ethan231h said: "Since when is there a closing date?!?"
It's an open run, so no closing date (and therefore the nomenclature "extend" is technically incorrect). Nevertheless, I think most people understand that Bette is only known to be signed through January 14th, 2018, and the expectation is that she will not extend. Unless they find a replacement of the appropriate calibre to demand premium prices (or at least non-discounted prices), the show will likely close. Thus, while it's "open" the expectation is that they will need to make an affirmative decision or it will close on January 14th.
A friend of mine who knows Bernadette Peters very well says she's already been approached about taking over in January. I know that when I met Bernadette at his home about two years ago, this topic came up in a hypothetical sense and she was enthusiastic about playing Dolly.
Bernadette would be fabulous! Realistically it would be her only opportunity to play the role on Broadway.
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
I bet to justify keeping the show going they would need another really big name along the lines of Reba or Dolly Parton (Both great ideas!). I'd love to see Bernadette do it, but I don't think she would really be much of a draw unless she stepped in for a very limited engagement. Ditto LuPone.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
I don't see Madonna having any of the charm or humor to play Dolly. She always feels like a stiff vampire to me. Oddly, I can see Renee Zelwegger pulling it off. I think the Parade has passed by for Carol Burnett and Liza, though they both would have been wonderful 20 years ago.
Tyne Daly wouldn't sell tickets but she'd be great.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
BroadwayNYC2 said: "Multiple explanation marks aren't exactly an example of "the basics of grammar." "
Yeah, yeah, whatever. (And I say that effusively!!!)
Seriously, people. grammar is not difficult. Even if you're a student, this kind of basic thing should be something you're well versed in by now. God knows there are plenty of people on the internet who've called it out, so there is no reason for it. None. Zero. Nada. Zip.
SeanMartin said: "Seriously, people. grammar is not difficult. Even if you're a student, this kind of basic thing should be something you're well versed in by now. God knows there are plenty of people on the internet who've called it out, so there is no reason for it. None. Zero. Nada. Zip.
Just deal with it.
"
Sean, I taught college freshman for 15 years and have graded more student papers than you and I could count. The sad fact is that grammar is no longer taught in many schools, not even to the best students. (I'm not sure exactly why, but I do know there has been a movement among educators that sees grammar rules as autocratic decrees and a restriction on individual freedom of expression.)
I once got frustrated (I had far too many students to mark even half of the grammatical errors) and stopped a lecture to explain to/too/two, their/they're, etc. I was being sarcastic and expected the students to be outraged. Instead, they were actually grateful! Yeah, they could have looked up the rules on the internet, but who does that except you and I? (FWIW, the university where I did most of my teaching is ranked among the top 25 in the nation. My students were all above average.)
Although it could be a help, the internet actually makes things worse. I find myself making errors because I see incorrect usages so often they begin to look correct to me. I don't mind if you point out my errors, but you will do yourself a favor if you get used to a world of anarchic spelling and grammar.