NYT: As Regional Theaters Struggle, Some Defy the Odds

[MezzA101]

Posted: 12/15/25 at 6:50pm

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/theater/theaters-gulfshore-playhouse-florida-milwaukee-rep-wisconsin.html?unlocked_article_code=1.808.I94y.o2RsTVGNE_wX&smid=nytcore-android-share

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 12/15/25 at 9:39pm

This is such a strange article. Why does it focus on these two specific theaters? The writer seems to want to compare and contrast a theatre with a mostly liberal audience with another with a mostly Republican one, but doesn’t ultimately say much. I do somewhat agree with the Gulf Shore Playhouse lady however that you need to know your community (even if it is MAGA) and produce shows the people there actually want to see. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/15/25 at 9:56pm

Kristen Coury, the Playhouse’s chief executive and producing artistic director, described her programming mantra as “up and known.” Translation: When deciding which shows to produce, she selects ones that are upbeat and well-known.

“We’re at a moment now where there’s a lot of poke-you-in-the-eye theater, like, ‘I don’t care what you think — this is good for you, and I’m going to make you feel like a terrible person, and you better buy a ticket anyway,’” Coury said.

“My first covenant is with the audience, and I care about what they think,” she added. “People don’t want to spend money on a show they don’t think they’re going to like.”

Besides living in Florida, Kristen is extremely wise. So many regional theaters around the Country put on shows that are boring and not known. Or, there are "world premieres" from tons of artists that aren't that great, simply because it's cheaper overall. Since Covid, so many regional theaters have closed because they don't listen to their audience.

What they don't seem to understand is really basic: Put well known, popular shows on that people want to see and the money will come. People want comfort these days and they want something they know. That isn't great for new artists, but right now that is just the state of things. Both of those shows mentioned are huge crowd favorites and that's been proven for many years now. Thanks for the article.