Ok I'm a little the confused, Joseph is scheduled to open 17th July with previews from 6th July (9 weeks time). Now there are 7 contenders left, so ADWD should finish in 4 weeks, which leave 5 rehearsal weeks. Is this a normal timeframe for a West End show?

Also, anyone know how 'limited' the run will be?

I've heard of shows doing that before, but previews count as dry rehearsals, with the audience in, the company can see where they are going wrong and twick it for opening.

Also whoever wins is going to be debuted on the Diana Concert

Hopefully it will last longer than Evita

Guess it will partly depend on who the public / ALW choose

True the poor girl in Evita hadn't a chance.

Yes this is normal. Especially for Joseph.

Joseph is a very short show, with easy songs to learn. It has no dialogue, and the tunes are easy to remember. Especially as they will probaby be rehearsing for 12 hours every day.

5 weeks is about standard.

So supporting parts may not have been cast yet.

I'd think they probably have (or they're at least very close to it). They'd be cutting a bit fine if they hadn't.

bean_of_sb is right. Joseph is a relatively simple show, in terms of lines to learn. There's no spoken dialogue, if I recall. Five weeks should be plenty of time.

Now wondering if shows like ADWD affect theatre attendances in general??? Life is full of unanswered questions. sigh!

I am sure it will be raising the profile for the masses. I know quite a few who have gone to see Maria on the back of WAWGTDWM and enjoyed it so much have booked for other shows. I haven't been to the theatre for years not that I don't love going just time and expense but I shall certainly go to Joseph

He could have cast the whole of Joseph from his show and the rejects for the cast

Keith - Benjamin and Daniel - Potiphar for starters

I was wondering that! Is there any need to even audition for the brothers when he's had 12 lads singing for him for the past couple of weeks? I'd love to see a few of them still be involved in the show somehow

Echo - I think, if anything, shows like these would up theatre attendences. Lots of people who didn't normally go to the theatre went to see Connie, and I'm sure it'll be the same here. About five million people watch the show, and if they all go.....then go to other shows, could be good for all.

Daniel deserves better than Joseph

I know last year they said the other parts had all been cast by the time the live shows were on, so Maria was actually the last one to be filled. I guess it would take a while to train all those kids though.

I think the letters have been sent out to some of the cast already.

It definitely does! I've always loved theatre (and ballet) but don't get enough opportunity -or make enough effort to get there because I live quite a way from London.

This show has really made me want to see Joseph (especially if Daniel is cast as Joseph ) This programme has reminded me of what I'm missing!

Some productions do only take about 3/4 weeks but the actors have to work their asses off!

It's hard work.

Without belittling it in any way, I think Joseph is a much more straightforward show to put on than your average West End production.

Of course it needs rehearsing, but it was written for schools, after all, and is therefore none too challenging in any respect.

A few weeks of intensive rehearsal will be fine.