Question

With Bob Fosse pushing the boundaries of Musical Theatre AWAY from "cheesy, watered-down, children-centered entertainment" and eventually making it more of an "Adult-themed" experience (not only in subject matter, but also in movement style and the sexualization of dance itself...), why is the Genre of Musical Theatre far less popular than other forms of Entertainment?

Answer 1

Musical theatre's popularity may be affected by its adult themes, competition from digital media, high production costs and ticket prices, and the balance between commercial and artistic values.

Step-by-step explanation:

The genre of musical theatre may be less popular than other forms of entertainment for several reasons, despite its rich history and evolution. First, the shift towards more adult-themed entertainment and the sexualization of dance by influential figures like Bob Fosse may limit its appeal to a broader family audience.

Secondly, musical theatre faces stiff competition from various forms of digital entertainment, including movies with advanced CGI, streaming services, and video games. Moreover, the cost of producing musicals and ticket prices for Broadway and West End shows may contribute to its niche audience.

Lastly, while mega-musicals of the 1980s brought a surge in commercial success, the industry continues to grapple with balancing commercial appeal and artistic innovation. Musical theatre has vastly contributed to American culture and performing arts, originating from vaudeville, minstrel shows, and evolving through eras that incorporated social issues, realistic storytelling, and different musical styles.