Broadway show ‘Little Bear Ridge Road’ featuring Laurie Metcalf to end two months ahead of schedule.
The Broadway play “Little Bear Ridge Road,” featuring acclaimed actress Laurie Metcalf, is set to conclude its run significantly earlier than planned. Originally scheduled to end on February 15, 2025, the production will now celebrate its final performance on December 21, 2024, cutting its engagement short by eight weeks.
Produced by prominent figures in entertainment, billionaire Barry Diller and controversial Hollywood producer Scott Rudin, the play has garnered critical acclaim since its opening. Written by Samuel D. Hunter, known for his work on “The Whale,” the play is directed by Joe Mantello and has been performed at the Booth Theatre since its previews commenced on October 7, 2024, leading up to its official opening on October 30, 2024.
In light of the early closure announcement, Rudin attributed the decision to disappointing box office performance. The play reportedly struggled to fill seats, with attendance below 70% capacity in the historic 800-seat venue. Despite these challenges, Rudin expressed pride in the production, emphasizing the intrinsic value of the work while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of commercial theater.
“Little Bear Ridge Road” features a cast that includes Micah Stock, John Drea, and Meighan Gerachis. The narrative focuses on the complex relationship between an estranged aunt and her nephew who reconnect following the passing of a family patriarch in rural Idaho. The production has resonated more positively in its previous engagement at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, where it received high praise from critics.
Laurie Metcalf, a two-time Tony Award winner recognized for her roles in television series such as “Roseanne” and “The Conners,” as well as films like “Lady Bird,” made a notable return to Broadway. Prior to “Little Bear Ridge Road,” Metcalf appeared in the 2023 production “Grey House.”
Scott Rudin, who previously faced extensive allegations of abusive behavior towards staff members, has stepped away from the industry but returned to Broadway with this project. His distinguished career includes producing the Academy Award-winning film “No Country for Old Men,” among other major successes. As the curtain falls on “Little Bear Ridge Road,” the theatrical community reflects on the production’s brief yet impactful run on Broadway.
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