“Redwood,” the Idina Menzel-led musical that launched in February 2024 at La Jolla Playhouse and then moved to Broadway in February of this year, will close on May 18, its producers announced Friday, a day after it was shut out of the Tony nominations.
“While we had of course hoped for a longer run, we’re incredibly grateful to have been able to tell this beautiful story for the time we’ve been given,” producers Eva Price and Caroline Kaplan said in a statement.
“Redwood has been a labor of love since the very beginning of this process, and we are immensely proud of the incredible work our cast, crew and creative team have wholeheartedly poured into this production,” they said. “The themes of connection and community have really resonated with audiences, and we’ll take that with us long after the show closes on Broadway.”
Although producers had previously announced ticket availability through mid-August, the musical’s ticket sales had declined in recent weeks. Houses were selling at 75 percent of capacity for the week ending April 27.
By the time it closes on May 18, “Redwood” will have played 127 performances, including 17 preview performances.
Usually, musicals that open in the winter and spring months count on the possibility of Tony nominations to give sales an extra boost. But on Thursday morning, the musical failed to receive any Tony nominations, so the closure was announced a day later.
Idina Menzel ready to soar into the heights with ‘Redwood’ at La Jolla Playhouse
Reviews for the Broadway production were mixed when it opened Feb. 13, with praise for Menzel, who sang while rappelling up and down a huge faux redwood tree on the Nederlander Theatre stage, and they also praised the stunning visual scenery. But they were disappointed in director Tina Landau’s book and lyrics. Kate Diaz wrote the music.
The musical is about a woman grieving the loss of her teen son who decides to walk away from her life in New York and take refuge in California’s redwood forest, where she seeks emotional healing among the majestic trees and the forestry scientists who work to protect them.
For those who don’t get a chance to see “Redwood” on Broadway, there is some solace. The “Redwood” cast album will be released in digital form on May 13, with CDs available June 13 and vinyl albums on July 25. Pre-orders are available at redwoodmusical.com.
