‘Smash’ on Broadway Shuts Down After Tony Snub and Box Office Struggle
The Broadway adaptation of “Smash,” a musical inspired by the making of a musical, is closing it’s doors sooner then expected. After a run riddled with financial woes and a surprising shutout at the 2025 Tony Awards, the final performance is slated for June 22.
End of the Road for ‘Smash’
Executive Producers Steven Spielberg, Robert Greenblatt, and Neil Meron announced the abrupt closure of “Smash” on Tuesday.Playbill confirmed that after 32 preview shows and only 84 regular performances, the curtain will fall for the last time. the show, staged at the Imperial Theater, failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, leading to its premature end.
Behind the Scenes
“Smash” aimed to capture the chaotic yet thrilling process of creating a Broadway musical. The storyline revolved around a group of theater artists striving to produce a show about Marilyn Monroe, titled “Bombshell.” Susan Stroman directed the play, with music by Marc Shaiman. Despite the talent involved, the production struggled to find its footing.
Recent reports indicated a sharp decline in weekly earnings, plummeting from a peak of $1 million to $656,000 in the week ending June 8, according to the New York Times. The initial investment of $20 million has not been recouped,marking a significant financial loss for investors.
Tony Awards snub
The 2025 Tony Awards added insult to injury for the “Smash” team. despite nominations for Best Choreography and Best Featured Actor, the musical walked away empty-handed. This outcome makes “Smash” the frist Broadway production to close following a complete shutout at the awards ceremony.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Closing Date | June 22, 2025 |
| Performances | 32 previews, 84 regular shows |
| Executive Producers | Steven Spielberg, Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron |
| Original Investment | $20 million (not recouped) |
| Tony Awards | Zero wins despite nominations |
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Adding to the woes, “Smash” faced drama behind the scenes at the Tony Awards. Both “Smash” and “Boop! The Betty Boop Musical” reportedly were denied the chance to perform during the televised broadcast, despite being willing to pay the standard $300,000 fee.This decision by the award show producers further fueled frustration within the production teams.
Spielberg,Greenblatt,and meron initially announced their plans to bring “Smash” to Broadway in 2020,years after the NBC series concluded in 2013. The producers expressed hope that the stage adaptation woudl appeal to both loyal fans of the show and newcomers alike.
“‘Smash’ is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage,” Spielberg said back in 2023.
Did you know? The average cost to keep a Broadway musical running for one week can range from $400,000 to over $1 million, depending on the scale and popularity of the production. Such as, “Wicked” and “The Lion King” are known for their high weekly grosses due to consistent demand and extensive marketing efforts.
Final Thoughts
The closure of “Smash” serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of Broadway. Despite the star power and creative talent involved, not every production can achieve lasting success.
What do you think went wrong with ‘Smash’ on Broadway? And what are some of your favorite Broadway musicals?
The Economics of Broadway Musicals
Bringing a Broadway musical to life is a high-stakes venture, with potential for significant financial rewards but also considerable risks. the costs involved can be staggering, including:
- Development Costs: These initial expenses cover script writing, composing music, and preliminary workshops.
- Production Costs: This includes set design, costumes, lighting, sound, and casting.
- Marketing and Advertising: Promoting the show to attract audiences.
- Running Costs: Weekly expenses such as theater rental,salaries,and maintenance.
A successful Broadway show can run for years, generating millions of dollars in revenue. Though, many productions fail to recoup their initial investment and close after a short run. Factors such as critical reviews, word-of-mouth, and competition from other shows can all impact a musical’s success. According to The Broadway League, the average ticket price for a Broadway show in 2024 was $126.53, reflecting the high demand and costs associated with these productions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broadway’s ‘smash’
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