What are /r/Broadway's favorite Products & Services?

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I’m reading Michael Riedel’s Razzle Dazzle right now. It’s an in depth look into broadway in the mid to late 1900s, featuring the Schubert Organization, Jacobs, and Schoenfeld. Peter Filicia who works for Broadway World and is usually on the This Week on Broadway podcast (highly recommended as well) has also written several Broadway books.

“Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812”. I’d be fine with either replicating Mimi Lien’s set for the Broadway production or going back to a smaller, intimate tent setting as it had been done off-Broadway. I never got to see it live, but after reading the story of the making of the musical, I’d really love to see it in either setting. My dream is that they’ll do a milestone anniversary production at some point, even if it’s a limited one month run just in NYC or the ART or something.

Haha, this is a major topic of debate among the fandom. It looks like a carnation, they give out carnations at the stage door, but I guess carnations are too boring? People want it to be a pomegranate flower, or something. I've heard that they just call it a flower backstage.

You can also read the script if you can't see it. It'll be available Feb 4 (and a few days earlier on Amazon) but available now direct from publisher.

https://www.tcg.org/store/productdetail/8302174

Slave Play https://www.amazon.com/dp/1559369787/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yW2iEb2PYH9J9

It's available to stream on Amazon Prime. If it's not on Spotify by now but still on another popular streaming service, I'm guessing that the show's producers declined to deal with Spotify for whatever reason (or Amazon simply got exclusive streaming rights). The original cast album is still quite good, though. It'd be nice to have both albums on the same streaming service to make it easier to compare the two.

> The filmed version of The SpongeBob Musical will come to DVD on November 3, from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment. Buy the DVD here ($9.99usd).

> This release will be the full, extended-length taping of the Broadway musical, along with an exclusive sing-along edition only available on this DVD. The show aired on Nickelodeon in December 2019.

> The taped version of the show featured Ethan Slater as SpongeBob SquarePants, Gavin Lee as Squidward Q. Tentacles, Danny Skinner as Patrick Star, Brian Ray Norris as Eugene Krabs, Wesley Taylor as Sheldon Plankton, Christina Sajous as Sandy Cheeks, and Tom Kenny as Patchy the Pirate.

Also worth mentioning, you can purchased the previously released abridged version from Amazon or Fandango right now for $9.99usd.

Amazon Prime link

Spotify link

Strongly recommend reading the annotations of all the songs on Genius, lots of interesting tidbits there.

One I liked was for the finale (Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story):

>In addition to this orphanage, Eliza Hamilton founded another orphanage in Washington, D.C., and she would sometimes house homeless children in her own home.

> She also established the first school in Washington Heights, which is coincidentally the setting of Miranda’s other Broadway musical, In the Heights. (Also, it's where Lin-Manuel and his wife grew up)

> Miranda was astonished when he discovered this coincidence:

> "So imagine, I’m reading this book. And then I read that in the closing chapter. It was a confirmation — I was supposed to do this."

> Miranda included a verbal and musical reference to In the Heights in an earlier draft of this song, but cut it because it felt too on the nose.

> "You just can’t. Even though it’s historically true, I can’t actually say “in Washington Heights” at the end of my fucking show. But it was there to be mine."

Wow that's an awesome gift!

The vinyl release of the Hadestown OBCR comes in a box (it's 3 disks) with a neat booklet, it's certainly big enough to hold tickets or a note... plus if they fall into the not vinyl people category there's a download code in there too....

DiscOgs Link for Smaller Sellers

Amazon link

My recommendations are a bit limited because I haven't been to New York in many years, but from productions I've seen elsewhere or from previous casts, I'd recommend Wicked, Cabaret, and to a lesser extent Chicago. Wicked is what really drew me into musicals and it's a phenomenal extravaganza in terms of music and sets. I love gritty type musicals, and Cabaret has such a fun gritty atmosphere, it's very playful but very dark, and the ending left me stunned and speechless. Chicago is very fun and my mom who isn't into musicals, still talks about how much she enjoyed it years later.

Definitely the best way to experience theatre is live, but since I often can't, I watch a lot of cast recordings. The 2006 production of Company at the Lincoln Centre (it aired on PBS's Greats Performances), is my favourite. It's available on youtube or you can rent it from amazon. The first time I watched it, there were a couple of songs I found a bit boring, but over time, the more carefully I listened to it or had situations that made me relate to the feelings they convey, the more I love it.

I definitely agree with /u/ally-saurus's analogy. You get sucked in by a Harry Potter, and then find out there's such a wide variety of literature in the world, and generations of prolific authors. Maybe once you get into Hemingway or Shakespeare, you may find that you've outgrown some Harry Potter type books, but you'll likely still have a soft spot for it. I certainly found that I was first was drawn to the big, flashy productions but these days, smaller esoteric ones are what I prefer.

I just saw a video on Facebook. The line from the stage door an hour ago reached all the way to 8th.

I can't figure out how to show you the video but here's a screenshot.

After looking at those expensive Playbill binders for a long time, I ended up getting these, along with the sheet protectors Amazon suggests with them.

It's the same thing as far as I can tell, it just doesn't say "Playbill" on the spine. For that, I cut off the tops of Playbills people don't want and tape the logo neatly on the spine.

six by sondheim is a great movie

the rodgers & hammerstein box set has also come down considerably in price

I get squeamish around needles and medical procedures, and there's a part of the play where Mike Birbiglia describes getting anesthetized and having a procedure performed through his urethra. I almost threw up, lmao.

I keep Broadway musicals in sleeves like this organized into binders. I store all other programs in acid-free sleeves—preferably ones with adhesive strips directly on the sleeves, like these.

I use these with the recommended inserts. Fits two Playbills back to back per insert. Much cheaper than the branded ones:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BYFL37Y/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Sweeney Todd is very loosely based on the book String of Pearls. https://www.amazon.com/Sweeney-Todd-String-Mystery-Supernatural/dp/1840226323/ref=sr\_1\_1?crid=3NFNQX3KG6MR4&keywords=string+of+pearls+book&qid=1668947992&sprefix=string+of+pearlsoo%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1

There's a pretty nice book about the New Amsterdam theater:
https://www.amazon.com/New-Amsterdam-Biography-Broadway-Theater/dp/078686270X/
(used copies around $5)

I love putting pins on bags! I recommend using locking pin backs (https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Metal-Backs-Locking-Keepers/dp/B07VH4JMMQ) as they keep the pins more secure.

Let's talk about those set ideas. What else were you thinking for larger production numbers (Optic Nerve Blocking set transition, The Play, Pitiful Children, etc.)

For my retro BMC dream, I think the entire Play sequence should take place in a complete 80's sci fi landscape (projection, https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-1033506071-80s-retro-background-loop-animation-retrowave-horizon)

Let me know your ideas!

There was an off broadway week this February, right after broadway week. Currently there is a groupon for Play that Goes Wrong, though I don't know how it would work: https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-the-play-that-goes-wrong-at-new-world-stages

I read the book years ago, so I may be misremembering. However, the fact that the Times article bizarrely misrepresented itself as breaking a story that was already known for decades made it suspect in my view.

Wilson's book is easily found....unless you are a Times writer.

https://www.amazon.com/But-He-Doesnt-Know-Territory/dp/0816667705

This book is basically a massive interview of Sondheim on his music.

Beyond that, Sideways is a YouTuber who has broken down many of Sondheim's works and many other musical theater and movie scores. His work is absolutely fantastic. I suggest it highly.

This is the one I got. Def not identical - the sleeves are very different - but gave the same general vibe I was going for. The photo does make it look a little bit darker red but it's the same color in person.

I'm really impressed with the recent Kelli O'Hara King and I recording. It's filmed in a way that clearly showcases all the elaborate scenery and stagecraft. Half the joy of watching King and I is relishing the over-the-top architectural settings...who doesn't love to see how the palace comes together? The proshot definitely allows for this, and gives you a better view than you'd get in a theater.

I use these frames for my playbills.

This is what one of my walls look like.

It’s the cheapest over all frames I could find that still look good. It comes with a thick piece of black paper that I use for the background. Hope this helps! Everyone that comes over loves our playbill wall. We just hit 100 playbills so there’s a lot more than what’s in the photo.

there is no bad seat in the round, tbh. It is all about perspective. if you wanna see the waterfall, book to the right near where the band is. If you wanna see the beauxhommes shadow play, sit on the same side as the waterfall. This is where I sat, facing the waterfall. Could see everything perfectly.

I just chanced upon this site while looking for lyrics and have now been obsessively going through every line in the album to find out every little reference. Listening to the album straight through the first three times was amazing but going through each song and understanding the layers and nuances just blows me away.

We channeled our best Trudy in rainbow umbrella hats to see The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, or TSFSOILITU for not-very-short. Trudy is one of the characters Cecily Strong plays in this excellent one-person show.

I saw it with my wife and son during previews. We returned after the opening last week with friends from out of town. This time, we were prepared with a 5-pack of hats from Amazon .

My TSFSOILITU takeaways:
*Cecily Strong can do it all. This is worth seeing before it ends Feb 6. *Expect to experience a range of emotions. This is not an SNL sketch. But you will leave with deep thoughts and renewed sense of wonder. *There are so many quotable lines that I need to buy a copy of the script by Jane Wagner, Lily Tomlin’s wife. I didn’t see the original, so it was all new to me. *One of the producers took a picture of our theater attire and made my brain go all meta. It was like a line in the show about watching the audience instead of the play and seeing a bunch of strangers connect over a shared experience. The play was watching us. Goosebumps! *The Shed is a great venue. It can be a hike to get there, but this new, nonprofit theater is SO NICE! It has wonderfully cushioned seats with knee room and a nice rake (things everyone desires in a date night).

FYI, we only wore umbrella hats before the show and during the standing ovation. We did not block anyone’s view. Masks were only off while having pre-show refreshments in the large lobby with air handlers. We’re all triple-vaxxed. Protect Cecily and the crew!

I got the book The Shuberts present "100 years of American theatre" when i visited the Shubert Archives some years ago. It's really cool https://www.amazon.com/Shuberts-Present-Years-American-Theater/dp/0810906147

Hard back and Kindle. He's selling it on Amazon. It's pricy, but it's a textbook sized tome. So, you're getting your money's worth, for sure.

https://www.amazon.com/Broadway-Musical-Trivia-Book-Fun-Filled/dp/1955149011/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=Broadway+musicals+trivia+book&qid=1640197026&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSDhCVTFFVVpNMzJCJmVuY3J5cHRl...

I think this is where she got it from..she shipped it to me direct

Yes, Jamie Farr was in Oklahoma. But let's not forget John Davidson, who got top billing and his photo on the poster. This was probably 1990 (according to this story), so his star wasn't shining QUITE as bright as it had in the early 80s (when he was one of the hosts of ABC's "That's Incredible."

Don't get me wrong: I'm not enormous fan of John Davidson. I was just surprised that you didn't mention him at all. And to be honest, I had to look up Jamie Farr to remember where I remembered that name from.

It could be a friend/relative also but there are multiple articles and interviews that cite Cabaret as the source of the name

For example: https://www.iheart.com/news/elsie-fest-2016-darren-criss-wants-14986923/

I can't vouch for this specific one but something like this is what you are after. You need a trial CBS all access account and somehow mask your location.

https://unlocator.com/channel/cbs-all-access/

I use this anti-fog treatment from Amazon, works like a charm. The bottle is small but it’s lasted me a while (almost a year) because only 1-2 drops are used at a time: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R91W8JJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VGWT0QFMSVK3V5KV1790?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I use these: https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Strips-Adhesive-Clinging-Bracket/dp/B087P1R7ZN/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Roll+over+image+to+zoom+in+Aluminum+Strips+Nose+Wire+Stick+Directly+Aluminum+Sheet+Nose+Bridge+for+Mask+Metal+Nose+Clips+Nose+Bridge+Fl...

there was a cut song from the show that Jason recorded on one of his albums.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076YP5V6G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_o04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

due to legal issues with the ex-wife

I wanted to dig deeper into this same question a few years ago, and I found this book fascinating and super enjoyable. I have no desire to be a producer, but it is packed with info about how Broadway works.

I don’t know why it’s so expensive now, but maybe you could find a used copy or one at your local library? It taught me so much.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1495045161/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_S680E0HC95W8FXBHFWK5

If you have Prime Video, here's the Imaginaerum video I mentioned. https://smile.amazon.com/Imaginaerum-Francis-X-McCarthy/dp/B08F8VBX3W/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Imaginaerum&qid=1619408009&sr=8-3

There was a professional recording. PBS made one in 1999 for it's Great Performances series. You can buy the VHS used on Amazon.

Kiss Me Kate (Broadway Revival - PBS Great Performances) [VHS] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008NFR7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qAUWDbDTXK2KP

I was able to find this on Amazon; not sure if it’s what you’re looking for because I don’t know the show but Nikki Sheldon is listed in the cast

I always think these kinds of posters are cool https://www.etsy.com/listing/546602598/kander-ebb-broadway-playbill-fan-art?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=playbill+collage&ref=sc_gallery-1-4&plkey=7c3cd97890be675d02c3be6157aacf...

You can get a waitress cookbook apparently which is neat https://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Butter-Flour-Waitress-Book/dp/0735216339

Could do a broadway HD subscription

yeah, there were a ton... I love these two in particular but the current price is outrageous (they used to be $10-15 at target, best buy, etc)

https://www.amazon.com/TCM-Greatest-Classic-Legends-Kelly/dp/B00BQ412GU/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=tcm+gene+kelly&qid=1602787063&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/TCM-Greatest-Classics-Legends-Summertime/dp/B00AATGDY8/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=tcm+gene+kelly&qid=1602787063&sr=8-3

I have ~17 of these... some have 4 or 6 movies but most have 4. You could also check out "That's Entertainment" which is (AFFORDABLE) a sort of a best-of video collection of the prime MGM years. it gives you a better idea of which stars you'd like to spend time watching. when I saw the Esther Williams scenes I almost passed out and I think I own every one of her movies now.

you could see if there is a bundle on ebay but they may be released. I wouldn't say that many are worth $45. one thing theatre has taught me is that price paid goes a long way in determining whether I love something ($30 vs $100 for orchestra seats really puts me in a different mindset at a show).

I don't know about learning to play it, but the vocal selections book probably provides one piano option, at least for the non-reprise version of the song? https://www.amazon.com/ANASTASIA-VOCAL-SELECTIONS-LYNN-AHRENS/dp/1495075702

I think the songs do match up if you imagine each song's lyrics being sung against the other song's tune and tempo:

​

What's meant to be is meant to be, I see it at a glance

Now, elbows in and sit up straight and do not slurp the strog(anoff)

​

She's radiant and confident and born to take this chance

I never cared for stroganoff, She said that like a Rom(anov)

​

I tried to think of everything, I just forgot romance

The samovar, the caviar, dessert and then goodnight

​

I never should have let them dance

You can learn to do it too

​

(Bonus: in the movie version of the song, these two lines match up:

Vlad, how could you do this? How will we get through this?

If you can learn to do it, I can learn to do it)

​

'The Countess and the Common Man' uses the same tune again.

I don't think it is one of the hardcover coffee table books, because it is only $16.00 and is paperback. It's listed on Amazon at 272 pages and 8 inches long. Looking at the dimensions it's bigger than I thought it would be, but probably a good-sized paperback. Definitely lighter than Great Comet.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Working-Song-HADESTOWN-Ana%C3%AFs-Mitchell/dp/059318257X

There's a fun movie called "One Night Stand," where you can watch Pasek & Paul at work. It's free if you have Amazon Prime.

https://www.amazon.com/One-Night-Stand-Cheyenne-Jackson/dp/B07CT4QNYY

They also wrote the songs for the musical version of "A Christmas Story," which Fox did a live-to-television production of a few years ago.

The Wilson Jones 8.5 x 5.5 binders fit standard Playbills perfectly. And they're under $13 on Amazon. Available here.

I'm also still looking for a reasonably-priced storage solution for my slightly larger programs from non-Broadway venues.

I might suggest getting a couple of big fake books or compilations like this if you want to get a lot of bang for your book song-wise.

The DK Musicals: The Definitive Illustrated History book is beautiful! And pretty comprehensive, though a lot of the choices are strange. This is not the right book if you're looking for an actual definitive history, but if you want a huge, beautifully designed book about musical theatre, it's great.

I'm also a big fan of Sam Wasson's Fosse biography.

I second Zoom. They're fantastic little recorders, especially for the money. I would recommend one of these two. https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H6-Six-Track-Portable-Recorder/dp/B00DFU9BRK/ref=sr_1_4?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504653648&sr=1-4&refinements=p_4%3AZoom%2Cp_6%3AATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H4N-Digital-Multitrack-Recorder/dp/B01DPOXS8I/ref=sr_1_2?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504653648&sr=1-2&refinements=p_4%3AZoom%2Cp_6%3AATVPDKIKX0DER

The built in mics are excellent, in case you ever end up with no soundboard usage, and you can input a few sources when needed, while monitoring live.

I use these binders with the mini sheet protectors. They're not a wide as the one mentioned by u/cutawaythecancer, but they're a bit prettier.

I really like By Jeeves for this very reason. In between the songs they basically tell the story of the play as if they were remembering it. As long as you are somewhat familiar with Jeeves and Wooster you get the whole show.

https://smile.amazon.com/Jeeves-1996-London-Revival-Cast/dp/B000001EYU/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1474667483&sr=1-1&keywords=by+jeeves

I saw it a few months ago and avoided the soundtrack altogether and understood everything fine. However, my dad didn't think he'd be able to follow so I got him the Hamilton book and he read it as if it were a play. He loved doing that because the songs and melodies were still a mystery, but he knew the plot.

It's not completely updated through the past 6 years, but I really like Broadway: The American Musical, by Michael Kantor and Laurence Maslon. There's even an accompanying documentary with footage from a bunch of Broadway shows. (The documentary, however, is over a decade out of date. Still worth a watch, though, especially since it's hosted by the one-and-only Julie Andrews.)