Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?- Page 3
Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Pootie2
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
#50Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/19/15 at 5:56pm
Cost of living comparison between London and NYC:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+Kingdom&city1=London&country2=United+States&city2=New+York%2C+NY&displayCurrency=USD
Basically, merely saying one thing like inflation isn't going to get the bottom of why mounting costs are so different on Broadway compared to other places. There has to be multiple factors going on.
#BoycottTrumplikePattiMurin
maxximumvolume2
Swing Joined: 6/9/09
#51Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/19/15 at 5:56pm
To the poster who said Spider-Man wasn't a thing in the 60s, he in fact was introduced in 1962.
As for the OPs question? Obviously inflation is a factor, but I'd imagine so is the increased cost of real estate/rent in NYC (which is partly to do with inflation but also to do with the way that market shifts), increased salaries, unions, advancements in technology, audience expectations, the cost of other entertainment choices, supply and demand, etc. There are many factors that would have to be explored in much greater detail. That is why inflation is the easiest and most common answer.
#52Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/19/15 at 6:31pm
Full price orchestra tickets for two big budget musicals that are supposed to succeed this year, Twentieth Century and The King and I, are $147 and $142 respectively.
Someone who commented on the Twentieth Century preview thread said that she had seen the original 1978 production and the top ticket price was $18.50, while two shows getting ready to open had announced the $20.00 mark.
Using a calculator found on the 'Net, $20 in 1978 was worth $48 dollars in 2014.
Allowing for some room for inaccuracy in these figures, the price of the top ticket for a Broadway musical now has doubled or tripled in price in thirty-six years, taking inflation into account.
This huge increase has had to have caused some major changes in the composition of a Broadway season. After paying such a hefty price for tickets, the theatergoer does not want to be disappointed. It's not enough to walk out of the theater saying, "That was a pretty good show. I really liked that first act closing number."
The solution is simple. Get the books for the 1978 production of 20th Century, get the books from the current production, and see what items consumed that extra money.
Now where do I find those 1978 books?
trpguyy
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/25/05
#53Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/19/15 at 6:37pmAll that extra money went to the union ushers, obviously!
#54Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/19/15 at 6:39pm
There are so many ways to discount tickets now. I wonder if some of this isn't taking that into account Yes, I just paid with shipping $360 for FH tickets. A friend goes to shows mostly for free or through contests, and she goes to a lot of shows.
Stephanatic
Updated On: 2/19/15 at 06:39 PM
Eurotrash
Featured Actor Joined: 8/28/13
#55Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/19/15 at 7:31pmGiven above inflation price rises, this is not a stupid question to ask. Another reason might be over-regulation.
Why don't you go? Why don't you leave Manderley? He doesn't need you... he's got his memories. He doesn't love you, he wants to be alone again with her. You've nothing to stay for. You've nothing to live for really, have you?
#56Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 2:22amIt's Hollywood accounting. "Wow, everything's so expensive now, putting on a show is SO EXPENSIVE, give us lots of money to put on a show since it takes so much! No, we won't show you our books." Updated On: 2/20/15 at 02:22 AM
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#57Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 3:24amIt's a private venture - why would they have to make their books public?
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Nicole109
Swing Joined: 2/6/15
#58Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 5:37am
rob136
Understudy Joined: 10/5/14
#59Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 10:22am
Two main reasons, and both are common sense:
1) Inflation, as many people have said
2) Increases in demand for Broadway shows while supply has been stagnant
On the second point, yes, I know that there are great shows off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway, but when you fly in from out of state or even out of country to see a show, you're seeing a BROADWAY show. The tourist demand has increased by virtue of population increasing, if nothing else, over the years. But you can't just build a new theatre in the theatre district. There's no more space. Supply is mostly stagnant, so prices go up.
There's also a more complicated third reason in that they don't offer the same prices to all consumers. They offer the best tickets for super high prices because people will pay them and then sell balcony seats to those who can't afford orchestra. They manage to make every consumer pay close to their reservation price (the highest they'd be willing to pay) by offering seats at varying prices and qualities. Also through a plethora of discount programs.
BROADWAY: The Cripple of Inishmaan, This is Our Youth, If/Then, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (x3), Cabaret (x2), The Real Thing, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Chicago, Les Miserables (x2) Disgraced, Finding Neverland, On the Twentieth Century, Wolf Hall Part I, On the Town, Fun Home; TOURING: Jekyll and Hyde, The Book of Mormon; LOCAL: The Twilight Zone, Anne Boleyn, Death and the Maiden, The Lying Kind, Chorus Line, Stupid F**king Bird
ErinDillyFan
Broadway Star Joined: 7/14/06
#60Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 10:34am
I haven't seen anyone say, "Because they can." Concert/entertainment tickets in general have far outpaced inflation. The demand in general, due to more discretionary income, has allowed prices to increase without curbing the demand. Yet, individual shows still close.
I don't think unions can be blamed, as they see producers making more money from higher ticket prices they want some of that money for their work. I see ticket prices driving up wages not the other way around.
#61Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 12:19pm
I'm still figuring out how the increased price of goods and services can be explained without taking into account the economy.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Updated On: 2/20/15 at 12:19 PM
#62Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 12:34pmThe goods and services are obviously more expensive now due to the economy, although $250,000 is not the equivalent of 10 million now. I think one of the big reasons why shows are more expensive to mount today is because they just need more of everything; more goods and services. Ultimately, I find that to be the biggest reason why shows are more expensive to mount today. $250,000 in 1960 would only be 2 million today. Clearly, it is not just inflation and the economy. That is the point I am trying to make, but everybody is so quick to bitch at me!
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Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
#63Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 12:47pm
No matter what, theater prices will continue to rise with no end in sight.The only way it will is when people stop going.Some people are so hooked they would sell their first born child or cut off one of their hands to see a show. I feel sorry for these people.I used to really enjoy it but never got to the stage some have.Now we see many fewer shows and somehow we make it thru life happily.
If you love or like theater to the point you will pay anything to see shows, go for it.When you see people who repeatedly see the same shows over and over again you than realize why producers believe they have people by the short hairs.
Bottom line is no matter what the reason or reasons, nothing will change until people say enough is enough and stop buying tix.
Poster Emeritus
#64Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 12:52pmlol when did i ever talk about ticket prices?
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Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
#65Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 12:55pmPeople talk about ticket prices.They are the reason theater is so expensive.You can get into the nuts and bolts but the bottom line is what it costs to see a show.
Poster Emeritus
neonlightsxo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
#66Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 1:06pmLet's just put Roxy and Phillypinto in a room and let them hash this out.
#67Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 1:09pmneonlightsxo says the dumbest things
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FishermanBob
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/9/12
#68Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 1:09pmHow about inside of a bank vault and then we burn the combination.
#69Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 1:11pm
I think part of it is that Broadway has become more and more geared toward tourist audiences and shows are not aiming to be reliant on New York audiences buying tickets.
If someone traveled to Vegas maybe they would pay $200 to see Celine Dion because they could reason they are on vacation, it will be a once in a lifetime experience/purchase for them, etc. The same holds true for seeing someone in concert. Broadway has taken up that model. It's not designed for people trying to see multiple shows a month, let alone multiple times a week. It is an event to treat yourself to on a special occasion.
The expensive of tickets is an issue for many of us on this board because we go often and even the cheap seats in the back aren't all that cheap anymore.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#70Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 1:11pm
Unions
Keeping with the Mormons. If the Book of Mormon people can charge 200 per ticket so can we.
Discounts being the norm except for sold out shows. Tickets are priced knowing that they will probably sell at one half their retail price. If you can sell em full price...even better!
#71Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 2:30pmor just throw fishermanbob and neonlightsxo in there and let them be sarcastic old little grumps together
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FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#72Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 2:39pm
I have been meditating on Roxy's latest Zen koan since he posted it. I feel closer to enlightenment.
People talk about ticket prices. They are the reason theater is so expensive. You can get into the nuts and bolts but the bottom line is what it costs to see a show.
Twitter @NamoInExile
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Updated On: 2/20/15 at 02:39 PM
#73Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/20/15 at 2:58pmlol I'm still not even sure what that means
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#74Why is theatre so much more expensive nowadays?
Posted: 2/21/15 at 1:15am
Discounts being the norm except for sold out shows. Tickets are priced knowing that they will probably sell at one half their retail price. If you can sell em full price...even better!
Yes, should probably look at the average price of admission in addition to the top ticket price.
So many discounts. If you ordered your tickets for OTTC by February 1st, you could have gotten a lot of those $147 tickets, all except Orchestra Center I think, for $89 or $99.
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