The first preview of Groundhog Day took an unexpected turn—or lack thereof—on March 16 when an Act I turntable malfunction resulted in the remainder of the show being performed in a concert format.
Audiences at the August Wilson Theatre—who had received free tickets as part of the show’s first preview promotion—were treated to complimentary drinks once the performance was halted due to the technical difficulties. The remainder of the act was performed as a concert, and following intermission, the cast showcased five numbers from the second act.
Those in attendance will receive tickets to another date, and the show is expected to go on—fully staged—for the March 17 performance.
“It certainly wasn’t what we had planned, but we could have not asked for a more memorable evening,” the producers (Whistle Pig, Columbia Live Stage, The Dodgers, and Michael Watt) said in a statement provided to Playbill. “The cast, crew, and staff at the August Wilson Theatre were brilliant, and the audience was with us all the way. Due to social media, we were able to read and see the support that we were feeling from the house.”
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Take a look below as director Matthew Warchus addresses the audience following the performance.
Groundhog Day, starring Andy Karl as weatherman Phil, who experiences the same day over and over again, features a score by Tim Minchin and a book by Danny Rubin and will open officially April 17.
