It was the best of times, it is the worst of times.

On Broadway, usually the holidays are the best of times and January is the worst of times. And this year is no exception. A torrent of tourists tore up the theaters in December, but then Santa dropped a big shiny ball in Times Square and everybody took their toys (and money) and went back to Europe (lots of guests from "across the pond" were in the city this year, buying lots of Abercrombie and Fitch, eating at chain restaurants, and seeing the popular shows on Broadway because the Dollar is the new Peso). As the tourists go, so goes Broadway because stats have shown us that 63% of all B'way tickets were purchased by tourists (with 21% purchased by international tourists--You're welcome "Mamma Mia" and "Lion King")*. But, in January, the money is spent, everyone is burnt out, and New York businesses try to find a way to survive until the spring. And when you have a show running that didn't benefit from the "holiday pop," it might be time to pack it in. And so it goes for the following 10 shows that will be shuttering in January.** Now, some of these were limited engagements, but it still means an empty theater.

1. The 39 Steps--The comedy based on the Hitchcock thriller will be closing after about 2 years (and 3 different theaters). But, there is a very good chance it will pull an Avenue Q and reopen Off-Broadway. Check out that story here. See, there's already a silver lining. (Closing: 1/10/10)

2. Burn the Floor--While this was a limited run, it was supposed to extend until Valentine's Day, but alas, ticket buyers were not giving up the love. There will be a tour later this year. (Closing: 1/10/10)

3. Bye, Bye Birdie--This is a Roundabout show, with a limited run, and it extended two weeks to prolong the closing. But, it is, indeed, closing at the end of the month. What a shame. But, not really. (If this confuses you, please read this.) (Closing: 1/24/10)

4. Finian's Rainbow--This proves that the New York Times Review ain't what it used to be. This was one of the best reviewed shows of the year, across the board. But, it's Broadway life will be just over 3 months, if you include preview performances. This was not supposed to be a limited run. (Closing: 1/17/10)

5. In the Next Room (or the vibrator play)--While garnering a lot of positive buzz, this show couldn't arouse audiences to buy a ticket, and it will be all wet by mid-month. (See what I did there?) (Closing: 1/10/10)

6. White Christmas--Limited run. Genius producers. Expect to see it again in November. (Closing: 1/3/10)

7. Ragtime--There were high hopes for this simplified revival. But, I guess audiences wanted the big and splashy, as opposed to the focused and poignant. The closing date was pushed back a week, due to audience demand after the original closing date was announced. (Closing: 1/10/10)

8. Superior Donuts--It appears Tracy Letts couldn't recapture the dysfunctional magic of August: Osage County with his following effort. And not even David St. Hubbins could save the show. (Closing: 1/3/10)

9. Wishful Drinking--Another limited Roundabout run. And they added two weeks to prolong the closing of this as well. I'll drink to that. (Closing: 1/17/10)

10. Shrek--We knew it was coming, folks. The Ogre has left the building. And he's got alotta debt to pay. So, of course, you can let your freak flag fly at a theatre near you come this summer because this show is going on the road. (Closing: 1/3/10)

Yes, it is a little depressing. But, an empty theater is an opportunity for a new masterpiece to take New York by storm come spring. That's the ebb and flow, my friends. So, hunker down, bundle up, and look forward to the future.

*Stats brought to you by The Broadway League Study of the Demographics of the Broadway Audience for the 2008-2009 season.

**As of this posting date, these were the shows listed with a definite closing date on Playbill.com.