NewYorkOlogy Article

Shadi Ladi · Guru

NewYorkOlogy Article

Broadway Dude · Veteran Member

Nice words about the show.

DogsandBirds · Guru

Shadi Ladi wrote:

December 3, 2008
The word on 'Grease' on Broadway: closing
Grease, which cast its Sandy and Danny through a 2007 reality show, will end its Broadway run January 4, the musicals producers announced today.

When it closes, Grease will have played 554 regular performances and 31 previews.

"The exuberance of our talented young company has been witnessed by the thousands of theatergoers who came from across the country to see a Broadway show, many for the first time, producer Nick Scandalios said in a statement. In these difficult economic times, the partners have decided to end our run on Broadway and focus our efforts on the first national tour which successfully launched in Providence last night."

Grease on Broadway currently stars Derek Keeling, Ashley Spencer, who were also contestants on the Grease: Youre the One That I Want casting show. American Idol finalist Ace Young is playing Kenickie.

-- Edited by Shadi Ladi at 13:55, 2008-12-04

Yes, they are focusing on the tour because they are paying the cast and crew less than the Broadway production and therefore, having a bigger profit margin. It's all about the money which I guess that is the way the world is.

Ray · Senior Member

You say the pay scales are less. What about hotels, food, promotion, setting up, striking, transporting people and set from theater to theater? It must cost a fortune. But obviously, they expect enough left over to make it worth while.

It would be nice to hear from people in the tour cities. Many people are into Grease and would be glad to share if they knew about this site. I bet if it were in the program, some people would look it up.

DogsandBirds · Guru

They are not paying the cast Broadway scale. That saves money. This is a bus and truck, which is much cheaper to run than a full scale Broadway production. Plus they have the advance sales pretty well done, so yes the profit margin is greater.

Cast members get per diem for food and hotel. Bus is rented, truck brings the sets, which in this case are not all that large. Rental on Broadway houses is much more than the rental on theaters outside of NYC. Yes, it costs money to put up the production, but the profit margin is greater.

KarenP · Newbie

That's very interesting, D&B. I've learned a lot here about the intricacies of putting on a production -- and the professionals make it look easy!

henrysmom · Senior Member

Yes, there is so much involved. Even on a small scale (like a HS production), it's such an amazing amount of work.