[UPDATE]

Since I published this post (below) earlier today, it has been announced that Glory Days will open on the Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theater.  Previews begin April 22nd with a May 6th opening.  The announcement indicated that all four performers from the DC production would return to the show. FYI the show will NOT be eligible for the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League awards, but it is eligible for a TONY AWARD...let the predictions commence!

[ORIGINAL POST]

"What is the deal with the new musical Glory Days?"  This is the question on everyone's lips lately.  I have been asking it.  Wiggs123 has been asking it (in the comments section).  The WORLD has been asking.  Ok, maybe not the WORLD, but a bunch of people are trying to figure out what is going on.  Here is what I know...

The Back Story

Back in January the Signature Theater presented the world premiere of a new musical by the name of Glory Days.  The show (according to the Signature Theater) is described thusly: "four high school friends [who] reunite one year after graduation to discover how dramatically their lives have grown apart. While they attempt to reconnect and understand each other's differences, nothing can compare to the glory days of high school when life was simpler and all appeared right with the world. A poignant, coming-of-age story, Glory Days features music styles from pop and folk to contemporary rock."  The music and lyrics for Glory Days are written by Nick Blaemire and the book is by James Gardiner.  Eric Schaeffer directed the project.  The show featured Steven Booth, Andrew C. Call, Adam Halpin and Jesse JP Johnson as the boys returning to their old stomping ground. You can actually check out some video footage of the show HERE at the Signature Theater blog (scroll down to the bottom of the page).  Sounds good so far, right?

When the show opened in DC the critics loved it.  The Washington Post called it, "a beaming source of musical energy. Fresh and vivacious...Glory Days gives voice to bittersweet youth."  Variety exclaimed, "[a] charming pop musical... a strong sendoff... heartfelt melodies packed with earnest lyrics... expertly sung by the talented quartet."  This all seemed to have piqued the interest of a few New York producers John O'Boyle and Ricky Stevens (who produced Is He Dead?).  The thing is, to be honest; the show opening didn't make much of a ripple in NY.  I hadn't heard anyone talking about it and the NY Times hadn't covered the opening (to any larger degree).  It is possible it was overshadowed by Signatures' big Kander and Ebb festival and the opening of their fancy Kiss of the Spiderwoman, but I hadn't even of hear of Glory Days - until...

The Rumors 

A few weeks ago a blog called Stage Notes at Broadway.com released a post that Glory Days was coming to the Broadway for a pre-Tony opening at the Circle in the Square Theater.  Wow!  Exciting news - the theater websites went wild!  This was quite a shocker, for a couple of reasons.  1. It is very late in the season for a show to announce an opening before the Tony cut off date.  2. It had been heavily rumored that Classic Stage Company's New Jerusalem would be taking the next slot at Circle in the Square. 

I was skeptical.  Following that announcement there has been a flurry of "Glory Days AIMS for Broadway" type articles.  However, there has been no article with the headline "Glory Days officially opens on XYZ date", nothing confirming the actual arrival of the show.  No press releases (that I have seen).  But, Broadway.com is now saying the show is definitely happening AND they are selling tickets.  But, I am still not convinced that it is actually coming to the Broadway.

The Questions?

Now you might be saying to yourself, "Bixby, if they are selling tickets - it must be coming."  Well...that might seem true, but selling tickets through Broadway.com and selling tickets via Telecharge or an Amex pre-sale are two very different things.  I have never seen a show sell tickets exclusively through ONE web portal only...but, heck crazier things have happened.

There are several indications that this is not yet a "done deal".  An astute observer at the chat room All That Chat points out that there have been no audition notices (often a confirmation for journalists that a show is happening), there has been no media campaign,  several of the cast are currently booked in other shows (although I have not been able to identify which shows), auditions should have started by now, no major "group sales" vendor seems to be selling tickets AND the guy who wrote the music and lyrics is in Cry-Baby (can he really open his new show and perform in Cry-Baby at night...maybe, but it seems tough). I just get a funny feeling that this isn't really going to happen.  It is all too quick.  It all seems too risky.  Why not wait?  Why not bring it Off-Broadway first?  Why not give yourself the time to set things up properly?  Oh, heck - what do I know about producing a B'way musical...NOT A THING!

The Bottom Line

Let me "bottom line" it...all this could mean absolutely nothing and the show could come together in a few days and voila - Glory Days will be opening and become a last minute entry in this season's Tony race.  However, I am growing more and more suspicious.  Unfortunately, we are just going to have to wait and see.  I will keep you up to date with any information I find out.  If you hear anything please let me know.  Until then, I will...

~ See You On The Aisle