Tuck Everlasting ends up not quite eternal. Producers of the Broadway musical announced today that the show, which opened on April 26, will close this Sunday, May 29. The cast performed 28 previews since March 31 and only 39 regular performances following opening day.
The decision to close up shop is indicative of a tough Broadway season for many underdog productions. While blockbusters like Hamilton continue to draw huge crowds, stagings of Tuck and American Psycho struggled from the start due to mixed reviews. New musical Disaster! closed earlier this month -- unfortunately embodying its title after weeks of low numbers since its February opening.
Actress Jessica Lee Goldyn, a member of Tuck's cast and alumna of Broadway musicals Finding Neverland (2015) and A Chorus Line (2006), spoke to Broadway World on her steadfast determination in the performing arts, regardless of the fickle life of Broadway productions:
"I would love to continue to do what I am doing, whether it is work in New York, regional theatres, televisions, or on tour. When I was growing up, I believed the pinnacle was Broadway, but I have learned that art is art. If you love it -- and you have to love it to be successful in this business -- it doesn't matter where you perform."
Adding insult to injury, Tuck Everlasting was chiefly excluded from this year's Tony Awards nominations, receiving only a Best Costume Design nod for couturier Gregg Barnes -- a two-time winner of the category. Hamilton historically nabbed 16 noms.
Tuck is based on the children's book of the same name by author Natalie Babbitt, adapted for film in 1981 and again in 2002. With lyrics by Nathan Tysen and music by Chris Miller, it originally premiered in Atlanta prior to its Broadway transfer.
In a Signature interview with lyricist Tysen, the songwriter spoke of his fondness for the musical's puerile but comforting take on the universal theme of transience:
"I think kids around ten, eleven, twelve start to comprehend their own mortality," said Tysen. "For me, I was terrified of death. And Tuck Everlasting put the circle of life into perspective."
Below, watch footage of a Tuck Everlasting rehearsal.
© 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
