Blog post:
Broadway shows are a beloved form of entertainment that have captivated audiences for decades. From classic musicals like “The Phantom of the Opera” to more recent hits like “Hamilton,” Broadway has a way of capturing our hearts and leaving a lasting impression. But have you ever wondered how these shows come to life? What goes on behind the scenes to turn a mere concept into a multi-million dollar cash cow? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the making of a Broadway hit and explore the key elements that contribute to its success.
1. The Concept
Every Broadway hit starts with a concept – a unique idea that sets it apart from other shows. This concept can come from anywhere – a novel, a movie, or even an original idea. Take “Wicked” for example, which was inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name. The concept of exploring the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West from “The Wizard of Oz” was a fresh and intriguing idea that resonated with audiences.
2. The Creative Team
Once a concept is established, the next step is to assemble a creative team. This team will bring the show to life through music, choreography, set design, and more. The team usually consists of a director, choreographer, composer, lyricist, and book writer. The success of the show heavily relies on the chemistry and collaboration between these individuals. For instance, the partnership between Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Thomas Kail was crucial in the success of “Hamilton.”
3. The Workshop Process
Before a Broadway show can hit the stage, it goes through a series of workshops and readings. This is where the creative team can fine-tune the show, make changes, and receive feedback from industry professionals. The workshop process can take months or even years, and it is a crucial step in the development of a Broadway hit.
4. The Out-of-Town Tryout
After the workshop process, many Broadway shows go through an out-of-town tryout. This is where the show is tested in front of a live audience in a different city before it makes its Broadway debut. The out-of-town tryout allows the creative team to make final adjustments and see how the show is received by a diverse audience.
The Making of a Broadway Hit: How These Shows Went from Concept to Cash Cow
5. The Marketing Campaign
A major factor in the success of a Broadway hit is its marketing campaign. Broadway shows often have a big budget for advertising, and they utilize various strategies to promote the show. This can include TV commercials, billboards, social media, and celebrity endorsements. The goal of the marketing campaign is to create buzz and generate interest in the show.
6. The Previews
Before a Broadway show officially opens, it goes through a series of preview performances. This is where the show is performed in front of paying audiences for the first time. Previews allow the creative team to make any final tweaks and adjustments based on audience reactions. These performances also help generate word-of-mouth and build anticipation for the official opening night.
7. The Opening Night
The official opening night of a Broadway show is a highly anticipated event. This is when critics will publish their reviews and the show will receive media coverage. A successful opening night can greatly impact the future of the show, and a positive review from a major publication can be a game-changer.
8. The Tony Awards
The ultimate goal for any Broadway show is to win a Tony Award. These prestigious awards recognize excellence in the theater industry and can greatly impact the success of a show. Winning a Tony Award can lead to increased ticket sales, extended runs, and even international tours. Shows like “Hamilton” and “The Producers” have achieved massive success after winning multiple Tony Awards.
9. The Longevity
A Broadway hit is not just about making a big splash and then fading away. The true test of a show’s success is its longevity. Shows like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Chicago” have been running for over 30 years, and they continue to attract audiences night after night. A long-running show is a testament to its quality and ability to captivate audiences for years to come.
In conclusion, the making of a Broadway hit is a complex and multi-faceted process. It takes a unique concept, a talented creative team, and a lot of hard work and dedication to turn a show into a cash cow. From the initial concept to the Tony Awards and beyond, these shows have proven time and time again that they have the power to captivate and enchant audiences for generations to come.
Summary:
In this blog post, we explored the key elements in the making of a Broadway hit. From the concept to the creative team, the workshop process to the out-of-town tryout, the marketing campaign to the opening night, and the Tony Awards to longevity, we saw the various steps that contribute to the success of a show. Broadway hits are not just about making a big splash, but they have the ability to captivate audiences for years to come.
