Post-Tony Fallout: SMASH announces it's closing June 22

[Ali Gator]

As traditional as the Tony Awards itself, the Tuesday after the ceremony is when producers gather the cast of their struggling shows and let them know they're closing. No one wants to be the first to drop their shoe, but someone has to...and as expected,  for 2025 its 'SMASH' which was the first to announce on Tuesday night. The struggling musical which never found an audience since opening two months ago, announced a June 22 closing date.

 

The Thursday after the Tonys is usually the next big 'drop' day when more shows will be announcing their closings. Well-sourced rumors say on Thursday,  "Boop! The Musical", "Real Women Have Curves",  and "Dead Outlaw" will all be announcing closing notices for June 29. 

 

There is also the rumor that "Gypsy" - which is averaging 75% capacity at the Majestic Theater - will announce an early summer closing date despite saying it will run through October. The next few weeks of pre-ticket buying through July 6 is not encouraging for the show at all. (The fact that star Audra McDonald will be off for vacation that first week of July isn't helping).  As a matter of fact, there are rumors that after not winning the Tony this weekend, Audra won't be returning to the show after her vacation - and the show may close as early as the second week of July.

We shall see what happens...

[+ ApexNomad]

10 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

As traditional as the Tony Awards itself, the Tuesday after the ceremony is when producers gather the cast of their struggling shows and let them know they're closing. No one wants to be the first to drop their shoe, but someone has to...and as expected,  for 2025 its 'SMASH' which was the first to announce on Tuesday night. The struggling musical which never found an audience since opening two months ago, announced a June 22 closing date.

 

The Thursday after the Tonys is usually the next big 'drop' day when more shows will be announcing their closings. Well-sourced rumors say on Thursday,  "Boop! The Musical", "Real Women Have Curves",  and "Dead Outlaw" will all be announcing closing notices for June 29. 

 

There is also the rumor that "Gypsy" - which is averaging 75% capacity at the Majestic Theater - will announce an early summer closing date despite saying it will run through October. The next few weeks of pre-ticket buying through July 6 is not encouraging for the show at all. (The fact that star Audra McDonald will be off for vacation that first week of July isn't helping).  As a matter of fact, there are rumors that after not winning the Tony this weekend, Audra won't be returning to the show after her vacation - and the show may close as early as the second week of July.

We shall see what happens...

It’s always a shame when a show has to close. At least Smash made it past the Tonys. Can’t say the same for Redwood which announced its early closing after the nominations.

[ShortCutie7]

Very sad- surprising that they’re not at least giving it a few weeks for the 4th of July tourists.

11 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

As traditional as the Tony Awards itself, the Tuesday after the ceremony is when producers gather the cast of their struggling shows and let them know they're closing. No one wants to be the first to drop their shoe, but someone has to...and as expected,  for 2025 its 'SMASH' which was the first to announce on Tuesday night. The struggling musical which never found an audience since opening two months ago, announced a June 22 closing date.

 

The Thursday after the Tonys is usually the next big 'drop' day when more shows will be announcing their closings. Well-sourced rumors say on Thursday,  "Boop! The Musical", "Real Women Have Curves",  and "Dead Outlaw" will all be announcing closing notices for June 29. 

 

There is also the rumor that "Gypsy" - which is averaging 75% capacity at the Majestic Theater - will announce an early summer closing date despite saying it will run through October. The next few weeks of pre-ticket buying through July 6 is not encouraging for the show at all. (The fact that star Audra McDonald will be off for vacation that first week of July isn't helping).  As a matter of fact, there are rumors that after not winning the Tony this weekend, Audra won't be returning to the show after her vacation - and the show may close as early as the second week of July.

We shall see what happens...

Oh man, I LOVED Boop… I was hoping it would at least play out the summer, but I guess not.

A Gypsy closure doesn’t seem as likely to me, nor does Audra leaving before her contract is up.

[+ ApexNomad]

13 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

As traditional as the Tony Awards itself, the Tuesday after the ceremony is when producers gather the cast of their struggling shows and let them know they're closing. No one wants to be the first to drop their shoe, but someone has to...and as expected,  for 2025 its 'SMASH' which was the first to announce on Tuesday night. The struggling musical which never found an audience since opening two months ago, announced a June 22 closing date.

 

The Thursday after the Tonys is usually the next big 'drop' day when more shows will be announcing their closings. Well-sourced rumors say on Thursday,  "Boop! The Musical", "Real Women Have Curves",  and "Dead Outlaw" will all be announcing closing notices for June 29. 

 

There is also the rumor that "Gypsy" - which is averaging 75% capacity at the Majestic Theater - will announce an early summer closing date despite saying it will run through October. The next few weeks of pre-ticket buying through July 6 is not encouraging for the show at all. (The fact that star Audra McDonald will be off for vacation that first week of July isn't helping).  As a matter of fact, there are rumors that after not winning the Tony this weekend, Audra won't be returning to the show after her vacation - and the show may close as early as the second week of July.

We shall see what happens...

Here’s the thing about Gypsy - she’s the ultimate star vehicle, not a box office marathon. Every Gypsy revival burns bright… then exits stage left. None of the revivals last long - only two lasted little over a year.

[viewing ownly]

Perhaps the timing with my memory serving me correctly is off, but didn't singer Alicia Keys have a successful show running on Broadway, or was that last year's news, and it's long gone?

I hope to get to NYC for the 1st time in my lifetime this year, and I'm dying to see the "Gazillion Bubble Show", or whatever it's called. It opened in Las Vegas many years ago, and the West Coasters tore it to shreds, causing an early pulled plug. It's unpredictable where and why audiences are fickle. 

[ShortCutie7]

5 hours ago, viewing ownly said:

Perhaps the timing with my memory serving me correctly is off, but didn't singer Alicia Keys have a successful show running on Broadway, or was that last year's news, and it's long gone?

I hope to get to NYC for the 1st time in my lifetime this year, and I'm dying to see the "Gazillion Bubble Show", or whatever it's called. It opened in Las Vegas many years ago, and the West Coasters tore it to shreds, causing an early pulled plug. It's unpredictable where and why audiences are fickle. 

Yes, Alicia Keys’ musical “Hell’s Kitchen” is still running!  I only clarify this because you say you’re not a theatre person, but she wrote it; she is not in it.

“Gazillion Bubble Show” is supposed to be very entertaining, but I can see why it wouldn’t do well in Vegas as it is catered to children/families.

[Ali Gator]

13 hours ago, ShortCutie7 said:

 

A Gypsy closure doesn’t seem as likely to me, nor does Audra leaving before her contract is up.

Oh you’d be surprised at what some stars have in their contracts. Many big names (such as Audra) have it in their contracts that if a show is to close early, they don’t want their name on the marquee when it does. A great example of this is when Julie Andrew’s  left Victor/Victoria and replaced by Raquel Welch. They waited for her to take the stage, and then announced the closing days after. 
 

This show is losing $ right now (75% capacity is not good) and I’m sure there have been discussions about pulling the plug early.  
 

I might be wrong but after losing the Tony, I’m sure Audra doesn’t want to be on the stage if it closes early. I wouldn’t be surprised if they announced the closing while she’s on vacation and her sub takes over. Then there will be an excuse as to why she can’t return and the sun stays in for the final weeks. 

[ShortCutie7]

30 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

Oh you’d be surprised at what some stars have in their contracts. Many big names (such as Audra) have it in their contracts that if a show is to close early, they don’t want their name on the marquee when it does. A great example of this is when Julie Andrew’s  left Victor/Victoria and replaced by Raquel Welch. They waited for her to take the stage, and then announced the closing days after. 
 

This show is losing $ right now (75% capacity is not good) and I’m sure there have been discussions about pulling the plug early.  
 

I might be wrong but after losing the Tony, I’m sure Audra doesn’t want to be on the stage if it closes early. I wouldn’t be surprised if they announced the closing while she’s on vacation and her sub takes over. Then there will be an excuse as to why she can’t return and the sun stays in for the final weeks. 

Gotcha, what I don’t get is why the producers don’t try getting a replacement who will sell tickets (someone at the level of Jennifer Holliday or Vanessa Williams).

[Ali Gator]

5 hours ago, ShortCutie7 said:

Gotcha, what I don’t get is why the producers don’t try getting a replacement who will sell tickets (someone at the level of Jennifer Holliday or Vanessa Williams).

Because a name actress like the two you mentioned doesn't want to take over a sinking ship. This is a major reason why ALW had trouble filling the role of Norma Desmond in 1996 when Buckley was leaving Sunset Blvd.

Though she was regarded as 'the best actress in the role' to many critics and fans, she was not bringing in a big box office since she wasn't really known outside the theater world. For the 13 months she was on the stage, the box office slowly eroded - it was not setting records like when Glenn Close was in the role. In her final months, she was filling the house around 70%.  He knew he needed a name to boost the box office once again; someone the tourists from flyover states would flock to see on stage.

He approached a number of celebrities: Cher, Diana Ross, Cybill Shepherd, Dixie Carter, Michele Lee, Olivia Newton-John, Tyne Daly, and many others were asked or offered the role. No one took it - no one wanted to walk on to a sinking ship. He ended up with Elaine Paige, a theater star on the West End, but a relatively unknown here - and she lasted 6 months.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

6 hours ago, ShortCutie7 said:

Gotcha, what I don’t get is why the producers don’t try getting a replacement who will sell tickets (someone at the level of Jennifer Holliday or Vanessa Williams).

Most performers can't handle doing Gypsy 8x a week.  Vocally or otherwise.

Heather Headley is the one name I can think of who would do it justice, but she's in the middle of filming her series.

Would people know her?  Likely not. 

Sadly, this is what Broadway is now....  'Is there some B or C lister in the show I know?'

[ShortCutie7]

2 hours ago, Ali Gator said:

Because a name actress like the two you mentioned doesn't want to take over a sinking ship. This is a major reason why ALW had trouble filling the role of Norma Desmond in 1996 when Buckley was leaving Sunset Blvd.

Holliday and Williams have both been replacements in Broadway shows! 
 

2 hours ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

Most performers can't handle doing Gypsy 8x a week.  Vocally or otherwise.

Heather Headley is the one name I can think of who would do it justice, but she's in the middle of filming her series.

Would people know her?  Likely not. 

Sadly, this is what Broadway is now....  'Is there some B or C lister in the show I know?'

Agreed on all counts- this role should absolutely perform 6 shows per week with Wade and/or Glover performing the other 2. Unfortunately I don’t think Headley is known enough to sell tickets to people who aren’t already theatre lovers, but then again I would have said the same for Audra.

[+ ApexNomad]

I wouldn’t underestimate Heather Headley. She doesn’t have the cache as Audra, but Netflix has reach and she stars in the widely popular Sweet Magnolias. She’s a Tony winner herself. People have been waiting for her return to Broadway. And I love her voice. I could see her act the shit out of that role.

But it’s a moot point as the actress from Memphis is scheduled to take on the role while Audra is on vacation. 

[+ ApexNomad]

17 hours ago, ShortCutie7 said:

Yes, Alicia Keys’ musical “Hell’s Kitchen” is still running!  I only clarify this because you say you’re not a theatre person, but she wrote it; she is not in it.

“Gazillion Bubble Show” is supposed to be very entertaining, but I can see why it wouldn’t do well in Vegas as it is catered to children/families.

The Gazillion Bubble Show brings back such sweet memories. I saw that show on a date night. The finale is basically an orgy of bubbles—you can barely see a thing. It’s hilarious. And we kissed under the bubbles.

[d.anders]

11 hours ago, ShortCutie7 said:

I don’t get is why the producers don’t try getting a replacement who will sell tickets

Rose is not an easy role to cast these days. Too many revivals. Who wants to sing and act that hard 8 times a week, for a Broadway salary? IMO, this revival was a vanity project for Audra McDonald and George Wolfe. Somebody told someone somewhere that this idea would attract lots of white ticket buyers for a total recoup of money. It isn't going to happen, because Audra McDonald is not that kind of star.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

1 hour ago, d.anders said:

Somebody told someone somewhere that this idea would attract lots of white ticket buyers

Oh, really....  Ok.

I'm just happy to see producers still taking risks on classics.

Edited June 12 by BenjaminNicholas

[Ali Gator]

9 hours ago, ShortCutie7 said:

Holliday and Williams have both been replacements in Broadway shows! 

Did either actress  replace the star of a highly-anticipated, big-budget musical, which simply can't sell tickets at the box office ?  Did they replace the star of the show who was favored to win the Tony in her category but walked away empty handed ?

I'm going to guess 'No' to both questions above, which is the current situation with 'Gypsy' right now. 

[Ali Gator]

6 hours ago, d.anders said:

Rose is not an easy role to cast these days. Too many revivals. Who wants to sing and act that hard 8 times a week, for a Broadway salary? IMO, this revival was a vanity project for Audra McDonald and George Wolfe. Somebody told someone somewhere that this idea would attract lots of white ticket buyers for a total recoup of money. It isn't going to happen, because Audra McDonald is not that kind of star.

Rose was never easy to cast ! 

The 1989 revival has an interesting history behind it...

According to an interview years ago with Tyne Daly:  Laurents realized it was time to revive 'Gypsy' on B'way around 1988. He was piecing it all together, but couldn't find the appropriate lead actress. One of his friends saw Tyne Daly guest starring on Dolly Parton's short-lived variety show on ABC in the spring of 1988, and happened to record it. (According to an interview with Tyne Daly, even though she was not a singer nor a musical actress, Parton had convinced her to do a musical segment on her show - they dueted together - and that was the performance the friend saw.) After the show, the friend called Laurents and said, "I think I found your Mama Rose!" and went to his apartment with the VHS tape.  Laurents watched Daly's performance and was convinced - she was going to be the new star on Broadway. (Daly said when Laurents called her, she thought someone was playing a prank on her - it took her a while to be convinced that Laurents wanted her to come to NYC and audition for the musical). She admitted she wasn't great in that audition, but he had faith in her and offered her the job right on the spot. She became a Tony-winning Broadway star.  

For years, Liza Minnelli said she was offered the lead in the 1989 revival  but turned it down - Laurents had denied that was ever true. He insisted he never even thought of Minnelli for the revival, never mind offer her the role. The only other actress he considered at the time was Bette Midler for the stage revival, but he never approached her about it idea. He found Daly, and that was that.  (Midler ended up with the 1993 TV movie, which pissed off Daly, but that's another story). 

 

 

[ShortCutie7]

41 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

Did either actress  replace the star of a highly-anticipated, big-budget musical, which simply can't sell tickets at the box office ?  Did they replace the star of the show who was favored to win the Tony in her category but walked away empty handed ?

I'm going to guess 'No' to both questions above, which is the current situation with 'Gypsy' right now. 

I think you know that the answer is “no” and don’t have to guess lol.  My point is that they’re not above the premise of being a replacement.

[d.anders]

7 hours ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

Oh, really....  Ok.

From my experience, investors are not woke. They definitely need to be convinced their money will be paid back and they will make a profit. Putting a black actress in the famous role of a white woman, who actually existed in history, is a controversial decision, especially with soaring ticket prices. I'm sure George Wolfe was hit with many uncomfortable questions.

7 hours ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

I'm just happy to see producers still taking risks on classics.

There don't seem to be many left. Risk money is very challenging to find.

[d.anders]

51 minutes ago, Ali Gator said:

Rose was never easy to cast ! 

There is only 1 Ethel Merman. Similar to 1 Streisand playing Fanny Brice. Sure, other actors may get their shot, but the shadows to overcome are long and wide.

[d.anders]

1 hour ago, Ali Gator said:

For years, Liza Minnelli said she was offered the lead in the 1989 revival  but turned it down - Laurents had denied that was ever true.

Even though Liza won the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical, 1977's The Act was a financial disaster, mostly due to Liza's missed performances, which were caused by her serious addiction issues. It is a miracle anyone wanted to finance The Rink in 1984. Liza had to leave that show early to enter the Betty Ford Clinic for the first time. That show ended in financial disaster.

In 1987, Liza introduced a Marvin Hamlisch arranged "Some People" in her famous Carnegie Hall performance. It was a terrific rendition, and the crowds went wild. The song stayed in her act for decades. Fans fantasized out loud about Liza one day doing Mama Rose. However, who was going to throw Broadway money at Liza when she had proven over and over again that she was in no shape to handle an 8-show a week schedule? Once Liza's struggle with addictions went public in 1984, her career on Broadway seemed to end. In 1997, Liza stepped in for Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria for 4 weeks, while Julie took a lengthy vacation. I believe that was Liza's last time working an 8-show a week Broadway engagement.

[+ ApexNomad]

12 hours ago, d.anders said:

Rose is not an easy role to cast these days. Too many revivals. Who wants to sing and act that hard 8 times a week, for a Broadway salary? IMO, this revival was a vanity project for Audra McDonald and George Wolfe. Somebody told someone somewhere that this idea would attract lots of white ticket buyers for a total recoup of money. It isn't going to happen, because Audra McDonald is not that kind of star.

Audra McDonald isn’t “that kind of star”? You mean the kind with 6 Tonys, a National Medal of Arts, and universal critical respect? She doesn’t need to prove anything. But Broadway still needs to catch up to her.

Funny how a white actress taking on Rose is brave or just right, but when it’s Audra — a literal Broadway legend with more Tonys than anyone alive — it’s suddenly a “vanity project.”

[d.anders]

2 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

Audra McDonald isn’t “that kind of star”? You mean the kind with 6 Tonys, a National Medal of Arts, and universal critical respect?

I hear the sales pitch. I can even hear it in George Wolfe's voice. But where are the advance ticket sales and endless sell-out shows? 

2 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

Funny how a white actress taking on Rose is brave or just right, but when it’s Audra — a literal Broadway legend with more Tonys than anyone alive — it’s suddenly a “vanity project.”

Not just Audra. Nothing personal against Audra. I may not be a fan of her singing voice, but I respect her talents, her accomplishments, and those who are fans of her singing. To each his own.

However, imagine what would happen to a white Broadway director who cast a white actress to play a real life historical black woman? Not. Going. To. Happen.

Edited June 12 by d.anders

[+ ApexNomad]

20 minutes ago, d.anders said:

I hear the sales pitch. I can even hear it in George Wolfe's voice. But where are the advance ticket sales and endless sell-out shows? 

Not just Audra. Nothing personal against Audra. I may not be a fan of her singing voice, but I respect her talents, her accomplishments, and those who are fans of her singing. To each his own.

However, imagine what would happen to a white Broadway director who cast a white actress to play a real life historical black woman? Not. Going. To. Happen.

Broadway tickets are expensive — not everyone’s rushing to drop $250+ on a show they’ve seen revived half a dozen times. And this is coming from someone who paid center 3x as much for orchestra aisle to see George Clooney and Denzel Washington. The issue isn’t Audra or George Wolfe — it’s that Gypsy is old-school. I know because I’m old! But it’s old. Brilliant, yes. But it doesn’t have the IP buzz or TikTok hype that fills theaters in 2025. If anything, Audra’s taking a risk — not indulging in vanity. She’s trying to breathe fresh life into a classic that isn’t an automatic sell anymore.

As for your last point — whew. That’s a minefield of false equivalence and coded racial grievance. Yes, Gypsy Rose Lee was a real person, but Gypsy the musical is only loosely based on her memoir. The lead role — Mama Rose — is not a strict historical figure. She’s a theatrical invention: a heightened, mythic portrayal of ambition and maternal obsession. The show isn’t a documentary — it’s a drama with a capital D.

You’re comparing apples to institutional racism. The casting of Audra McDonald is a reinterpretation of a fictional role, not an erasure of a historical figure’s lived experience. If a white actress were cast to play, say, Harriet Tubman or Billie Holiday — that’s revisionist. Audra playing Rose? That’s theater doing what theater has always done best: reinventing familiar stories with fresh urgency.

And frankly, if anyone has earned the right to take on a role like this, it’s Audra. Ten times over.

[Ali Gator]

2 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

You’re comparing apples to institutional racism. The casting of Audra McDonald is a reinterpretation of a fictional role, not an erasure of a historical figure’s lived experience. If a white actress were cast to play, say, Harriet Tubman or Billie Holiday — that’s revisionist. Audra playing Rose? That’s theater doing what theater has always done best: reinventing familiar stories with fresh urgency.

 

What if it was a white actress cast as Effie or Deena in a revival of 'Dreamgirls' ?