Head Over Heels Potential Closing

[Braniff Forever]

Just curious when this show will close? I went on a recent Saturday night and it wasn’t very crowded. And I’ve noticed the weekly grosses are really low. How long can it last?

[BroadwayConcierge]

Dude. Extremely misleading thread title. Please change it (maybe to something like "How Much Longer Does HEAD OVER HEELS Have?" ).

[BroadwayBear2]

This is discussed in various other thread from the actual HOH thread, to a few others, to the weekly box office reports.

[Braniff Forever]

Don’t get me wrong, I saw the show and liked it. But it does not seem like it is succeeding. Why?

[kelsey1389]

I don't think anyone can say for sure why it's not doing well, but a major reason is that it doesn't necessarily appeal to the typical "theater goer", by which I think people normally mean white, middle aged and upper class. A huge portion of the shows fanbase is younger people who see themselves represented in a show with a diverse cast and LGBTQ characters. It was generally poorly reviewed, but a lot of people have said it was a great time. I'm seeing it Sunday and I personally am super excited to see it.

[WayTooBroadway]

Check the other threads, maybe?

[HogansHero]

to say it does not seem to be succeeding is so far beyond naive as to be absurd. I agree though; check the other threads.

[EthelMae]

Just plain thoughts: Go-Go music: yes. Elizabethan story: no. Haven't seen it. Had a free chance and turned it down. I'm assuming others are staying away for the the same reason? Just a thought.

[dearalanaaaa]

Agreed with the others, and the plot seems confusing yet uninteresting. At least comet was confusing and interesting, but Shakespeare and go-go music while aiming for a younger crowd? I don't see an audience for that.

 

[LuPita2]

Didn't someone dump a bunch of money in it just to keep it going for a couple of months?  Does anyone know why exactly one would do that?  Do they love the Go Go's that much?

[Lavieboheme3090]

The plot is literally just following star crossed lovers with a little mistaken identity thrown in the mix. Don’t worry it ain’t that deep or complicated.

[Braniff Forever]

Yes, I agree the plot is not as hard to follow as I would have thought, prior to going. I actually enjoyed the show more than I thought, but was concerned when I saw the lack of people in the theater, I thought, oh, this show is not long for the world. But...I would say it’s better than I thought it would be.

[haterobics]

Braniff Forever said: "How long can it last?"

As long as the producers are OK losing their money and the theater is OK renting them a house.

[lightguy06222]

November 18th I believe......

[MauraLovesMusicals]

lightguy06222 said: "November 18th I believe......"

where did you get that information??? or is this just your general prediction?

[JSquared2]

lightguy06222 said: "November 18th I believe......"

 

Fake news.

 

[HogansHero]

the date seems odd to not be fake but ...

[fashionguru_23]

You would think they would want to go through Thanksgiving, and into the December holidays, and close after New Year's (provided they are indeed closing on Nov. 18th)

[haterobics]

I'd actually think they'd want to close up shop and stop losing money hand over fist ASAP.

[HogansHero]

haterobics said: "I'd actually think they'd want to close up shop and stop losing money hand over fist ASAP."

that's because you are sane, but in this case there is no precedent for wanting "to close up shop and stop losing money hand over fist."

[dramamama611]

^ Yes, x 1,000!

 

It's ridiculous keeping it open, I just keep thinking: while the steady paycheck is nice, how awful must it feel to perform for such empty houses.  Hard on the ego, I would suspect.

[SomethingPeculiar]

When the numbers are THIS low, I don't think a small Thanksgiving bump is going to make any kind of difference. Last Thanksgiving, Broadway's bottom 4 shows actually lost money, and HOH grossed less this week than 3 of those titles.

The theatre owners could also be encouraging that closing date to get a new show in on-time for December/early Jan previews?

[Bwayfan292]

SomethingPeculiar said: "When the numbers are THIS low, I don't think a small Thanksgiving bumpis going to make any kind of difference. Last Thanksgiving, Broadway's bottom 4 shows actuallylostmoney, and HOH grossed less this week than 3 of those titles.

The theatre owners could also be encouraging that closing date to get a new show in on-time for December/early Jan previews?"

Mabye. I mean the new Audra thing thats supposed to come in this season hasnt been announced yet. Mabye they are waiting for head over heels to close before they announce it. At least to me, its probally set in stone to be at the Hudson, and instead of letting the theatre be dark for a little bit, they’re fine with the production buring some money. 

[HogansHero]

SomethingPeculiar said: "The theatre owners could also be encouraging that closing date to get a new show in on-time for December/early Jan previews?"

Setting aside the unsourced and possibly fake news, and accepting what you say about HOH's holiday prospects (because I think you are right about that), have you ever heard of a landlord wanting its theatre back in December?

[Call_me_jorge]

fashionguru_23 said: "You would think they would want to go through Thanksgiving, and into the December holidays, and close after New Year's (provided they are indeed closing on Nov. 18th)"

Either way they aren’t making back their investment.