Broadway Features and Reviews
In The Wake Of The Tony Awards
By Leora Kanner, Broadway Magazine
As uplifting as the optimistic and positive nature surrounding the Tony Awards is, not every Broadway show gets a boost from the excitement that is meant to follow the celebration. Some shows do receive a burst in ticket sales that can extend their lives on Broadway, most often as a result of a number of "big" Tony wins. At this writing, five Broadway shows announced closings, despite Tony nominations and even some Tony wins.
"Guys and Dolls," the revival that garnered weak reviews and won no Tony awards, closed on June 14 without recouping its investment. "Reasons to be Pretty," a new play, had three Tony nominations but also no wins, and decided to end its Broadway run. Both of these shows may have benefited from Tony wins, but had struggled for audiences prior to the rewards.
For other shows, even a Tony win is not enough to keep them on the stage. "Exit the King," starring Tony-winner Geoffrey Rush, decided not to extend its Broadway run and closed on June 14 as well. Similarly, the Tony-award winning and critically acclaimed play "Joe Turners Come and Gone" also decided to shut its doors after the Tonys. Both of these shows had been limited-runs initially, so their announcement to close is less upsetting than the shows that expected to remain on the stage. All four of the theaters that housed the shows that closed will likely remain empty for the rest of the summer. Also, with the announcement of Irena's Vow closing on June 28, yet another show has fallen in the post-Tony aftermath.
Despite the reality of show closings, other shows are expected to gain a boost in sales from the awards. "Billy Elliot" and "God of Carnage" are Tony winners and already box-office hits. These big ticket sellers are expected to become even more popular following their wins at the awards show. Additionally, the smaller musical “Next to Normal,” received three big awards and hopes to see a build in ticket sales as well.
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