Broadway’s Second Act

By Valarie Lin, Staff Writer Edited by Savannah Stewart

In past years, Broadway’s magic was confined to velvet seats organized across its 41 theaters in New York City. Now, it’s begun its second act. With breathtaking productions and immersive storytelling, Broadway creates a setting where the audience can feel as if they’re part of the show. But now, popular musicals like Wicked and Dear Evan Hansen are reimagining their iconic stages as cinematic experiences, allowing audiences worldwide to experience a new kind of thrill. Actor Leslie Odom Jr.’s reprisal of his iconic role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton reflects Broadway’s second act, showing that classic performances can still captivate audiences, whether in a theater seat or behind the silver screen. 

Nearly six years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic left Broadway facing a closed season. NYC’s theaters dimmed their beaming lights, performers were unable to grace the stage and the art of collectively watching beloved shows seemed impossible. Producers, directors and performers desperately looked for innovative ways to keep Broadway alive, even if it was in a household. This led to a rise in musical adaptation movies and a chance for audiences to be a part of this kind of entertainment again.

Disney+ made a live stage recording of Hamilton available on its service in 2020, a performance that became an undeniable cultural phenomenon. This version of the musical was a creative way for millions of people who hadn’t seen the performance in person to create a theater from the comfort of their homes. Once limited to the Richard Rodgers Theatre, which seats just over 1,300 people, the original cast's outstanding performance showcased the grit and dedication they poured into the show. It also spotlighted live performances' emotional depth, energetic nature and proof that Broadway can thrive in the digital age. 

“It forever demolishes the idea that a beautifully shot version of your show diminishes the demand to see it live. In all of our estimations, it’s only amplified the demand to see Hamilton live,” Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton’s creator and star, said to CNBC. Miranda’s words capture the essence of Broadway's second act: a world where accessibility and artistry can coexist, drawing an even larger audience and giving them the sensation of live performances. 

Leslie Odom Jr.’s return to Hamilton symbolizes so much more than nostalgia; it represents Broadway’s renewal. In the immediate weeks, Hamilton brought in $3.8 million, with the average ticket price being $352.36. Seats were at 100% capacity, showing the impact a single casting move can have on Broadway’s revival. In an interview with People, Odom said, “Returning to Hamilton is a deeply meaningful homecoming, and my kids weren’t even born when we did Hamilton, so the fact that these kids are going to come see it…that’s been a surprise.” For Odom’s children, witnessing their father on the iconic stage after nine years is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

While filmed musicals expand Broadway’s influence, the industry still faces a delicate balance. Big-budget productions and astronomical ticket prices can overshadow smaller shows, limiting opportunities for emerging performers. A Broadway enthusiast who did not share her name said the theater genre is having one of its most profitable seasons, yet it still struggles to keep original stories alive. “Leslie Odom Jr.’s return to Hamilton would be incredible to watch in person, but ticket prices are over $900,” she said. 

The avid Broadway fan shared that many original shows like Boop! and Swept Away closed too soon, since people were more willing to watch other productions based on a popular movie or person. So while Wicked, Hamilton, and Dear Evan Hansen dominate the scene, she said, “Broadway’s true comeback depends on restoring accessibility and affordability while supporting originality.”

There’s still a demand for low-cost tickets, so Broadway’s stories reach audiences beyond the stage. Following Hamilton's success, more stage productions have become movies. Wicked made its film debut in 2024, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The movie's production faced numerous delays throughout the years due to the pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, but managed to produce the largest-scale production in Universal history. From costuming thousands of actors to planting nearly nine million tulips, the city of Oz felt within reach. Elaborate sets, new songs and a cinematic take on the story offered a wide range of audiences, from those in love with the story to those unfamiliar with its appeal, a segway into the fictional world. 

Dear Evan Hansen’s film adaptation demonstrates the criticism and success of adapting the stage to the big screen. For example, Twitter users trolled a 27-year-old Ben Platt, the original Evan Hansen, for playing a high-school student. Despite this controversy, the film featured his incredible acting that reached the core of viewers’ emotions through its portrayal of depression and anxiety. In a review of the film, Sam Acosta writes, “It feels like every song is sung in the moment, which makes them feel so much more special.” The raw emotions of singing the movie live on set, rather than relying on pre-recorded tracks, made the film feel more realistic than other films.

Broadway’s second act is a revival. Still, the industry must embrace the commercial and authentic sides, ensuring theater remains original, affordable and globally connected. Leslie Odom Jr.’s return, the anticipation surrounding Wicked, and the deep topics discussed in Dear Evan Hansen all demonstrate Broadway’s liveliness. However, a proper comeback requires that the stage and screen are open for all audiences, not just those who can afford the astronomical ticket prices. Whether under the marquee lights or looking at the big screen, Broadway’s red velvet curtains will never fall; they rise again, brighter and more accessible for all audiences worldwide.

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