Posted: 8/18/15 at 7:54pm
I feel like the NY Post article served as the final nail in the coffin. Also, to close weeks early suggests that it was more a result of a bad lead than finding a replacement, but both probably were the deciding factors.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 7:57pm
I had really wanted to go to the final performance if only for Rebecca but I was assuming it would be with a different Hedwig and I'd rather go out on a high note with Darren's final performance than endure Taye's just for her.
Updated On: 8/18/15 at 07:57 PM
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:00pm
I love haterobics take on this. Saw JCM in April and now am perfectly content that he's my last Hedwig.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:04pm
I just saw this on my facebook feed and rushed over. I never in a million years thought Hedwig would be on Broadway. I never thought there'd be another production starring JCM. Wishes can come true. I'm totally grateful that something I loved so much in my 20s came back and made me love it all the more. But for some inexplicable reason, I feel so sad. Sept. 13 is close. Now I have to decide if I want to see it for the last time with Taye.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:05pm
My performance before seeing Taye Diggs was the show during Pride in the second row of the orchestra and it was a phenomenal, beautiful, touching show to attend.
I wish I could have left on that note. I didn't' think seeing a mediocre (awful) Taye from the balcony would be my final experience.
I know I sound bitter and I am.
Updated On: 8/18/15 at 08:05 PM
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:05pm
Wow. Add me to the list of those not expecting this! This is tragic...to go out on such a low note after an amazing run. Something like this should be going out with a huge celebration.
Anyone think there will be a follow up "stepping in for the final performances is..." announcement? That would certainly ease the blow.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:09pm
"Anyone think there will be a follow up "stepping in for the final performances is..." announcement? That would certainly ease the blow."
I can't see why that would be a separate announcement with only 3 weeks left... I think Taye will do all the shows until it closes with little fanfare.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:13pm
Hopefully Taye knows not to check Twitter tonight...
@TayeDiggs You got Hedwig closed, mother****er.
— Maddie #1 day (@BaedinaHargibae) August 18, 2015
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:15pm
I agree -- having someone else step in at this point seems pointless and kind of mean (I know, it's business, but whatever). Darren's last show was my last, and I guess that's going to stand since I don't have any real desire to see Taye. I saw Neil and John and Darren and adored each of them, so I can't really complain.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:16pm
aww, I feel sad but happy that they did so well on broadway. I would never go to a last show of Hedwig with someone other than John.
So long, friend. 
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:17pm
It seems almost blasphemous for the actor who killed such a beloved show to close it out when there are five other capable, and all likely willing, actors to step in. One of whom is the man who is the reason why the show even exists at all. But it is what it is.
Updated On: 8/18/15 at 08:17 PM
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:20pm
I still think a good chunk of it is they didn't have a good Hedwig secured in time for after Taye. I mean, if you had a Justin Timberlake on deck, you would suffer through Taye's box office (which was seemingly covering costs, so far, btw)
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:24pm
I agree with Hater. They could have muddled through if they had a big enough name secured.
I also think we have to look at the fact that the Belasco is a pretty desirable theater and a lot of announced shows still need theaters. Perhaps the Shuberts felt it was time to bring in a bigger moneymaker.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:25pm
"I still think a good chunk of it is they didn't have a good Hedwig secured in time for after Taye. I mean, if you had a Justin Timberlake on deck, you would suffer through Taye's box office (which was seemingly covering costs, so far, btw)"
They might not have had a Justin Timberlake, but there could've been some very great options. Darren and Taye were both a departure from the types that proceeded them. They were both gambles. After the gamble on Taye didn't work out how could they be sure the next guy would?
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:29pm
Some of you guys really need to get ahold of yourselves.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:29pm
It is hard to speculate with no information (although, to be fair, that is 74% of this forum)...
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:30pm
I don't think it's fair to put the full blame on Taye. Yes, his performance got very mixed reviews, he was so far the Hedwig with the lowest sales but we don't know what exactly is going on behind the scenes. It probably was a mix of things.
It's sad Taye doesn't even get to finish his planned run. That is what surprises me the most to be honest.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:30pm
This is all Taye's fault!!!!!
Kidding.
But seriously.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:32pm
Never underestimate American racism.
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:33pm
I was lucky enough to have seen the show 3 times, which includes the first preview and JCM's first on Broadway. I really wanted to see the show again, but after reading the Taye reviews I'm glad that the last Hedwig experience had JCM in the role!
That being said the show had a fantastic run, sorry to all those involved that have to try and find work again, but that's show business. Hopefully that tour still happens!
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:33pm
I think its hilarious how he said he would be amazing and yet the show is closing because of him LMFAO
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:34pm
"Never underestimate American racism."
da fuq?
Im not denying that racism exists but what does that have to do with Hedwig closing?
Posted: 8/18/15 at 8:40pm
My heart is broken.
I'm not going to blame Taye...but he didn't help.
At 24, I'm hoping she will be back while I can still sit through a show. If I have to be wheeled in, I will be.
