This is what happens when you run out of time to sell enough tickets to turn a profit: You "adjust."
Laden with talent but stagnant at the box office, “Georgia on My Mind” is closing next Wednesday at the Venetian Theater.
In a statement issued this afternoon, the hotel announced: “The show calendar for 'Georgia on My Mind — Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles' has been adjusted to better reflect audience sales patterns for the groundbreaking show. This limited-engagement production will wrap at the Venetian Theater on Wednesday, Oct. 15, giving fans an opportunity to enjoy a final performance before the show officially ends its Vegas run.”
Those holding tickets for dates beyond next Wednesday are to call the hotel box office at (702) 414-4100 for refunds.
The tribute to the music of Ray Charles starring Clint Holmes, Nnenna Frelon, Take Six, sax great Kirk Whalum and backed by an all-star band directed by David Loeb premiered Sept. 18 and had been booked to run through Oct. 29.
Instead, it closes after a run of a little less than a month. Each member of the cast learned today of the closing by phone calls from the producers.
The simple reason is what torpedoes shows of any quality, even great ones: Sluggish ticket sales. The show had played to audiences of less than 300 in a theater that seats 1,800. Even its strongest performances in the venue were about 700.
The show is still going to tour as planned, moving to Miami on Nov. 7 and opening the Disney Center in Orlando on Nov. 20. Holmes is to then return to his regular residency at Cabaret Jazz in the Smith Center from Dec. 5-7.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.
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