Given the current range of shows starring on Broadway, it's a shame that more people can't tune in by some means such as
cable TV or the Internet. This has always been one of Broadway's best and worst features. Its limitations of being in a single city and on a single stage keep it special in the sense that only so many people get to witness some of the best shows on the planet. However, this is also, obviously, a bit unfortunate, as so many millions of people are missing out on these stunning performances. However, this issue has come into sharper focus in the past season particularly for fans of the hit comedy central animated series
South Park. South Park is, and has for years now been one of TV's most popular shows, to the point that those who follow it often do so almost religiously. As a result of this, many of these fans are actually also fans of Matt Stone and Trey Parker, who created the show and have also had a number of other creative endeavors over the years (such as the movies
BASEketball and
Team America: World Police). In fact, despite their tendency to be rather inappropriate and offensive, it is almost difficult not to be drawn to the satirical genius of these two men if you ever give their shows or movies a shot. However, many of their biggest fans have been frustrated over the course of the last six months, because Matt and Trey now have a hit Broadway musical‚
The Book Of Mormon‚ which a lot of people are unable to see.
The Book Of Mormon has been described as everything from the surprise hit of the year to the best Broadway musical of the last twenty-five years, and backed up its critical acclaim by practically sweeping this year's
Tony Awards. Its audiences are said to constantly shake and scream in laughter, and its shows are sold out months in advance. Indeed, it is beginning to seem as if anything Matt Stone and Trey Parker touch turns to gold, as they consistently inject their creative projects with their surprisingly clever, socially relevant, and undeniably hilarious touch.
The interesting thing is that this runaway hit has occurred in a single theater, where the adoring masses of
South Park fans cannot always venture. It seems that at least to some extent, Matt and Trey are hitting a new audience with their comic genius. However, as wonderful as this is for them and for Broadway, it also illustrates the good-and-bad limiting nature of Broadway. On the one hand, the show's exclusivity is frustrating for a number of fans who have difficulty finding the time or means to see it. However, its limited availability also makes it that much more special.
