Broadway is loved worldwide by many, many people. You might not really like theatre on a normal, day-to-day basis, but you've seen a Broadway show at some point, whether in New York City or a touring show in your own town. So why is this? Why is Broadway, and theatre in general, such a globally loved artform?
1. There's a show for everyone. Religious? Try "Sister Act" or "Book of Mormon" (maybe not if you're easily offended, though). Want a coming of age story? "Spring Awakening" or maybe "Fun Home" is it for you. Need something fun and not too serious to laugh at? See "Something Rotten!" Enjoy history? Try "Hamilton."
2. Live theatre is much more captivating than a movie. It's live. This means that it's very possible to witness a faulty line or some set piece not working quite right, and that keeps us on our toes throughout and entire show. Plus, unlike movies, we get to see the people we love right in front of us rather than on a screen.
3. You can meet the actors/actresses afterwards. This is no where near possible after seeing a movie. Of course, that makes movies more accessible. But us Broadway fanatics go to shows and anxiously await meeting our favorite stars afterwards. I've met Darren Criss and Michael C Hall and (almost met) Bradley Cooper just by stage-dooring a Broadway show. I could go on and on.
4. Musicals. "What could be more amazing than a musical? With songs and dance and sweet romance, and happy endings happening by happenstance!" Just like they say in "Something Rotten," literally nothing is better than a musical. It's just so much fun to be able to watch these huge numbers take place on a stage in front of you. And you can listen to the recordings over and over and over again after the show, always having a piece of it with you.
5. They have some educational value. The "Hamilton" cast recording has been out for a month, and I already know more about Alexander Hamilton than I ever thought possible -- and I didn't have to study. Same goes with "Book of Mormon." I've aced religion tests just by singing "All American Prophet" and "I Believe" in my head. The songs are so catchy, but teach something, too (which my parents love).
6. There's nothing like the feeling of sitting in an audience and hearing the orchestra start playing and watching the lights go down. Everyone in the audience has the same feeling of anxiety and excitement at that same instance.
7. Theatre is an escape for many people. It's commonly thought that, because theatre is drama, all there is within a company is drama. Yet theatre has always been a home for me. Somewhere I can go to and not be judged. Somewhere to get away from life's problems for a little bit and just enjoy a show.
8. It's such a community. The amount of people I've met just standing in line before a show is incredible. And hearing people's stories about why they are there or how they got there can be really mind-opening.
9. It gives you a reason to detach for a little bit. You're required to turn off your phones (and do it or Patti LuPone will get you!) and leave all social media behind for a few hours. And we all need that from time to time.
10. It can turn into a lifestyle. For me theatre is no longer just something I'll do every now and then. It's a lifestyle. My phone is 65 percent show tunes. My bank account has been destroyed because of trips to New York.
11. Nothing is better than Broadway. There's nothing that can make you cry, laugh and hide in fear all in span of two hours like shows on Broadway can. Nothing can change your life as much as finding that one show that speaks to you.
Broadway will forever be a huge part of my life and something that I love sharing with people. If you've never seen a Broadway show before, please do. Whether it's in NYC or comes through your town on tour, try to get into one of those seats. I promise, you won't be let down.
