Broadway... The pinnacle of theatre shows. Located in New York City, or the city that never sleeps...much like Broadway musical fans. It's home to "Wicked," "Hamilton," "The Book of Mormon," "Finding Neverland," and so much more. As someone who does not have the luxury of seeing a Broadway show every month, I have struggled with Broadway withdrawal. I know I am not the only one in the world, either. Unfortunately, the fans of Broadway are a proud but reclusive fandom, so most people don't know what we go through. But to shed some light on our family, here are 10 struggles that every Broadway fan has-- because not everyone can "Let Your Freak Flag Fly" in public.
1. Constantly hearing show tunes in your head
Struggling to make your mark on the world or writing home to complain about your roommate problems… Well, there is a Broadway song just for you. Whether the song is from "In the Heights" or the "Book of Mormon," you just can’t “Turn It Off”!
2. You have to sing every single part by yourself
Jamming to your favorite Broadway song can be tiring because there are so many different parts to the song and you just have to sing every part. It’s mostly because no one else can do the parts like you can or because everyone is embarrassed by you.
3. No one will let you DJ during road trips
Literally no one. If they know you have show tunes on your phone, there is no chance that anyone will let you get near the aux cord. But personally, there is nothing better than driving anywhere jamming out to your favorite musicals. But apparently, others will disagree.
4. Theatre jokes are only funny to theatre kids
Making theatre jokes in front of “normal people” can lead them to look at you just a little weirder than when you started talking. It’s not your fault that Jonathon Groff looks good in a crown and being sassy.
5. Buying the album because you can’t go to New York and see it in person
You get so connected to the album that you act like you have seen the show in person. But no…you’ve just listened to the album on repeat for the past three weeks in a row-- non-stop.
6. Listening to the album and all the feels hit you so hard
You either get feels about how amazing and breathtaking the musical is, or you get upset because you realize that you may never get to the see the show in person. There is no in-between of which feeling you get.
7. Broadway to the Silver Screen
There are a few lucky Broadway shows that become movies and that can be a success, or a major flop. You have to make sure that they get the right people and that it still has the feel of a Broadway show to it and not just a bunch of people who randomly start singing about their problems. But if the movie does well, there is no better feeling than seeing it in theatres for the first time.
8. The distance
Most people are not lucky enough to be from New York and getting to New York can be as difficult as getting the ticket. And if the show is lucky enough to have a touring show… finding a city that is near is nearly impossible unless you want to drive out of your way.
9. THE MONEY!!
The cost…oh lord the cost! The cost of Broadway tickets can range from $100 to $1000 if you want to sit in either the bathroom or in the orchestra. So if you are willing to live with the bare essentials, go for it.
10. But none the less…
You still listen and fangirl and practically die over every new fact or new actor because Broadway is your life and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
Broadway may be miles away and you may never get to meet the other fans that share the same interest as you, but you are connected by a common love of something. Only Broadwa makes fans a family and Broadway is what brings us all together "At the End of the Day".
