Souvenir program question

[loliveve]

Do shows produce two program books, maybe one for Tony voters or something, and then one to be sold as souvenirs at the theatre?

I'm asking because a couple weeks ago, I bought a "Nice Work" program book on eBay (the theatre wasn't selling the program when I went), and it is a portrait layout. It has production photos with press snippets and descriptions of the sets and stuff, which was fine for its purpose for me. (I get them to share my experiences with my mom). However, the one being sold now at the theatre and online is in a landscape layout, with different content. I was intrigued by the fact that there were apparently two program books produced.

Any ideas of why?

[bwayphreak234]

Hmmm that is weird... The only thing I can think of is they decided to go with a different style after the first printing. I know sometimes shows will change their programs after a few years, but changing it so early in the run is strange. That's cool that you get them to share your experiences with your mom though!

[once a month]

When I went to the original cast of La Cage, I bought a square program with George Hearn as Zaza at the centerfold, and it was a pop-up centerfold. I've seen programs since and none had the pop-up.

Also, my RENT program is different from the ones I've seen at the stores. I saw it very early in its Broadway run and bought a program that was like a raw composition book, but filled with the cast shots.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Tony voters do get a good amount of swag from a show when they attend, ranging from the souvenir programs to cast recordings. They may also sometimes get the full press packet (reviews, designer and director statements, etc).

In the case of Nice Work it could be that they didn't have the souvenir programs finalized and did something temporary for Tony voters.