June 10, 2009

No-Tony closings: 'Guys & Dolls,' 'reasons to be pretty'

After an empty-handed Tony Awards night, both “Guys and Dolls” and “reasons to be pretty” will close this Sunday, producers announced.

In addition, two other limited-engagement productions — “Exit the King” and “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” — and are set to end the same day.

Geoffrey Rush on Sunday took home a best featured actor Tony for portrayal of the 400 year-old king in the Eugène Ionesco’s play. “French existential absurdist tragicomedy rocks,” a gleeful Rush said in his acceptance speech. The well-reviewed play also stars Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose and Andrea Martin.

“Joe Turner” also received exceptional reviews and a boost from the president and first lady. At the Tonys, the show won best lighting design of a play and best performance by a featured actor for Roger Robinson.

The reviews for “Guys and Dolls” were not as kind. The revival, which stars Craig Bierko, Oliver Platt, Lauren Graham and Kate Jennings Grant, will have played 113 performances and 28 previews by the time it closes Sunday. A national tour is planned.

Neil LaBute’s “reasons to be pretty” will also play its last performance Sunday afternoon. Reviews were mixed for the play, which features Thomas Sadoski, Marin Ireland, Steven Pasquale and Piper Perabo.

Earlier: ‘Billy Elliot’ best musical; ‘God of Carnage’ best play

June 10, 2009 8:35 AM in Broadway, Midtown

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