We were going to do a live recording of the revue, but it couldn't happen for this performance and so probably will not happen, at least here with this company. I'm not sure how the issues that are now in the air can be fixed. An e-mail, signed by the cast, the producer, and me, will go out in the next day or two. The crux of this has to do with last month's NY concert of this material. None of us were consulted, asked, or anything. Our structure was used - and although it would probably be denied, a good deal of it came from me (one quick example - in the original order they gave me, the opening number was what I suggested be our finale, as it didn't set up the show correctly - I suggested what should open it and that's how the show opens). Of course, I have the proof of that because I have the original proposed structure, which was not so hot. In NY, there was no rehearsal, the cast, mostly known names, read lyrics from music stands, no staging, and yet the writer was thrilled because the audience laughed and they were names (like our cast is chopped liver - not). Our producer was so angry and upset that she took him on about it and he got furious with her because she told him that it was her idea to make this into a show. His POV is that he had that idea long ago. That's all semantics, however. He may have had the idea long ago BUT it was she who made it happen , not he. She brought me in right from the start and I was part of every meeting and every decision. She found the cast - her friends and folks she'd met at Kritzerland.
And the cast learned of the NY thing (which is happening again in June) via a post on Facebook. That's just disrespectful, in my opinion. I don't think anyone would have the chutzpah to use my staging and hopefully that will remain the case. They really don't want to do that, if you get my meaning. But the right thing would have been to at least have a conversation with all of us. At least give our case the chance to go to NY on their own dime to do it (all of them would have and then they could have had a SHOW instead of a "concert" with actors reading lyrics, not knowing tunes, etc.). It really left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, frankly. And they all feel it's important for him to know how they feel. I think there's ego involved here and I'm not sure it will have any effect except further alienation. Which is a shame, because everyone worked really hard, and the result was and is a fantastic PRODUCTION with fun staging, fully directed performances, and audiences that loved every second of it. It's too bad, really, but I understand it.
