Performing Arts

Current Broadway ShowsProducts Relating to 'Current Broadway Shows'

Many people who come to New York City make an effort to take in one of the current Broadway shows, whether they are visiting for the first time or the 50th.

These star-studded current shows come in many different types:

• Musicals – Beauty and the Beast is a prime example of this type of theater performance. It contains musical numbers familiar to many through movies, DVDs and CDs.
• Comedy – Often this is musical comedy but still funny enough. “The Producers” is making a hit with its Mel Brooks’ music and lyrics.
• Classics – “The Phantom of the Opera” is an example.
• Drama – An example is “Losing Louie”, a drama about the loss of a father.

A whole industry has grown up around these presentations in the heart of New York City’s theater district. Shops sell theater memorabilia of current Broadway productions as well as the classics. Popular shows vie for longevity records with some performances lasting months, even years. There are over 150 shows with more than 800 performances racked up to their credit. Many shows record 1000’s of performances and at least ten of the over-800 performance list are still running. The show with the current record-breaking number of performances is “The Phantom of the Opera” with over 7700 performances to date, and it’s still running.

Most shows begin their run with an out-of-town performance just to test the waters. These shows can die in New Jersey and never make it to Broadway. For those stars and supporting cast who make the grade, the exhilaration of seeing the posters printed, the lights of the marquee, the playbills, all contribute to the excitement of the opening. The anticipation of theater-goers in jewels and furs out for an evening of entertainment adds to the build-up.

As the orchestra begins its warm-up session and the strains of the prelude begin, latecomers hurry to their seats and a hush of anticipation falls over the audience. The rush after the opening performance to read the latest reviews of the play is traditional. There are even eating places which cater to the aspiring actors, producers and crew’s needs for late-night wind-down sessions.

The cost of producing one of the shows is astronomical. One of these musical spectacles can top $10-$15 million to put in place and expenses for the 2004-2005 seasons new

Productions were over $165 million. As long as people enjoy live theater and the glitter and excitement which surrounds it, new shows will continue to appear.

Article Published: Wednesday 22nd November 2006