"Betrayal" with Daniel Craig sets record Broadway Gross

Gala Brand

Craig's betrayal beat the record set by Tom Hanks's "Luck Guy" earlier this year.

Does this make Craig bigger than Hanks?

http://www.deadline.com/2013/12/mike-nichols-betrayal-revival-with-daniel-craig-and-rachel-weisz-sets-broadway-weekly-gross-record/

Sir Hillary Bray

Meaningless. Purely a function of outrageous ticket prices and Dan/Rachel's drawing power for a short-term gig. The play itself was something of a disappointment IMO.

David Schofield

Sir Hillary Bray wrote:

Meaningless. Purely a function of outrageous ticket prices and Dan/Rachel's drawing power for a short-term gig. The play itself was something of a disappointment IMO.

Indeed.

Most of the tickets would have been sold to fans wanting to watch James Bond close-up regardless of what he was performing. How many actually enjoyed the Pinteresque agony?

Hell, that well-known Harold Pinter fan - Bruce Springsteen - was there on opening night...

Wonder how much the play would have turned without the celeb-casting.

Still, if you're aim is to make big Bucks on Broadway, rather than achieve landmark performances from your leads, this is how to do it.

Thunderpussy

Weisz and Craig play 'makes $17.5m' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25635276

It's the second highest profitable play on Broadway in 2013.

Sir Hillary Bray

Thunderpussy wrote:

Weisz and Craig play 'makes $17.5m' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25635276

It's the second highest profitable play on Broadway in 2013.

That's gross box office, nothing to do with profits. I imagine the producers made money, but Dan, Rachel, Mike Nichols, etc. probably do not come cheaply.

Ultimately, this is a triumph of commerce, not of art.

Sir Miles

Sir Hillary Bray wrote:

Ultimately, this is a triumph of commerce, not of art.

Things that make money seldom are...and if they are, its generally not in the lifetime of the artist.

Thunderpussy

Didn't QOS make loads of money ? )
I'm sure all the actors gave 100% to each performance, and I'm sure are paid for
how many "bums on seats " they can deliver. Any kind of success can only help
The Theatre.

Sir Miles

Yep...along with Casino Royale and Skyfall...go figure

Gala Brand

Just checking in. See everybody got in an argument over Dan's latest Broadway diversion. )

I suppose the lack of any news regarding Bond 24 has everyone looking for an argument. I know I am.

Sir Hillary Bray

An argument? You obviously have a highly-developed sense of...shall we say, drama?

welshboy78

Anything with DC in will create an argument lol

PS - would love to hear some reviews from AJB members, I know some have seen the show

David Schofield

welshboy78 wrote:

PS - would love to hear some reviews from AJB members, I know some have seen the show

Should also ask how many AJBers were lifelong Harold Pinter fans and always - always - wanted to see a performance of BETRAYAL. )

And I know. I sat through some real shiyte just to see DC perform: FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL and COWBOYS AND ALIENS, anyone? Dreadful. -{

ExpatJB

welshboy78 wrote:

Anything with DC in will create an argument lol

PS - would love to hear some reviews from AJB members, I know some have seen the show

The critics reviews were very good.

My own view was that Rafe Spall stole the show. But it is the better part. Rachel Weisz is just walk on credible in everything she does, says, is. Craig is a curmudgeon, but then he is meant to be. Pinter knows how to write, Nichols knows how to direct, the luvvies know how to act.

We thoroughly enjoyed it, but then it is my favourite medium, and we also enjoyed NY for the weekend, the Four Seasons restaurant, NYC Marathon, etc. Jeremy Irons seemed to enjoy it too. Hes no Springsteen, but I guess he is a proper actor, and was there to see the show. -{

There are some great short run, name based, shows on in NY just now. Bit like the Donmar do in London occasionally. These guys have to keep their hand in. The till perhaps, but the skill too. )