'Jagged Little Pill': Broadway Musical Closes Indefinitely Due To Omicron Concerns

Producers of the Broadway musical "Jagged Little Pill" have announced the play will no longer reopen at the Broadhurst Theater amid the Omicron variant surge in New York City.

The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical became the first Broadway casualty of the new COVID-19 variant.

Producers of the Broadway play – Vivek J. Tiwary, Arvind Ethan David and Eva Price – said Monday that the rapid spread of the Omicron variant "once again changed everything."

"We are dismayed by what appears to be another substantial public health crisis, and – due to the detection of multiple positive Covid-19 cases within the company – need to prioritize the health and safety of the cast, crew, and entire team working on 'Jagged Little Pill.' In light of the extreme uncertainty ahead of us this winter, and forced to choose between continuing performances and protecting our company, we've made the difficult decision to close our doors," the producers said in a statement published by Deadline.

"Jagged Little Pill" is directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus and features an original story by Diablo Cody, with music and lyrics by Alanis Morisette. Inspired by the singer's 1995 album of the same name, the play features the songs "You Oughta Know," "Head Over Feet," "Hand In My Pocket" and "Ironic."

The plot follows a seemingly perfect suburban family, which is suddenly confronted by conflict and is forced to choose between maintaining the status quo and facing harsh truths about themselves, their community and the world around them.

The musical's producers promised ticket refunds to patrons of the play and added, "We know that the 'Jagged Little Pill' story will continue to be told – and in the new year, will be announcing plans for subsequent productions, building on the show's triumphant launch in Australia earlier this month."

Tiwary, David and Price also said they "intend to find a way" to bring back "Jagged Little Pill" on Broadway after the health crisis. The last Broadway performance of "Jagged Little Pill" was on Friday.

"There is nothing in the world like live theater. There is no community in the world like this great Broadway family of artists and audiences. We will make it through this, together," the producers said.

COVID-19 cases within the Broadway community have forced about one-third of productions to cancel their performances, with three shows – "Dear Evan Hansen," "Aladdin" and "Hamilton and MJ" suspending performances through Christmas.