Legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has issued a dire warning about the state of Broadway, asserting that the theater district is in "dire danger" of becoming as desolate as Hollywood's "empty soundstages." His comments come in the wake of the abrupt early closure of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," a reimagined production of his iconic musical.
The musical, which debuted on Broadway in April and garnered rave reviews, including a four-star rating from The Post's theater critic, will close its doors after only four months. Despite its critical acclaim and three Tony Award wins last month, "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" was unable to sustain its run.
Lloyd Webber took to social media to express his heartbreak and frustration, calling for an urgent collaboration between "theatre owners, unions and producers" to address what he described as a crisis. "The truth is that, for any show, it makes practically no financial sense to come to Broadway with things as they are," he stated.
He reflected on a conversation with the late theater giant Hal Prince, who had expressed sorrow that originating new or daring work on Broadway had become nearly impossible. Lloyd Webber questioned whether a groundbreaking musical like "West Side Story" could even premiere on Broadway today under current conditions.
An insider suggested that Lloyd Webber's strong reaction stemmed from his frustration with the escalating costs associated with theatrical productions, particularly for a show he held in high regard. The reimagined "Cats" mirrored the 1980s underground New York City ballroom scene and celebrated its Tony nominations with Lloyd Webber performing as his musical alter ego, DJ Webz.
Lloyd Webber elaborated on the financial challenges facing new productions, noting that creators, writers, and directors are often compelled to accept minimal royalties, sometimes surviving on fixed weekly fees rather than a percentage of a show's success. This financial structure, he argued, makes it exceedingly difficult for young creatives to sustain themselves solely through theater work.
While established, long-running hits may still be profitable, Lloyd Webber cautioned that Broadway cannot thrive on a foundation of just a few older shows. He concluded his plea by emphasizing the need for immediate, collective action to avert a widespread crisis that threatens the future vibrancy of the Great White Way.