The "Let's Be Positive About the Theater" Thread

[BustopherPhantom]

Posted: 8/6/08 at 11:44pm

I am sick of hearing that the theater is not what it used to be. It's the only thing you hear from anyone (unless you know something I don't; in which case, tell me, please!): the public isn't interested, producers are going shopping for hits instead of breeding their own, plays can't last long in commercial productions, etc. etc. etc.

It's true that these things can't be ignored. But to talk and talk and talk as if they are the only points worth talking of... I have to wonder if at least one person, someone who is interested in theater, has been scared off by someone saying "Don't bother, it's not what it used to be."

This thread is for anyone who can name something happening in the theater today, that is good for the theater. Nothing is too small: we need to be positive in any way we can.

[Patash]

Posted: 8/6/08 at 11:51pm

I've been doing Broadway shows for over 40 years now. I have a major answer to your question:

August: Osage County

But here's another thing. When I saw a matinee of A Raisin in the Sun a couple years ago, I arrived and was dismayed at the masses of junior high and high school kids there. I figured it was all for Sean Combs and it would be rowdy. I assume they were mainly there as part of an arts or school program. When he made his first appearance there were a lot of shrieks and noise, but it immediately died down and then I witnessed masses of young people totally absorbed in live theatre. It was heartwarming to say the least.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 8/6/08 at 11:55pm

I have been attending theater in New York for 46 years and I have to say that Broadway is, in my opinion, doing a wonderful job of marketing itself. Broadway shows had websites before most movie studios even considered them and the advent of sites like this one, broadway.com, playbill.com and others are a great leg up.

Oh, and the amazing collections at thre Public Library and Lincoln Center, real reasons to rejoice.

[esparza 333]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 12:48am

Though I am only twelve i have gained a love for theatre. I watch broadway documentaries. I read about golden age of broadway and know many of the stars. I love theatre modern and classic. I think it is great young ones are coming to theatre and teenagers are too. There really is no art form that matches up to live entertainment.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 2:15am

Good for you esparza 333. There is a wonderful documentary called "Broadway: The Golden Age" by Rick McKay. You should watch this if yu haven't already. Broadway has always been on of the true voices of America. It has given many of us decades of pleasure and I'm sure a great many people on this site envy you for being able to discover this world the way we did all over again.

[Steve2]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 8:49am

There really is no art form that matches up to live entertainment.

I feel the same way. Sometimes after enduring the hardship of travel to NYC I say "Why do I put up with this?". But once I am in the theatre and the show starts/finishes I think to myself "This is why I am here!"

Sometimes I will drive sevaral hours to see a tour as well. Updated On: 8/7/08 at 08:49 AM

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 9:12am

I'm actually very happy that more producers (I'm willing to wager they're younger producers) are taking a chance on straight plays on Broadway. There were a hell of a lot last year and that's a very very good thing!

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 10:10am

So many excellent shows that people decided to take a chance on have opened (and ususally closed...) in the past few years; Grey Gardens, Passing Strange, the John Doyle Sondheim revivals, August: Osage County.

Also, that $35 box of Raisinettes I bought at the Gershwin during Wicked's intermission sure was tasty! Updated On: 8/7/08 at 10:10 AM

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 10:20am

The interior of the Mark Hellinger Theater is breathtakingly beautiful.

[esparza 333]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 10:26am

I have already watched that documentary. It is excellent. I have it on dvd.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 10:36am

Esparza333 makes me feel positive about the theatre...was looking back at your posts and you are one mature, wise and well-spoken 12-year-old.

As for me, my increasingly infrequent trips to NYC usually revolve around what shows I'm seeing. They are more often than not the priority...and whatever else happens works around that. Making new friends with similar interests is a bonus.
Updated On: 8/7/08 at 10:36 AM

[esparza 333]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 12:57pm

Thank You So much broadwayjim42

[tgn915]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 2:29pm

I am also a younger theatre goer (16 years old) and I appreciate any and all forms of live theatre. Sure, I can connect more with modern pieces but some of my favorites include older works like Pippin, SITPWG, and Ragtime. I too think that Broadway is doing a fantastic job at marketing itself because as the years go on, more and more of my friends are discovering theatre and wanting to experience it as much as possible.

[tgn915]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 2:29pm

Edit: woo, double.

Updated On: 8/7/08 at 02:29 PM

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 3:37pm

Like Esparza333 I am a young theatergoer that has an intense love for theater. (I'M 13) I just bought the golden age DVD and have yet to watch it.

Well mostly Broadway is my life. I'm on this board almost 24/7 leaning about new Broadway shows and every few months I see some shows that are most recommended by the board members here. This way I've seen great shows like "In The Heights" (Before it got Famous), Gypsy, South Pacific, I even saw the infamous Cry Baby. Hopefully my next show will be [title of show]! I just love all kinds of theater so much!

Updated On: 8/7/08 at 03:37 PM

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 4:21pm

Are we in something of a golden age of musical divas? That's something to be positive about:

Patti Lupone
Christine Ebersole
Donna Murphy
Audra McDonald
Victoria Clark
Kristin Chenowith

All in their primes.

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 4:23pm

I think Karen Olivo could become big if she finally got recognition!

[EugLoven]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 5:12pm

Any free theatre for the general public.
Volunteer ushers.
School/Student programs.
BC/EFA, Actors Fund and DRA.

[Renthead#1]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 5:41pm

Another Young lover of Broadway over here (15). I saw my first Broadway show at age 10 (Wicked) and ever since then my life has never been the same. I've made it my goal to move to New York when I turn 19 and be a part of this business that we call show. I'm so glad I found Broadway!

[allofmylife]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 6:02pm

We all read Esparza's comments and a tiny voice in our heads is whispering "less than a drop in the great blue motion of the sunlit sea, but it seems that some of those drops do sparkle...."

[esparza 333]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 6:53pm

Thank You So Much for your kind words. I also recommend The Broadway's Lost Treasures 1,2, and 3 which has many tony performances. Also Broadway the American Musical

[esparza 333]

Posted: 8/7/08 at 6:53pm

Thank You So Much for your kind words. I also recommend The Broadway's Lost Treasures 1,2, and 3 which has many tony performances. Also Broadway the American Musical

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 8/8/08 at 11:03am

bump

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 8/8/08 at 12:07pm

I think theatre is alive and well and doing very nicely - just don't expect to find the best on Broadway, it won't be there. Go to off Broadway, off off broadway and regional thetres and support real theatre.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/8/08 at 12:14pm

I am also thrilled by the Broadway availability of non-musical plays. I am astounded that last season I saw Shaw, Stoppard, Pinter, Odets and and Letts (rhymes - let's write a lyric!), and next season it will be Arthur Miller, Chekhov and Mamet. Can't get enough of it.