‘Memphis’ Closes on Broadway August 5, Tour Booked into 2013

Tony Award winning “Memphis” will close on Broadway on August 5, producers announced on Tuesday.

After the musical is performed for the last time, it will have played 1,166 performances and 30 previews. Fortunately for fans of the show, a long running national tour will continue.

The musical focuses the love shared between a white deejay and a black singer in Memphis in the 1950s. Throughout its run that began in September 2009, the production has seen very uneven ticket sales. Last week, the show grossed $541,602, which is about 44 percent of its maximum earnings. A spokeswoman said that the show had nearly recouped its initial investment. Though the amount of that initial investment has never been disclosed, it is believed to be about $11 million, according to the New York Times.

“Memphis” was nominated for eight Tony Awards at the 2010 ceremony, and won four of those, including Best Musical. The production also one Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. Joe DiPietro wrote the book of the musical, and he co-wrote the original score with Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan.

The “Memphis” national tour is in its second year, and is scheduled to run at least through May 2013. The tour is currently in Washington, D.C., where it will stay through the first day of July. Additionally, a West End production is being planned for London, though no dates have yet been officially set.

“Memphis” becomes the next in a string of Broadway musicals that have recently announced closures this summer. Other that have recently closed or will close soon are “Anything Goes,” “Godspell,” “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” and “Sister Act.”

Last week it was announce that “Jesus Christ Superstar” would close on July 1 if business did not improve. A spokeswoman confirmed today that the musical will close on Sunday.