NEWS: Opening Night to close early in London | a rant about musical theatre producers and 'risks'

[@BroadwayGuy]

"Putting on a bad musical in London (or anywhere else) is not a risk, it's just a bad decision." PERFECT! Bravo to those audience members who "walked out in the 100's."

[@eleanormagson9915]

I felt like the use of he word 'risk' so much was a coded way of them getting back at the negative reviews and basically saying 'you didn't get our edgy, risky show, it's not our fault it didn't do well'. I guess what IS a risk is opening a show that has had no critical engagement to edit it into a better show...

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I concur entirely!

[@mollywildsmith840]

I literally had this conversation with my dad when the news broke. We know the landscape is brutal financially but please give us new writing, new talent, original ideas and stories we haven’t yet but need to hear. It’s our duty as theatre makers. I’ve never seen a less creative industry than this one right now. Thank you for speaking up about this one 👏🏻

[@Nikki-tx6kh]

Somewhere ALW is relieved he's not the main villain of this channel anymore...

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

He's busy elsewhere hating peanut butter and I respect that.

[@H-u-m-a-n_11_06]

@@MickeyJoTheatreI’m not your peanut butter. I’m your bad peanut butter

[@JuniperJadePR]

@@H-u-m-a-n_11_06 Call me bad Peanut Butter, nasty paste, insult to your nose Your lack of palate doesn't shock me Nutty mad Peanut Butter Mock my taste and my flavor that you know And I hope I havе upset you Well, forget you (I hate that this where my brain went on this)

[@thereboucher]

Excellent description of risk. They didn't take a risk, they just made poor decisions. New and unknown creatives are the ones taking risks. Excellently ranted, very cathartic to watch! Also, you have a viewer in Japan now! 🗾

[@minirth.maggie]

MickeyJo, thank you for sharing your rant with us. It's well-founded and deserved. Its great to get to see what riles you up, because you are both passionate and articulate in your response.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Glad something positive can come of my all consuming rage! 😂

[@Aproclivity]

Honestly this is why you are one of my favorite theatre social media people. Not only do you expand the bubble I’m in, but even when you are rightfully angry about nonsense like this your love for the art form comes through. Even when you one star something, you still give credit to the people that are due it and that’s one of the reason you’re my favorite critic. The last two minutes of the video were fantastic and I appreciate every time you express your opinion.

[@ThePtlhome]

Mickey, I'm becoming a true fan. Yes, you're extremely knowledgeable and informed; but, you're not merely a know-it-all, critic, who coldly and callously doles out his opinions with superiority and glibness. Your reviews are filled with reverence. And that very reverence which motivates your ovations also motivates your criticisms. You clearly WANT to love the shows you see! And you do, you convey such genuine joy! -There's not a hint of cynicism, even when you really object to something. - Please don't EVER lose that! - Five stars to you, my friend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@matthewplampton955]

I am heartbroken for how they seemed to have used and manipulated Sheridan into this awful role by playing on her past difficulties, and how the press has abused her. She's such a talented performer and deserves so much better.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

She absolutely does.

[@russellstratton7065]

Feels like she needed this show to exorcise those demons. Unfortunately the world didn’t

[@matthewplampton955]

​@@russellstratton7065It feels more like the producers/director etc convinced her she needed to in order to get a big name for their awful project.

[@kitsworld]

I seem to have totally missed the boat on this one. What were her past difficulties? I avoid all tabloid gossip, so I have only known Sheridan as a supremely talented and versatile performer whose career seems (to me) to have gone from strength to strength. I adore her, so I take no pleasure in hearing she had problems in the past, but for context I now feel I need to know. (But I refuse to click anywhere tabloidy or click-baity, so I'm counting on you!)

[@matthewplampton955]

​​@@kitsworldagree, her career is amazing and her performances are always another level. The incident was when she was starring in Funny Girl, her father was ill with cancer, and they had to cancel a show mid performance due to reports of her drunk/slurring.

[@songcrafterliz]

MickeyJo, this is why I have been following your channel for years. Even when you are distressed (or downright angry!) about something, you never go about throwing people under the bus. You’re always very clear about how hard theater artists work, how difficult their financial situations can be, and how tricky “messaging” is in general. Theater critics are notoriously lacking in compassion, but I have never felt that about you. Not even once.

[@gh0stcup]

I'm gonna start making some really ill-informed decisions and calling them risks 🤪🤞🏻

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Love everything about it

[@DWhoLover]

This is such classic industry mediaplay. It kind of reminds me of the New York, New York debacle in the US. No, it’s not a risk to put together previously successful people and then assume success without the rigor that should go into insuring quality. It’s just a bad idea. You didn’t break barriers. You just…made a mistake. Great video.

[@dylansmith1833]

The second you put your hand on your cheek, I could see the tension building up inside you! As for the point of "risks," I absolutely agree with your standpoint. There are so many new and emerging artists who have incredible talent and deserve the spotlight. I mean, look at Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Before SIX, no one knew who they were. Now, they're both a highly successful group. As for shows that could occupy that theatre, I would love to see Groundhog Day do a run in the West End. I absolutely loved that show! I also think Kimberly Akimbo could do well in that house if it comes over, which I hope it does!

[@MarieSAnderson71]

As an enormous Rufus fan I just hate this whole situation. I have been waiting for him to write a musical and even asked him a couple of years ago when I had the chance to meet him if he would ever write one. He said yes, that was something he’d like to do. I hope this doesn’t discourage him because I really feel like his music is perfect for a musical. Maybe this show will get reworked and live on in another iteration.

[@curiousbarney]

If only we had more critics like yourself, the industry needs you! Very well said! Sheridan Smith as Mrs Johnston would be perfect ❤

[@antonybeney]

Mickey giving sue Perkins 😂 just need a knitted waistcoat, a microphone and he’s cosplaying as a lesbian comedian of the 90s… “ladies am I right?”🤣 love it 😝

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

My sister has been telling me this for YEARS 😂

[@antonybeney]

@@MickeyJoTheatre hahahah great minds! It’s of course meant with admiration 🥰

[@kittymae335]

I now consider you the Opening Night guy, just as you're the ALW Cinderella guy

[@Nikki-tx6kh]

Then we need it to make it to Broadway, flop and let WitW make a video on it, Mickey and him can collab again.

[@CoastersandPop]

Not always agreed with your reviews but I think you’re spot on here. It’s absolutely not a risk, it was code for “you didn’t all get it and the reviews sunk us”. We need to give new artists/musicals a chance to be see by the many. There’s always lots of smaller shows that just never get a break

[@alexthornby5476]

The actual ‘risk’ was that they did look at other theatres, but ended up at the Gielgud because it had more seats, thinking it was a shoo-in as a sell out.

[@rburns5495]

Respect, so very well said. And absolutely yes! Blood brothers!

[@snocelot4lyfe]

SAY IT!! there’s so much new theatre that’s brilliant that would DREAM to get the space that opening night had. Hopefully something with heart and authenticity can get that space

[@PrivatePrivate-so4if]

An excellent item. I really question the competency of some theatre producers. No, it was not a risk in staging Opening Night it was “simply” an appalling decision to go with a weak script, weak score,and misguided direction - end of story. The producers trusted the hype around the concept without the ability to assess its actual quality. How on earth could it have opened with all of its obvious failings? My heart goes out to Sheridan Smith and the cast who did what they could to save the awful mess. The gutter press have treated Smith so badly. Mickey Jo is one of the very best in the business. His knowledge and assessment of theatrical shows is outstanding.

[@meganscheffe9875]

You forgot to tell us Ivo van Hove was Belgian! We all know that's apparently a critical cornerstone 😂

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

HOW COULD I FORGET 😂

[@LeslieCohen-nc9du]

Phew! I had tickets for June. Now to decide what else to see. Cue-checking out your other reviews. Loving your channel!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Thank you so much, let me know if I can help at all!

[@LeslieBracuto]

Unfortunately we won’t be there in time for The Picture of Dorian Gray, but will keep my fingers crossed for a Broadway run. I think I were going to go with Standing at the Sky’s edge. Loved your review of that. We have tickets to see Two Strangers…. When you are in NY I hope you get to see Doubt. Amazing acting and somehow manages to be very funny at times.

[@seamstressdragon8707]

Operation Mincemeat is supposed to be excellent if you haven't already seen it :)

[@LeslieBracuto]

Thank you! We got tickets to see A View from the Bridge. Also seeing Two Strangers…But we might see one more show so I’ll check that out.

[@brandoncsantoro]

Well said, MickeyJo. Wellll said. ❤

[@jamesmnaylor]

5:08 I was expecting a ‘costly mistake’ line in that statement.

[@rossmenzies1484]

The Guardian loved it. Which says more about the Guardian than the production.

[@BryceBensema-sb8cb]

Sheridan Smith as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers film: DELICIOUS!

[@nekusakura6748]

Who's directing that film? I hope Con O'Neill gets to have a cameo in that.

[@edwardgleave]

Love your take on this, detailed and knowledgable as always

[@TheHaughs]

I'm so glad you said this! Someone needed too.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Thank you ❤️

[@AllofTimeandSpace]

That was fast! Hopefully the cast get bigger better projects soon🤞 I was beginning to wonder if this show was going to be your next Bad Cinderella . I actually started watching the movie Opening Night is based on out of curiosity from your review and while the lead actress is very good I think the source material for this musical is fundamentally flawed in its self. It was one of the most frustrating movies I have ever watched and I wanted to yell at the screen multiple times. Also I definitely agree with you that Opening Night is misogynistic. I’m not too familiar with Sheridan Smith’s work but she was very good in the Doctor Who big finish audio dramas. I would definitely be down for watching a Blood Brothers movie! I’ve only been able to watch that show on a grainy pro shot on KZbin ( sadly not the the production that starred young Peter Capaldi though) but I remember thinking it was hauntingly beautiful. Maybe you could be one of the eventual movie’s producers one day since you suggested it?

[@nicolelochren9560]

Your hair looks great today ! And well said .❤

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Ah thank you - new cut, getting used to it 😅 and I appreciate that!

[@brucedouglas7950]

Please let Groundhog day go West End 🤞

[@grai]

Rufus Wainwright blamed the failure on Brexit !! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@garethcotterell9698]

I loved his network on Broadway and at the national. And view from a bridge . I will see this before it closes !

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

A View From the Bridge was extraordinary!

[@charlesanderson5816]

I was due to see the show on the 25th of May. But I don't have anywhere in my schedule to rebook it. So I won't have any of my own thoughts of the play. It's always sad to see a play having to close early.

[@rachi5212]

Sad to see a show close, and disappointed I won’t be able to see for myself as my ticket is for June… Also very upset that this closing notice made national radio news at lunchtime today - why was this “news” but nothing else stagey related is? 🤬 But, yes, I would LOVE to see a Blood Brothers film with Sheridan Smith!!! Fabulous idea, how do we make this happen??? 🤔

[@antonybeney]

Maybe Sheridan smith is a tad overexposed and could benefit from a break, reconfigure herself and also take more time to dig deep and be more focused with selecting projects… 😊

[@stevennorminton3750]

A very interesting vlog! Oh that rehearsal room sounds horrific. If you haven't read it, look up Murder at the Adelphi by Peter Gale - it is about the original production of Sunset Boulevard.

[@tyorkshirelass]

One million times YES to the Sheridan Smith Blood Brothers film

[@PS-DLMA]

Oh Mickey, thank you for your rant. Happy to listen and save your stage fiancee from shouldering it all 😊

[@DarvsPlanet]

I think it’s unlikely given the size of the theatre but I would love for 42 balloons to move in briefly after their Lowry run. (Finishes on 19th May one day after opening night closes) Maybe they could close off the upper circle and operate with a reduced capacity if there isn’t any better options.

[@teapot2186]

Ooh yes!

[@patandray2925]

As always …spot on MJ 👍👏👏👏

[@____toomuch____]

yr hair looks v good in this video !!

[@finlayfairfax742]

The national youth theatre may occupy that space, they played at the duke of yorks last year to high success, so they may do it again with the gielgud, they just announced they were announcing their first show soon so they may announce that too??

[@jrj624]

You have my vote for a film version of BLOOD BROTHERS with Sheridan!!

[@BroadwayGuy]

Well... THANK GOD!! If you loved and raved about every show you saw, I'd start to worry you. Theatre is often horrendous, and horrible shows should close so garbage can be cleaned from the stage.

[@AmazingDogShorts]

Hey, can you do a video talking about the chaos that is currently going on with the MJ show? Not sure if you are aware but all three MJ's were ill and they had to fly in the understudy from the US National Tour a week or so ago. When I went to see it earlier this week the understudy fell ill during the interval and Myles Frost had to take over having just come back from his own bout of sickness. Then today, I see that the matinee was cancelled once again. I have never known of a show to be cancelled as much as this one and there is mounting disgruntlement from fans having paid considerable travel and accommodation costs. Wondering what your thoughts are on the situation as it doesn't look great. I saw on Myles' Instagram today that he posted a selfie in Harrods.. very odd to post such a thing when the show was cancelled today!

[@nicolawhitehead7784]

I'm so sad we've only had GHD in Australia for a few months. The cast is SPECTACULAR, I will be so very sad to lose this show. I met Andy Karl last week and he is excited about the best revival nomination!

[@TheMrdominator1997]

Looking forward to see it with my £4.50 ticket

[@MizJordan1990]

I don't think I can bring myself to see this before it closes

[@suzannewalker9145]

Yessss for blood brothers 🎉

[@tomirek7573]

Actuall I liked 'Opening Night' way more than 'Strangers...'. Wonderful songs and the idea of using the screens was great.

[@Rik77]

Do you remember the musical of Almodovars Women on a Nervous Breakdown. I think that was a risky show, and I absolutely loved it. But it wasn’t unite mainstream enough, lots of people were ambivalent about it at the time.

[@filmsociety1311]

I was going to see it in July. Real shame

[@peterlikesasmr]

James Norton was in Grantchester though and Sheridan Smith has been in loads of hard hitting dramas!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

And I've seen her do Ibsen. But more people wanted to see her do Shirley Valentine than a psychologically harrowing new musical based on an American art film.

[@peterlikesasmr]

@@MickeyJoTheatre But I would say her personal brand is being versatile

[@liketheroman]

Her personal brand is being a latter day Gracie Fields.

[@theatrewithbenjamin]

100% yes to a Blood Brothers film with Sheridan Smith!!!! I absolutely love the show and would be extremely intrigued to see how it would be translated onto film by someone.

[@markdaly1648]

It's one of the greatest musicals I ever saw in Dublin, ie blood brothers. I cannot see willy Russell handing over the rights to blood brothers to a film company. Its not fillmable story. Willy Russell did that once before with Shirley valentine but that had Pauline Collins. The movie industry that produced stuff like Shirley doesn't not exist anymore

[@theatrewithbenjamin]

@@markdaly1648 yes, I agree unfortunately!

[@Emmaschrod]

I literally just got back from watching it. I’m still trying to decide my thoughts but I think it may have been better as straight play? The music is just not that memorable.

[@Lavenderpatriot]

Benjamin Walker was amazing as Patrick Bateman- love to see them revive AP on the west end with him (and Alice, she’s fierce)

[@adsheff]

Blood Brothers film would be phenomenal!!

[@Rik77]

So for me, I admire theatres taking risks to put on a Show that might fail. If theatres didn’t do this, we would have completely bland safe theatre. But… there are shows like this one that I have no idea why it was put on. You’re the expert on this. Another example was the ballet of Midnight Express a number of years ago. It was bad, using the films disco style music with prisoners dancing just didn’t work with the serious material. But I’m did admire the weirdness of it and the willing to take a risk.

[@CindersSpot]

My mum is a really big fan of Ivo van Hove and goes see all his plays here in Amsterdam. I do not get the hype. So many of his shows I've seen were ableist and misogynistic garbage, with a thin veneer of 'woke' imagery which didn't actually make any meaningful statement. He seems not to understand what he's saying when it comes to social & political issues. I went to a masterclass by him with a friend who is also a director. When we talked about it afterwards, we disagreed on one thing: I thought he tried and failed to say something meaningful. She thought he didn't try to say something meaningful, but put a message on it because that's what you're supposed to do. There are things Ivo van Hove is really good at. He gets phenomenal performances from his actors and he creates striking visuals. But as long as he keeps trying to talk about issues he doesn't understand and doesn't have anything meaningful to say about, it will fall flat. All this to say that I am not surprised to hear that a show that you described as "a misogynistic mess" came from Ivo van Hove. It is my experience with his work too.

[@bliss66]

@mickeyjotheatre Just curious if you've ever seen the film version of Opening NIght?

[@DJWhovian]

A Blood Brothers musical film would be great. I wish I had been able to see Sheridan Smith in Shirley instead of this. Hopefully there'll be something good for her again soon.

[@jrj624]

I didn't see her in this but I did see her last year in Shirley Valentine and she was brillant!!

[@EventHotelsTheatre]

At those prices it need to be a much better show in our opinion.

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

Listen, I know that Rufus DID want to write a musical for a while, and he’s a brilliant singer songwriter, and this had a brilliant premise behind it-so what went wrong.

[@Lucasknapp05]

Do you plan to see or Hell’s Kitchen on broadway? I’ve heard a lot of incredible things about that show. More importantly, you should put Illinoise on your radar for upcoming theatre. It is a magnificent story.

[@DrugsPlus]

what do you mean by you learned your lesson after Bad Cinderella? Did you get in trouble for it??

[@gerardmawn585]

I had hoped to see Opening Night for myself but alas it will not happen. Do you think Opening Night will come to New York. Maybe New World Stages?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

After this reception, it would seem misguided, no?

[@freyataylor3042]

Its very unlikely but i would love thw secret life of bees from the almeida last year to transfer.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

You and me both! I'm still quite haunted by it.

[@PridefulPioneer]

What do you mean!? What happened because you said Bad Cinderella gossip!?

[@oeurydice]

As much as I would like to see Sheridan Smith as Mrs Johnston, I don't think Blood Brothers would work as a movie. Would much rather get a pro-shot.

[@jrj624]

You are probably right. A film version would most likely have to cast actual children to play the younger versions of Mickey and Eddie as opposed to how it's cast on stage. I think it's about time for Blood Brothers to return to the West End with Sheridan Smith as Mrs. Johnston and then film a pro-shot of it!

[@MegaMel777]

This is the first time I've listened to you and you are absolutely right (and for one so young)! Bravo! I saw it two days ago. I have been a fan of Rufus for years and have seen all of Hove's shows in the UK and some of his opera and theatre abroad. Unfortunately, Hove has become a "one trick pony" and that pony is now boring, sluggish and getting very old. The live video throughout added nothing for me. And please don't use the word voyeuristic uuurgh. I thought the first act was good right up to the interval. The second act is a train wreck. Far too loud to the point you cannot make out the words. The scene with Smith and the writer, I couldn't understand a single word. There was so much moaning about the main characters menopause and problems, I was willing it to end. And the Nancy character was just irritating. And the ending is dreadful. That last song full of faux emotion after what has come before and the play which is cringe making. Awful just awful. The blame lies with Hove and his grandiose opinions of himself, feted in theatres and opera houses around the world. It's just all tired now. I can't face another of his shows. Rufus wrote his music, which I could hear him singing, but whether this was a musical score is highly questionable. Remember he has written two full scale operas, which in some ways are really just music theatre pieces. As you say the risk was in the material and not in any other element. Anyway, I've subscribed to your channel, though I'm sure we will disagree, which is fine.

[@allisonbergh4429]

Ok, so the lesson here seems to be “if Mickey Jo hates your show, cut your losses and go home” Omg I hope there’s a Groundhog Day Australian tour! I live a few hours from Brisbane now, as I moved to Australia instead of going to the UK to see GHD at the Old Vic, and couldn’t get to Melbourne. I need to see that show again!!

[@richardmccarthy9580]

Deplorable trash ……and Sheridan Smith in Blood Brothers ….both great ideas…..but good grief Groundhog Day ? ….i’ll buy tickets right now !

[@jklein0079]

I've seen Blood Brothers as a university theater production. It's alright, I'm not that excited to see it again. This show however sounds like the ultimate trainwreck and just poor decision making. Just call it what is, a flop.

[@KikeNavarrete68]

Produces any kind of art is always a risk

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

You say that, at the very least there's a spectrum because Tom Holland in Romeo and Juliet for example is far less of a risk for producers than if they were to cast a drama school graduate who wasn't Spider-man.

[@KikeNavarrete68]

@@MickeyJoTheatre always is a risk because art is always tie to the public enthusiasm, you can have the best play, movie, art exhibition, but if the public don’t pay to go and see you, you loose money, no matter how incredible the work is. And when you are a producer you are super aware of the risk, is the first lesson in film school. Maybe not an artistic risk, but a risk nonetheless.

[@IshScout]

A bad show is a bad show but the risk is indeed quite a bit less when you have big fancy names attached because privilege. Theaters are less likely to even let their venue to be booked for a no name show v X big pop star composer or flashy property that's already been on a screen. So I don't mind the rant & cutting through the crap some to get to what is really the problem here.

[@Gingeremily13]

I actually clapped

[@stephensmall-dq5dc]

It's terrible just seen it ,terrible songs no script it's truly awful

[@AndersDahnielson]

Oh, no. Anyway...

[@daveford12]

I can’t reschedule my July ticket to either April or May because of other shows booked a shame because I wanted to see it. Mmm personal brand have you not heard of Sheridan Smith personals struggles she herself said this could be me, she has played some meaty roles in the past. At least Ivo van Hove’s JCS smashed it in Amsterdam so he can do musicals.

[@kofender]

Anything touched by Ivo is destined to be a disaster. Sorry, I think he's a lousy director (you should have seen his Little Foxes).

[@tacom1]

What a complete nonsense and toxic lie.

[@averyeml]

So I guess you could say, to play at the Gielgud you need to git gud

[@LynnHermione]

I am critical of critics an how they ruin peoples' lives out of snobbism (what hey did to Percy Jackson was plain unethical and I would have sued) but if your AUDIENCE is walking out, mate you just made a bad show. Or at least one with an audience so narrow it's be better in a smaller venue or filmed and put on netflix

[@rhodeisland9096]

Constructive criticism, but how is this a rant this sounds more slightly irritated. Also, you say that you’ve heard things from the show but you’re not gonna tell us due to you learning from bad Cinderella but wasn’t that how you gained prominence?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

How do you define a rant?

[@russellstratton7065]

Another nail in the coffin for Belgian auteur led musical theatre

[@Hpierrenyc]

This show did play in NYC at BAM but it wasn’t a musical. Please do your research 😊😊

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Ah right you are, I hadn't noticed that! Admittedly the 4 dates the dutch production I mentioned in a previous video played in Brooklyn didn't prove super consequential.

[@tacom1]

I have seen the play in Amsterdam, and it was fantastic, mostly due to the actress Elsie de Brauw . Having said that, it may be no surprise I was very much looking forward to this musical version, especially when I heard Sheridan was taking the lead role. I do believe the outcome is rather disappointing, but your 3 rant video's is a bit too much dont you think? Of course it is a risk to bring this not known story to the Westend, of course it is a risk for Ivo ( who is highly acclaimed world wide) to 'do' a musical , of course it is a risk for Rufus to write music for a musical , of course it is a risk for Sheridan to take the lead part in a musical based on a not very well know film. I hope you realize, all these people, worked hard and it is very sad, that the outcome is rather disappointing, can you empathize at least with that? It is a risk to produce a show like 'Opening Night' and it is very sad that it failed succes.

[@tomkibbe2124]

Well, here to the the few Ivo]s who are allowed to risk1 The Theatre needs them. Maybe more that they need you?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I assume you're trying to say more *than* they need me at the end there Tom? Eagerly looking forward to finding out 🤞

[@tomkibbe2124]

Ivo. Sorry, but did not mean to demean what I enjoy about your youtube work.

[@Ingexxxable]

I felt every word you said.

[@madulaoblongata1903]

I was in London for an extended period. Skipped opening night for horrid word of mouth. Saw the worst production of Guys and Dolls I have ever witnessed a non singing Sarah and a misguide and poorly directed Adelaide who obviously need diction training.The sad audience loved this travesty.