SHUFFLE ALONG Sets Sudden Broadway Closing After Audra McDonald Departs — Page 3

Shanice Williams

She would sell about 3 seats.

This is crazy.

I'll say this for Rudin, he's not afraid to make a decision.

Wow! This season has been the best of times and the worst of times. One of the strongest seasons in recent memory but there has been no staying power. I know Audra was the big draw. Despite my love for Brian, Billy, Joshua, and co. I have to admit she was my main reason for seeing the show. Still, I'm shocked at this abrupt closing. They might not have six time tony winning star power, but the fact that four other big (or at least noticeable) names couldn't draw enough sales is stunning. I find it a little hard to believe. Couldn't Rudin have given Rhiannon and Savion at least a few weeks to see how they fit into the show and possibly generate positive word of mouth? Just how steep was the drop off in sales?



I feel so bad for the whole company, including Rhiannon and Savion for not even getting a chance to perform. And I feel bad for Audra. Even if no one is blaming her, she has to feel awful that such a blessing and gift in her personal life has affected others' professional lives. Here's to hoping that every member of this incredible cast finds their next gig soon. Or maybe a miracle will happen and Rudin will realize he jumped the shark and change his mind? Can he even do that at this point?

uncageg said: "Has it been filmed or planning to be filmed?



"

https://instagram.com/p/BGzMNq1QktL/

When will they make "Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 2016 and All That Followed"

In all seriousness this is really sad news.

Saw it last weekend had such a great time, such amazing talent on one stage. Sad for the cast and everyone involved.

I'm so disappointed! I booked my tickets for September (what was then due to be Audra's first show back) back in March, largely for Audra but also for Billy Porter and was still looking forward to it even without Audra.

Does anyone know what Telecharge's options are for cancelled shows? I'm hoping I might be able to get a credit for a different show because otherwise I'll really lose out of currency exchange fees. If that is the case, any suggestions for a replacement show for end of September?

plzstp said: "When will they make "Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 2016 and All That Followed"

In all seriousness this is really sad news.





"

If only it was the sensation of the season, lol.

This, plus AN AMERICAN IS PARIS are a little shocking. But I think they're the first of two to start announcing closings. I'd expect FIDDLER, JERSEY BOYS & KINKY BOOTS to follow shortly. The latter three likely have shows knowing on their doors to go in(MISS SAIGON, GOTTA DANCE, ANASTACIA, AMELIA, COME FROM AWAY).

Updated On: 6/23/16 at 09:56 PM

While I don't think Rudin's commentary was blaming Audra's pregnancy for the show closing, it did basically suggest that if she wasn't having a baby it wouldn't be closing with the line: "The need for Audra to take a prolonged and unexpected hiatus from the show"

But she was already going to be gone for three months for Lady Day in London. While that is a shorter time period it still included the entire busy summer season. Considering that she would have already been gone by now, Shuffle Along might have closed even sooner.

I'm really not trying to stir up anything I just feel that he could have said that Audra was the big draw and she was going to be gone for the summer no matter what, which put a strain on ticket sales. Maybe he should have hired a higher profile replacement.

What the hell? The rest of the cast is so unbelievably talented and incredible, what a complete waste of their time. They only did 100 performances. This is complete bullsh!t and what he was said was blaming Audra and nearly shaming her for being pregnant. Wow.

Yeah - this isn't cool. Great show - my wife and I loved it. And Rhiannon Giddens is an incredibly talented person. And its not like this show revolves around Audra's character, either. You'd think a show so ravely reviewed and nominated could survive for awhile with people like Billy and Brian, et al. Just a damned shame.