Kudos to how quickly you got this posted! I read a news item this morning on the Days/Wine closing and thought to myself..I wish Katharine could explain why to me....and Here it is ! Same day service. Thank you🎉
Not that I know anything about any of this, but... One, there are 18 shows currently waiting for theatres. That's amazing. There seems to always be new product waiting for a spot on the self. Two, I look at the money on IBDB and think, 'you can't make it when you are making that kind of money, geez'. Maybe the top needs to settle for less money and keep a show running. Three, maybe theatre goers shouldn't think of Broadway as the end all be all of theatre. Maybe Chicago, which has a great theatre history, needs to provide more of an outlet for theatre goers. Maybe the Jeff Awards need to be more desirable. Maybe LA needs to do the same. Instead of having all of finest product in New York or wanting to get to New York, maybe striving for Chicago and LA or Houston as the top of the chain could be the goal. Let's see people planning their theatre trips to those cities. Oh, and tickets cost too much money.
Theatre fan who also works in the industry (but across the country from NY) here! To me, it seems like shows have always had this sort of life span, but we just notice the early closures more in the age of social media because they now have a platform to reach their fanbases in spite of their limited audiences, which is something that financially unsuccessful shows didn't have in the past. (Just my personal take, and obviously with the industry hit from covid we haven't fully recovered yet) Audiences for national tours are still coming in droves, so you are right about the success of non-NYC based shows thriving right now. The problem here, as someone who has only seen two shows on broadway and one show off-broadway, is that I haven't been shocked by a closure in quite some time. Almost every show that has closed early this year has been a show where people expressed their disinterest from initial promo (once upon a one more time, bad cinderella, even with harmony-which i was personally very interested in seeing-i remember people saying that it didn't look good when they released rehearsal footage...). None of these shows have really advertised well enough imo. For people like me, who rarely get to visit and only get to see 1-2 shows per visit, it has to be a big sell. I chose Phantom because it was closing and seeing it on Broadway had been my dream for years, Little Shop because their marketing team is superb and their casting decisions have been very smart, and Moulin Rouge (guilty) because I wanted to see Aaron Tveit. Ended up loving MR most. Not even because of Tveit but because, as someone who has seen A LOT of theatre, it was unique. It was super immersive and unlike any other show I've seen before. Sure, all of these shows are incredible, have incredible casts, and are very worthy of being on Broadway, (and people will debate the integrity of a jukebox musical but i digress) but they need to stand out in an easily identifiable way. When you see photos of the Al Hirschfeld theatre with the neon sign, you want to buy a ticket. They've done pretty well for themselves in terms of marketing. They've had the sing-along performances. They have a fanbase that isn't reliant on the actors in the show because they know how to get the audiences in and the show is unique enough to make them want to come back. I feel like the key to success on Broadway right now is marketing to the younger generations through social media. Sure, it gets an eye-roll from a lot of people, but it's just reality right now. The broadway regulars are going to see the shows regardless, they'll probably do the research and look into the shows on their own. With the younger generations and tourists, you're only going to be their pick if they know the show before their trip, since so many shows now have an established presence and discourse on social media. If a TikTok user goes to New York with the opportunity to see two shows, and they already know Hamilton and Hadestown, then those are the two they're going to want to see, they're not going out of their way to find two other options instead. The shows that are going to come out on top are the ones that make you want to plan a trip to NYC just to see them, not the shows that advertise to the people who are already there. From an outsider perspective of someone with a lot of friends who are somewhat-theatre fans and pick their shows that way, this is just my take :) Great video!
I said to some powers that be at the start of the pandemic, that they need to look at what Hollywood was doing. That they needed to become their own studio/media company and start streaming their shows. Their response was, "We're not Hollywood. We're not going to do that." And then every regional theater started to stream shows. I'm so glad to hear someone else say it. If only they would listen. I'm not surprised about Roses, but Spamalot... That was unexpected.
I’m in Texas. I only come once a year so I’m in a different category from the locals. I hate to admit it but I often come for one show and stay for 8 more. 🤣 The first real Broadway trip, we came for Hamilton in 2016 and stayed for Dear Evan Hansen and An American in Paris (and more). In 2018 we came for Boys in the Band and stayed for Hello Dolly and Carousel. Since I meet my friend for shows, she picks half and I pick the other half. I tend to choose newer shows with famous Broadway folks. My bff tends to pick older shows…and Sutton Foster, her girl crush. I tend not to see shows more than once, because of time. The only show I have seen twice on Broadway is Chicago. It was my first Broadway show ever in 2008 (I’m still kicking myself for not choosing In the Heights) and I brought my daughter in 2023 to see a handful of shows and it was one of her top picks. I’m trying to get back before Merrily closes…and I was going to include Spamalot on my list bc I saw a local theater group do it years ago and it was FANTASTIC! I’m so sad it’s closing! And fwiw, because I follow you, when my daughter and I came to NY in 2023, we took the train from Times Square to NJ to see Gatsby. That was a wild experience…I had done subways before but never commuter train. Anywhoops, I would absolutely love live streaming. But I will need lots of date options because I have a lot of life things going on. However if I know I have the option of every Friday night and Sunday matinee, I’m sure I could find a time. Annnndd, if I loved it, I would 💯 plan to watch it again with my friends or family. And just to prove your point, I saw waitress on Broadway, I then saw it in Houston, then I saw it twice in the theater and I was just talking to my friend about renting it together. My love of live theater is not diminished by other forms of consumption. If anything, it supports it. My kids have found “slime videos” of lots of productions. My eldest has adhd tendencies. She will watch over and over for comfort. She knows every word of Newsies. Not just the music. Every word. Does that diminish her love for that show? Not even a little? Have we seen community versions, yes. Are we seeing the professional local version next month? Also yes.
I think Death Becomes Her has the best ad campaign so far. They started off their Instagram by running ads for the potion like it was a channel #5 ad. Brilliant!
I have felt for a while, even though I haven't seen it, that Days of our Wine and Roses was more suited for an off broadway or regional house. I love me some BDJ, KH and AG, but Especially right now, where spectacle is king- the show has always felt out of place. Its just has absolutely no commercial appeal in a time when we are rife with war and sadness each day. Also, the closures are just a reflection of the real crisis that exists here - an economic one. Until there is change and disruption, it'll only get worse. I wish we could just all stop, put our egos aside, make some reform happen and fix the issues for the next generation - including me and many other my age....
I'm in Chicago, so I'm lucky that I've gotten to catch a couple of the current/upcoming shows when they tried out here. That being said, I do head to NYC twice a year to catch shows - a mix of plays and musicals (this spring looks like mostly plays since I caught a lot of the musicals in Chicago or this fall). The major thing for me is word of mouth/professional reviews, followed by the folks involved (cast, writers, designers sometimes, etc.). I tend to be more into the "serious shows" than the big budget ones (if you're asking me to watch a stage version of a movie, you better have a hook that makes it worth my time and "there's music now!" doesn't cut it), which limits what I end up seeing. But if a show is getting across the board raves, I'm in. I read the reviews of critics I tend to mesh with and see what they think. And that really drives me to buy a ticket when I'm coming from out of town.
I live in MA and although I enjoy seeing Broadway shows (I try to visit once a year) and tours, I found that I enjoy the atmosphere of regional productions so much better. They have a warmth and welcoming feeling that Broadway shows don't necessarily have and they're so much less chaotic. Any time I see a Broadway show or a tour I always hear people screaming at the top of their lungs about how many Broadway shows they've seen and I feel like it's become a competition of who can afford Broadway and that those who see the most are the "elite". The audiences at regional productions seem to have more appreciation for the production which is what draws me to see regional theatre more. Not that Broadway productions and tours have lost heart but they've just become so overwhelming to attend. I also feel like the increasing number of new shows trying to come to Broadway has been forcing shows out such as Shucked and Spamalot, where I think they could have survived much longer if it weren't for all of these new shows.
I work in the city and right outside. There are so many shows right now that I can't keep up. It's also so expensive that I pick and choose based on either actors or material that I'm excited about. I can't wait for The Notebook and Great Gatsby. Loving the content you're making for Gatsby!
Idk if this is already a thing but wouldn’t it be a smart idea for a show to partner with a hotel or hotel chain and offer a discount deal like 30% off the ticket and 30% off the total stay?
I would love that so much!! My Canadian city used to do dinner and show packages, they were great. (Not the same as accommodations but we aren't NYC, nobody travels here to see theater...)
I’m a huge theater goer here in nyc, I feel like shows come and go so quick. We need more original musicals, we need better theater going experiences and of course pricing, advertising etc can be huge issues if not done correctly
I live in nyc and I work babysitting for broadway families and other families in the arts, so it’s hard to see shows because my nights off are the shows’ nights off. When I have time to see a show I usually lottery and rush and just see what I can get tickets to and eventually see the things I want, I usually go out of my way to choose a show to see if I care about the performers in it (on a personal level or a fan level) or if the marketing and socials of the show have told me it’s one I will enjoy (how to dance in Ohio being a great example of this)
I’m in WNY/Upstate- some of the factors that drive my decisions making process- 1. I don’t see shows twice (unless they’re Hadestown) 2. I’m also trying to not repeat theatres but that’s a me thing 3. What have theatre influencers/the NYT said about the show 4. Is there something else that looks interesting? Water For Elephants sold me on a recent trip because of their tech week content, because I do backstage work
Suburban NJ person here- I get into the city less, period. It’s not just me- People used to commute in, now they are remote at least half the time. It’s harder to see a show after work when you are no longer physically there. The commuter theater crowd is gone. So to get into the city on the weekend- I have to really, really, really want to see it. Shows I’m just curious about- I no longer can see.
I am loving Water for Elephants marketing right now, it is such a cool show and they have been showing so much behind the scenes so I feel like I am in for the ride with this show
I live in WY and will travel 4hrs 1 way to see tours in Denver. I've only made it NYC 3x in the past 8 years. I would love for more streaming options! I love the PBS performances. I do sometimes love being surprised with shows I'm not familiar with which does happen with my Denver Center season tickets. But when I've been to NYC the shows I end up seeing is typically decided by ticket prices
I’m from Texas and I would come to NY to see things I didn’t think I’d be able to see on tour. Your gatsby videos made me buy plane tickets I couldn’t afford to see it 😂. Now I just want to see what the best NY theater has to offer.
Most of the shows I see are in Toronto and Stratford Ontario. The likelyhood of me being able to see anything NY is pretty slim. I love seeing whats showing there and London because it gives me a heads up with what may be in Toronto - usually takes 3 or so years for the popular shows to tour there, unless its a pre Broadway run.The major producer Mirvish has 4 theaters, soon to be 3, so a long running show (over 6- 8 weeks, the usual run time for most shows) tends to be the exception. Its just built into the system that a show wont be around forever. I have noticed that post covid they are bringing in big titles for even just a week or two to get people back. They have extended a few shows as much as they can but cant always do that given the schedule commitments to other tours coming through. Right now Six is doing well and keeps getting extended. Come From Away is waiting in the wings for a come back after Six does its thing. It would probably still be there if it hadnt had to be closed twice with the shutdown. Things were too unpredictable to keep everyone dangling. Lion King must have an open run because nothing is scheduled for that particular theater for the whole season, which is unusual. Even the plays part of the 'off mirvish' season were all extended or returing later this year. To me that shows that there is an audience for theater - at least in Toronto. Maybe its the shorter runs and the good variety of shows for everyone that seems to be working well there Theyve stepped up their social media a bit too - at least trying to. They do theme nights and sing alongs sometimes too for the really popular shows. Lottery and rush seats are also available for some shows as well. Random question I've been thinking about: do theater contracts for performers, tech, etc include posting on social media, doing press? Or is that an unpaid expectation for the front facing people of a show? I know Broadway. Com has backstage takeover blogs for some shows (very bingeable as theres so many over the years), insta take overs, personal account posting etc. That all takes time and effort and unless they have a paid social coordinator it just seems like extra unpaid work for people. Do shows open with the hope that it will runs for years and years? Or do they just keep mounting show after show and hope that one sticks? The fact that they dont coordinate even a little with whats coming and when, seems odd to me. Wouldnt it make sense to have that line of communication open to help everyone succeed and not compete for audience members. There should also be a cap with how much theater owners can charge for tickets - shouldnt be an elite status thing but an accessible thing for as many people as possible which would lead to longer runs. Hopefully they can work something out to have pro shot/live streams built into theater contracts that protect union workers and get people hyped about a show. Theater fans would happily watch a recording and live in person if given the chance. 'Slime tutorials'while frowned upon have never stopped someone from paying to see a show if they can get tickets near them. If anything it helps hype the show up and build a fan base.
I'm a New Yorker. I see shows that I really connect to their story or the music and when I feel like I have enough money. I haven't seen a show twice yet. I would definitely consider a subscription model so i know i have a seat and a ticket at a known price.
I'm based in NYC, lately in order to see as many shows as possible I'm very big on general and last minute rush. I did win digital rush to Back to the Future this past weekend, but it was going to be my third time seeing it and I don't know if I could have stomached seeing it a third time in six months despite it being one of my most favorite shows on Broadway at the moment. I don't really want to get too comfortable with the material that I know the lines as well as the actors, it's kind of like hearing a comedian do their bits more than once - the repeated times are nearly grating for me to hear. Here's a cool idea for a show - I did Drum Corps International while in college and we had an Angels vs Demons theme, there were rumors going around that summer that audience members could text who they wanted to win, Angels or Demons, and then be privy to one of two possible endings. I'd love to see a Broadway show that has two or more alternate endings - it would work so well for something like Hadestown (which I've seen 4x within a year) where there's such a desperate urge for it to end differently. If a show had multiple endings I'd want to go back to see each one - Gatsby Immersive was like this and if it went on for longer I would have loved to see it multiple times, and like you said different alternative theater experiences would draw audiences into new formats of Broadway. Here Lies Love was also something I very much wanted to see (and went to!) for the different theatre experience.
I agree with what you said about not wanting to travel to see Broadway shows in NY. I live out of state and I generally only go see a Broadway show if there is someone I want to see in the cast. I’d rather just watch a touring production near me then the cost of travel. Last summer I went to NY to see LSOH w/ Jeremy Jordan. Because I was already in NY we also saw Sweeny Todd and Back to the Future. I think that might be the same for others.
I think what the Wiz is doing, kinda touring the country first on a "yellow brick road" adventure with Oz being Broadway. The hype is real, the content has been great and think of the bonding and experience the cast will have together by the time they hit broadway. Brilliant!
I feel like the accessibility and affordability for me is the thing. Tickets are expensive. If I want to support the theatre/show and not the third party. It's also expensive to go into the city as I'm on long island so it's not the easiest
I'm based right outside NYC (so transportation/travel to see shows isn't a major issue for me), and the biggest motivating factor for me to actually buy a ticket to a show is usually just seeing content of the show-whether that be rehearsal footage, special performances, etc. If I can get a solid taste/preview of an amazing score (or incredible acting, or great chemistry in the cast, or set design or special effects or whatever it is that the show really does well), I'll be hooked. There are so many shows that I'll think seem really cool but don't have much actual content about their show out there, and if it's between that show and a different show that has put out a lot of previews/content that I was intrigued by, I'll always choose the latter. It's really a matter of having a basic idea about whether I'll enjoy the show I'm paying to see, so if I just don't have enough information to make that call, of course I'll choose the show that *did* give me enough information. Especially in the age of social media, content is everything IMO
I am from Massachusetts and I tend to come to NYC once or twice a year. What gets me to come to Broadway is if there is a show I specially want to see a particular cast member in. For example, I knew I wanted to see the Off-Broadway revival of LSH but I waited until it was announced Jeremy Jordan was going in. Seemed like a once in a life time chance (and of course he came back a few months later). Also if it’s a show I want to be in the room for. I knew Hadestown was going to sweep the Tony’s so I purchased my ticket the March before the awards and I saw it the week after it won the Tonys in 2019. As for socials that I am a huge fan of is surprisingly Death Becomes Her. The few posts they have gotten up have me in a choke hold because they’re filming videos with Jenn and Megan in the style of humor the show is leaning towards. It has me very interested even though it’s a property I never knew until this adaption was announced.
I love broadway! I'm really excited about Great Gatsby!! I love the instagram accounts of &Juliet, they're doing such a great job keeping up with the fans and they have such a great fan base! Hadestown and Moulin Rouge do a good jobs too!
I'm in Toronto, Canada and go to NYC . I'm always torn between seeing new shows and seeing shows I love and want to see again when I go to NYC since I don't have a lot of time there and can only see a limited number of shows. On my last trip, I saw 3 repeat shows I've seen before (Six, Titanique, and & Juliet) and 2 new shows (Gutenberg closing night, Once Upon A Mattress). What usually brings me back to see a show is the cast and if it's fun/a good time. I try to see new shows that are closing soon/have end dates first but there's always never enough time and money to be able to see them all. IMO there are way too many new shows opening all at once and closing so fast I don't get to see them and some of the ticket prices are out of my price range (i.e. Merrily We Roll Along). We also need more affordable tickets to fill those seats when they're not selling as well (it would still generate more revenue for the show than having a lot of empty seats in the theatre).
I'm upset. I had tickets for Spamalot for May. I was really looking forward to it. I also had Shucked and Harmony. It's crazy. You would have to be in NY every 3 months at least to not lose a show.
I think it is crazy that they can close a show after tickets are sold. If things are looking dire, they should not release tickets in such large blocks. And if you have bought a ticket, they should perform until those tickets are honored.
just found your channel....love your summary of the issues.... here is one...why so many shows in London.??????? is it the unions setting to high requirements which drive up the cost of a show???? maybe shows need to all play limited runs....have a wider turn-over...????????
Love this video! I'm a production stage manager in Durban, South Africa. I have been incredibly fortunate to have visited NYC quite a few times. The first time was 1998, so there was much less info available online as to what shows were on, but obviously people knew what the big long-running shows were. I then tended to check out the billboards in Time Sq - which is exactly how I got to go see 42nd Street - the pic was of 3 girls on the floor with footlights. It looked magical... and it was. I think when looking for a show, I generally want a musical, and then one that is fun and entertaining. I also tend to go with shows that are more complex technically, or indeed seem to be so - but that is merely a personal preference. I also think ticket prices are something which really needs to be looked into. Is theatre becoming too expensive / inaccessible?
I'm from Florida, so I try to visit NYC at least once a year (twice if I'm lucky). My most anticipated show is actually SUFFS, and I'd love to also see Great Gatsby and Cabaret. I am very influenced by the cast of each show, along with if it's a style/plot that I'm interested in. I don't normally re-watch shows in NYC because there are so many to see! But I have gone to Six, Jagged Little Pill, Once on this Island, Oklahoma, and Little Shop of Horrors more than once in recent years.
It feels like there were some missed opportunities surrounding particularly alex brightman, given the popularity of hazbin hotel, it feels like there were opportunities to market their stars that they didn’t take
I live in NJ & go into the city all the time to see shows. I typically see 1-2 shows per week. For me the biggest factors are ticket price & the storyline. The lotteries & rush tickets are my best friends. I will see anything once. If I love it, I may go back multiple times. (Saw Shucked 11 times!). If not, it’s a one-and-done. I saw Spamalot in previews, thought it was good but I prefer the original Broadway production. Sorry to hear it’s closing. You’re right, there aren’t enough comedies on Broadway. I have tickets to Wine & Roses next week. I’ve seen the grosses for the show & I’m sad but not surprised it’s closing early. In regards to what’s coming up, I’m most interested in Water for Elephants because I love the novel & have been intrigued by what the show has posted on Instagram. Also Suffs because it’s an original story & I love & want to support original shows without a well known title or huge star in the show.
I'm in the tri-state area, I don't think the tri-state area wants to deal with Midtown Manhattan at the current prices on broadway. It seems to have gotten worse post-pandemic. When I go to buy tickets I think of how horrid mid-town is and start to think is it worth this price to deal with that and the time to travel, or do I do something else. Lately I've been choosing do something else. Boston is close, Goodspeed opera house, papermill. My parents looked to come to NYC to go to shows, but it's cheaper for them to fly to London and see more shows. New York needs major PR help, and honestly some cleanup if they want people to come back.
Could the problem too many Broadway shows are opening in one season? Because we have so many options there may not be enough people to buy all of the tickets. I could be totally wrong but that’s just my thought.
Not exactly local, I'm 30 minutes from Amsterdam. I WISH more shows did livestreaming and pro-shots. I've seen Hamilton as a proshot and you best believe I want to see that live in theater. I KNOW I'm going to have the best time. I'm going to NYC soon, I WANT to have a magical time on Broadway. I can't exactly hop over on a weekend, my time is very limited. So I'll have to pick wisely. People who think selling a proshot will discourage theater attendance have it exactly the wrong way around. I feel they don't really understand the magic of theater - or the desires of their audience. Would these people also think Taylor Swift's fans will think "nah thanks, I've seen the music video already." when she announces a stadium tour? Of course they're going even if they've heard the songs a thousand times. They're going for the experience, the magic, the electricity. An unforgettable night. Honestly, it's baffling that Broadway doesn't understand this! But I can't exactly hear a musical on the radio, so get your material out there!! So that when I'll go to NYC once every few years, I'll pick YOUR show because I'm already a fan.
Hadestown is a show I've seen twice and would see again and again. I can't wait to see Stuffs! I'm not sure what exactly hooked me. If tickets were less I would travel from 6 hours away more. But my sister and I go at least once a year. Kimberly Akimbo was amazing, but the marketing didn't actually hit what the show was about. I don't know that I would have seen it if Mickey Jo theater hadn't reviewed it.
I live in Queens and have no problems commuting to the theater. But I am a picky theater goer. The story has to be intriguing to me and the music has to be my style. I loved Harmony as I did find the story interesting and I enjoyed the score but that still closed early. You just don’t know now how things go with the majority taste post COVID. I’m already hearing bad things about Water for elephants. I was interested in the story as I never saw the movie or read the read the book but after listening to some of the songs, the score was really not my kind of music so I decided to skip the show. I did see Spamalot twice and it did so well at the beginning of its run, it’s interesting it started slowing down once Michael Urie and Taran left the show.
It's sad that these shows are closing but maybe it can also be ok? Hear me out (and bear with me as I've just woken up). It feels like the goal for most shows these days is to have a super long run on Broadway and become another Wicked or Hamilton, and while that would be great, there are literally not enough theatres for everyone to do this. Maybe theatre producers and owners should be looking at more cost effective ways to mount shows for a purposely shorter run. I'm not sure how possible this is, but if it was more the norm that the Broadway season was just that, a season of shows, it could help to set expectations from the start. I feel like Roundabout have more of a setup like this already so maybe there's something that can be taken from this? I don't know if it's the right answer at all but what I think a lot of it comes down to is making it more cost effective to put a show on Broadway (therefore making ticket prices more accessible) mixed with getting the right marketing for your audience, whether that be tiktok or an appearance on GMA! PS - messaged on insta about the marketing stuff from the last video, just in case it went into your requests folder :)
A lot of shows do limited runs and then extend if they are doing well. Think Into the Woods and Merrily. But people don't want their new work to be a limited run from the start. Also it makes it harder for tourists to see shows if they are only on for 3 months. Most people only travel once per year and see shows, so it is frustrating when a show is scheduled for such a short time.
@karenschaeffer798 totally appreciate that - I'm from the UK and lucky enough to be able to come over twice a year, usually getting 5-6 Shows in each time. It's very frustrating not being able to see all the things I want to see so I get this sentiment. I do also appreciate some productions already do this, and it's great when they get extended, but the expectation isn't there and I think that's where it goes wrong for some shows, the expectation is to go for as long as possible even if they don't have the right resources and/or interest levels. It would be interesting to see more productions adopt the same strategy as The Wiz, touring first rather than doing one out of town tryout city, THEN heading to Broadway. Most do the other way around so it'll be interesting to see how that works for them
When it comes to viewing a show for me it has to do with whether I am interested in the play, train trip, funds it would cost, the time it would take (for me it is a whole day affair). There are quite a few plays I am interested in but realistically I can only do 2 or 3 a year. Reviews, marketing, word of mouth, star interviews etc impact whether I go. DOWAR was a non starter with me because of subject matter and dreariness of story. While I appreciate the actors, crafts etc.. It was not entertaining to me in a way that would justify the commitment. of time and cost. Spamalot was a similar non starter though I knew the entertainment factor was there. For the new plays coming out I am interested in Water For Elephants, The Outsiders, and Mary Jane. Reviews and marketing will dictate which of the 3 I see since, unless a couple run for a long period, I will be unable to see all of them.
sorry about DAYS.....but it was not a happy show.......still a wonderful show... SPAMALOT was a revival.....and many had seen the original......maybe been better at a smaller theatre....to many seats to fill
i do not listen to the critics.......look at a show......the music...book....actors.... not into CABERET....and have not been impressed with the ads for WATER for.... NOT SURE ABOUT THE NOTEBOOK....ETC.. maybe the cost of tickets is too high for visitors...so they pick an established show they know...DISNEY....etc.. not understand why SHUCKED closed to replace it with TOMMY.....a revival......SHUCKED was doing all right business....never below 80% full...and it was new material and got tony nominations...sure it could have lasted at least another 6 months... maybe too many shows wait for the end of the season...rather then start earlier....so over-load the tourist with TOO MANY things to choose from
Sorry, Broadway has out priced itself. Most of the shows on Broadway are just commercial garbage anyway and definitely NOT worth going to crime ridden overpriced dirty NYC anymore. And as for unions, they are not the problem. It's greedy producers, who also own the theaters. If you want to be an artist, get out of NYC. That's not where it's happening anymore. Hasn't been for years.
I'm in a whole other (non US) country. Pre pandemic I saw 50+ regional shows a year (spanning from amateur to professional to touring to going out of town). Since 2020? I'm lucky if I get 3 in. Why? COST. AFFORDABILITY. THIS ECONOMY. Prices are just crazy and not worth it for a show I might not be interested in the content of, or have already seen, or might actively not enjoy the experience because of people on their phones, being drunk, etc. I suppose my habits have also changed, it's easier to stay home. But I love theater and I miss theater. I'd pay for livestreams. I'd pay for affordable tickets. I'd rush tickets. None of these options are available locally anymore. Everything has gone up. (Also I really really really want a comedy or fun show. Life is super hard and depressing right now, I don't want something political or heartbreaking). Just my 2c, hope that helped.
Kudos to how quickly you got this posted! I read a news item this morning on the Days/Wine closing and thought to myself..I wish Katharine could explain why to me....and Here it is ! Same day service. Thank you🎉
Not that I know anything about any of this, but... One, there are 18 shows currently waiting for theatres. That's amazing. There seems to always be new product waiting for a spot on the self. Two, I look at the money on IBDB and think, 'you can't make it when you are making that kind of money, geez'. Maybe the top needs to settle for less money and keep a show running. Three, maybe theatre goers shouldn't think of Broadway as the end all be all of theatre. Maybe Chicago, which has a great theatre history, needs to provide more of an outlet for theatre goers. Maybe the Jeff Awards need to be more desirable. Maybe LA needs to do the same. Instead of having all of finest product in New York or wanting to get to New York, maybe striving for Chicago and LA or Houston as the top of the chain could be the goal. Let's see people planning their theatre trips to those cities. Oh, and tickets cost too much money.
Theatre fan who also works in the industry (but across the country from NY) here! To me, it seems like shows have always had this sort of life span, but we just notice the early closures more in the age of social media because they now have a platform to reach their fanbases in spite of their limited audiences, which is something that financially unsuccessful shows didn't have in the past. (Just my personal take, and obviously with the industry hit from covid we haven't fully recovered yet) Audiences for national tours are still coming in droves, so you are right about the success of non-NYC based shows thriving right now. The problem here, as someone who has only seen two shows on broadway and one show off-broadway, is that I haven't been shocked by a closure in quite some time. Almost every show that has closed early this year has been a show where people expressed their disinterest from initial promo (once upon a one more time, bad cinderella, even with harmony-which i was personally very interested in seeing-i remember people saying that it didn't look good when they released rehearsal footage...). None of these shows have really advertised well enough imo. For people like me, who rarely get to visit and only get to see 1-2 shows per visit, it has to be a big sell. I chose Phantom because it was closing and seeing it on Broadway had been my dream for years, Little Shop because their marketing team is superb and their casting decisions have been very smart, and Moulin Rouge (guilty) because I wanted to see Aaron Tveit. Ended up loving MR most. Not even because of Tveit but because, as someone who has seen A LOT of theatre, it was unique. It was super immersive and unlike any other show I've seen before. Sure, all of these shows are incredible, have incredible casts, and are very worthy of being on Broadway, (and people will debate the integrity of a jukebox musical but i digress) but they need to stand out in an easily identifiable way. When you see photos of the Al Hirschfeld theatre with the neon sign, you want to buy a ticket. They've done pretty well for themselves in terms of marketing. They've had the sing-along performances. They have a fanbase that isn't reliant on the actors in the show because they know how to get the audiences in and the show is unique enough to make them want to come back.
I feel like the key to success on Broadway right now is marketing to the younger generations through social media. Sure, it gets an eye-roll from a lot of people, but it's just reality right now. The broadway regulars are going to see the shows regardless, they'll probably do the research and look into the shows on their own. With the younger generations and tourists, you're only going to be their pick if they know the show before their trip, since so many shows now have an established presence and discourse on social media. If a TikTok user goes to New York with the opportunity to see two shows, and they already know Hamilton and Hadestown, then those are the two they're going to want to see, they're not going out of their way to find two other options instead. The shows that are going to come out on top are the ones that make you want to plan a trip to NYC just to see them, not the shows that advertise to the people who are already there. From an outsider perspective of someone with a lot of friends who are somewhat-theatre fans and pick their shows that way, this is just my take :) Great video!
Good point. I agree. I plan trips around theater tix. I see multiple shows every time I go.
I said to some powers that be at the start of the pandemic, that they need to look at what Hollywood was doing. That they needed to become their own studio/media company and start streaming their shows. Their response was, "We're not Hollywood. We're not going to do that." And then every regional theater started to stream shows. I'm so glad to hear someone else say it. If only they would listen. I'm not surprised about Roses, but Spamalot... That was unexpected.
As a non ny resident. Shows are sooo expensive, so I’m only gonna see what I know is gonna be great. Sunset Blvd is what I will travel to see.
We need more creators on here having these discussions about our current Broadway landscape. Love this! Please keep going
Agreed
I’m in Texas. I only come once a year so I’m in a different category from the locals.
I hate to admit it but I often come for one show and stay for 8 more. 🤣 The first real Broadway trip, we came for Hamilton in 2016 and stayed for Dear Evan Hansen and An American in Paris (and more). In 2018 we came for Boys in the Band and stayed for Hello Dolly and Carousel. Since I meet my friend for shows, she picks half and I pick the other half. I tend to choose newer shows with famous Broadway folks. My bff tends to pick older shows…and Sutton Foster, her girl crush.
I tend not to see shows more than once, because of time. The only show I have seen twice on Broadway is Chicago. It was my first Broadway show ever in 2008 (I’m still kicking myself for not choosing In the Heights) and I brought my daughter in 2023 to see a handful of shows and it was one of her top picks.
I’m trying to get back before Merrily closes…and I was going to include Spamalot on my list bc I saw a local theater group do it years ago and it was FANTASTIC! I’m so sad it’s closing!
And fwiw, because I follow you, when my daughter and I came to NY in 2023, we took the train from Times Square to NJ to see Gatsby. That was a wild experience…I had done subways before but never commuter train.
Anywhoops, I would absolutely love live streaming. But I will need lots of date options because I have a lot of life things going on. However if I know I have the option of every Friday night and Sunday matinee, I’m sure I could find a time. Annnndd, if I loved it, I would 💯 plan to watch it again with my friends or family.
And just to prove your point, I saw waitress on Broadway, I then saw it in Houston, then I saw it twice in the theater and I was just talking to my friend about renting it together. My love of live theater is not diminished by other forms of consumption. If anything, it supports it.
My kids have found “slime videos” of lots of productions. My eldest has adhd tendencies. She will watch over and over for comfort. She knows every word of Newsies. Not just the music. Every word. Does that diminish her love for that show? Not even a little? Have we seen community versions, yes. Are we seeing the professional local version next month? Also yes.
I think Death Becomes Her has the best ad campaign so far. They started off their Instagram by running ads for the potion like it was a channel #5 ad. Brilliant!
I come to NY about twice a year, would have loved to see 'Days of Wine and Roses.' I would pay to live stream any of the final shows.
I have felt for a while, even though I haven't seen it, that Days of our Wine and Roses was more suited for an off broadway or regional house. I love me some BDJ, KH and AG, but Especially right now, where spectacle is king- the show has always felt out of place. Its just has absolutely no commercial appeal in a time when we are rife with war and sadness each day. Also, the closures are just a reflection of the real crisis that exists here - an economic one. Until there is change and disruption, it'll only get worse. I wish we could just all stop, put our egos aside, make some reform happen and fix the issues for the next generation - including me and many other my age....
I'm in Chicago, so I'm lucky that I've gotten to catch a couple of the current/upcoming shows when they tried out here. That being said, I do head to NYC twice a year to catch shows - a mix of plays and musicals (this spring looks like mostly plays since I caught a lot of the musicals in Chicago or this fall). The major thing for me is word of mouth/professional reviews, followed by the folks involved (cast, writers, designers sometimes, etc.). I tend to be more into the "serious shows" than the big budget ones (if you're asking me to watch a stage version of a movie, you better have a hook that makes it worth my time and "there's music now!" doesn't cut it), which limits what I end up seeing. But if a show is getting across the board raves, I'm in. I read the reviews of critics I tend to mesh with and see what they think. And that really drives me to buy a ticket when I'm coming from out of town.
I live in MA and although I enjoy seeing Broadway shows (I try to visit once a year) and tours, I found that I enjoy the atmosphere of regional productions so much better. They have a warmth and welcoming feeling that Broadway shows don't necessarily have and they're so much less chaotic. Any time I see a Broadway show or a tour I always hear people screaming at the top of their lungs about how many Broadway shows they've seen and I feel like it's become a competition of who can afford Broadway and that those who see the most are the "elite". The audiences at regional productions seem to have more appreciation for the production which is what draws me to see regional theatre more. Not that Broadway productions and tours have lost heart but they've just become so overwhelming to attend. I also feel like the increasing number of new shows trying to come to Broadway has been forcing shows out such as Shucked and Spamalot, where I think they could have survived much longer if it weren't for all of these new shows.
I work in the city and right outside. There are so many shows right now that I can't keep up. It's also so expensive that I pick and choose based on either actors or material that I'm excited about. I can't wait for The Notebook and Great Gatsby. Loving the content you're making for Gatsby!
Agreed, I enter lotteries and use discount codes like crazy lol also I purchase tickets in advance if it’s a show I really wanna see
Idk if this is already a thing but wouldn’t it be a smart idea for a show to partner with a hotel or hotel chain and offer a discount deal like 30% off the ticket and 30% off the total stay?
I would love that so much!! My Canadian city used to do dinner and show packages, they were great. (Not the same as accommodations but we aren't NYC, nobody travels here to see theater...)
I’m a huge theater goer here in nyc, I feel like shows come and go so quick. We need more original musicals, we need better theater going experiences and of course pricing, advertising etc can be huge issues if not done correctly
I live in nyc and I work babysitting for broadway families and other families in the arts, so it’s hard to see shows because my nights off are the shows’ nights off. When I have time to see a show I usually lottery and rush and just see what I can get tickets to and eventually see the things I want, I usually go out of my way to choose a show to see if I care about the performers in it (on a personal level or a fan level) or if the marketing and socials of the show have told me it’s one I will enjoy (how to dance in Ohio being a great example of this)
I’m in WNY/Upstate- some of the factors that drive my decisions making process- 1. I don’t see shows twice (unless they’re Hadestown) 2. I’m also trying to not repeat theatres but that’s a me thing 3. What have theatre influencers/the NYT said about the show 4. Is there something else that looks interesting? Water For Elephants sold me on a recent trip because of their tech week content, because I do backstage work
Suburban NJ person here- I get into the city less, period. It’s not just me- People used to commute in, now they are remote at least half the time. It’s harder to see a show after work when you are no longer physically there. The commuter theater crowd is gone. So to get into the city on the weekend- I have to really, really, really want to see it. Shows I’m just curious about- I no longer can see.
Very good point about commuting theatre goers.
That's so true. I'm in office 4 days a week and I saw Days of Wine and Roses last Tuesday on a whim.
I am loving Water for Elephants marketing right now, it is such a cool show and they have been showing so much behind the scenes so I feel like I am in for the ride with this show
I live in WY and will travel 4hrs 1 way to see tours in Denver. I've only made it NYC 3x in the past 8 years. I would love for more streaming options! I love the PBS performances. I do sometimes love being surprised with shows I'm not familiar with which does happen with my Denver Center season tickets. But when I've been to NYC the shows I end up seeing is typically decided by ticket prices
I’m from Texas and I would come to NY to see things I didn’t think I’d be able to see on tour. Your gatsby videos made me buy plane tickets I couldn’t afford to see it 😂. Now I just want to see what the best NY theater has to offer.
Most of the shows I see are in Toronto and Stratford Ontario. The likelyhood of me being able to see anything NY is pretty slim. I love seeing whats showing there and London because it gives me a heads up with what may be in Toronto - usually takes 3 or so years for the popular shows to tour there, unless its a pre Broadway run.The major producer Mirvish has 4 theaters, soon to be 3, so a long running show (over 6- 8 weeks, the usual run time for most shows) tends to be the exception. Its just built into the system that a show wont be around forever.
I have noticed that post covid they are bringing in big titles for even just a week or two to get people back. They have extended a few shows as much as they can but cant always do that given the schedule commitments to other tours coming through.
Right now Six is doing well and keeps getting extended. Come From Away is waiting in the wings for a come back after Six does its thing. It would probably still be there if it hadnt had to be closed twice with the shutdown. Things were too unpredictable to keep everyone dangling.
Lion King must have an open run because nothing is scheduled for that particular theater for the whole season, which is unusual.
Even the plays part of the 'off mirvish' season were all extended or returing later this year. To me that shows that there is an audience for theater - at least in Toronto. Maybe its the shorter runs and the good variety of shows for everyone that seems to be working well there
Theyve stepped up their social media a bit too - at least trying to. They do theme nights and sing alongs sometimes too for the really popular shows. Lottery and rush seats are also available for some shows as well.
Random question I've been thinking about: do theater contracts for performers, tech, etc include posting on social media, doing press? Or is that an unpaid expectation for the front facing people of a show? I know Broadway. Com has backstage takeover blogs for some shows (very bingeable as theres so many over the years), insta take overs, personal account posting etc. That all takes time and effort and unless they have a paid social coordinator it just seems like extra unpaid work for people.
Do shows open with the hope that it will runs for years and years? Or do they just keep mounting show after show and hope that one sticks? The fact that they dont coordinate even a little with whats coming and when, seems odd to me. Wouldnt it make sense to have that line of communication open to help everyone succeed and not compete for audience members. There should also be a cap with how much theater owners can charge for tickets - shouldnt be an elite status thing but an accessible thing for as many people as possible which would lead to longer runs. Hopefully they can work something out to have pro shot/live streams built into theater contracts that protect union workers and get people hyped about a show. Theater fans would happily watch a recording and live in person if given the chance. 'Slime tutorials'while frowned upon have never stopped someone from paying to see a show if they can get tickets near them. If anything it helps hype the show up and build a fan base.
I'm a New Yorker. I see shows that I really connect to their story or the music and when I feel like I have enough money. I haven't seen a show twice yet. I would definitely consider a subscription model so i know i have a seat and a ticket at a known price.
I'm based in NYC, lately in order to see as many shows as possible I'm very big on general and last minute rush. I did win digital rush to Back to the Future this past weekend, but it was going to be my third time seeing it and I don't know if I could have stomached seeing it a third time in six months despite it being one of my most favorite shows on Broadway at the moment. I don't really want to get too comfortable with the material that I know the lines as well as the actors, it's kind of like hearing a comedian do their bits more than once - the repeated times are nearly grating for me to hear. Here's a cool idea for a show - I did Drum Corps International while in college and we had an Angels vs Demons theme, there were rumors going around that summer that audience members could text who they wanted to win, Angels or Demons, and then be privy to one of two possible endings. I'd love to see a Broadway show that has two or more alternate endings - it would work so well for something like Hadestown (which I've seen 4x within a year) where there's such a desperate urge for it to end differently. If a show had multiple endings I'd want to go back to see each one - Gatsby Immersive was like this and if it went on for longer I would have loved to see it multiple times, and like you said different alternative theater experiences would draw audiences into new formats of Broadway. Here Lies Love was also something I very much wanted to see (and went to!) for the different theatre experience.
I agree with what you said about not wanting to travel to see Broadway shows in NY. I live out of state and I generally only go see a Broadway show if there is someone I want to see in the cast. I’d rather just watch a touring production near me then the cost of travel. Last summer I went to NY to see LSOH w/ Jeremy Jordan. Because I was already in NY we also saw Sweeny Todd and Back to the Future. I think that might be the same for others.
I think what the Wiz is doing, kinda touring the country first on a "yellow brick road" adventure with Oz being Broadway. The hype is real, the content has been great and think of the bonding and experience the cast will have together by the time they hit broadway. Brilliant!
I feel like the accessibility and affordability for me is the thing. Tickets are expensive. If I want to support the theatre/show and not the third party. It's also expensive to go into the city as I'm on long island so it's not the easiest
I'm based right outside NYC (so transportation/travel to see shows isn't a major issue for me), and the biggest motivating factor for me to actually buy a ticket to a show is usually just seeing content of the show-whether that be rehearsal footage, special performances, etc. If I can get a solid taste/preview of an amazing score (or incredible acting, or great chemistry in the cast, or set design or special effects or whatever it is that the show really does well), I'll be hooked.
There are so many shows that I'll think seem really cool but don't have much actual content about their show out there, and if it's between that show and a different show that has put out a lot of previews/content that I was intrigued by, I'll always choose the latter. It's really a matter of having a basic idea about whether I'll enjoy the show I'm paying to see, so if I just don't have enough information to make that call, of course I'll choose the show that *did* give me enough information. Especially in the age of social media, content is everything IMO
I am from Massachusetts and I tend to come to NYC once or twice a year. What gets me to come to Broadway is if there is a show I specially want to see a particular cast member in. For example, I knew I wanted to see the Off-Broadway revival of LSH but I waited until it was announced Jeremy Jordan was going in. Seemed like a once in a life time chance (and of course he came back a few months later). Also if it’s a show I want to be in the room for. I knew Hadestown was going to sweep the Tony’s so I purchased my ticket the March before the awards and I saw it the week after it won the Tonys in 2019.
As for socials that I am a huge fan of is surprisingly Death Becomes Her. The few posts they have gotten up have me in a choke hold because they’re filming videos with Jenn and Megan in the style of humor the show is leaning towards. It has me very interested even though it’s a property I never knew until this adaption was announced.
I love broadway! I'm really excited about Great Gatsby!! I love the instagram accounts of &Juliet, they're doing such a great job keeping up with the fans and they have such a great fan base! Hadestown and Moulin Rouge do a good jobs too!
I'm in Toronto, Canada and go to NYC . I'm always torn between seeing new shows and seeing shows I love and want to see again when I go to NYC since I don't have a lot of time there and can only see a limited number of shows. On my last trip, I saw 3 repeat shows I've seen before (Six, Titanique, and & Juliet) and 2 new shows (Gutenberg closing night, Once Upon A Mattress). What usually brings me back to see a show is the cast and if it's fun/a good time. I try to see new shows that are closing soon/have end dates first but there's always never enough time and money to be able to see them all. IMO there are way too many new shows opening all at once and closing so fast I don't get to see them and some of the ticket prices are out of my price range (i.e. Merrily We Roll Along). We also need more affordable tickets to fill those seats when they're not selling as well (it would still generate more revenue for the show than having a lot of empty seats in the theatre).
I'm upset. I had tickets for Spamalot for May. I was really looking forward to it. I also had Shucked and Harmony. It's crazy. You would have to be in NY every 3 months at least to not lose a show.
I think it is crazy that they can close a show after tickets are sold. If things are looking dire, they should not release tickets in such large blocks. And if you have bought a ticket, they should perform until those tickets are honored.
just found your channel....love your summary of the issues....
here is one...why so many shows in London.??????? is it the unions setting to high requirements which drive up the cost of a show????
maybe shows need to all play limited runs....have a wider turn-over...????????
Love this video! I'm a production stage manager in Durban, South Africa. I have been incredibly fortunate to have visited NYC quite a few times. The first time was 1998, so there was much less info available online as to what shows were on, but obviously people knew what the big long-running shows were. I then tended to check out the billboards in Time Sq - which is exactly how I got to go see 42nd Street - the pic was of 3 girls on the floor with footlights. It looked magical... and it was.
I think when looking for a show, I generally want a musical, and then one that is fun and entertaining. I also tend to go with shows that are more complex technically, or indeed seem to be so - but that is merely a personal preference.
I also think ticket prices are something which really needs to be looked into. Is theatre becoming too expensive / inaccessible?
I'm shocked that they're closing.
I'm from Florida, so I try to visit NYC at least once a year (twice if I'm lucky). My most anticipated show is actually SUFFS, and I'd love to also see Great Gatsby and Cabaret. I am very influenced by the cast of each show, along with if it's a style/plot that I'm interested in.
I don't normally re-watch shows in NYC because there are so many to see! But I have gone to Six, Jagged Little Pill, Once on this Island, Oklahoma, and Little Shop of Horrors more than once in recent years.
It feels like there were some missed opportunities surrounding particularly alex brightman, given the popularity of hazbin hotel, it feels like there were opportunities to market their stars that they didn’t take
Answer.. what stops ppl seeing shows> the ruddy Cost!!
Love the video as always! Yes to every statement in this.
I live in NJ & go into the city all the time to see shows. I typically see 1-2 shows per week. For me the biggest factors are ticket price & the storyline. The lotteries & rush tickets are my best friends. I will see anything once. If I love it, I may go back multiple times. (Saw Shucked 11 times!). If not, it’s a one-and-done.
I saw Spamalot in previews, thought it was good but I prefer the original Broadway production. Sorry to hear it’s closing. You’re right, there aren’t enough comedies on Broadway.
I have tickets to Wine & Roses next week. I’ve seen the grosses for the show & I’m sad but not surprised it’s closing early.
In regards to what’s coming up, I’m most interested in Water for Elephants because I love the novel & have been intrigued by what the show has posted on Instagram. Also Suffs because it’s an original story & I love & want to support original shows without a well known title or huge star in the show.
Sad I won't get to see Days of Wine and Roses. Hope it will come to London sometime!
I'm in the tri-state area, I don't think the tri-state area wants to deal with Midtown Manhattan at the current prices on broadway. It seems to have gotten worse post-pandemic. When I go to buy tickets I think of how horrid mid-town is and start to think is it worth this price to deal with that and the time to travel, or do I do something else. Lately I've been choosing do something else. Boston is close, Goodspeed opera house, papermill. My parents looked to come to NYC to go to shows, but it's cheaper for them to fly to London and see more shows. New York needs major PR help, and honestly some cleanup if they want people to come back.
Could the problem too many Broadway shows are opening in one season? Because we have so many options there may not be enough people to buy all of the tickets. I could be totally wrong but that’s just my thought.
Not exactly local, I'm 30 minutes from Amsterdam. I WISH more shows did livestreaming and pro-shots. I've seen Hamilton as a proshot and you best believe I want to see that live in theater. I KNOW I'm going to have the best time. I'm going to NYC soon, I WANT to have a magical time on Broadway. I can't exactly hop over on a weekend, my time is very limited. So I'll have to pick wisely. People who think selling a proshot will discourage theater attendance have it exactly the wrong way around. I feel they don't really understand the magic of theater - or the desires of their audience. Would these people also think Taylor Swift's fans will think "nah thanks, I've seen the music video already." when she announces a stadium tour? Of course they're going even if they've heard the songs a thousand times. They're going for the experience, the magic, the electricity. An unforgettable night. Honestly, it's baffling that Broadway doesn't understand this! But I can't exactly hear a musical on the radio, so get your material out there!! So that when I'll go to NYC once every few years, I'll pick YOUR show because I'm already a fan.
Hadestown is a show I've seen twice and would see again and again. I can't wait to see Stuffs! I'm not sure what exactly hooked me.
If tickets were less I would travel from 6 hours away more. But my sister and I go at least once a year.
Kimberly Akimbo was amazing, but the marketing didn't actually hit what the show was about. I don't know that I would have seen it if Mickey Jo theater hadn't reviewed it.
Marketing is WILDLY important, isn't it?? Completely sets up expectations for the experience.
Never stop making theseeee
I live in Queens and have no problems commuting to the theater. But I am a picky theater goer. The story has to be intriguing to me and the music has to be my style. I loved Harmony as I did find the story interesting and I enjoyed the score but that still closed early. You just don’t know now how things go with the majority taste post COVID. I’m already hearing bad things about Water for elephants. I was interested in the story as I never saw the movie or read the read the book but after listening to some of the songs, the score was really not my kind of music so I decided to skip the show. I did see Spamalot twice and it did so well at the beginning of its run, it’s interesting it started slowing down once Michael Urie and Taran left the show.
It's sad that these shows are closing but maybe it can also be ok? Hear me out (and bear with me as I've just woken up).
It feels like the goal for most shows these days is to have a super long run on Broadway and become another Wicked or Hamilton, and while that would be great, there are literally not enough theatres for everyone to do this. Maybe theatre producers and owners should be looking at more cost effective ways to mount shows for a purposely shorter run.
I'm not sure how possible this is, but if it was more the norm that the Broadway season was just that, a season of shows, it could help to set expectations from the start. I feel like Roundabout have more of a setup like this already so maybe there's something that can be taken from this?
I don't know if it's the right answer at all but what I think a lot of it comes down to is making it more cost effective to put a show on Broadway (therefore making ticket prices more accessible) mixed with getting the right marketing for your audience, whether that be tiktok or an appearance on GMA!
PS - messaged on insta about the marketing stuff from the last video, just in case it went into your requests folder :)
A lot of shows do limited runs and then extend if they are doing well. Think Into the Woods and Merrily. But people don't want their new work to be a limited run from the start. Also it makes it harder for tourists to see shows if they are only on for 3 months. Most people only travel once per year and see shows, so it is frustrating when a show is scheduled for such a short time.
@karenschaeffer798 totally appreciate that - I'm from the UK and lucky enough to be able to come over twice a year, usually getting 5-6 Shows in each time. It's very frustrating not being able to see all the things I want to see so I get this sentiment.
I do also appreciate some productions already do this, and it's great when they get extended, but the expectation isn't there and I think that's where it goes wrong for some shows, the expectation is to go for as long as possible even if they don't have the right resources and/or interest levels.
It would be interesting to see more productions adopt the same strategy as The Wiz, touring first rather than doing one out of town tryout city, THEN heading to Broadway. Most do the other way around so it'll be interesting to see how that works for them
When it comes to viewing a show for me it has to do with whether I am interested in the play, train trip, funds it would cost, the time it would take (for me it is a whole day affair). There are quite a few plays I am interested in but realistically I can only do 2 or 3 a year. Reviews, marketing, word of mouth, star interviews etc impact whether I go. DOWAR was a non starter with me because of subject matter and dreariness of story. While I appreciate the actors, crafts etc.. It was not entertaining to me in a way that would justify the commitment. of time and cost. Spamalot was a similar non starter though I knew the entertainment factor was there. For the new plays coming out I am interested in Water For Elephants, The Outsiders, and Mary Jane. Reviews and marketing will dictate which of the 3 I see since, unless a couple run for a long period, I will be unable to see all of them.
What do you make of these closings?
sorry about DAYS.....but it was not a happy show.......still a wonderful show...
SPAMALOT was a revival.....and many had seen the original......maybe been better at a smaller theatre....to many seats to fill
i do not listen to the critics.......look at a show......the music...book....actors....
not into CABERET....and have not been impressed with the ads for WATER for.... NOT SURE ABOUT THE NOTEBOOK....ETC..
maybe the cost of tickets is too high for visitors...so they pick an established show they know...DISNEY....etc..
not understand why SHUCKED closed to replace it with TOMMY.....a revival......SHUCKED was doing all right business....never below 80% full...and it was new material and got tony nominations...sure it could have lasted at least another 6 months...
maybe too many shows wait for the end of the season...rather then start earlier....so over-load the tourist with TOO MANY things to choose from
Do reviews matter? Social followings? All of the above?
You’re missing the most obvious: people do not feel safe in NYC.
Sorry, Broadway has out priced itself. Most of the shows on Broadway are just commercial garbage anyway and definitely NOT worth going to crime ridden overpriced dirty NYC anymore. And as for unions, they are not the problem. It's greedy producers, who also own the theaters. If you want to be an artist, get out of NYC. That's not where it's happening anymore. Hasn't been for years.
It's SO beautiful.
I'm in a whole other (non US) country. Pre pandemic I saw 50+ regional shows a year (spanning from amateur to professional to touring to going out of town). Since 2020? I'm lucky if I get 3 in. Why? COST. AFFORDABILITY. THIS ECONOMY. Prices are just crazy and not worth it for a show I might not be interested in the content of, or have already seen, or might actively not enjoy the experience because of people on their phones, being drunk, etc. I suppose my habits have also changed, it's easier to stay home. But I love theater and I miss theater. I'd pay for livestreams. I'd pay for affordable tickets. I'd rush tickets. None of these options are available locally anymore. Everything has gone up. (Also I really really really want a comedy or fun show. Life is super hard and depressing right now, I don't want something political or heartbreaking). Just my 2c, hope that helped.
Totally agree with ALL of this and desperately wishing for livestreaming for the future.