Desire Under the Elms Makes Early Exit from Broadway

Maybe it’s the economy. Perhaps it’s been overshadowed by the booming success of Billy Elliot and Shrek. Whatever the reason, Robert Falls’ adaptation of the Eugene O’Neill classic Desire Under the Elms has announced its early departure from Broadway, closing at the end of this month - six weeks early from its scheduled finish. Next Sunday, May 24, will be the last showing of Desire Under the Elms, as a lack of Tony nominations and low sales have aided in the early closing of the Broadway production.

Desire Under the Elms, a provocative Greek tragedy-inspired show featuring Brian Dennehy, Carla Gugino and Pablo Schreiber, opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on April 27 after previews from April 14, and the production was scheduled to close on July 5. The much-anticipated show garnered rave reviews but still failed to rope in a huge audience, selling less than 30% of its seats in the week of May 4-10 and bringing in only $200,000.

While Desire Under the Elms is gracefully bowing out, several other productions like Billy Elliot: The Musical, Shrek, 9 to 5, Rock of Ages and Mary Stuart are still going strong, leaving theatergoers anxious in the wake of the upcoming Tony Awards.

To get Broadway tickets, go to StubHub.

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