SHUFFLE ALONG Sets Sudden Broadway Closing After Audra McDonald Departs — Page 8

With all this talk about The Color Purple... Maybe Rhiannan could replace Hedeley when she departs Purple?

Kidding.

On a serious note, how is the rest of the run selling? I'm assuming it's close to sold out.

dramamama611 said: "I wasn't providing a choice....I was actually asking who could they get that had both box office draw and the talent to do the role justice as a triple threat, and yes, that would be a likely actual option to do it. "

I understand that. All I was saying is that they would not have to find someone who was both-all that would have been required was a high powered box office draw. Think Josh Groban (not for the role, obviously )

Just talking from our perspective but we would have enjoyed it just as much had she not been in it. Yes she is good and has won a boatload of Tonys but to us it was more of an ensemble piece. All of the cast plus the choreography and costumes and story etc were enough for us to enjoy it. One of the better shows we have seen and it deserved a much better fate. Rudin is a fool for not having a star replacement to fill in when she was to do Lady Day. This closing should not have happened. Surprised as Rudin is supposed to be a gee whiz kid. He dropped the ball big time on this time.

On a positive note it is great that the shows longevity is reliant on a Broadway star, that only really does theatre, not someone from the movies or television,

^wouldnt the people who are seeing Audra also be fans of Billy, Brian, Brandon Joshua and Adrienne? Like mostly theatres fans are aware of Audra and are going to see shuffle along.

Updated On: 6/25/16 at 09:00 PM

People can have a great performance in a film or a television show or as a recording artist but not be as effective in a musical. Of course, I'm not speaking about all of them but it is certainly the case for a few.

Updated On: 6/25/16 at 09:17 PM

Private Practice averaged about 9 million viewers an episode during the time when Audra was a series regular. It's logical to assume that she built a not insignificant fan base from that on top of her following from the theater.

In case it is of interest, All that Chat has a few threads on this subject, particularly the show's marketing and possible audience.

Some of it is interesting. Some of it is a little infuriating.I was a tad surprised at how many posters seemed perfectly comfortable opining on when Audra should start and end her pregnancy leave as if they have any idea of her actual physical condition.

ATC discussion on Shuffle Along Marketing:

ATC discussion on broadwayblack.com on SHUFFLE ALONG.....closing

This may be an odd theory, but don't producers take out insurance on performers if they can no longer perform? Would her pregnancy fall under an act of god in a sense? Again, total speculation and someone who knows about star insurance may be able to shoot down this theory quickly, but the July closing is odd...

Bummed out because I wanted to see it, planned a quick weekend trip to NYC at end of August to see a few show. Oh well - lol.

Um, the show has been running close to capacity with their existing price structure.

I just bought tickets for the Saturday, July 23, 8 p.m. performance using the Theater Mania code, in case anyone is interested. I think Audra is scheduled to perform that night, but I wouldn't blame her a bit if she's not there. I think I will enjoy the show with her understudy, and my friend says not to miss the show, either with Audra or without!