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Musical Wiki

Show Success

In order to determine whether a production is successful or unsuccessful, we must first define success. Merriam-Webster defines success as a “favorable or desired outcome” or “the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence.” According to this definition, success is something that varies from person to person, group to group, and production to production. On Broadway, success may be measured by the amount of time a show lasts. Shows that do not even make it past previews would usually be deemed unsuccessful. Profits may also be a factor in determining a show’s success. While most theatre people do not participate in theatre for the money aspect, it is still the lifeline that is completely necessary in productions. There are also awards that production groups strive for. They may picture success in the form of earning one of these awards, like the Tony’s, attending the ceremony, receiving a physical reward for their accomplishments, and giving a quick speech in front of the audience. Others may more humbly reach for success in the form or strengthening human relationships. Nicolas Coster, a well-known Broadway actor trained in both classical technique and the American Method, emphasized in a recent talk that human relationships and sensitivity towards others is one of the key aspects in life and even a way to measure success of a production.

There are many examples of successful productions. The successful Broadway shows become known across the world and go down in history. The more local, intimate productions often impact those who participate in the show more than the actual audience. These shows provide an outlet for many who enjoy theatre and entertainment for those who view them. While the ways to determine whether a production is successful or not can vary widely, the factors that ultimately succeed, by one definition or another, have many of the same characteristics. In order for a production to be successful, it must have an audience. While certain types of theatres in different cultures take place with or without a real, physical audience, here in present-day America the audience is crucial. The audience experiences the production and is performed for. Not only must an audience exist but also it must be plentiful. There must be enough individuals who are interested in the production and who are willing to make the effort to attend a show. The audience also provides monetary support. They purchase the tickets, souvenirs, drinks, and concessions. Without an audience, a production cannot be successful.

In the case of musicals, the music in the production has to be extraordinary. It must be unique and new. It must be meaningful to the plot and contribute overall to the theme and message of the production. As seen in the video of the production of the musicals “Wicked” and “Avenue Q”, successful music is not easily come by. Many skilled individuals work together in teams to create just the right music to achieve the desired affect.

Like Nicolas Coster emphasized the importance of human relationships and sensitivity, all individuals working in the production of a play must be sensitive and aware of the leanings of their particular audience. Whether it is the audience’s political, moral, or social stances, the producers need to take them into consideration as to not offend or upset the audience.

In order for a production to be successful, the audience must be able to exit the theatre after the actors take the stage for the last time of the night and feel like a connection was made. The best productions are those that leave a lasting impression upon the audience. The only way to do that is through creating a work that the audience is able to identify personally with. The audience should be able to relate to a specific character or situation or even an underlying message or tone within the production. In “The Fantasticks,” one of the main events that a large majority of the audience would have been able to relate to was falling in love. Whether the individual love stories of those in the audience were similar to that of Matt and Luisa, all most likely thought back to when they first came across young love. This connection between production and audience is what truly creates a successful work.

Unsuccessful productions are not actually that uncommon, although the successful ones usually receive the spotlight. While successful productions do things the right way in the theatre business, unsuccessful productions usually do the opposite. Unsuccessful productions do not have a large enough target audience. The Broadway show “Taboo” was so outrageous that the target audience was very narrow. Many who saw the musical absolutely loved it, however the numbers of those who had the desire to experience such a different play were not high enough to keep it on Broadway. “Taboo” ended up closing before they had hoped and anticipated that it would. Negative distractors can also ruin a production’s success. “Taboo” had some negative press involving Rosie O’Donnell, which most likely had an impact on the success of the show. Just as successful productions take the audience into consideration and work to form a connection, unsuccessful productions are unable to do this. Unsuccessful productions are easily forgotten and have no impact upon the audience.

There are many ways to define success of a production, whether that is by profits, or by number of awards earned, or any number of other factors. There are common aspects that the majority of successful productions do have in common, including: the existence of a large target audience, fantastic music, awareness of the audience, and the ability of the production to create a bond with the audience.