Broadway has gone digital thanks to Chairman David Stoller (Executive Chairman of Reach4Entertainment) and President and Executive Producer Ondine Landa Abramson who recently launched Stage17.tv. Now theater lovers can enjoy the benefit of getting the scoop of what happens behind the scenes of a Broadway stage, as well as original scripted and non-scripted programming that showcase what it is like to work, live and breathe Broadway.
The best thing about Stage17 is that the content created is of high quality and is original. There is none of the rehashed ideas that Hollywood is known for doing. When you get to Stage17.tv, all you get is originality, which is what the entertainment industry needs more of, especially with the amount of talent that is found in big cities like New York and Los Angeles. Landa Abramson stated that, “at Stage17 we are creating a platform for theater-based artists to come and play on a digital stage. I am excited to offer the kind of programming that my peers and I want to watch, and I look forward to making it available to a global audience.” This is great to hear, because as an actress myself, I enjoy the fact that they are using all types of digital media to put a spotlight on Broadway. This gives them an opportunity to bring in a new generation that is too busy using Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube to look at other things. If marketed correctly they can reach this younger generation by marketing and plastering Stage17 all over these different social media platforms.
As of now, Stage17.tv is in the Beta version but by signing up you can get full access to all the content that they have available. Middle Stage, a video blog by Marina Lippman is amongst the shows that are on Stage17. Middle Stage follows Marina as she navigates her way through life as a 40-year old actress who has not quite yet become successful. Dress Up! With George B. Style gives a behind the scene look as George Brescia dresses Broadway’s finest for opening and red carpet events. Fan Fare also gives you the backstage scoop on everything Broadway from auditions to closing nights. Some of the other shows include Fabby Knows Best, Ian, Terrible Babysitters, and Wallflowers and these are known as the Stage17 Originals.
Aside from the Stage17 Originals there are also collections that include Beyond Broadway, Help is on the Way, I’ve got Kids, Laugh It Up!, and One of a Kind, amongst many others. While this is only the beta version of the website there are more Stage17 Originals coming soon, as well as Collections.
That good thing about Stage 17.tv is that the programming is catered for everyone. Judging by the quality of the shows already up on Stage17 it seems that this is a good venture that will definitely bring a new audience to the world of Broadway. Now I’m going to sit back and enjoy watching Fabby Knows Best, because believe it or not she really does know best.
Twisted Talk: What do you think of the idea behind Stage17.tv? Will you check it out to get the inside scoop on Broadway? Discuss below!
