BLOG: Internet Kills RAGTIME

by Trish Causey

The "information highway" took a small bump in the road and transformed it into a massive pile-up---all due to unfounded rumours, and now a wonderful Broadway show is paying the price.

Rumours started online that RAGTIME was closing even though the producers denied the rumours and were actually starting another marketing campaign for the first of the year. In fact, cast members reported that when signing autographs after performances, the fans would opine, "Sorry the show's closing," even though it was not.

The revival launched on Broadway November 15, 2009, after a wildly successful run in Washington, D.C., that extended several times. Though WICKED was breaking its own box office records, the holidays could not lift RAGTIME up to the same par. The Internet buzz caught like wildfire, and poof! Ticket sales were down because people thought it was already gone.

The New York Times reported the official word that, yes, Virginia, RAGTIME will indeed close on January 3, 2010---all because of the Internet.


Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/theater/29ragtime.html

BWAY: GODSPELL Set for Fall 2010

by Trish Causey

Word has it, Godspell is indeed making a return to Broadway. Stephen Schwartz's 1971 hit based on the Gospel of Matthew was supposed to open in 2008, starring Tony nominee Gavin Creel and American Idol finalist Diana DeGarmo. However, the recession took its toll on one investor, and the production was put in limbo.

Now, with solid backing but no cast confirmed, producers have announced a Fall 2010 opening for the Broadway revival of Godspell.

Stephen Schwartz is the composer of Wicked and Pippin, among other works for stage and film.

Creative Team (so far):

• Director: Daniel Goldstein
• Producer: Ken Davenport

Source: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/135220-_Godspell_Revival_Aiming_for_2010_11_Broadway_Season