Oooh, what a good giveaway we’ve got this week!

Fresh off it’s set of raves, Once has set the stage for one of my favorite things – a big David vs. Goliath type Tony Battle, where a small independent musical takes on a big behemoth (Newsies).  It’s going to be an exciting run-up to June 12th, that’s for sure.

One of the most interesting things about the reviews for Once, was the big ol’ wet sloppy kiss that Brantley gave it in the Times . . . because his Off-Broadway review wasn’t as glowing.  Big Ben adjusted his opininon (which made me have even more respect for the man-who-would-be-king), and said he got it wrong, and that Once was wonderful.  Luckily, the Producers were hell-bent on Broadway before reading his earlier review

Interestingly enough, last week we also saw Superstar open, which had received an earlier dismissal from Isherwood during its Canadian opening, and unfortunately for them, he didn’t change his mind.

Out of town or pre-opening reviews are tricky subjects for Producers.  Here are two examples of much different info provided by the critics for productions on their way in to Broadway.

As a Producer, how much would you pay attention to reviews of an out-of-town production or a pre-Broadway mounting?  Should critics even go to a show that is on its way?

Comment below with your thoughts and I’ll send one of you to Once!

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