Shed a tear, I guess, for alas, Broadway may be dim and dark for the holidays. Due to ongoing union strikes involving the stagehands, which apparently have broken down again, all those folks who come to New York City to see a Broadway show for the holidays may have to pass this year.
But here’s a thought: Outside of New York City, just how many of us are interested in Broadway shows these days anyway? Seriously.
I recall a recent Broadway category on “Jeopardy” and the three contestants knew less than a third of the questions/answers among them. They repeatedly stood there making no attempt to buzz in and respond as the clues were read.
Oh, well, don’t look at ME — I didn’t have the slightest clue about the, uh, clues, either.
Which brings me to the point: With the widespread variety in today’s entertainment market, from websites to podcasts, to “old fashioned” CDs and DVDs, who in the world takes Broadway seriously anymore? I have no idea how many people care about or watch broadcasts of the annual Tony Awards (Broadway’s Emmys and Oscars). But I’d bet good money there are radically fewer people watching than there were a decade ago.
Sure, I’m sorry about anyone suffering economic hardships because the strike on Broadway has left them unemployed — especially at the holiday season — but don’t expect me to take the whole Broadway scene seriously. Remarkably, I live outside New York City along with most of the world, and I have little interest in obscure plays starring obscure actors.
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.
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