TBOT_S02E14 - EP.47 - BLACK OUT NIGHTS

In this conversation, Darnelle and Mitch discuss potential working titles for their podcast and the challenges of finding the right one. They also talk about the production of Little Shop of Horrors and the practice of replacing leads in long-running shows. The conversation then shifts to the different endings in theater and film adaptations. They discuss the opportunities for ensemble members in shows like Little Shop of Horrors and the casting choices for the production. The conversation also touches on Kit Harrington starring in Slave Play and the concept of blackout nights in theater. They conclude by discussing the comfort of theater seating and their experiences at theaters in Philadelphia. In this conversation, Mitch Weiss and Darnelle Radford discuss the future of theater, the impact of the pandemic on the industry, and the challenges faced by Broadway. They explore the need for change in the theater model, including the role of nonprofit organizations and the high cost of producing new shows. They also touch on the success of long-running shows and the importance of variety in theater. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of critics and influencers in the theater industry and the cost of theater experiences for audiences.

HOSTS: Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss

00:00 Finding a Working Title

00:37 Rejected Working Titles

01:13 Discussion of Little Shop of Horrors

04:10 Different Endings in Theater and Film

05:36 Ensemble Opportunities in Little Shop of Horrors

06:11 New Cast Members in Little Shop of Horrors

07:43 Corbin Bleu's Career

08:03 Kit Harrington Starring in Slave Play

13:31 Blackout Nights in Theater

16:30 Controversial Shows and Audience Reactions

29:48 Theaters in Philadelphia

30:24 Experience of Girl from the North Country

31:07 The Future of Theater

32:14 The Impact of 2021

33:17 Theater Accessibility

34:28 The Challenges of Broadway

35:34 The Need for Change

36:14 The Nonprofit Model

37:21 The Cost of Broadway

38:20 The Influence of Disney

39:22 The Decline of New Shows

40:05 The Success of Long-Running Shows

41:48 Forbidden Broadway

43:18 Appropriate and the Challenges of Moving Shows

44:29 Teeth and the Power of Marketing

46:10 The Importance of Variety in Theater

48:31 The History of Broadway

49:55 Affinity Nights and Representation

52:38 White Girl in Danger and Cast Recordings

54:21 The Role of Critics and Influencers

56:54 The Cost of Theater Experiences

01:00:21 Closing Remarks

Takeaways

Finding the right working title for a podcast can be challenging.

Replacing leads in long-running shows can help keep the production fresh and attract new audiences.

Theater adaptations can have different endings than their film counterparts.

Ensemble members in shows like Little Shop of Horrors have consistent opportunities to perform.

Blackout nights in theater can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for specific audiences.

The comfort of theater seating can greatly impact the audience's experience. The theater industry is facing challenges in the wake of the pandemic, including the need for change in the theater model.

Broadway shows are becoming increasingly expensive to produce, making it difficult for new shows to find success.

There is a need for more variety in theater, with a focus on supporting new and innovative productions.

The role of critics and influencers in the theater industry is evolving, with the rise of online platforms and social media.

The cost of theater experiences can be prohibitive for many audiences, limiting access to the art form.