Theatre News: New York

Some sad news was reported yesterday in The New York Times, as it is"The End of the Road for Passing Strange".

"Passing Strange, the Broadway musical that will soon be filmed by Spike Lee, will end its run at the Belasco Theater after the Sunday matinee performance on July 20. The show, about a black musician who wanders the world in search of meaning, only to find it within, began previews on Broadway on Feb. 8 and opened on Feb. 28. The two performances Mr. Lee will record in front of a live audience are on July 19 at 2 and 8 p.m."

There has been no real reason given for the sudden close. Producers did issue statements, however they all remained positive, optimistic and gracious:

Gerald Schoenfeld of The Shubert Organization said, "We are extremely proud of Passing Strange and its many accomplishments on Broadway. That Spike Lee will film the show is a crowning achievement and represents a milestone in the American musical theatre. We appreciate the support of the show's many ardent fans that have helped keep it running."

Producer Elizabeth Ireland McCann added, "Passing Strange has been an unparalleled experience for me as a lifelong theatre lover. I cannot express how genuinely proud I am of the show, the brilliant creators, the fantastic cast, the band and every member of the Passing Strange family. We brought a show to Broadway and, at the very least, shook things up a bit."

Passing Strange features a Tony Award-winning book by Stew, lyrics by Stew and music by Stew and his longtime musical partner Heidi Rodewald of The Negro Problem.

JH