News of July 14, 2014
After Just a Few Weeks: Tupac Musical Closes on Broadway
Empty rows and weak box office: After just one month on Broadway, the Tupac musical "Holler If Ya Hear Me" closes on July 20.
The Palace Theatre seats around 1,700, yet the rows remained empty. On July 14, 2014, Billboard reported the end of the Tupac musical “Holler If Ya Hear Me” after just one month on Broadway; the final performance was on July 20.
Grim Premonitions as Early as Previews
Previews had begun on June 2, and the premiere had taken place on June 19. Already during previews, industry insiders had feared the worst due to low capacity. According to the Guardian, there were 38 regular performances and 17 previews.
Never Over $200,000 a Week
In its final week, the show took in $154,948, only 17 percent of its potential; it never surpassed $200,000 a week. It was considered one of the worst-selling musicals of recent years. Producer Eric L. Gold cited the financial burdens of Broadway as the reason.
According to Rolling Stone, Saul Williams hoped that others would pick up the concept again. For the course of events: premiere and announcement.