Broadway Today
Broadway Today
#0Broadway Today
Posted: 4/24/05 at 11:04pm
I have some questions which have come across my mind recently and frequently.
What is Broadway today? Is this OK? What needs to happen on Broadway in order for things to change - IF things must change.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
#1re: Broadway Today
Posted: 4/24/05 at 11:32pm
Broadway has become extremely commercial and quite the money maker, but also chews up shows and spits them out. Mounting a broadway show is quite a feat and is not for the weak at heart. Broadway will continue to sell tickets for the very reason of how businesses run, ...it happens in a very cyclical and trendy way.
*Revials: the true money maker in every sense of the word. Producers who revive a show that was once a hit or "money maker" will probably sustain a second life. The current runs of CHARITY and LACAGE may not hold up to this, but both have had rough starts and wouldn't be surprised if they have a turnaround.
*New Works: In hopes of seeing and receiving new pieces on broadway is such a huge risk for producers nowadays. That is why we must thank our theatres in Lincoln Center for mounting shows like PIAZZA. If they are not in the Kander & Ebb, Lloyd Weber, R&H reign they generally are overlooked or looked at as cautionary material. I feel that this will eventually change, not full blown, but composers like Adam Guettel and John Michael LaChiussa, who many may not be aware of will continue to have an opportunity to have their show on the "GREAT WHITE WAY."
*Movie-to-Stage transfers: This is not neccessarily a new trend in the theatre world, but one that is becoming more and more used. With upcoming shows like Shrek and Legally Blonde, we have to wonder is this new "jukebox" craze?! But with the current success of SPAMALOT, I believe this may be more of a protocol for larger shows to survive.
*Limited Engagements: These seem to be the "safe" way to go. Many times these shows are star vehicles or not for a large audience demographic, which explains the short term of the run. On many occassions, these sort of limited engagements become long running hits (ala Cabaret), but they are few and far in between.
*Jukebox/Catalog Musicals: As mentioned before are a trend. They are running their course, but will eventually be a thing of the past. As seen in the recent demise of GOOD VIBRATIONS. MAMMA MIA! had the right formula at the right time. It will be interesting how shows like ALL SHOOK UP and LENNON hold up against the other monsterous shows.
*Off-Broadway to Broadway transfers: Once a place to display smaller works has become what Broadway was back in the 70s. This arena too has become quite commercial and even a risk to many producers. However with the popularity and notarity of shows like URINETOWN, AVENUE Q, and SPELLING BEE I can only imagine that these "little engines that could" may become the hidden treasures that help in the success of broadway.
Updated On: 4/24/05 at 11:32 PM
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