Why Broadway's 'Be More Chill' and 'Prom!' Recent Tony Nominees Are Closing Their Run
For all intents and purposes, the only reason a Broadway show ever closes is because it isn’t making enough money to stay open. Theatre, after all, is ultimately a business.
This article will delve into the specific reasons behind the closures of two of Broadway's recent Tony Award nominees, 'Be More Chill' and 'Prom!'
Understanding Broadway Revenue
Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to understand the business behind Broadway. The main source of revenue for Broadway shows is ticket sales. However, the cost of producing and maintaining a show can be high, often including salaries for actors, production crews, and stagehands, as well as rental costs for the theatre and other expenses. This makes financial performance a critical factor in a show's longevity.
Be More Chill: Teenager-Aimed Show's Challenges
'Be More Chill' focuses on a high school student named Woody, who takes a pill that amplifies his natural personality traits. While the show garnered significant attention and critical acclaim, ending up with Tony Awards nominations, it has unique challenges due to its target demographic—teenagers.
Teenagers and Theatre Attendance: According to data from the National Endowment for the Arts, teenagers have limited financial resources and typically do not have disposable income for luxury entertainment like Broadway shows. While they are keenly interested in the content, their purchasing power may be limited. Therefore, even with positive reviews, the show struggled to appeal to families who represent a larger portion of the audience.
The Prom: A Separate Case Study
While 'Be More Chill' faces specific challenges related to its target demographic, 'The Prom' had a different set of issues. This musical is based on the true story of a high school girl who is kicked off her prom by a hostile headmaster, leading to a legal battle.
Review and Audience Reception: Despite its engaging plot and positive reviews, 'The Prom' did not perform as well as expected in terms of ticket sales. This could be attributed to its timing and the overall market conditions.
Closure and Legacy: What Happens Next?
Just because a Broadway show fails in a big way does not mean it fails in the long run. The cast recording of 'Be More Chill' became massively popular and has helped the show find new life in community and school productions. It's a testament to the show's quality and appeal that it's not going away anytime soon.
Additionally, the story of 'Be More Chill' continues to resonate with audiences who discover it through these channels. Theatre companies and schools may continue to produce the show for years to come, ensuring its legacy remains alive.
Lessons for Broadway Producers and Investors
The closures of 'Be More Chill' and 'The Prom' serve as important lessons for Broadway producers and investors. It highlights the crucial correlation between a show's target audience, ticket sales, and financial viability.
Key Takeaways: Data-driven decision-making is essential in determining the financial viability of a show. Understanding the target audience and their ability to fund expensive entertainment is crucial. Positive reviews and critical acclaim do not guarantee success if the show doesn’t resonate with the intended audience.
These factors are what ultimately decide the financial performance and ultimate success of a Broadway show.
Conclusion
The closures of 'Be More Chill' and 'The Prom' are not just about financial performance but also about the strategic marketing and audience targeting of shows. These episodes highlight the complex interplay between theatre and business in the Broadway world. While the main reason for closure is often financial, the story doesn't end there; it serves as a reminder of the resilience and long-term potential of well-loved shows.