Will Shuffle Along Survive Without Audra?

[A Director]

Audra is the STAR and the box office draw.  Can the show survive when she's gone for the summer?

[CarlosAlberto]

I disagree with this. Brian Stokes Mitchell and Billy Porter are definite draws...and for the more savvy theatergoers you have the choreography of Savion Glover, the direction of George C. Wolfe and the music by Eubie Blake. Audra does not carry this show on her shoulders, and that is not to diminish her role in the show in any way, shape or form, but it is my opinion that the show will be just fine when Audra goes on hiatus. There is enough talent up on that stage to sustain this show. 

[Hairspray0901]

Not going to lie - I saw the show for Audra. I typically try and see every new show of the season but had she not be in it, I probably would have skipped this one. It was my first time seeing her in anything and she blew me away!

[uncageg]

I saw the show for the show. Also for the cast and creatives. I am a hige Audra fan and would have been disappointed had she not been in when I saw it but there is too much other great talent on and behind stage for me to have not seen it because she was out.

I have had a few weeks to let this show roll around in my mind. Even with the comments I have made here about it, at the end of the evening I was told a good story that I could follow and saw some wonderful performances. I also witnessed some of the best choreography ever Along with beautiful costumes, lighting and sets.  It did feel like I was walking out of a good old Broadway show.

I think it will survive for at least a year.  I have faith that Audra's replacement while she is away will be a good choice.  JMO

[AnnieBlack]

When 'Stokes' was announced for this show, I thought he would be an equal draw - boy, was I wrong- this is here show to say the least (was lucky enough to have seen it last night at opening). Wonder if Stokes will ever retake his 'leading man' status that he seemed to enjoy a decade ago

[wonderfulwizard11]

The show's been selling very well in previews and got a pretty solid set of reviews last night, plus she's only gone for nine weeks. It's definitely possible sales will go down, but I don't think the whole thing will crash and burn because Audra isn't there. 

[VintageSnarker]

" When 'Stokes' was announced for this show, I thought he would be an equal draw - boy, was I wrong- this is here show to say the least (was lucky enough to have seen it last night at opening). Wonder if Stokes will ever retake his 'leading man' status that he seemed to enjoy a decade ago"

What are the chances of a Man of La Mancha revival?

[uncageg]

Just because Audra is featured more in the show doesn't make Stokes-Mitchell any less of a draw. 

[AEA AGMA SM]

VintageSnarker said: "" When 'Stokes' was announced for this show, I thought he would be an equal draw - boy, was I wrong- this is here show to say the least (was lucky enough to have seen it last night at opening). Wonder if Stokes will ever retake his 'leading man' status that he seemed to enjoy a decade ago"

What are the chances of a Man of La Mancha revival?"

 

He did already headline a revival of La Mancha back in 2003. I honestly don't remember if it was received well enough to warrant giving him another revival of the show as opposed to seeking out someone new for the role.

[NJ_BroadwayGirl]

I imagine the show will continue to sell well in the coming weeks as informed theatregoers will want to see it before Audra's hiatus. I do think it will drop off after she goes.

Still, with positive buzz, summer tourists who don't know any different will see it. And of course you'll have those who didn't pay attention to schedule announcements who pitch a fit when they find out Audra isn't in it. 

[pushdabutton]

Is Audra scheduled to be out for the entire summer? If so, does she have plans to return in the fall?

[NJ_BroadwayGirl]

pushdabutton said: "Is Audra scheduled to be out for the entire summer? If so, does she have plans to return in the fall?"

Audra will be out from June 21 - Sept 25, 2016. She returns to Shuffle Along on Sept 27 and is contracted through June 11, 2017. Source: http://www.playbill.com/article/audra-mcdonald-will-miss-three-months-of-shuffle-along-performances-com-362398

[A Canadian in NYC]

I could see it when I'm in New York in June, but I'm choosing to wait until I'm back in November because I really do want to see Audra.  I've never seen her perform live.  So, there are those who will wait (who know who she is) and those where it won't matter - and that's probably most of the tourists who just want to see a good show and don't really care or know the actors involved.

 

[Bettyboy72]

It boggles my mind why they even did this. Why not open in the fall? Regardless of how well they inform audiences, Audra will be seen on the Tonys, possibly win one and then audiences will get to the theatre and no Audra. Bizarre on so many levels. She is easily the biggest star in the show and it's a sweetheart of a role. The show will flatten without her charms. 

[Smaxie]

Audra returns to the show on September 13, not September 25.

[Call_me_jorge]

Bettyboy72 said: "It boggles my mind why they even did this. Why not open in the fall? Regardless of how well they inform audiences, Audra will be seen on the Tonys, possibly win one and then audiences will get to the theatre and no Audra. Bizarre on so many levels. She is easily the biggest star in the show and it's a sweetheart of a role. The show will flatten without her charms. 

 

"

Yeah, they should have had an out of town tryout now, then open in the fall when Audra came back.

[BroadwayLuv2]

They should get Vanessa Williams to play the role during Audra's hiatus.  Vanessa would TOTALLY be a box office draw!

[A Director]

When you are a five time Tony winner, you can do whatever you want. "You want to do another show in London this summer Audra?  Anything your little heart desires!  Who cares if ticket sales drop.  If you have the time send us a postcard."

[Call_me_jorge]

A Director said: "When you are a five time Tony winner, you can do whatever you want. "You want to do another show in London this summer Audra?  Anything your little heart desires!  Who cares if ticket sales drop.  If you have the time send us a postcard."

 

"

*six

[10086sunset]

Bettyboy72 said: "It boggles my mind why they even did this. Why not open in the fall? Regardless of how well they inform audiences, Audra will be seen on the Tonys, possibly win one and then audiences will get to the theatre and no Audra. Bizarre on so many levels. She is easily the biggest star in the show and it's a sweetheart of a role. The show will flatten without her charms. 

 

"

This pretty much hits the nail on the head. 

[perfectliar]

For what it's worth, I have two friends who bought premium tickets for last weekend and got a refund when Audra was out. As much as they said they also wanted to see Billy Porter and Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra was the draw for them, especially to pay premium prices. I can see this happening often in the summer months, depending on what happens at the Tonys. If it picks up some wins, it may be a good option for the tourists who can't get Hamilton tickets.

[Mike66]

Any idea when tickets for the end of October will go on sale??

 

THANKS

[pushdabutton]

Thanks for the information NJBroadwayGirl. I appreciate it!

 

[Broadway kid 2]

A Director said: "Audra is the STAR and the box office draw.  Can the show survive when she's gone for the summer?

 

"

 

[10086sunset]

Broadway kid 2 said: "A Director said: "Audra is the STAR and the box office draw.  Can the show survive when she's gone for the summer?

 

"
 

Broadway kid 2, why do you keep doing this every time you post?

Honestly, at this point it feels like trolling. Every post is a quote with zero content added by you. 

 

[Robbie2]

***It will survive but I hear George has someone very exciting & special to fill in for Audra and yes many want to see it for Audra so see her now till June 19 or after September 13!

Don't miss SHUFFLE ALONG...it is one of the most exciting musicals this season and once again, Audra is beyond sensational in what she does in it and the choreography is breathtaking.

Here's a discount but believe it expires 5/2 telechargeoffers.com  code: sadmx1016

Front mezzanine: $99

Mid Mezzanine-Rear Mezzanine seats: $75-$55