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The fight of the century: Playbill vs. Showbill
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In this corner..Playbill! In that corner..Showbill!
Many avid theatre-goers know that when they enter a theatre and get to their seats they receive a Playbill. This playbill holds important show information (scenes, songs, characters, etc.) and biographies of cast and crew, advertisements for related theatrical productions as well as interesting stories and facts. 99.9% of the time, any Broadway or off-Broadway production will give you this appropriately named "Playbill". However, most recently, the booklet's name has been obscured.
Children's shows or musicals tend to re-name their pamphlets to "Showbills". Why? It's understandable to make a distinction between "play" and musical, as in a "show," but don't you think "Showbill" sounds a bit fake and cheap? It sounds like a second rate version of a program handed out by respectable Broadway venues. It also seems to confuse people, who when reading the title take it to be something other than what it is...it's still a Playbill, just with a different name. Ironically, there is no "showbill.com." Goes to show how verified that name is!
Also, places like Classic Stage Company--not Broadway, but not stereotypical off-Broadway--hand out Playbills. It almost makes CSC something more respectable than what it is. Playbills are associated with big ticket prices for big name productions, not student discounts for a crazy version of an ancient Greek play.
And, technically, a "play" is still a "show," so if musicals are going to change the names, they're just being picky. Get over yourselves, musicals. Keep it simple: Playbill. You'll be thankful for the respect later.
