Broadway Winter Cleaning 2011

Last year at this time, some 16 productions were scheduled to close just after the holidays and into the new year.  While there isn't quite the same bloodbath this year, there are still several productions closing between now and the end of January.  Such is "the circle of life" on Broadway - one show closes, another opens!

Here's a look at what shows will be leaving us shortly:

December 17:

Venus in Fur (*) (48 performances, 29 previews at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)

• The good news here is that this acclaimed play will be returning to Broadway later in the winter/early spring for another limited engagement, this time at the Lyceum Theatre.  Both Nina Arianda and Hugh Dancy will be returning, too.

December 30:

Bonnie and Clyde (36 performances, 33 previews at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre)

• As you know, this closing really distresses me.  But at least they are going to record the score.  Still, does anyone else wonder why they are closing on Friday, rather than Saturday or Sunday?  Is New Year's Eve overtime THAT costly?  I mean, I know they crammed in 8 performances Monday - Friday, but still...

December 31:

The Addams Family (722 performances, 35 previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre)

• Snap-snap!  This really fun show defied the critics and the odds and ran far longer than anyone ever thought it would.  Pretty good, I'd say.  The good news, though, is that the theatre won't be dark too long, what with more Ghosts coming in!

Private Lives (~) (53 performances, 11 previews at the Music Box Theatre)

• I am a little surprised that Kim Cattrall didn't have more drawing power, and that this is closing a month and half early.  On the other hand, I'm mortified that it is being replaced at the Music Box by William Shatner's one man show.  Beam me far, far away!

January 1:

Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway (*) (61 performances, 18 previews at the Broadhurst Theatre)

• Come back real soon, Hugh!  And best of luck with Les Miserables!

January 8:

Billy Elliot (1312 performances, 40 previews at the Imperial Theatre)

• We are sure glad we met you, Billy!  With 10 Tonys, we just assumed you'd be around a tad longer, but 1300+ performances is quite an accomplishment, especially for a British kid going through lots of stuff most Americans don't know about, let alone understand.  Electricity, indeed!

January 13:

An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin (*) (57 performances, 6 previews at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre)

• Somehow, I imagined that this would be as tough a ticket as The Book of Mormon.  Never underestimate the public's distaste for Many Patinkin, I guess.

January 22:

Follies (^) (152 performances, 38 previews at the Marquis Theatre)

• A life-changing experience for me, this production will always hold a special place in my heart.

The Mountaintop (^) (117 performances, 24 previews at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre)

• Welcome to Broadway Angela Bassett and welcome back to Samuel L. Jackson!  Come back soon - star power with actual talent is always welcome.

Unfortunately, I have feeling that these 9 shows won't be the only ones gone by March 1st...

(*) - Limited run, closing as scheduled
(^) - Limited run, closing after being extended
(~) - Limited run, closing early






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Jeff
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