'Rock of Ages,' 'Rain' to move to smaller theaters

[December 07, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Two shows are downsizing to try to stay on Broadway.

The musical "Rock of Ages" will move from The Brooks Atkinson Theatre to the smaller Helen Hayes Theatre in March 2011. Taking its place in Brooks Atkinson in February will be "Rain -- A Tribute To The Beatles on Broadway," which is leaving its current home at The Neil Simon Theatre.

Producers say the moves will increase the odds each has a healthier run.

The switches mean "Rain" can stay on Broadway. It had been scheduled to vacate The Neil Simon Theatre to make room for the upcoming "Catch Me If You Can."

"Rain" goes from its current 1,448-seat theater to the 997-seat home of "Rock of Ages," which, in turn, finds a new home at the 587-seat Helen Hayes.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.