COVID Cancellations — Page 53

Assuming the post in the link is legit and not pure rumor, it refers to a “hit show on Broadway” and “the popularity of the show” so that would seem to rule out Slave Play which, while a critical bit, has never been a popular hit. Again, assuming the post has credence, it would suggest a bigger hit like MR or Hadestown which has had multiple show cancelations. Hope not! Not that I wish any show ill-well, but if a popular hit like one of these can’t sustain in this environment, then what chance do all but maybe a handful of shows stand?

Slave Play was never a commercial hit. Even in this era of woke enlightened progressive politics, this show never resonated with audiences. And audiences right now probably are not in the mood to see a downbeat show about slavery.

My guess is that the "major" show that's going to be cancelled is either Aladdin or Hadestown (if we are talking about "hit" shows), though I suspect that the show that is announcing it will be closed will either be Ain't Too Proud or Tina.

JayElle said: "Why would they leave it open for 3 more weeks? Seatgeek sales look dismal.

Daily News on closures on page 3.

https://newyorkdailynews-ny.newsmemory.com/?token=gratis”

Slave Play was already a limited run. As to why it would choose to remain open even until 1/23, many were surprised it chose to return at all. Maybe something to do with the SVOG funds it received? Regardless, the article doesn’t seem to be describing this show.

jiaxing_26 said: "Or Come From Away?"

This is my guess though I hope it wont close. It’s a hit show, recouped its investment, etc. but perhaps the ticket sales simply aren’t there ever since they came back from pandemic.

I guess it depends on how you define “hit” too. I might see one show a hit whereas other might not.

I think across the boards, government help or not, theatres can't justify playing to empty houses. Using all those resources and putting actors at risk in the end, just isn't worth it. I'm sure a show like Slave Play could pay the actors for the run of the contract and still close early due to the govt aid.

Also, Moulin Rouge, regardless of popularity, is expensive to keep afloat. Add in all the additional expenses of testing, etc. I am sure it is hurting. Each missed show is a huge hit. Most hit and popular shows go into winter flush with cash from brisk holiday audiences. Not the case this time. The same could be said for Hadestown. Even with advance sales (which is not money in the bank), there are very slim margins this season.

I pray for all involved. Wishing them all good health, and peace of heart and mind.

adotburr said: "I guess it depends on how you define “hit” too. I might see one show a hit whereas other might not.
"

That’s true. I always thought a hit is where the show recouped its investment.

Ain’t too Proud just made an announcement of its closure on Jan 16.

Double post.

Updated On: 12/28/21 at 09:33 AM

Wick3 said: "I always thought a hit is where the show recouped its investment."

You're correct. It's the only objective way to determine this.

jiaxing_26 said: "Sorry to digress a little, but does anyone know if Jeremy Jordan is on this week? I remember seeing a previous comment saying he's out, but I just won the lotto for this Thursday and am not sure if I should go..."

No, he's out this week. Josh Daniel is on until January 2. (source: the stories of the BroadwayUnderstudies Instagram.)

Think hes still out...maybe he will play the last week.



jiaxing_26 said: "Sorry to digress a little, but does anyone know if Jeremy Jordan is on this week? I remember seeing a previous comment saying he's out, but I just won the lotto for this Thursday and am not sure if I should go..."

All these closures demonstrate that producers are still using pre-pandemic metrics for post-hiatus viability. Tourist and ticketbuyer behavior is not the same as it was before, and some shows were a hard sell prior, anyway. It also shows that the League is willing to scapegoat the front of house for the closures (off-site testing with entrance refusals until test results are received, no bar, stringent oversight of staff and audience by covid monitors). Meanwhile, all cancellations are the result of backstage outbreaks, where enforcement is unenforced except at the stagedoor. Cast and some crew are tested on site, which means those with Covid are now exposing others. Covid monitors don't enforce mask usage on cast and crew during pre-show setup or in backstage areas. Further exposing others. Actors aren't wearing masks when not on stage during performances, which is supposedly required. Musicians and music directors are inconsistent with masking from show to show (a friend of mine who works at Come From Away was outraged that not only aren't the musicians masked, but the flute player is continuously allowed to blow his flute inches away from the faces of audience members). It's time to stop tiptoe-ing around backstage enforcement protocols and bring down the hammer.

The Music Man cancelled through New Year’s Day. To resume 1/2/22