‘Redwood’ to Close Early After Tony Awards Shut-Out
The Broadway musical REDWOOD, led by Tony winner Idina Menzel, will play its final performance at the Nederlander Theatre on 18 May, less than three months after opening, producers announced late Friday. The decision comes 48 hours after the show failed to secure a single Tony Award nomination, a boost the production had hoped would lift ticket sales in a crowded spring season.
A Short-Lived Comeback for Menzel
Menzel returned to Broadway on 13 February to originate the role of Jesse, a grieving mother who retreats to California’s ancient redwoods to confront the loss of her teenage son. Conceived and directed by Tina Landau, with music by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Diaz and Landau, the show earned a New York Times Critics’ Pick but otherwise drew mixed reviews, praised for Menzel’s powerhouse vocals yet critiqued for pacing and sentimentality.
Box Office Headwinds
Since opening, weekly grosses have slipped, with attendance hovering around 75 percent of capacity last week—well below the 90 percent threshold new musicals typically need to cover running costs.
“A Labor of Love”
“At closing we will have shared this story 127 times, including 17 previews,” producers Eva Price and Caroline Kaplansaid in a statement. “While we hoped for a longer run, the themes of connection and community will stay with us long after the final curtain.”
Menzel echoed that sentiment on X: “Creating Redwood with an all-female creative team has been my proudest professional accomplishment… I’ll be singing Kate’s music for years to come.”
First Casualty of the 2025 Awards Season
Redwood is the first Broadway production to post a closing notice in the wake of Thursday’s Tony nominations. Industry observers expect more vulnerable shows—especially original musicals that missed key categories—to reassess summer viability in the coming weeks. The 78th Tony Awards will be handed out on 8 June 2025 at Radio City Music Hall.
What’s Next
An original Broadway cast recording drops digitally on 13 May, with CD and vinyl releases to follow in June and July. Producers also confirmed discussions for regional stagings and an international licensing package, aiming to extend the eco-themed musical’s life beyond its 44-day Broadway engagement.
Tickets for the remaining performances—including what is expected to be a high-demand final week—are available at the Nederlander box office and through approved outlets.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
