And we’re not talking Jay Bruce.
I’m talking the Boss, Mr. Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen. Apparently the Walter Kerr theater reps are getting antsy because Bruce hasn’t given them what amounts to a set list. An article in the NY Post suggests they bring in professional Broadway writers to sculpt a “Jersey Boys” script for him.
What a load of rubbish.
First off, five shows a week for eight weeks in a 975 seat theater will sell out in no time. We’re talking 39,000 seats total, minus house seats etc. In the NY area, multiples of that number would pay just to sit in a room with him for a couple of hours. And the suggestion that Bruce would just riff aimlessly for a Broadway audience? Ludicrous.
He’ll have a plan, but if you’ve ever been to a Springsteen show, he leaves plenty of room for improvisation and on different nights, there will be some different songs. But there will be structure. The idea that he would shortchange the audience with a sloppy, ill prepared event shows a complete lack of understanding of what this man is all about. Did you read his book? The lofty standards he sets for himself and his band mates? Has he ever left fans feeling ripped off, having seen less than his best on a given night?
I don’t know if “Born to Run” can be molded into a typical Broadway show. There’s no mob connection like the Four Seasons had, and as far as romance, since Bruce did not name names and scrupulously avoided details of his first marriage in his book, I don’t see that being a dramatic arc he’d permit. Conflict? Telling his drummer that he’s being replaced somehow doesn’t make for a memorable Broadway moment. His dad and he arguing and Bruce swinging a bat? I wouldn’t think he’d want that left in the hands of a librettist.
The remaining scenario would amount to a cover band performing his greatest hits. Well, maybe in thirty years.
The shows this fall will be a chance to get an up close and personal look at Bruce, as much as he chooses to reveal. Having seen him many times at the 400 seat Bottom Line, this will be a treat for those lucky enough to score tickets. There will be surprises — guest appearances from band mates and friends. Tickets won’t be cheap, but I doubt he’ll allow gouging… as much as it’s within his control. Count me in.
