Question...

Why does it seem that everyone is producing Twelfth Night this spring/summer? I have no objections, I am just curious. I have seen audition notices for at least six upcoming productions, and today the NY Times announced that Anne Hathaway will be playing Viola in the Shakespeare in the Park production of the same this summer.

I have no objections, I am just curious--why this play now? Thoughts, anyone?

Gerald Schoenfeld

Gerald Schoenfeld, 84, died November 25, 2008 of a heart attack. He was the chairman of the powerful Shubert Organization. He was a force on Broadway and on theatre for many years and helped to shape American culture in many ways. There is a very well-written obituary in the New York Times.

The Straight Play Makes A Comeback

This is an unspeakably thrilling thought for those actors (AKA me) who dream of Broadway glory but would sooner die than sing in front of people.

The Globe and Mail recently published an article on how the biz is doing on Broadway--long story short, not so well. But it turns out that straight plays with limited runs (and, frequently, unfortunate big name casting choices) are actually doing quite well. While many big musicals have closed in recent months, including several that had just recently opened, the plays are close to recouping their production costs! This is excellent news...more here.

It makes sense, if you think about it. Plays are generally more intimate affairs. Everything is scaled down. Including the price tag. So to keep one running is less expensive. Granted, they are somewhat harder to market, which leads to certain big stars being on stage who have no real business being there. But they fill seats. A necessary evil, I suppose.

At any rate, I think this is a silver lining, n'est-ce pas?

The Great Green Way!

In the quest to be more environmentally responsible in the production of entertainment, the Broadway theatre community announced today the launch of BROADWAY GOES GREEN, an industry-wide initiative to reduce Broadway's carbon footprint, adopt environmentally sustainable practices and promote environmental awareness in the creation and presentation of Broadway shows.
* The Broadway League press release, November 25, 2008

The Great White Way has gone green!

The initiative is meant to be long term, but here is a sampling of some of the first year goals:
1) Find green alternatives for new shows, meaning greener designs from the beginning and greener cleanups in the end.
2) Inform running shows about proven ways to reduce carbon emissions, waste, and other non-green things, including "more efficient use of energy, water & paper."
3) Energy efficient bulbs for marquees! Just one step towards a smaller carbon footprint.

But it isn't just about Broadway. The Broadway League wants to lead the way to making productions greener everywhere. One of their goals is also to use the information they gather to help theatres across the country go greener.

And it isn't just about the theatres. It's everyone.

Here is some of what has already happened:

PLAYBILL, in addition to being more green themselves, is going to report on the initiative, give updates, etc. and print "theatre related eco-tips" in their magazines.

Of 39 Broadway theatres, 10 have already switched their marquee lights to the more energy efficient bulbs. At least 14 more are in the process of following suite.

Scene production shops are coming up with ways to recycle and reuse scenery as well as offering more environmentally friendly materials in their original constructions.

Cold water washing for costumes! (This makes it harder to shrink things, too!!)

Sound equipment has switched to re-chargeable batteries.

Several touring shows are investing in renewal energy and "have purchased nearly 1,900 tons of offsets through the Touring Green program." This allows them to still transport everything a production requires while making more of a positive impact on the environment.

This might be the greatest thing to hit Broadway since wireless mics and tkts!

It certainly makes you think as an artist, if the most corporate of theatrical production can make a real effort to go green, certainly we can do our part. So next time you are in a show or a theatre or producing any kind of art, think about what you can do to follow the trend...Sometimes it's as simple as turning off the lights, at least long enough to switch to that more energy efficient bulb!