“Stick Fly,” the Broadway play about an emotionally stormy weekend at the vacation home of an African-American family, will close on Feb. 26 after 24 preview performances and 92 regular performances over about three months, the producers announced on Thursday.

The play, by Lydia R. Diamond, will end its run at the Cort Theater at a financial loss for the play’s producers, who include the pop-R&B singer Alicia Keys (she also composed music for the show). Ticket sales were modest throughout the run of “Stick Fly,” which opened on Dec. 8 to mixed reviews from critics; the production has grossed a total of $3.25 million. The capitalization for mounting the show had not been disclosed; most Broadway plays cost between $2 million and $3 million, plus weekly operating expenses.

Philip J. Smith, the chairman of the Shubert Organization, which owns the Cort Theater, said that he expected another show to open at the theater before April 26, the cut-off date for eligibility for the 2012 Tony Awards. “Stick Fly” is directed by Kenny Leon (“Fences”) and stars Dulé Hill, Mekhi Phifer, Tracie Thoms, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Rosie Benton, and Condola Rashad, whose performance has been singled out for praise by many critics.

Due to popular demand, four new dates have been added to the discussion series with Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter and Broadway producer Alicia Keys following the STICK FLY performances on Saturday, January 7 at 8PM, Monday February 6 at 7PM, Thursday, February 16 at 7PM and Sunday, February 26 at 7:30PM at the Cort Theatre (138 W. 48th Street). These discussions also include members of the cast with special appearances by friends of Ms. Keys as moderators.

Saturday’s talkback, following the 8 PM performance, was hosted by VH1 reality star La La Anthony (‘La La’s Full Court Life’).

(Read more… )

Alicia Keys has added four new talk-back session dates for the play Stick Fly. The discussion sessions — which include members of the cast and will address issues of music, class, race, and politics raised by the play — will be held at the Cort Theatre after the following performances:

• Saturday, January 7 at 8pm
• Monday, February 6 at 7pm
• Thursday, February 16 at 7pm
• Sunday, February 26 at 7:30pm

Keys explained, “I love standing on stage with this incredible cast and talking to audiences after they experience the magic of seeing Stick Fly performed live. I couldn’t resist adding more dates to this discussion series and I look forward to keeping the conversation going! Come join me, I love seeing you and hearing your thoughts and questions! “

Alicia Keys and the cast of Stick Fly spoke to the audience after the show on Monday, December 19.

There are two more chance to get their insights on Stick Fly — December 22 at 8 pm and Sunday, January 8 at 7:30 pm.

Alicia Keys will host talkbacks for the Broadway production of Lydia R. Diamond’s Stick Fly, at the Cort Theatre, following the Monday, December 19 and Thursday, December 22 performances.

Host Robin Roberts visited Alicia Keys and the cast at the Cort Theatre to talk about their new Broadway play “Stick Fly” that opened last week.

Last Thursday Alicia Keys was joined by her husband Swizz Beatz at the opening of “Stick Fly” at the Cort Theater in New York City. Keys produced the play which is based on an original story written by Lydia Diamond and directed by Kenny Leon.

 

Check out the red carpet interview with Alicia Keys and Erika Rose.

Alicia Keys and cast members of Stick Fly signed autographs for ticket buyers at the Cort Theatre yesterday, November 16. 

Stick Fly opens December 8 on Broadway, with limited previews beginning this Friday.

Alicia Keys and cast members of Stick Fly will greet and sign autographs for ticket buyers in the lobby of the Cort Theatre (138 W. 48th Street) on Wednesday, November 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. This event celebrates the Broadway debut of Lydia R. Diamond’s critically-acclaimed play. Directed by Kenny Leon, the production begins performances this Friday, November 18 in advance of a Thursday, December 8 opening.

Those who purchase a ticket at the box office the morning of Wednesday, November 16th (beginning at 10 a.m.) will be given an opportunity to stand in line to meet Alicia Keys and cast members, and have a STICK FLY poster signed. Those who do not have proof of ticket purchase will not be permitted to line up for the greeting and poster signing. Ticket buyers may choose to leave the box office after purchase and return to the line, but they will forfeit their place in the line.