Broadway, the dazzling heart of American theatre, is more than just a stage; it’s a world of creativity, collaboration, and hard work. Beyond the spotlight, though, countless individuals bring these magical stories to life in the NYC Theatre District.
The Birth of a Broadway Show
Every show begins with a single idea: a timeless story, a groundbreaking concept, or a revolutionary score.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, for example, began with Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton, inspiring Miranda to create a hip-hop musical that reimagined American history, resulting in a cultural phenomenon.
Crafting the Story: The Script and Beyond
Once the show’s initial concept is solidified, script development begins. hen asked on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast what people don’t understand about the process of writing a musical, Miranda said, “You can’t understand how many ideas you need!”
Developing any story involves meticulous research, character development, and plot construction. For adaptations of literary works like The Great Gatsby, the challenge lies in translating the essence of the original text into a theatrical format.
Workshops and readings play a crucial role in refining the script. Before a show is fully fleshed out, these early stages provide valuable feedback from audiences, allowing the creative team to make necessary adjustments. The book writer, one of the most important creative team members, is responsible for shaping the narrative (and often the lyrics) and ensuring a cohesive story.
Finding the Perfect Cast: The Audition Process
Casting a Broadway show demands talent and chemistry among the actors. Auditions are typically held around the Manhattan area, attracting aspiring performers from all backgrounds. The show’s casting director reviews countless headshots and resumes to identify potential stars.
Although diverse casting is nothing new on Broadway, Hamilton brought a new wave of “color-blind” casting, making it a default for most shows coming after. This approach allowed for a multiracial and multiethnic ensemble that defied expectations for what a Founding Father could look like and expanded the possibilities of theatrical representation for future productions. Shows like SIX that followed Hamilton adopted this experience, with the cast of queens much more diverse than what is seen in history books. As Lin-Manuel commented about the legacy of Hamilton, “I know what the white guys look like - they’re in my wallet.” Broadway creatives fully embraced this casting philosophy, paving the way for new methods of telling today’s stories on stage.
Rehearsals: Bringing the Show to Life
Once the cast is set, a rigorous rehearsal process begins. Under the guidance of the director and choreographer, Broadway actors bring the characters to life, including memorizing lines, learning the score and choreography.
Broadway shows require exceptional physical and vocal prowess from their casts. It takes intense training and dedication to perform demanding vocals and powerful choreography night after night.
The ensemble is often the backbone of a Broadway production, crucial for building the chemistry and camaraderie that create a cohesive, dynamic performance. Classics like Aladdin, Chicago, and The Lion King showcase the power of large dance ensembles. In Aladdin, the ensemble brings the bustling streets of Agrabah to life, while in The Lion King, they animate puppets, bringing the Pride Lands to life. They can embody symbolic figures, like "The Bullet" in Hamilton, or deliver iconic Bob Fosse-inspired choreography in dance-forward shows like Chicago.
Designing the World: Costumes and Sets
The design team, including costume, set, and lighting designers, creates the visual world of the show. The creatives work closely with the director to ensure that the design elements enhance the storytelling and evoke the desired reaction from the audience.
Hadestown is a prime example of how set design can create a thematic world. With its haunting beauty, scenic designer Rachel Hauck's set transports the audience to the underworld, which is reminiscent of a familiar industrial setting in real life.
Opening Night and Beyond
Opening night on Broadway is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. As the curtain rises, the anticipation is palpable as critics and invited audiences eagerly await the new production.
Beyond opening night, the show must continue drawing in new audiences and maintaining its momentum. The press and marketing teams play a crucial role in generating buzz and attracting new theatregoers. The creative team's work is largely done. However, releasing their brainchild into the world comes with high hopes and no control over its future. It's a thrilling, nerve-wracking ride.
Experience the Magic
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