In this engaging conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss explore the intricate world of theater, touching on the recent Oscars, the impact of Broadway shows like Wicked, and the challenges faced by the industry in terms of pricing, audience engagement, and the evolution of live performances in the age of streaming. They discuss the disconnect between award shows and the general public, the rising costs of theater productions, and the prevalence of adaptations in musical theater, all while emphasizing the unique experience that live performances offer. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the evolution of musical theater, the challenges of adaptations, and the unexpected hurdles faced in theater production. They explore the importance of understudies, the changing role of directors, and the courage required to take risks in theater. The discussion also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the theater landscape and the ongoing issues of accessibility and inclusivity within the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Business of Theater

03:03 Oscars and Broadway Performances

06:03 The Impact of Wicked on Broadway

09:00 The Disconnect Between Award Shows and Audience Engagement

11:46 Theater Pricing and Accessibility Issues

14:48 The Challenges of Production Costs

18:01 The Evolution of Theater and Audience Expectations

20:55 The Future of Live Theater vs. Streaming Platforms

23:58 Adaptations in Musical Theater

26:33 Evolution of Musical Theater

27:54 Adaptations and Their Interpretations

30:45 Unexpected Challenges in Theater Production

36:17 The Role of Understudies in Theater

40:31 The Changing Role of Directors

45:09 The Courage to Take Risks in Theater

49:40 Navigating Post-COVID Theater Landscape

54:22 Accessibility and Inclusivity in Theater

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