Let me start off this question by saying I've seen these shows in the last 2 months:
Indianapolis - Book of Mormon, School of Rock
Chicago - Hamilton
Detroit - Aladdin
Dayton - Chicago
Fort Wayne - Kinky Boots
However, only the shows in bold had "Playbill" designs and the others were not. What all does this mean? Why don't all venues print out programs in "Playbill" designs? Would it cause some licensing issue? I would assume that this automatically means the show I'm seeing is not necessarily "broadway quality". But is there merely equity vs non-equity shows? I would assume seeing Aladdin in a big market like Detroit on its first national tour would've provided a "Playbill". Heck, Aladdin and Chicago were both phenomenal. I just want to learn and understand.. thanks!
And likewise...shows dont even have to be professional to use the playbill logo...my hs program for our musical goes through them so they have the logo.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Because there is no charge for the magazines, revenue comes primarily from the advertisements in the magazines. Disney didn't want their patrons to see ads for cigarettes and alcohol (featured in Playbill), so when "Lion King" opened, they chose Stagebill instead.
But Stagebill went South (financially), and Playbill became more adaptable regarding customization of the magazine, so Playbill is used more often than others.