Big Theatre v. Little Theatre
Or: A promise is a promise.
Last week I brought you guest shilling by Ali which, frankly was a bit of a cop-out as it was perfectly written as a blog entry and I had to sit down and type diddly squat. I love those days. An updated blog with no effort!
However, Ali let me hork her writing on one condition: that I use this forum to address the great disparity between small theatres and Broadway extravaganzas. Or, to extrapolate that, big crazy rock star shows vs. the intimate venues that house local bands.
If you are an arts supporter, and believe me our world is better off if we all are, it isn’t necessary to go out and pay $80 for a top balcony ticket to Wicked. Although from what I understand, Wicked is a marvelous show, it’s not the only thing playing, and if you go and see Wicked or some other Broadway equivalent you’re giving money to the big boys who already have money.
An easier, less expensive, and often just as (if not more) satisfying way to support the arts is to check out what’s playing at the local black box venue or small theatre. These aren’t amateur theatres, people, these are theatres housing professionally trained performers that are working hard to bring you something that might move you. Be it local dance, plays, or music you can attend one of these delightful evenings for about $20; which means that you’ll be able to see four local performances for the price of one ticket to see Wicked.
After performances the big stars are whisked away in limos, while the actors at your local venues are often up for hanging out and discussing the performance. You know all those famous people you hear about? Once upon a time they had other jobs, or rode the bus home after an evening gig. If you become friends with performers when they rode busses, once they move on to limos it’s awfully nice to say you knew them when.
So if you’re into the performing arts keep them alive by supporting local talent with your dollars. It’s a grand time. And if you need a reason to do it, knowing the known before they’re known is as good a reason as any.
Go see Wicked if it pleases you, but be aware that the theatre right around the corner might have a better show for 1/4 of the price tag, and that you’ll be helping make sure that the next big star can eat dinner that week.
And if you happen to be in the Chicagoland area, go and check out the recent Babes With Blades show, which the Reader has labeled “highly recommended”.
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