The producers of Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre have posted early closing notices.
Rufus Wainwright’s show was scheduled to run to 27 July, but will now end on 18 May 2024.
Producers Wessex Grove said in a statement: “It is an honour to produce this beautiful new musical in the West End, and everyone at Wessex Grove is proud to have delivered the artistic vision of Ivo Van Hove and Rufus Wainwright and their incredible team, led by the exquisite Sheridan Smith. In a challenging financial landscape, Opening Night was always a risk and, while the production may not have had the life we had hoped for, we feel immensely proud of the risk we took and of this extraordinary production. Our world class cast delivers a brilliant show night after night, and there are still five weeks left to see Sheridan Smith in the role of a lifetime. What is sure-fire and safe has its place. But Wessex Grove exists to produce great artists in the West End and to provide the space for original, artist-led productions in the commercial sector, productions exactly like Opening Night. We’re grateful for all of the support everyone has given us as we made this show, and look forward to celebrating the rest of the run.”
Director Ivo Van Hove said: “I had the most wonderful and inspiring time making Opening Night thanks to the talent and commitment of our incredible cast and production team. They were led by the exceptional Sheridan Smith, who had the bravery to play such a complex role in the West End. I try to be fearless and sincere in everything I make. With Rufus’s beautiful music, we made something totally unique and true to John Cassavetes’ daring exploration of the human condition. It will forever have a special place in my heart. It is always sad when a show closes early but I know that OPENING NIGHT will live long in the memories of those who saw it and made it.”
The musical stars Sheridan Smith (Shirley Valentine, Funny Girl, Legally Blonde, Cilla) as Myrtle, with Hadley Fraser (The Lehman Trilogy, City of Angels) as Manny, Shira Haas (Unorthodox) as Nancy, Nicola Hughes (Fosse, Porgy & Bess) as Sarah, Amy Lennox (Cabaret, Kinky Boots) as Dorothy and John Marquez (Pygmalion, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as David.
Also in the cast are Benjamin Walker (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, American Psycho) as Maurice, Rebecca Thornhill (Matilda, Hairspray, Singin’ in the Rain) as Kelly, Cilla Silvia (Pretty Woman The Musical) as Carla, Ian McLarnon (Passion) as Leo and Jos Slovick (Beautiful, Brief Encounter) as Gus; alongside Robert Finlayson, Daniel Forrester, Jennifer Hepburn, Issy Khogali and Chrissie Perkins.
The musical has a Book by Ivo Van Hove with Music and Lyrics by Rufus Wainwright. It is Directed and conceived by Ivo Van Hove, has Scenic and Lighting Design by Jan Versweyveld, Costume Design by An D’Huys and Sound Design by Tom Gibbons and Alex Twiselton. Orchestrations are by Rufus Wainwright, with Musical Supervision and Musical Direction by Nigel Lilley. Movement and Choreography is by Polly Bennett, Casting by Julia Horan CDG and the Associate Director is Daniel Raggett.
The show is produced by Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Playful Productions.
Ticket holders for performances after 18 May 2024 will be contacted by their ticket provider.
Book tickets to Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre in London
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