Hey there, theater fans! So, Broadway just had a record-breaking Thanksgiving in terms of ticket sales. But amidst all the excitement, one show that didn't quite make the cut is the Gwyneth Paltrow-produced musical Head Over Heels. This vibrant production, which premiered on July 26, 2018, after a month of previews, is set to close its curtains on January 6, 2019, after a run of 188 performances.
Head Over Heels: A Musical Comedy with Heart
According to the show's official description, Head Over Heels is a bold, new musical comedy created by the same visionaries behind Broadway hits like Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q, and Spring Awakening. It’s a laugh-out-loud love story set to the unforgettable music of the iconic 1980s all-female rock band, The Go-Go’s. This hilarious, exuberant celebration of love follows the wild adventures of a royal family on a quest to save their beloved kingdom from extinction—only to discover that the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.
Inspired by Classic Literature
The show draws inspiration from "The Arcadia," a 16th-century English prose poem penned by the legendary Philip Sidney. As The Hollywood Reporter puts it, Head Over Heels is a giddy fairy-tale exploration of love, sexuality, and gender fluidity. It tells the story of a royal family facing extinction and their journey to find love and acceptance in the most unexpected places.
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(Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
Producer's Vision
Producer Christine Russell shared her vision with the team: "Along with my partners, creative team, and cast, it was our desire to create a piece of live theater that celebrates love in all its forms and portrays a world of beauty where joy and acceptance reign above all else." She added, "We are incredibly proud of what Head Over Heels has come to represent, not only on Broadway but for future generations of theatergoers."
Challenges Faced
Unfortunately, despite the show's vibrant premise and the talent behind it, Head Over Heels reportedly struggled to fill the seats at the Hudson Theatre for most of its run, often playing to less than 50 percent capacity crowds.
Gwyneth's Other Ventures
But don’t fret for Gwyneth, folks! She’s still got her wildly successful wellness and lifestyle brand, Goop, which is valued at an impressive $250 million. And guess what? There’s even talk that Goop might be heading to Netflix, potentially for a substantial sum of money. So, while Head Over Heels may not have been the hit they hoped for, Gwyneth's empire is still thriving in other ways.
