Broadway Vs. the roadshows

[DofB5]

Posted: 10/10/03 at 6:57pm

So what exactly makes Broadway so special? The only drawing card I can see is that the stars seem to go there more often then as opposed to on the road. So why should I spend the money/time on transport/hotel/food/tickets etc to see a show “on Broadway” vs waiting for it to come to my local theater?

D

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 10/10/03 at 7:11pm

That is where the show originates...I guess you are right though...but "IT'S BROADWAY!" That is my answer.

[Cadriel]

Posted: 10/10/03 at 7:39pm

If you see the original Broadway cast, you're seeing the people the direction and production were created around. They're the ones whose interpretations are followed to a greater or lesser degree in the replacement casts and in the touring casts. A role originated by an actor or actress is much more that person's than anyone else's. Shows wait a while before going on tour.

If you see a replacement cast, it's because frequently talent circulates between tour and Broadway, and frankly Broadway often gets the cream of the crop. Sometimes it's untrue, but I believe that is the exception and not the rule.

When you see a show on Broadway, you have your pick of the 30-odd shows running on Broadway at any time, not waiting for one tour to come through. And then you have to catch it during its short run.

And finally - it's much easier to find discount codes for Broadway; I've paid less on average for Broadway seats than I would have to pay for a tour.

All compelling motivations.

-Wayne

[Phantom05]

Posted: 10/10/03 at 7:59pm

The most drastic changes made between the Broadway production, and the touring production are usually centered around scenic limitations on tour, and the sizes of the orchestras. Usually a tour set is scaled back to accomodate all of the different venues/theatres that the show will be performing at. In terms of orchestras, touring orchestras can be considerably smaller than a Broadway orchestra. However, the orchestras associated with Phantom Of The Opera and Les Miserables currently remain the two largest groups of mucisians on a Broadway tour in the US. I do not, however, agree that the talent diminishes on tour, in fact many of the touring performers have come straight from the Broadway productions. I love seeing shows on tour just because they are more accessible, but I do agree that it is an amazing thing to say that you're going to see a show "ON BROADWAY"!!!!!

See Ya!

Phantom05

Updated On: 10/10/03 at 07:59 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 10/10/03 at 9:17pm

I always think of roadshows as epic movies in the 60's ( Ben Hur, Spartacus, 2001 ) that were called roadshow or hardticket engagements when they played the big old houses in Times Square