The reality of Broadway Theater is that most shows don't have the longevity of The Phantom of the Opera or Wicked -- both successful and unsuccessful productions open and close in theaters on a monthly basis. A show that you have your heart set on seeing might close before the fall, which is typically a lean period for Broadway productions - that is, until millions of holiday tourists pack Midtown in the last two months of the year.
Six major Broadway shows are slated to close between late July and early September. As it gets closer to the closing date, demand for tickets will likely go up and prices will rise -- so if you want to see any of these shows, you can save yourself some money by buying them sooner. The Humans, which was expected to shut its doors at the end of July, has luckily extended its run.
Shuffle Along, or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Closing Date: July 24
It came as a surprise to theatergoers that Shuffle Along will be closing so soon after opening in April despite positive reviews and strong ticket sales. However, the lead actress -- six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald -- announced she would leave the show on July 24 because she is pregnant. While McDonald intended to return to the show after her maternity leave, producers have instead decided to close up shop instead. There has been great interest in this semi-revival that reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the groundbreaking African-American musical, so expect the final weeks to play to full houses. Shuffle Along tickets are most affordable through the box office, and range from just $69-$169.
Fully Committed
Closing Date: July 31
Jesse Tyler Ferguson stars in this one-man comedy about a host who takes reservations at a trendy New York City restaurant. Naturally, he has to deal with some hard-to-please callers who expect him to cater to their every whim. Ferguson was awarded the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, and fans of the Modern Family star will want to see Fully Committed at the Lyceum Theatre before it leaves town. Tickets for Fully Committed are some of the most affordable of the lot, as tickets from Telecharge range from just $45-$147.
Les Misérables / The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time / An Act of God
Closing Date: September 4
The summer tourist season is one of Broadway's most lucrative periods, so it's understandable that these shows are scheduled to run through Labor Day weekend to capitalize on it. Of course, Les Misérables is one of the most successful musicals of all time. The current revival launched in spring 2014 and received strong reviews across the board from critics. Songs like "I Dreamed a Dream" and "One More Day" have always been audience favorites. Tickets for Les Miserables can be purchased right through the box office until it closes, and tickets range from just $47-$162.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time began performances in fall 2014 and won three Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Scenic Design of a Play and Best Lighting Design of a Play. In fact, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is noted for its groundbreaking visual effects, which are used to depict the point-of-view of the extraordinary lead character. Tickets start at just $27, and the most expensive tickets cap at $145.
The comedy An Act of God has had a unique production history -- it is based off the Twitter account @TheTweetofGod, which was created by comedy writer David Javerbaum. It originally premiered last summer at Studio 54 with The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons. It returned in June 2016 at the Booth Theatre, now with Will and Grace star Sean Hayes in the lead. Ticket sales for the return engagement have been soft despite positive reviews, so it's probably a good idea to see this one as soon as possible. Tickets directly from the box office won't break the bank, and start from $59-$149.
Fun Home
Closing Date: Sept. 10
Fun Home was the big winner at last year's Tony Awards, receiving five awards including Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical. The Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Tony was awarded to Michael Cerveris, who will be with the show until closing night. He stars as the gay father of a young lesbian who is coming to terms with her father's complex, mysterious life. It is based on the titular autobiographical graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. Fun Home arrived on Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre on March 27, 2015 after a very successful off-Broadway run, and is departing to launch a year-long national tour. But if you want to see it in New York where it was developed, you only have a few more weeks. Fun Home tickets range from $49-$75 directly through Telecharge.
The Humans
Closing Date: Originally July 24; run has been extended
Although the Tony-winning play The Humans was expected to close its doors on July 24, the production has taken the unusual step of changing theaters to extend its run. The Humans will have a final performance at the Helen Hayes Theater on July 24 and resume production at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater on Aug. 9. The family drama by Stephen Karam won four Tony Awards on June 12 and has been a hot ticket since its opening in February.
