Bill W. and Dr. Bob Launches Pay-What-You-Can Program

A first-ever pay-what-you-can ticket policy for theatre - called "Whatever You've Got" - is being offered by the new Off-Broadway play Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the first-ever play about the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, which begins previews February 16 at New World Stages (340 W. 50 St.).

A total of 20 seats will be available for as little as $1.01 (the $1 covers that "facilities fee" the theatre must collect on each ticket sold) to every performance of Bill W. and Dr. Bob.  The show's general manager Albert Poland notes that those seats are located throughout the 350-seat theatre and, as such, "are not the 20 worst seats in the house."

"With its dramatic tale of two American pioneers - the notorious drunks, stockbroker Bill Wilson and surgeon Dr. Bob Smith - who turned their own lives around and, in effect, changed the lives of countless millions with the founding of AA, Bill W. and Dr. Bob's "Whatever You've Got" policy reflects the spirit of support and fellowship that is essential in the drug and alcohol recovery communities," according to production notes.

The play's "Whatever You've Got" policy grew out of a conversation between Mr. Poland and Beverley D. MacKeen, executive director of New World Stages, who noted that "pay-what-you-can" policies are regular features in Canadian theatres.
Mr. Poland agreed that such a policy "would be perfect for our show because we want to make Bill W. and Dr. Bob accessible to everyone."

"Whatever You've Got" is the newest offering to make seats more affordable to theatergoers and people on a fixed income, joining such popular discount programs as rush seats, lottery seats and membership campaigns.

Written by Stephen Bergman and Janet Surrey, and directed by Rick Lombardo, the play comes to New York from its acclaimed, sold-out engagement last year in Boston.

The play's widespread appeal has already resulted in unusually strong advance sales for a play Off-Broadway, according to Mr. Poland. With a full month remaining before the first public performance, Bill W. and Dr. Bob has already sold in excess of $100,000.

"Whatever You've Got" tickets will be on sale at the New World Stages box office from 1 to 2 p.m. only, on the day of, for every performance (excepting sold-out benefit performances). The show will perform Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 and 7 p.m. For ticket information, call Tele-Charge at 212 239-6200.  Visit www.newworldstages.com for more information.