Imagine the thrill of sitting in a dimly lit theater, the stage illuminated, and talented performers bringing captivating stories to life. For theater enthusiasts, that’s pure magic. But for many, attending live performances can be a rare treat due to high ticket costs and travel constraints. If you find yourself longing for the world of stage musicals, plays, and theater, there’s a solution that brings the Broadway experience right to your living room: BroadwayHD.
A Theater Lover’s Dream
As someone who’s always had a soft spot for Broadway, I understand the desire to immerse yourself in the world of musicals and plays without the hassle of attending shows in person. That’s where BroadwayHD comes in, offering a treasure trove of professionally filmed stage productions that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
A Star is Born
Back in the fall of 2015, BroadwayHD stepped into the limelight with 100 titles, and it’s been steadily expanding its content library ever since. For roughly the same cost as a Broadway ticket, you gain access to a treasure trove of classic and popular productions, making it an affordable option for theater enthusiasts.
Democratizing Broadway
BroadwayHD was born from the vision of Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley, both Tony Award-winning producers who wanted to make Broadway accessible to a broader audience. Historically, Broadway has been a somewhat exclusive experience, limited to a specific demographic and geographic region. But now, thanks to BroadwayHD, theater aficionados can savor filmed stage productions without breaking the bank.
Before the curtain went up on BroadwayHD, the founders made sure to secure agreements with all 17 unions and guilds representing the dedicated individuals who make theater happen, ensuring fair compensation for their contributions when a show is filmed for the service.
BroadwayHD has also forged partnerships with esteemed theater companies like the Public Theater, Roundabout Theater Company, and Lincoln Center Theater. These collaborations have led to remarkable moments, including the live streaming of the 2016 production of “She Loves Me” directly from Studio 54.
A World of Theater at Your Fingertips
Since its inception, BroadwayHD has continued to enrich its content library. It includes not only classic Broadway musicals and plays but also a vast collection of Shakespearean works from the BBC and Royal Shakespeare Company.
In addition to stage productions, BroadwayHD features film adaptations of musicals such as “Hello Again” and “Yentl,” as well as screen adaptations of plays like Oscar Wilde’s “Salomé,” featuring talents like Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain. The service even offers a lineup of captivating theater documentaries, including “Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles,” which delves into the enduring legacy of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Watch Wherever You Are
BroadwayHD is incredibly accessible and available for streaming on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV products. The standalone subscription costs $12 a month, with the added perk of a one-week free trial.
What You Won’t Find
It’s essential to know that you won’t find shows currently running on Broadway or London’s West End on BroadwayHD. The service exclusively adds productions once they’ve concluded their live runs. However, there is one notable exception: the 25th-anniversary production of “Phantom of the Opera,” filmed live in London, which is still enchanting audiences on both Broadway and the West End.
Similarly, “Les Misérables,” another beloved classic, is available on BroadwayHD thanks to a spectacular live filming in London celebrating its 25th anniversary. Even “Ann,” featuring Holland Taylor as Ann Richards continues to captivate audiences despite its availability on BroadwayHD.
My Personal Favorites
As a former theater student and die-hard Broadway enthusiast, BroadwayHD has enriched my life with unforgettable productions. Here are some of my top recommendations you can enjoy right now:
- ‘Indecent’: A captivating play about a play, “Indecent” tells the true story of “God of Vengeance,” a controversial 1923 Broadway production.
- ‘Into the Woods’: This live filming in London breathes new life into Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s classic twist on Brothers Grimm fairy tales, with a standout performance by Hannah Waddingham.
- ‘Sweeney Todd’: Travel back to 1980 with this recording of the first national tour of “Sweeney Todd,” featuring Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett and George Hearn as Fleet Street’s Demon Barber.
- ‘Macbeth’: For a unique take on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” don’t miss the 2008 Broadway revival starring Patrick Stewart, transporting the tale to a mysterious netherworld.
- ‘Kinky Boots’: This London West End production, released in 2019, is a toe-tapping musical about an unexpected partnership between a factory owner and a drag queen, set on saving their struggling business.
Conclusion
BroadwayHD has transformed the way we experience Broadway, making it accessible to a broader audience. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a newcomer to the world of Broadway, this streaming service invites you to explore the magic of the stage without leaving your home. With a vast library of unforgettable productions just a click away, BroadwayHD ensures that the theater-loving spirit can thrive, no matter where you are. So, dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and let the show begin!
