How many musicals are closing today in New York? Let's take a look.
1. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - So, what can we take away from the 13 year run of this artistically empty film to stage transfer? Never underestimate bad theater? Well, just look at what Broadway has become since Disney first took hold on Broadway. Of course, let's not forget that TARZAN flopped; and MARY POPPINS, though selling briskly, is not the same commercial cow as LION KING. What will happen with LITTLE MERMAID?
2. GREY GARDENS - It may be done on Broadway, but Christine Ebersole will certainly reprise the role either regionally or in London. What a truly special, well-made musical, lost on Broadway due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of SPRING AWAKENING.
3. 100 IN THE SHADE - this was Audra's first musical in how many years??? When will she be back again?
4. GYPSY - Will Patti LuPone again play Mama Rose? Will this production transfer to London or Broadway? Is this indeed the best GYPSY ever seen in New York?
5. THE DAY BEFORE SPRING - well, this is the most low key closing amongst the lot. After all, it only began performances on Friday night. But I would not miss this truly wonderful Musicals in Mufti production of Lerner and Loewe's long-lost, only recently reconstructed college reunion musical. This ought to be recorded. And based on how well done the reading was, maybe the show could have a future in full productions again. Maybe an Encores! production? Now wouldn't that be something: Musicals in Mufti inspiring Encores.