Word: simonal
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...Capeman, PAUL SIMON's new musical about a New York City gang killing in the 1950s, had a long, troubled road to Broadway, and its troubles didn't end on opening night. Some last-minute doctoring helped a bit (especially in the doo-wop-flavored first act), but the show never comes to life onstage, and it was drubbed by critics. Yet its backers are vowing to keep the show running at least until the Tony nominations in May. "We're obviously disappointed," said DAN KLORES, one of the producers. "But we're going to fight." A determined group...
Critics maintain that Simon focused excessively on the show's music at the expense of a book that had obvious problems. For a workshop in the fall of 1996, for example, he insisted that a band of seven or eight pieces be present for rehearsals--a costly and (to many theater veterans) unneeded luxury. While admitting that it's not Broadway's usual practice, Simon defends his approach of nailing down the music first. "People kept saying, 'You're doing it backward.' But if the sound isn't right, how can I hear the characters?" Says an ex-member...
...sure, the prospect of Simon's distinctive sound and formidable musical skills enlivening Broadway is an exciting one. But his I-did-it-my-way approach recalls Sam Rayburn's famous line about the Ivy League intellects whom President John F. Kennedy assembled as advisers: "I'd feel a whole lot better about them if one of them had just run for sheriff once." Notes Simonson: "Paul Simon is an amazing artist. But there are reasons why the theater process has evolved the way it has. You can only reinvent the wheel so many ways...
While some colleagues found Simon open and willing to listen to suggestions, others complain that he was less than receptive to dissenting ideas. (Walcott was reportedly even more prickly about proposed changes in the book he and Simon had written.) "I guess if you really become insistent on being happy with what's going on, some people are going to think you're difficult," Simon responds. "I don't think so. That's an artist's right." Yet an impending opening can focus the mind, and Simon eventually became convinced that he needed help from an experienced Broadway hand like...
While the $11 million show did well at the box office during early previews, ticket sales have dipped during the past few weeks. That, of course, could change quickly if the revamped show garners good reviews and Simon's fans start pouring into the theater. After a rough year, Simon is prepared for anything. "Broadway is a tiny little industry," he says. "People talk. And they don't wish you the best. But all the show-biz stuff is irrelevant. I didn't go to work on this for seven years because I wanted a big show-business...