Whats happend to broadway?- Page 2

[Beowulf]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 2:45pm

It because of people like you that we have this problem. You condone this whole process. Don't tell me I'm wrong for stating the problem, why don't we all try to fix it.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 2:47pm

Yes, obviously I have no idea what I'm talking about, having spent years working in the business.

What are your credentials for your superior attitude?

[leefowler]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 2:49pm

The novelty casting that you're decrying is mostly because musicals run vastly longer than they used to and take more money to make a profit. Also, thanks to air travel, New York City has vastly more tourists than it once had. Novelty casting happens because producers see a chance to extend the run of their shows by putting in non-theatre personalitys to attract tourists. The original casts of these shows rarely reflect stunt casting. And if you could break even by running 300 performances, like you could in the thirties, you'd see a lot less of it now

The notion that "talent doesn't matter anymore" is silly. It wouldn't be hard to come up with a huge list of people currently in shows whom are full of talent and aren't especially famous.

And regarding the notion that in the old days it didn't matter who you were, only if you had talent....well, a little theatre history is in order, I think.

[Beowulf]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 2:50pm

I'm not hacking at you or your credentials. I'm just saying that the comment you left supports people taking broadway away from raw talent, and pushes it towards sex appeal and names. As an actor, it is already hard enough to get parts, but to have someone that has never even been in theatre, or has very little experience in the lifestyle, get a huge role because they are famous it bull.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 2:53pm

As leefowler has said, some theater history is in order for you. I would also suggest you do a lot of reading up on the business of theater. You're coming off like someone who's bitter and has an agenda, with nothing to back up your statements except your own emotion.

The business of Broadway is much more complicated than you're realizing. Educate yourself. Understand what you're attacking.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:03pm

I agree that in order to keep the notion of "Broadway" moving forward, we must try to "fix" whatever problems come along. And your hearts are in the right place. But you haven't done your homework.

This is NOT a new problem, and I'm amazed that some people can only see what's in front of them, in their own (short) lives. They can't seem to look at this historically and draw the parallels. I find that very short-sighted, and almost as depressing as the notion of Broadway dying. Check it out.

All you've done is add a new verse to the 100+ year old "durge of death."

"Back in the day" as you say, they were very concerned about the Nickelodeons replacing live stage shows. Then it was talking pictures... THAT was supposed to kill Broadway too. Then Rock & Roll was going to kill it for good. Then the "British invasion" of mega-musicals... (by the way the FIRST British invasion of shows and imported talent was with American producer Charles Frohman, when he started bringing back more than just souvenirs from London. It was a big concern back then, too. Look it up.)

All you've done is add another verse to the song... this one's about big corporations and replacement casting killing Broadway.

It wasn't true then, and it's not true now. As passionate as you might be about it.

Do things need fixing and addressing? Sure. But don't say the last rites for your beloved playground just yet.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:11pm

I love you BestBars. Couldn't have said it better myself!

Not dead yet...

[leefowler]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:19pm

Frankly, if there really is a problem here, it's that shows run too long. I mean, once you've exhausted the New York theatre audience, what can you really do to attract tourists except stick in a non-theatre celebrity?

But let's face it, producers can cast anyone they want, for any reason thay want. I'm amused by the thought that we need to "do something about this." What do you suggest exactly...should we all join hands in front of the Chicago stage door to keep Ashlee Simpson from entering?

And for what it's worth, I've been hearing that Usher is really good in Chicago.

Updated On: 8/27/06 at 03:19 PM

[sondheimboy2]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:21pm

In the Kaufmann and Hart play "The Fabulous Invalid", two actors in the 1800's die in a theater at the start of the play and spend the rest of the play haunting theaters. They meet the ghost of Shakespeare who tells them that back in his day they thought that the theatre would be killed off because of the then popular sport of Falconry.

Just felt like sharing.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:27pm

Ah, well, sondheimboy2...

...THERE you have me!

Falconry will surely be the death of Broadway. Mark my words.

That, and iPods.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:27pm

Don't forget that video site.

And reality TV!

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:29pm

And Post-It Notes.

Broadway has never been the same since.

[Beowulf]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:31pm

And Myspace.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:40pm

Ah, too true, my friends.

As is the internet was the end of newspapers, and VHS the end of movie theaters.

As much as the world's values seem like they're dying, then why do we hold onto these things?

The same reason we still go to the theater.

[GYPSY3]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:46pm

The Rodgers & Hammerstein musical ME AND JULIET from the early
1950's had a song titled "The Theatre is Dying" which contrasted
many of the thoughts expressed in this thread with people naming the shows then running which were worthwhile and successful. Such will always be the case, although the great expense of going to a Broadway show these days is a definite handicap, notwithstanding TKTS.

[PitPro2004]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 4:12pm

"That video site..."

Heavens yes! I hate to admit it, but I can see more of Broadway on that video site than I can in NYC!

At least I can until the FCC does to "that video site" what it did to those music sharing sites?? Took 5 years, but hey...why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

As for Post-It's? Hilarious!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 4:16pm

I was being sarcastic.

People who want to see theater aren't going to be satisfied with videos. The biggest market served by the Broadway vids on that site and amongst illegal dvd theater trades/sales are the actual theatergoers - and usually the most avid of that group. All it does is whet their appetite until they can get to the show themselves, or allow them to relive - in a small way - their wonderful experience at the theater.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 4:51pm

It is more commercialized now

Back in the 60's , they did not sell magnets & all the other nonsense they sell now. Even adjusted for inflation, the prices of the programs were much lower. Now they want to sell you everything they can. Back than, it was just about the show

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 5:02pm

Life is more commercialized now, but as Dollypop deftly proved with the 40 Carats example and b12 proved with the Ragtime citation, the theater has ALAWYS whored itself out to celebrity. Willingly, and even sometimes, thrillingly.

To think any differently is to deny the entire point of the musical Chicago.

Updated On: 8/27/06 at 05:02 PM

[wicked4life51]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 5:08pm

i dont care what others have to sya im just responding to the title
yes what has happened
people think the only way to get work these days is one market
NO
theres are regional theatres, tours, european tours, out of state work
other markets

chicago,london,la,dc

i mean there are other things than just broadway
its my dream but i dont want to go there with just college credits
all those huge regional theatre that are mentioned in everyones bio on broadway
those are great places
some people get lucky
but you know what its a competitive buisness, dont limit youreself
if there is an audition GO TO IT
serioulsy, there are so many regional houses i am dying to work at
and then maybe i will go to ny
i want to go on tour , or something
save my money, there are other answers than BROADWAY
im done haha

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 5:15pm

Whats happend to broadway?

Based on the first post, I think the problem is "what's happened to Chicago?" Until Justin Timberlake is cast as Sweeney Todd, not all of Broadway is suffering due to stuntcasting.

[FinallyAmember]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 5:39pm

Ashlee Simpson may not end up being stellar in Chicago, but we don't really know until we see it. I certainly wouldn't classify this casting choice as a nose-dive into the destruction of broadway and theater. This casting choice is going to draw people to the show and even if she isn't amazing people will still enjoy the show for other actors, the music, and the story.

You don't always need to see the best cast to make the "magic" happen. High School and college productions are made to create that magic. Have you never walked out of one of those productions with a smile on your face- and then later in bed not being able to get one of the tunes out of your head? That's magic - and Ashlee Simpson isn't going to ruin that; heck, she might even help.

[Beowulf]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 8:09pm

Well, I want to make it clear that I never once thought that this was the demise of broadway. But I stand by all my previous comments. And yes, ashlee simpson will ruin it, you're blind and def if you think otherwise.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 8:10pm

Considering how you've contributed to the demise of the English language throughout this thread, I think Ashlee Simpson in CHICAGO is beyond the realm of what your worries should be.

[Beowulf]

Posted: 8/27/06 at 8:12pm

I'm sorry that you have something against me personally. I was just stating my opinion on a situation. Just cause you dont agree with it, dont attack me.