'13' to Close in January

Playbill reports today that 13, the new Broadway musical that features a cast and orchestra made up entirely of teenagers, will close Jan. 4, 2009.

"In my entire career I have never seen so much talent in a single company as I have in 13," lead producer Bob Boyett said in a statement. "The joy and enthusiasm of the cast and band is genuinely matched by Jason's remarkable music and the stellar creative team. I am happy to announce that although 13 is saying goodbye to Broadway, we've received much interest in a national and international tour."

13 began previews on Broadway Sept. 16 and officially opened Oct. 5 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. When it closes, 13 will have played a total of 22 previews and 105 regular performances.

The show is just the latest in a string of early theatre closings this season, including the announcement this week that David Mamet's American Buffalo is poised to shut down this weekend. The New York Times this week tries to figure out how the economic slump will affect Broadway, next year and in the long term.

-- Daniel Lehman