Why Does Everyone Hate Musical Theater?- Page 3

[grizzabella]

Posted: 11/26/05 at 8:27pm

This has been a fascinating discussion. For many people, especially those not living in or near New York or some other city that has a theatrical community, their only exposure to musicals is whatever the local high school is doing for their Spring show. As talented as high schoolers are, and I've seen some excellent high school productions, they are still not professional theatre, and good, professional quality regional theatre does not exist everywhere. I can't imagine that this situation will inspire many people to seek out musicals on DVD's. Nor are they willing, this being the case, to shell out the $50 to $100 for tickets should the opportunity come along if their idea of "musical theatre" is what they see at the local high school once a year. Add in the stereotypical thinking ie. the "snob factor" and "gay factor" and you've lost a good chunk of middle America. It's just the way it is. Even those of us who enjoy theatre (musicals and otherwise) have vastly divergent opinions on what is good, what is worth seeing etc. North American culture has changed enormously since the hayday of the 30's through the 50's. It shouldn't be that surprising that theatre, in many ways, has become a niche in the entertainment industry. I could be wildly off track, but that's the way I see it.

[greenegirl87]

Posted: 11/26/05 at 8:33pm

Yes, you truly have to experience the WHOLE experience( sorry to repeat a word!) of great theatre to completely fall in love with it.