FROZEN closes on Broadway

[ForB4]

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/theater/frozen-broadway-closing-virus.html?smid=tw-share

[qolbinau]

Wow.

[suicidalmickeymouse]

I really feel for the new cast.

[FlyHigh523]

This is so upsetting.

[Broadway Buddy]

I feel incredibly terrible for the brand new cast. I hope they get offered the tour or something like that. I really enjoyed the show. Super cute and fun. I’m going to miss it.

[blaxx]

This makes me think it was going to close soon anyhow. Half pandemic, half Disney strategy.

Does suck for the new leads.

[JennH]

Umm ok so fun fact....I was told quite a while ago by a former CM that it was going to close anyway to make way for the BntB revival. I wasn't about to put that anywhere in writing before it was official. But of course, it sounds like Madame 'Rona' changed their initial plans, and now have to close earlier than expected. I detest the show, but I do feel bad for the new cast that had barely just joined...

[GiantsInTheSky2]

blaxx said: "This makes me think it was going to close soon anyhow. Half pandemic, half Disney strategy.

Does suck for the new leads."

Exactly what I stated in the other thread - there’s a new Disney production in the works that they wanted to make room for.

[ACL2006]

I'm guessing Disney will now focus their money on Aida.

[Call_me_jorge]

Honestly, this is shocking. If a Disney show can’t survive no one is safe. So sorry for the entire cast and crew. Especially Ciara, who seems to have bad luck when being employed by Disney.

[trpguyy]

Alluded to - but not specifically stated - in the article, plans for the Aida tour have been scrapped.

[MannPhan24601]

I noticed Disney is a producer for Mrs Doubtfire . I hope it isn't jepordy for them either ... I'm shocked , espically with the success of Frozen 2.

Beetlejuice to the St . James ????

[Theatrefanboy1]

And so it begins...

I will say if Frozen is taking this route. I do expect at least 10-12 open runs to begin closing down between now and September 8. I don’t see how they can sustain with the uncertainty of now a realistic March 2021 opening. I fear for Mean Girls, Jagged Little Pill, Ain’t Too Proud, Diana, Tina, Girl From The North, Aladdin, Mrs Doubtfire.

It wouldn’t surprise me that Disney would hope to the bring in either the revival of Beauty and the Beast or the Hercules production. But it is clear to me with this notice. That the theatres of New York billing’s will look completely different come the broadway reopening.

So sad for all those who have been involved in the shows and so many now left in uncertainty.

[Robbie2]

Bummer ~ Here we go - just the beginning of shows closing due to the pandemic..1/2 the shows on BWAY won't be around once BWAY reopens...SAD reality 

[Jordan Catalano]

FROZEN is still scheduled to open on the West End later this year.

[Luminaire2]

Shocked. This is not a good with for many shows. I didn’t think the big guys would go down.

Is Book of Mormon safe? Chicago?

Is broadway just reopening with Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, and Phantom?

I’m shook.

[Call_me_jorge]

MannPhan24601 said: "I noticed Disney is a producer for Mrs Doubtfire . I hope it isn't jepordy for them either ... I'm shocked , espically with the success of Frozen 2.

Beetlejuice to the St . James ????"

I don’t think that is true.

[ACL2006]

trpguyy said: "Alluded to - but not specifically stated - in the article, plans for the Aida tour have been scrapped. "

I wonder if Disney will cancel the Papermill production, too? Or if they plan to send it straight to Broadway for 2021-2022 season?

[Jordan Catalano]

Of all the long running shows, I’d say the least “safe” is CHICAGO.

[Kad]

Disney has been hit especially by the pandemic, given the nature of their empire, so I am not surprised that they would cut their losses on Frozen, which did good business but was never the runaway hit it was expected to be.

[MannPhan24601]

Call_me_jorge said: "MannPhan24601 said: "I noticed Disney is a producer for Mrs Doubtfire . I hope it isn't jepordy for them either ... I'm shocked , espically with the success of Frozen 2.

Beetlejuice to the St . James ????"

I don’t think that is true."

 

It has Buena Vista Theatricals as a producer since Disney owns Fox Films now ... Don't think it will be a "Disney on Broadway show " but they are producing ...

 

[everythingtaboo]

I was looking at the grosses for Frozen and they seem to almost always be just below gross potential for a year now. Sure it's fine for most shows, but it's Disney and they have the tour going already and the West End premiere.

I just feel bad for that cast and crew, they probably figured Disney would protect them. Now it's just the first domino to fall.

[HogansHero]

I would not read to much into this announcement per se. It is sui generis, for several reasons. That's not to say other shows will not fold (they will) but I agree with those who say that this is a confluence of driving forces. 

[Jordan Levinson]

Good riddance, Frozen. I got to see the final Broadway preview back in March 2018. I thought the first 20 minutes were sensational, the rest (sans "Let It Go" not so much. Congrats on a great Broadway run!

[Mr Roxy]

Wonder if Phantom will ultimately survives. Disney has deep pockets so this is,a shot across everyones bow.