In a crowded Broadway season, the Tony nominations have a way of making or breaking a less-popular new Broadway show. Score big spots in key categories and you can all-but guarantee an extension through June's awards — perhaps even the summer if you pick up a trophy or two.
But snubbed entirely and it becomes challenging to keep momentum going under the wake of the Tonys push — especially if your show doesn't have the strongest reviews, advance ticket sales, or family-friendly appeal.
Such is the case with "Amélie," the new musical based on the 2001 Oscar-nominated film of the same name that opened on April 3. With no nominations coming from Tuesday's Tony announcement, the show will now play its final performance at the Walter Kerr Theatre on May 21.
At the time of its closing, it will have played just 27 previews and 56 regular performances.
"Amélie" came to Broadway with a buzzy cast, including "Hamilton" breakout Phillipa Soo as its title role, "Peter and the Starcatcher" favorite Adam Chanler-Berat as her love interest, Nino, and Tony nominee Tony Sheldon ("Priscilla, Queen of the Desert") leading an ensemble cast of Amélie's neighbors and co-workers.
It's creative team was equally strong —Tony winning director Pam MacKinnon ("Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"), a book by "The Light in the Piazza" writer Craig Lucas and a score from Daniel Messé (music and lyrics) and Nathan Tyse (lyrics).
Sadly, reviews were tepid from critics and reviewers, including NBC New York's Robert Kahn. In the week leading up to the nominations, the Broadway League reports 'Amélie' only grossed $38.4% of its potential $985,352 gross — filling just 63% of its house.
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“It has been an honor and privilege to work with the brilliant, talented team of writers, actors and creatives who have brought 'Amélie' to life for the past two years," producers said in a statement. "We’d like to express our gratitude to all of them, as well as the audiences who have shared the experience with them and with us."
The original Broadway cast recording for "Amélie" will be released digitally on May 19, and in stores on June 9.
Customers with tickets to cancelled performances can contact their point of purchase for refunds or exchanges.
