This type of move, while pretty rare, is the latest in a long line of Broadway shows to make a switch (or two, or four...). Whether the show is moving for economic reasons or to make way for newer productions, both reasons pretty much insure a longer run. In fact, there are currently five shows in New York that have made the move: Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages, Peter and the Starcatcher, Avenue Q and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. The middle three above "downsized" theatres - Peter and Q moved off-Broadway - and the last on the list couldn't find a theatre, so it built one on an empty lot on 45th Street!
Some other shows that have moved around include the original production of Les Miserables, The 39 Steps, the 1998 revival of Cabaret (which moved when its original theater was demolished by a crane collapse), the original production of Cabaret played 3 theatres, and the 1987 revival played 2! The original production of Grease played 4 theatres, and original production of Fiddler on the Roof played 3.
My favorite, though, is the original production of 42nd Street. A long-runner in its own right (13th longest-running show, 3,468 perfs), this show also paved the way for two more of Broadway's biggest hits. It opened at the Winter Garden, then moved to the Majestic to make room for Cats, which went on to become the second longest-running show. It then moved from the Majestic across the street to the St. James, to make room for a little show called The Phantom of the Opera! Talk about being a good neighbor...
Jeff
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