Show Business IS a Business

If you think it's just manufacturing and services, apparel and banking that are suffering, think again. Broadway has been brutally bashed by the recession. 16 shows have closed since January. Granted, some of them were limited runs anyway but 16 empty theatres is no laughing matter.

But where one door closes, perhaps a side window cracks open for the so-called "little guys" to get in. "Rock of Ages" is new musical that's been playing off-Broadway to big crowds (who's the lead? You'll have to watch the clip below to find out). It's based on a script written around the music of the "80's. (Hello? I know it's known as one of the worst decades for music, but funny how 20 years later, some of these songs are now CLASSICS. Tell me you've never rocked out to "Sister Christian" in your car when no one's lookng. Just try and deny THAT one, eh?)

Well, the producers of this scrappy little show are smart guys and women. They put together a plan, sold the script to New Line Cinema, and boom, next thing you know, they're at the Brooks Atkinson theatre. They got a valentine of a review from the New York Times. So what did they do right?

They lowered prices to the mid-$50's range for tickets, they convinced the theatre to allow drink service AT PEOPLE'S SEATS (Bartles and Jaymes please?) and they added a few whimsical extras here and there. They also have some very good actors playing their parts with gusto. And for now, it's working.

My point: Just when you think the headlines from Broadway are all doom and gloom, it's important to spot this great story coming out of Broadway. we're watching how it develops and to see whether other opportunity-seekers fill those theatres with creative plays and musicals. 

Look, "Corialanos" it ain't, but Rock of Ages knows exactly what it is and plays to that strength. Enjoy!