The concern over "lifting" is moot. Currently most, if not all shows ARE recorded for the archives and anyone with a legitimate reason can go view a show AFTER it's no longer playing on Broadway - for research purposes.
Nothing can ever replace a live performance of a show, but that doesn't mean a video recording is a bastardized version of the show. Case in point are the Sonheim musicals currently on DVD. While they can't replace sitting there in the audience watching, they certainly are a great opportunity to relive the show - and for those people that might not ever get the chance to see the show (or because it's cost prohibitive).
I think some shows could never truly be captured in the way they should be on video. Some things just work better live. I don't think I would want to watch City of Angels on video because there was just something so magical about being there.
I also think that any video release of a show should come a few years (at least) after a show has closed. It should never be released during the run (for obvious reasons).
There definitely needs to be a REASON to release a particular show to the masses. A once in a lifetime performance, an important piece of work, a show not likely to be revived but worthy of preserving, etc.
All that being said - all parties involved should be compensated for their efforts. Which is why many videos do not get released. It's very expensive to make everyone happy. You can't think of releasing a video without making payments to all the unions, there's the cost of the production, marketing, etc.
We all know that cast recordings are incredibly expensive to produce and quite often do not make their money back. Video is a far greater endeavor.
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men" - Willy Wonka
Updated On: 10/30/05 at 12:35 PM