Chicago - Pre-Broadway City of Choice

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 8:00am

This article in today's Chicago Tribune points out the many shows playing here in Chicago prior to their planned Broadway runs. I think it's exciting to see shows in their early stages, like the recent Light in the Piazza and, less recently, The Producers, Movin' Out, Goodbye Girl and Victor Victoria. We're usually treated to scenes, songs and characters that never make it to the final versions. This is definitely a great city for try-outs.

I like to travel occasionally to check out pre-Broadway runs, like Lion King in Minneapolis and Ragtime in Toronto.

Anyone else seek out pre-Broadway runs?
Broadway Bound

[Faith2]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 11:22am

Hi Menken Fan...isn't it wonderful that many of the shows play here in Chicago prior to their planned Broadway runs.

It's a tradition that, I think, has been in effect for some time. I love it.

I think Chicago took over the tradition from Peoria, (Illinois). Shows used to do their trail runs in Peoria, hence the saying, "If you make it in Peoria, you can make it anywhere"!

Apologies to Peoria if shows are still doing trials there as well.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 4:23pm

I do like to see the pre-broadway shows that come here [chicago]. like i saw Sweet Smell of Success and The producers. The new musical Masada is having its pre-broadway tryout too! can't wait to see that! =D

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 6:56pm

I forgot about Sweet Smell of Success. I don't know much about Masada. Has anyone seen a production or know what we're in for with this one?

[emmamia]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 7:24pm

isnt Spamalot going to premiere in Chicago also?? that is the one i am waiting for!!!

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 7:41pm

Yes, the article mentions all the following pre-Broadway shows premiering this year in Chicago:

Monty Python's Spamalot
All Shook Up
Arthur Miller's Finishing the Picture
Slava's Snowshow
Masada