Promoters of hit Broadway show Waitress have announced the cancellation of performances in Sydney due to low ticket sales. Currently playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, the play, which was nominated for four Tony Awards, was scheduled to open at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney on August 1. The Australian run stars Rob Mills alongside Natalie Bassingthwaighte in the titular role.
Waitress made Broadway history in 2016 with its female-led production team — director Diane Paulus, composer and lyricist Sara Bareilles, book adaptor Jessie Nelson and choreographer Lorin Latarro — marking the first time the four lead creative roles had been held by women. It will now close in Melbourne on July 19.
Producer Cites Economic Challenges
“This decision was not made lightly,” producer John Frost, the chief executive of Crossroads Live Australia, said in a statement reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. “As many of you know, live theatre is deeply connected to audience demand, ticket sales, and broader economic conditions. While we remain incredibly proud of the production and grateful for the dedication and passion of everyone involved, the challenging economic conditions currently facing audiences have had a significant impact on the live entertainment industry.”
“Cost-of-living pressures, interest rate rises and domestic and international economic uncertainty have contributed to softer box office performance across the country, placing considerable pressure on productions of all sizes. Unfortunately, we have not been immune to these challenges. Whilst audience enthusiasm for our work remained strong, attendance levels and box office have not been sufficient to support the cost of the production.”
Beetlejuice Also Ends Early
The news comes a week after it was announced Beetlejuice, The Musical would also be ending its Australian run early. Beetlejuice will play its final show on Sunday at Brisbane’s QPAC Theatre, with all remaining dates of the national tour in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney cancelled. That call came amid high costs, despite a stellar cast, outstanding production values and excellent reviews, a Michael Cassel Group spokesperson told AAP.
“While audience enthusiasm for the show has been encouraging, a more cautious consumer environment combined with the economics of moving a production of this magnitude could not be justified,” they said in a statement. “It is a difficult decision and not one we made lightly.”
