The Broadway revival of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman has been officially announced to open at the Winter Garden Theatre. Here’s how the production landed at this historic venue and a closer look at three of its acclaimed original cast members.
“Beetlejuice” to close and make way for “The Music Man”
When this production was first reported last August, the theatre had not yet been decided, and audiences were eagerly anticipating where the new musical led by Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman would premiere.
It has now been confirmed that The Music Man will take over the Winter Garden Theatre, currently home to Beetlejuice. The decision came as a surprise to many, as Beetlejuice, which opened in April 2019, was still performing well at the box office.
“Beetlejuice” set to close on June 6, 2020
The stage adaptation of Tim Burton’s cult classic horror-comedy film earned eight Tony Award nominations and drew large audiences. However, despite a strong following, the show will close on June 6, 2020, after a run of just over a year since previews began in March 2019.
Behind the decision were financial considerations. While the show’s recent weekly grosses surpassed one million dollars, the Shubert Organization, which operates the theatre, reportedly determined that the overall annual revenue did not meet expectations.
Box office performance of “Beetlejuice”
Despite strong December sales that briefly placed Beetlejuice among the top 10 Broadway musicals, the Winter Garden Theatre seats 1,500, and the show’s long-term numbers were not considered sustainable. This financial reality ultimately led to the decision to make room for The Music Man.
The data clearly shows that the December spike was temporary. For a major venue like the Winter Garden Theatre, consistent year-round sales are essential. It’s a reminder of how competitive and unforgiving Broadway can be.
“Beetlejuice” to launch a U.S. national tour in 2021
Although the Broadway run ended in 2020, Beetlejuice launched its U.S. national tour in 2022, allowing fans across America to experience the show. The touring version featured scaled-down sets and staging but retained the humor and energy that made the Broadway production a fan favorite.
Spotlight on “The Music Man” original cast
Hugh Jackman leads the revival as Harold Hill, joined by an impressive lineup of Tony Award-winning co-stars. Below are three key members of the cast, each with outstanding Broadway credentials.
Sutton Foster
Born in 1975, from Statesboro, Georgia.Sutton Foster made her Broadway debut in Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002), earning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She is also a celebrated recording artist who has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, earning critical acclaim for her powerful performances across the United States.
Major Broadway Credits – Sutton Foster
2014 “Violet”
Tony Award Nominee for Best Actress in a Musical
Drama Desk Award Winner
Drama League Award Winner
Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee
2011 “Anything Goes”
Tony Award Winner for Best Actress in a Musical
Drama Desk Award Winner
Drama League Award Winner
Outer Critics Circle Award Winner
2009 “Shrek The Musical”
Tony Award Nominee
Drama Desk Award Nominee
Drama League Award Nominee
Outer Critics Circle Award Winner
2006 “The Drowsy Chaperone”
Tony Award Nominee
Drama Desk Award Nominee
Drama League Award Nominee
Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee
2005 “Little Women”
Tony Award Nominee
Drama Desk Award Nominee
Drama League Award Nominee
Outer Critics Circle Award Winner
2002 “Thoroughly Modern Millie”
Tony Award Winner
Drama Desk Award Winner
Drama League Award Nominee
Outer Critics Circle Award Winner
Jayne Houdyshell
Born in 1953, from Topeka, Kansas.Jayne Houdyshell is a veteran actress who has appeared in more than 200 stage productions. Since moving to Manhattan in the 1980s, she has built an award-winning Broadway career and also appeared in films and TV shows, including Amazon Prime’s The Tick.
Major Broadway Credits – Jayne Houdyshell
2017 “A Doll’s House, Part 2”
Tony Award Nominee for Best Featured Actress
Drama Desk Award Nominee
Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee
2016 “The Humans”
Tony Award Winner for Best Featured Actress
Drama Desk Award Winner
Obie Award Winner
Drama League Award Nominee
Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee
Lucille Lortel Award Nominee
2012 “Follies”
Tony Award Nominee
Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee
2006 “Well”
Tony Award Nominee
Theatre World Award Winner
Jefferson Mays
Born in 1965, from Clinton, Connecticut.Jefferson Mays earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Yale University and a Master of Fine Arts from UC San Diego. He made his Broadway debut in I Am My Own Wife (2003), winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. Known for his versatility, he has portrayed multiple characters within a single show and is acclaimed for his physical and expressive acting style.
Major Broadway Credits – Jefferson Mays
2017 “Oslo”
Tony Award Nominee for Best Actor in a Play
Drama Desk Award Nominee
2014 “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Tony Award Nominee
Drama Desk Award Winner
Outer Critics Circle Award Winner
2012 “Blood and Gifts”
Drama Desk Award Nominee
Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee
2004 “I Am My Own Wife”
Tony Award Winner
Drama Desk Award Winner
Theatre World Award Winner
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