Imagine This posts early closing notices
Lizzie Guilfoyle
IMAGINE This has posted early closing notices at the New London Theatre where it opened on November 19, 2008 (previews from November 4). Originally booking until February 28, 2009, it will now close on December 20, 2008.
A new musical set in Poland during World War II, Imagine This focuses on a group of actors in the Warsaw Ghetto who stage plays to inspire hope and optimism within their community. However, with rumours of the Final Solution in the air, their play merges with the reality they are trying to escape, and a dramatic love story unfolds.
Timothy Sheader directs a cast that includes Peter Polycarpou, Leila Benn Harris, Simon Gleeson, Bernard Lloyd, Richard Cotton, Michael Matus, Gary Milner, Steven Serlin, Sevan Stephan, Sarah Ingram and Cameron Leigh.
Imagine This opened to mixed reviews, with many critics claiming that it exploited and trivialised the Holocaust. However, the production received four nominations in the recently announced Whatsonstage Theatregoers’ Choice Awards – Best Actress in a Musical (for Leila Benn Harris), Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Michael Matus), Best New Musical and Best Set Design.
Speaking after the closure was announced, producer Beth Trachtenberg said: “Night after night we have seen audiences stirred to the depths of their emotions by this show. Fundamentally I do not think the critics should be making a moral judgment over the subject matter and moreover that they are generally not prepared to embrace musicals.
“I’ve witnessed the public’s response to the show that is directly opposed to a narrow-minded critical belief that musicals are limited in their emotional impact and ability to deal with meaningful subject matter in a powerful and sensitive manner. I am enormously proud of Imagine This and of the wonderful cast and crew.”
Imagine This is the second consecutive musical to close prematurely at the New London Theatre. Earlier this year, Trevor Nunn’s musical adaptation of Gone with the Wind closed after just 79 performances.