THE GREATEST SHOWMAN : Broadway Bound ?

[jo]

Why ever not


www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/is-greatest-showman-going-broadway-box-office-recovery-1080273

Is 'The Greatest Showman' Going to Broadway After Box-Office Recovery?

4:23 PM PST 1/30/2018 by Pamela McClintock


Niko Tavernise/Twentieth Century Fox
'The Greatest Showman'

Thanks to powerful word-of-mouth and a hit soundtrack, the film boasts one of the best holds of any movie since 'Titanic.'

To use her own words, 20th Century Fox film chairman-CEO Stacey Snider felt “gut punched” when The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman as circus impresario P.T. Barnum, limped to an $8.8 million opening during the Dec. 22-24 weekend after getting ravaged by many top critics.

Now, the pic is on its way to becoming one of the top-grossing musicals of all time in North America after making a stunning box-office recovery. Thanks to the movie's success and its hit soundtrack, there are talks to adapt The Greatest Showman for Broadway, says Snider.


No other details are forthcoming about a possible stage version, including whether Jackman would be involved. However, the Australian actor — who stars opposite Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and Zendaya in the film — is no stranger to Broadway, having won a Tony Award in 2004 for The Boy From Oz. (He also has hosted the Tonys four times.)
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who wrote the original songs for the movie, won a Grammy on Sunday for their hit Broadway show Dear Evan Hansen, and are up for the best original song Oscar for Greatest Showman's "This Is Me" a year after winning an Academy Award for the La La Land song "City of Stars."

The soundtrack for Greatest Showman, released by Atlantic Records two weeks before the film debuted in theaters, zoomed to the top of the chart in the U.S. and several other countries in early January, just as "This Is Me" secured Paul and Pasek a Golden Globe.

At the box office, Greatest Showman is headed for a $150 million domestic total, on par with La La Land and a multiple of 17. Titanic’s multiple was 21; a typical multiple for a year-end holiday release is five to six times its opening. Says Greatest Showman producer Peter Chernin: “The lesson is that certain audiences are underserved, particularly in a world where Disney is delivering all these monster tentpoles. The other lesson: There are certain things the critics, and by extension Rotten Tomatoes, are constitutionally out of touch with.”

Fox may have marketed the movie to both families and adults, but it was older moviegoers — and especially older females — who are to thank for Greatest Showman’s surprise comeback.

On the film's first and second weekends, two-thirds of the audience was over the age of 25 despite the PG rating, while females repped nearly 65 percent of all ticket buyers, according to Fox, which produced Greatest Showman in tandem with Chernin Entertainment. The audience has since broadened, with younger girls in particular turning out.


"There are girl groups all over the world doing 'This Is Me' dance routines," says Snider. "The song has become a symbol of independence."

Globally, Greatest Showman, which cost a net $84 million to produce, has earned $259.5 million to date.

"It's a great shot in the arm," says Snider. "We originally hoped to top out at $110 million in North America. Then, based on the opening, it looked like we wouldn't come close to that."

*Hugh has wanted to take the show on the road - whether he means a live-concert format or a traditional musical theatre offering - there is a chance it could happen ( especially now that it is FOX itself, via CEO Stacey Snider, who is talking about the possibility). In Hugh's case, I think no amount of hurdle will the chance to repeat his performance on a live stage be endangered ( can't think of another word - LOL) -- even if it is only a limited engagement for him

*Fox has already set up its resources for stage productions ( based on earlier reports), just as others like Universal and DISNEY have already entrenched themselves in the Great White Way. In a way, maybe Disney even encouraged or pushed for the possibility because the movie lends itself very well to a stage adaptation! I doubt that the FOX CEO will be talking about the possibility if it is just wishful thinking!

*Hopefully, the adaptation process will not take that long ( we don't want Hugh to age out of the strenuous dancing role ) -- the book is there, the musical score has proven to be universally received, maybe some of the stars could already make commitments ( Hugh? Zac says he had wanted to try Broadway? Keala may want to come back? Michelle has done a Broadway musical, Zendaya may want to try it out? Rebecca may even learn NEVER ENOUGH to be able to sing it live on her own?) )...plus Michael Gracey will likely want to have a go ( he is an Aussie!)

*I am sure the queue for possible replacements after limited engagements from the original cast will form fast ( Ramin will probably send in his audition tape right away ) -- just kidding.

But the prospect seems headed for a delirious welcome on Broadway!


Jo

[jo]

Based on social media entries -- I think the younger generation ( millennials - women and men) showed as much enthusiasm as their older folks...and all those kids who did covers of A MILLION DREAMS and THE GREATEST SHOW. The multi-repeat patronage came from the desired demos ( 18-49 year age range). I think the research by THR was maybe limited.


It seems there might already be a built-in market, even on a worldwide basis. But it is the American market which could be key -- and they are the ones coming in droves to see the movie, repeatedly!



JO

[jo]

He's an athlete!

That's why Hugh displays a certain amount of athletic grace in his dancing!

And whoever takes on the roles (Barnum or Carlyle or others) on Broadway will really have a tough time, with the nightly dance routines. And THE OTHER SIDE will have to be executed with such amazing precision.


Jo

[jo]

broadway.showtickets.com/articles/stars-and-the-city-hugh-jackman-of-the-greatest-showman/

We love that you do movies, but do you see yourself doing Broadway again?

Hugh Jackman: Absolutely, a hundred percent. I really want to do a new musical. Maybe The Greatest Showman could become a Broadway musical? I totally can see this working. Totally.

The article was published on February 1, 2018, days after the FOX Studios Chairman/CEO Stacey Snider interview by Hollywood Reporter about the possibility of a stage adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.

Hugh is saying that he wants to do a new musical -- so no more straight plays in the meantime. No musical revivals either.

He is talking about THE GREATEST SHOWMAN for a possible stage adaptation. I wonder if there are already more solid work being started to adapt it for the stage? And which Broadway big league will want to co-produce or stage the show, if it happens?


Jo

[jo]

On a remotely-related matter, will the new project of Pasek and Paul to write the music for a FOX Animation movie affect any plans for a Broadway adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN?

variety.com/2018/film/news/pasek-paul-fox-animation-film-1202692133/#article-comments

[jo]

Keala would love to be in the Broadway adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, if ever it gets to the Great White Way ... on one condition

www.broadwayworld.com/article/Keala-Settle-Would-Love-to-Star-in-a-Potential-Stage-Adaptation-of-THE-GREATEST-SHOWMAN-20180216

BroadwayWorld has previously reported that a stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman could be coming to Broadway sometime in the future, and it appears that Keala Settle is on board!

Settle, who plays the Bearded Lady in the film, recently chatted with Gay Times, where it was brought to her attention that Hugh Jackman (P.T. Barnum in the film) would love to see a stage adaptation happen.

"He said that?" Settle replied. "I'd love to, but I know how hard it was to tap into it just for the film. For a Broadway production, which you may know is eight shows a week, it's raw and it's full out. It's the film for two and a half hours, eight shows every week if that did happen."

Settle then says that if Jackman were to be involved, she'd "have to" join the cast.
"It's a lot of work, but hey, he's [Hugh Jackman] number one on the call sheet so if he wants to do it then heck... are you kidding me? I'll have to be. He'll send the car and be like 'get in the car, let's go.' I'll be there. I'll do anything for that man."

Read more here...

[jo]

In this interview with Pasek and Paul, towards the end the interviewer asks them about the possibility of a stage adaptation coming to Broadway --

www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pasek-paul-tease-greatest-showman-oscar-performance-meet-your-nominees-1086794

[jo]

Aaron sang the role during the first or second reading -- with Hugh, Keala, and Sutton Foster.

Mar 31, 2017 11:20:37 GMT -5 jo said:

preprod.instagram.com/p/BSTYpFIhwfP/?taken-by=kealasettle

Aaron is good actor with big screen experience - Enjolras in Les Miserables... and is also a triple threat.

Jeremy Jordan sang the role of Philip during the final workshop; he was also asked to sing some of the songs of Barnum. I know him as a triple threat (Newsies) but am not familiar with his acting range.

Of course, if Zac decides he wants the role ( he once said he would like to try Broadway) -- it would be a foregone conclusion?



No new news about the staging plans! Will it ( ever) happen


Jo

[jo]

From a recent interview with Hugh Jackman ( NYTimes) --


Excerpts :

Q: After which you made your passion project, “The Greatest Showman,” about P.T. Barnum, which became a box-office smash. Will there be a Broadway version?

A: I don’t know. It’s not definitive at all. There’s a lot of people working on what a live version of that would be. Is it something that’s on the West End or in Vegas? Is it a touring tent show? Is it an arena spectacular? All I know is when we were in the room during those workshops, you get a really keen sense if it’s going to work in a theater. And I know it will work. I just know the power. I’ve seen Keala (Settle) standing in the center of a room singing “This Is Me,” and there was not a dry eye in the house.


Q: Or maybe a film sequel?

A: I’m sure there are pitches being done but I have no idea what’s going on.

It sounds too far off into the future.

Jo

[jo]

Hugh was asked again about the live/stage adaptation of the movie The Greatest Showman --

www.vulture.com/2018/10/the-greatest-showman-musical-hugh-jackman-is-interested.html

Hugh Jackman Would ‘For Sure’ Play P.T. Barnum in a Greatest Showman Musical

Hugh Jackman Would ‘For Sure’ Play P.T. Barnum in a Greatest Showman Musical
By Benjamin Lindsay

Hugh Jackman. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images


Ladies and gents, this is the moment you’ve waited for: Hugh Jackman says he wants to reprise his role as P.T. Barnum in the proposed stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman. Speaking with Vulture at last night’s New York premiere of his latest film The Front Runner — which has him starring as another real-life figure, the scandalized 1988 democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart — we asked Jackman if he’d be interested in reprising his role from last year’s mega musical hit. “Yes, I am interested, for sure,” he said. “When we were putting this together, we workshopped it like we would a Broadway show. So I’ve been in rooms several times doing the material, and I know it works. My theatrical bones know that that would work.”


It’s not the first time Jackman has posited the possibility of a stage adaptation. Speaking earlier this year with Forbes, he said that after wrapping The Front Runner, he and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul were “working hard right now on working out a live version of the [The Greatest Showman]. There’s, like, three different possibilities currently.” But in an interview with the New York Times earlier this month, he clarified that an adaptation “is not definitive at all,” and that they’re still deciding how best to translate it for the stage. “There’s a lot of people working on what a live version of that would be,” he said. “Is it something that’s on the West End or in Vegas? Is it a touring tent show? Is it an arena spectacular?”


Jackman elaborated last night, saying that we can expect slight changes from the film were a stage adaptation to come to fruition. “You don’t want to just repeat the film — you want to give something that would accentuate the theater and make it a theatrical experience,” he said. “But the heart of it would be the same. I mean, that movie is all heart, basically.”


So what if Jackman found himself on the Broadway boards for the first time since his 2014 run of The River? Is he ready for the challenge? We couldn’t help but ask: What’s harder, bulking up and playing his famed Logan in the X-Men franchise or doing eight shows a week?

Jackman paused and flashed a knowing smile: “Eight shows a week!”

[jo]

In case you missed this part from a FRONT RUNNER-related interview --

What about bringing The Greatest Showman to the stage? Any progress?

There’s a bunch of talk. I’m not going to lie to you, I’ve heard four different possibilities. I’m involved but not in charge, if that makes sense. So I think that the people who are in charge are kind of just working through the four options. I’ve heard at least four options, from a big arena spectacular, to a more traditional West End or Broadway show, to something in Vegas, to something in a circus tent. I’ve heard lots of different things.

What I do know is, from doing the workshops which you can see online, it really works in the room. With no spectacle, with no costumes, those songs really work. When Keala Settle sings “This is Me”, I’m telling you, there’s not a dry eye in the house. Jim Gianopulos leapt from his chair, ran across the room—mid-performance—and hugged her and said, “You just booked your first motion picture.” It really works. So I feel very confident that a live version will come together.

and --

Where do you go from here?

More of the same. I’m really following more of the same. I still always feel—and it’s probably why I work so hard on every project—that there is a deeper place to go. Different things to do. I must admit to you I’m very keenly feeling the pull back to stage to do a show, like a Broadway show kind of musical. I’m really feeling that pull. It’s been 15 years since I’ve done that. I’ve done plays but I haven’t done a musical on stage for 15 years. So I feel like that’s been too long.

I’m really just sort of loving the material that’s coming my way right now. Not great for someone who’s indecisive, because I find myself wanting to do them all, but I really am enjoying it.

Hmmm... it seems he could be seriously considering returning to Broadway in a book musical, apart from THE GREATEST SHOWMAN?

I wonder what interesting material are coming his way these days? New musical or revival?

I'm watching this space, Hugh

Jo(sie)

[jo]

There are all conflicting news about the fate of any live adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN -- in this case, BBC has interviewed Hugh Jackman and he is unsure himself as to its ultimate reincarnation!

www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-46446499

Entertainment & Arts

Hugh Jackman 'would do' a Greatest Showman sequel
37 minutes ago


The Greatest Showman has been the surprise hit film of the past year. But having just one box office success is, as they sing in the film, never enough.

Small wonder the musical's star Hugh Jackman has said he would like to star in a sequel - if one is made.
"If a genuine opportunity came up where it felt like the right thing to do, then yep, I'd get the top hat back out," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Jackman plays PT Barnum in the film, which took $435m (£341m) worldwide.

The Australian actor isn't sure if a sequel will happen, citing the uncertainty surrounding Disney's plan to buy 21st Century Fox as a factor.



"We have a situation in the business where the company that did it has been sold to Disney, so there are a lot of spinning plates right now," said the star.


"I'm not sure what they would do, but it did take a while to get the first one up, and it's not to be underestimated how difficult it is to get a musical up and going.

"But it's clear to me and to everyone that people love these characters. I loved this movie, I loved this character and it was one of the great joys of my life."


Despite a relatively slow start at the box office and a mauling from critics, the original film went on to spend 18 weeks in the UK box office Top 10.

Its soundtrack, meanwhile, spent 21 weeks at number one on the album chart. (It's still riding high at number three.)


A Broadway musical version is also reportedly in the works, to star former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger if The Sun is to be believed.


Jackman himself is preparing to embark on a solo stage tour, performing songs from The Greatest Showman, other musicals he has appeared in and some he hasn't.

"I really wanted to be in Moulin Rouge, I auditioned for that one," he said. "Chicago was another movie that I wanted to be in, and I kind of let that one go."

Ewan McGregor went on to star in 2001's Moulin Rouge with Nicole Kidman, while Richard Gere was in Chicago the following year.

Jackman's arena tour will visit Europe and North America next May, June and July and will include UK dates in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Tickets go on sale on Friday.

The 50-year-old can also be seen on the big screen as former US presidential candidate Gary Hart in The Front Runner, which arrives in UK cinemas in January.

I have always thought that a major issue re further moves on the TGS prospects had something to do with what Disney may want to do with it? Will they want a show that is more focused on a very young audience, as has been the topic of many of their movies or stage musicals? Do they want a family-type entertainment via a Las Vegas type production?

Or are the current people involved wanting to accelerate the live adaptation ( in whatever form - Broadway/LasVegas/Concert) soon?


If it goes to Broadway -- then I hope Hugh gets to reprise his role in the movie!


Jo

[jo]

This is the rumor published in the tabloid The SUN re Nicole S being eyed for the role of Anne Wheeler.

www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/7890771/nicole-scherzinger-greatest-showman-broadway/

Er… Nicole is 40 years old -- how can she play the role of Anne? They have to cast the role of Philip older?

Also, my impression of Anne is that she is still young and more of an ingenue?

Or, if the rumors have some truth to it, could it be the role of Jenny Lind that she is being eyed for? But Jenny Lind is Swedish and Nicole is more of a woman of color.

Btw, The Sun, which is more of tabloid type, is owned by the Rupert Murdoch News Group. Mr. Murdoch is soon to be ex-owner of FOX, once the Disney acquisition is finalized and executed.


Jo

[jo]

Michael Gracey is very positive about the stage adaptation happening and on Broadway!


uk.movies.yahoo.com/greatest-showman-definitely-headed-broadway-says-director-michael-gracey-150714339.html?fbclid=IwAR3yrLQ7RkFI6q6Q8XH3FaXMZxTR-uw8-x_FiqVEIoEqjqtdYV55rkQH04s&guccounter=1

Home
The Greatest Showman
'The Greatest Showman' is 'definitely' headed to Broadway, says director Michael Gracey

Tom Butler
Senior Editor
Yahoo Movies UK14 December 2018


Although it was technically released in 2017 on Boxing Day, The Greatest Showman has undoubtedly been the most talked about movie of 2018.

The hit musical, based on the life of P.T. Barnum and starring Hugh Jackman in the title role, was a runaway success and has grossed over £350 million at the global box office. It’s the best-selling DVD and Blu-ray of 2018 by some distance, the soundtrack is the best-selling album of the year, and it’s also the most searched for movie of the last 12 months with Yahoo users.



We caught up with the film’s director Michael Gracey to toast the film’s success, and to find out what’s next for the all-conquering musical extravaganza.



The Greatest Showman has been a phenomenal success – it’s the most searched-for film of 2018 on Yahoo – why do you think it has resonated with people, particularly here in the UK?

Michael Gracey: One of the main themes of our film is the importance of family. We see this both with Barnum’s own family and the one he creates in the circus. Family loves and supports you through whatever success or failure you experience in life. I think this timeless message resonates with people, especially during the holidays.

I also think the film carries an important message about self-acceptance. At the end of the day, we all look in the mirror and tend to see our own self-perceived flaws. So to watch a film that celebrates what it is to be different and unique, it just connects with audiences — no matter who you are.


What’s been the most amazing “pinch yourself” moment you’ve had since the film was released?

Having been all over the world, I’ve seen the number of people that our film has positively impacted. I’ve listened to the incredible stories they’ve shared. I’ve always believed in the power of cinema, but to experience firsthand that you can have an idea, create it, and have audiences from all walks of life respond to it in such unique and powerful ways… it is truly humbling.


Is there a chance of more Greatest Showman in the future – a Broadway show, a sequel, an extended edition?

There will definitely be a Broadway musical at some point. Songwriters Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and I all workshopped the film very much like it was a stage production as a way of testing and improving it, both musically and narratively. It’s an incredibly powerful piece when performed live.


Will you be going to see Hugh Jackman on his world tour?

Of course! I’ve seen Hugh perform his one-man shows many times, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing his latest world tour. He is the ultimate showman!


The Greatest Showman is out on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital download now.

If and when it happens, I hope Hugh will take on the titular role even if only for a limited period.


Jo

[jo]

Likely prodded on by the Gracey interview where he says that THE GREATEST SHOWMAN will definitely come to Broadway at some point - someone at BWW opened up the topic for discussion.

www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1113903&dt=31

Still a number of naysayers!

I wonder why there is some amount of antagonism towards a hit original live-action film musical and its potential adaptation for the stage ( Broadway)??



Why wouldn't they want to see fresh material on the musical theatre stage?

Why wouldn't they want an adaptation that could very well work as effectively onstage as it did with movie audiences?

This was my biggest problem too - there's no rise and fall to the score. The songs are fine, one at a time, but when they all combine, I felt like all of them have the same exact arc and it loses its impact. I admit to enjoying the movie in a way, but I'd rather it not come to Broadway and, in all likelihood, end up as another pretty mediocre adaptation.

You have to recognize that there were several major story arcs --

Of course there would be a number of story arcs because it is basically the story of an ambitious and hardworking man who would see the birth of mass entertainment and the people he took along the way!

*The Phineas and Charity story, including the story of Jenny ( A Million Dreams/Never Enough/Tightrope/From Now On)

*The rise and fall of the circus (including the story of its troupe)...and rise again ( The Greatest Show/Come Alive/This Is Me/From Now On/The Greatest Show

*The story of Philip and Anne (The Greatest Show/Rewrite the Stars/The Greatest Show)

*And the story of Ringmaster and Prodigy - PT and Philip ( The Other Side/The Greatest Show)


And that the song sets fit the different arcs.




Jealousy is the only reason I can think of

There were many naysayers when the movie and the soundtrack came out. Dismissive comments on the talent displayed (cast and creatives) in the movie on that board. And yet there was always enthusiasm on BWW for most film to stage adaptations.


Of course there are those who are enthusiastic for the musical to come to Broadway and become an adaptation that is suitable for the stage.



Jo

[jo]

[jo]

[jo]

I think I found it --

It's part of EXTRAS/THE SPECTACLE/CHOREOGRAPHY.

It seems like the part where choreographer Ashley Wallen talks about the choreography work for the movie. In the part about REWRITE THE STARS, there is a black-and-white clip showing the initial choreography plan executed by famous dancer/ads director DANIEL CLOUD CAMPOS and his partner TAMARA. The singers singing REWRITE THE STARS are definitely not Zac nor Zendaya. They seem both higher-pitched voices. It could be Aaron (although I could not definitively say it is, even if I had seen him on stage in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN or in the film adaptation of LES MISERABLES). It does seem like Loren.


Jo

[jo]

Confirmed!

[jo]

Dec 4, 2018 13:16:32 GMT -5 jo said:

This is the rumor published in the tabloid The SUN re Nicole S being eyed for the role of Anne Wheeler.

www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/7890771/nicole-scherzinger-greatest-showman-broadway/

Er… Nicole is 40 years old -- how can she play the role of Anne? They have to cast the role of Philip older?

Also, my impression of Anne is that she is still young and more of an ingenue?

Or, if the rumors have some truth to it, could it be the role of Jenny Lind that she is being eyed for? But Jenny Lind is Swedish and Nicole is more of a woman of color.

Btw, The Sun, which is more of tabloid type, is owned by the Rupert Murdoch News Group. Mr. Murdoch is soon to be ex-owner of FOX, once the Disney acquisition is finalized and executed.


Jo

[njr]

Now I could see Nicole Kidman as Jenny Lind, but Sherzinger?! 😂