Tag: quarantine

musicals streaming
Broadway At Home, Theatre Online

Do Musical Streams Translate to Real Life Ticket Sales?

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Although we are seeing more musicals available for streaming, the vast majority of the musical theatre canon is unavailable outside of seeing the shows live. The most-used argument by Broadway producers against filming and releasing musicals is that of profit. That is, most producers are afraid that having a show readily available to watch will lead to revenue losses as people will choose to stay home to watch a musical instead of going to the theatre. And while we could discuss the problems with this argument, such as its inherent classism, the fact is this is the way things are right now. That is why most shows for streaming are released after the show has closed on Broadway.

Now, Hamilton has come and change everything. Even though Broadway is shut down for now, Hamilton is technically still running. So, now you can see one of the most popular and expensive musicals for $6.99 a month…but people are still interested in buying tickets, according to a recent survey done by TodayTix.

Turns out, this old idea of releasing a musical on film cheapening the experience may not be true. 38.6% of those surveyed who streamed it are now more likely to buy tickets to Hamilton.

This TodayTix survey also revealed that 81% of people who streamed Hamilton on Disney+ would pay to watch another filmed version of a Broadway or West End show. Plus, 78% of TodayTix users surveyed all around the world will still watch streamed shows when theatres open up. And when live theatre is back, 72% say they will still buy tickets to a streamed show.

When it comes to theatre, we’re definitely still in the early stages of streaming. And it will be interesting to see how these survey results are reflected in real life when theatre eventually does return in its live form.

As I mentioned before, I personally believe the argument that live theatre is special and therefore cannot be filmed to be classist. While I adore live theatre (clearly) and do agree that it is special, it is not a strong enough argument to justify keeping it locked to only people who live near NYC or in a touring area, are able to afford it or are otherwise part of the elite. There are so many theatre lovers out there who are unable to see professional live theatre. Theatre should absolutely be accessible to all, and streaming is helping it get there.

I hope as we go on that filming and releasing musicals grows in popularity. These numbers from TodayTix show that no matter what the platform, fans are eager to consume any form of theatre. And everybody should be able to watch theatre, no matter where they are.

If you liked this post, check out:

The Best Broadway Shows You Can Stream

Is Disney Vying for King of Streaming Musicals?

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Broadway At Home

How to Enjoy Theatre in Lockdown

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I think it’s safe to say that everyone reading this misses theatre. While the rest of the country is slowly starting to reopen, we’re stuck without theatre for the time being. It is difficult not knowing exactly when our beloved art form will return. Luckily, things are not entirely hopeless. Here are a few ways we can continue to enjoy theatre, even while in lockdown.

1. Revisit Old Cast Recordings (And Discover Something New!)

I think this is a really fun way to get that Broadway fix without having to do anything special. Just go through the numerous cast recordings I’m sure you own (or stream them on Spotify or Apple Music!) and find one you maybe haven’t listened to in a while or one that you haven’t really listened to before. There are so many musicals I used to listen to all the time when I was a teenager, but I haven’t in years. And there are so many that everyone else loves that I haven’t heard of at all. There are so many cast recordings out there so you’re bound to find something you like. Who knows, maybe you will rediscover an old favorite or you’ll find something amazing you never knew existed!

2. Check Out the Livestreams

At this time, there are so many theatrical livestreams going on, it can be hard to keep track. People are going on Instagram Live to do fitness or dance classes, they’re hosting streams through YouTube, theatres are streaming their own content, there is an endless amount of free content online if you just know where to look! Check out this article from Playbill that has a schedule for some ideas. Or, for something different, check out Seth Rudetsky and Jame Wesley’s daily stream, Stars in the House. They have all kinds of cool guest stars all the time, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love Seth Rudetsky?

3. Or, Check Out Other Streams

On Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming services you can find all kinds of recorded theatre. I went over some of these options in an earlier post. So log onto your streaming service of choice and pick out something to watch, whether old or new! There are so many options. Or you can check out BroadwayHD, which is a streaming service just for theatre. I’m doing their free trial right now and I’m so excited to see what they have available!

4. Show Your Support

Honestly, the best way to enjoy theatre right now is to make sure that all performing arts professionals are being helped to the fullest extent at this time. Donate to the Actors Fund, which is helping out of work theatre workers. Reach out to your elected representatives and urge them to help financially support performing arts venues. And donate to local venues, as well. Many of them are non-profits and rely on ticket sales that they are not getting right now to stay stable, like State Theatre New Jersey. Please donate as much as you can if you are able to, and if you are not, use your voice and make sure that performing arts professionals and venues get the financial security they so need at this time. It is the least we can do as audience members to give back after all the joy and entertainment they have brought us through the years.

If you have any other suggestions, please let me know in the comments. I would love to hear how you are enjoying theatre while live shows are put on pause.

Best Broadway Shows to Stream
Uncategorized

The Best Broadway Shows You Can Stream

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With Broadway on hold until 2021, it can be hard to enjoy the art form that we love. Luckily, we live in an age where streaming has taken off, and there are actually theatre performances available to watch at any time. So, here are a few of the best Broadway shows you can stream now.

  1. Hamilton
broadway shows you can stream

Where to stream: Disney+

Come on, did you really think I could make this post and not include Hamilton? It’s a modern classic for a reason. Filmed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and featuring an incredible, ground-breaking score, this show needs no introduction. We all know and love it. And while some of us were lucky enough to see it on Broadway, it’s incredible that now we can watch it over and over again, with the original leads, from the comfort of our own homes. Don’t you love modern technology?

2. Rent

broadway shows you can stream

Where to stream: Amazon, Google Play, YouTube

Long before there was Hamilton, Rent took the theatre world by storm. This famous show started the trend of people camping out overnight to get rush tickets. And while it was made into a movie in 2005 with most of the original cast, I personally prefer this version that was filmed live on stage during the final show of the original Broadway production. If you like the movie, you’ll love getting to see the show as it was meant to be seen, with an all-star cast.

3. Falsettos

broadway shows you can stream

Where to stream: Amazon Prime and BroadwayHD

This 2016 revival of William Finn’s show about a gay man, his former wife, their child and his boyfriend was originally filmed for Live From Lincoln Center, but now you can stream it, too. It’s a wonderful, emotional show with a cast of many beloved actors, like Andrew Rannells, Christian Borle and Stephanie J. Block. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, this is a must-see for sure. And check out BroadwayHD while you’re at it. A streaming service just for theatre? Sign me up!

4. Into the Woods

broadway shows you can stream

Where to stream: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play

I love Stephen Sondheim. Who doesn’t? Into the Woods is one of his best works, and you can watch the original cast from the comfort of your own home. Being able to watch the legend that is Bernadette Peters is a true gift. And while the movie is enjoyable, again, there is nothing better than seeing a musical performed the way it is supposed to be, especially with such an iconic cast in an iconic show.

5. Oh, Hello on Broadway

broadway shows you can stream

Where to stream: Netflix

Is Oh, Hello a musical? No. Is it still worth seeing? Absolutely! John Mulaney and Nick Kroll are hysterical as their elderly alter egos. It’s fun, it’s silly, it’s a unique piece of theatre with an all-star guest appearance. And while it’s much different from the other shows on this list, it’s a must watch for any theatre lover.

Theatre is meant to be seen on a stage, the way it is intended to be. Unfortunately, right now, we can’t do that. So we’ll settle for the next best thing, and stream them on our TVs or computers as we wait for Broadway’s intermission to end.

If you liked this post, check out Theatre in Other Forms: “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”