Breaking News: EVITA to Close on January 26th Instead of Recasting

[Rob]

Click Here to Read Breaking News: EVITA to Close on January 26th Instead of Recasting

[ClapYo'Hands]

I guess I won't get to see it though I'm hardly surprised

[dyland]

DID NOT SEE THIS COMING. AT ALL. just wow. and it makes REALLY good money.

[ucjrdude902]

I can tell you one of the stars they were banking on fell through.

[somethingwicked]

I'm thinking PIPPIN will take The Marquis.

ucj, now that the show is closing, who are you alluding to?

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Wow. I half expected this, but never REALLY believed it.

[SondheimFan5]

Wow. Another vacant theatre. Wonder if another show will come thru and take the Marquis?

[bwayphreak234]

NOOOO

[ljay889]

Told you guys I thought it would end up like PROMISES, PROMISES.

[GlindatheGood22]

Sigh. Was hoping to see it again.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

And just like PROMISES, PROMISES where they could have used the replacements to change the popular opinion of the show, this will be yet another missed opportunities. God, how many actresses in town would be amazing as Eva Peron, not to mention the dozen of musical theatre actors who'd be pitch perfect as Che. What a shame.

[Gothampc]

It needs to close so two years can go by when Lea Michele is out of her Glee contract and can play the role.

[pretendworld]

@ucjrdude902 spill it!

[Gothampc]

"I can tell you one of the stars they were banking on fell through."

What else is Marc Anthony doing these days?

[ljay889]

Don't bother with ucjrdude902. He teases information, then when asked for any hints, you get a "Why would I share that with you?" response.

[beautywickedlover]

I actually did not see this coming.

[kidbroadway2]

"Don't bother with ucjrdude902. He teases information, then when asked for any hints, you get a "Why would I share that with you?" response. "

Probably the worst part of these boards.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Right again. I deserve a cigar.

[Kelly2]

This was by no means a forgone conclusion, the search for replacements was serious and ongoing.

[ljay889]

Maybe this could end up like NIGHT MUSIC, and they'll find replacements after the closing announcement.

Doubtful. But that was very exciting.

[givesmevoice]

Debra Winger and Patti LuPone would be excellent Che and Eva replacements though.

[ucjrdude902]

ljay, get over yourself.

I haven't talked to my connection for a little bit, probably dealing with this has kept them busy.

But from what I was told they were in serious discussions with Antonio Banderas. Producers learned their lesson when Ricky left on vacation and they watched the numbers dip and knew they needed a "star" to keep the doors open but had some concern about Antonio's request. In other words, would his paycheck be justifiable with box office intake.

The female was going to be pulled from the talent pool of Broadway (and even a TV actress auditioned), and then another "star" to fill Cerveris spot that couldn't be decided on. The thought was if we have 2 stars, we can cast a perfect Evita and still keep the doors open.

Basically, they were hoping if they could lock down Antonio that would help seal the deal for whoever they were wanting to take Ceveris's spot. When he said he was moving on, the producers decided to do so as well.

[bjh2114]

Well who saw THAT coming? (Oh right, everyone with a brain.)

I doubt Pippin will go there, somethingwicked. That theatre is HUGE and Pippin is really a theatre-lover's show, not a tourist show. And there are no stars in that cast.

[Bettyboy72]

The revival was awful-the only way to keep it open was with a mega-watt star. Horrendous character choices (or lack thereof), sanitized beyond belief. Glad to see it close-it was an abomination. Ricky Martin playing Che playing Ricky Martin on GLEE. Grotesque.

Spare me the actors out of work speeches too.

[somethingwicked]

bjh, this production of PIPPIN involves a lot of aerial work and circus tricks, so it lends itself to a bigger theater than you might think. Given the houses that are bound to be in play for the spring, this seems like the best possible option for them, especially given how the dates work out (EVITA closes January 26th and PIPPIN closes at ART on January 20th.)

[bjh2114]

Interesting. I mean, I would LOVE if it were true. But they will have to market the hell out of it.