“The weak economy and the growing availability of books at discounted prices have made this an especially difficult retail climate for publishers.” In addition, war coverage is pushing everything else off the usual publicity circuit. But publishers have high hopes for two books about Iraq due to come out this week…
Tag: 03.25.03
More Musicals Than Stars
Many are predicting the return of the big movie musical. But there’s a hitch, writes Renee Graham. Where’s the talent to star in them? “Just a thought here, but isn’t the true magic of all that singing and dancing on film derived from having people who actually know how to sing and dance? Still, with the success of ‘Chicago,’ the first musical to win a best-picture Oscar since ‘Oliver!’ in 1968, just about every major studio is planning one, including possible remakes of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ and ‘The Pajama Game.’ Unfortunately, there are way more musicals than viable musical stars these days.”
Mid-Size Squeeze
It is a truism that in tough economic times large theatres cut back and small theatres continue doing what they do because their expenses are low. But mid-size theatres – they’re the ones that really get hurt. “With little in the way of economic cushions and small staffs that already have employees doing two and three jobs apiece, these theaters are struggling to economize without having to cannibalize.”
Art Sales Scandals – Broken Trust
Recent tax scandals with art sales, and the auction houses’ price fixing trials damage all of the art world, writes ex-dealer Andre Emmerich. “Art dealing is a business based on trust. People who buy and sell art – whether or not they consider themselves collectors – must have confidence in the person they are doing business with. When one dealer is seen to be dishonest, the public is likely to conclude that most dealers are shady, just as the recent scandals surrounding Enron, Tyco and a few other corporations have affected investor confidence across the board.”