Over the next few weeks, I hope to explore the commercialization of large-scale theatre and how cutting edge, novel works are being relegated to smaller, low-budget houses.
This topic is hardly news breaking, but rather is the continuation of a trend that has become significant since the 1970s and1980s when large-scale musicals like Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and A Chorus Line opened and remained on Broadway for over ten years. These mega musicals are much more practical business models than there predecessors. Granted, there is quite a large initial investment (over six million dollars for 2003’s Wicked), but if the show can run for over a decade it earns back this initial investment several times over. Add in the earnings that stem from national tours, merchandise, backstage tours and, uber-VIP passes, and the net income is significant.
Although the shows mentioned above were relatively groundbreaking at the time of their openings, many of the shows now gracing Manhattan’s theatre district have either been running for over five years, revivals of older successes, or are recently opened adaptations of movies or books.
Compare a long running show’s earnings to the four in five musicals which fail to earn back their initial investment and it is understandable why producers would opt for reliable subject matter rather than a risky but innovative venture.
Risky innovation is still encouraged among the theatrical community, but an industry that already has slim margins can’t afford to be too risky when large sums of money are involved. As such, anything that might not be smash hit with the general public is tested out in smaller venues. If a risky musical or play succeeds in workshops or off off-Broadway runs, it might then be moved, but rarely are such productions started in large houses.
There are a few exceptions to the growing divergence between what would be classified as artistic ventures and commercially viable live productions, and I would like to explore how the changes in commercial theatre affect the way in which new material is produced.
