In a Week when the final part of the true Golden Era of Broadway came to a close with the sad death of the last Zeigfield Folly, she passed away at the age of 106, two stories were released which gave a fascinating look at both the success and dark side of Broadway. The first which caught my eye was the news that during the 2009-2010 season Broadway has generated nearly $10 billion worth of revenue for New York city. According to the Broadway League this has included the support and creation of over 84000 jobs and generated nearly $500 million in New York taxes which really makes me smile and goes to prove a very big point on the arts. A good arts sector, not just theatre but all types of arts, can increase an economy and here in the UK the arts sector in London I am sure does produce a vast amount of revenue and taxes just like on Broadway it is just that it is harder to find the results. (When I say harder that is due to the fact that getting all those reports is simple if you are willing to fork out £50 for The West End Theatre Report which can be viewed here)
Of course the $10 Billion isn't just on money spent going to shows, watching the plays, buying the intermission drinks and programmes etc. This is money that goes into Hotels and Restaurants proving that the Theatres and the Great White Way actually generate more business for New York City. When the figures are analysed it turns out that 96% of the money spent on Broadway is from people outside the city which also proves that despite the Global Recession the tourist industry is still strong within America and that people around the World are still choosing to experience what Broadway has to offer. This does give me hope that The West End is doing the same over here in the UK and Europe but until I get to see any figures (I am still searching for alternatives to the official book of reports) I won't be able to go much further. Of course an economical contribution of $10 Billion may not be a figure we will be heading towards in the UK but it will still most likely be a substantial amount of money.
Now whilst this is brilliant news after all in todays economic market a product or industry that provides that amount of money to just one major city is a great boon, however it seems that America and its conservative values and opinions are starting once again to rear their ugly head within the industry.
Last week an American critic criticised the homosexual actor Sean Hayes, famous for his portrayal of the ultra camp and gay Jack in Will & Grace, couldn't 'Cut it' playing a straight man. Now Hayes is currently playing the role of Chuck Baxter the eternal bachelor from the Billy Wilder film 'The Apartment' which is what 'Promises Promises' the play in which Hayes is performing is adapted from. GLAAD have obviously become very angry about the situation and demanded an apology however there are still some question as to how good Hayes is and whether or not he can pull off a straight character. Of course he can be a straight character, if Eric McCormack can play a gay character in the same show that shot Hayes to fame then why shouldn't Hayes play a straight man? Reviews for the show are not great that is true but it seems to be that the general consensus is A) The show is very dated and that is the reason it hasn't been revived for 40+ years B) Sean Hayes performance is brilliant and nothing like the OTT camp act that he has been stuck doing for years. The fact is that despite the changes in our western society regarding the attitudes towards homosexuality there is still, despite our industry being filled with people from all racial, economic and sexual backgrounds, this pervading belief that homosexuals either have an agenda or cannot play certain types of character is wrong and has no place in the 21st century. It is just a sad indictment of how little progress some people have made over the past 50 years.
Xtofer
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