Spamalot closing January 18 — Page 2

I saw it in June. It's definetly one of my favorite shows.

(Arthur rides up on horse)
A- I'm looking for a man.
Man-........ I assumed.

II AALLMMOOSSTT DDIIEEDD!!!!!!

Apparently broadwaynerd101 thinks he speaks for everyone here, how quaint.

If anyone (or their parents) is adamant about seeing it without Clay and doesn't want to wait until January, I suggest you see it this weekend, Clay is scheduled to be out Saturday and Sunday.

Very sad (but not terribly surprised) to see it end, it's my favourite show and I will miss it.

Clay Aiken isn't a dud. He does a great job with the role of Robin and he is well liked by the rest of the cast. It is an ensemble show and they work well together.

Xanadu, [title of show], Legally Blonde, Hairspray (rumored)... Spamalot's closing does not come as a surprise, predicted months ago (their grosses and celeb casting). It's devastating and frustrating. And, unfortunately, this is something I'm afraid we're going to have to get used to. We may be approaching another "1980s" as far as frequency and quality of lasting shows. Economy is ripping Broadway a new one... I don't like to spell doom, but I'm positive at least 4 more shows will be added to that list by March.

First, we have our "engagements" which often have the option to extend. It's safe to say that among To Be Or Not To Be, Equus, The Seagull, Dividing The Estate and A Man For All Seasons... most will not try to push an extra week.

Second, we have our "privilege" shows (translating: they're lucky they even got their break) like 13 and A Tale of Two Cities that either suffer from marginalized target-audiences or a general lack-luster feeling. Lucky if they make it past the holidays.

As for the long-lasters facing sketchy times, I am leaning strongly on Spring Awakening (once Hunter goes), Avenue Q (could hang on thru April) and Young Frankenstein (by Christmas). It surprised me The 39 Steps is considering a 3rd theatre move in January, given their hot/cold sales. It may even be August: Osage County's turn soon.

It's almost certain Gypsy will shutter once Patti departs in March. Dancin' was postponed and replaced with Godot for any number of reasons, but I figure mostly because there was no buzz around auditions yet; and generally, plays are cheaper to mount (in spite of 2 prime-realestate actors). And still we didn't get Godspell or Colored Girls.

Let's not forget Off-Broadway. If we're surprised Broadway is struggling, imagine the turmoil some theatres are facing just being able to pay their way! Barrow Street, New World, 37 Arts, Union Square... all popular with nice foot-traffic but sky-rocketing rent! Shows previously expected to be semi-well-received (like Rock of Ages) seem to be fading into a nondescript background of low publicity and hypelessness.

Funding just doesn't exist. People are much much tighter with their disposable incomes. Today, if a 4-person Jersey family has to choose between fixing their minivan's transmission or a Broadway show, they're choosing the minivan.

Updated On: 10/18/08 at 08:32 PM

i would venture Spring Awakening

Spamalot's a fun show with a great cast, including Clay. I had a chance to go backstage and meet the cast and they were uniformly some of the nicest people I've met on Broadway. I'm sorry to see the show close and hope to see some of the cast members showing up in other shows soon.

It's sad and scary to see the effect the economy's having on Broadway. Producing a show's a risky business in the best of times, and these ain't them.

I saw the obc, on Tim Curry's birthday no less, (long time fan) and stagedoored.
It's been a great run. Sad to see it go, but the memories shall last on!

s it because he came out? Do they know there are actually gay characters in the show? They might as well stay home.

I think they mean the singer in general no matter what he fancies.

Updated On: 10/17/08 at 08:48 PM

I'm very very sad about this. I will definitely try to get closing night tickets. This has been one of my favorite Broadway shows. I've only seen it twice, but it was just fun. I also love the cast recording. Heck, a lot of the songs are in my top 25 on my iPod.

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I am a bit surprised. I thought it would pull through at least till spring. Oh well. I don't think that the Phantom will close any time soon. The grosses show that it's doing preety good after all these years.

Just two weeks after London folds up its round table!

With this news, I actually wouldn't be surprised if HAIR ended up at the Shubert - its producers are more affiliated with the Shubert Organization than the Nederlander - plus the Shubert also has "those AISLES - those LONG AISLES" the Producers apparently REALLY want.

Must. get. tickets.

To. See. Merle.