RE: Killarney Kommotion (2013 to Present)
sheilJ said:
Zachary said:
The GP =/= people on the park's Facebook page. Guest reaction is a far, far better way to gauge interest.
There are plenty of people who don't like the show on facebook. If what I'm reading about this Scott fellow is true, he might use the positive feedback (the people who like that brand music and immature party aspect) to justify more pop and less culture. I really do wonder why these people don't simply go to King's Dominion. I saw the shows there and it's only stuff like Kommotion.
As a KD season pass holder, the shows there are NOT all like KK at BGW. Pop Fusion and possibly Street Beats (never stayed till closing to see it in person) come close to the genre of music that composes part of Killnarny Kommotion.
ALL singing shows at Kings Dominion use LIVE vocals. No lip-synching. "Got Country" and "On Broadway" don't come anywhere near the style of KK at BGW.
Sure, BGW throws wads of money at their show productions, (over-the-top costumes/sets, huge casts, and musicians in a couple shows). Its nice to see a park chain invest heavily in entertainment in this day and age of belt tightening budgets.
But, Kings Dominion has slowly improved the entertainment options over the last couple of years by adding more shows with more variety. Is it where I think it needs to be? No. Does Cedar Fair need to keep increasing the budget for entertainment. Yes.
The 2013 talent pool of performers at KD is the strongest since Cedar Fair took over in 2006. I would put the cast of lets say, "On Broadway", up against any cast from KD's "Golden Years" of entertainment offerings (1975-1992 | pre-Paramount years | back when the park chain management put entertainment almost on par with rides and attractions). And I would even put them up against any cast at BGW. Strip away the sets and costumes and lets see the true talent. I think they would be close to each other.
Back to KK, I realize feelings for this show, especially being performed at BGW vary all over the place and many don't care for the second half of the show and its location in the Ireland section. I find it strange to see this type of performance at BGW myself. But, if the majority of the GP feels the show is OK, then I don't see the show going anywhere. Plus, It is only there for another week correct?
Sorry, for going off topic, but if the head of entertainment, Scott, is using a top 10 Broadway casting agent to cast for future shows, it appears to me that the entertainment budget must not be hurting too much. If BGW can afford this casting person and get higher skilled performers out of him, along with the increased costs of hiring these new performers, then why so much budget doom and gloom?
(Please note I am not indifferent to the plight of the current BGW spring/summer casts and the strong fan loyalty to those performers. I do feel for all of you. BGW has always had a history of wonderful talent in their shows, many folks going on to bigger and better things in the entertainment industry. Many of you have already shared your disappointment with the park in this decision. But, no matter what happens, continue to show your appreciation to the current casts the next time you visit the park and see a show).