The West End musical “Opening Night” starring Sheridan Smith, which divided the opinions of audiences and critics, will close two months early.
The show, which depicts an actor with mental health issues, received mixed reviews and was scheduled to air until July 27.
However, producers Wessex Globe, Gavin Currin Productions and Playful Productions announced on Thursday that the musical would close earlier than planned at the Gielgud Theater on May 18, citing “difficult financial circumstances”.
Director Ivo van Hove said the show was “completely unique” and “will forever have a special place in my heart.”
The play, based on John Cassavetes’ 1977 film, is about a theater company preparing to stage a new show on Broadway. Smith, a two-time Olivier Award winner, plays Myrtle Gordon, the female lead who spirals out of control after witnessing her death.
The music and lyrics were by singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and part of the performance took place outside the Gielgud Theatre, with Smith’s character getting drunk and collapsing outside the stage door, with the scene shown on a screen inside the auditorium. It will be projected.
Smith, 42, said the role was probably her most challenging to date.
But critics were divided. Alifa Akbar of the Guardian called the film “every bit as eccentric as the film, but an alchemical creation of its own, and in this musical incarnation even more vibrant and deeply original.” I commented. The New York Times, on the other hand, called the stylish film a “dirty farce”. There were also reports that some spectators left the venue early.
Director Wessex Grove said: “It was an honor to produce this beautiful new musical,” adding: “Opening nights are always a risk in difficult financial circumstances and the production may not be what we had hoped. It may not have been, but we are very proud.” About the risks we took and this extraordinary piece of work.
“Our world-class cast will put on a great show every night, and we still have five weeks until we meet Sheridan Smith in the role of a lifetime.”
Van Hove praised the “incredible Sheridan Smith for having the courage to play such a complex role.” He added: “It will forever have a special place in my heart. It’s always sad when a show ends early, but opening night remains in the memories of those who saw it and those who made it.” I know it will last a long time.”
If you have a ticket from May 20th to July 27th, 2024, your retailer will contact you directly.
