The musical is based on Hard Times, conceived by Kirwan, which was originally presented Off Off Broadway in 2012 at Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre, under the direction of Kira Simring.
Production historyedit
Berkeley (2018)edit
The musical premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, California on December 27, 2018, for a limited run which was extended to March 3, 2019.[3]
Chicago (2021)edit
It had a pre-Broadway run at the Nederlander Theatre in Chicago from November 2 to December 5, 2021.[4] The production opened to mostly positive reviews.[5]
Broadway (2022)edit
The musical began previews at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City on March 15, 2022, prior to an official opening on April 3, 2022.[6] It received mixed reviews and was subsequently closed briefly due to widespread COVID-19 issues amongst the cast and crew.
On July 11, 2022, it was announced the musical would play its final Broadway performance on July 17, due to low ticket sales.[7] After several cast members and stage managers spoke out against the working conditions and unpaid benefits, Actors' Equity announced plans to put producer Garth Drabinsky on the "Do Not Work" list, effectively banning him from producing any future Broadway shows.[8]
An Original Broadway Cast Recording was expected to be released in September 2022, with a national tour currently in development for the 2023-24 season, and international productions also in the works. However, due to financial and legal dealings with Drabinsky, the album is currently on hold with no date determined for the album release at this time. [9]
^"Review Roundup: Pre-Broadway Run of PARADISE SQUARE Opens in Chicago". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
^"Odds & Ends: New Musical Paradise Square Shifts Broadway Dates".
^Paulson, Michael (July 11, 2022). "'Paradise Square' Will Close on Broadway After Winning One Tony". The New York Times.
^Huston, Caitlin (July 14, 2022). "Actors' Equity to Add Producer Garth Drabinsky to "Do Not Work" List After 'Paradise Square' Cast Speaks Out (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.