo]

Interesting report from Patrick Healy of the NYTimes Theatre section --

artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/23/hugh-jackman-disappears-from-broadway-aimed-houdini-musical/?smid=nytimesarts&_r=0

...Mr. Jackman had been set to participate in a closed-door reading of parts of “Houdini” this month. But Wayne Wolfe, a spokesman for the producers, said that reading did not take place...

*Had Hugh already quit before the supposed reading?
*Or did Schwartz and Ives fail to deliver the first draft, as promised?

Jo

[birchie]

I agree with "disappointing but not too surprising"...and I'm nosy too Jo LOL! Would love to have been a fly on the wall when he last met with the creative team. I suspect that the constant delays and more significantly the defection of Sorkin, may have led to a final straw at some point.

I've often thought that during the 3 or 4 yrs he's been waiting for this, Hugh must have had to say no to a couple of other projects. Having to try to keep part of his schedule open in the hopes that something will get done must have been very difficult for him at this very promising and productive stage in his career. I hope he does get to do something original on Broadway in the future and I also hope this means he can say yes to some meatier film roles. It sounds like the Barnum project is still cooking so I'm really looking forward to that.
Sue

[carouselkathy]

Well said, Sue!

[Kelly]

Dec 24, 2013 2:07:36 GMT -5 jo said:

Interesting post on BWW --

bobs3
Houdini
Posted: 12/24/13 at 01:43am

He is already attached to a film bio of P.T. Barnum (no, not the Cy Coleman musical). Carey Mulligan is reportedly in talks to play Jenny Lind.

Harry Houdini may have been too close for comfort.

I've read that Carey does her own singing in INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, with co-star Justin Timberlake.

Remember when Hugh shared the host dais with Carey M for brief moments, during the Met Museum's Costume Institute Ball in 2012 ?



Jo

I saw Inside Llewyn Davis yesterday. Having spent a fair amount of time in the late 60's/early 70's at D.C.'s famous (and former) Cellar Door, I identified with this era. I cannot say I'd recommend the movie. Carey Mulligan was the highlight of the film,IMO. Justin Timberlake was good but didn't have much screen time. The lead character has an incredible voice, not sure who he is but he looked like John Mayer. I'm fairly certain all actors did their own singing.

[jo]

Reported by Cindy Adams --

pagesix.com/2014/03/26/mothers-and-sons-writer-talks-about-his-play/

Still more…

More musicals. Director Jack O’Brien on his delayed “Harry Houdini” now that Hugh Jackman isn’t available: “I’m just waiting to start. Can’t stand it. I’m not letting it go. I found someone for the part but I can’t tell you.” In exchange I can’t see why I’d mention O’Brien again .

Hmmm... I wonder if it was the insistence of the creative team on out-of-town tryouts which ruined the harmonization with Hugh's busy schedule. Is the musical more or less finished ??


Jo 

[mamaleh]

I didn't much care for composer Schwartz's slap at Hugh in this piece:

www.vulture.com/2014/03/wicked-movie-has-started-gearing-up.html

I mean, what other A-list film actor would have devoted as many years as Hugh did before having to bow out? He knows as well as even any Broadway fan how many years it takes to gestate a musical. IMO, if Schwartz had given his full attention to HOUDINI instead of detouring to this and that project, the show would have materialized this season with Hugh still on board.

Ellen

[jo]

If I may reproduce the excerpts, Ellen --

As for Schwartz’s other hotly anticipated project, the Broadway musical Houdini, he says, “It's on hold for now.” A major hiccup came when Hugh Jackman backed out of the project in December. “I think he didn't really understand, to be perfectly honest, how much work a brand-new musical takes,” Schwartz said. “Every show he's ever done, whether it's been a musical or a straight play, has been a show that somebody else has done … When he suddenly looked at the fact that he has this other career, it just became impractical for him, frankly.” In other words, the disappearing actor pulled a Houdini.

How dare he??!!

*If you remember that interview about a year ago where SS proudly narrated how it took him 5 years to get WICKED going, I think I had commented then that I didn't like his manner which sounded too full of himself
.
*I wonder who brought him over to the team? Before him, it was Danny Elfman who was composing the score and that was a few years back ( maybe even earlier than 2009, because Hugh came into the project around the time of A Steady Rain)...so this project has been gestating for at least 5-6 years. SS joined the team at the time of Hugh's San Francisco One-Man Show - April 2011. I wonder if the timetable had been laid out clearly then for everybody concerned -- for the producers because they were funding it, for the creative team so they could work together as a team, and for their star because he needed to do some career planning as well. I think they had even laid out a schedule which was compartmentalized into parts of the musical so this can be tested via workhops at intervals. Remember when Hugh had to do the workshops while completing Les Miserables?...What did SS want - for Hugh to twiddle is thumbs while he takes his time trying to draw on his creative inspiration??! Ha!

*I wonder if Aaron Sorkin left abruptly because of differences with SS, as they needed to work closely together. Sorkin is also a multi-career respected writer and there is much demand on his time. He was initially very excited about the project and how he was approaching it. All of a sudden, he simply opted out in the first few months after SS came on board. Hmmm...

*I think SS thinks of himself as this creative god whose every creative whim and wish must be followed! Check out that Wicked interview of a year ago. He will only work according to his personal inclinations ... And it's not as if he was working 100% on the project ( he was following other stagings and concerts of his work portfolio ).  He should not have made definite commitments agreeable to the entire team if he could not keep reasonably within the projected timetables ( remember how the producers were announcing the planned opening?)...SS is no Sondheim! And he is really nothing much compared to ALWebber when it comes to output and how they are produced. He got lucky with Wicked not because it is an artistic masterpiece ( and many theatre fans say this) but because it appealed to the younger generation, partly because of the original source material ...and coming as it did when stuff like Spamalot and Legally Blonde...later on Book of Mormon began appealing to a new set of theatregoers. Sorry, but I did not like the show at all, after all the fuss. There is not one song that I liked! Generation gap, maybe?

*To be fair, I only like one SS song - Meadowlark.  But I have always said this -- I do not like his melodic style! That was why I was a little worried if HOUDINI would really turn out to be musically- appealing.

*Now he says it is on HOLD! What - has the funding dried up?? But Jack O'Brien was insisting he couldn't wait to start asap and that he already has someone in mind to replace Hugh. Who to believe?

*I wonder if SS and Hugh parted on good terms? If he were a diplomatic man, that reference to Hugh as not intelligent enough to appreciate the gestation period for creative work in the theatre should have been worded better. As it is, it is below the belt. It is not as if Hugh is stunt-casting in the theatre or that he has not had formal training in the theatre! And for SS to have inferred that Hugh can only do non-original work is also out-of-turn.

*Hugh is a member of the advisory committee of the American Theatre Wing. He supports the theatre community in full. That he has been given a second TONY because of his invaluable contribution (artistic and humanitarian) is testament to what Broadway thinks of him.

Jo

[jo]

At least Broadway.com clarifies how long the project has been in development -- since 2008!

www.broadway.com/buzz/175244/stephen-schwartz-houdinis-on-hold-but-the-wicked-movies-in-the-works/

The Houdini halt is no big surprise. Hugh Jackman dropped out of the project late last year. “I think he didn't really understand, to be perfectly honest, how much work a brand-new musical takes,” Schwartz said. The movie megastar joined a long list of artists who have left the project, which was first announced by producers Scott Sanders and David Rockwell in April 2008. Past creatives who departed the bio-musical include original composer Danny Elfman, original lyricist David Yazbek, original librettist Kurt Andersen and replacement librettist Aaron Sorkin.

Plus Glenn Slater also worked as lyricist after Yazbek.

I wonder -- is this what went wrong for the project? Has the issue of how the show must be developed been the critical issue, as there seemed to have been a major clash of talents? Has SS been reinventing the entire project? Will it ever get off the ground?

[jo]

Update from PLAYBILL --

HOUDINI
◦ Theatre: TBA
◦ Target Opening: 2015-2016 season
◦ Director: Jack O'Brien
◦ Written by: Stephen Schwartz (music & lyrics), David Ives (book)
◦ A new musical about Harry Houdini which will deal with the human yearning for astonishment; miracles, both man made and supernatural; and the quest to defy death.
◦ First announced for a Broadway arrival during the 2013-14 season. In December 2013, a representative for the production confirmed that the show was now aiming for a 2015-16 arrival. Book writer Aaron Sorkin and star Hugh Jackman have both departed the project. David Ives replaced Sorkin.

I wonder if the musical will be ready by that time, will Hugh reconsider coming back to the show? His next Wolverine movie is due out in 2017, so that could mean that he might be filming it in early 2016?

Or has he burnt his bridges with the creative team?


Jo