In athis week’s Take 5, we sit down with Vice President Bob Hofmann to discuss the latest must-see shows and how the company works with travel agents.
It’s impossible to think of New York City without also thinking of Broadway. One of the Big Apple’s biggest attractions, the New York City thoroughfare has long been regarded as the country’s – if not, the world’s – epicentre of theatre, arts and entertainment, and it’s back bigger and better than ever. In this week’s edition of Take 5, we sit down with Bob Hofmann, Vice President of Broadway Inbound to discuss the latest must-see shows and how the company works with travel agents.
1. Can you tell us about Broadway Inbound/The Broadway Collection?
“Broadway Inbound is the ticketing home for group buyers, tour operators, and the travel industry. Building on The Shubert Organization’s 100+ years of theatrical and technological innovation, we provide a level of trust and security unmatched in the industry.
“Broadway Inbound works with several partners who are set up with direct access to real-time ticket availability via our interface or API distribution and from there offer fully commissionable rates to the travel trade in Canada (in Canadian Dollars) and around the world.
“It’s important to note that we are not a ticket re-seller. We offer wholesale access to FIT and group inventory direct from the box office, allowing sales up to the day of the show, access to order history, online payment, and flexible policies. SimplyiTickets is one of our many preferred partners based in Canada who has access and works very closely with the travel trade.
“The Broadway Collection is a group of amazing Broadway shows—and more around NYC—that are especially popular with domestic and international visitors. Whether you’re looking for a long-running classic such as Chicago, The Lion King, Wicked or Moulin Rouge or the newest and hottest show, such as Some Like It Hot and Sweeney Todd, The Broadway Collection provides something for everyone and is a great resource for both individuals and groups.”
2. What’s new on Broadway?
“There’s always something new and exciting coming to The Broadway Collection. The highly anticipated musical, Harmony, is set to make its Broadway debut this October. It is from the creative minds of Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman and has been long-awaited by theatre enthusiasts. Set in Germany during the rise of the Nazi regime, the musical explores the journey of a beloved vocal ensemble struggling to maintain their artistic integrity amidst the political turmoil of the time.
“Sweeney Todd has received huge buzz since beginning its 2023 Broadway revival starring the one and only Josh Groban in the title role. With its dark and haunting storyline, this musical has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences’ night after night.
“Shucked is another new and exciting addition to the 2023 Broadway lineup, bringing a distinctive blend of genres and storytelling to the stage. This comedic musical offers a fresh take on the theatre scene. Nestled in Cob County, a tight-knit community of country-dwellers has thrived in obscurity, bound together by their love for the land and each other. However, when the imminent threat of extinction looms over their beloved town, a brave individual must step forward to save the community’s way of life. This production breaks away from traditional narratives by offering a fresh and light-hearted escape for theatregoers.
Lion King on Broadway
3. What would you recommend for first-timers?
“Seeing a Broadway show is a must for all visitors to NYC. Although you can’t really go wrong, no matter what you choose, we have a few suggestions for first-timers.
“Kimberly Akimbo is the 2023 Tony Award Best Musical winner, a truly unique show that holds immense value for first-time visitors to Broadway. Despite its recent debut, it has already garnered recognition as a potential modern classic. For a first-time Broadway viewer, Kimberly Akimbo presents an opportunity to witness the power of storytelling and its ability to shed light on the human condition. The musical’s exploration of identity, acceptance, and beauty in life’s imperfections is heartwarming and relatable.
“Hamilton is a must-see for first-time visitors to Broadway. With Lin-Manuel Miranda at the helm, this sung-and-rapped-through masterpiece takes inspiration from the 2004 book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Miranda’s vision initially began as a hip-hop concept album and evolved into a theatrical sensation. The result is a vibrant, dynamic production that seamlessly bridges the gap between America’s past and present.
“The Lion King is a timeless Disney classic that continues to captivate audiences of all ages and has been a favourite on Broadway since 1997. Set in the heart of the African savannah, this spectacular musical follows the journey of Simba, a young lion prince, as he navigates his way through life and learns to embrace his responsibilities.”
4. Why should visitors book their tickets in advance?
“Taking advantage of group discounts is a great reason to book tickets in advance. We offer special rates and promotions specifically designed for larger groups, making it more affordable and accessible for everyone involved. These discounts will vary depending on the show and theatre, so doing a bit of research is encouraged. For individuals, the further out you book, the better the seat inventory & typically better pricing.”
Wicked on Broadway
5. How can travel agents book, and are rates commissionable?
“We have a wonderful campaign running in Canada currently with our partner SimplyiTickets. www.simplyitickets.com. When you book through them, you earn commission and your name is entered into a draw for every ticket booked for a chance to win two tickets to a future Broadway performance of the winner’s choice. The deadline to book is Oct. 31 and with the assistance of our team at VoX International, our representative firm in Canada, they do all the tracking. Mimoza and her team can assist with both individual and group tickets. Call 1-855-566-1157 or email reservations@simplyitickets.com.”
For information on all performances in The Broadway Collection, visit www.broadwaycollection.com and/or www.broadwayinbound.com.
