The year 1994 was Playbill's 110th anniversary year as the provider of programs to Broadway shows. Playbill had an unparalleled wealth of information about every detail of every show going back to the turn of the century. Our staff has contacts in every area of the business, so we were the natural people to gather information on current and forthcoming shows as well. We know what theatre lovers want, and we felt we were in a unique position to deliver it to them. A robust online theatre community sprang up almost immediately with the advent of online.
People share news and reviews of productions everywhere.
Theatre people like to talk about their experiences, and online has given theatre lovers everywhere the chance to do it. Its the Electronic Algonquin Round Table effect. Every town has a small but devoted theatre community. Online has enabled them to link up, creating a critical mass of users. Online is the perfect medium for theatre.