2006-12-30 10:43:46 · 12 answers · asked by andre2584@verizon.net 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
I believe that none of the answers below, except for "two blocks" and the number of seats is really correct. A Broadway show is NOT one that is literally playing on Broadway (also known as 7th Ave). In fact, there are very few theaters on that street (most are on side streets) and there are actually a few Off-Broadway theaters on 7th. Nor does it refer to shows that are travelling (Off-Broadway shows are in New York City as well).
A Broadway show does refer to the larger houses (anything with more than 500 seats), but it basically means anything that is more mainstream or convential. A ways back, people wanted to do shows that were more, well, independent (not unlike independent movies) that didn't have the constrictions of having to be "on Broadway". Often this meant by new writers, smaller budgets, whatever. These shows were off the beaten path, so to speak, and thus were referred to as "Off-Broadway" (and yes, seating does matter, they seat between 100-499 people).
As many people will note, these days many Off-Broadway shows are not very different from Broadway shows (except a smaller theater) and, yes, some move directly to Broadway. Because this line has been blurred, making Off-Broadway shows more like Broadway shows, there came about in the 1960's "Off-Off-Broadway" (look in the New York Times, you will see these shows listed). These are shows that maintain the less conventional roots that Off-Broadway shows once held. Some people now refer to Off-Off-Broadway as "Indie Shows". These theaters typically seat less than 100 people.
2006-12-31 04:30:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anthony S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Favorite Broadway show would have to be the Sweeney Todd revival. Simply brilliant casting and the John Doyle's idea that the actors play their own instruments is revolutionary. Off-Brodaway would have to be The Fantastiks. It's simply cute.
2016-05-22 22:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by Linda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The principal difference is the number of seats in the theatre. I believe that under 200 seats is considered off-Broadway.
2007-01-01 03:40:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel like off-broadway plays/musicals are often by less famous composers, directors, choreographers, cast, etc. and have a smaller budget which requires them to start in less renowned theaters than those coveted "on-Broadway" theaters. Some plays/musicals later move on-Broadway after having success off-Broadway. Also, sometimes an off-Broadway show might have a big star or two in it because they believe in the project and are willing to not be paid as much as they usually earn.
2006-12-30 15:02:17 · answer #4 · answered by incandescent_poet 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
a broadway play is held in NYC at the broadway theatre. An off broadway is a show that used to play at the theatre but now tours to other big cities
2006-12-30 11:58:47 · answer #5 · answered by ilove_california3 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
The difference is actually the number of seats the theater holds.
2006-12-30 11:31:02 · answer #6 · answered by kattsia 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Big stars, big shows, big budgets, big producers, big theaters.
Off Broadway is just side street theater. Maybe on a larger scale, but it's rep company theater.
2006-12-30 15:38:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
off broadway is when the play is no longer playing on broadway.
a broadway play is when it is still playing in bigger theatres.
2006-12-30 11:14:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
One thing, It's on brodway. They just call it a brodway play because its on the famous broadway theater.
2006-12-30 10:51:59 · answer #9 · answered by {©helsea} 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
the location
2006-12-30 12:14:09 · answer #10 · answered by citygirl 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋