Do shows do anything special on closing nights??- Page 2
Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
#25re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 2:46pmLegally Blonde.... NOTHING! No speech, no extra bow, no OBC....
#26re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 4:36pm
Dont they generally have special playbills for closing night? I thought I remembered seeing a closing night Les Mis playbill that said 'Au Revoir' on the cover.
Side note...I bet Dolly Parton will make an appearance at 9 to 5's closing performance just for shock value and crowd appeal.
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#27re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 4:42pm
Nothing at the recent Guys & Dolls revival.
I don't think a special playbill is customary.
Cape Twirl of Doom
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/2/05
#28re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 4:45pm
Dont they generally have special playbills for closing night?
There's usually only a special Playbill if it's some kind of milestone/well-publicized event. (LES MIS's closing, CATS becoming the longest running show, PHANTOM breaking that record, etc.)
"It's Phantom meets Hamlet... Phamlet!"
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#29re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 4:47pmSince the playbills are paid by the production, I cannot imagine that they will want to pay MORE money to celebrate a flop.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Updated On: 8/5/09 at 04:47 PM
#30re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 5:09pm
Im really hoping Avenue Q does something special for its final night. I am a huge fan of the show and I hope it gets some sort of goodbye...
I was actually disapointed at the July 5th evening show because it was Carey Anderson, Howie Michael Smith, Ann Sanders, and Carla Renetas final night and it was not aknowledged at Curtain call (Although majority of the audience was aware, and were giving gifts to parting cast members). I thought it was a little tacky ecspecially considering how long Howie stayed with the show.
Also I heard that for its 6th "birthday" nothing special again and wasnt aknowleged.
For the last show I even think a special playbill would sufice. Just give me something
"Everything in life, is only for now"
-Avenue Q
zamedy
Broadway Star Joined: 6/27/07
#31re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 9:56pm
As I've posted on here before, I attended the final performance of HAIRSPRAY. It was truly a magical night that exceeded my expectations and was a perfect example of what a closing night for a long running show should be.
-Special Playbill that had show's closing date spelled out in color
-Literally DOZENS of alumni in the audience, along with the entire creative team
-HUGE entrance applause for EVERYONE, standing ovations after SEVERAL songs
-A few new lines thrown in (ex. Tracy: "From this day forward, the Corny Collins Show.. AND THE WHITE HOUSE.. (30 seconds of cheering).. are OFFICIALLY INTEGRATED!")
-All alumni joined cast on stage for two reprises of "You Can't Stop The Beat"
-Heartfelt closing speech by Harvey
-Several tv news crews/photographers in house for final number, and outside theatre
One of the best nights of my life. Just watch some of the clips from the curtain call on 'that site' and see what I mean.
#32re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 11:34pm
I've been to 2 closings and both had speeches at the end, Company and The Producers.
After the regualar bows in Company Raul made a great speech about how Broadway is headed towards another "Golden Age" and that we should be supporting theater with every chance we get.
At The Producers, no OBC, but Mel Brooks, Susan Stroman, and Thomas Meehan all came out to give a speech. From what I rememeber Brooks did most of the talking and Stroman commented on a couple things, but Meehan didn't say anything.
Both were really cool experiences. It's not good to see any show go, but last performances tend to be a lot of fun.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#33re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/5/09 at 11:37pmI would guess/hope that the departing actors are ASKED if they want any special treatment...I'm not suprised that many pass.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#34re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/6/09 at 12:49am
Maybe Dolly will be at 9 to 5's closing?
I predict they will do something at Avenue Q's final performance, at least a speech or something, since that ran for awhile, won Tonys including Best Musical, and a lot of past cast members are supposedly invited.
#35re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/6/09 at 12:56am
Didn't the playbill for the closing night of Cats have a tear under one of the eyes? Most shows don't have special playbills but I could understand shows that ran for a very long time doing something special. I think if Phantom ever closed their playbills would be leather and embossed with gold 
Since the playbills are paid by the production, I cannot imagine that they will want to pay MORE money to celebrate a flop.
I thought Playbills were given to the theatre for free or are you only referring to the special ones?
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
#36re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/6/09 at 8:20pm
When I went to Grey Gardens' last show, instead of OPENING NIGHT: (DATE HERE) being printed at the top of the Playbill (as they are printed on opening night Playbills), FINAL PERFORMANCE: JULY 29, 2009 was printed at the top. Scott Frankel also made a speech at the end. Ebersole got a standing ovation at the top of Act 2.
And I think we all know about the last performance of LuPone Gypsy. That was pretty thrilling.
But those were two very special shows. I have no ideas what other shows do.
Soliantu
Leading Actor Joined: 11/10/06
#37re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/6/09 at 9:38pmusually theres a speech. At Tarzan there really wasnt anything though.
fgreene1938
Leading Actor Joined: 10/25/06
#38re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/6/09 at 10:27pmIt really depends on whether the show was a failure or a success, and if successful how long it played. I was at the final performance of "Caroline, or Change" sitting in the balcony surrounded by stand-bys and understudies (it was quite clear...they made a big show of their presence). During the performance, every key performer received ovations for their key moments. I also recall that Anika Noni Rose's voice broke in her penultimate moment onstage. During the bows, ALL of the children in the cast were in tears and Tonya Pinkins received a thunderous standing ovation. Still, no speeches. I would guess it might have been too painful at the time but the audience could not have been more enthusiastic.
camncal
Stand-by Joined: 12/20/07
#39re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/7/09 at 2:51pm
I am still a bit confused about Mermaid being a flop or not. Its grosses are pretty high and yet people are still saying it's a flop. is it because it just cost too much too put on each week or what?
I got tickets to the closing performance, and i would love to see Sierra and sherie there, even though i doubt Sherie would be there and Sierra might be too busy with Phantom. Oh well.
Updated On: 8/7/09 at 02:51 PM
#40re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/7/09 at 2:53pmI imagine Dolly will be at 9 to 5's closing performance, and wouldn't be surprised if she gave a speech. I agree with whoever mentioned how tight-knit the cast is, and how supported Allison has felt for the run. It'll be sad to see the show go.
"Get mad, then get over it." - Colin Powell
#41re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/7/09 at 3:29pm
I am still a bit confused about Mermaid being a flop or not. Its grosses are pretty high and yet people are still saying it's a flop. is it because it just cost too much too put on each week or what?
Only one thing determines if a show is a flop: whether it earns back its original investment (and therefore starts to turn a profit). It doesn't matter how many awards it has, how long it runs, how much it makes every week. If it does not recoup its original investment, it is a flop.
Mermaid did not earn back its original investment.
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
"He's a tramp, but I love him."
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#42re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/7/09 at 3:36pmActually, whether there is anything "special" on closing night is totally dependant upon first: the producers and second by the individuals given an opportunity to speak.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
camncal
Stand-by Joined: 12/20/07
#43re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/7/09 at 5:04pm
"Only one thing determines if a show is a flop: whether it earns back its original investment (and therefore starts to turn a profit). It doesn't matter how many awards it has, how long it runs, how much it makes every week. If it does not recoup its original investment, it is a flop. "
True, but looking at Little Mermaid's gross, it would've turned into profit and recoup if they keep it open longer since the gross's been pretty healthy. When it's low, everything on broadway is low, but when things pick up, the gross for Mermaid is way up there.
#44re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/7/09 at 8:07pm
Except they have to pay their weekly operating costs, which must be pretty high for that show. Even if they had decent grosses, they weren't getting any closer to recouping, so they decided to close at the end of the summer before business gets even slower and they lose even more money in the fall.
You can't say that it would have eventually recouped if they just kept it open. It is very possible they will never get up to that level of business again and won't even earn enough money each week to pay their operating costs.
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
"He's a tramp, but I love him."
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
Hank
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
#45re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/7/09 at 9:34pm
I've been to a couple of closings, and a few final performances. The one that stands out is Sutton Foster's final performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie. A big mid show standing O after "Gimme gimme" I was 3rd row left and could see her in tears as she exited the stage.
I'll be there for Ave Q. It should be special, and I will report.
camncal
Stand-by Joined: 12/20/07
#46re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/7/09 at 10:17pmit makes me wonder why producers would invest in shows that cost so much to put on each week that the it must be sold out or near sold out year round to turn a profit.
#47re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/8/09 at 4:12amI was rather surprised that A:OC didn't do anything. Rondi Reed was definitely a last minute save for the last performance, an it felt like she never left the show.
#48re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/8/09 at 8:19amcamncal--- Those producers apparently have enough money to invest in a new show and hope it turns out to be the next Wicked/Jersey Boys/Lion King. Unfortunately, this rarely happens and they end up losing money. There was a discussion in another thread that in order for Spiderman to earn back its $45 million investment, they would have to consistently sell out the Hilton for about two years or so ( I don't like their chances lol).
Wicked Tour (2/26/08); Wicked Bway (7/1/08); HAIR (7/1/09); Rock of Ages (7/2/09); Wicked Bway (7/3/09); Mary Poppins Tour (8/2/09); Wicked Tour (11/18/09); Wicked Tour (12/5/09)
camncal
Stand-by Joined: 12/20/07
#49re: Do shows do anything special on closing nights??
Posted: 8/8/09 at 2:22pm
thanks TreyKenyon. Guess some people just got money to burn. I read in Variety that Spider-man's production is halted due to money issues already.
it might've been discussed in another thread, but here's the article--
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006990.html?categoryid=15&cs=1&ref=bd_legit
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