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The musical theater community on TikTok is thriving, with clips like Jonathan Groff learning a dance from 'Just in Time' inspiring countless interpretations. This trend highlights the personal connection and creativity that fans bring to theater.
The musical 'Six,' about the wives of Henry VIII, began as a mixtape and quickly gained a devoted following. By the time it reached pre-Broadway in Chicago, audiences were already singing along, reminiscent of how theater music once dominated pop culture.
The evolution of theater accessibility has been remarkable, especially with the advent of digital streaming. Now, people who couldn't attend live performances due to geographical or physical limitations can experience Broadway from their homes.
The live-streamed celebration of Stephen Sondheim's 90th birthday in April 2020, featuring Meryl Streep, Audra McDonald, and Christine Baranski, marked a pivotal moment in theater. It showcased the potential of streaming to bring together talent that would otherwise be unaffordable for a live stage production.
During the pandemic, many actors participated in streaming theater productions for free, driven by a desire to work and create despite the limitations. This period saw experiments that rivaled live stage productions in quality, redefining what theater could be.
Theater captures on platforms like Disney Plus and Amazon Prime enhance the experience of live theater, as seen with Hamilton and SpongeBob SquarePants musical.
The cast album is often considered a 'gateway drug' for Broadway enthusiasts, drawing people into the world of musical theater through its captivating music and storytelling.
One of the most exciting developments in theater is the ability to stream live performances globally. This not only democratizes access to the arts but also allows for a broader cultural exchange, as people from different backgrounds can experience diverse stories and perspectives.
During the pandemic, anyone in the world could create something theatrical in a limited format and have it seen, making it a vibrant time for theater.