PBS - Oct 21 - Wicked, Lion King

[wickedfan2]

Posted: 10/12/04 at 11:53am

Do you guys think they'll show actual performances??

Legendary as the "Abominable Showman," notorious producer David Merrick reconquered Broadway in 1980 with a smash adaptation of the movie musical "42nd Street." But soon the biggest hits were arriving from an unexpected source -- London. Producer Cameron Mackintosh redefined the business of show business as "Cats," "Les Misérables," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Miss Saigon" became international blockbusters. Sondheim's "Sunday in the Park with George" defied categorization while Jerry Herman's crowd-pleasing "La Cage aux Folles" had two men sing a love song to each other for the first time on the stage -- a breakthrough soon overshadowed by the decimation of Broadway by AIDS. Yet with Julie Taymor's triumphant reimagining of "The Lion King," Disney led an astonishing resurrection of 42nd Street. Composer Jonathan Larson scored a bittersweet victory with the rock-flavored "Rent," and the old-style musical was reborn in Mel Brooks' "The Producers," which became the first must-see musical comedy in decades, despite a ticket price of $480 for each VIP seat. After 9/11, Broadway -- like the rest of America -- emerged from the darkness. Broadway's corporate dominance continues to grow, as evidenced by new shows such as "Wicked," the biggest hit of the 2003-04 season, with 10 Tony nods.

The episode features interviews with writer/producer Mel Brooks, actor Kristin Chenoweth, Walt Disney Corporation CEO Michael Eisner, actor/bookwriter Harvey Fierstein, composer/lyricist Jerry Herman, actor Nathan Lane, playwright/director James Lapine, producer Rocco Landesman, director Arthur Laurents, Nederlander Theaters chairman James Nederlander Sr., director Susan Stroman, and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Highlights include home movies of Jonathan Larson and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of "Wicked" in rehearsal and opening on Broadway.


Updated On: 10/12/04 at 11:53 AM

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/12/04 at 12:01pm

I bought the DVD box set today and I am watching right now as I type. I am not that far in the history yet, but I will get there soon.

[wickedfan2]

Posted: 10/12/04 at 12:04pm

spiderdj - I didn't even know I could buy it.. How much and where?? I'm buying TODAY!

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/12/04 at 12:08pm

I got it at Best Buy for exactly $50.39. You can also get it at Barnes & Noble. It is really great so far. I am very happy that I bought it.

[wickedfan2]

Posted: 10/12/04 at 12:10pm

Thanks for the heads up.. I just found it and ordered it on Amazon.

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

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