‘Mamma Mia!’ closing after ‘Money, Money, Money’ doesn’t materialize at Trop

The second time wasn’t the charm for the blockbuster musical “Mamma Mia!”, which will close at the Tropicana after Aug. 3 after only a three-month run.

The hit Abba musical arrived in early May for an open-ended run at the Tropicana, which had kept its remodeled theater nearly empty since October waiting for it and made a building wrap of the show’s iconic logo.

But despite a global track record as one of the most successful musicals in history — including a previous run of nearly six years at Mandalay Bay — sources said the show hasn’t had a profitable week since its return.

British producer Judy Craymer, who guided the show from its incubation, “has never seen a negative (return) from any production,” and so had no patience for a money-losing edition, said one source close to the production.

And because the two-act version of the show has been seen by millions of people, Craymer was said to be resistant to a cut-down, 90-minute version that would have allowed more show times per week and lower ticket prices, the source said.

By July 9, some cast and crew members already believed the show to be closing by Labor Day and were seeking other jobs. However, a hotel spokesperson then claimed “our recent meetings have been very positive as our ticket sales continue to growing double digit percentages each week.”

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.