Podcast Summary: "Why are these Broadway shows closing? Thoughts on Back to the Future, Water For Elephants and Suffs closing"
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Release Date: October 30, 2024
In the October 30, 2024 episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey Jo delves into the concerning trend of Broadway show closures, focusing on three specific productions: Back to the Future: The Musical, Water For Elephants, and Suffs. Through an insightful analysis, Mickey Jo explores the underlying reasons behind these closures, the challenges faced by modern Broadway productions, and the broader implications for the theatre industry.
I. Introduction: The Closing Conundrum (00:00 - 02:30)
Mickey Jo opens the episode by posing a critical question: "Why are so many Broadway shows closing?" He straightforwardly attributes the primary reason to financial struggles, emphasizing that "if they were making plenty of money, then they wouldn't be closing" (00:00). This sets the stage for a deeper exploration into declining ticket sales and the factors contributing to this trend.
II. Timing and the Impact of Awards Season (02:31 - 08:45)
Mickey Jo discusses how the timing of show openings and closings is heavily influenced by awards seasons, particularly the Tony Awards in New York and the Olivier Awards in London. He explains:
"Over in New York, the most opportune time for a show to open will be in March or April. They open just before the Tonys, they keep up that momentum and they hope to be a Tony Award winner by the summer." (03:15)
However, he notes that if a show doesn't secure a Tony win, it often struggles to maintain relevance, especially as tourist attendance wanes in the post-summer months. This cyclical pattern leads many productions to announce closures around Christmas or early January, aiming to wrap up before the new year.
III. Case Studies of Closing Broadway Shows
A. Water For Elephants (08:46 - 17:30)
Overview:
An adaptation of the beloved film, Water For Elephants follows a young veterinarian who joins a struggling circus, developing complex relationships amidst the troupe's challenges.
Reasons for Struggling:
Mickey Jo highlights the show's visual splendor and strong performances but points out its undistinguished score as a significant drawback:
"The score just sort of took us from A to B. I thought it was decently unremarkable, but I thought the performances of the cast were very strong." (11:20)
Additionally, Water For Elephants faced stiff competition from neighboring shows like Suffs, The Outsiders, and The Notebook. Despite its initial promise and positive critical reception, it failed to carve out a unique identity that resonated with broader audiences.
Closing Details:
Announced on October 1, Water For Elephants is set to close on December 8, 2024. Mickey Jo speculates that its reliance on tourist traffic and lack of distinctive appeal contributed to its early closure.
B. Suffs (17:31 - 34:15)
Overview:
Suffs is a musical centered on the suffragist movement, notable for its all-female and non-binary cast. It garnered critical acclaim, winning Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.
Reasons for Struggling:
Despite its accolades, Suffs grappled with several challenges:
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Marketing Missteps:
Mickey Jo criticizes the show's marketing strategy, particularly its failure to leverage political milestones, such as Kamala Harris's presidential nomination:"They didn't really capitalize on it... the show's marketing hasn't really tethered themselves to her campaign." (28:40)
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Perceptions of Feminism:
The show's strong feminist themes may have alienated some audiences:"One thing that audiences don't respond well to across all media... is feminism." (26:55)
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Political Associations:
The involvement of high-profile producers like Hillary Clinton potentially deterred certain demographics.
Closing Details:
Announced shortly after Water For Elephants, Suffs will close on January 5, 2025. Despite plans for national and international tours, its Broadway run could not sustain momentum.
C. Back to the Future: The Musical (34:16 - 51:50)
Overview:
Based on the iconic film series, Back to the Future: The Musical brings the time-traveling adventure to the stage with innovative staging and Technological effects, such as projections and a functional DeLorean.
Reasons for Struggling:
Mickey Jo offers a nuanced critique:
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Score Ineffectiveness:
The musical's score lacked depth, failing to enhance the storytelling:"The songs in Back to the Future not only don't really add much, they waste our time in the process." (40:30)
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Overreliance on Visuals:
While visually impressive, the production didn't sufficiently engage musically, limiting its appeal to musical theatre enthusiasts. -
Lack of Mainstream Recognition:
Unlike massive franchises like Star Wars, Back to the Future hasn't maintained a strong cultural presence, affecting ticket sales. -
Economic Considerations:
High production costs, coupled with a large cast and complex technical elements, made it financially unsustainable without consistent high ticket sales.
Closing Details:
Back to the Future: The Musical will conclude its Broadway run on January 5, 2025, coinciding with Suffs. However, its legacy will continue with international tours and a partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
IV. Broader Trends in Broadway's Current Climate (51:51 - 58:30)
Mickey Jo reflects on the declining longevity of Broadway shows, noting that fewer productions achieve the extended runs once typical in the industry. He points out:
"It seems like the last couple seasons specifically have been very challenged ones. And we keep seeing this thing where many of the shows that open in one Broadway season have closed by the next." (53:10)
He references successful long-running shows like Moulin Rouge, Six, and MJ as exceptions rather than the norm, suggesting a shift towards shorter lifespans for new productions.
V. Future Outlook and Upcoming Shows (58:31 - End)
Looking ahead, Mickey Jo briefly touches on upcoming Broadway offerings, including revivals like Sunset Boulevard and new musicals such as Buena Vista Social Club and Operation Mincemeat. He expresses uncertainty about their potential longevity but remains hopeful for innovative productions to emerge.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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On Financial Struggles:
"If they were making plenty of money, then they wouldn't be closing." (00:00) -
On Marketing Challenges for Suffs:
"They didn't really capitalize on it... the show's marketing hasn't really tethered themselves to her campaign." (28:40) -
On the Score of Back to the Future:
"The songs in Back to the Future not only don't really add much, they waste our time in the process." (40:30) -
On Broadway Trends:
"It seems like the last couple seasons specifically have been very challenged ones." (53:10)
Conclusion
Mickey Jo's comprehensive analysis sheds light on the multifaceted reasons behind the closure of prominent Broadway shows. From financial strains and marketing missteps to the evolving tastes of theatregoers, the episode underscores the precarious nature of sustaining success on Broadway. As the industry navigates these challenges, the hope for innovative and resonant productions remains a beacon for its future.
For theatre enthusiasts and industry followers, this episode offers a deep dive into the current state of Broadway, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic planning in an ever-competitive landscape.