Straight Plays: Comedy vs. Tragedy?

Sure, it's an age-old question -- but once again, we see the dramas coming out on top.

Why?!

The serious plays are just taking their jobs more seriously: In other words, they're better. More professional. More interesting. Longer lasting.

Thank god for BOEING BOEING, which, in my opinion, is the only show currently running that defies these odds.

And, sadly, if it means going to down-er shows to see a better show, then put me down for the dramas -- despite the fact that sometimes it feels better to laugh than cry.

;-(

People suffer this strange delusion that because comedy is funny, it is also therefore easy, unprofessional, and unworthy. Never let it be said that people aren't always stupid.

On the other hand, if you want bright, happy, fun times on Broadway, your first reaction isn't going to be "what plays are on?". It's much more likely to be "hey, 'Hairspray' hasn't closed yet, has it? Thank heaven for that!".

People also suffer this strange delusion that because musicals involve singing and dancing, they are also frothy frolics that never tackle serious subjects. Again, never let it be said that people aren't always stupid.

Ergo, if your gut instinct is "I want happy!", you're likely to go for a musical. If your gut instinct is "I want SRS BZNS!", you'll go for a play.

So serious musicals like 'Grey Gardens' sink with scarcely a trace, while funny plays just can't get the audience of an 'August: Osage County'.

Happily, there are many exceptions to every generalisation, so hearty congratulations to 'Boeing-Boeing' for being successful in spite of things. :3

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Updated On: 10/4/08 at 01:42 PM