''The Performers'' is a comedy play written by

David West Read David West Read is a Canadian television writer, playwright, and producer. He is known for writing for the television series Schitt's Creek as well as author of the stage musical ''& Juliet''. He has received a Golden Globes and Emmy for his wor ...

and directed by Evan Cabnet. It premiered on

Broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...

on November 14, 2012.

Synopsis

''The Performers'' is a romantic comedy set during the Adult Film Awards in Las Vegas. Lee, a tabloid journalist, attends to interview his old friend-turned adult film star Mandrew. Lee's fiancee Sara, who is having doubts over her relationship, seeks advice from Mandrew's wife Peeps. When the night takes an unexpected turn and relationships are threatened, adult film stars Chuck Wood and Sundown step in to lend a hand.

Production

''The Performers'' premiered on

at the

Longacre Theatre The Longacre Theatre is a Broadway theater at 220 West 48th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States. Opened in 1913, it was designed by Henry B. Herts and was named for Longacre Square, now known a ...

. Previews began on October 23, 2012 ahead of an official opening night on November 14, 2012. The cast included

Cheyenne Jackson Cheyenne David Jackson (born July 12, 1975) is an American actor and singer. His credits include leading roles in Broadway musicals and other stage roles, as well as film and television roles, concert singing, and music recordings. After beginni ...

, Henry Winkler, Alicia Silverstone,

Ari Graynor Ariel Geltman Graynor (born April 27, 1983) is an American actress, known for her roles in TV series such as ''I'm Dying Up Here'', ''The Sopranos'' and ''Fringe'', in stage productions such as '' Brooklyn Boy'' and ''The Little Dog Laughed'', an ...

Daniel Breaker Daniel Breaker (born June 2, 1980) is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing Donkey in ''Shrek The Musical''. Career Beginning his career in 2002, immediately after graduating from Juilliard, Breaker has performed in Off-Br ...

and

Jenni Barber Jenni Barber (born July 22, 1983) is an American actress and singer best known for her performances in musical theatre and for her role as Lisa Heffenbacher on ''The Electric Company'' (2009 - 2011). Early life Barber was born in Mansfield, O ...

. After showings were cancelled during previews due to

Hurricane Sandy Hurricane Sandy (unofficially referred to as ''Superstorm Sandy'') was an extremely destructive and strong Atlantic hurricane, as well as the largest Atlantic hurricane on record as measured by diameter, with tropical-storm-force winds spann ...

, producers offered "Sandy Special" tickets at discounted prices. However, producers cancelled the play after 24 previews and 6 regular performances, blaming the effects of the hurricane. The show officially closed on November 18, 2012.

Cast and characters

Reception

The ''San Francisco Chronicle'' praised the cast, which "keeps the show giggling" with ''The Hollywood Reporter'' praising Jackson's and Graynor's performances. However, ''The New York Times'' described it as "going to the planet of second-tier sitcoms." and as "less and less funny as the evening wears on" by ''The New York Post''.

References

External links

Official WebsiteInternet Broadway Database listing 2012 production
{{DEFAULTSORT:Performers (Play) 2012 plays Broadway plays American plays