I had a post already written, scheduled to publish this morning.
But then I found out that the show is closing July 1st.
I have so many thoughts about this news. It’s devastating for the cast and crew and creatives and the producers. Jimmy cried as he spoke to the cast yesterday. The producers cried. And, of course, everyone sitting in the theater that has worked so long and so hard on this joyful show cried.
I have thoughts about the snobbishness and pretentiousness of some critics who work for major newspapers and of the New York City theatrical community as represented by the ever cliquish Tony Awards. A lot of those thoughts use a word that starts with an f, has a k in the middle, and ends with s. And make no mistake, the attack on the show by some critics who apparently felt that Jimmy Buffett had no business on Broadway, a cruel, personal attack, helped to speed the early closing. I have a great deal of anger about that, but anger isn’t healthy, so it’s up to me to work through it.
I’ve worked in the theater for over 40 years and I’m disillusioned and fed up with it.
I have thoughts about the heartbreak so many are feeling today, people I have come to know and respect and care for. I have never encountered a more loving, nicer, kinder group of people. They deserve better.
I have thoughts about a show that is consistently referred to as a ‘joyous experience’ with people coming back 3 or 4 times because they love it so much. Many of them had never seen a Broadway show until this one. Our friends who saw it a couple of weeks ago said it was the happiest theatrical experience they’d ever had. And he’s an actor. Again and again, people come up to Don to say how much they love the show and how much we need this kind of experience right now.
We’ve saved some money, but the show hasn’t been running long enough to save a lot. At least Stella is paid off. But plans we had for the future, plans that hinged on having a little extra money for the first time in a long time, will have to be shelved – at least for the time being.
And I have thoughts about my husband, who has loved every minute of this experience and who is devastated that it’s closing. I have fierce, protective thoughts about that. He brings joy to every audience member, every performance. He deserves better. He is a ray of light and love. He deserves better.
Yes, there will be a national tour next year. It doesn’t start until October 2019. And it will do extremely well on tour because that’s where Jimmy’s fans are. No, we have no idea who will be involved or who will be cast. And it’s too far off to even consider.
I’m going to take a few days off, my friends. My heart is heavy and my sister is coming and I want to focus on her and our weekend together. At least she’s getting to see the show. I’m so grateful for that.
I’ll see you again on Monday.
