Idol: The Musical closes after opening night

Idol: The Musical, the musical comedy about a group of obsessed fans who worship the former "American Idol" contestant Clay Aiken, closed on 12 Aug 2007, which was also the show's opening night.

Producer Paul Ellis said in a statement that he has "chosen to close the show due to a lack of advance ticket sales, a lack of positive feedback from audience members and critics, and a lack of sustainable financial resources."

Idol: The Musical, which had its world premiere earlier this year at the Syracuse Civic Theatre, began previews on 5 Jul 2007 at the 45th Street Theatre, starring the show's original syracuse cast. However,director Daniel Tursi dismissed all of his original cast on 29 Jul 2007, and totally re-cast the show on 1 Aug 2007, while still in previews.

Idol: The Musical - music and lyrics by Jon Balcourt, with book and lyrics by Bill Boland - is a satirical musical comedy that focuses on the outrageous and delusional fan base of the hit television show. The musical takes place in Steubenville, Ohio where a group of misfit students are preparing for their community college graduation after which they are determined to drag themselves out of the dregs of the middle-of-nowhere. There are ten of them; all belonging to the same cult-like club that meets daily in a garage that doubles as a shrine to Clay Aiken.

The opening night cast featured: Philip Deyesso, Saum Eskandani, Jillian Giacchi, Dawn Barry, Kaitlin Mercurio, Katy Reinsel, Shadae Smith, Stephanie Robinson, Kierstyn Sharrow and Joe Walker.

The creative team featured set designs by Brian Howard, costumes by Keith Axton and lighting by Charles Shatzkin.

Originally published on

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