Tale of Two Cities: Broadway Shows Face Different Fates in London

In a fascinating twist of theatrical fate, two major musical productions - 'Tammy Faye' and Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Cinderella' - have demonstrated how different audiences across the Atlantic can be. Both shows achieved significant success in London's West End but faced unexpected challenges and ultimately closed early on Broadway.

'Tammy Faye,' starring Katie Brayben in the title role of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, received widespread acclaim in London, earning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2023. The show's compelling narrative about faith, redemption, and the rise and fall of the PTL television network resonated strongly with British audiences. However, when it transferred to Broadway in late 2023, the production struggled to find its footing and closed after just a few months.

Similarly, Andrew Lloyd Webber's contemporary reimagining of 'Cinderella' enjoyed a successful run in London's West End, where it played to enthusiastic audiences and garnered positive reviews for its fresh take on the classic fairy tale. The show's modern feminist twist and innovative staging earned particular praise. Yet when it made its way to Broadway, the production faced numerous challenges, including timing issues related to the pandemic, and ultimately closed earlier than expected.

Theater experts point to several factors that might explain this phenomenon, including:

Different cultural sensibilities between British and American audiences
Varying production costs between the two markets
Timing and market conditions affecting ticket sales
Marketing challenges in the highly competitive Broadway landscape

These contrasting outcomes highlight the unpredictable nature of theater success and remind us that what works in one market doesn't automatically translate to another. As the theater industry continues to recover from the pandemic, these experiences offer valuable lessons about the importance of understanding local audience preferences and market conditions when planning international transfers.

Katie Brayben on FusePop