Oh, those videos (now on DVD) do exist of practically EVERY show on Broadway from the past decades. Alas, they're not 'legal', but that doesn't mean they don't exist.
Oh they exist ... and they are CRAP! People smuggle cams into theatre, they can't focus or even hold still. The stage lighting is horrible for the cameras and when people move they all blur. The sound favours the guy with the loud laugh next to them far more than the performers.
No, these do more of a disservice. (And then these bozos sell them for $25-$75! That’s why when I see someone doing it I alert the house manager.)
We need a program where shows are taped and then released on DVD and/or shown on PPV or PBS or some such channel after a decent run but no show should run 20 years. 3-4 years max. If they haven't seen it by then, buy the DVD.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com