Playbill Magazine worth it? Also closing playbills for $50?- Page 2

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 4/26/08 at 9:45am

I don't think you understand me what is in the $24 playbill magazine? Not opening night just the regular magazine. I know it is the articles you get in the theater but what else is there, and what is in place of the show (You're at) info.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 4/26/08 at 9:46am

Also, from friends who've sent the box offices pre-paid return shipping envelopes, many received Playbills signed by the entire casts of each show. Seems most shows have a small stash of entire cast signed Playbills put aside for some reason. Some shows I remember a friend saying he was sent full cast signed Playbills were the original casts of THE PRODUCERS, SPAMALOT, MAMMA MIA!, SIDE SHOW, RENT, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Revival, CHICAGO Revival, FOSSE, URINETOWN, MOVIN' OUT, THE BOY FROM OZ, CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, GYPSY (Bernadette revival), and numerous others.

Something to consider, especially when these would go for a nice penny on eBay and the box office is including some for free to people who go out of their way for a Playbill, especially if they're in another city.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 4/26/08 at 11:35am

It would be nice to have one of those too, Brody.

[AStack75]

Posted: 4/26/08 at 12:36pm

"That "Opening Night Playbill" with the sticker is a SCAM to make money off of idiots living in the middle of nowhere and don't know any better."

Dammit!! I got suckered once.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 4/26/08 at 1:16pm

mm703 ~ go back to the first reply and your question is answered by Ed...

I've subscribed since its inception in 1982. If you attend the New York theater regulary and get the Playbills at the performance, you'll find that there's not THAT much additional information in the subscription. On the other hand, it always has a nice color cover of current shows and there IS additional information re: London and Off-Broadway theatre. Considering its relatively meagre price, I'd say yes.

Or Brody's response:
Playbill Magazine is exactly that -- a magazine, printed monthly. The Playbill you receive at a show is this exact magazine... just with each show's own credits section and cast bios. If you attend shows monthly on Broadway, it is simply redundant to subscribe to the magazine. The Playbill you just got at that show is this exact magazine.

This magazine is for those who don't frequent Broadway shows but like to read the contents inside the Playbills.

Is it worth it? That depends on the individual. I personally don't think so as the exact same articles appear on Playbill.com, so you can read them there -- for free.

Updated On: 4/26/08 at 01:16 PM

[MrsVampyre]

Posted: 4/26/08 at 2:20pm

I go to the theatre regularly. and subscribe to Playbill Magazine. To me it's worth it. They are similar, but you do get more information with the magazine.

Most shows have a special playbill created for opening night, special shows like milestone anniversaries, and special performances (liek for the Actors Fund), and if long running the final perforance.

Hope this helps.

[Jakeevan94]

Posted: 4/26/08 at 8:56pm

I feel that the closing night Playbills for the long runs, with extra info., are worth the money. As Playbill's supply runs out, the price runs up. However, the opening night playbills are useless, especially if you go to the show before the first major cast switch.