This article talks about how theatre (Broadway, in particular) has changed over time. At first, it used to be for pure entertainment, but now it is often seen as a way to make a profit. Not saying that it wasn't before, but it seems that those in charge are more focused on that than providing quality entertainment. The article also talks about how the audience for theatre has declined, which probably came as a result of not having the best shows to perform.
There is also Off-Broadway, which, as the article suggests, has become an alternative to regular Broadway. It usually is cheaper and is considered the second-rate Broadway. These are shows that could not quite make it to that highest level. Then, there is Off-Off-Broadway, which was created in the 1950s for shows that could not make it to Broadway or Off-Broadway. They are usually shows that "are unsuitable for commercial theatre." But people should not take this info to heart, because there could be some very nice productions in te Off- Broadways that did not please one audience. Who's to say it will not please another. It's not a popularity contest, it's entertainment, and the two get very mixed up nowadays.
Another reason theatre is not as popular as it used to be is because of technology and how we are able to rent movies or watch them on Demand, and DVR TV shows such as 24, Chuck, Heroes, The Office or Lost (season premiere is tomorrow! So excited!). All of these options are significantly cheaper than paying around $100 for orchestra seating to Jersey Boys, and that seems to be the problem. In this economy, many people worry more about their money than the type of entertainment they are watching. For my family and I, we choose to enjoy ourselves and not worry as much about the cost, which benefits both us and the theatre production.
In the end, I agree that theatre is still a business. Sometimes it booms when a new hit musical comes out; other times, like now, some people are cautious about their money and may not be willing to spend it at a theatre. Either way,the business of theatre has not changed significantly, and it probably will not for a long time, if ever. And why should it? And, scene...
Adams, Brooks. 1971 [1896]. The Law of Civilization and Decay. New York: Books for Libraries Press.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I don't know a whole lot about theatre, but this article seemed very interesting. It showed the reason why some arts became big hits in America. The money in businesses like theatre and music is obviously worth a lot to people, and it can impact the quality of the art dramatically. I hadn't heard much about "off-broadway" and "off-off-broadway," and these seem to be good ways for people to continue making quality entertainment without using a large budget. While theatre is and has been a business for some time, its definately more than that to many people, which I'm pretty sure you know already. Anyways, this was cool, I liked it.
ReplyDelete