Live Streaming: The Future of Theater?

Last night, Daddy Long Legs, an off-Broadway musical, made theater history by live streaming  its entire performance.

The musical itself is a very sweet little show based on a novel from 1912. Like the book, the musical is told in letters that Jerusha (the main character) writes to a man she calls “Daddy Long Legs”. Daddy Long Legs is a trustee of the orphanage in which Jerusha has grown up. He decided to pay for her way through college after seeing her academic work and speaking with her teachers. His only caveat is that she has to write him letters once a month—although he will never reply—because he wants to help her develop her skills as a writer. We watch Jerusha grow over the course of the show as it spans her college years. We know the true identity of Daddy Long Legs—the young and dashing uncle of one of her sophomore roommates. She openly shares with him her thoughts, her desires, and her questions about the world. He meets her in person several times, but he always keeps his identity as Daddy Long Legs a secret from her as he realizes he is falling in love with her. Like any happy story, Jerusha falls in love with Jervis, the truth comes out, and everyone  lives happily ever after. Just ignore the fact that throughout the entire story, she creepily refers to him as just “Daddy” in her letters.

The live stream experience was, overall, a treat. Being able to watch the show from the comfort of my living room, wearing my pajamas, was wonderful. Since Daddy Long Legs is a small production with only two actors on a small stage, the camera was able to get close-ups without losing a sense of place which I imagine could happen if it had been a huge production. There were a few issues during the stream where it would freeze, but, as soon as I hit refresh, everything continued smoothly. During the intermission, there was a nice behind-the-scenes of the making of the musical and it’s journey to New York City which was a good use of time.

I will be interested to see if any other shows embrace live streaming. I think it could be a wonderful way to end the run of a show—this way ticket sales would not get hit (if that is a worry of producers) and anyone unable to get to New York, London, etc would be able to discover and enjoy a new show. Live streaming could increase a show’s fan base tenfold. Thinking back on when I was growing up in the Midwest, eagerly awaiting the Tony Awards each year just to see one scene from each of the popular musicals. Live streaming now would be a game changer for all of those theater fans across the country who don’t have access to professional performances.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel