Where Did All the Broadway Sets Go?

Updated On: 8/20/23 at 06:00 AM

Anyone questioning this must lack common sense. Everyone producing and creating a Broadway show would LOVE to have fully scale sets, casts, etc. but sadly, the reality of what it costs to even get a Broadway show financed is astronomical today - this minimalism and use of LED screens are creating choices but a direction they can simulate the full scale vision they would love to do but can't anymore. Yes, some shows (mostly plays) choose barebones and minimal staging for their interpretations but this isn't the reason most every show today lacks the lavish insane sets we once saw on Broadway. I've been seeing shows on Broadway since 1972 (I was 7 years old) and what sucked me into the madness of Broadway were those sets and how, to my little boy head, everything on stage looked like a move but live. My first recollection of a minimal set designed show was the original Broadway production of EVITA. It was literally a black box set design with an industrial factory look to it and a screen with projection throughout. There was the scaffolding for the balcony of the Casa Posada; their bedroom was just a bed and a nightstand, etc. I think David Rockwell's gloriously lavish set for the 2016 Broadway revival of SHE LOVES ME was the last time I recall seeing an opulent set like the old days on a Broadway stage today.   

FANtomFollies said: "It seems like the incoming Cabaret will be lush in it's immersion, fingers crossed."

I have a friend who's a producer, and he said that this Cabaret won't be anywhere close to the London production. I'm just glad I got to see the beauty of the London Kit Kat Club!

Hal Prince and Boris Aronson and Michael Bennett deserve a lot of credit for the “suggested” look that we now know in popular musical theatre. It’s not a new phenomenon. Let the set give a vibe and make sure there’s lots of room to dance.

Recently I’ve rarely felt Broadway shows were lacking in the scenic department, with the exception of something like The Prom which looked like it had maxed out a budget that was $5 mil less than its designers wanted it to be. Or something like Kimberly which I personally find clunkily designed.

But this is also a challenge of shows premiering at an off-bway or regional theatre with 400 seats and then transfer to an 1100-seat Broadway house.

Guess the author didn't catch New York New York, which looked incredible. 

This stuff is cyclical. 125 years ago, stripping stage scenery of romantic clutter to a geometric essence was the height of the avant-garde. And variations on that idea have come and gone. I agree that the present mania does feel Marie Kondo-ish... more about a prevailing style in home decor and fashion and, gasp, wellness than about new ideas in theatrical design. However, this neo-minimalism is good for stage design that forefronts projections which is about new ideas being expressed through new technology so it's not all about taking no risks, economically and artistically. 

Mr. Butler is wrong about the ancient Greek theater not having much scenery. It actually had quite a bit including triangular painted scene panels that could be turned to create new combinations of background settings. And some of the plays that have been lost call for elaborate change of settings during the play. 

BrodyFosse123 said: "Anyone questioning this must lack common sense. Everyone producing and creating a Broadway show would LOVE to have fully scale sets, casts, etc. but sadly, the reality of what it costs to even get a Broadway show financed is astronomical today - this minimalism and use of LED screens are creating choices but a direction they can simulate the full scale vision they would love to do but can't anymore. Yes, some shows (mostly plays) choose barebones and minimal staging for their interpretations but this isn't the reason most every show today lacks the lavish insane sets we once saw on Broadway. I've been seeing shows on Broadway since 1972 (I was 7 years old) and what sucked me into the madness of Broadway were those sets and how, to my little boy head, everything on stage looked like a move but live. My first recollection of a minimal set designed show was the original Broadway production of EVITA. It was literally a black box set design with an industrial factory look to it and a screen with projection throughout. There was the scaffolding for the balcony of the Casa Posada; their bedroom was just a bed and a nightstand, etc. I think David Rockwell's gloriously lavish set for the 2016 Broadway revival of SHE LOVES ME was the last time I recall seeing an opulent set like the old days on a Broadway stage today."

What about Moulin Rouge and NYNY?  

I definitely agree with your overall point...where did all the sets go?  I recently saw 'The Mousetrap' in London and was reminded just how much I love well-detailed sets.  It added to my surprised enjoyment of the show.    In more recent years, I loved the set for the most recent The Royal Family (how long ago was that), the most recent 'You Can't Take it with You', and POTUS...real old-fashioned sets with enormous detail.  Hell, in the old days, if the play was boring, you could always study the set.

I will also admit that I did not miss a set with A Doll's House...I actually think it may have improved the end-result.  You were not distracted by an elaborate set and could focus 100% on the story and performances.