WHAT DO AUDIENCES WANT TO SEE ON BROADWAY?

[ORPHAN]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 2:37am

What kinds of shows do audiences want to see on Broadway is the future going to be BIG spectaculars? Will audiences still pay for non special effects shows?

[Over_the_Moon]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 2:43am

I will pay for anything with scantily clad chorus boys.

[larry64]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 3:00am

ditto

[stage_door76]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 7:24am

moi aussi

[Just_John]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 11:00am

People pay for Chicago.....but because they expect it to look like the movie. But they love it anyway.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 11:22am

Nudity!

[freeadmission]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 11:23am

People (that is to say, those outside the theatre community) will pay to see anything they hear is good. It doesn't matter if it has spectacle or not. As long as it's good, people will come see it. The problem is that most theatre on Broadway right now is mediocrity wrapped up in a gaudy red bow, with a tag that read, "We really really really hope you like it -- Your Producers" But, of course, all it is is a formulaic, uninspired peice of mock theatre.

If only people would stop trying so hard to please everyone, they might please a whole bunch of people.

[bwayboi4life42]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 11:27am

I agree with you, freeadmission. Wonderful metaphor.

BTW, Over_the_Moon, you took the words right out of my mouth.

[springo]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 3:05pm

Fantastic musicals, and big stars.

[CurtainUp]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 3:18pm

depends on the audiences So many musicals on Broadway contradict each other, in terms of style. Some want spectacle, some want intimacy, some want fun tunes, some want deep lyrics, some want big stars, some don't care, some want kid-friendly, some want something for a date....I don't think you can pigeonhole.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 3:28pm

Judging from the numbers and the shows that have done well recently, a lush and romantic or comedic musical.

Good points, however, CurtainUp... LOVE your icon, BTW

[jasobres]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 3:46pm

One little word:
ORIGINALITY!!!!!!!!

[logan0215]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 8:46pm

I think a balance of originality AND classics

If London's Evita is succesful, it should be transferred to broadway. The same goes for Guys and Dolls. These are classic broadway shows that should stay open for generations to have a means of comparison of classical broadway to the newer projects.

Personally, I don't think AIDA should have closed either, Disney or not. If Woman in White's book was re-written, it could have the status of legendary broadway as well.

With a basis of legendary and classic Broadway shows available, I feel new shows will be welcomed and have something to live up to. I don't feel there are many long-running shows left on Broadway that had "set the bar" in their day.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 9:12pm

"Tits and ass and quite a bit of fish."

And that is Spamalot in a nutshell.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 9:41pm

Love, and a bit with a dog

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 9:47pm

Quentin Tarantino a-singin' and a-dancin'!

[morosco]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 9:51pm

Seems like the trend is to appeal to the tourists and present them with something they're already familiar with.

[waddledee524]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 11:34pm

Shows that don't suck are pretty good.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 10:24am

Ulla in THE PRODUCERS knows "... that audiences really love a G-string..."

[luvtheatre11]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 10:39am

Originality, a good story and great songs. I think the score makes all the difference. But I think most people want just to be entertained. I like memorable tunes myself and a good show visually.

[LittleRed00]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 10:45am

Nice reference, allofmylife.

[rocker05]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 10:53am

Nudity and Special Effects (pretty much describes Dracula, the nudity made it somewhat entertaining). Some come for the stories and music, but most want a spectacle in my opinion.