Rudin is a brilliant producer.
He created two distinct profiles for the show: an unmissable event in global pop culture with superstar Midler; and then, a rare chance for a beloved veteran to take the reins and re-mint the show one more time*.
Beyond that 1-2 punch, it would just be another revival. That was never quite the goal, from the marketing campaign (brilliant, as much as some of us questioned the withholding of footage and even still shots). The black screen TV ads with white lettering. A risky proposition that paid off.
It would lose that specialness with a series of ladies more likely to do the role at, say, the MUNY.
Smart moves, all.
*Look at the box office for recent weeks; it was falling off. I saw it on TDF at a matinee, great orch seats, and this is a strong matinee-selling production. |
