Broadway on Broadway
Broadway on Broadway
Myron
Stand-by Joined: 8/20/04
#1Broadway on Broadway
Posted: 9/8/13 at 8:47amToday is "Broadway on Broadway" at Times Square. Oops, it got canceled very quietly without explanation. Thousands of New Yorkers and tourists alike will have no show. Who to blame? Bloomberg for widening the plazas? No sponsors? Nobody will say. Today is a sad day for Broadway fans. The extravaganza featured 1 hit from each musical and showed previews of fall openings as well as revivals. RIP "Broadway On Broadway". Miss ya!
#2Broadway on Broadway
Posted: 9/8/13 at 9:01amAsked about this a few weeks back. Disappointed that it was cancelled and frustrated that there's no explanation for it. Yes, it was crowded because it was in the middle of Times Square, but that's why it's important. Theater was once a part of popular culture, but it's become more elitist with ticket prices the way they are. The free events need to continue, so young people who can't afford $100 a ticket can have a chance to experience it and then become patrons as they get older.
millie_dillmount
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
#2Broadway on Broadway
Posted: 9/8/13 at 9:12am
First of all: https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1063615
In this thread, someone mentioned that Broadway on Broadway used to feature a lot of new shows every year. Now it's always Wicked, Phantom, Jersey Boys and maybe a couple of new shows every year.
Not to mention that this show is a logistical nightmare: the city is putting on a free event in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in the city. The cost itself just to make sure everyone is there and everything is working properly is expensive.
"The free events need to continue, so young people who can't afford $100 a ticket can have a chance to experience it and then become patrons as they get older."
As much as I want to agree, I can't. No one is obligated to put on free events just because you can't afford something. Besides, there are still plenty of low cost and free options enable those with less money to see shows. What about the yearly Broadway in Bryant Park concerts? There are also rushes, lottos and TKTS. Shows also offer lower cost seating options in the rear mezzanine.
I don't have a lot of money, but I've still managed to see the shows I want. And if it's expensive, I save up for it.
#3Broadway on Broadway
Posted: 9/8/13 at 9:50amMillie, I'm not saying they are "obligated" to put it on, and I do pay the money to see the shows. I just think it's important to expose as many people as possible to the wonders of Broadway. It is beautiful, tragic, hysterical, and magical. We learn and take so much away from each production that we see. Maybe as a teacher, I am just saddened when I hear my drama students say they have never been to a show (and I don't teach very far from the city). I just think it would be nice to provide as much exposure to it as possible.
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