Only One Play running come September! — Page 2

Sorry BroadwayGirl, I did not mean to attack. When I compared to seeing movies, I was mainly referring to the genre/style interest of musical versus non-musical. I also was noting the many low cost options previously mentionned that are available for seeing shows (especially for young people). Utilizing these options does often make the theatre experience not much more expensive than a movie. I rarely spend $100 for any show, musical or otherwise, with such a variety of discounts and TKTS available.

Whatever you do, it is your money, and you should spend it on what interests you. So spend it on the musicals, or on one musical over and over if that's what you prefer. You shouldn't defend that decision to anyone here. We are all only stating our opinions and making suggestions based on the fact that you posted your preferences here. Again sorry if I came off as insulting--not my intention.

Glad to hear that a new musical is on the top of your list, BroadwayGirl. "Wicked" is on my list as well as many other musicals and plays.

My MTC subscription is already purchased. Can't wait for the Violet Hour.

What were the plays you saw that you loved?

Yea my friend is seeing 'Little Shop' tonight, the first night of previews!

And yes, please tell us which plays you have seen!

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as the (hopefully) voice of reason, please realize that as a younger person, a musical can be pre-sold better because the music is available to hear prior to purchase. Very little of a play is available (unless you subscribe to American Theatre with its new play texts, or the play is a revival of a published work) to preview first before purchase. Musicals are more aggressively marketed, because the producers have put (usually) more money into them in the first place. Many young theatre fans begin in community theatre productions, and those community musicals use a lot more young actors than dramas or comedies (typically). It's natural that they might therefore prefer musicals. As to repeat visits, that is a phenomenon of identification, much like Deadheads (of all ages) who travel the country attending Grateful Dead concerts. It has nothing to do with rejecting new experiences, and everything to do with finding pleasure and security in something you enjoy and have bonded with (to fellow fanatics or the performance/cast itself).

i agree it would be nice if young people saw as many plays as they do musicals, but realistically at ticket prices, they want not only a bit more spectacle but also a different type of narrative than they find in television shows, movies, etcetera. i love plays and always have, but there are plenty of fully grown, ostensibly mature, friends that i can't get to go with me. And some are highly involved in attending or producing musical theatre! There are also many theatre people who look down on musicals.

The solution may be to let everyone evolve at their own pace. There's a lot of frustration inherent otherwise.

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Updated On: 8/30/03 at 07:03 PM

Of course plays are real theatre, that's common sense. I know what you mean, though. :)

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If the opinions expressed by the young people in these posts is reflective of the general teen population, it is very understandable why musicals seem to do better business and run longer on Broadway in general. Thus, only one play left on Broadway in September. It always appears that plays outnumber musicals offered on TDF. Unless a play wins the Pulitzer or the Tony award, or come with marquis names--i.e., Kathleen Turner in The Graduate, Edie Falco in Frankie and Johnny, the entire cast of Long Day's Journey....., they often tend to fall by the wayside. On the other hand, musicals seem to be able to last regardless of how well known the performers are.

Also, plays in general do not always have subject matter that is appealing to the average teen, and many seem to reflect more mature subject matter. As a parent, I would not be recommending plays with overt sexual situations or nudity to 13 and 14 year olds (sorry, I am conservative in what I find appropriate for young teens--that's just me), but I feel perfectly safe recommendinding Hairspray and Millie. I know my 13 year old son would have no interest in Enchanted April, though he loved Noises Off and Say Goodnight Gracie. He fell asleep during A Thousand Clowns (but then, I almost did too). In general, I just think that musical theatre tends to cater to a wider age range.

I am not saying that many of these teens are not mature enough to understand and enjoy these plays, but probably are not taken by the subject matter enough to try them. What might be helpful is if, rather than say "Go see a play", specific plays could be suggested that these young people might enjoy in order to give them that first taste of non-musical theatre. Broadway is limited at the moment, but how about off-broadway suggestions?

go back and read some old posts.

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Yes, Courtney I have read the old posts. On this crowded thread alone, I have read many generalizations of Go see a play. No one has said "I have seen ........and it seems to be something that can interest young people" Have I missed something? Because searching around the message board, most of the posts seem to deal with exactly the same musicals these teens seem to be focusing on in the first place. Someone on this thread suggested "Take Me out", but as a parent, no I would not suggest that to the younger teens (again that's my personal opinion). As a teen yourself, perhaps you can specifically offer some current titles. I've seen lots of titles thrown out which are not currently running. There does not seem to be much playing right now. Hopefully that will change shortly--with all the new plays coming.

Anyway, I made a suggestion. I thought this message board was about being helpful. I see plays. My kids see plays. I agree these youths should see plays. If I could suggest something specific, I would. Hey, how about Matt & Ben? I haven't seen it, but it seems to look interesting. And inexpensive enough. Anybody?

If I lived closer to the heart of Broadway (Baltimore is more like the armpit.) I would go see Take Me Out. It is supposed to be amazing.

The first two you mentioned were always of particular interest to me, and unfortunately, I didn't have the money to see either. And as of right now I can't even make it to any of the final few performances. Take me out I would like to see, but wish me luck on convincing the parents to let me see that one, haha. The exenorated I get offers for all the time, so that could very well be a possibilty. Thanks. :)

Jo..I believe I suggested Take Me out in one of my earlier posts.

Off Broadways Golda's Balcony opens on Broadway shortly. The reason for the lack of plays is simple: Producers have to cater to tourists who are a big part of their audience. When a tourist shells out his hard earned money he does not want to see dysfunctional familes but rather falling chandeliers & dancing girls. A pity that is the case but there it is.

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