The Stage Confined to a Screen

Within the NY Times Arts article “Catching Broadway on Camera” by Lorne Manly, it states that with the closing of its live performance, Of Mice and Men is looking to capture the performance on film. This was not the initial plan when the Broadway show was being produced, yet through difficult decisions and forbidding deadlines, a filmed version of the Broadway play will be hitting 1,400 theaters in november. The intention for taking the play and altering it to movie format is driven by a few factors. Capital seems to be one of the biggest incentives for the conversion of play to film. There is a clear incentive to filming live performances , making Broadway plays accessible to a much larger demographic, whether it be due to socio-economic reasons or geographical, now theoretically anyone can enjoy a Broadway performance.

In spite of the performance’s increased accessibility, it almost completely robs Broadway of its appeal. For centuries people enjoyed plays for one distinct reason, it being a live performance. There is something about sinking into the red cushioned auditorium chair and getting lost in a live performance that makes Broadway such a luxury. These filmed performances can be compared to a lesser quality movie, which will ultimately be unable to compete with high budget blockbusters.

Allowing for Broadway plays to be transferred to films is also a walk on dangerous terrain. As we’ve seen in the last 2 decades the Theater industry has decreased immensely, and with the addition of these performance films, there is room for adverse effect. Many Broadway goers may have less of an incentive to go and see the live show if they know they can wait for it to be released on film. With our currently crippled economy, many broadway goers may opt out on spending money on tickets, and may choose to save money and see the performance in theaters.

These filmed Broadway performances, may be the future of theater, for better, or for worse.

7 Responses to "The Stage Confined to a Screen"

anandpoonai says:

October 7, 2014 at 3:34 pm

I really found your article to very interesting and I agree with every word that you said. Broadway shows should not be transformed into movie scenes primarily because it robs Broadway of its glitz and glamour. Many people find Broadway to be unique on its own, so turning Broadway shows into movies will only causes a decreasing trend in popularity. Your statement, “Many Broadway goers may have less of an incentive to go and see the live show if they know they can wait for it to be released on film. With our currently crippled economy, many broadway goers may opt out on spending money on tickets, and may choose to save money and see the performance in theaters,” holds a lot of truth. It is common for people to just wait to see a movie when it comes out on film, so that would only rob Broadway of its popularity. Broadway tickets are also slightly more expensive than movie theater tickets, so most audience members would be economically smart and wait to see it in theater. In all, if this were to happen, it would just be a huge attack on Broadway and take away from the big hype of Broadway.
krystalau says:

October 7, 2014 at 7:01 pm

Your article really surprised me. I would have never thought that Broadway would start filming the live performances and then release it in theaters. I feel like that is the opposite of Broadway and defeats the purpose of Broadway. When I think of Broadway plays, and I’m sure also for many other people, it equates to live plays and performances. To me, seeing the play or musical live is what makes Broadway special. I don’t think watching it in theaters would have the same feeling. I also agree that this might bring Broadway down, popularity and money-wise. More people would probably just wait to see it in theaters because it will probably be a lot cheaper, but there would still be the people who would rather spend a little bit more and see it live.
stephenesses says:

October 8, 2014 at 11:42 am

I completely agree that this is possibly very dangerous. I also hope though, that really avid fans of theatre will continue to want to see the plays live. I understand the appeal for seeing a play in the movies rather than on Broadway, but do not think that movies will overtake the real thing. Many people enjoy seeing plays because they are a live performance, that is not being replicated when they are put in movie theaters. When the appeal of Broadway is lost I am not sure how many people would want to see those shows in the movies. Also as we discussed in class, hollywood story lines have been getting better and better. If a show is not live why would you rather see a classic show when you can see some of the new more exciting movies that are being released. Although this is one example, I don’t think that movies will ever completely overtake Broadway shows.
Ann Privorotskiy says:

October 8, 2014 at 11:21 pm

I find that most of the time, the movie version of a work, doesn’t nearly compare to the original. I agree with you, and think that the movie will be crossing over dangerous terrain. People tend to have very high expectations of movies like this, because they can’t help but compare it to the original. Everyone expects to be just as dazzled watching a screen, as they are watching a stage. Hopefully the movie version will not disappoint, and meet the standards of a subconsciously critical audience. Whenever a performance is decided to be remade on screen, I think it’s a bold and daring move because directors know that they have some big shoes to fill.
ehughes1 says:

October 10, 2014 at 4:47 pm

Sometimes it’s crazy to think about how much technology has affected our lives, and this is just one way of how it’s taking over Broadway. I agree with everything that’s been said by Chris and all the other bloggers in that I fear that some how the movie version will lack the dazzling effect that a live performance has on the audience. Of course, money is a huge driving force in the conversion of Of Mice and Men, as it will take a lot of money to produce the film, as well as seeking a profit in return. I’m not so sure that their profits will exceed their expectations; but then again, there are economic and geographical reasons that limit people from going to an authentic Broadway show in New York City. We’re fortunate enough to live in the city and can experience these things through our Arts of New York seminar. As I didn’t see Of Mice and Men during its run on Broadway, I’ll definitely be buying a ticket to one of these theaters to see the show. My friends were lucky enough to see the show and were even able to meet some of the actors afterwards (I was very jealous to say the least). I truly hope that the producers get the positive response their looking for. I have my fingers crossed that the film does well!
Isabel Vulakh says:

October 11, 2014 at 12:50 am

I’m a bit surprised that some Broadway shows will now be hitting movie theaters. I feel like that completely defeats the purpose of theaters, and the Broadway musicals will no longer have the same effect. A live performance and seeing actors dance and sing in person is what makes Broadway so special and unique. I also don’t think this new idea will be very successful; Broadway should be left for the stage and not for the movie screen. Like you said, tough competition from blockbuster hits will devalue the true worth of live Broadway performances. Even though it may be easier and more accessible for people who are unable to visit NYC to get a taste of Broadway, I do not think they will enjoy it as much and might be very disappointed.
Susan Tenneriello says:

October 12, 2014 at 9:55 am

Can you link to directly to the article in you post. Thanks.
Broadway is actually doing very well–the industry is seeing record sales and attendance. Broadway grossed over 1 billion in 2013-2014 according to the Broadway League–the industry organization. Attendance (over 12 million) topped the ten professional sports teams in NY and NJ (Mets, Yankees, Rangers, Islanders, Knicks, Liberty, Giants, Nets, Devils) for the same period.

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