A Broadway Tradition Is Fluttering Into History

The iconic Playbill, a staple of Broadway theater, is undergoing a significant change that will leave some nostalgic theater enthusiasts wistful. For decades, a cherished tradition has been the inclusion of cast-change slips, discreetly tucked into the Playbill, which informed patrons of last-minute changes in the cast. However, with the advent of technology, these slips are about to become a relic of the past. The Broadway League, the trade organization that represents the interests of Broadway theaters, has announced plans to replace these slips with QR codes.The move is aimed at streamlining the process of communicating cast changes to theatergoers. Instead of manually inserting slips into Playbills, theaters will now provide a QR code, usually located on the back of the Playbill or on a nearby poster. When scanned with a smartphone, the QR code will direct patrons to a webpage or digital platform where they can find the updated cast information.While some may welcome the shift to a more digital and efficient system, others will undoubtedly lament the loss of a beloved tradition. For understudies, in particular, the cast-change slips have long been a badge of honor, symbolizing their readiness to step into a role at a moment's notice. Theater enthusiasts, too, have fond memories of discovering surprise cast changes while perusing their Playbill.The decision to phase out cast-change slips is not a sudden one. Over the years, the increasing use of digital technology has reduced the need for physical slips. Nevertheless, the move marks the end of an era, and some will undoubtedly feel a pang of nostalgia for the old way of doing things. As QR codes take center stage, it's clear that the way we experience Broadway is evolving – but for some, a small part of the magic will be lost forever.