NY Times on Broadway's Economic Outlook; 39 Steps to Consider Off-Bway Move

With all of the recent talk of Broadway's seeming immunity to the economic downturn as it continues to enjoy a banner season with some its highest grosses in recent history, the New York Times points out in an article today that it cannot be overlooked that the pretty numbers peppering the gross charts are due in large to a small handful of starry shows carrying most of the weight.  A Steady Rain starring the powerhouse duo Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig, God of Carnage starring Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden, and Hamlet featuring Jude Law are among the shows skewing the outlook, according to the Times, as their unprecedented box office revenues atypically rival those of the monster musical hits Wicked, Jersey Boys, and Billy Elliott.

Yet, the Times is speculating that all is not loom and doom for those merely solidly-performing shows that have become Broadway staples, which continually attract audiences though play to a number of empty seats like The 39 Steps.  In what may become an emerging pattern, the Times suggests that shows such as this may follow in Avenue Q's footsteps and transfer to Off-Broadway houses.  As was the logic behind the Avenue Q move, there was still an interest in the production after its six year run on Broadway and, thus, revenue to be generated from the show if the costs of running a Broadway production could be scaled back.

Avenue Q producer Kevin McCollum reveals in the Times that "The early word from previews is that the show is playing very well, our crowds are strong, and enthusiasm among theatergoers for ‘Q' remains strong."

With this kind of encouragement, perhaps the Times prediction that shows like more quirky The 39 Steps will get a new lease on life in New York after it takes its final Broadway bow in January of next year and embarks on tour.  Time should tell very shortly.

To read the full report in the New York Times, click here.

Now in its second year, the Tony Award-winning quick change comedy version of Alfred Hitchcock's classic film thriller is playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre through January 10, 2010. The production has played over 650 performances on Broadway and is the longest running Broadway play of the last seven years.

Tickets are available from TeleCharge at 212-239-6200, online at www.telecharge.com and at the Helen Hayes Theatre box office. Performances are Tuesday at 7:00 PM, Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 PM, with matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 PM.