Backstage: Producers will broadcast a special performance of the show from London's Royal Albert Hall to movie houses in America, the UK, Europe, Japan and Australia. A live performance on Oct. 2 will be followed by re-broadcasts on Oct. 5, 6 and 11.
8 comments:
I have always liked the concept of live broadcast performances. While they are definitely not a replacement for being in the auditorium, experiencing the performance in person, a live broadcast is much better than not being able to see theater at all. While many argue that these live broadcasts lessen the impetus for people to travel to New York or Chicago, I believe that they open the possibility of seeing theater to a much wider audience. In this case, I believe that the benefits far outweigh the costs. The one thing that producers have to pay attention to is how these broadcasts affect resident theaters. Of course, with Phantom, the rights for which are not yet available, this is not a problem.
I love it when theatres live stream their shows. Well in a way I like it, on the other hand it is also kind of lost on me. Becuase you go the theatre in search of an experience, and with something especially like Phantom, there is so much play with those in the audience. I mean to get dressed up and go to the theatre is so much fun and an experience that I hope to share with my kids someday. However, I think that being able to see a powerful and thrilling show on the big screen is kind of cool too. I dont really think that it will catch on like wildfire, because I would think that theatres would rather have the audience come to them. But I do like the idea that some shows will do it for special occasions.
This is awesome. I love cast reunions, and I wish I could watch this "movie".
I know one of the techies at Phantom in New York, so when I saw it I got to go backstage and sit in the boat and be amazed at everything. There is so much technical brilliance in that show, most of which isn't realized. It was wonderful to see backstage at Broadway, and ask a million questions, and see the floors underneath the house, and watch them reset the chandelier.
I don't think these kind of broadcasts lessen the draw of the show I think they increase it. I feel that seeing theater is a unique experience and nothing can compare with seeing the show live in person. For people that enjoy and crave this experience seeing theater broadcasts like this can make you want to go see live shows more. Now there are those who don't feel that way and may choose to forgo seeing the show live, but I think their reasons for not going are more than that they will have already seen it. Some people just don't have the money to go to New York. These broadcasts allow theater to reach those who may never get the chance to see it otherwise.
I'm generally opposed to broadcasting live shows simply because watching a broadcast is such a different experience from being in the theater and experiencing the show first hand. Shows are three dimensional experiences and they don't always translate well to a two dimensional screen. However, in this case, since Phantom is such a well known and beloved show and since it is in the Royal Albert, watching a live broadcast will still be quite entertaining, though an all together different experience from being there. It'll be two different events stemming from the same event.
A couple other SOD students and I have gone to multiple showings of broadway shows that have been broadcasted into movie theaters. It's a great, cheap, way to see famous shows from the comfort of Pittsburgh. With a live performance, it captures a lot of the aspects of live theater that are then combined with the experience of a movie. It may not be entirely one or the other, but for $10-20 it's a steal.
I would be interested to hear why the theatre has decided to do a live broadcast. Are they trying to promote the show? Are ticket sales starting to drop? Or is there some other reason why the theatre is doing this broadcast? I think it's a great opportunity for people who wouldn't otherwise be able to see the show to see it locally and at a low price.
I know a lot of purists will argue that it's not cool to show theatre on screen, but I think it's a really great way to make the shows more accessible to audiences. I don't really figure this show if the most culturally relevant thing out there, but a culture of accessibility certainly helps for art that is. Especially considering that many live a long way from any of the more exciting live theatre, making the shows more accessible in a portable format really increases access.
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