I was able to see 16 Encores shows between '98 and '12, and they were all pretty much sold out or at least well sold. Unfortunately, beginning in '15, 3 of the 4 shows I attended (Zorba!, The Golden Apple, High Button Shoes) had tons of empty seats in the balcony section where I was seated.
I agree that Kate Baldwin would have been excellent casting for Sara in Shoes. I suggested Benanti as Susan because Love Life is more of a satire than comedy. Susan is often pointedly critical of Sam's decisions, and their marriage is a contentious one. They eventually divorce, although there is hope at the show's end that they may reconcile. Of course, James and Baldwin played Bick and Leslie in Giant so they would be familiar with the territory. Originally I had thought of Steven Pasquale and Benanti as Sam and Susan, but that casting might be too much like life imitating art.
Encores did already stage Pipe Dream in '12 so I assume you meant Me and Juliet, which I certainly would fly to New York to see as I'm fond of the score and have never seen the show. We are also on the same page regarding New Girl in Town and (especially) Redhead, which has a thoroughly delightful score. |
