Road presenters stew over 'Q' decision
Producers pact with Las Vegas entrepreneur Wynn
Thursday's New York Times carried a page one story revealing that the show's producers had struck an exclusive deal with Las Vegas entrepreneur Steve Wynn's Wynn Las Vegas Resort.
"Very Machiavellian," marveled Gina Vernaci of Cleveland's Playhouse Square Center. Like a lot of her colleagues, Vernaci had been holding a slot for the hit sleeper tuner for the 2005 season and was already teasing subscribers with its arrival.
After all, Vernaci had been told by the show's bookers -- who work in an office owned by the producers -- that it would be available.
Producers Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman and Jeffrey Seller Fed-Exed hundreds of letters to interested parties that were timed to arrive the same day as the Times story. In the letter, the producers argued they had an obligation to make the best possible deal for their investors.
By mid-morning, words like "bait and switch" were flowing. As many people saw it, the Vegas deal was carefully kept under wraps until after the Tony Awards so the musical could present itself as the sweet little show that could.
Had it been known there was a big Vegas payday in the offing, the thinking went in many offices, that all-important Tony would not have been forthcoming. (Better not to dwell on what that says about the integrity of the road voters.)
Some presenters argue it was a fundamental betrayal of the symbiotic relationship between Broadway and the road. "This is very disappointing," said Mike Isaacson of St. Louis-based Fox Theatricals. "They are telling road presenters here that they and their subscribers cannot have access to the Tony Award-winning best musical. They should understand this is an interdependent business."
Seller argues it would have been irresponsible to refuse the deal.
"I genuinely regret that we're not going to be able to present the show on the road," he said. "My roots are on the road, and I care deeply about the road. But I and my partners do a new musical on Broadway very infrequently. When we do one, we depend on it to be our bread and butter for a long time. We had to make a decision that was in the best interests of the show, creatively and financially."
One possible factor in the decision: "Avenue Q" was no slam dunk on the road. Many thought it would get swamped by 3,000-seat houses and that hinterland auds would bring their kids and then get annoyed at the profanity.
But are Vegas audiences really as adventurous as Wynn and Co. seem to think? That's a tough call. No similar legit show has thrived there. "Mamma Mia!" does well, but it's a mainstream show with international appeal. The Cirque du Soleil shows are pure spectacle. And Vegas auds aren't known for liberality -- it's hard to imagine them loving the show's gay-friendly themes or anti-Bush one-liners.
Then again, it's going to be in the hottest hotel in town, under the safe shoulders of the one guy who knows desert trends better than anyone. "Steve Wynn," said Seller, "has never failed in Vegas. When he gives a vote of confidence to your show, you take it seriously."
