Phil Robertson–Duck Dynasty patriarch–is known for some very controversial comments in recent months. Might that be at least partly to blame for the Las Vegas musical based on the Robertson family and their Duck Commander business to close early?
The Duck Commander Musical was expected to run through June, but now is closing on May 17th instead–meaning it only saw about a month on the stage. Reports of weak ticket sales are the concrete reason behind the show closing early, but is Phil Robertson to blame as well?
Phil Robertson has become the poster-child of sorts of anti-gay comments in the United States in the past couple of years. His family has firmly stood behind all of his remarks.
The Duck Commander Musical is based on the 2012 book The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty by Phil Robertson’s son and daughter-in-law, Willie and Korie Robertson. The show features original songs, and was produced in part by the Dodgers, the New York theatrical team behind Jersey Boys and Matilda the Musical.
"Duck Dynasty" musical to close early in Las Vegas following weak ticket sales http://t.co/FSwykBmbQF
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) May 4, 2015
Do you expect Phil Robertson will take the blame for the Duck Dynasty musical closing early? Was he even supportive of the show in the first place? He was a no-show at the musical’s premiere.
Phil Robertson’s barbaric faith: #DuckDynasty star & @seanhannity turn drivel into God’s word http://t.co/nSySSfCkCU via @JeffreyTayler1
— Salon.com (@Salon) April 5, 2015
A production rep issued the following statement regarding the closing of the Duck Dynasty musical.
“The production is thrilled to have had the opportunity to develop the Duck Commander Musical at the Rio. Much has been learned from this limited engagement, and from the great support from everyone who has come to see this first staging of this completely new musical. Duck Commander will now consider several possible opportunities for the next stage in the life of the show, including extended sit-down engagements in interested cities, as well as a national tour.”