Will Ariana Grande be the new revived 'Evita' ?

[Ali Gator]

Rumors are flying that Ariana Grande, who wowed critics and audiences alike when she hosted SNL in October, maybe the star of the 'Evita' revival being planned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and director Jamie Lloyd for the West End next summer. If the show is a hit, they are already planning a Broadway run (which would also star Grande). 

It's been said Lloyd attended the SNL show when Grande was hosting, as he was in Manhattan readying his 'Sunset Boulevard' revival straight from the West End with the original stars. According to some unidentified sources, Lloyd met with Grande after the show, talked for a long time, and invited her to the opening of 'SB' a few weeks later, which she accepted. She has been back to see the show a few times, and has been seen meeting with Lloyd in various locations in the city. Speculation has been the two of them are discussing the 'Evita' revival.

The rumors really flared up on different social media platforms this past week, after Grande was a guest on SNL member Bowen Yang's podcast, promoting her new movie 'Wicked'. When asked what she had lined up going forward, Grande indicated she is focusing on 'returning to the theater to star in a musical', but gave no hints or details. She mentioned she loved doing the musical '13' back in 2008 (which launched her music and acting career) when she was 15, and she thinks it's time to return to 'her roots'. 

[+ ApexNomad]

2 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

Rumors are flying that Ariana Grande, who wowed critics and audiences alike when she hosted SNL in October, maybe the star of the 'Evita' revival being planned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and director Jamie Lloyd for the West End next summer. If the show is a hit, they are already planning a Broadway run (which would also star Grande). 

It's been said Lloyd attended the SNL show when Grande was hosting, as he was in Manhattan readying his 'Sunset Boulevard' revival straight from the West End with the original stars. According to some unidentified sources, Lloyd met with Grande after the show, talked for a long time, and invited her to the opening of 'SB' a few weeks later, which she accepted. She has been back to see the show a few times, and has been seen meeting with Lloyd in various locations in the city. Speculation has been the two of them are discussing the 'Evita' revival.

The rumors really flared up on different social media platforms this past week, after Grande was a guest on SNL member Bowen Yang's podcast, promoting her new movie 'Wicked'. When asked what she had lined up going forward, Grande indicated she is focusing on 'returning to the theater to star in a musical', but gave no hints or details. She mentioned she loved doing the musical '13' back in 2008 (which launched her music and acting career) when she was 15, and she thinks it's time to return to 'her roots'. 

Interesting casting choice. I also read ALW and Lloyd are teaming up on his new original musical, “The Illusionist.”

[Ali Gator]

I should point out that the last (and only) B'way revival of 'Evita' was in 2012, starring Elena Roger and Ricky Martin, and it was a flop. The show opened in April, 2012 and ran for 46 weeks (ending in January, 2013). It cost investors $11M, and failed to recoup the investment. It would have had to last an additional 17 weeks to make its investment back. 

[+ ApexNomad]

4 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

I should point out that the last (and only) B'way revival of 'Evita' was in 2012, starring Elena Roger and Ricky Martin, and it was a flop. The show opened in April, 2012 and ran for 46 weeks (ending in January, 2013). It cost investors $11M, and failed to recoup the investment. It would have had to last an additional 17 weeks to make its investment back. 

I thought the 2012 Broadway revival of Evita had its moments, but ultimately, it felt a bit underwhelming. Elena Roger’s portrayal of Eva Perón was definitely unique, but I found her vocal performance lacking the powerhouse presence I was expecting. She captured Eva’s ambition and fiery spirit, but some of the iconic numbers didn’t have the punch I was hoping for. Her voice, while distinctive, just didn’t always hit the mark for me.

Ricky Martin, as Che, was charismatic and brought some star appeal, but I felt like his performance missed the intensity that the character demands. He had great stage presence and his vocals were fine, but Che felt more like a narrator than the rebellious, biting figure he’s meant to be. It left the show feeling a little softer, especially given the political edge Evita usually carries.

I did enjoy Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón, though. His performance was one of the highlights for me—subtle and nuanced, which provided a nice contrast to the more flamboyant moments. The staging and set design were visually striking, and the choreography added some energy to the ensemble numbers. Still, I thought the production, in general, relied a little too much on spectacle rather than digging deeper into the emotional core of the story.

[+ nycman]

23 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

Elena Roger’s portrayal of Eva Perón was definitely unique

You’re being kind. She was an unmitigated bomb. Her voice simply wasn’t up to the part. The night I saw her, she missed over a dozen high notes and literally squeaked her way through the rest. People in the audicance began covering their ears every time she sang. It was that bad.

Ricky Martin’s Che was "passable". But who really wants a "passable" Che? 

Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón was the only star of the night. Unfortunately, given the shit show that was happening around him, it really didn’t matter much. One great performance, couldn’t save the dumpster fire that was this production. 

[+ ApexNomad]

1 hour ago, nycman said:

You’re being kind. She was an unmitigated bomb. Her voice simply wasn’t up to the part. The night I saw her, she missed over a dozen high notes and literally squeaked her way through the rest. People in the audicance began covering their ears every time she sang. It was that bad.

Ricky Martin’s Che was "passable". But who really wants a "passable" Che? 

Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón was the only star of the night. Unfortunately, given the shit show that was happening around him, it really didn’t matter much. One great performance, couldn’t save the dumpster fire that was this production. 

That’s what happens when you see it in previews. 😂

I must have been too distracted by Ricky’s bulge in the 5th row orchestra to notice the surrounding shit show. 

[skynyc]

Off topic, I know, but Cerveris is in another lackluster show now...Tammy Faye which opens tomorrow and I expect will close next week. Not sure if it even deserves it's own thread. 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

14 hours ago, nycman said:

You’re being kind. She was an unmitigated bomb. Her voice simply wasn’t up to the part. The night I saw her, she missed over a dozen high notes and literally squeaked her way through the rest. People in the audicance began covering their ears every time she sang. It was that bad.

Ricky Martin’s Che was "passable". But who really wants a "passable" Che? 

Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón was the only star of the night. Unfortunately, given the shit show that was happening around him, it really didn’t matter much. One great performance, couldn’t save the dumpster fire that was this production. 

Could you say this whole thing louder for the people in the back?  Elena Roger was fucking awful.  How she got West End raves boggles my mind.

Cerveris is usually always the highlight in everything he does.  I still remember seeing him (for the first time) at the old Jane when he took over the JCM in Hedwig.  He was a fucking beast.  Great performance.

I'd be fine with Grande trying to lead a Broadway show if she would consistently sing vowels.  Her diction is worse than LuPone's.

[+ ApexNomad]

4 hours ago, skynyc said:

Off topic, I know, but Cerveris is in another lackluster show now...Tammy Faye which opens tomorrow and I expect will close next week. Not sure if it even deserves it's own thread. 

I had no idea he was in that. Might be a reason to go see it now. Thanks.

[skynyc]

On 11/13/2024 at 12:59 PM, BenjaminNicholas said:

Could you say this whole thing louder for the people in the back?  Elena Roger was fucking awful.  How she got West End raves boggles my mind.

Cerveris is usually always the highlight in everything he does.  I still remember seeing him (for the first time) at the old Jane when he took over the JCM in Hedwig.  He was a fucking beast.  Great performance.

I'd be fine with Grande trying to lead a Broadway show if she would consistently sing vowels.  Her diction is worse than LuPone's.

taking this string further afield...Cerveris (who was tremendous in Hedwig) was replaced there by Kevin Cahoon who was recently riotous as the dad-joking uncle in Shucked, and is now playing Zaza in La Cage at the Pasadena Playhouse. 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

13 hours ago, skynyc said:

taking this string further afield...Cerveris (who was tremendous in Hedwig) was replaced there by Kevin Cahoon who was recently riotous as the dad-joking uncle in Shucked, and is now playing Zaza in La Cage at the Pasadena Playhouse. 

I love rabbit hole talk when it comes to talented character actors 😀

 

[+ ApexNomad]

15 hours ago, skynyc said:

taking this string further afield...Cerveris (who was tremendous in Hedwig) was replaced there by Kevin Cahoon who was recently riotous as the dad-joking uncle in Shucked, and is now playing Zaza in La Cage at the Pasadena Playhouse. 

Extending this string further afield, the reviews for Tammy Faye are in—Lord help them, because they’ll need a prayer to stay open. The consensus seems to be that the refurbished Palace Theatre is the real star of the show. On a related note, I bet Andrew Rannells is feeling pretty content that contract negotiations fell through and Christian Borle took over the role of Jim Bakker.

[Ali Gator]

11 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

Extending this string further afield, the reviews for Tammy Faye are in—Lord help them, because they’ll need a prayer to stay open. The consensus seems to be that the refurbished Palace Theatre is the real star of the show. On a related note, I bet Andrew Rannells is feeling pretty content that contract negotiations fell through and Christian Borle took over the role of Jim Bakker.

On one of the theater forums, people are saying that the horrid "Diana: The Musical" from the 2021-22 season looks like a work of Shakespeare compared to 'Tammy Faye'. And 'Diana' closed after 33 struggling performances. 

[Ali Gator]

On 11/12/2024 at 11:52 PM, ApexNomad said:

That’s what happens when you see it in previews. 😂

I must have been too distracted by Ricky’s bulge in the 5th row orchestra to notice the surrounding shit show. 

Interesting that they really promoted the show on B'way with Ricky Martin as the star, and Elena Rogers came across as an after-thought (in most promos). I remember seeing clips of the show featuring sexy Ricky in commercials, and a glimpse of Rogers. They should have renamed the musical "Che". 

[+ ApexNomad]

1 hour ago, Ali Gator said:

Interesting that they really promoted the show on B'way with Ricky Martin as the star, and Elena Rogers came across as an after-thought (in most promos). I remember seeing clips of the show featuring sexy Ricky in commercials, and a glimpse of Rogers. They should have renamed the musical "Che". 

True. He had top billing—his name came first. Bigger star. Neither received a Tony nomination, but Cerveris did. It played at the Marquis, which never seems able to hold down a musical for long. There’s just something about that location.

[+ ApexNomad]

1 hour ago, Ali Gator said:

On one of the theater forums, people are saying that the horrid "Diana: The Musical" from the 2021-22 season looks like a work of Shakespeare compared to 'Tammy Faye'. And 'Diana' closed after 33 struggling performances. 

Let the clock down begin. 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

15 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

Extending this string further afield, the reviews for Tammy Faye are in—Lord help them, because they’ll need a prayer to stay open. 

I saw it in London and I felt like I was the only person in the audience not wowed by the show.

Elton John hasn't composed a decent musical since Billy Elliott.  I'm shocked they keep giving him these shows when his music is failing the production.

His name alone is not selling these shows.  The Devil Wears Prada proved that during its Chicago run.

The Palace redo is beautiful, but for all the money they spent, the bathrooms are still a piece of miniscule, badly-designed shit.

 

 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

4 hours ago, Ali Gator said:

On one of the theater forums, people are saying that the horrid "Diana: The Musical" from the 2021-22 season looks like a work of Shakespeare compared to 'Tammy Faye'. And 'Diana' closed after 33 struggling performances. 

Diana was a camp masterpiece.  I honestly loved it.  

The cast knew what they were in and leaned hard into it.

[+ ApexNomad]

1 minute ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

Diana was a camp masterpiece.  I honestly loved it.  

The cast knew what they were in and leaned hard into it.

I’m so glad you said that!! I had a few friends over for a watch party when it premiered on Netflix. We made it a whole thing—cocktails, champagne, and some very on-brand hors d’oeuvres: cucumber sandwiches, mini beef Wellingtons, and a “Crown Jewel” cheese platter.

Every time a character dramatically said “the People,” we took a sip, which, in hindsight, explains why we ran out of Prosecco halfway through Act One. By the time they got to “This Is How Your People Dance,” we were choreographing our own royal routines in the living room, tiaras askew. Regal chaos.

[+ ApexNomad]

16 minutes ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

I saw it in London and I felt like I was the only person in the audience not wowed by the show.

Elton John hasn't composed a decent musical since Billy Elliott.  I'm shocked they keep giving him these shows when his music is failing the production.

His name alone is not selling these shows.  The Devil Wears Prada proved that during its Chicago run.

The Palace redo is beautiful, but for all the money they spent, the bathrooms are still a piece of miniscule, badly-designed shit.

 

 

Agreed! Didn’t Elton John also do Lestat? That was a tragic evening at the theater. I do love Carolee Carmello, but… ouch. I think he peaked with Billy Elliott and hasn’t quite matched that magic since.

I saw Ben Platt when he performed at the Palace and the bathrooms were exactly as you described. 

[+ ApexNomad]

Tammy Faye announces closing - December 8

Broadway's Tammy Faye Abruptly Sets Final Performance

PLAYBILL.COM

---

The Elton John-Jake Shears musical opened at the Palace Theatre November 14.

 

[Ali Gator]

20 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

Tammy Faye announces closing - December 8

Broadway's Tammy Faye Abruptly Sets Final Performance

PLAYBILL.COM

---

The Elton John-Jake Shears musical opened at the Palace Theatre November 14.

 

SHOCKED !  SHOCKED, I tell you. 

In this upside down universe we live in, watch this pick up a slew of Tony nominations next Spring and even win some. 

[+ ApexNomad]

29 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

SHOCKED !  SHOCKED, I tell you. 

In this upside down universe we live in, watch this pick up a slew of Tony nominations next Spring and even win some. 

True! The Tony’s love Borle and Cerveris.

[Erbenle]

On 11/12/2024 at 10:06 PM, nycman said:

You’re being kind. She was an unmitigated bomb. Her voice simply wasn’t up to the part. The night I saw her, she missed over a dozen high notes and literally squeaked her way through the rest. People in the audicance began covering their ears every time she sang. It was that bad.

Ricky Martin’s Che was "passable". But who really wants a "passable" Che? 

Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón was the only star of the night. Unfortunately, given the shit show that was happening around him, it really didn’t matter much. One great performance, couldn’t save the dumpster fire that was this production. 

Couldn’t agree more about Elena, but I also saw the matinee Eva and she changed the production for me.  She and Ricky had chemistry that couldn’t be missed. Her name was Christina DeCicco.  Brilliance!

[+ ApexNomad]

Ariana DeBose in talks to star in Evita at the London Palladium.