Broadway has been the home to some of the most iconic shows in history. From The Phantom of the Opera to Hamilton, these shows have not only entertained audiences but have also left a lasting impact on the world of theatre. While the actors and actresses may be the stars of the show, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes to bring these productions to life. In this article, we will take a look at what happens behind the curtain of Broadway’s most iconic shows.
The Creative Process
The creative process of any Broadway show starts well before it opens on stage. It is the culmination of months, or even years, of planning, writing, composing, choreographing, and rehearsing. The journey begins with the writer or composers who come up with the concept for the show. They work tirelessly to develop a compelling storyline and catchy tunes that will keep the audience engaged from start to finish.
Once the concept is well developed, the creative team starts casting actors and actresses. Finding the right cast for a show is an important part of the creative process. Each character must be well-crafted and properly portrayed by an actor who can connect with the audience. Actors need to be able to live and breathe their character, making them believable to the audience.
The technical team is also involved at this stage in the creative process. They work to design sets, costumes, lighting, and sound effects that will transport the audience to the world of the production, captivating their senses and imagination.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are a critical part of the creative process. They serve to fine-tune the performances and make sure everything is running smoothly. Rehearsals may take place in a small studio or rehearsal space, or they may take place on the actual stage of the theatre, depending on the availability of the venue. The actors, directors, and technical staff spend long hours in rehearsals, perfecting their craft, and making sure everything is executed as planned.
Tech Week
Tech Week is the final week before opening night, where the technical team and performers work to get the show ready for live performances. It’s a grueling week-long process that involves merging all the technical elements of the production and rehearsals of the performances. It’s also the time actors spend getting used to performing in costume and with set elements, so the show is as seamless as possible during the actual performances.
Opening Night
Opening night is the culmination of all the hard work, talent, and creativity that has gone into creating the show. The cast and crew are anxious, excited, and ready to perform in front of a live audience. The energy during opening night is palpable, and the cast typically gives their best performance with their adrenaline pumping high.
Behind the scenes, the production staff is working hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly. They make sure the show is on schedule and that technical cues are set correctly, and more importantly, they make sure performers are in position and ready to hit every mark on stage. It’s a high-stress environment, but the team works hard to ensure that the show is a success.
Final Thoughts
Behind the scenes of Broadway’s most iconic shows is a start-to-finish synergy of creativity, rehearsals, and hard work. From costumes and makeup, set design, lighting, music composition, and more, these productions are a labor of love for those involved in each performance. Like a well-oiled machine, every aspect of a Broadway show comes together to create an unforgettable experience for audiences that stands the test of time.
