Question about closing performance of a musical?

[TheaterLover7]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 4:45pm

Has anyone ever attended the closing performance of a musical before? I am curious to know if there is a big "to do" at the end of the show, that might delay or prevent the cast from coming to the stage door afterward? I'd like to attend the final performance of Big Fish, but will it be worth it if no one comes to the stage door, and I have the potential to miss the train home?

[dreamz]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 6:06pm

I work at 2 broadawy theaters and that depends on the actor/actress saying goodbye to everyone backstage. If they cleaned out their dressing rooms during that last week there or leaving it to the final performance

[TheaterLover7]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 6:08pm

Okay, thank you so much!

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 6:09pm

Sometimes yes and sometimes no.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 6:16pm

It also depends on factors such as whether the actors loved the show they were doing, whether they felt they were fairly treated by management or whether they just want to get away from the "scene of the crime" as soon as possible. Sometimes the attitude of the company is dictated by a well-beloved or much-disliked star, etc.

I'm sorry. I realize this isn't helping you much but there really are a lot of variables, in my experience.

Updated On: 12/26/13 at 06:16 PM

[darreyl102]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 6:25pm

Like others are saying. It completely depends on the show and cast. Sometimes they have a party to get to and won’t come out the stage door, or won’t hang around fast. Others are in a rush to get other places. It really just depends on what the actor wants to do. Sometimes they are emotional and prefer not to exit via the stage door. I will say that the shows that I have attended the final performance, including Hairspray and Priscilla, Most of the cast came out to say goodbye to everybody afterwards. But it all just depends. However, you really shouldn’t just be seeing a show for the stage door experience, but the show itself. I mean, especially if you haven’t seen the show before. If all you want to do is stage door the show, then why not just go to the stage door when the show lets out. Then you won’t feel like it wasn’t worth going. But missing a Train ride is VERY possible because they will probably take some time coming out- probably even longer then usually for some and waiting too long could be risky. That’s the whole gamble with stage dooring- You never known whether an actor is going to come out, or when.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 7:48pm

When I went to the closing of Memphis, there was a whole thing at the end with everyone who ever worked on Memphis, and the creators, writers, and lyricists came out. There was a long speech and many encores. That alone, took about a half an hour. They did come out of the stage door but not for awhile. So, expect to spend at least another 30 minutes in the theater and even more time waiting.

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 7:55pm

Memphis was a Tony award winning show that celebrated a 2 year run. I doubt the creative team of a doomed short run will be giving a farewell speech.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 8:09pm

It was a three year run, actually. September 2009 - August 2012. I guess you're right, but they are still proud of their work, and they may want to thank people, and make a speech. Just because it failed doesn't mean that won't happen.



Updated On: 12/26/13 at 08:09 PM

[darreyl102]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 8:12pm

Yep, that’s another thing to be prepared for. There is a good chance that there will be speeches and the like at Curtain. Some of the shows I have been at closing night had some sort of speeches while others did not- just depends on the show

Also at Catch Me If You Can’s Closing, there were speeches. Just because a show didn’t last long does not mean that those who worked on or in it won’t want to speak. Some people are just proud to have even opened on Broadway.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 8:15pm

It's a huge accomplishment, tons of shows never even get close. They should be proud of this show, it was a huge, beautiful production. I guess the score ultimately killed it

[TheaterLover7]

Posted: 12/26/13 at 9:50pm

Don't think that I ONLY wanted to go to a show for a "stage door" experience. I would be perfectly happy NOT doing it, but I have a teenager who LOVES to go to the stage door and it is kind of a tradition for us. I just asked because we have been to many stage doors, but have never attended a closing performance. So, I wasn't sure if there were big presentations and such. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

[Matt1]

Posted: 12/27/13 at 1:18am

I was at the closing performance of Billy Elliot. All of the cast came out (some took longer than others).