Here's some good news - you don't ALWAYS have to read these works to become familiar with them. Check streaming websites to see options for watching productions (Netflix often has high end productions, whereas many amateur shows are uploaded to YouTube). You can also see video of Broadway productions on BroadwayHD (for a fee) and at the New York Public Library Theatre on Film and Tape Archive.
There's also a wonderful book about the 1967-68 Broadway Theatrical Season written by William Goldman, The Season, that does an excellent job explaining some of the more mysterious tropes of Broadway.
One should also be well-versed in particularly famous plays and musicals, as understanding important theatrical work informs much modern theatre. In order
There's also a wonderful book about the 1967-68 Broadway Theatrical Season written by William Goldman, The Season, that does an excellent job explaining some of the more mysterious tropes of Broadway.
One should also be well-versed in particularly famous plays and musicals, as understanding important theatrical work informs much modern theatre. In order