November 24, 2008

'Young Frankenstein' to close on Broadway on Jan. 4

Joining a long list of Broadway last-calls, “The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein” will call it quits on January 4, the show’s producers announced.

“In these uncertain economic times, my partners and I have decided to end our run on Broadway and focus our efforts on the first national tour, which will launch in September 2009,” Robert F.X. Sillerman, the show’s lead producer said in a statement.

The musical based on the 1974 comedy film will have played 484 regular performances and 30 previews by the time it shutters.

The Steve on Broadway theater blog notes the sharp elbows that caused the production “to alienate virtually everyone against Young Frankenstein, starting when they circled the Hilton Theatre and its previous occupant like vultures, followed by his infamous snub of Cloris Leachman, followed by their greedy announcement that they’d have the audacity to charge a record-breaking $450 for premium seats, followed by the decision not to follow Broadway precedent by releasing weekly grosses.”

“Young Frankenstein” was nominated for three Tony Awards and was selected as the Best Broadway Musical 2008 by the Outer Critics Circle Award. The show currently stars Roger Bart, Shuler Hensley, Beth Leavel, Fred Applegate, Cory English, Michele Ragusa, and Kelly Sullivan.

The show plays the Hilton Theatre, located at 213 W. 42nd St., map.

Picture credit: Paul Kalnick via Barlow Hartman

Earlier: ‘Young Frank’ review: Money doesn’t buy you laughs
‘Young Frankenstein’ to start on Broadway on Oct. 11

November 24, 2008 10:20 AM in Broadway

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