Dismissed by the critics when it opened Nov. 21, “Elling” is closing after just nine regular performances. Adapted by Simon Elling from the 2002 Oscar-nominated Norwegian comedy, the play was a hit in the West End three years ago. However, the frothy comedy fell flat with audiences on this side of the pond. And such a short run does not bode well for being remembered by any of the season-end awards.
Tony champ Denis O’Hare (“Take Me Out”) played the title character, one of a pair of mismatched roommates, while Brendan Fraser made his ill-fated Broadway debut as the other. Also along for the bumpy ride were Tony winner Richard Easton (“The Invention of Love”) and a pair of one-time Drama Desk contenders — Jennifer Coolidge (“The Women”) and Jeremy Shamos (“Animals Out of Paper”).
Behind the scenes was led by Tony-winning director Doug Hughes (“Doubt”) who marshalled talented Tony-winning folk like two-time champ set designer Scott Pask, five-time top costume designer Catherine Zuber and one-time winner lighting designer Kenneth Posner.
Image: “Elling” Playbill cover (Ethel Barrymore Theater)
