The month of April on Broadway is a time of heightened energy and glamour as the deadline for Tony Award eligibility approaches. This year, the cutoff date is April 25, prompting a flurry of new show openings in a nine-day final stretch beginning on April 17. With no festival circuit for Broadway shows to build buzz, each production must fight for attention, reviews, and audience engagement to survive beyond the Tonys. The industry is still recovering from the pandemic, making this Opening Season more glitzy and celebratory than ever as it attempts to draw back its pre-lockdown crowds.
As a seasoned New York theater journalist, this year’s frenzy of new productions is unprecedented for the author. With 12 openings scheduled in just over a week, the focus on Broadway is intense, with each show vying for individual love and attention amidst the crowded field. The author will be navigating Midtown Manhattan, attending red carpets, curtain calls, and after-parties to capture the magic and madness of this theatrical season. Armed with a phone, notebook, and press passes, they aim to provide insights into what Broadway is like for its casts, crews, fans, and celebrity visitors during this hectic time.
The lack of a festival circuit for Broadway shows means that audiences are treated to a whirlwind of new productions every April, each vying for their attention in the lead-up to the Tony Awards. With no Tellurides or Cannes to build buzz, shows rely on previews, out-of-town tryouts, and word of mouth to gain momentum before being frozen into their final form for Tony consideration. The author notes the upsides of the heightened attention on Broadway but acknowledges the challenge for shows to stand out and engage audiences amidst the competition.
The theater industry’s efforts to recover its pre-pandemic audiences add an extra layer of excitement to Opening Season, with shows pulling out all the stops to attract attention and create buzz. The author describes the stakes for each production, as they must draw crowds, earn positive reviews, and keep audiences engaged long after the Tonys to ensure their survival. The author recognizes the importance of this moment in the industry’s recovery and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of those involved in bringing these productions to life.
As the author prepares to cover the frenzy of Broadway’s Opening Season, they anticipate a whirlwind of red carpets, curtain calls, and after-parties as they document the magic and chaos of this theatrical moment. With a commitment to reviewing select productions and a busy schedule balancing journalistic responsibilities and other work commitments, the author is prepared to immerse themselves in the excitement of Broadway during this vibrant and tumultuous time. Armed with their tools of the trade, the author aims to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Broadway during this electrifying and crucial period in the theater industry.
