trpguyy said: "1) The commercial is in no way necessary. Consider it a gift to local network television stations.
2) What would you put in a commercial of a show that doesn't open for several months and has no photos, videos, or audio recording of the cast to feature?"
Commercials are necessary, I'm not going to argue about the need for them.
That's the whole point. Get some photos, videos, and/or audio recording of the cast. Willy Wonka has been running commercials for a good 3-5 months without the cast even having been completely announced. Bette was announced almost a year ago - I don't see why they can't at least get a picture of her in the iconic dress for the commercial and have her go "Hello, Dolly!" for the cameras.
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.