Freakonomics Radio 593. You Can Make a Killing, but Not a Living
33 snips
Jun 20, 2024 
Sonia Friedman, a celebrated theatrical producer known for her acclaimed productions, joins John Johnson, co-founder of Wagner Johnson Productions, and Tom Pecinka, an actor in the hit musical 'Stereophonic.' They explore the highs and lows of Broadway's winner-take-most economy, revealing the hidden struggles even among successful stars. The trio discusses the emotional impact of abrupt fame, the intricate financial landscape behind productions, and the challenges of the theater industry in a post-pandemic world, particularly in adapting to shifting audience dynamics.
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Adjmi's Disorientation
- Playwright David Adjmi describes the disorienting experience of sudden success after years of work.
- He feels "dislocated" and struggles to process the overstimulation of winning awards for Stereophonic.
Theater's precarious economics
- Theater professionals often operate on a different frequency, driven by passion rather than financial stability.
- The industry is financially precarious, raising questions about the motivations of those who choose this career path.
Broadway's New Audience
- Broadway's core audience has shifted from older women to younger people in their 30s-50s.
- This shift is driven by TV show fandom, transforming theater into "event theater" focused on recognizable actors.