Breaking News: Another plea for Comedy - News Paper

Back from New York where I saw several theatre pieces (besides mine). DEAR EVAN HANSEN, which is fabulous because of Ben Platt’s performance and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN is a serious musical that is extremely well-written with songs from the LA LA LAND guys, and it is packing houses. But expect that to change once Ben Platt leaves the show. Let’s be honest – he’s the whole reason for seeing this. He’s extraordinary. I wouldn’t be shocked if the show closes soon after he leaves in November. And when DEAR EVAN HANSEN tours, probably starring some AMERICAN IDOL finalist or kid from the Disney Channel, good luck.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG was hilarious. Played strictly for laughs it delivered in a big way. The premise is a British murder mystery where everything that could go wrong does… spectacularly. There’s no redeeming quality, no themes, no exploration of the human condition or commentary on society – it’s just two hours of non-stop laughs. That show too is playing to sold out crowds. And if a cast member leaves (or rendered unconscious by a falling chandelier)  I’m sure they’ll be able to replace him.

There have been some articles lately bemoaning the fact that straight dramatic plays have not been faring well on Broadway. Even Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning plays with remarkable casts are closing early. Meanwhile, THE PLAY GOES WRONG continues to pack ‘em in.

Now you would think the lesson learned here is that people like comedies. And yet, look at the new plays being developed in theatre companies and for the most part they’re dramas, they’re edgy, they’re serious, they’re bleak.

Comedies remain second-class citizens even though that’s what audiences want to see. There is a level of pretension that exists in many theatre companies. Any play that might be considered “commercial” is dismissed. And yet, it is possible to mount a play with serious themes, heartfelt emotion, and still be very funny. An audience can be moved while still having a great time. It's okay for theatergoers to not want to slit their wrists. 

Part of the problem is that young playwrights are not encouraged to pursue comedy. And so instead they turn to television where, in success, they make way more money than even celebrated playwrights. Great for them but a real loss for the theatre.

Again, the comedy writers themselves will do fine. Maybe even better than fine. But meanwhile, back in the “thee-ay-tuh” -- people want to laugh. Especially now. And as a comedy writer myself, there is nothing better than getting a live audience’s reaction. I would hope that theatre companies at least explore the idea that crowd-pleasing comedies are not such a bad thing. Hey, who knows? They might even bring in some money.

from By Ken Levine http://ift.tt/2hu7ZVv
Breaking News: Another plea for Comedy - News Paper