Mambo Kings dead--as per Broadway.com

I wish I could say I'm more shocked than I am. Again, this was not a movie that was begging for a musical adaptation. And they filled it with a bunch of actors who don't sing. I think they're smart in cutting their losses. Why prolong the agony like GV?

Can't imagine that Morales and/or Grier would be willing or are in the position to come out of pocket the way Applegate did. Highly unlikely.

It looks like a very lackluster season coming up when compared to season.

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Heather - Would Roxane return to Chicago now?

i bought tixs at the BO is it still open for refunds

Ahhh that's too bad. I adored the film and was looking forward to seeing Esai Morales in the role.

I am a big fan of the book and tried to look towards this production with rose-colored glasses, but I would be lying if I said I was surprised. I'm just glad I didn't buy tickets.

Well, Im sorry for everyone involved that deserved a shot - but after all the hugely negative buzz this show had been getting, I honestly can't say Im THAT surprised. Color Purple at the BROADWAY would be wonderful! Can't wait for that!

I think it's always a shame when a show can't come together, but I actually think the decision to close unworkable shows out of town is an honorable one.

Truth be told, probably more shows should shutter early. In the 1940s-70s, producers would cut their losses and close shows almost immediately if they were universally panned.

Today's practice of driving flop shows into the mud (Brooklyn, Dracula, Good Vibrations) when its clear they won't ever fly just wastes a lot of money. Fascinating how ego-centric Broadway producers have become.

THE COLOR PURPLE will be an interesting experience. There is no way the show that played Atlanta would have flown in NYC. The producers at least took the smart road and went back to the drawing table. I hope they've come up with a solution. Its great source material.

Updated On: 6/27/05 at 01:17 PM

Hmmm.....I hope Color Purple fills it, but only if it does well. I don't want a big theatre like that not selling tickets. Tarzan could move there, when is it coming again?

Michael Bennet- maybe producers don't want to give up as easily on shows because by the time they get those awful out-of-town reviews, they've already invested a ton of money just putting the show on stage.

I wonder if any show that started out with abysmal attendance figures managed to find an audience after a few months and have a respectable run. I can't think of any examples, but my memory is short. Anyone?