Almost Famous the Musical Officially Ends in January After Just 77 Performances

‘Almost Famous,’ the musical adaptation of Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical film, is officially ending on January 8 — after just 77 performances and 30 previews.

The film-to-stage adaptation of Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical foray into his early years in rock music journalism will finish its Broadway run on January 8, 2023. “Almost Famous” is the latest casualty amid Broadway shows with a high mortality rate, including “KPOP,” “Walking With Ghosts,” “A Strange Loop,” and “Aint No Mo’.” When the show closes in January, it will have played 30 preview performances and 77 performances.

“‘Almost Famous,’ like the music it celebrates, will endure,” reads a statement from producers Lia Vollack and Michael Cassel. “We look forward to the release of the cast recording on March 17, and to the many productions in communities across the country and world, for years to come.”

Like the 2000 film from which it was adapted, “Almost Famous” follows an aspiring reporter who gets an assignment from Rolling Stone while he’s a teenager to join an upcoming rock band on the road. The show’s lyrics are co-written by Cameron Crowe, with music and co-lyrics by Tom Kitt. It was directed by Jeremy Herrin.

Last week, “Almost Famous” grossed just over $765,000, playing at just under 74% capacity. The show has received mixed reviews, with Variety calling it “entertaining enough — and no doubt a particular draw for the nostalgic baby-boomer-plus crowd — but there’s nothing extraordinary in the transformation to the stage. Not even almost.”

Broadway shows’ short lifespan these days speaks to the harsh economics facing live shows in the COVID era, as tourism still struggles to match its pre-pandemic levels. “KPOP” closed its short-lived run on December 11 after just 17 performances and 44 previews, having debuted on Broadway only a month prior. Despite the closure and lukewarm reviews of the production, an original cast recording will launch on February 24, 2023.