Technology is remaking how we see the ancient art of theater

When James Corden kicked off the Tony Awards this year, his opening number was a fullthroated endorsement of the live theatrical experience.

“It’s live, we do it live, and every single moment’s unrepeatable,” the latenight TV host sang. “There is a visceral bliss you only get in a theater seeing people do this.”

Turns out he wasn’t correct. These days, you can watch a Broadway musical from a subway train seat. You can get your stage fix at your local movie theater or hear a play while jogging.

Theater just isn’t what it used to be. Media companies armed with the latest in technology like Fathom Events, Audible Inc. and BroadwayHD are reshaping the experience, evolving it past the quaint notion of patrons filing into an arena, turning off their phones and sitting quietly in the dark.

Kicking yourself that you never saw the musical “Kinky Boots” or the play “Fleabag”? Relax. Cinema distributor Fathom has you covered. Can’t wait for the liveaction “Cats” movie? Then watch a stage version while cuddling your own cat on the couch, thanks to digital theater streaming network BroadwayHD. Or, if you’re in a more serious mood, put on your headphones and listen to the play “True West,” costarring Kit Harrington, via Audible.

“We’re really going into a place where I hope people look at what theater is differently,” said Kate Navin, who leads the theater initiative at Audible, the world’s largest producer of audiobooks and spokenword entertainment.

Matt Crockett / Associated Press This image released by BroadwayHD shows Matt Henry as Lola, center, in the London production of “Kinky Boots.”