Britney Spears’ Broadway jukebox musical taking final bow amid her 3rd divorce
NEW YORK – Broadway’s Britney Spears jukebox musical will take its final bow early next month, amid the breakdown of the pop star’s third marriage.
“Once Upon a One More Time” – which features nearly two dozen of Spears’ greatest hits – will take to the stage one last time on Sept. 3, after opening June 22, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The production, housed at the Marquis Theatre, has had a hard time attracting audiences, despite its apparent similarities in theme and timing to the unparalleled success of the “Barbie” film and its meta-commentary.
Much like how Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar hit sees the titular doll reckon with feminine stereotypes, the musical sees princesses like Cinderella and Snow White challenge fairytale tropes, inspired in part by Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique.”
Directed and choreographed by Keone and Mari Madrid, the show was given the green light by the “Stronger” singer herself. The deal was one of the earliest she made after the termination of her conservatorship, according to THR.
In a statement to the outlet, producers James L. Nederlander and Hunter Arnold thanked the “dream team” of those involved with the show – which they dubbed “a love letter to Britney’s iconic artistry and singular effervescence.” Nederlander and Arnold also teased the show’s “future life around the globe,” noting they’ll have “more news soon.”
Word of the show’s upcoming end broke just days after Sam Asghari, Spears’ third husband, filed for divorce.
The couple, who said “I do” in June 2022, split earlier this month after the fitness trainer, 29, reportedly accused Spears of both infidelity and physical violence.
The “Toxic” singer took to Instagram late last week to confess she was “a little shocked” by the divorce after six years together, but “couldn’t take the pain anymore.” Though she didn’t detail what led to the split, Spears said she had “been playing it strong for way too long.”
Spears’ estranged husband – with whom she’s reportedly no longer in contact – is said to be seeking spousal support, despite their prenup.