Broadway Insanity: A Response
The other day, I posted a comment about the bountiful number of plays opening on Broadway in March and April, arguing that there were too many for the finite number of serious theatregoers. Adrian Bryan-Brown, one of Broadway’s top press agents, and a person whose firm, Boneau/Bryan-Brown, represents several of the new plays, has sent me a response: “I agree that this is an exciting time for theatregoers and I also believe that most of the incoming shows will find audiences. Even in a devastating recession. Broadway shows come in when theatres are available. Yes, the economics are a determining factor in what’s playing, which is why there may be fewer musicals on the horizon. The start-up and running costs are higher. But I don’t think it is about scheming producers putting on cheaper shows. Many of Broadway’s houses are simply too small for large musicals to be viable. The plays coming in are going in to traditional playhouses. Most of the large theatres are booked with big musicals that (at this point) appear to be able to ride through the recession. Yes, there is a lot of producer nail-biting going on, but there is also a great opportunity to present some limited engagements of some really exciting and interesting theatre. Let’s keep reminding everyone how much there is to see on Broadway this Spring!”
