New York, New York, the highly anticipated Kander & Ebb musical on Broadway, recently announced that it will be closing its doors in just one week. The production, which features additional lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, was inspired by the 1977 film directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Liza Minnelli and Robert De Niro. After opening at the St. James Theatre on April 26, the show’s final performance will take place on July 30.
The sudden closure of New York, New York comes as a surprise to many, considering the large-scale production and the notable talent involved. Unfortunately, the musical has struggled to attract audiences, resulting in disappointing box office numbers and unfavorable reviews. Over the past few weeks, the capacity of the theater has only managed to reach around 70 percent. Despite being nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the musical only managed to win one award for Best Scenic Design.
Directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, with a book by David Thompson and Sharon Washington, the cast of New York, New York is led by Tony-nominated Colton Ryan. Other notable cast members include Anna Uzele, Clyde Alves, John Clay III, Janet Dacal, Ben Davis, Oliver Prose, Angel Sigala, and Emily Skinner.
Set in 1946 New York, the musical follows a group of artists as they strive to pursue their passions and forge new careers in the bustling city. The score features songs written by Kander and Ebb for other works, as well as new compositions and songs specifically written for the 1977 film, including the iconic “New York, New York.”
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Producers Sonia Friedman and Tom Kirdahy expressed their gratitude towards the cast and creative team, as well as the co-producing and investing community that made the show possible. The musical had a capitalization of up to $25 million, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
It is interesting to note that New York, New York will be closing on the same day as another play, Grey House, starring Tatiana Maslany and Laurie Metcalf. Both productions made their closing announcements on July 19, and their final performances will take place on July 30.
Despite its short run on Broadway, New York, New York will leave behind a lasting impact on the theater community. The combination of Kander & Ebb’s timeless music, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s additional lyrics, and the talented cast and creative team involved made for a truly remarkable production. While the musical may have faced challenges in attracting audiences, it will always be remembered as an ambitious and innovative project that aimed to capture the magic and energy of New York City.
As Broadway continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, it is essential to celebrate the creativity and risk-taking that goes into bringing these productions to life. Although New York, New York may be closing its doors, there will undoubtedly be future musicals that push the boundaries and captivate audiences. The theater community is constantly in search of the next groundbreaking show that will leave a lasting impression and become a part of Broadway’s rich history.
