Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
That's when San Francisco's iconic Beach Blanket Babylon will give its final performance, ending a 45-year run, producer Jo Schuman Silver announced Wednesday.
"Audiences have embraced Beach Blanket Babylon since the day it opened on June 7, 1974," Schuman Silver said in a statement. "Originally scheduled to run for only six weeks, the show became an international phenomenon and the quintessential San Francisco experience. I am thankful to our fans from around the world who have supported us from the very beginning. Our hats are off to each and every one of you!"
The pop-culture musical revue has had more than 17,000 performances and has been seen by 6.5 million patrons.
After 45 extraordinary years, Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon will give its final performances on Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
— BeachBlanketBabylon (@BeachBlanketSF) April 18, 2019
Thank you to our fans for embracing us since opening June 7, 1974. We so hope to see you all soon! ❤
For more info: https://t.co/CP5y1NRybp pic.twitter.com/9a0yval1h2
"To me it's as much of San Francisco as the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street," said Fresno resident Doug Finks.
The show was originally only supposed to run for six weeks but Tammy Nelson, who wears the iconic big hat, has poured her life into the production for 25 years.
"I have enjoyed every single moment on stage," she said. "It's a dream come true. Really, it has been my dream, my dream did come true with Beach Blanket."
The creator Steve Silver passed away in 1995 and left the show to his wife Jo Schuman who says it's time.
"He said to me, 'you will know when it's the right time for the show to go out on top,' and i felt it was the right time, and i'm glad we have this cast and crew to go out on," Schuman said.
Tickets for all remaining performances, including the finale on New Year's Eve, can be found at beachblanketbabylon.com.
"We've been through it all together and we've been there for everyone together," said performer Curt Branom. "The more I think about it the harder it gets, but this is a family and this is a loss."
