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The Business of Broadway

10 snips
Feb 15, 2025
Jill Furman, an award-winning theatrical producer known for her work on Broadway hits like "Hamilton" and "In The Heights," shares her insights into the theater industry. She discusses the challenges of securing investors in a landscape where 80% of projects fail to recoup their costs. Jill delves into the balance between original productions and adaptations, emphasizing the creative process and the importance of star power. She highlights how innovative elements in musicals can resonate with audiences, while also reflecting on her selective approach to future projects.
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ADVICE

The Producer's Role

  • Broadway producers oversee all aspects of a show, from fundraising and casting to marketing and closing decisions.
  • They balance artistic vision with financial realities, making producing "the art of saying yes judiciously and no politely."
ANECDOTE

"SUFFS": A Decade-Long Journey

  • Jill Furman discusses the development of "SUFFS," a musical about the suffragists, from its inception in 2014 to its Broadway debut in 2024.
  • The show's journey involved workshops, partnerships with theaters, revisions based on feedback, and a decade-long timeline.
INSIGHT

The Risky Business of Broadway

  • Broadway productions are financially risky, with 80% not recouping their initial investment.
  • Despite this, investors are drawn to the industry's allure and the potential for significant returns, exemplified by "Hamilton."
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