<p>I personally thought the article was sensationalist and its primary purpose was that writer marketing himself as the inventor of the phrase, “Walmarting of American theatre.”</p>
<p>First, as to low quality touring shows–I’m assuming these are non equity tours. Equity tours are usually of high quality although you can always find examples of poor casting decisions or poor directing–that has always been true. Heck,I’ve seen productions on B’way that were deeply flawed. That doesn’t mean much, to my mind. Some productions at any level will be flawed for a wide range of reasons. And I don’t believe there are that many straight touring shows (?) </p>
<p>Second, there are zillions of fabulous regional theatres around the country and many high quality actors who are making a living doing this. Not a Wall Street living, of course, but you don’t become an actor for the money. </p>
<p>I think American theatre is vibrant and alive. It’s true the stereotype is for the audience to automatically give a standing ovation, but I always see that as American enthusiasm and support for the live arts. Some shows are certainly dreck in my opinion (I am not a fan of a certain style of MT for instance, my own taste)–but so what? PEople have been sounding the ‘downfall’ of B’way for as long as I remember and well before. And there have been crappy shows produced for decades. And there have been brilliant shows produced for decades. It’s true that there are some Disney-ized or pop-ized shows but these are known to be churned out for tourists or to attract theatregoers who normally don’t go. There are also exceptional shows and I’ve been privileged to see many (I do usually avoid the Disney/pop sorts out of my own taste). In regional theatre, I have to add I’ve seen more outstanding productions than not.</p>
<p>I mean, yes, many shows are bland and want bland semi-talented actors, but I remember that being the case in the 1970s too. And yes, there is more pressure for the big shows to have a certain look, but there are many many niches for others, far more - with the robust regional theatres - than there were a few decades ago. I think many more Americans have an interest in live theatre, so naturally some of it is going to be bland to appeal to bland tastes–ok. That doesn’t mean that’s the only game in town.</p>