I do think this is a huge travesty and a real shame. I don't think any of us expected it to have anything more than a healthy run and to impact some theatregoers with relatively open minds. Unfortunately, it was only able to impact those who saw it during its short window.
Hopefully this will have a long life in regional and community theatre. It's a wonderful show and it would be interesting to see a variety of creative teams and actors tackle the show!
Sad, sad, sad. I'm heartbroken about this. I saw it twice and will probably try to go one last time -- it's never going to be done in NYC again, at least in my lifetime. I guess I've outlived my time and the view ain't purty, kids.
How sad...I saw it a few weeks ago and thought it was stunning. If you haven't seen it and can get there before it closes, you definitely should, it's a beautiful piece.
I'm so disappointed. I'm actually seeing it for the third time tonight. It's a show that really deserved a longer run--it's truly something special. And the best new musical of the past year or two.
When I saw this show a couple of weekends ago, the theater was full (and no protests), so I've been surprised at its attendance figures being otherwise low. I thought the show was very good and everyone I've talked to who'd heard about the show had heard it was very good. With word of mouth that good, it couldn't sustain sales? It should have opened in the spring.
I loved this show. Be that as it may, I'm not surprised. It was just way too sophisticated and thought provoking for today's low-brow touristy audience who clamor to see the likes of Mamma Mia, Rock of Ages, etc.
Sad. I saw it 2 weeks ago on a Sunday night and it, along with the Pittman Painters, was the best thing going of the new shows this season. If you can, GO SEE THIS SHOW.
But, remember that the first B'way production of Chicago was generally ignored and look at the current production (starting in 1996 and still playing). We all know, if/when this gets a revival 10 years from now it will be a sensation.
The problem with the protesters was that it somewhat turned off the show for African American audiences. Word got out that a bunch of white people were doing a minstrel show based on a horrific moment in their/our history. There is a huge black audience out there that loves theatre, but they did not come to "Scottsboro" in the throngs the producers had hoped. Uptown prices are prohibitive of course (as opposed to the cheaper touring Tyler Parry fare) but the protests and the rumor of protests also kept them away. Updated On: 11/30/10 at 02:49 PM
SFFrontRow - The original production of Chicago played for 2 years and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. The producers of The Scottsboro Boys would probably LOVE to be similarly "ignored."
I'll be really bummed it it's not remembered at Tony time. I don't care what's on its way in the spring: Stroman has to take Best Director of a Musical.
Truly saddened, saw this the week it opened and found it to be one of the most brilliantly conceived shows that I have ever seen. If you've made it to this far down in the posting and have not seen this show - I strongly urge you to do so, you will not regret it. Definitely an experience.
I respected the show quite a bit but didn't love it. A little too heavy-handed for my taste. As always, it's upsetting to see a show close, but it is in no way a surprise. It will be a shame if Stroman's direction and choreography are forgotten come Tony time.
I do think it's a little ridiculous to underestimate the "tourist crowd" with such intensity. Other shows have been able to both provoke thought and sell tickets.
So, so grateful to be seeing this before it closes. Sad though .
"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
Well, considering the HOT TOPIC right now is THE MOTHERF*CKER IN A HAT (lovely title, dont you think? Really gonna look good on a marquee) with Chris Rock, how could anything actually entertaining as SCOTTSBORO survive?
All audiences want is sensationalistic crap. Might as well give it to them.
How would you know if MF in the Hat is sensational crap or not? It might be amazing and Chris Rock just MIGHT be perfect for it.
I am grateful to have gotten to see the wonder that is The Scottsboro Boys, it will always be remembered as one of the most wonderful theatrical experiences of my life.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Ughh, I had the chance to see this and I ended up seeing Addams Family. One of the worst theater choices of my life. I really wanted to see it now I won't get the chance.
Sadly, I won't get to see this as I don't get back to NYC until Jan.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert