Idea to Revitalize BWAY

Wouldn't it be great if BWAY legends- and music legends- each performed two weeks of shows at a large BWAY venue- to revitalize the Great White Way. How about Streisand to open it up- then Bette, then Hugh, then Taylor, then Beyonce and Jay, then Bruce, then....It could be just a small combo of accompanists - and the performer alone on stage just singing and entertaining, sharing memories and everyone enjoying the Great White Way busting and busy. Yes, the ticket prices would be exorbitant- but it would put BWAY back on the front pages- and possibly stimulate the entire theater community. Is this a good idea?

Updated On: 3/23/20 at 04:33 PM

That's not Broadway to me. That is just a bunch of one-off concerts. Better to increase the number of box office attractions opening in real shows next season. They sell tickets. Hugh Jackman and the Brodericks do not have to be the only ones (assuming Plaza Suite still opens when Broadway re-opens). .

This reminds me of the In Residence series last summer at the Lunt-Fontanne in between Summer and Tina (but this idea features bigger "names".

^^^ and low ticket prices

I just hope it is not a depleted theater scene with not much buzz- whatever happens, I hope some big names come together to collaborate on a few major attention-getting productions- of course Music Man will create a lot of press- but we all already know about that- and it is pretty well sold its entire run with Jackman as star- would love to see Brad Pitt on the boards, or Jennifer Lawrence or any number of performers in some type of limited engagement to start the ball rolling.

But wouldn't Hollywood be very interested in those Hollywood names for major film projects to revitalize their own industry which is also suffering a catastrophic fall with this crisis? Maybe there are already completed major movies in the pipeline for release when the crisis ends ( enough to bring in movie audiences back to cinemas...or even on streamers) but they would want to keep the flow full to make sure the box office is kept healthy when the cinemas and streamers/TV are back in full force?

Shouldn't Broadway rely on Broadway regulars (Audra, Kelli, Patti, etc) to provide the initiative to revitalize the Great White Way...and ultimately bring in the domestic and overseas tourists who are part of Broadway audiences. These audiences have supported shows when the lineup was a mix of Broadway luminaries and the occasional participation of film stars. Maybe film stars like Jake or Scarlett or Denzel or Daniel Craig and the like who have treaded the boards during the good times, too, would be interested? It's a good thing Hugh is supposed to have agreed to a full year run for The Music Man. Fortunately, that revival is a feel-good classic musical with a touch of Americana that may touch the hearts of many people who want to see Broadway and America itself back on its feet. It can start the ball rolling.

Maybe Scott Rudin ( the only EGOT producer that I know) can help a lot in boosting the return of the bright lights of Broadway - given his extensive experience? He produces both stage and film material - he may be able to swing a few of the film luminaries to Broadway?

But it could be a competition for talent with box office appeal for both Broadway and Hollywood...and the new kids on the block ( the streamers led by Netflix, Amazon, DisneyPlus, and maybe Apple & WarnerMedia)?

Updated On: 3/24/20 at 02:12 AM