SHUFFLE ALONG Sets Sudden Broadway Closing After Audra McDonald Departs

[Brave Sir Robin2]

There are plenty of names they could have tried to get to replace Audra, and maybe they could tailor some of the keys of songs to give more options. I think someone like Samira Wiley, Kerry Washington (although I believe she is pregnant as well, or was recently?), Shanice Williams (if she could play older) or Janelle Monae could have fit the role and been a big draw. (No doubt Audra's replacement was talented, but I didn't know if she was a Brodway debut or a star replacement.) 

 

That being said, it's cool to see that Audra has gone from being a Broadway darling to a box office draw. Same could be said for Kelli O'Hara. 

[BroadwayNYC2]

Shanice Williams 

She would sell about 3 seats. 

[Finch]

I saw it

i liked it

now, then, I wonder what kind on insurance the producers have on the show.  This early closure may not make the show a total financial failure.

[10086sunset]

This is crazy.

I'll say this for Rudin, he's not afraid to make a decision.

[¿Macavity?]

I wonder if next season will be filled with as many short closing notices as this one.

[FlySkyHigh]

Wow! This season has been the best of times and the worst of times. One of the strongest seasons in recent memory but there has been no staying power. I know Audra was the big draw. Despite my love for Brian, Billy, Joshua, and co. I have to admit she was my main reason for seeing the show. Still, I'm shocked at this abrupt closing. They might not have six time tony winning star power, but the fact that four other big (or at least noticeable) names couldn't  draw enough sales is stunning. I find it a little hard to believe. Couldn't Rudin have given Rhiannon and  Savion at least a few weeks to see how they fit into the show and possibly generate positive word of mouth? Just how steep was the drop off in sales?

 

 I feel so bad for the whole company, including Rhiannon and Savion for not even getting a chance to perform. And I feel bad for Audra. Even if no one is blaming her, she has to feel awful that such a blessing and gift in her personal life has affected others' professional lives. Here's to hoping that every member of this incredible cast finds their next gig soon. Or maybe a miracle will happen and Rudin will realize he jumped the shark and change his mind? Can he even do that  at this point?

[uncageg]

Has it been filmed or planning to be filmed?

[FlySkyHigh]

uncageg said: "Has it been filmed or planning to be filmed?

 

"

https://instagram.com/p/BGzMNq1QktL/

[rangersrule132]

Jordan Catalano said: "This. Was announced an hour ago and there's still not a thread asking if the last performance will be streamed.

 

Weird. 

 

"

Winner

[plzstp]

When will they make "Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 2016 and All That Followed"

In all seriousness this is really sad news. 

 

[uncageg]

Thanks FlySkyHigh. This must have happened recently as the American Psycho billboard is gone. No date on the instagram.

[ilovebroadway3]

Saw it last weekend had such a great time, such amazing talent on one stage. Sad for the cast and everyone involved.

[aaaaaa15]

The Instagram post was put up 5 days ago.

[StephieElise]

I'm so disappointed! I booked my tickets for September (what was then due to be Audra's first show back) back in March, largely for Audra but also for Billy Porter and was still looking forward to it even without Audra.

Does anyone know what Telecharge's options are for cancelled shows? I'm hoping I might be able to get a credit for a different show because otherwise I'll really lose out of currency exchange fees. If that is the case, any suggestions for a replacement show for end of September?

[Dancingthrulife2]

Is it possible that instead of an out-of-town tryout or off-Broadway tryout, they opted for a Broadway tryout? Maybe they choose to close the show so they work on it and revive it in a few years.

[¿Macavity?]

plzstp said: "When will they make "Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 2016 and All That Followed"

In all seriousness this is really sad news. 

 

 

"

If only it was the sensation of the season, lol.

[ACL2006]

Such a shame this announced it's sudden closing. But as it's been said before, their advance after Audra leaves must be very low.

[ACL2006]

This, plus AN AMERICAN IS PARIS are a little shocking. But I think they're the first of two to start announcing closings. I'd expect FIDDLER, JERSEY BOYS & KINKY BOOTS to follow shortly. The latter three likely have shows knowing on their doors to go in(MISS SAIGON, GOTTA DANCE, ANASTACIA, AMELIA, COME FROM AWAY).

[mcsquared]

I didn't even know until I read this article that Rhiannon Giddons had been cast as Audra's replacement. She has a big fan base of her own and sells out concerts regularly so a shame she won't get to perform. Doubt I'll get back to NYC to see this--barely caught Bright Star and Eclipsed before they closed.

[NJ_BroadwayGirl]

While I don't think Rudin's commentary was blaming Audra's pregnancy for the show closing, it did basically suggest that if she wasn't having a baby it wouldn't be closing with the line: "The need for Audra to take a prolonged and unexpected hiatus from the show"

But she was already going to be gone for three months for Lady Day in London. While that is a shorter time period it still included the entire busy summer season. Considering that she would have already been gone by now, Shuffle Along might have closed even sooner. 

I'm really not trying to stir up anything I just feel that he could have said that Audra was the big draw and she was going to be gone for the summer no matter what, which put a strain on ticket sales. Maybe he should have hired a higher profile replacement. 

[10086sunset]

NJ_BroadwayGirl said: "While I don't think Rudin's commentary was blaming Audra's pregnancy for the show closing, it did basically suggest that if she wasn't having a baby it wouldn't be closing with the line: "The need for Audra to take a prolonged and unexpected hiatus from the show"

 

Tend to believe Rudin has to be pissed about the situation.

[Margo319]

What the hell?  The rest of the cast is so unbelievably talented and incredible, what a complete waste of their time.  They only did 100 performances.  This is complete bullsh!t and what he was said was blaming Audra and nearly shaming her for being pregnant.  Wow.  

[Broadway Joe]

Are there any other set days besides the Wednesday matinee that she doesn't do? I want to purchase tickets and make sure I pick the right date. 

[davet7462]

Yeah - this isn't cool.  Great show - my wife and I loved it.  And Rhiannon Giddens is an incredibly talented person.  And its not like this show revolves around Audra's character, either.  You'd think a show so ravely reviewed and nominated could survive for awhile with people like Billy and Brian, et al.  Just a damned shame.

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Well, the show landed on Broadway with a crash and a bang, so it makes sense that it's leaving Broadway exactly the same way.

In all honesty, though, I'm heartbroken for everybody involved. To be frank, though, I hope this show's developmental process (or lack thereof, I should say) acts as a cautionary tale for future productions.

I wish everybody involved all the best. Too much talent tied this to this show.

[ACL2006]

sucks they couldn't at least keep it open through the summer with Rhiannon & Glover.