"You can only speak for yourself, not for "most people."
Actually I polled most people, and that is in fact what they said. Haterobics' comment right after mine couldn't have proved my point any better. I realize you are the board's chief Chicago cheerleader and believe it should run forever. If that's what floats your boat, more power to you. I think the excitement over Chicago faded a long time ago for most others (according to my polling results).
"My heart breaks for Once. It is such a moving show that is deserving of much more of a run than it is likely to get. "
How is it "deserving" of a longer run? It recouped, it has run a few years, and now it's losing steam and will close... That's typically how Broadway works with the exception of shows like Wicked, Lion King, etc.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
I wish I had had a chance to see "Mothers and Sons". The future doesn't look promising for that play. Speaking of "Once", I'm traveling to SF from July 1-4. I'm staying at a hotel that is right across from the Curran Theatre, which is hosting the national tour of Once. I have no inclination to see the show, though I understand that many people love it.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
I don't see how Fisherman Bob is speaking for others anymore than Patti Lu FAN is in saying "It is difficult to fathom Broadway without 'Chicago.'" But I get your point. I was oddly dismayed when the original "Chorus Line" closed. I didn't have the slightest intention of going again, but I liked knowing it was there.
I think “Rocky” will see a nice rise over tourist season that will be enough to last them through the summer. Easter week they upped their attendance 15% and their gross percentage by 20% (yes, many shows showed a jump, but I still think that it’s significant). I think this will be one, Tony’s or not, that tourists will opt to see. I imagine that the weekly nut for “Rocky” is pretty high, though, and, even if they are making a respectful amount over the summer, I could see the grosses plunging in the fall and a closing shortly thereafter. Does anyone have an estimate for their weekly nut?