Anastasia, the hit Broadway musical based on the 1997 animated film, has been running on Broadway since 2017. However, there have been recent rumors that the show may be closing in the near future. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence surrounding the potential Broadway departure of Anastasia and try to determine if the rumors are true.
What are the rumors about Anastasia closing?
In the fall of 2022, several theater news outlets reported that Anastasia would be ending its Broadway run in early 2023. The reports cited declining ticket sales and the show’s absence from the spring 2023 Broadway season announcements from the major theater operators (The Nederlander Organization, Jujamcyn, and Shubert Organization). According to the reports, the final Broadway performance of Anastasia would take place in January or February 2023.
The first sign of trouble was when the producers of Anastasia announced that the musical would go on a national tour starting in Fall 2023. Typically, when a Broadway show is gearing up for a national tour, it indicates that the Broadway production will soon close. The tour allows the show to continue generating revenue and reach new audiences across North America.
In the months after the tour announcement, ticket sales for Anastasia began to decline. The show was struggling to fill seats, even during the usually busy spring and holiday seasons in New York. Advance ticket sales showed that the demand just wasn’t there for Anastasia anymore.
All of this evidence seemed to point towards an imminent Broadway closure for the musical. However, the producers did not confirm any closing plans. So is Anastasia definitely leaving Broadway soon?
What is the current status of the show?
Despite all the rumors, Anastasia is still currently running on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. The show has not posted any closing notices, and tickets are still being sold for performances through Spring 2023.
The producers have not made any official statements about the show closing. When asked about the future of the show, they have simply said that they cannot comment on any rumors and that they remain committed to the Broadway production.
Starting in October 2022, Anastasia began offering heavily discounted tickets on TodayTix to boost lagging ticket sales. Discounts are usually not a good sign for a Broadway show’s financial viability. However, deeper discounts could also be an attempt to draw new audience interest for a show in its final months.
The cast and creative team have not indicated that they are informed of any closing plans. Director Darko Tresnjak told the press he is proceeding with rehearsals for cast replacements as normal.
So for now, Anastasia remains open and running on Broadway. But given all the warning signs, it does seem likely that an imminent closing could still be announced. Producers are likely monitoring sales and trying to sustain operations as long as possible.
Why might Anastasia be closing?
There are a few key reasons why Anastasia may be coming to the end of its Broadway run:
- Declining ticket sales – Box office grosses have been on a steady decline, indicating waning audience interest.
- Stiff Broadway competition – High-profile new musicals like Moulin Rouge and Jagged Little Pill have overshadowed Anastasia and dominated ticket sales.
- Limited target audience – As a family-friendly musical, Anastasia does not have as broad of an appeal compared to blockbuster Broadway shows.
- Tour launching – The producers want to capitalize on Anastasia’s brand and launch a national tour in new markets.
- High operating costs – The cost of keeping a large-scale Broadway production running takes its toll over an extended run.
In short, declining revenues coupled with the opportunity to take the show on tour seem to be driving the probable Broadway closure. The show has had a very respectable run, but the Broadway economics are no longer viable.
How well has Anastasia performed on Broadway?
Despite rumors of its imminent closing, Anastasia has had an overall successful and impressive run on Broadway since opening in April 2017:
- The musical was nominated for 2 Tony Awards in 2017 – Best Costume Design and Best Scenic Design.
- It recouped its initial $14 million investment by October 2018, meaning it paid back all investors.
- The musical has consistently grossed over $1 million per week during peak seasons.
- As of October 2022, it has played over 1,100 performances and been seen by over 1.5 million audience members.
While the show may be declining now, it was a solid hit for over 5 years. The musical gave new life to the classic animated film and brought the story to life in an imaginative way that appealed to Broadway audiences.
How does Anastasia compare to the longevity of other Broadway shows?
The original production of Anastasia will have run for approximately 5.5 years if it closes in early 2023. Here is how that compares to some other hit Broadway musicals of the last decade:
| Musical | Total Years on Broadway |
|---|---|
| Hamilton | 6+ years (and counting) |
| Dear Evan Hansen | 6 years |
| Come From Away | 4+ years (and counting) |
| Anastasia | 5-6 years (estimated) |
| Aladdin | 5.5 years |
| Beautiful | 4.5 years |
While not as long-running as the biggest hits, Anastasia has exceeded the lifespan of most Broadway shows. The average Broadway musical runs for 2-3 years, so the fact that Anastasia ran for over 5 years is very respectable.
What is next for Anastasia?
If and when Anastasia ends its Broadway run, the show is poised to have a long life beyond New York thanks to the upcoming national tour. This allows audiences across North America to experience the show.
Additionally, amateur and regional productions will likely be available soon after the Broadway closing. The musical’s producers have already released the rights for local productions to begin in 2023. So you may see Anastasia in local theaters for many years to come.
There has been no word yet about a potential film adaptation. The huge success of Broadway hits like Dear Evan Hansen and Come From Away on film and streaming platforms means an Anastasia movie musical is very possible down the line.
For fans who still want to see the Broadway production, time is likely running out. Make plans now to see the original cast and production on the Broadway stage before any closing notice is posted!
Conclusion
While nothing is official yet, it appears likely that the Broadway run of Anastasia will soon be coming to an end after over 5 successful years. Declining grosses and the opportunity to launch a national tour seem to be driving this decision. The closing of the original Broadway production does not mean the end of Anastasia. The musical will live on through touring productions, regional productions and likely a film adaptation. For Broadway fans, catch this magical musical on stage in New York City while you still can!