"Duck Dynasty" Musical Closing Early in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas stage production of The Duck Commander Musical, based on the popular, yet controversial family from the A&E series "Duck Dynasty," will end its run after less than two months of performances.





A closing date has been posted for May 17. The Duck Commander Musical premiered April 8 at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It officially opened April 15. Tickets were originally on sale through June 30.

Tony Award-nominated Newsies director Jeff Calhoun directed and choreographed the 90-minute musical that is based on the 2012 book, "The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty," written by Willie and Korie Robertson. Asa Somers is the musical's book writer, and Steven Morris, Robert Morris and Joe Shane wrote the score that combines country, rock, gospel, and pop.

Representatives for the production issued the following statement: "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."

The Robertsons are equally well-known for their A&E series as they are for their controversial remarks about LGBT individuals. In a 2013 interview with GQ Magazine, Phil Robertson called the LGBT lifestyle sinful and illogical and compared homosexuality with bestiality.

Industry members voiced skepticism when the production was first announced last November, questioning why members of the Broadway community, many of whom are LGBT and pro-LGBT, would chose to work with the Robertsons.

Here's how it's billed: "The Duck Commander Musical transports the Louisiana bayou to the Las Vegas stage in a captivating 90-minute show – seasoned with all the southern spirit and down-to-earth humor you expect from America's most famous rednecks, the Robertson family. But while the true-to-life, rags-to-riches story behind A&E's mega hit 'Duck Dynasty' will surely please its most loyal fans, audiences unfamiliar with the Robertsons will also find themselves charmed – and even moved – by this surprising tale of faith, food, and family."

The cast features Broadway actors Mimi Bessette (Bonnie & Clyde) as Miss Kay, Ben Thompson (Matilda) as Willie, Tad Wilson (Rock of Ages) as Phil and Russell Arden Koplin (Les Misèrables) as Missy.

The company also includes Jesse Lenat (Rent) as Uncle Si, Ginna Claire Mason (Newsies) as Korie, Mary Little (Grease) as Jessica, Tommy McDowell (American Idiot) as Jase, Matt Stokes (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Alan, Haley Swindal (Jekyll & Hyde) as Lisa and Josh Tolle (The Twelve) as Jep with Chelsea Rae Bernier, Christopher Harrod, Charlie Ingram and Cathy Trien.

Michael David (Jersey Boys) helped develop the production, which he is producing for the Dodgers along with Tommy Mottola.

The production is designed by Tobin Ost with lighting design by Michael Gilliam, sound design by John Trace, wig and hair design by Charles G. LaPointe, musical supervision by Jesse Vargas, orchestrations by Steve Margoshes and casting by Duncan Stewart CSA/Benton Whitley CSA. It is produced by Tommy Mottola and the Dodgers, with Ollawood Productions.

For more information visit DuckCommanderMusical.com.