So they hate you, so what?
Seth Godin reports the NYT hates the new “Odd Couple” with Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick. Which brings us to the “so what” factor. The show has booked $21M in advance tickets due to, in Seth’s opinion, which I share: 1. Am Ex’s special offer to Gold Card members; 2. Lane and Broderick’s reputation (their brand.) So, if the show is terrible, will this impact Lane & Broderick’s brand? Maybe. Maybe Not. Here’s why I think Maybe Not:
1. When I lived in Philly, one of my great weekend thrills was running up to NYC for matinees. And, I made out like a bandit on some Am Ex special offers. I got terrific seats at a budget-pleasing price. Some shows were great, some not so great. But, I was still getting a deal AND I was able to enjoy live theatre.
2. So, the show ain’t so great, according to the Times. Do I care? If I still lived within train distance, I’d be one of those Am Ex customers, happy to give it a chance. Entertainment value is ultimately a very subjective one. For example, critics loathed Saturday Night Fever on Broadway. My friends and I were standing up and dancing. Was it a “good” show? No. But it was a fun evening out. And, I’d pay to see Lane & Broderick read a phone book, just to see what they can do with it.
And, c’mon - The NYT critics are people, with highly subjective views. Haven’t you seen a movie or play you loved and the critics hated (and vice versa)? At the end of the day (or play) it’s all about my/your perception of value.
So, Happy Friday - and if you’re in NYC and reading this - go catch a matinee this weekend for me!
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