Can changes be made to a Broadway show even after the official opening?

Question

For example, if they found a different, maybe better way, to portray mermaids on stage in The Little Mermaid.

Can they still make changes to the show or are they basically set forever until they close and a revival takes place?

Answer 1

Yes, they can still make changes to shows on Broadway. I know Wicked has made changes since it has come to Broadway. For example, they got rid of the hat in "No One Mourns the Wicked"

Answer 2

Well, as far as the set goes, that is completely open to interpretation.  So, if the producers, directors, or whoever decides to portray the mermaids differently, then they can change it as they please.  So long as they have enough money.

The same is true for choreography and staging.  

As far as dialogue and music goes, I'm not so sure about that.  I think that it is illegal to change a show around, if you have bought the rights to it.  Like, if a high school did a show, and  they completely changed the music around, then that would be illegal.  But the thing is, it's REALLY hard to get caught doing that.  

I would think though, that if anyone could change the music around, it would be the original Broadway cast and crew.

Answer 3

Of course they can make changes! that's the beauty of the stage versus movies. BUT - it is expensive to make set changes or big costume changes. Changing a song or dialogue or something that doesn't cost a lot of money - yes.

A friend of mine was in the original Sweeney Todd  onstage and she had a solo song-

( Angelina Reaux - a fabulous singer!) and when she slid down the chute when Sweeney  kills her - she broke both her legs! She was so good - they decided not to replace her - and cut the song out of the show.

Live theater is just that - LIVE - so changes can be made whenever the   writer /director/producer agrees that something will ( or won't) work. Audiences sometimes like or dislike things that were not apparent until the show has run a bit. Now on the other hand they do like to "lock" a show and not make changes - but if the show is better for some changes - they will often do it.  No one is forcing them to keep the show "set" until a revival takes place.

Answer 4

Okay yes. They can. Like Wicked it opened in San franciso, and they had a song called which way is the party? And then they changed it to "Dancing through life"