The Mexican production of Starlight Express (Expreso Astral) will close in Mexico City after less than 200 performances. Unfortunately, the Lloyd Webber roller-skating musical extravaganza experienced serious financial problems due to the lack of audience.

Expreso Astral premiered in Mexico City on Dec. 12, 1997 at the new Teatro Polanco; a former movie house which was recently restored as a legitimate theatre.

Mexico's Starlight Express was produced by Cali Dominguez and Fernando Morett in association with Producciones Expreso Astral, which is a new Mexican company that will be dedicated to producing shows at the new Teatro Polanco.

The cast of Expreso recorded the show before it premiered, but due to its unexpected closing; the CD won't be released.

Starlight Express world-premiered in 1984 at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it continues to run; while the Broadway Starlight opened March 12, 1987 and closed after 761 performances. --By Claudio Carrera
Mexico Correspondent