Absolutely! And to be surrounded by others who knew and appreciated what was on stage. The intermissions were great for chatting with others. It had to be experienced live.
The reference videos that can be viewed in the archive preserve the performances and look of each show for future generations. And although not complete most professional productions have promo segments filmed for use on TV programs/newscasts. (CBS made extensive use of these for their Sunday morning segments on Sondheim.)
With those available there is no need for the poorly made hand-held cam videos. I understand it's an "ownership" thing.
Ideally every show would spin off an "original cast" DVD, but since that isn't happening with any regularity we need the archival videos even though they often have restricted access.
Unless you have permission from the show's creators, however, you have no right to be making your own videos of the show. Well, at least that is how I feel.
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