Spice Girls musical to close early in London after lackluster run
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Girl power didn’t last long on stage: Producers announced Thursday the Spice Girls musical will close early in London after a lackluster six-month run. The final performance is June 29.
“Viva Forever,” based on the hits by the 1990s British pop band, had added girl power behind the scenes. “Absolutely Fabulous” comedian Jennifer Saunders penned the show, and mega-hit “Mamma Mia!” creator Judy Craymer served as producer.
Although the musical underwent tweaks after a disappointing opening in December, “we just can’t make it work,” Craymer said in a statement.
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Emma Bunton, better known as Baby Spice, tweeted she was “totally gutted that our wonderful show @vivaforever is coming to an end.”
Critics panned the production, calling it “bland” and “cliche,” and called the group’s 15-year-old catalog -- including “Viva Forever,” “Wannabe” and ”Stop” -- too short to drive a two-and-a-half-hour show.
The Spice Girls had more success on screen. The 1997 movie “Spice World,” which they also starred in, grossed nearly $30 million, despite mostly negative reviews.
The group shot to fame in 1996 with flashy costumes and girl-power mantras, and sold 75 million records before splitting up in 2000.
The five women remain popular British tabloid fodder and headlined the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
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