This was a topic a year ago, when many of us noted the all-white audiences at Slave Play (and this fall, at Pass Over and Trouble in Mind). When Slave Play returned, anecdotal evidence suggests a community outreach marketing effort changed the demographics in the audience significantly. As many note, Paradise Square is still heavily papering, and it's possible (and wise) that efforts to reach an audience of color are built into the strategy. Of course, it's (too) late for that show by any yardstick.
It's probably early to generalize about Strange Loop, and one can assume that its midweek matinees (when I attended) -- so often TDF folks who have days free for various issues -- are not representative of its overall audience. Yet the Tony win logically places the show in must-see list for many who might not be as curious. Three months from now, we could have this discussion and find different takeaways. Since we're all noting changes in this more inclusive Broadway, the make-up of audiences is as revealing as more diverse programming. Safe to say we look forward to the day when both sides of the footlights represent a new Broadway. |
