With the success of Phantom, do you think Webber might want to bring it to an end soon? Really, the only place it can go right now is down, seeing as it is at the top of it's game.
Does anyone think it's time to pull the plug? Do you think Webber will do it anytime soon?
I don't know about Phantom but if WIW sudden;y closes I wouldn't be shocked at this point. Look at the numbers, Webber is raking in the $$$ off POTO, He wouldn't close it.
"It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance." -
Elizabeth Taylor
Then again, it's not like he should close it. I mean, it is probably his best work (next to JCS in my opinion), but do you really think he's keeping it around for just the money?
Yeah, I would think so Rebekah, I doubt it will close anytime soon. Why did CATs & Les Mis close? Did they end at the top? Id give Phantom about 5 more years. Once newer shows open and start to gain momentum, Phantom might take a backseat. Granted, it hasn't yet, but we'll see. I can't imagine the day when RENT, Wicked, Phantom, Producers, or Hairspray close? Hm.
Yea I'm sure it was a goal, but it's not like he was barely getting by until this point...the show is selling just as well - if not better - than it was ten years ago. Why close?
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."-Charlie Manson
I agree w/ Munk--look at the numbers, it still is usually in the 90s. If it was struggling at all, its BO was completely boosted since doing the movie. Why would you close it just because it accomplished something if it's still playing very successfully?
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
The Post is reporting that Phantom will be closing in December. Anyone have any additional insight? How big of a grain of salt should we be taking with this news?
RippedMan said: "That's major. And you'd think they'd announce it further out to give people time to return to it.
I'd imagine they'll just create a new, smaller, cheaper version and open it in a year. And that'll last a few years, then close like Les Mis."
It mentions that in the article as well.
"That could be a clue to the musical’s future. While this “Phantom” will close for good in December, it would not be shocking to see it return in a much cheaper iteration in a few years. Mackintosh pulled the same maneuver with London’s “Les Miserables” at the Queen’s Theatre. New director, slimmer set, more projections."
"I hope your Fanny is bigger than my Peter."
Mary Martin to Ezio Pinza opening night of Fanny.
Well it’s not just Les Mis, the Phantom production in London right now is described to be by a different director than Hal Prince. I’m not across the exact details but maybe they will make the same changes in NYC.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Was the tour a financial/critical hit? I guess not that it matters. Has it affected Les Mis in London or is it still selling the same?
While I think the show could use some new staging - the mannequins etc - closing it seems so sad. End of a major era. But it is the kind of show that could tour endlessly.
In hindsight, it's a good thing I booked "Phantom" for November.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
To me, this is honestly one of those “I’ll believe it when I see it” things.
My cynical perspective is likely that they may just be having a light advance for the upcoming months and need to gin up some sales, and what would do that better than a closing rumor
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