‘A Night with Janis Joplin’ Set to Move Off Broadway?

A Night With Janis Joplin is set to play its final performance at the Lyceum Theatre this February before moving to its new home in New York City in March. This news comes via show producers Michael Cohl, Daniel Chilewich, and Todd Gershwin.

In a statement the producers shared, “We are tremendously proud of this show, and excited about the many people who want to see A Night With Janis Joplin in New York. We are finalizing a wonderful option to move to another venue in New York City. Our intention is to solidify our new location in the next few weeks and to reopen in March. A Night With Janis Joplin receives four standing ovations nightly and continues to play to captivated crowds on Broadway. We know that the music and the story of Janis Joplin deserves to live on.”

Despite the show’s rave reviews, poor sales are likely to blame for the move as the production only sold at 69.1% last week. However, a solid reason was not given for the move. Given the small capacity of the Lyceum (950 seats), a move Off Broadway looks to be the most reasonable assumption.

The New York Times reports that the show’s move will give way to The Realistic Joneses, directed by Obie Award winner Sam Gold,  which is scheduled to open April 6, 2014. The production stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner, as well as Academy and Tony Award nominee Toni Collette, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Michael C. Hall, Tony Award winner Tray Letts, and Academy Award winner and Golden Globe nominee Marisa Tomei.

A Night With Janis Joplin is described by the show’s official website as follows: “Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin (Mary Bridget Davies) exploded onto the music scene in 1967 for three incredible years, reigning as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The unmistakable voice filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. “A Night with Janis Joplin” is a musical journey celebrating the inspirations of one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest legends.”

In addition to its move in March, the production is set to tour in the Fall. Among its tour stops are cities such as Charlotte, Milwaukee, and San Jose. More tour stops and dates will be released in the not so distant future.