What is the purpose of Broadway shows having such long "preview" runs before they are considered to be officially "open", considering it really is all the same long, continuous run? Anyway have any idea what that is all about?
2007-03-09 04:33:29 · 3 answers · asked by Bzl1 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
The Preview is used to edit, rewrite and also screen for audience reaction to the show. If it's not doing so well they either fold and revise.....think Assassins which flopped 15 years ago but was a massive hit 2 years ago or so or they just scrap it all together. It's really to save time and money.
2007-03-09 04:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by Yogini 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Also consider that Broadway shows don't rehearse in the theatre until right before previews. Until that time, they rehearse in a cheaper rehearsal space--usually a big room or studio, a non-performance space. Previews also give cast & crew time to adjust to the space.
2007-03-09 13:39:17 · answer #2 · answered by waldy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Besides giving the show extra time to make changes, cuts, etc. it allows a show that is an unmitigated flop to make some money back before the critics pan it. Traditionally the critics don't review a show until it's official opening.
2007-03-09 07:14:44 · answer #3 · answered by fake_cowboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋