THEATER
Slumping economy blamed for cancellation of ‘Godspell’ revival
NEW YORK — Now it’s “Godspell” that is saying “no go” on Broadway.
A revival of the 1970s Stephen Schwartz flower-power musical about Jesus has announced it will not open as scheduled, the fourth production to put on hold plans for a New York run this season.
“I am devastated that, due to the loss of a major investor in the harsh reality of a slowing economy, there were no other options at this time than to postpone,” Adam Epstein, “Godspell” producer, said Tuesday in a statement.
“Godspell” had been set to open Oct. 23 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The musical, reportedly budgeted at more than $4 million, joins a growing number of shows that are doubtful for Broadway engagements in a nervous, recession-wary environment.
“There are so many variables in bringing a production to Broadway — theater availability, artists’ schedules, and securing capitalization to name but a few,” said Howard Sherman, executive director of the American Theatre Wing.
“It’s impossible not to be cognizant of the national economy and its potential impact on the theater. But it’s also premature to say whether the recent changes in plans by certain shows represent a trend, especially as we’re likely to see other productions quickly step up to fill the available theaters in their stead.”
The Barrymore, one of the more desirable Broadway theaters for plays, was quickly snatched by the revival of David Mamet’s “Speed-The-Plow,” starring Jeremy Piven, Raul Esparza and Elisabeth Moss of “Mad Men” fame. It opens there Oct. 23 (appropriating the “Godspell” opening date, too). Previews start Oct. 3.
And it’s not the only Mamet on Broadway this fall. His “American Buffalo,” starring John Leguizamo and Cedric the Entertainer, has taken the Belasco Theatre, which originally was to have housed “Speed-The-Plow.” “American Buffalo,” directed by Robert Falls of Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, opens Nov. 17 with previews beginning on Oct. 31.
