Broadway Needs More Risky Musicals.

The article examines the financial struggles of big Broadway musicals, noting that none of the 18 shows that opened last year have turned a profit. It attributes this trend to producers' reluctance to take creative and financial risks, favoring adaptations and familiar content to appeal to a largely tourist audience, despite rising production costs and stagnant ticket prices. The reliance on tourists, who have declined in number due to higher city expenses, and the large size of Broadway theaters contribute to the pressure for long-running, low-risk shows. In contrast, London's West End, with smaller venues and a more local audience, allows for greater experimentation. The article suggests that Broadway's current economic model limits innovation and that producers need to embrace more risk to revitalize the industry.