Technical difficulties forced the cancellation of the Broadway tour production of The Great Gatsby during its final matinee performance in Minneapolis on Sunday.
The show at the Orpheum Theatre stopped after only two or three musical numbers when the sound system encountered major issues. Patrons who had arrived for the performance described the sudden halt and subsequent attempts to continue.
Mary Ellen Hennessey, who attended the matinee, recounted the sequence of events. They’d only gotten through two or three numbers when, boom, the show stopped. There was an announcement of technical difficulties. We waited for a while, then the show started and stopped again.
The cancellation came on the last day of a weeklong engagement at the 2,600-seat theater. The run had drawn strong attendance, with the matinee nearly sold out.
Producers worked quickly to address the problem. Dale Stark, Hennepin Arts director of marketing and communications, explained the situation from the venue's perspective. The show stopped a few times before it was finally canceled. But the producers were able to bring in new equipment, and the evening performance went on as planned.
The evening show proceeded successfully with the replacement sound equipment in place. This allowed the tour to complete its Minneapolis stop without further disruptions.
Affected audience members will receive full refunds for their tickets. The process will be handled through Ticketmaster, with refunds expected to arrive within 14 to 21 days. No makeup performances have been announced for the canceled matinee.
Such technical failures, while rare, underscore the complexities involved in mounting large-scale touring productions. Sound systems are essential for ensuring that dialogue, music, and effects reach every seat in venues like the Orpheum.
The Great Gatsby musical, adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, features elaborate sets and a score that relies heavily on audio quality. Interruptions can significantly impact the overall experience for theatergoers.
Industry observers note that logistics for touring shows require careful planning around equipment transport and venue compatibility. In this case, the quick response allowed the second performance of the day to occur as scheduled.
Reports on the incident appeared in the Minnesota Star Tribune, providing first-hand accounts from those present. BroadwayWorld published additional details the next day confirming the refund policy and the successful evening show.
Ticket holders are advised to monitor their Ticketmaster accounts for updates on the refund status. The event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live performances, even in well-prepared productions.
