THE NOTEBOOK to Close on Broadway on December 15, 2024 — Page 3

It’s all case by case. Usually principals are bound by a one-year contract. Most producers refuse to let actors out of a contract as it requires extra expenses to rehearse and put in new actors. But letting an actor out for another job can help stay in an actor or agent’s good graces. If you let one leave, others will follow.

There could also be concessions: A buyout agreement with the Moulin (and Gypsy?) producers, or a requirement that departing actors drop to minimum scale salary for 4-8 weeks prior to departure (not that these people are making a ton more than minimum to begin with, but every dollar helps).

Updated On: 9/5/24 at 10:11 AM

Per his Insta story, Cardoza said his final performance date “will be shared shortly once the company is prepared to make that information available.”

Broadway Flash said: "Why is this allowed?? Why would they let everyone jump ship at the end?"

I don't think The Notebook is actually closing in December. I feel It's closing in a much sooner date and so Cardoza made official his departure. The musical is already a sinking ship so it's allowed for cast members to find other jobs

I'd be surprised if they moved up the closing date, especially with the weird specificity of December 15 (not a time when most shows close). Kevin McCollum's track record of late might not be amazing, but he's been doing this a long time and it's never a great look to announce one early-closing date and then move it up shortly after. He and his GM have financial projections and a sense of what this show will cost to run and could stand to make between now and mid Dec. I doubt they were expecting a massive bump in sales with 3.5 months notice before closing.

Closing was also announced a mere 6 days ago. It's not like this Moulin opportunity suddenly emerged in the time since then: it's probably been in the works for a month+.

While it's true that Broadway contracts are typically 1 year, that clock generally starts on the first day of rehearsal, not the first performance.

McCollum is refusing to close the show. Dec. 15 is the latest it can close in order to turnaround the theater for its next tenant.

Fosse76 said: "While it's true that Broadway contracts are typically 1 year, that clock generally starts on the first day of rehearsal, not the first performance.

McCollum is refusing to close the show. Dec. 15 is the latest it can close in order to turnaround the theater for its next tenant."

Word on the street is that he's using the show as a tax write-off for Mrs. Doubtfire, which has been making bank on the road.

my guess is that between the money earned from Doubtfire, and the money lost on Notebook, it's about a wash. This way, his tax burden will be lower, and he gets to build buzz for the Notebook tour, which will likely do very well on the road (much like Doubtfire did)

While Broadway contracts are generally one year, the standard is that after 6 months actors have outs for TV/film/Broadway principal roles that they can exercise, usually with anywhere from 2-4 weeks notice. It's likely that's what's happening here.

It's also possible John had a specific out for Moulin Rouge on Broadway built into his contract, if the producers of that show made it clear that at some point they'd want him to perform the role on Broadway after leaving the tour.

It's certainly odd to see multiple principals announce departure shortly after the closing announcement, but it's not surprising for actors to leave for higher profile gigs when their contracts allow it.

I’ll give you a Smelly N*tsack

Benji Santiago and Anna Zavelson are the new Young Noah and Allie beginning October 8, and they will stay with the show through closing.

Benji was a great Usnavi in ITH at The Muny this summer. Really excited to see his career take off.

Pretty sure Aisha Jackson will be playing Middle Allie for the remainder of the shows run beginning October 8th. Announcement should come on Tuesday!

Call_me_jorge said: "Pretty sure Aisha Jackson will be playing Middle Allie for the remainder of the shows run beginning October 8th. Announcement should come on Tuesday!"

PERFECT. She will sing the sh*t out of “My Days.”