the Glengarry Mystery

Straight plays usually have a harder time on Broadway because it is usually harder for people to gain interest without the likes of a Cast Recording or other types of advertisement. Also, drama is not the most attractive thing to an audience that is usuat is usually tourists, who make up a large percentage of the theatre-going audience.

oops... but still, why is it playing to such small audiences!? its almost mind boggling. it proves that even with an uber talented cast, tonys and AWESOME reviews... a show can still not do well

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My partner and I were actually discussing this over dinner (after 'La Cage') today. We are both New Yorkers. He is a casual theatergoer, mostly musicals. I am the theatre-nut, who will buy a ticket to the opening of an envelope. I specifically wondered why New Yorkers, who are (we like to think) intellectually curious, well-educated, and eager to take advantage of all our city has to offer, don't attend the theatre in greater numbers. Here is what we came up with:
- The cost
- The competition for the entertainment dollar (sports, movies, concerts)
- Perception that the theatre is just for tourists
- Decrease in the importance of the city as the 'center of everything'.
- Too much trouble to come to the theatre district
- Ignorance about what theatre is all about
- Feeling that theatre is for effete snobs

I understand why people might stay away from musicals (I had one date with a guy who had a problem with people bursting into song and dance. I got rid of him before dessert), but I, too, have trouble understanding why someone who loves the stimulation of New York enough to put up with the frustration of living here wouldn't want to experience the thrill of a crackling good drama or the joy of a delicious comedy.

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*snicker*

Anyway, this has been a crowded season for plays- only so many can thrive, and it looks like Doubt, Pillowman, and Twelve Angry Men were those plays.

Considering that it's in a pretty big theatre for a play it's doing very well. They have 300 more seats to fill than The Pillowman.

Still, it could and should do better. It was definitely one of the plays that knocked me off my seat this season. Amazing!

QM

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