Spring Awakening, the hit new musical which received almost universal acclaim during its run at the Lyric Hammersmith and on its transfer to the West End, is to close earlier than expected on 30 May.
The production, which features a cast predominantly made up of young performers making their professional musical debuts, was booking at the Novello theatre until October and, due to its reception by critics and public alike, was widely expected to continue on a successful West End run.
Speaking about the decision to bring the production’s run to an end, producers said: “It is with overwhelming regret that we have had to announce the closure of Spring Awakening. We remain incredibly proud of the production and the remarkable cast members who have put their hearts and souls into every performance. Despite the most positive critical response to a theatrical production in recent years, the enthusiasm of the media, accessible ticket pricing and the incredible response audiences give the show each night, simply not enough tickets are being sold. We are grateful to all of the people who have supported the show and to those who have worked so tirelessly and passionately throughout the run. We also salute all of those involved who have made efforts in the last few days in an attempt to avoid this unfortunate outcome. We simply urge everyone to see this wonderful musical, and its extraordinary cast, before it finishes.”
Spring Awakening received its UK premiere at Lyric Hammersmith earlier this year, where the musical, which mixes Frank Wedekind’s tale of teenage sexual discovery in an oppressive 19th century community with modern angsty teen rock, received a host of five star reviews. The production transferred to the Novello theatre in March, where the glowing reviews were repeated, but have failed to encourage enough ticket sales to save the show.
MA