WBaF...very insightful. I think Adding Machine is an interesting case to look at. If it had tired to make a go of it on Broadway everyone would be saying, "This belongs off-Broadway," "If this was off-Broadway it would run for years."
Well it did try to run off-Broadway with wonderful reviews and positive word of mouth. Still the show couldn't survive. I believe if it had run on Broadway, even for a month or two, it would have a shot at regional life. Now, even with a cast recording, it will be largely forgotten. A shame too, as it was excellent.
As far as the ending of Story of My Life is concerned, I appreciate the current ending with all the loose ends. As Alvin says, you have to write the stories you know. Thomas doesn't know the story of him killing himself, so he can't reveal it. Alvin is in Thomas' mind, and therefore all the stories must be based on information that Thomas knows.
Life leads us with loose ends. When someone kills his/herself we may never understand why. Thomas can only live with the memories he has.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!