BWAY: Bittersweet Welcome to 2010

The year 2010 has gotten off to a rocky start for Broadway. RAGTIME and FINIAN'S RAINBOW, two shows that seemed destined for long runs, both closed after only a few months on the Great White Way. But other favorites, AVENUE Q and THE 39 STEPS are enjoying a transition to smaller houses, going from Broadway to Off-Broadway houses---but at least, they're still running.

For big musicals like RAGTIME and FINIAN's RAINBOW, venues large enough to contain a large cast and real orchestra in the pit are in short supply. (Not to mention, the lack of money available to front a move, from the producers' perspective.) Either way, it is sad to see the traditional musical swept aside.

Other musicals, such as FELA! , BILLY ELLIOT, and WEST SIDE STORY seem to be holding their own and recouping their investment, while WICKED is still breaking box office records. Let's hope that national tours are in progress and that the rest of the country will get the chance to see the RAGTIME and FINIAN'S on the road.