'Shuffle Along' Set to Close on Broadway, Stated Reason Causes Stir

Last week, ten-times-Tony-nominated Shuffle Along, led by Private Practice star Audra McDonald, revealed news of its upcoming closure on Broadway. The blockbuster musical will shutter production on July 24, prompted by McDonald's previously announced maternity leave.

Shuffle Along executive Scott Rudin's announcement on Thursday caused a stir with some fans, many taking issue with the former Groundhog Day producer solely attributing the show's termination to McDonald. In the statement, Rudin praised the popular actress and singer's portrayal of Lottie Gee in the Vaudevillian meta-musical but disclosed that slowing ticket sales in anticipation of McDonald's exit put the show in the red:

"We are thrilled that she and her husband, Will Swenson, are experiencing the opportunity to expand their family -- and we wish them all good things as they approach the birth of their child this fall. It has, however, become clear that the need for Audra to take a prolonged and unexpected hiatus from the show has determined the unfortunate inevitability of our running at a loss for significantly longer than the show can responsibly absorb, and we have decided to close the show when she leaves on July 24."

A minor social media squall quickly followed Rudin's statement on Shuffle's ceasing of operations. Various theatergoers shared their disdain for the producer's abandonment of the musical without allowing McDonald's understudy, musician Rhiannon Giddens, a chance to perform.

Still others voiced opinion on the socially significant production's contributions to theatrical history owing it a fairer shake on the Great White Way. After 38 previews and only 100 regular performances, even industry insiders speculated on the show's mismanagement:

"It was just mishandled all around," said Andrew Shade, the founder and editorial director of BroadwayBlack, a website that champions black performers and creators in theater. "We knew she was leaving to go do Lady Day, and maybe now she's going to be gone a little longer, but the show was very well done, and it bothers me that we're losing a great gem."

Shuffle Along's underperformance at this year's 70th Annual Tony Awards, losing out on its ten nominations, is perhaps another motivating factor in the production's decision to close.

Below, watch a behind-the-scenes featurette about Shuffle Along:

TagsShuffle Along, Audra McDonald, Scott Rudin, Groundhog Day, Private Practice, Will Swenson, Rhiannon Giddens, Andrew Shade