Forty Years of Broadway Musical Flops: A Hilarious and Fascinating Journey

: Embracing the Failures

Broadway, the bustling heart of American theater, is renowned for its dazzling successes and timeless classics. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, there lies a hidden history of musical flops—shows that soared with ambition but crashed down in a blaze of glory. These productions, despite their short-lived runs, offer a treasure trove of entertainment and lessons for aspiring artists and theater enthusiasts alike.

Not Since Carrie: Forty Years of Broadway Musical Flops

by Ken Mandelbaum

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13383 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	386 pages

FREE

Chapter 1: The Notorious 'Carrie' and the Cursed Pig's Blood

In 1988, Broadway audiences were treated to the disastrous musical adaptation of Stephen King's horror classic, 'Carrie.' This ill-fated production was plagued by technical mishaps, including a malfunctioning stage that sent buckets of faux pig's blood showering onto the audience. The show's notorious failure became a cautionary tale about the perils of over-the-top spectacle and the importance of a cohesive story.

Chapter 2: 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' - A Web of Production Disasters

In 2011, 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' shattered Broadway records for the most injuries, production delays, and replacements. This superhero musical, featuring a high-tech flying system, became a nightmare for its cast and crew. Persistent technical glitches, combined with a convoluted plot and awkward lyrics, led to the show's premature demise.

Chapter 3: 'Sunset Boulevard' - When a Classic Falls Flat

In 1994, Broadway witnessed the ill-fated revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece, 'Sunset Boulevard.' Despite a lavish set and a star-studded cast, the production was met with lukewarm reviews and struggled to connect with audiences. This cautionary tale highlights the challenges of reinventing a beloved classic and the importance of finding a fresh perspective.

Chapter 4: 'The Pirate Queen' - A Swashbuckling Disaster

In 2007, 'The Pirate Queen' set sail on Broadway with a budget of over $16 million. This lavish spectacle, featuring Celtic music and intricate choreography, aimed to transport audiences to the high seas. However, convoluted storytelling, lackluster songs, and a bloated production design sank the show, leaving behind a treasure chest of lessons about the dangers of overestimating spectacle.

Chapter 5: 'Jekyll & Hyde' - A Strange Case of Musical Malady

In 1997, the Tony Award-winning British musical 'Jekyll & Hyde' made its Broadway debut. Despite a riveting performance from Michael Crawford, the show's dark and macabre themes, combined with a melodramatic score, failed to fully engage American audiences. This production illustrates the cultural divide that can sometimes exist between Broadway and other theatrical traditions.

: Learning from the Flops

The flops of Broadway are not merely failures; they are valuable lessons for artists, producers, and theater-goers. These productions demonstrate the importance of strong storytelling, technical proficiency, and a connection with the audience. While they may have closed their curtains prematurely, the legacy of Broadway's flops lives on, inspiring laughter, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the art of live theater.

In 'Forty Years of Broadway Musical Flops,' readers will embark on a fascinating journey through the wreckage of these legendary failures. They will discover the behind-the-scenes stories, the cringe-worthy songs, and the production disasters that made these shows so unforgettable. Through the lens of these flops, theater enthusiasts will gain a new perspective on the challenges and triumphs of Broadway and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Not Since Carrie: Forty Years of Broadway Musical Flops

by Ken Mandelbaum

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13383 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	386 pages

FREE