The Scoop
First of all, thank you all so very much for supporting Tale. It's been a long and wonderful journey and we did accomplish some amazing things.
So here's the scoop as I know it. In previews Tale saw a steady increase in ticket sales building up to our opening night. This was obviously due to the word of mouth from all those who came to see Tale and loved it. With those numbers everyone thought that we were going to do very well.
After opening night we got hit very hard by the reviews of the show and we saw an immediate drop in sales. Although this was disappointing it's not something that could not be handled. In fact we had plans in place should something like this happen. Many successful shows opened to reviews such as these and have battled through to survive and flourish.
The bottom line was that we had a show that the audience loved and that with a bit of time we knew we could build back to those pre-opening ticket sales and go beyond.
However...the economy then took it's downturn. We found ourselves in the midst of a real crisis and no matter how we cut it, it was difficult to generate ticket sales when people were simply hesitant to spend money.
We saw many shows that were running on Broadway begin to post closing notice. All of which were planing an early January closing date.
Our main issue: there is a thing called a "stop clause." A stop clause is a built in contractual item between the theatre owners and the producers of any show that says if tickets sales drop below a certain point for a given number of consecutive weeks, the theatre owners have the right to "Stop" the show. This is what basically happened with Tale.
There was another show that was looking at a theatre and they wanted to open in the Spring. Given our current situation (even though we were prepared to push through the holidays and then on into the spring) our stop clause was initiated and we were given a end date. This happens all the time and is not something uncommon.
The theatre owners need to make sure that they (in these hard economical times) can create income just like everyone else. It's simply business. I'm sincerely happy that they gave us a shot in the first place.
We could have run through to January but after much deliberation we chose to end our beautiful show in two weeks.
Now...the good news is that the money it would have taken to run the show into January can now be put toward our future touring production. This is still a very strong possibility and there are many people interested in the show...worldwide.
It's truly the nature of live theatre to end. It's rare that a show runs for what seems like forever and it's not like you can put in a DVD and replay the show. It's a live experience and without audiences theatre is not theatre.
As I said this has been a long journey for the Tale team and they have accomplished what many, many people cold not. They got a show on Broadway with an amazing cast and have been able to spread the beautiful message of love and hope to all those who came to share in the experience. That's the important thing to take away from this.
We began our fundraising for Broadway Cares this past week and as I address the audience from the stage I begin by telling them that Tale is closing. We are met with a shocking "Oh No!" from the audience. After being moved as they were with our story, they too are in amazement.
But I think I can speak for the entire cast when I say thank you all for supporting the show. We will all move on to other projects but will hold a very, very special place in our hearts for this one. The family that has been created through this process is incredibly tight and extends to many of you out there who love our show. You ARE a part of our group and without you we never would have made it this far.
We've got a few shows left and we intend to make those just as powerful as the ones that have come before. Please come back and join us in celebrating this amazing accomplishment.
I'm having so much fun with the blog that I'm gonna keep going with it. After all life goes on...and I've got some great new projects to talk about.
So here's the scoop as I know it. In previews Tale saw a steady increase in ticket sales building up to our opening night. This was obviously due to the word of mouth from all those who came to see Tale and loved it. With those numbers everyone thought that we were going to do very well.
After opening night we got hit very hard by the reviews of the show and we saw an immediate drop in sales. Although this was disappointing it's not something that could not be handled. In fact we had plans in place should something like this happen. Many successful shows opened to reviews such as these and have battled through to survive and flourish.
The bottom line was that we had a show that the audience loved and that with a bit of time we knew we could build back to those pre-opening ticket sales and go beyond.
However...the economy then took it's downturn. We found ourselves in the midst of a real crisis and no matter how we cut it, it was difficult to generate ticket sales when people were simply hesitant to spend money.
We saw many shows that were running on Broadway begin to post closing notice. All of which were planing an early January closing date.
Our main issue: there is a thing called a "stop clause." A stop clause is a built in contractual item between the theatre owners and the producers of any show that says if tickets sales drop below a certain point for a given number of consecutive weeks, the theatre owners have the right to "Stop" the show. This is what basically happened with Tale.
There was another show that was looking at a theatre and they wanted to open in the Spring. Given our current situation (even though we were prepared to push through the holidays and then on into the spring) our stop clause was initiated and we were given a end date. This happens all the time and is not something uncommon.
The theatre owners need to make sure that they (in these hard economical times) can create income just like everyone else. It's simply business. I'm sincerely happy that they gave us a shot in the first place.
We could have run through to January but after much deliberation we chose to end our beautiful show in two weeks.
Now...the good news is that the money it would have taken to run the show into January can now be put toward our future touring production. This is still a very strong possibility and there are many people interested in the show...worldwide.
It's truly the nature of live theatre to end. It's rare that a show runs for what seems like forever and it's not like you can put in a DVD and replay the show. It's a live experience and without audiences theatre is not theatre.
As I said this has been a long journey for the Tale team and they have accomplished what many, many people cold not. They got a show on Broadway with an amazing cast and have been able to spread the beautiful message of love and hope to all those who came to share in the experience. That's the important thing to take away from this.
We began our fundraising for Broadway Cares this past week and as I address the audience from the stage I begin by telling them that Tale is closing. We are met with a shocking "Oh No!" from the audience. After being moved as they were with our story, they too are in amazement.
But I think I can speak for the entire cast when I say thank you all for supporting the show. We will all move on to other projects but will hold a very, very special place in our hearts for this one. The family that has been created through this process is incredibly tight and extends to many of you out there who love our show. You ARE a part of our group and without you we never would have made it this far.
We've got a few shows left and we intend to make those just as powerful as the ones that have come before. Please come back and join us in celebrating this amazing accomplishment.
I'm having so much fun with the blog that I'm gonna keep going with it. After all life goes on...and I've got some great new projects to talk about.
Comments
Ashley from South Carolina
I will continue to write as long as you are here. Thank you for
giving me the gift of "A Tale of Two Cities". I will never forget how the cast embraced the audience and how I felt like part of the extended family. Best wishes to you, Dana and Hudson. Continued success. I hope Evan and I get to see you on Broadway again, very soon.
Rae
Going to these shows over and over you begin to feel as though the cast is a part of your family; they can evoke such feelings as happiness, sadness, anger, betrayal-- all from memorizing a script and preforming it for you!
I was heartbroken to hear about Spamalot (my favorite musical right now), Hairspray, and Spring Awakening closing, but I suppose it is for the best.
I am also very sad I haven't been able to see this particular show, as I am studying in London, but I am glad you are looking forward to bigger things. Here is to the future!!
Thank you, specially you, for teaching me that love is lived in many ways, not just with the one you are in love with... everything, yes, everything is possible.
I look forward to your (and the whole cast) new projects and reading more about them here.
All my love to you and all the people involved in Tale. For what you do, for theatre... thank you.
One consolation is your decision to continue with your blog. Thank you! Beyond that, my sincerest wish is that some day, in the not too distant future, you will record, for all of us who will sorely miss this show, "If dreams came true" and "I can't recall."
Jo
I can believe I will never see this show! (I'm crying...).
The burning question, is this: Will there be a Broadway Original cast album?
wish you all the best
It feels satisfying to hear the whole story. Granted, I am still sad.
And please do continue your blog to update us all on your future projects and adventures.
I hope everyone comes to support and loudly cheer for the cast one last time before it closes.
I know I certainly will.
Thanks for keeping your blog alive. I support all the great comments by others here, about its impact, and it is almost like a journal for you, isn't it? Later on, as time passes, it is a great account of your daily impressions and undertakings. Yes, life does go on for all, and I know all of us here wish to keep supporting your work...
I saw the show for the second time last night and I was even more amazed at the brilliant performances. Your portrayal of Sydney Carton touches me deeply, as I relate to his emotions and experience in a very personal way. There are moments in this show that fill me with a hope I haven't felt in a long time.
So thank you. And I know you will move on to even more wonderful things in the future.
Perhaps, since we ALL want a Tale cast CD, we can agree to send the money "ahead" of time (I trust this show's company), so that when they get all monies in, say by a certain dealine, they will know exactly how many CD's to come up with, and they do not have to originally put out any money themselves. The CD's, then, will be paid for already, so no loss is to be expected, or "out of pocket" expenses. If anything, they would have a "profit" ahead of time. Well, this might be another "crazy" idea, but from my point of view, it might just work, and give all those who really love this show, and WANT this CD badly, a chance to enjoy it, maybe even to give away for Christmas...
This could work for even those overseas (Italy, Spain...).
I wanted to exp[ose this idea ASAP, so that, if accepted, it can be put to action.
(?)
I just saw the show last night 11/6/08 and was one of audience members who was surprised to learn that it was closing. Tough times in the "Big Apple". I work for a production company and we too have had bit of downsizing. I feel for you all.
As I posted on the Tales website earlier this morning, I got a call from my friend yesterday asking me to go, he had extra tickets. I didn't know much about the show except that the critics compared it to Les Mis. I wish they didn't do that because it actually ruined the first 1/2 hour of the show for me - I was looking for the similarities.
However, Tales stands alone and should not be compared to any other musical! I found myself lost in the story and was moved to the point that I had chills from the amazing voices and cried at the end.
For those local "NYC Theater Lovers" who have not seen this, GET OUT AND DO SO NOW! It's worth every penny. If you can't - please check out the cast members and keep your eyes open for them in other productions.
James & Cast - Thank you for a wonderful night out! Best to you and yours. Glad you will be touring with the show, hopefully when things get better we will see you all again on Broadway.
Thanks again - Michele Hope
I just saw the show last night 11/6/08 and was one of audience members who was surprised to learn that it was closing. Tough times in the "Big Apple". I work for a production company and we too have had bit of downsizing. I feel for you all.
As I posted on the Tales website earlier this morning, I got a call from my friend yesterday asking me to go, he had extra tickets. I didn't know much about the show except that the critics compared it to Les Mis. I wish they didn't do that because it actually ruined the first 1/2 hour of the show for me - I was looking for the similarities.
However, Tales stands alone and should not be compared to any other musical! I found myself lost in the story and was moved to the point that I had chills from the amazing voices and cried at the end.
For those local "NYC Theater Lovers" who have not seen this, GET OUT AND DO SO NOW! It's worth every penny. If you can't - please check out the cast members and keep your eyes open for them in other productions.
James & Cast - Thank you for a wonderful night out! Best to you and yours. Glad you will be touring with the show, hopefully when things get better we will see you all again on Broadway.
Thanks again - Michele Hope