NEW YORK — In the last weeks of 2022, failed Broadway shows seemed to stack up like the weed dealers who now crowd the tables on Eighth Avenue.
Something was very wrong, it was declared. Something “systemic.” “KPOP” closed because of a “racist” New York Times review, it was reported. “Ain’t No Mo’” died due to poor marketing and public relations! The anemic grosses at “Top Dog/Underdog” means plays died with the pandemic! The flopping of “Almost Famous” means movie musicals are toast!
Very little of all that actually is true. Shows have always failed on Broadway for the same reason: audiences don’t want to come and see them. When the box office goes quiet, the show goes dark. It was ever thus.
