Posted: 7/31/17 at 11:11pm
This is an interesting issue. Although Charlie is the lead role, replacement focus to date has never been on Charlie, at least I have never gotten the impression that there was any focus. I think it can go two ways, and probably a stupid third:
1. The producers conclude that they have gotten a windfall to cover future losses for any weeks in which they don't make the nut. Who says they are closing in January: With all the shows that are potentially closing in the next month or so, i.e., Miss Saigon, GHD, Bandstand, War Paint, TGC, their business may be okay. Also, if anyone looks at a comparison between 2016 and 2017 PRE-URIE, 2017 was already doing considerably better than 2016; in which case, they may not have an issue for quite awhile. They could be safe until they fall below the contractual clause that allows the theatre to evict them...which would probably only happen if there is a bigger deluge of musicals next season than I can remember.
I have to admit right this second that I can't remember when next season's musicals that are likely to spark interest start to open, since I can't remember being enthused by much of anything that's firm. If they tend to skew to opening in the Spring, it could possibly get another year.
2. The producers decide they hadn't focused enough on Charlie replacements to date, and decide to look for possible stunt casting replacements who like the idea of putting a toe in the Broadway pool a la Jake G, don't want a long-term commitment, e.g., Zac Efron, some other rock star looking to diversify, there's probably some TV stars...just can't think of any, since I don't tend to watch series on TV.
3. (This may be the dumbest idea posted today, but don't dismiss it out of hand). If they changed Charlie's sex, would that open any opportunities or create much positive publicity (as well as a different dynamic?...how much would really have to change? I don't recall Lola ever coming on to Charlie, so that wouldn't be an issue. Does that much change if Charlie is a really repressed woman...obviously, the love interest roles would need a little re-work, they might have to think a slightly different way to go into the closing number.
On second thought, maybe it will close after Christmas.