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The Most Spectacular Flop Musicals of the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Exploration of Theatrical Disasters

Todd Turner

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Published in Flop Musicals Of The Twenty First Century: Part I: The Creatives

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The world of theater is a fickle mistress, and for every smash hit that takes Broadway or the West End by storm, there are countless others that fall flat on their face.

Flop Musicals of the Twenty-First Century: Part I: The Creatives

by Stephen Purdy

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25876 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	306 pages

In the 21st century alone, there have been a number of spectacular flop musicals that have left audiences and critics alike scratching their heads. These productions have squandered millions of dollars, wasted the time and effort of talented performers, and left a lasting stain on the reputations of their creators.

But what makes a musical flop? Is it simply a matter of bad luck? Or are there deeper factors at play?

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most notorious flop musicals of the 21st century. We will examine the reasons behind their failures, and we will explore the lessons that can be learned from their mistakes.

1. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2011)

Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark was one of the most highly anticipated musicals of all time. It was based on the popular Marvel Comics character, and it featured a score by Bono and The Edge of U2. The production was plagued by problems from the very beginning, including numerous delays, injuries, and cast changes.

When the show finally opened in 2011, it was met with scathing reviews. Critics panned the book, the music, and the direction. The show was also criticized for its high ticket prices and its technical problems.

Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark closed in 2014 after losing over $60 million. It is considered to be one of the biggest flops in Broadway history.

2. The Book of Mormon (2011)

The Book of Mormon is a satirical musical about two Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda. The show was written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park.

The Book of Mormon was a critical and commercial success. It won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. However, the show has also been criticized for its offensive and insensitive content.

Some critics have argued that The Book of Mormon is a thinly veiled attack on Mormonism. Others have said that the show is simply a harmless satire.

3. Rocky (2014)

Rocky is a musical based on the popular film of the same name. The show tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight championship.

Rocky was a critical and commercial failure. The show was panned for its uninspired music and its lack of originality.

Rocky closed after just 18 performances. It is considered to be one of the biggest flops in Broadway history.

4. Finding Neverland (2015)

Finding Neverland is a musical based on the 2004 film of the same name. The show tells the story of J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan.

Finding Neverland was a critical and commercial failure. The show was panned for its sentimental story and its uninspired music.

Finding Neverland closed after just 156 performances. It is considered to be one of the biggest flops in Broadway history.

5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2017)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a musical based on the popular children's book of the same name. The show tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a young boy who wins a tour of the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a critical and commercial failure. The show was panned for its bizarre

Flop Musicals of the Twenty-First Century: Part I: The Creatives

by Stephen Purdy

4.5 out of 5