Spamalot closing January 18- Page 2

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:17pm

Sad, not surprised. Although I've heard mixed things I'm still going to try to see it.

[KathyGriffinLovesYou]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:21pm

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!!!!!!

[Cartwheel]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:26pm

"And noone likes Clay, anyways. The sooner he leaves, the better! "

One jealous loser does not everyone make. The cast and the audiences like him just fine, so speak for yourself.

[gilliane]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:27pm

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.

[Broadwaynerd101]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:27pm

I know alot of people who don't like him. It's not just me.

[My_Candle]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:30pm

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.

[Mikers]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:32pm

"I know alot of people who don't like him. It's not just me."

I know a lot more people that do like him including his castmates so whatever.

[EugLoven]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:32pm

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

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:34pm

Eug, any specifics as to which shows you have this inkling about? Not to spread rumors, stir the pot, or anything of the sort. I'm just curious.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:37pm

i would venture Spring Awakening

[Schmerg_The_Impaler]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:38pm

"Clay Aiken isn't a dud."

Oh, I didn't mean he was bad-- I've never seen him in the role, so I don't like or dislike him for the part-- but I just mean that the poster's parents didn't like Clay, so he'd be considered a dud in their eyes. My friend saw him in the show and really loved him as Sir Robin.

Anyway... maybe Wicked will be next to close now that Shrek's opening. How many shows can be on Broadway at once with a green protagonist?

Updated On: 10/17/08 at 08:38 PM

[Amalia Balash]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:41pm

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.

[EnWashingtonHeights]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:41pm

I will most likely be attending the last performance.

[Hank]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:42pm

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!

[Cartwheel]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:45pm

"My parents really wanted to check this out but they refuse to see it with Clay Aiken."

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

[EnWashingtonHeights]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:48pm

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

[beachbaby]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:48pm

I'm going to have to see this one more time before it goes. I've been meaning to check out Merle Dandridge so I guess it will be sooner rather than later.

I have seen Spamalot both with and without Clay. I thought he was really good as Sir Robin.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:10pm

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.

[justafan2]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:13pm

Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!
(sniff)
I love this show.

[BroadwayGirl411]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:27pm

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.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:28pm

And of course, I am impulsive and impatient. LOL! I have closing night tickets now for the last 3 rows of the balcony, because it's all I can afford. Plus, I don't want to wait a few weeks to end up not being able to see the last performance because I waited for a discount code. Oh well, at least I get to go.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:42pm

Just two weeks after London folds up its round table!

[jalvarez]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:50pm

this economy is affecting everyone.
My friends in young frankenstein where told , that the closing notice is coming first week of Nov. YF will be closing at the end of January.

OUCH! so many people unemployed

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 10:16pm

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.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 10:17pm

SPAMALOT has grossed $175,000,000.

Now THAT is something.