Would August Wilson have approved of folks shelling out $300 for Fences?- Page 2

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 5/21/10 at 8:34pm

"No Phyllis, actually dreaming of a world where theaters go out of their way to offer discounted tickets to school groups and people who couldn't normally afford to go, black or white, students or seniors..."

It has debated on these boards to death, but it all comes down to the fact that theatre is a privilege, not a right and based on who is treading the boards, some people without means will be shut out. This is no different than a Miley Cyrus or Bruce Springsteen concert. Theatre is an entertainment, like all the others. I'm not saying it is fair, but that is the system.

No top name music acts or sports team offer rushes, lotteries or discounts. Why would theatre be any different? Honestly. It somehow seems that people get irate when cheap seats aren't offered.Theatre is a business like all the others.

[Shubert Alley Cat]

Posted: 5/22/10 at 12:07am

I bought my orchestra seat the day after the reviews came out -- paid $120. Had I waited just a little while longer, I would have been priced out of the show as the same seats were going for $350 just days later!

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/22/10 at 12:14am

I used the mezz discount.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 5/22/10 at 12:21am

Does ANY playwright love the idea of their work being available only to the moneyed?

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 5/22/10 at 12:37am

I think playwrights would love their work to be accessible, but they also want to pay the bills and eat, like any other artist.

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/22/10 at 1:52am

From what I know of August, he would not have cared for the behavior of some audience members but I don't think he would have minded the price...on Broadway.

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 5/22/10 at 8:06am

Bettyboy72: You talk about rock concerts not offering discounts and the theatre being a business, so why should IT offer discounts. But the theatre does offer discounts, lotteries, and standing room at reduced prices, and as I have already said FENCES too offered a discount for second balcony seats through BroadwayBox.com. So, you contradict yourself.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 5/22/10 at 10:24am

It is my understanding that FENCES and A VIEW FRON THE BRIDGE offered discounts for a brief period either before the run started or at the very beginning, but nothing ongoing. My point was to people who are upset now that discounts, lotteries and rushes are not a given and prices are so high. We can't count on such things to be available as they are not available for most other forms of entertainment.