MRS. DOUBTFIRE Post-Hiatus Return - News & Discussion Thread

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 6:43pm

Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical will be taking a hiatus from January 10 - March 14th. We will be returning to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on March 15th! Ticket holders with performances during this time can exchange for performances after March 15th or be refunded at their point of purchase.

Performances will still be playing this week (1/4 - 1/9). Tickets will be on sale soon for performances through November 20, 2022!

“Out of concern for the potential long-term employment of everyone who works on Mrs. Doubtfire, and the extended run of the show, we have decided that following the January 9 performance, the production will close for nine weeks, returning on March 15. Mrs. Doubtfire has been in development for six years.  By taking this break we can afford to launch an extended run starting in March. I would like to express my profound and unending admiration for our extraordinary cast, crew, orchestra, creative team, and entire company.  They have risen to every challenge thrown at them over the last two years with a remarkable amount of resilience, good humor, grit, and love for one another.  They embody the indomitable spirit of Broadway.  I cannot wait for audiences to continue to enjoy what they have created in March!” — Producer Kevin McCollum

Updated On: 4/1/22 at 06:43 PM

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 6:46pm

Oh, dear.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 6:46pm

It was posted in the Covid Cancellations thread, but the NY Times article has a lot more details.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/02/theater/mrs-doubtfire-broadway.html

"So long as “Mrs. Doubtfire” is open, its expenses are about $700,000 a week, whether or not performances actually take place, because employees are paid even if a performance is canceled. And expenses have recently risen because of increased testing, along with additional costs associated with keeping a show going when staff members test positive.

McCollum said the show grossed about $900,000 from Dec. 27 to Jan. 2, which was more than its running costs but less than the $1.3 million he had expected for the holiday week. He added he was expecting the show’s weekly grosses to drop below $400,000 following the holidays — always a soft time for Broadway, and now even more so. He said he is hopeful that by March the pandemic will have eased and tourism and group sales will strengthen.

....

Some productions, like “Mrs. Doubtfire,” are more vulnerable than others. McCollum is also a lead producer of “Six,” a new musical about the wives of Henry VIII, and he said that show remains strong, thanks to enormous pre-Broadway word-of-mouth, a popular cast album and low running costs."

Updated On: 1/2/22 at 06:46 PM

[Kad]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 6:47pm

I would be surprised if they reopen, honestly. They were clearly struggling even before this COVID wave.

[adotburr]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 6:52pm

“By taking this break we can afford to launch an extended run starting in March.”

I’m confused by this. Was (Mrs.) DOUBTFIRE a limited run?

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 6:52pm

Kad said: "I would be surprised if they reopen, honestly. They were clearly struggling even before this COVID wave."

I wonder how much of the house has been papered recently. 

[ggersten]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 6:58pm

MemorableUserName said: "It was posted in the Covid Cancellations thread, but the NY Times article has a lot more details.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/02/theater/mrs-doubtfire-broadway.html

"So long as “Mrs. Doubtfire” is open, its expenses are about $700,000 a week, whether or not performances actually take place, because employees are paid even if a performance is canceled. And expenses have recently risen because of increased testing, along with additional costs associated with keeping a show going when staff members test positive.

McCollum said the show grossed about $900,000 from Dec. 27 to Jan. 2, which was more than its running costs but less than the $1.3 million he had expected for the holiday week. He added he was expecting the show’s weekly grosses to drop below $400,000 following the holidays — always a soft time for Broadway, and now even more so. He said he is hopeful that by March the pandemic will have eased and tourism and group sales will strengthen.

....

Some productions, like “Mrs. Doubtfire,” are more vulnerable than others. McCollum is also a lead producer of “Six,” a new musical about the wives of Henry VIII, and he said that show remains strong, thanks to enormous pre-Broadway word-of-mouth, a popular cast album and low running costs.""

So, is this a “closure” or hiatus? Is there a difference in avoiding payments to cast, crew and creatives?. I presume rent still needs to be paid.

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:01pm

Wow. I wonder what shows will follow suit. 

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:04pm

adotburr said: "“By taking this break we can afford to launch an extended run starting in March.”

I’m confused by this. Was (Mrs.) DOUBTFIRE a limited run?"

I think what he meant by that was that by taking a pause they'll be able to keep it open longer once they resume performances. It wasn't a limited run, but realistically would have closed within the next month or so if they hadn't taken this pause. But by taking a hiatus, in theory they'll be able to keep it open longer than a month once they return.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:09pm

That's what I don't get. Like are they still paying everyone? How does this help them then? 

[adotburr]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:10pm

Broadway61004 said: "adotburr said: "“By taking this break we can afford to launch an extended run starting in March.”

I’m confused by this. Was (Mrs.) DOUBTFIRE a limited run?"

I think what he meant by that was that by taking a pause they'll be able to keep it open longer once they resume performances. It wasn't a limited run, but realistically would have closed within the next month or so if they hadn't taken this pause. But by taking a hiatus, in theory they'll be able to keep it open longer than a month once they return."

Ok that makes sense. I didn’t think it was a limited run and hadn’t heard it being one so I was confused. Very odd wording. But yes I agree that likely the show would have closed in the next few weeks. Let’s hope if/when it does return, it will return with a better chance of staying open. 

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:12pm

Doesn’t sound like anyone would be getting paid while on hiatus. Did he have to get buy in from the unions for this?

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:17pm

Safe to assume they are paying rent, though they may have worked out a deal with Roundabout (the theatre owner) for a reduced rate. Possibly also retainer fees for any really key people. (They are not paying salaries during that period, per the NYT)

I trust Kevin McCollum more than most producers on Broadway. given the unusual circumstances right now, this is at least worth a shot.

The show is also in a unique position because the title has name value. That can’t be said of some other struggling shows. 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:17pm

From the NYT article:

"Kevin McCollum, a veteran Broadway producer whose previous credits include “Rent” and “Avenue Q,” said he would close the musical comedy beginning Jan. 10, with a plan to reopen on March 14. The move will cost 115 people their jobs for that period; McCollum said he is committed to rehiring those who want to return."

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:19pm

Pretty unprecedented territory so not sure if the cast would get paid? Or would they offer them money to "retain" them for March? I mean if shows like "Aint Too Proud" are closing, which was doing great business before the shut down, this makes me super sad for any new shows opening.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:20pm

Interesting strategy.  I was not a fan of the show at all --- but I admire McCollum's decision to try and keep the show going.  By refusing to make any concessions whatsoever, the unions (mainly Equity, IATSE and Local 802) are shooting themselves in the foot -- and their members will suffer greatly for it over the next 2-3 months.  There was an offer on the table for the industry to essentially shut down for January/February and everyone would have stayed on salary at 25-35% of their Broadway salaries.  Now they get nothing, and are most likely not eligible to collect unemployment, since they would not have worked enough weeks to qualify. 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:21pm

It was stated in the article that if open and performances are cancelled cast/crew are paid.  This way he ain't paying!

[quizking101]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:22pm

This is a bit surprising but I also imagine this being a possibly smart move on their part. I think this action is unprecedented in its own way and will remain to be seen of it pays off and reopens. 

Reopening again in the spring may also give it a chance for Tony voters to take another look. The show is fun and has the name recognition so I could see it becoming a tourist favorite

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:23pm

Alexander Lamar said: "Doesn’t sound like anyone would be getting paid while on hiatus. Did he have to get buy in from the unions for this?"

I ASSUME they are ending the contract of everyone currently employed, and then everyone will be offered their job at the same rate when perfs begin in March.

[theatregoer3]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:27pm

This is heartbreaking for the whole cast and crew however I was at the show this afternoon and the house was pretty empty. No one was selling merch. It looked like they were cutting whatever they could.

[RWPrincess]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:29pm

I just saw the show this past week and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Aladdin and The Lion King were both closed that day so it's one of few shows that was family friendly and targeted to all ages. I hope this strategy ends up being successful in the long run.

[BroadwayBen]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:29pm

This strategy assumes people will buy tickets in March.   After those reviews, they are totally dependent on tourists, but will this even be on their list with BEETLEJUICE back and MUSIC MAN running, as well as LION KING, WICKED, etc...What's the talking point?  "We couldn't run before, so come now when we have sort of a chance"? 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:36pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Alexander Lamar said: "Doesn’t sound like anyone would be getting paid while on hiatus. Did he have to get buy in from the unions for this?"

I ASSUME they are ending the contract of everyone currently employed, and then everyone will be offered their job at the same rate when perfs begin in March."

It stated that in the article.  Their contracts would end and if they choose to come back they will be rehired.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:41pm

Such a bizarre scenario. Let' see if it ever reopens.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/2/22 at 7:44pm

ArtMan said: "It was stated in the article that if open and performances are cancelled cast/crew are paid. This way he ain't paying!"

Exactly -- that was my point.  It is NOT stated in the article, but there had been a proposal from the League producers on the table that would have allowed shows to shut down for 8-10 weeks, but everyone would essentially remain on contract -- at a reduced rate of 25-35% of their salaries (which even for an actor making scale would be around $700/week plus benefits).  The unions refused to even consider this -- so now their members get nothing.