Cineplex to Put Broadway Simulcasts on Movie Screens?

The Canadian cinema chain Cineplex may soon be bringing Broadway shows to movie screens.

The simulcasts - direct live-from-satellite performances - have previously put Metropolitan Opera performances in movie theaters, and Broadway may be next, according to the Globe and Mail.

"I would love to see Broadway productions on screen, and I think our audiences would as well," said Pat Marshall, Cineplex' vice-president of communications and investor relations.  In addition to opera, Cineplex has presented pay-per-view National League Hockey games, and is also planning to branch out into wrestling and soccer games, video game competitions and pay-per-view rock concerts, among others.  The pay-per-view events are made possible through digital projects in the movie theatres.

Cineplex will also expand the number of participating Canadian theatres offering Met simulcasts from 28 to 34.  Upcoming simulcast operas include I Puritani, Eugene Onegin, The First Emperor, The Barber of Seville and Il Trittico.  According to Cineplex, a "tremendous amount" of advance tickets have been sold. 

Cineplex will meet with Broadway producers later this year to discuss future possibilities.

Visit www.cineplex.com for more information.