How are you supposed to enjoy a Broadway play?

I have seen a few small plays and I am about to see a traveling Broadway performance of Billy Elliot.



The thing is... none of these plays have ever held my attention... i always start to daydream and building a better more interesting play in my head.



I get bored with the lack of visuals, delays between scenes... I have never laughed at a play...



How are you supposed to enjoy these things?How are you supposed to enjoy a Broadway play?
If you can't keep interest in it, here are a few suggestions:

1. See a production that is not just a play, but a large musical production with extravagant costumes, great choreography, and wonderful music. If these things intrigue you, then you may get caught up in the story and enjoy it immensely.

2. See a play or musical that is more modern (like rock opera or dark comedy) that may intrigue you if it is boredom with the classics that bothers you. Examples of that would be Avenue Q, Rent, Spring Awakening, or even Sweeney Todd. These are all for more mature audiences, but they tend to be more surprising and therefore more interesting for people who aren't necessarily "into plays".

3. If the problem is that you are being forced to watch the plays that you stated above in your question, then my suggestion is to do some research about it. Using the internet, read about the playwright, possible symbolism in the story, and an overview of the plot line. Its amazing how a little bit of knowledge about what you're about to watch can make you enjoy it much more.

4. If none of the other options work, then maybe it's just not your thing. That's nothing to worry about, everybody has their own interests. Bring your iPod :)How are you supposed to enjoy a Broadway play?
Perhaps use the time to appreciate the work that goes into creating something like this? Admire the scenery and art that goes into creating them, admire the incredible amount of practice that goes into being able to perform at this level...



Not everyone is cut out for Broadway shows, but maybe you are just seeing the wrong ones. You may enjoy show like The Lion King or Wicked that have more movement and more elaborate sets. You could also need to train your mind to appreciate the less elaborate plays (it's kind of like going from watching a lot of tv to reading books, you have to train your mind back to using your imagination)