I can't speak for New Yorkers, but as far as out-of-towners go (I refuse to use the term tourist with all the negative conotations New Yorkers unfairly attach to it), that it's not so much wanting to leave fullfilled as it is the money/availability issue. I can be just as fulfilled by a play as I can a musical. In fact, I see just as many plays as I do musicals, just not on Broadway.
The reason being that I can see plays all day every day right here in my area for 1/4 of the price that I'd see them on Broadway. With plays there is not usually a difference in production value or quality of talent between Broadway and good regional theatres (at least in my area) Things like Coast of Utopia being the obvious and rare exception. So why travel and pay so much?
On the other hand, I can't really see musicals in my area that are of the caliber found on Broadway. Even tours are not as good. So it's worth it to me to travel and pay more to see them on Broadway. Plays, not so much.
I usually go to NYC for a day or two, not a week. So, I have to maximize my time here. I see what's most worth it for me to see. Then I see plays when I go home.
Art has a double face, of expression and illusion.
Updated On: 8/24/07 at 12:50 PM