New Mission

So my new mission for the rest of this year is to see three shows. I'm in search of affordable, but great seats.

The shows I plan to see...

1. How to Succeed in Business - I may wait for Darren Criss - I'm so torn.
2. Anything Goes - When Sutton Foster comes back.
3. Godspell - I missed my opportunity yesterday. :( However happy that a friend could sit in the amazing seats that I got. Front row! I'm a sucker for watching whatever Davenport comes up. Call me a Producer fan.
4. Bonnie & Clyde - The music previews sound amazing!

So, I shall blog my adventures trying to find affordable seats and any other fun things that happen along the way.

So many of these prices are kind of getting out hand... 

Catch Me...

It's been so long since I've been able to post. Alas it'll be a short one...

Catch Me if You Can - I was so excited for this show, and i'm sorry to say that it was kind of a let down. It had so much potential, but there was an element of confusion to what the show's purpose was. To educate & inform? To entertain? To showcase talent? The first time I saw it I noticed that the show attempted having heart underlining it, but seem to land just shy of one.

The show had all the makings of a blockbuster...Jerry Mitchell, Jack O'Brien, the producing team of Hairspray...Mark Shaimam & Scott Wittman... My cast of favorites - Aaron Tveit, NORBERT LEO BUTZ, Tom Wopat, & Kerry Butler.  I mean how could it have gone so wrong?

It was confusing because I wanted so badly to like it. The music was great. The set wasn't fancy - which is something I could get used to. The lighting was impressive. It had the fun, upbeat feel of Hairspray. It wasn't as glitzy though.

I think the book needed some retweaks before it opened. The movie was able to show us the man that Frank Abigale(sp?) Jr. character had become and the show was only was able to talk about. We were able to see in the movie that Carl was able help Frank make the decision to fix his life. I think that's the part that makes the true story of Catch if you Can so amazing. The song Good Bye expresses that but it feels like the character is only singing that because he got caught. The show is ending and he wants to leave on top.

Interesting to think about.

I did love the performances though. Aaron Tveit gave his all both times that I saw it. - Will someone give his guy a Tony Nomination already?? Norbert Leo Butz just proved why he'll be written about as one of the great Broadway Actors of our time. Kerry Butler brought the house down with her 11 o'clock number. Fly Fly Away is a beautiful song. I think my favorite is Good Bye though.

Venturing to Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway

I’m really starting to like venturing to the Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway Theatres. There is so much art and talent out there to see. Bonus: It’s cheaper! Also for the most part you’ll end up seeing a more experimental play. I’ve noticed that Off-Broadway you’ll go to the theatre with a lot of locals depending on the venue and who is in the show. Off-Off Broadway shows tend to be more of the theatre community and locals. European tourist (depending on the country) are more likely to check out the Off-Broadway scene.

Off-Broadway

The Pride – Not what I was expecting at all but this show was beautifully done. This play is very powerful and interesting. This play tells a story of three people who love each other in varying degrees and in different ways by switching between the past and present. As an audience we see who these characters once were and who’ve they’ve become. That’s really all I will say.
But..I will talk about Hugh Dancy whom may just have edged out the competition to become make his way into my top 5 favorite modern theatre actors. I find myself enjoying his work more and more these days. He may be pretty, but he is not afraid to really get into the dark side of a character. (We got to meet him too! He is so nice in person.)

Off-Off Broadway

Titus Andronicus – Most disturbing Shakespeare I ever seen! That said I was really impressed by this production from the American Globe Theatre on 46th Street btwn 6th & 7th Avenue. This was a really great production – I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching actors and actresses who really understand Shakespeare and are on stage because it’s their passion. Titus Andronicus is the twisted story about how power corrupts. Shakespeare’s throws in his usual universal theme of what goes around comes around. It’s bloody and disturbing but I highly suggest reading the play or seeing a production of this Off the beaten path Shakesphere play. The production I saw was so well directed and acted that I also recommend checking out other shows that American Globe theatre has to offer. Big shot out one of the actors we got to see that night Jon Hoche (website: http:www.jonhoche.com ) It was awesome to see how far he’s come since college. He’s definitely someone for everyone to look forward to seeing on the Broadway stage or in film whatever he chooses.

It made me miss working in a Black Box Theatre :(

On Broadway

Broadway

Present Laughter – Fantastic! The production didn’t let me down one bit. I love Victor Garber and that entire ensemble cast was delightfully talented. The set and costumes were gorgeous pieces of art. I love the sophistication that the actors have to withhold in their characters it just adds to the mocking sarcastic nature of it all. This show is about a pompous actor and all of the crazy people involved in his life. In a way it challenges the audience to appreciate those around them, because they all serve a purpose in our lives. We may not know what it is a first but you can figure it out along the way; even if you make an mistake at first.


Favorite Scene: When Victor Garber’s character is alone in his home not knowing what to do with himself
Favorite Aspect: The Writing
Need to learn more about: Noel Coward

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Rock of Ages – This show was nothing like I expected it to be. Instead the normal head into a Saturday Matinee about 1:30pm and sit in your seat. Instead as you enter the theatre you get to sort of marvel at the creative minds behind the project before you even sit down. The theatre is transformed to make the audience feel like they are in an 80s rock bar. As much as the producers could do to grunge up the Brooks Atkinson theatre was done. Ushers and merch people were dressed to the fit the parts. They also served the audience drinks in your seats. (The traditional theatre person in me freaked out a little about this at first but I got over it. I understood it was part of the atmosphere they wanted to create.)

Going to this show is not your typical Broadway experience and it’s completely worth it. The show itself was fun it was like going to a rock concert. Constantine’s voice fit perfectly in the 80s Rock Balladeer type of voice required. Kerry Butler was amazing as always she proved that she can pretty much sing and fit any part. When I first heard about her doing the show I was a little skeptical because I couldn’t picture her doing Rock. Well, she sure showed me.

As for the show itself the storyline was a little choppy and underdeveloped but it worked. I found myself laughing at the cute dance number parts that reminded me that I was watching a Broadway show and not a rock concert.

If you are looking for a show that is just a fun overall good time Rock of Ages is the one to see.

Aspect: Atmospheric design
Favorite number: Here I go again
Favorite Song: More than words
Can't get out of my head: High Enough
Favorite scenes: The cute/awkward dance numbers

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Lend Me a Tenor: I may have a new favorite play. This show was the type of show you’d bring the grumpiest person you can think of on a rainy day where they woke up on the wrong side of the bed and defy them to try and not to have a good time. People were in stitches the basically the whole show; literally they were rocking back and forth in their seats.

It was a Farce so lots of doors slamming and timing was of the utmost importance- Comparable to Boeing Boeing. The characters were beautifully acted out by one of the most talented ensemble casts that I’ve ever seen on stage. You could tell that all of them were familiar with the art of live theatre – none of them seemed to be out of their element on stage. I was most pleasantly surprised by how talented Justin Bartha (Doug, The Hangover) is. Jennifer Laura Thompson was the token Broadway starlet in the show. It was nice to see her in non-singing role it still involved her comedic flare but she was really great. I was really jealous of her costumes. Speaking of costumes this show had some of the most beautiful costumes I’d ever seen in my life. The story is the classic underdog destined for greatness and on the way hilarious complications happen.

There is so much more I can say about this show but I won't... You'll have go out and experience it for yourselves.  : )

Favorite Scene: Too many to name
Favorite Aspect: Costumes - hands down
Need to learn more about: Farces

An experience filled with can'ts and don'ts?

The other day I started thinking about my first theatre experience seeing Beauty and the Beast when it first moved to the Lunt-Fontanne theatre. Someone told me that there were snipers up in the ceiling so if you talked or misbehaved at all they’d shoot you (I think it was my brother). Needless to say I was glancing at the ceilings and very well behaved that whole day.


Fast forward about 15 years or so the world has vastly changed but the rules of theatre etiquette have stayed the same for the most part. I’d hate to say it, but what an awful place to bring teenagers to. They can’t use their cameras, phones, or use their iPods. Traveling along that thought path a bit more to tourist or people who have never been the theatre before who are unfamiliar with the rules. People bring cameras everywhere wanting to remember their experiences and cell phones keep everyone in touch with the outside world. As soon as they pull out a camera at least two Ushers are ready to pounce on them which can be embarrassing and taint their otherwise wonderful experience.

I feel like the theatre experience needs to move from the place of can’ts, and don’ts, so that people can have a more relaxed enjoyable experience. Possibly making those individuals even want to come back more often. Times are changing and it makes me wonder if there is a way to change the theatre experience with them. A balance would have to struck in order to make it more current (for the younger audiences) but still enjoyable to the existing audience. Rock of Ages is the only show bold enough to sort of try this by transforming the Brooks Atkinson Theatre into a Bar like atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The show itself is eh (it lacked storyline) - what makes people want to go back is the rock concert environment.

Oh and I figured out the snipers in theatre ceilings was a myth in time for my second Broadway Show – Jekyll & Hyde at the Gerald Schoenfeld theatre formerly the Plymouth Theatre (which it was at the time).

I know, I know long time no post - I've been a slacker, but keep looking out for new ones; I have a lot in the works. :-)

(Please forgive typos I'll copy edit soon)

For Janine...Thanks for reading!

Bye Bye Birdie
I am a firm believer that any show is worth seeing because you never know if there is something that you can learn and take away from it. Well, I didn't learn any life lessons from this show, but it was entertaining. The show certainly did what every show should do in my opinion; which is give its audience a two and half hour break from their everyday lives. Bye Bye Birdie is a show that was conceived purely to entertain and it does its job well. However the problem I see is that the show is dated to a point that it is not really relevant right now. There were parts that could have been modernized and given a fresh spin but this production didn’t seem to take too many liberties.
The good thing was that there were a lot of kids in the audience due to Conrad Birdie being played by Nolan Gerard Funk. Allie Trimm & Matt Doyle were fantastic in this production! I also saw Bill Irwin's understudy Jim Walton as Harry and he was a great talent to get the chance to see.

Bottom line - The more sophisticated theatre goers may not like this show because it's so simple and there is nothing really special about this production. To be honest I expected more, but my Mom really like it so I was happy with the show because of that.

Favorite aspect: Costumes...?
Favorite number: Honestly Sincere
Favorite Song: How Lovely to Be a Woman
Can't get out of my head: Bye Bye Birdie...and of course We Love You Conrad
Favorite scene: When they are on The Ed Sullivan Show
Talent to watch out for: Brynn Williams

Learning Opportunities - Part 1

After a very busy week here is the first part of multi-post update.

Situation Interactive: http://www.situationinteractive.com/

This company is a web based marketing company for the entertainment industry (Sports, Culturals, Theatre, etc…) They are the driving force behind Hair’s website – http://www.haironbroadway.com and Billy Elliot’s http://www.billyelliotbroadway.com/ Both are great websites for creating that vital connection to the audience (hence the interactive part of the company’s name). Also both of the sites have designs that are modern, organized, and are user friendly.
Side Note: Be sure to check out http://www.wearebillyelliot.com/ - Just listen to the actors, kid wranglers, Director, Techies, etc… Their stories make me want to go see the show again which means that it is doing its job. I have a soft spot for watching people’s dreams come true and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to be a Producer in the first place.
Anyways about once a month Situation Inactive hosts panel discussions for their clients. The topic that I was invited to attend was Customers. They had a Theatre Producer, Sports marketer, and Cultural non-profit marketer. I got invited because the Producer that was speaking was Ken Davenport and people at my job know I’m a fan of his work.

Another side note: Regardless of the industry that you work in if you are invited to a Panel discussion, seminar, or conference that has nothing to do with your line of work - go anyways. You never know what you can pick up from the speakers and use for your job. That’s why blogs are so great…I find out so much blog posts and comments.
As brief as possible here is what I learned… If you don’t understand my short hand or have any questions feel free to let me know.

Getting new and returning customers – Customer goes to a show and then nothing happens - What if there was some kind of next day follow-up.
Example: Buying a suitcase and the very next day receiving a follow-up e-mail with a 25% off coupon
Social Media – planting ads that’ll circle around back to the website that you want them to be on.
Example: 13 The Musical – Ken planted ads on the sites that his target market would be hanging out on and led them back to the website that they designed for 13 to interact and talk about theatre. – Word of mouth is and will always be the #1 ticket seller – The question now becomes how you keep the conversation about the show going.

How much is too much communication? – Markets should be segmented and email information should be targeted toward your clients. This is so when they receive emails from you the customer will want to read them because it’ll be relevant to their needs. Speak to your customers in their voice

Customers that will pay for premium tickets don’t care about the price they just want the experience of being in a great seat at a show. There is more that they can gain from these customers.

You’ll have customers that will purchase a package on a sports site these that product because they are familiar with it. Sports marketers from time to time they will send out an additive offer but mostly will only email the person when the product they purchased is about to go on sale again.

Customer relationships – When you establish a relationship with a client it’s like a friendship - giving relevant content to the customers helps to foster that relationship. Giving their email information away breaks that trust and makes people angry because for some reason an Inbox is a very sensitive thing.

Added value – They talked about Ken Davenport’s blog post about Airline on American Airlines you can go up to get you confirmation and upgrade your seat to first class for $350.00. At that point you’re like ok… that’s not bad and you don’t even think about the $800.00 you already spent on the ticket. Can they do this at theatres? Hey you want to give me $20.00 to upgrade your seat from the Balcony. Even Hotels? $100.00 to upgrade to a suite?

Show Concierge – basically an extra Usher at shows to talk to people – knowledgeable about NYC restaurants, Attractions, the next show you should see. Face to Face interaction.

Playbill is successful because that’s what they walk out of the show with. It serves as a reminder of the experience. Also Soundtracks, signed material these things can extend the experience and keep people talking about it.

Asking questions to customers engages them in a way that gets them thinking and talking. Which can keep them coming back - What do you think about??

Unique experiences – added value for customers – Post Game, Roundabout talkbacks, Behind the Scene Tours.

Cultural events have a lot of things to say – meaning a lot of information to pass along. The best is insider information because it brings people inside the experience. Example: Interviews

They talked a lot about collecting data – Getting email address is priority - Placing business cards in fish bowls seems to be the best way.

Last three points:

Build size of email list
Accept the way things are but find ways to work around them
Segment – Market - Target