The MILLIE Effect

Hey friends. So I've been thinking a lot about what Broadway might be like after COVID-19 has subsided enough to allow for live performance and in-person viewing again. After the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 left a uncertain future for the longevity of tourism in NYC, especially Broadway, it has been written about throughout the years that one of the shows that "saved" Broadway was THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Obviously, MILLIE went on to win the Tony for Best Musical and has reach a level of notoriety throughout the musical theatre world, but it has gotten me wondering about what will be the MILLIE of post-COVID Broadway? In my opinion, I think the revival of MUSIC MAN will fill that hole. When you think about it, the average theatre goers are going to want familiarity and joy when they come back to the theatre. There were so many shows that were set to open before the pandemic hit that I think will help bring back Broadway, but I have this gut feeling that MUSIC MAN is going to dominate. Funny enough, both MILLIE and MUSIC MAN have one common denominator....Sutton Foster. I am so ready to see COMPANY, and CAROLINE..., and FLYING OVER SUNSET, and DOUBTFIRE, and SING STREET, and SIX come back, but I have a feeling we are going to be ushering in a new wave of "joyful" Broadway musicals these next few years. And think about all the amazingness we got post 9/11. HAIRSPRAY, WICKED, AVENUE Q, SPAMALOT, DROWSY, JERSEY BOYS, and so many more amazing productions that live in the "feel good" category. What do you all think?

You're Mandela effecting a Millie effect. The shows that did what you are claiming are indeed Mamma Mia, and also The Producers.

Not that any one show was on its' own, but I think The Producers is what will be associated most with 9/11. It opened shortly after the attacks and was Broadway's way of saying, "we're open for business and we're not going anywhere!" And it was a straight-up old-fashioned big Broadway musical with massive stars (Millie was a classic, but it didn't really have any stars or the level of hype) and rave reviews. I also believe 9/11 depression helped it catapult even beyond its' actual achievements, although I adored the show.

It made the 9/11 connection even stronger when Rudy Giuliani said "New York and Broadway are open for business" and "you can even get tickets to The Producers right now!" Cementing the hype, time, place, and popularity of The Producers as a beacon of Broadway during this time.

Slight clarification, The Producers opened in April of 2001 and was established as a massive, juggernaut hit pretty much immediately. While it did help revitalize Broadway after the attacks, they in no way affected the trajectory of the show's success.

How coincidental that a revival of The Music Man was playing on B'way slightly before and after 9/11, and now another one is set to open after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

I stand with the fact that the latest revival will be a hit regardless of the pandemic (Jackman! Foster!), but I think other shows will take on the roles of Mamma Mia! and The Producers post-9/11, notably Six and Mrs. Doubtfire.

Yes, Thoroughly Modern Millie was an optimistic, joyful show, but it didn't serve as immediate relief from the terrorism as it opened in 2002. What show(s) will take on this role in 2022, one can only guess.

David10086 said: "I think a dazzling revival of CARRIE starting Lea Michele ( as Carrie) and Imelda Staunton ( as her mother) will do the trick. What could possibly go wrong? Broadway will bounce back once again!

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Love, Lea Michelle is cancel culture in the flesh. She won't be around for a very very long time, if at all.

She could play the gym that burns down as fast as her career.