Economic Woes Hit Broadway

The Great White Way is looking a bit less grand these days as the economy starts to weigh on New York's theatrical community. No fewer than ten productions are scheduled to close after the holidays. Moreover, they won't all be replaced. Furthermore, the replacements are not all new shows but include revivals of tried and true plays to reduce the producers' risks.

No one expected seasonal shows "Slava's Snowshow" and "Irving Berlin's White Christmas" to stick around after New Year's, and they will close on January 4. However, musicals "Grease," "Young Frankenstein," "Hairspray," and "13" along with farce "Boeing-Boeing" close the same day. Arthur Miller's “All My Sons,” and Monty Python's “Spamalot” go dark the following Sunday. Musical “Spring Awakening” ends its run on January 18. “Gypsy” is set to close March 1, but that date could be moved up.

Some productions that were to open early in 2009 have had their premiers pushed back. “Vanities,” a new musical by David Kirshenbaum and Jack Heifner with production costs of about $5 million, won't open as scheduled at the end of February. Lead producer Sue Frost told the press, “The reason it was so challenging to raise the money was because people [that is, investors] were afraid about selling tickets. If you get the show up, will there be anybody to buy tickets to see it? We just felt it was really critical to present the show in the best possible way. We believe this is a project that has a huge future life and we don't want to damage it." Broadway doesn't get government subsidies, so it it necessary to consider finance before artistry.

Far safer to go with proven scripts, librettos and big name actors think many who put money into New York theatre. Waiting in the wings for spring 2009 are "West Side Story," "Guys and Dolls" and "Hair." Ibsen's “Hedda Gabler” is also set to hit Broadway with Mary-Louise Parker in the title role. Will Ferrell will appear in "You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George Bush," Jeremy Irons and Joan Allen will star in "Impressionism" and Jane Fonda will return to Broadway after 46 years, in "33 Variations."

Of course, there are shows that are still doing well. Musicals "Mamma Mia!" "In the Heights," "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys" all cleared $1 million in ticket sales last week. “Billy Elliot” and “Shrek the Musical” are both in the black. The Disney stable of plays, thanks to the Mouse's marketing power and kid-friendly promotions, are all quite comfortable. Still, when money is scarce, there are fewer to take a chance on a new production of a brand new script, and American theatre is poorer for it.

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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