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On Brighton Beach Memoirs

I read an article dissecting why "Brighton Beach Memoirs" didn't last on Broadway, and to me, the piece was really off the mark.

It blamed Neil Simon's humor--it said it was dated, and that it doesn't fit in with today's mainstream humor.

Normally, I would agree--but not when it comes to this particular play. For one thing, it's more drama than comedy, and it's aged very well.

Some said it was because it didn't have a star in it--but then how would you account for other shows with no star power that do well? "August: Osage County" didn't have a single marquee name in it, and it was still wildly successful.

The article also couldn't blame the reviews or word of mouth, because everyone was talking about what a great show it was.

So what was the reason then?

Here's what I think:

1) It shouldn't have been a commercial run. I think the show would have done much better as a limited-run at a place like MTC. People knew there was no specific closing date for the show, and when that's the case, why bother rushing to the theater?

2) It should have played a smaller house. I know Neil Simon is a big name, but so is William Shakespeare and Hamlet's not playing the Hilton.

3) Both shows should have opened as close together as possible. If the gimmick was that these two shows were going to run in rep, then what was the point in having one open a month after the other? All the other rep shows that have opened recently opened relatively close to one another. All the critics seemed to be holding back lavishing the show with praise because they wanted to see how part two was going to turn out first. As soon as things looked bleak, they should have sped up the opening for "Broadway Bound." Then it might have been considered an event.

4) On this I agree with the article--the advertising deal they struck was really REALLY dumb.

5) I'm going to get lambasted for saying this, but they could have added a LITTLE bit more star power to the cast. I'm not saying movie stars, but Blanche and Jack are terrific roles. I think they could have gone for some A-list Broadway talent there and still not sold out.

Just sayin'

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