Original Material on Broadway

Inspired by my good friend Ant Mennuti I decided that this update should be about my theories the lack of original material on Broadway. Some people may ask why not take a recognizable product and present it back to the audience in a different art form. They argue that taking a popular movie and making it into a show that tweaks the story makes it original material. Nope, friends the dictionary defines original as the following...

1. belonging or pertaining to the origin or beginning of something, or to a thing at its beginning: The book still has its original binding.
2. new; fresh; inventive; novel: an original way of advertising.
3. arising or proceeding independently of anything else: an original view of history.
4. capable of or given to thinking or acting in an independent, creative, or individual manner: an original thinker.
5. created, undertaken, or presented for the first time: to give the original performance of a string quartet.
6. being something from which a copy, a translation, or the like is made: The original document is in Washington.

There is no mention of remakes or reinvents to be found...I think that people are ready and want to see something original on stage. My mother always talks about getting to see the original productions of shows being revived today and they hold a special place in her memories.

Here are two of my theories…I don’t pretend to be an expert on the subject these are just my thoughts…
Theory # 1 – You already have an audience for the material.

It’s logical to think that when you take a preexisting story you will have an audience that comes with it. Which then creates word of mouth because once that audience finds out there is something new coming out using their favorite story they’ll start talking about it. Questions such as, “I wonder how [insert actor here] will do as Elizabeth Bennet?” will be asked and the ever so popular statement, “They better not ruin my favorite story.” will be heard. I have to admit to being one of these types of audience members myself. When I heard that Pride and Prejudice was becoming a Musical I asked/spoke the statements above to anyone who would listen. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book, and the BBC Film version is my favorite movie. It could be a really great musical if it is done right. I have an idea in my head about how the show could work, but that is for another post entirely.

Theory # 2 – Producer’s are the Audience members themselves – having an attachment to the material can be deadly in this business.

I remember whenever I Stage Managed or Teched a show in college that I loved whatever show I was working on. Alas… after a performance when I had asked my friends what they thought I would get really offended and not understand why they didn’t like some of them. Now that I look back I liked some pretty crappy shows which shall remain nameless. So I agree with the point that one should never so close to the material that they become blinded by their love of it.