Three Broadway productions – Mamma Mia! and Liberation – concluded their runs on February 1, 2026. Mamma Mia! played 12 previews and 196 regular performances at the Winter Garden Theatre, while Liberation completed 23 previews and 112 regular performances at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
A Fond Farewell to Broadway Favorites
The closing of these shows marks the end of an era for both productions. Mamma Mia!, a musical featuring the songs of ABBA, has been a mainstay of the Broadway landscape for over 14 years, with a total of 5,773 performances across two theaters – the Winter Garden and the Broadhurst. The show has captivated over 70 million people worldwide and spawned two successful films.
Liberation, written by Bess Wohl and directed by Whitney White, also concluded its run. The play, which premiered off-Broadway at Roundabout Theatre Company, received critical acclaim and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play. The Broadway production featured the original off-Broadway cast, recognized with awards from both the Drama Desk and the NY Drama Critics’ Circle for Best Ensemble Performance.
What’s Next for the Theaters?
The Winter Garden Theatre will soon host a revival of Death of a Salesman, while the James Earl Jones Theatre will welcome a new production titled The Fear of 13. It is not uncommon for shows to close in the new year, as noted in BroadwayWorld.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs are featured in Mamma Mia!?
The musical features songs including “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Money, Money, Money,” and “Take a Chance on Me.”
Where did Liberation first premiere?
Liberation first premiered at Roundabout Theatre Company.
Who wrote Liberation?
Liberation was written by Bess Wohl.
As Broadway continues to evolve, what role do long-running hits like Mamma Mia! play in attracting audiences and sustaining the theater community?
