Behind the Curtain: Bloom's 'Romeo & Juliet' to close early

The Broadway revival of "Romeo and Juliet" starring Orlando Bloom, which received unenthusiastic reviews when it opened back in September and has done lackluster business since then, will end its run on Dec. 8 instead of Jan. 12, the previously announced closing date. Last week, it filled only 38.9% of the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Broadway know-it-all Seth Rudetsky, who will host BC/EFA's annual Gypsy of the Year Competition on Dec. 9 and 10 at the Minskoff Theatre, revealed on his SiriusXM radio show this week that he is also writing the show's opening number, which will be a tribute to the musical "Gypsy," given that it is the 25th anniversary of Gypsy of the Year.

The Broadway casts of "Kinky Boots," "Pippin," "Matilda" and "Motown" are slated to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will be broadcast on NBC on Thursday morning. Carrie Underwood is also expected to perform from "The Sound of Music," which will be presented live by NBC on Dec. 5.

It has been confirmed that Craig Bierko, who took over the role of Miss Trunchbull in "Matilda" in September but quickly took a leave of absence due to physical injuries he sustained while in rehearsal, will not be returning to the show at all. "Trunchbull is a physically demanding role; and while I tried to perform, despite my injuries, the speed with which I am healing is not fast enough," Bierko said in a statement.

Avant-garde performance artist Justin Vivian Bond, who is about to headline Classic Stage Company's upcoming staging of the early Brecht play "A Man's a Man," will appear with Carol Channing at Town Hall on Jan. 20 for a retrospective of Channing's career. Bond and Channing previously did such an event during the summer on Fire Island.

Paul Nolan, who played Jesus in last year's short-lived Broadway revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar," will take on the role of Guy in the Tony-winning musical "Once," starting Dec. 17. The role, originated by Steve Kazee, is currently being played by English actor Arthur Darvill.

Sting at "No Man's Land" ?... Bette Midler at "After Midnight."