Broadway, the heart of New York City’s theatre scene, is a melting pot of talent, creativity, and entertainment. It’s where dreams are made and legends are born. But with the ever-changing landscape of theatre, shows must eventually close, making way for new productions to shine. In 2023, several beloved Broadway shows will be closing their curtains for the final time. This article will take a closer look at the shows that will be saying goodbye to the Great White Way, and the impact they will have on the theatre community. Get ready to be entertained, moved, and inspired as we explore the final performances of these Broadway productions.
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Shows Leaving Broadway in 2023
The Phantom of the Opera
- Closing Date: February 3, 2023
- Ticket Sales: As of September 2022, tickets were still available for performances through the closing date.
The Phantom of the Opera, one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, is set to close its doors in February 2023 after over 30 years of captivating audiences. The show, which opened in 1988, has played over 13,000 performances and has been seen by over 18 million people.
The musical, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, tells the story of a mysterious and disfigured musical genius who becomes obsessed with a young soprano and stages a gruesome revenge on those who have wronged him. The show features iconic songs such as “Music of the Night” and “All I Ask of You.”
Despite its impending closure, The Phantom of the Opera remains a must-see show for many theatergoers. Tickets for performances through the closing date were still available as of September 2022, and fans are eagerly anticipating the remaining shows.
The Lion King
- Closing Date: January 5, 2024
- Ticket Sales: Tickets are still available for performances through the closing date.
After more than two decades on Broadway, “The Lion King” will be closing its doors in January 2024. The show, which has been entertaining audiences since 1997, has become a staple of the Great White Way and has been beloved by both locals and tourists alike. Despite its impending closure, tickets are still available for those who wish to catch the show before it departs.
The decision to close “The Lion King” was reportedly made due to the expiration of the show’s lease, as well as the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the show has remained popular throughout its run, the economic realities of operating a Broadway production have made it difficult to justify continuing the production beyond its current lease.
Despite the show’s closing, “The Lion King” will live on in the memories of those who have seen it, as well as in the many productions that have been inspired by its innovative use of puppetry and stagecraft. For those who have yet to experience the magic of “The Lion King,” there is still time to purchase tickets and witness the spectacle for themselves before the show departs Broadway for good.
Wicked
- Closing Date: As of January 2023, the show is scheduled to close. Exact date TBD.
After more than 15 years on Broadway, the beloved musical “Wicked” will be closing its doors in 2023. The exact date of the closing has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be sometime in January.
The show, which is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, tells the story of the witches of Oz and their journey to become the characters we know from “The Wizard of Oz.” With a cast that includes Tony Award-winning actress Idina Menzel, “Wicked” has been a fan favorite for years.
Even though the show is closing, tickets are still available for performances through the closing date. Fans of the show are encouraged to get their tickets as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out on this iconic Broadway experience.
In addition to the closure of “Wicked,” other shows are also set to leave Broadway in 2023. Fans of these shows are encouraged to catch them before they close, as they may never return to the Great White Way again.
Hadestown
- Closing Date: January 2023
Hadestown, the acclaimed musical by Anaïs Mitchell, will be concluding its Broadway run in January 2023. The show, which opened in April 2022, has been praised for its unique blend of folk and theatre, retelling the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
The production, which is currently playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre, has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising its innovative staging and powerful performances. However, it has not been able to attract the same level of commercial success as some of the other shows currently running on Broadway.
Despite its impending closure, there are still tickets available for those who wish to see the show before it departs. Fans of the musical, or those simply looking for a unique theatrical experience, are encouraged to act quickly, as the show’s remaining run is sure to sell out soon.
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a play adapted by Aaron Sorkin from Harper Lee’s 1960 novel of the same name. The play premiered on Broadway in December 2018, with Jeff Daniels in the lead role of Atticus Finch. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, and was nominated for several Tony Awards in 2019.
Despite its initial success, To Kill a Mockingbird struggled to find an audience in the following years. In July 2021, it was announced that the play would close in January 2023, making it one of the first Broadway shows to announce a closing date during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time of its closing, To Kill a Mockingbird will have played a total of 37 previews and 173 regular performances. Despite its short run, the show was able to recoup its $8 million investment in just over a year, making it a financial success.
As of September 2022, tickets were still available for performances through the closing date. It is unclear whether the show will be replaced by another production or if the Shubert Organization, which owns the Schubert Theatre where the show is playing, will choose to keep the space dark.
West Side Story
Closing Date
West Side Story is set to close on Broadway in January 2023. The exact date of the final performance has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be sometime in the first week of the month.
Ticket Sales
As of September 2022, tickets were still available for performances through the closing date. However, with the announcement of the closing date, ticket sales may increase as fans rush to see the show before it closes. It is recommended to check ticket availability regularly to ensure the best seating options.
Shows with Uncertain Futures
The Music Man
- Opening Date: December 2022
- Ticket Sales: Tickets are available for performances through June 2023. The show’s future beyond that is uncertain.
The Music Man is a musical comedy with a book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story he wrote for a 1953 issue of Reader’s Digest. The story follows a con man named Harold Hill, who poses as a music teacher and leads a group of children in the fictional town of River City, Iowa, in a production of a musical. The show is a classic of American theatre and has been beloved by audiences for decades.
Opening Date: December 2022
The Music Man is set to open on Broadway in December 2022, following a pre-Broadway engagement at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. The production will feature a star-studded cast, including Hugh Jackman as Harold Hill and Sutton Foster as Marian Paroo. The show will be directed by Jerry Zaks, with choreography by Tony-winner Warren Carlyle.
Ticket Sales: Tickets are available for performances through June 2023. The show’s future beyond that is uncertain.
Despite the excitement surrounding the show’s opening, The Music Man has not yet been given a definitive closing date. Tickets are currently available for performances through June 2023, but the show’s future beyond that is uncertain. The production team has expressed hope that the show will run for a long time, but with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unpredictable nature of Broadway audiences, it is difficult to say for sure.
Cast and Creative Team:
As mentioned above, The Music Man will feature a star-studded cast, including Hugh Jackman as Harold Hill and Sutton Foster as Marian Paroo. The show will be directed by Jerry Zaks, with choreography by Tony-winner Warren Carlyle. The creative team also includes music supervisor/arranger David Chase, scenic designer Beowulf Boritt, costume designer Ann Roth, lighting designer Jules Fisher, and sound designer Dan Moses Schreier.
Synopsis:
The Music Man tells the story of Harold Hill, a charismatic and talented musician who travels to River City, Iowa, with the intention of starting a boys’ band. However, when he arrives, he discovers that the town has no band and no interest in starting one. Harold decides to stay in River City anyway, posing as a respectable music teacher and leading the town’s children in a production of a musical. Along the way, he falls in love with Marian Paroo, the town’s librarian, and must confront the consequences of his deception.
Music and Lyrics:
The music and lyrics of The Music Man are some of the most beloved in American theatre. The show features such classic songs as “Till There Was You,” “Goodnight, My Someone,” and “Seventy-Six Trombones.” The score is a mix of jazz, blues, and folk music, and the lyrics are clever and witty.
Why You Should See It:
The Music Man is a timeless classic that has been delighting audiences for decades. With a star-studded cast, a top-notch creative team, and a score that is sure to get your feet tapping, this show is not to be missed. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the musical or a newcomer to the world of theatre, The Music Man is sure to be a treat.
Mrs. Doubtfire
- Opening Date: March 2023
- Ticket Sales: Tickets are available for performances through July 2023. The show’s future beyond that is uncertain.
Mrs. Doubtfire is a musical adaptation of the beloved 1993 film of the same name. The show follows the story of a divorced father who disguises himself as a nanny in order to spend more time with his children. The musical features a score by Tony Award-winning composer, Stephen Flaherty, and a book by Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Thomas Meehan.
Despite strong ticket sales and positive reviews from critics, the show’s future beyond July 2023 is uncertain. It is unclear whether the show will be extended or if it will close after its initial run. However, fans of the film and musical theater alike can still catch the show before its potential closing.
The Minutes
- Opening Date: February 2023
- Ticket Sales: Tickets are available for performances through May 2023. The show’s future beyond that is uncertain.
The Minutes is a new play by Tracy Letts, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of August: Osage County. The play is described as a comedy that explores the nature of time and the ways in which it both speeds up and slows down at different moments.
The cast of The Minutes includes Armie Hammer, Audra McDonald, Michael McKean, Kate Mulgrew, and Gary Sinise, among others. The play is directed by Anna D. Shapiro, who has previously worked with Letts on the Broadway production of August: Osage County.
Since its opening in February 2023, The Minutes has received mixed reviews from critics. While some have praised the play’s clever writing and strong performances, others have found it slow-paced and difficult to follow. Despite this, the show has been selling tickets steadily, with many performances sold out or close to selling out.
The uncertainty about the show’s future beyond May 2023 may be due to a combination of factors, including mixed reviews and the current state of the Broadway industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, given the talented cast and creative team behind the production, it is possible that the show may find a way to extend its run or transfer to a different venue. Only time will tell.
Shows with Limited Engagements
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
- Closing Date: February 2023
Background and Production Information
- A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is a jukebox musical that celebrates the life and music of the legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond.
- The show features a book by Anthony Ross, direction by Michael Mayer, and choreography by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler.
- The musical boasts an impressive creative team, including music supervision and arrangements by Tony Award winner Jason Howland, sound design by four-time Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, and lighting design by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley.
Cast and Creative Team
- The show stars Tony Award winner Robyn Hurder as the female lead and is led by a talented ensemble cast.
- The creative team includes a live orchestra led by music director Nadia Sirota, and an all-star creative team, including choreographer David Korins, lighting designer Howell Binkley, and sound designer Brian Ronan.
Reception and Critical Acclaim
- A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the musical’s energy and crowd-pleasing performances, while others feel that the show lacks depth and substance.
- Despite mixed reviews, the show has been a commercial success, with many performances selling out.
Why It’s Closing
- The show’s limited engagement is due to the nature of the production, which is a touring production that will be traveling to other venues after its run on Broadway ends.
- While the show has been a commercial success, it was always intended to be a limited engagement production.
Overall, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is a high-energy, crowd-pleasing musical that celebrates the life and music of Neil Diamond. While the show has received mixed reviews, it has been a commercial success and is sure to delight fans of the legendary singer-songwriter.
Forsythe
- Closing Date: March 2023
Forsythe is a show with a limited engagement on Broadway, set to open in February 2023 and close in March 2023. The show is a dance performance that features the works of the renowned choreographer, William Forsythe.
Forsythe’s works are known for their technical complexity and innovative approach to dance, and this show promises to be a must-see for anyone interested in the world of contemporary dance. The performance will feature a diverse cast of dancers, bringing Forsythe’s vision to life on stage.
Tickets for Forsythe are still available for performances through the closing date, so those interested in attending have plenty of time to purchase their tickets. This show is sure to be a highlight of the Broadway season, and those who attend are sure to be captivated by the beauty and grace of Forsythe’s choreography.
The Skin of Our Teeth
+ The highly anticipated revival of Thornton Wilder's classic play, "The Skin of Our Teeth," finally opens its doors to the Broadway audience in March 2023. Directed by Tony Award-winner Sam Gold, the production promises to be a fresh and modern take on the original text.
- Closing Date: April 2023
- Despite its limited engagement, “The Skin of Our Teeth” is set to close its doors after just one month on Broadway. The show’s brief run is a result of the producers’ decision to bring the production to a close in order to make way for the next big thing on the Great White Way.
- Despite the show’s impending closure, tickets for “The Skin of Our Teeth” are still available for purchase through the end of its run in April 2023. With a talented cast and creative team, this is a production that is not to be missed before it disappears from the Broadway scene forever.
Shows with Announced Closures
Freestyle Love Supreme
Freestyle Love Supreme, a highly acclaimed improvisational show, will be closing its doors on Broadway in January 2023. The show, which features a rotating cast of performers including Lin-Manuel Miranda, has been praised for its innovative approach to storytelling and its engaging and interactive nature.
Despite its popularity, the show has struggled to find a sustainable audience and has been running at a loss. Despite efforts to revamp the show and attract new audiences, the decision was made to close the production.
Ticket sales for the show have been steady, but not enough to sustain the production’s costs. As of September 2022, tickets were still available for performances through the closing date, providing audiences with one last chance to experience this unique and innovative show.
Jagged Little Pill
- Closing Date: December 2022
Jagged Little Pill, a musical based on Alanis Morissette’s Grammy Award-winning album, has announced its closure in December 2022. The show, which premiered on Broadway in 2019, has been praised for its innovative use of music and storytelling, blending Morissette’s hits with an original story that explores themes of love, family, and identity.
Despite critical acclaim, Jagged Little Pill has struggled to find a large audience, with ticket sales lagging behind other shows on Broadway. However, for those who have not yet seen the show, there is still a chance to catch it before it closes. As of September 2022, tickets were still available for performances through the closing date, though prices may vary depending on the day and time of the show.
The closure of Jagged Little Pill will mark the end of an era on Broadway, as the show was one of the few remaining from the 2019-2020 season that was not delayed or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the closure also presents an opportunity for the theater community to reflect on the show’s legacy and impact on the industry.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Background
- “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” is a jukebox musical based on the life and career of the legendary singer, Tina Turner.
- The show premiered on Broadway in 2019 and has been running at the Aldrich Theatre ever since.
- The musical features a book by Katori Hall and direction by Phyllida Lloyd.
Critical Reception
- The show received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performance of the lead actress, Adrienne Warren, while others found the script lacking.
- The show was nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, but did not win any.
Box Office Performance
- Despite mixed reviews, the show has been financially successful, regularly selling out performances and grossing over $1 million per week.
- However, the show’s producers announced in July 2022 that it would be closing in February 2023.
Closing Dates and Ticket Sales
- The show’s closing date was officially announced in July 2022, with the final performance scheduled for February 2023.
- As of September 2022, tickets were still available for performances through the closing date, though it is likely that demand will increase as the closing date approaches.
Overall, “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” has been a financially successful show on Broadway, but its mixed reviews and impending closure suggest that it may not have been able to maintain long-term popularity with audiences.
FAQs
1. What shows are closing on Broadway in 2023?
A list of shows that are set to close on Broadway in 2023 is not yet available as it is subject to change and updates. However, you can keep track of the current Broadway schedule and check for updates on any shows that may be closing in 2023.
2. Why are these shows closing?
Shows can close for a variety of reasons, such as low ticket sales, ending of a limited run, or the cast reaching the end of their contracts. In some cases, shows may close due to negative reviews or lack of critical acclaim.
3. Is it possible to get refunds for tickets to closing shows?
Refunds for tickets to closing shows may be available depending on the show’s policies and the ticket seller’s policies. It’s best to check with the show’s box office or the ticket seller for more information.
4. What should I do if I have tickets to a closing show?
If you have tickets to a closing show, you can still enjoy the performance and support the cast and crew. Alternatively, you may be able to exchange your tickets for a different show or get a refund, depending on the show’s policies and the ticket seller’s policies.
5. Will the cast and crew of the closing shows be involved in new productions?
It’s possible that some members of the cast and crew of closing shows may be involved in new productions. However, this is subject to individual agreements and decisions, and it’s not always the case.
6. How can I stay updated on the latest information about closing shows?
You can stay updated on the latest information about closing shows by checking the Broadway website or social media accounts, or by signing up for newsletters or alerts from the shows or theaters.
