Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Broadway Musical ‘Next to Normal’ Turns a Profit
NYTimes.com: "Bipolar disorder, electroshock therapy, a yearning for peace of mind: these are not the usual elements of a successful Broadway musical. Yet “Next to Normal,” which passed its one-year mark on Broadway on Saturday and is preparing for a national tour in November, now qualifies as a hit: it has earned back its $4 million capitalization, the producers said last week."
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6 comments:
It is so great to see a show like Next to Normal becoming a success on Broadway. One assumes in commercial theater that one has to play to the audiences, and put on shows like the Little Mermaid or Mamma Mia, but apparently the public can handle something with a bit more depth. It is good to see producers realizing that now that this has succeeded in this economy, perhaps it is ok to take risks. People want to see something with a bit more worth, a bit more challenge and a bit less fluff.
Another one of the great things about 'Next to Normal' turning a profit, is that it can become an example to the industry. 'Next to Normal' is one of the few shows nowadays that does not have a famous leading lady or man. I'm hoping that this will prove to producers that there is a large wealth of untapped talent in the "not-so-famous-yet" pool...as long as we can help them get there. What you really need to focus on is story and music.
I agree with sylvianne and ariel. I think this has the potential to make a huge impact on broadway. Hopefully producers will be able to recognize that their audience will not only consume readymade musicals. And that they are intelligent enough to appreciate things like next to normal that are off the beaten path. It would be great if this would start a trend of new ideas and new actors.
This article highlights some of the more interesting techniques that make Next to Normal successful, all things which we should pick up on. A smaller cast, less technical automation elements, and an aggressive but focused marketing strategy are a few of the things discussed. Yes, the material is good, but no one cares about the material unless it is pulled of well. It is just a reminder that we need to keep the big picture of the show in mind whenever we produce a show.
Next To Normal has been called a revolution in Broadway musicals. The mere fact that it has turned a profit is proof of that fact.
It explores topics that, until now, have been solely in the world of straight plays. Musicals, however, have a power unlike anything else, as music is a way to tap into people’s emotions. In the classic musical, we see musical numbers when the character has so much emotion; they have to sing about how they feel. However, in Next To Normal, they use the music to work through the issues.
It is good to see that commercially, it has become financially feasible to stray from the classic money making musical. I cannot wait to see more, similar productions hit Broadway.
I'm so glad that this show has been successful! Ever since I first heard some of the music from Next to Normal, I have really wanted to see it. I was afraid that it might not survive the effect that the economy has had on Broadway, with many shows not lasting through the dwindling ticket sales. But I'm glad that they're starting a national tour, which is coming to Pittsburgh next April!!
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