#51
Posted: 10/31/09 at 11:36am
I agree that this closing is terrible news. It was a well thought out and well acted production and will be missed.
Some of the comments in this topic, though, actually inspired me to post on the board for the first time (after being a reader for years).
As an investor myself, I share the concern many of you do with the seeming dirth of solid drama that can make it on Broadway. Theatres filled with big corporate musicals don't thrill me either...but unlike a lot of you on the board I actually see a light at the end of the tunnel.
In fact, statistically speaking this economic meltdown has created more viability for plays. Parents are now more likely to go to the theatre without there kids than with them...and many plays are doing well (or at least beating their weekly) on the street today. Granted many of these are star vehicles, but a lot of focus groups show that "straight plays" (a comical term the public seems bent on using) are coming back into vogue.
Shows like August and 39 steps have had much longer runs than was normal during the 90's and like any trend, we may be swinging back towards plays. I think the grosses of Superior Donuts are a good example, slowly chugging away and even seemingly picking up an audience.
While I didn't like seeing the Brighton notice any more than you all did, I think it may be more a factor of the age of the demographic this show targets. A few years ago those folks were entering retirement with flush 401k accounts...today they may be much more cautious with their expendable incomes.
It's always a shame to see a good show close, but in this case I think plays in general still have a strong future on the street.
Some of the comments in this topic, though, actually inspired me to post on the board for the first time (after being a reader for years).
As an investor myself, I share the concern many of you do with the seeming dirth of solid drama that can make it on Broadway. Theatres filled with big corporate musicals don't thrill me either...but unlike a lot of you on the board I actually see a light at the end of the tunnel.
In fact, statistically speaking this economic meltdown has created more viability for plays. Parents are now more likely to go to the theatre without there kids than with them...and many plays are doing well (or at least beating their weekly) on the street today. Granted many of these are star vehicles, but a lot of focus groups show that "straight plays" (a comical term the public seems bent on using) are coming back into vogue.
Shows like August and 39 steps have had much longer runs than was normal during the 90's and like any trend, we may be swinging back towards plays. I think the grosses of Superior Donuts are a good example, slowly chugging away and even seemingly picking up an audience.
While I didn't like seeing the Brighton notice any more than you all did, I think it may be more a factor of the age of the demographic this show targets. A few years ago those folks were entering retirement with flush 401k accounts...today they may be much more cautious with their expendable incomes.
It's always a shame to see a good show close, but in this case I think plays in general still have a strong future on the street.
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