What I Learned from My Perfect Broadway Season
I saw all 39 shows that opened on the Main Stem in 2022-2023 and I have wisdom to share!
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3. Don’t be afraid of long running times – As a tired working mom, whenever I learned a show would be under two hours with no intermission, I cheered. But the running times rarely had any bearing on my enjoyment. This season, I saw 90-minute shows that felt like five hours and three-hour shows that flew by. The lesson for me was not to let a long running time deter me from seeing a show. But bless 7 p.m. curtains—always and forever.
4. Audiences matter – Sometimes, watching the audience watch the show is as exhilarating as the performance on stage. Standout crowds included the screaming KPOP fans, the “Amens!” at Ain’t No Mo’ and the Neil Diamond diehards at A Beautiful Noise who were bursting to sing along (I felt their relief when they were given the chance). But my favorite audience experiences were at TDF’s student matinees—I had the pleasure of witnessing hundreds of high schoolers watch Top Dog/Underdog and Kimberly Akimbo. The energy was electric.
5. Going solo has its benefits – Seeing so many shows, at times I had trouble finding a companion—especially when the tickets were pricey. I attended several shows on my own and it made for some great “me” time. The best part? No one was talking to me while I was reading the Playbill.
6. Reviews schmeviews – I never read reviews before I see a show. But, of course, I still hear opinions that impact me. In the past, I skipped plenty of shows because people I trust didn’t like them. Perhaps the biggest benefit of my perfect season was the mandate to draw my own conclusions. There’s always something to appreciate, even in a snoozer.
7. Gotta see more dance – Although I’m a Fosse fan, I would have likely skipped Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ if not for this undertaking. That would have been unfortunate as I ended up having a joyful experience—I liked it a lot more than the critics (again, reviews schmeviews).
10. Help! I’m swimming in Playbills! – I accumulated so many Playbills in just one season that they’ve taken over my apartment. Leave a comment and tell me how you’re storing your programs. I need advice!
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Top image: The author surrounded by 2022-2023 Playbills. Photo by Elyse Orecchio.
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Elyse Orecchio is TDF’s Digital Content Manager. Follow her on Instagram at @elyseo. Follow TDF on Instagram at @TDFNYC.