Marilyn! The New Musical is set to ends its run. According to reports, the stage production will go into hiatus after only 23 shows.
The announcement was made on Friday, June 9, in a press release. Not many details have been divulged to the public, but people behind the production promised that the critically acclaimed show will return later this year.
Marilyn Monroe Musical Goes Into Hiatus
"After launching to critical acclaim, Marilyn: The New Musical will be going on a summer hiatus from Tuesday, June 19 through Monday, Sept. 3 in order to further refine the show and prepare for the Las Vegas-created production to launch a national tour," reads the press release via Vital Vegas. "Performances at Paris Las Vegas will resume Tuesday, Sept. 4."
The musical about Marilyn Monroe, one of the most popular actresses of classic Hollywood, premiered on May 23 in Paris Las Vegas. It starred Ruby Lewis as the titular character.
The stage production was produced in association with the late actress' estate. It features both original songs and classics such as "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" and Monroe's rendition of "Happy Birthday" performed for President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
Told from the perspective of her chauffeur, Marilyn! A New Musical also stars actors playing the roles of Joe DiMaggio, Arthur Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, Jayne Mansfield, and Jane Russell. Brittney Bertier, Frank Lawson, Travis Cloer, Chris Fore, Randal Keith, Christopher Showerman, Matthew Tyler, Lindsay Roginski, Unna Eggerts, and Chanel Edward-Frederick complete the cast.
Marilyn Monroe Musical Behind-The-Scenes Drama
According to Las Vegas Review-Journal, one of the first publications to break the news, Marilyn! A New Musical has been plagued with issues behind the curtains. Apparently, the production has been struggling to pay cast members and crew on time.
In addition, producer Tegan Summer of Prospect House Entertainment is reportedly looking for a new investor for the production.
Since the preopening of the show, the musical has been struggling with issues such as late delivery of key set pieces. When it finally opened, the production received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Broadway World reports that show also found it difficult to fill the Paris Theater venue. The show, according to the publication, sold between 50-75 tickets per night. In comparison, Inferno, which shares the venue with Marilyn! A New Musical can draw up to 300 viewers on a busy night.
Whether the cast will return to the planned fall relaunch remains to be seen. The star of the show, Lewis, is reportedly working on another project, an upcoming album.
