Julia Sweeney's God Said "Ha!" will close on Broadway Dec. 8 after 14 previews and 22 performances.
The former "Saturday Night Live" comedienne opened her one-woman show Nov. 19 at the Lyceum Theatre.
Production spokesman Michael Hartley said, "The critical response was incredible, and we were on every major talk show," but slow ticket sales could not support the production.
Tickets for the remaining performances can be purchased by calling (212) 239-6200. Outside metro NY: (800) 432-7250. You can also order tickets on Playbill On-Line.
The autobiographical show, which originated at San Francisco's Magic Theatre in January 1996, deals with Sweeney's family, with her brother's illness, and with her own battle with cervical cancer.
The show is set in 1994, just after the completion of Julia's last season on "Saturday Night Live," when she learns that her brother Mike has lymphoma. Mike soon moves into her Hollywood bungalow. A few weeks later her parents, naturally distraught, arrive with ten suitcases. The problems escalate, as does the black comedy, until matters take on a surreal tone.
Sweeney discussed the show in Playbill On-Line's chat area when the show was being developed in San Francisco. To read a transcript of the chat go to the Celebrities area and click on Julia Sweeney.
In her four-star review of God Said `Ha!' at the Coronet Theatre in Hollywood for This Month ON STAGE magazine, Rebecca Foreman raved, "Sweeney never treats her or her brother's illness lightly; her focus is the surrounding events, essential humor and absurdity which can be found in the most tragic situations. With clear insight and sharp wit, Sweeney relates moments ranging from almost slapstick chaos to quiet poignancy."
Sweeney launched her show business career with the Groundlings improv troupe in 1986. In 1990, she joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live," and stayed for four seasons.
Sweeney has made the transition from "SNL" to a broad range of projects. She had a role in Pulp Fiction, starred in her own movie, It's Pat, has made numerous other stage, film and TV appearances and is in the process of writing a pilot for the Fox network.
