'End of the Rainbow' to close on Broadway

Broadway's "End of the Rainbow," starring Tracie Bennett as Hollywood icon Judy Garland, is to close next month, its producers announced Tuesday. Written by Peter Quilter and directed by Terry Johnson, the show will play its final performance Aug. 19. The production, which began previews March 19 and opened to rave reviews April 2, will have played a total of 176 performances at Broadway's Belasco Theatre. The cast includes Michael Cumpsty, Tom Pelphrey and Jay Russell. Bennett is scheduled to reprise her role at the Los Angeles Music Center from March 12 through April 21. A national tour is being planned on the heels of that West Coast premiere. Details of the national tour will be announced shortly, along with additional information about the film adaptation, also starring Bennett, that is currently in development, producers said.