The London theatre company received a statement from MusicScopeUK, which read: "Sadly, the planned production of Gypsy at the Landor Theatre, London, in August 2011 has had to be cancelled by MusicScopeUK due to contractual issues with their licensor. MusicScopeUK regret this but hope that at some future date Gypsy will be presented. Theatrica has complied with all conditions of the licensing process. MusicScopeUK have acknowledged that their ‘contractual issues’ are unrelated to Theatrica Ltd (or the Landor Theatre) – and that the cancellation is not due to any concerns about our creative or artistic plans and processes. We at Theatrica are most embarrassed by the closure of the Gypsy production, and offer our sincere apologies to the creative team, to the Landor Theatre ...and above all, to the many people who have sent messages of goodwill or booked tickets (naturally, bookings will be refunded as quickly as possible)."
The Landor is currently considering options to fill the gap in its schedule.
Directed by Andrew Keates with musical direction and orchestrations by Nial Bailey and choreography by Sam Spencer Lane, performances had been scheduled for Aug. 2-27.
In a previous statement actress Ashe had commented, “I'm so excited about playing Momma Rose! Three years ago I had two roles on my wish list that I was desperate to play: Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd & Momma Rose. Well, I played Mrs L at the Gothenburg Opera House, so that one got ticked off! Now to be playing Momma Rose in a small venue is just as challenging, I can't wait! Gypsy has been a favourite musical of mine since I can remember. I've always been a huge fan of Ethel Merman too and of course the show was a fantastic vehicle for her, created by her! I think the space at The Landor is terrific and its intimacy will serve the show really well. I've only done cabaret there so far, but thoroughly enjoyed myself."
The production would have featured designs by Freya Groves, lighting design by Howard Hudson and sound design by Sarah Weltman. The Landor Theatre is located at 70 Landor Road, Clapham North. For more information call 020 7737 7276 or visit www.landortheatre.co.uk.
