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Critical reviews carry a lot of weight, despite being the opinion of just one person, who is usually white and male. Positive reviews can generate hype and ensure a show’s success, while negative reviews can quickly close shows. In addition to providing contemporary audiences with (hopefully) educated opinions, reviews also serve as a public historical record of the theatre.
When it comes to filmed live musicals, the critical analysis and historical record is rather thin. At the end of the day, very few filmed live musicals are being critically reviewed. Is it that theatre critics don’t review films? Or that film critics don’t review theatre? Perhaps it is a lack of critics who understand both theatre and film, and more importantly, the hybrid that is formed when the two come together in a filmed live theatrical event. Or perhaps it is simply the fact that filmed live musicals are not taken seriously as an art form.
Filmed live musicals on television are sometimes reviewed for inclusion in “What’s On” guides. Prime time specials like Jesus Christ Superstar Live also draw a lot of attention, but these are the exception rather than the rule.
Filmed live musicals that are consistently reviewed are those that are released on Blu-ray. The official Blu-ray site, www.blu-ray.com provides outstanding reviews of filmed live musicals that analyze the content of the film, as well as technical aspects, such as image and sound quality, of the Blu-Ray. There are currently only 7 filmed live musicals in the database that have been released on Blu-ray. A rather dismal number for the review situation.
Social media, particularly Twitter, is useful for anecdotal reviews. It can provide an insight into fan-base reactions to filmed live content, but these “reviews” may not be widely read.
The ever increasing frequency of filmed live musical events, encore screenings, and the prevalence of bootlegs, show audiences want filmed live musical content. Official critical responses will help increase the legitimacy of filmed live musicals, and give them their rightful place in the history of theatre.
When it comes to filmed live musicals, the critical analysis and historical record is rather thin. At the end of the day, very few filmed live musicals are being critically reviewed. Is it that theatre critics don’t review films? Or that film critics don’t review theatre? Perhaps it is a lack of critics who understand both theatre and film, and more importantly, the hybrid that is formed when the two come together in a filmed live theatrical event. Or perhaps it is simply the fact that filmed live musicals are not taken seriously as an art form.
Filmed live musicals on television are sometimes reviewed for inclusion in “What’s On” guides. Prime time specials like Jesus Christ Superstar Live also draw a lot of attention, but these are the exception rather than the rule.
Filmed live musicals that are consistently reviewed are those that are released on Blu-ray. The official Blu-ray site, www.blu-ray.com provides outstanding reviews of filmed live musicals that analyze the content of the film, as well as technical aspects, such as image and sound quality, of the Blu-Ray. There are currently only 7 filmed live musicals in the database that have been released on Blu-ray. A rather dismal number for the review situation.
Social media, particularly Twitter, is useful for anecdotal reviews. It can provide an insight into fan-base reactions to filmed live content, but these “reviews” may not be widely read.
The ever increasing frequency of filmed live musical events, encore screenings, and the prevalence of bootlegs, show audiences want filmed live musical content. Official critical responses will help increase the legitimacy of filmed live musicals, and give them their rightful place in the history of theatre.
This site is financially supported by the generosity of patrons
Mercedes Esteban-Lyons, Jesse Rabinowitz and Brenda Goodman,
and David and Katherine Rabinowitz.
Become a patron and gain access to bonus content!
Mercedes Esteban-Lyons, Jesse Rabinowitz and Brenda Goodman,
and David and Katherine Rabinowitz.
Become a patron and gain access to bonus content!
- Published on
With the introduction of sound on film, cinema underwent an identity crisis. What to call these new fan-dangled talking pictures? In 1928, film trade newspaper Exhibitors Herald and Moving Picture World led a campaign to try and come up with a new name. Common labels included “talkies,” “soundies,” “lispies,” “synchronized pictures,” and “audible pictures.” Suggestions ranged from “audien,” “cinelog,” and “dramaphone,” to “pictovox,” “viewvoice,” and, my personal favorite, “vivavox.”
For the purposes of this site, I define a filmed live musical as a stage musical that has been legally captured and distributed to the public. The deeper question I would like to look at today is, what is the final product that is distributed? Is it theatre? Is it cinema?
Filmed live musicals are distributed and advertised under different names, including “filmed live theatre,” “live cinema,” “transmission,” “HD transmission,” “cine-cast,” and “live capture.” Makers and distributors of filmed live theatre, including The National Theatre and Digital Theatre, describe filmed live theatre as a hybrid of theatre and cinema.
“Filmed live” can be a confusing label. How do we distinguish between a musical that is broadcast live, and an encore screening of that live broadcast? Is it still “live” if the screening takes place months, or even years, after the actual event?
I would love to find a new name for filmed live theatre that reflects this hybridity.
Several studies show that audiences see attending filmed theatre at the cinema as an equally authentic way to experience live performance as going to the theatre. Recent studies also suggest that audiences have more emotional responses to filmed live theatre than they do in the actual theatre.
As evidenced by the success of National Theatre Live, Met Opera Live, the growth of theatre streaming services like Digital Theatre, and BroadwayHD, and the persistence of bootlegs, audiences are craving filmed live theatre content. We need to clearly define filmed live theatre, and label it, to make it accessible and searchable.
For now, “filmed live musicals” is the term I’m going with (hence the name of the site!), but I think it would be fun to come up with other terms that help filmed live musicals reach new audiences.
What do you think? Share your suggestions on the Facebook page or on Twitter!
For the purposes of this site, I define a filmed live musical as a stage musical that has been legally captured and distributed to the public. The deeper question I would like to look at today is, what is the final product that is distributed? Is it theatre? Is it cinema?
Filmed live musicals are distributed and advertised under different names, including “filmed live theatre,” “live cinema,” “transmission,” “HD transmission,” “cine-cast,” and “live capture.” Makers and distributors of filmed live theatre, including The National Theatre and Digital Theatre, describe filmed live theatre as a hybrid of theatre and cinema.
“Filmed live” can be a confusing label. How do we distinguish between a musical that is broadcast live, and an encore screening of that live broadcast? Is it still “live” if the screening takes place months, or even years, after the actual event?
I would love to find a new name for filmed live theatre that reflects this hybridity.
Several studies show that audiences see attending filmed theatre at the cinema as an equally authentic way to experience live performance as going to the theatre. Recent studies also suggest that audiences have more emotional responses to filmed live theatre than they do in the actual theatre.
As evidenced by the success of National Theatre Live, Met Opera Live, the growth of theatre streaming services like Digital Theatre, and BroadwayHD, and the persistence of bootlegs, audiences are craving filmed live theatre content. We need to clearly define filmed live theatre, and label it, to make it accessible and searchable.
For now, “filmed live musicals” is the term I’m going with (hence the name of the site!), but I think it would be fun to come up with other terms that help filmed live musicals reach new audiences.
What do you think? Share your suggestions on the Facebook page or on Twitter!
Filmed Live Musicals is financially supported by the generosity of patrons
Mercedes Esteban-Lyons, Jesse Rabinowitz, and David and Katherine Rabinowitz.
Become a patron today and support original research into filmed live musicals.
Mercedes Esteban-Lyons, Jesse Rabinowitz, and David and Katherine Rabinowitz.
Become a patron today and support original research into filmed live musicals.
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In honor of this week’s Tony Awards, let’s take a look at filmed live musicals that have been nominated for, and won, the coveted awards. To be eligible for a Tony Award, amongst other set criteria, a musical needs to have been performed on Broadway, a theatre house with at least 500 seats located within the Theatre District and Lincoln Center in midtown, New York City.
Of the 131 musicals currently in the database, 25 were filmed live on Broadway. 24 of these filmed live Broadway musicals were nominated for at least 1 Tony Award, and 15 won at least 1 award. Allegiance is currently the only filmed live Broadway musical to have received zero Tony nominations. Victor/Victoria received a nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, however Julie Andrews turned it down, as she felt it was unfair that her team had not also been recognized for their work.
Nearly all of the Tony Award nominated filmed live musicals received a nomination in an acting category, but only 6 received the award — Contact, South Pacific, Into the Woods, Light in the Piazza, RENT, and Sophisticated Ladies. This means when we’re watching a filmed live Broadway musical, we’re not very likely to be watching Tony award winning performances.
When it comes to design, the majority of filmed live musicals to be nominated in Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design won their awards, while just under half won for those nominated for Best Costume Design won that award. Sunday in the Park with George, The Will Rogers Follies, The Light in the Piazza and South Pacific received the most Tony Awards for design.
Just 14 filmed live musicals have been nominated for Best Musical, and 5 have won, including Contact, The Will Rogers Follies, RENT, Fosse, and Memphis.
With 11 nominations, The Will Rogers Follies and The Light in the Piazza had the highest number of nominations. Sunday in the Park with George, Pacific Overtures, and RENT each had 10 Tony nominations, followed by Into the Woods and South Pacific with 9, Fosse, She Loves Me, Memphis, Shrek, Sophisticated Ladies with 8, Legally Blonde, Passing Strange, Smokey Joe’s, Contact and South Pacific with 7, and Falsettos with 5 nominations.
Of the 131 musicals currently in the database, 25 were filmed live on Broadway. 24 of these filmed live Broadway musicals were nominated for at least 1 Tony Award, and 15 won at least 1 award. Allegiance is currently the only filmed live Broadway musical to have received zero Tony nominations. Victor/Victoria received a nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, however Julie Andrews turned it down, as she felt it was unfair that her team had not also been recognized for their work.
Nearly all of the Tony Award nominated filmed live musicals received a nomination in an acting category, but only 6 received the award — Contact, South Pacific, Into the Woods, Light in the Piazza, RENT, and Sophisticated Ladies. This means when we’re watching a filmed live Broadway musical, we’re not very likely to be watching Tony award winning performances.
When it comes to design, the majority of filmed live musicals to be nominated in Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design won their awards, while just under half won for those nominated for Best Costume Design won that award. Sunday in the Park with George, The Will Rogers Follies, The Light in the Piazza and South Pacific received the most Tony Awards for design.
Just 14 filmed live musicals have been nominated for Best Musical, and 5 have won, including Contact, The Will Rogers Follies, RENT, Fosse, and Memphis.
With 11 nominations, The Will Rogers Follies and The Light in the Piazza had the highest number of nominations. Sunday in the Park with George, Pacific Overtures, and RENT each had 10 Tony nominations, followed by Into the Woods and South Pacific with 9, Fosse, She Loves Me, Memphis, Shrek, Sophisticated Ladies with 8, Legally Blonde, Passing Strange, Smokey Joe’s, Contact and South Pacific with 7, and Falsettos with 5 nominations.
When you consider the hundreds of musicals that have been nominated over the course of the Tony Awards’ 72 year history, it is easy to see that very few Tony Award nominated and winning musicals have been legally filmed live for public consumption.
Broadway is an immensely influentially and highly coveted corner of the musical theatre world. Despite this, Broadway is inaccessible to millions of people around the world due to cost and, importantly, geography. This year’s Tony Awards broadcast worked to include some of those Broadway lovers around the world with the initiative #TonyDreaming. On Twitter, I wrote that filmed live musicals are an amazing way to help fuel the dreams of aspiring thespians.
Broadway is an immensely influentially and highly coveted corner of the musical theatre world. Despite this, Broadway is inaccessible to millions of people around the world due to cost and, importantly, geography. This year’s Tony Awards broadcast worked to include some of those Broadway lovers around the world with the initiative #TonyDreaming. On Twitter, I wrote that filmed live musicals are an amazing way to help fuel the dreams of aspiring thespians.
What better way to reach out to millions of theatre lovers, aspiring actors, technicians, writers, and directors than by making legally filmed high quality captures of Broadway shows available to those people? Yes, the New York Public Library Theatre on Film and Tape Archive exists, but it is only available to people who live in New York, and each capture is only available to view once.
We have come to expect cast recordings as normal for Broadway shows, I dream of the day when filmed live recordings are also a standard occurrence. As I looked at in a previous post, filmed live releases of Broadway shows do not negatively affect ticket sales. It doesn’t mean a filmed live recording needs to be released on opening night, or that every single musical should be recorded, but there is a hunger for Broadway, and we need a better solution to combat bootlegs.
Of the 25 filmed live Broadway shows currently in the database, 20 are available to view, either in the cinema, on DVD, or online. As shown below, you can use the database to search for musicals and learn more about where to watch them.
We have come to expect cast recordings as normal for Broadway shows, I dream of the day when filmed live recordings are also a standard occurrence. As I looked at in a previous post, filmed live releases of Broadway shows do not negatively affect ticket sales. It doesn’t mean a filmed live recording needs to be released on opening night, or that every single musical should be recorded, but there is a hunger for Broadway, and we need a better solution to combat bootlegs.
Of the 25 filmed live Broadway shows currently in the database, 20 are available to view, either in the cinema, on DVD, or online. As shown below, you can use the database to search for musicals and learn more about where to watch them.
The great thing about filmed live musicals is that they are not limited to Broadway. Several Broadway productions have been filmed whilst on tour, such as the original production of Sweeney Todd or more recently, Disney’s stage version of Newsies. The database has plenty of musicals such as An American in Paris, Billy Elliot, and The Phantom of the Opera which have played on Broadway, but have been staged elsewhere and filmed live for public consumption.
From this year’s Tony batch, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Live from Lincoln Center will film the gorgeous revival of My Fair Lady, and the capture of Once on This Island’s Tony Awards performance demonstrates that theatre in the round is ready to be filmed live. With Daddy Long Legs producer Ken Davenport at the helm, perhaps we will have another Tony Award winning revival to view on screen. Given that all the nominations for Best Musical were all based on movies, we can hope that filmed live musical versions of those musicals will also be possibilities.
Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and winners, and let’s hope we will see more of them filmed live and available on a screen near us soon!
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This morning I was watching the wonderful Lincoln Center concerts featuring Stephanie J. Block (who gave a killer performance in Falsettos) and Sutton Foster on BroadwayHD. The delightful Megan McGinnis made a guest appearance in Sutton’s concert, and it reminded me how much I love Daddy Long Legs, the first off-Broadway musical to be livestreamed.
It got me thinking about the filmed live musicals that I've fallen in love with over the years, and so, in no particular order, here are a few of my favorites.
Company with the New York Philharmonic
Filmed live at Lincoln Center in 2011, the New York Philharmonic production features a starry cast including Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, Stephen Colbert, Martha Plimpton, and Anika Noni Rose.
I love this version for its slick production values, amazing performances, and because it was the first filmed live musical I saw in the cinema. It was also the inspiration for starting this database.
Into the Woods
The original Broadway production was taped in 1989, screened on PBS, and eventually made available on VHS and DVD. It was one of the first filmed live musicals I ever saw, and made the world of Broadway accessible to an aspiring theatre nerd who grew up 16,000 miles away.
The Digital Theatre capture of the 2010 Regent’s Park Open Air production of Into the Woods is also a highlight. Steam-punk inspired costumes, a clever use of the narrator, and a great capture that puts you right in the action.
Daddy Long Legs
When Daddy Long Legs was livestreamed in December 2015, I was recovering from treatment for leukemia. Low energy and a compromised immune system meant going to the theatre was not an option for me. It was thrilling to be able to watch an off-Broadway show from the comfort of my couch. The @BroadwayHD capture of this intimate show is top notch, as are the performances by the aforementioned Megan McGinnis and her real-life husband Adam Halpin.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
The 2014 New York Philharmonic production directed by Lonny Price hands down has one of the best opening sequences ever filmed. This was another production I watched during my leukemia convalescence, and I literally squealed out loud in my lounge room. I’m so sad this capture is no longer available to view or purchase.
Les Miserables: The Dream Cast in Concert
Everything about this concert filmed live at Royal Albert Hall in 1995 is EPIC. The score. The cast of 250 artists and 100 musicians. Philip Quast as Javert. The finale with 17 Jean Valjeans singing “Do You Hear the People Sing?” in multiple languages. What is there not to love?!
When Hell Freezes Over I’ll Skate
The 1979 Theatre in America recording, now available on DVD, is a chance to see a unique “musical drama” and a tiny sample of the ground-breaking work by director and writer Vinnette Carroll. The capture feels a little dated, but it does a wonderful job of preserving some powerful performances.
What are your favorite filmed live musicals? Share in the comments, or on twitter and facebook!
It got me thinking about the filmed live musicals that I've fallen in love with over the years, and so, in no particular order, here are a few of my favorites.
Company with the New York Philharmonic
Filmed live at Lincoln Center in 2011, the New York Philharmonic production features a starry cast including Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, Stephen Colbert, Martha Plimpton, and Anika Noni Rose.
I love this version for its slick production values, amazing performances, and because it was the first filmed live musical I saw in the cinema. It was also the inspiration for starting this database.
Into the Woods
The original Broadway production was taped in 1989, screened on PBS, and eventually made available on VHS and DVD. It was one of the first filmed live musicals I ever saw, and made the world of Broadway accessible to an aspiring theatre nerd who grew up 16,000 miles away.
The Digital Theatre capture of the 2010 Regent’s Park Open Air production of Into the Woods is also a highlight. Steam-punk inspired costumes, a clever use of the narrator, and a great capture that puts you right in the action.
Daddy Long Legs
When Daddy Long Legs was livestreamed in December 2015, I was recovering from treatment for leukemia. Low energy and a compromised immune system meant going to the theatre was not an option for me. It was thrilling to be able to watch an off-Broadway show from the comfort of my couch. The @BroadwayHD capture of this intimate show is top notch, as are the performances by the aforementioned Megan McGinnis and her real-life husband Adam Halpin.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
The 2014 New York Philharmonic production directed by Lonny Price hands down has one of the best opening sequences ever filmed. This was another production I watched during my leukemia convalescence, and I literally squealed out loud in my lounge room. I’m so sad this capture is no longer available to view or purchase.
Les Miserables: The Dream Cast in Concert
Everything about this concert filmed live at Royal Albert Hall in 1995 is EPIC. The score. The cast of 250 artists and 100 musicians. Philip Quast as Javert. The finale with 17 Jean Valjeans singing “Do You Hear the People Sing?” in multiple languages. What is there not to love?!
When Hell Freezes Over I’ll Skate
The 1979 Theatre in America recording, now available on DVD, is a chance to see a unique “musical drama” and a tiny sample of the ground-breaking work by director and writer Vinnette Carroll. The capture feels a little dated, but it does a wonderful job of preserving some powerful performances.
What are your favorite filmed live musicals? Share in the comments, or on twitter and facebook!
- Published on
It’s an exciting time to be a lover of filmed live musicals. It sometimes seems like new shows are being announced every week, and in the coming months we will be able to enjoy recent Broadway and West End musicals on the big screen.
Here is a list of recent releases and what is coming up in 2018.
Recent Releases
The Toxic Avenger
Filmed live during its run at the Arts Theatre in London in 2017, The Toxic Avenger is a quirky and dark humored musical about New Jersey’s very own superhero. The musical was recently screened at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, and is now available to stream on BroadwayHD.
The Wind in the Willows
Filmed live during its West End run in 2017, this new Stiles and Drewe musical was screened in cinemas throughout the UK during the Easter period in 2018. The Wind in the Willows is now available to stream on BroadwayHD.
Lazarus
One of Bowie’s final projects was the off-Broadway musical Lazarus. The London production, starring Michael C. Hall, was filmed live during its run at the purpose built King’s Cross Theatre. The May 2 screening at the King's Theatre in Brooklyn featured live accompaniment by the original off-Broadway band.
Coming Up in 2018
An American in Paris
The highly acclaimed and multi-award winning Théâtre du Châtelet production of An American Paris received Broadway and West End productions. The West End production was filmed live in 2017 and will be released in cinemas around the world on May 16, 2018. To find tickets, visit the musical’s official film website.
Everyone’s Talking About Jamie
Inspired by true events, Everyone’s Talking About Jamie is a musical about Jamie New’s coming-of-age on the Sheffield council estate, overcoming prejudice and finding the spotlight. More2Screen will screen the smash-hit West End musical in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on July 5, 2018. The rest of the world will be able to watch the popular musical in cinemas later in the year.
Bandstand
A Broadway musical about American soldiers returning home after World War II, Bandstand was filmed during its run at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. The musical will be available in cinemas through Fathom Events on June 25 and 28, 2018.
Allegiance
Inspired by true events from George Takei's life, Allegiance is a musical about the internment of Japanese American citizens in the United States during World War II. A DVD release of the live capture has been announced, but a date has not yet been set.
Stage
A new streaming network dedicated to live theatre content is slated to launch in August. Learn more at http://www.thestagenetwork.com/.
myCinema
During the recently held CinemaCon in Vegas, digital content provider NAGRA announced the launch of myCinema. Similar to Fathom Events, myCinema will provide movie theatres with new alternative content, including live theatre. No announcements have been made about what offerings will be available through myCinema, but it’s exciting to see more platforms trying to make filmed live theatre content available to the world.
Here is a list of recent releases and what is coming up in 2018.
Recent Releases
The Toxic Avenger
Filmed live during its run at the Arts Theatre in London in 2017, The Toxic Avenger is a quirky and dark humored musical about New Jersey’s very own superhero. The musical was recently screened at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, and is now available to stream on BroadwayHD.
The Wind in the Willows
Filmed live during its West End run in 2017, this new Stiles and Drewe musical was screened in cinemas throughout the UK during the Easter period in 2018. The Wind in the Willows is now available to stream on BroadwayHD.
Lazarus
One of Bowie’s final projects was the off-Broadway musical Lazarus. The London production, starring Michael C. Hall, was filmed live during its run at the purpose built King’s Cross Theatre. The May 2 screening at the King's Theatre in Brooklyn featured live accompaniment by the original off-Broadway band.
Coming Up in 2018
An American in Paris
The highly acclaimed and multi-award winning Théâtre du Châtelet production of An American Paris received Broadway and West End productions. The West End production was filmed live in 2017 and will be released in cinemas around the world on May 16, 2018. To find tickets, visit the musical’s official film website.
Everyone’s Talking About Jamie
Inspired by true events, Everyone’s Talking About Jamie is a musical about Jamie New’s coming-of-age on the Sheffield council estate, overcoming prejudice and finding the spotlight. More2Screen will screen the smash-hit West End musical in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on July 5, 2018. The rest of the world will be able to watch the popular musical in cinemas later in the year.
Bandstand
A Broadway musical about American soldiers returning home after World War II, Bandstand was filmed during its run at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. The musical will be available in cinemas through Fathom Events on June 25 and 28, 2018.
Allegiance
Inspired by true events from George Takei's life, Allegiance is a musical about the internment of Japanese American citizens in the United States during World War II. A DVD release of the live capture has been announced, but a date has not yet been set.
Stage
A new streaming network dedicated to live theatre content is slated to launch in August. Learn more at http://www.thestagenetwork.com/.
myCinema
During the recently held CinemaCon in Vegas, digital content provider NAGRA announced the launch of myCinema. Similar to Fathom Events, myCinema will provide movie theatres with new alternative content, including live theatre. No announcements have been made about what offerings will be available through myCinema, but it’s exciting to see more platforms trying to make filmed live theatre content available to the world.
Know of other filmed live musicals heading to the big screen? Let me know in the comments or feel free to get in touch!
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What if I told you there was a place where you could legally access filmed live musicals for free?
The answer will either make your eyes roll, or fill your heart with joy.
It’s your local library.
Libraries are treasure troves of information and resources. I have been an active member of 20 libraries in 4 different cities across 3 countries during my time on this planet. Libraries have allowed me to feed my potentially expensive habit of voracious reading and consumption of all things musical.
Being a member of the New York Public Library is one of my greatest joys. Much of this very site has been researched, and written, from within the walls of the Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center, and the many branches of the NYPL dotted across Manhattan. With my shiny red library card, I have access to countless books, recordings, databases, and expertise, all for free.
In a world and time where seeing a live musical is often prohibitively expensive, I encourage you to visit your local library and see what they have on offer. There are currently 71 musicals in the database available on DVD. Check in at your local library to see if they have a copy, and if they don’t, see if you can request one. In my experience, libraries are accommodating to new requests, and chances are you are not the only person looking for the content.
This post was written in celebration of the 60th anniversary of National Library Week in the United States.
The answer will either make your eyes roll, or fill your heart with joy.
It’s your local library.
Libraries are treasure troves of information and resources. I have been an active member of 20 libraries in 4 different cities across 3 countries during my time on this planet. Libraries have allowed me to feed my potentially expensive habit of voracious reading and consumption of all things musical.
Being a member of the New York Public Library is one of my greatest joys. Much of this very site has been researched, and written, from within the walls of the Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center, and the many branches of the NYPL dotted across Manhattan. With my shiny red library card, I have access to countless books, recordings, databases, and expertise, all for free.
In a world and time where seeing a live musical is often prohibitively expensive, I encourage you to visit your local library and see what they have on offer. There are currently 71 musicals in the database available on DVD. Check in at your local library to see if they have a copy, and if they don’t, see if you can request one. In my experience, libraries are accommodating to new requests, and chances are you are not the only person looking for the content.
This post was written in celebration of the 60th anniversary of National Library Week in the United States.
Producing this website is a labor of love that requires hours of time, and money to run the site and conduct research. If you enjoy what you find here, please consider becoming a Patron. You will be supporting research into filmed live musicals and allow me to continue growing the database.
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Andrew Lloyd Webber is having quite a moment. To celebrate his 70th birthday on March 22, the prolific composer published a new memoir Unmasked, and released a “personally curated” 4-disc album, Unmasked: The Platinum Collectionfeaturing hit songs from across his 50-year career in musical theatre. On March 28, NBC aired the documentary Andrew Lloyd Webber Tribute to a Superstar, and on April 1 broadcast Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert live on national television.
The Lord Lloyd Webber has composed 20 musicals, 18 of which have played on the West End, and 13 on Broadway. In 2017, Lloyd Webber became the first composer since Rodgers and Hammerstein to have 4 shows running concurrently on Broadway — Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, and School of Rock.
At the time of writing, The Phantom of the Opera and School of Rock are playing on Broadway and the West End, while Love Never Dies and Jesus Christ Superstar are on national tours of the United States. The Woman in White continues to run on the West End, and Sunset Boulevard, Evita, and Starlight Express are being performed throughout the UK and Europe.
In honor of NBC’s triumphant Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert, let’s take a look at all the Lloyd Webber musicals that have been filmed live and released to the public.
Filmed Live Musicals
Jesus Christ Superstar
Tell Me On a Sunday
Song and Dance
Love Never Dies
The Phantom of the Opera
Other Films/Live Recordings
Aspects of Love
Evita
School of Rock
Starlight Express
Film Versions
In addition to filmed live musicals, several of Lloyd Webber’s shows have been adapted into film versions.
By Jeeves
Cats
Jesus Christ Superstar
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
The Phantom of the Opera
To Andrew Lloyd Webber, thank you for your immense contributions to musical theatre, and for making so much of your work available to audiences around the world through the screen.
Am I missing any productions? Remember bootlegs are not included in the database!
The Lord Lloyd Webber has composed 20 musicals, 18 of which have played on the West End, and 13 on Broadway. In 2017, Lloyd Webber became the first composer since Rodgers and Hammerstein to have 4 shows running concurrently on Broadway — Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, and School of Rock.
At the time of writing, The Phantom of the Opera and School of Rock are playing on Broadway and the West End, while Love Never Dies and Jesus Christ Superstar are on national tours of the United States. The Woman in White continues to run on the West End, and Sunset Boulevard, Evita, and Starlight Express are being performed throughout the UK and Europe.
In honor of NBC’s triumphant Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert, let’s take a look at all the Lloyd Webber musicals that have been filmed live and released to the public.
Filmed Live Musicals
Jesus Christ Superstar
- The 2012 Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour was filmed live in Birmingham. The production starred Tim Minchin as Judas, Melanie as Mary Magdalene, and Ben Forster as Jesus.
- NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert was a departure from previous live television musicals as it was filmed in one location, and with a live audience.
- The 1992 Australian production starring John Farnham as Jesus, and Kate Cebrano as Mary was filmed live, but has not been officially released. A highlights album was released in 1992.
Tell Me On a Sunday
- The initial production was a made-for-tv special taped live at the Royalty Theatre, London on Jan 28, 1980. It aired on the BBC on Feb 12 and March 9 1980, and again a year later. The show starred Marti Webb performing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Song and Dance
- A special performance of Song and Dance starring Sarah Brightman was held at the Palace Theatre, London on April 28, 1984. It was taped by the BBC and aired on August 27, 1984.
Love Never Dies
- The 2011 Australian production was filmed live in Melbourne. It was released in cinemas and on DVD.
The Phantom of the Opera
- The 25th anniversary gala at Royal Albert Hall was broadcast live to cinemas around the world. Footage from three performances was combined and released on DVD, and on American television.
- On the 30th anniversary of both the Broadway and West End productions, special curtain calls were livestreamed on Facebook.
Other Films/Live Recordings
Aspects of Love
- The Australian production directed by Gale Edwards was filmed in November 1992. The film is held at the University of New England Stage and Screen Collection.
Evita
- John Snelson’s biography on Andrew Lloyd Webber lists an “audio visual presentation of original recording” of Evita that was presented at the Sydmonton Festival in 1976.
School of Rock
- In October 2015, School of Rock became the first Broadway musical to release a 3D promotional clip. Filmed in a classroom, the clip featured cast members performing “You’re in the Band.” Within 3 days, the clip had been viewed over 1 million times on YouTube.
- In December 2017, NBC Nightly News visited School of Rock on Broadway and filmed another 3D video of “You’re in the Band.”
Starlight Express
- Selections from the long-running Bochum production were presented on German television in 1989. The Bochum production, which in 2018 will be celebrating it’s 30th anniversary, has released two live albums, one in 1989, and the second in 2013.
Film Versions
In addition to filmed live musicals, several of Lloyd Webber’s shows have been adapted into film versions.
By Jeeves
- Made for television version produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Company, Really Useful Films, and Tapestry Pictures in 2001
Cats
- Directed by David Mallett, the film version of Cats was released in 1998. The film featured actors from both the London and New York original casts.
Jesus Christ Superstar
- Directed by Norman Jewison, the first film adaptation was released in 1973.
- A second film adaptation based on the Broadway revival directed by Gale Edwards was released in 2000.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
- Also directed by David Mallett, the 1999 film starred Donny Osmond, Maria Friedman, Richard Attenborogh, and Joan Collins.
The Phantom of the Opera
- Directed by Joel Schumaker, the 2004 film version starred Gerard Butler as the Phantom, and Emmy Rossum as Christine Daae.
To Andrew Lloyd Webber, thank you for your immense contributions to musical theatre, and for making so much of your work available to audiences around the world through the screen.
Am I missing any productions? Remember bootlegs are not included in the database!
Producing this website is a labor of love that requires hours of time, and money to run the site and conduct research. If you enjoy what you find here, please consider becoming a Patron. You will be supporting research into filmed live musicals and allow me to continue growing the database.
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In the final week of Women’s Month, let’s take a look at the producers.
In an earlier post, I took a look at the representation of women in the production teams of filmed live musicals. After costume design, the area where women had the highest representation was producing. In the current database, a total of 53 women have produced 34 filmed live musicals. Many musicals credit companies rather than people as producers, so these numbers may actually be higher.
Four of these women, Ellen M. Krass, Iris Merlis, Dione Orrom, and Bonnie Comley have been instrumental to bringing filmed live musicals to the world. Between them, these women have produced 19 filmed live musicals, which is 55% of all the musicals produced by women, and 15% of all the musicals currently in the database. Many of the musicals were Broadway or West End productions, and, in a fun tidbit related to last week’s post on Sondheim, nearly one-third of female produced musicals were written by Sondheim.
Ellen M. Krass
In a career spanning over 30 years, Ellen M. Krass has been instrumental in bringing theatre to film and television. Krass worked as an executive producer for RKO/Nederlander before forming her own company, EMK Productions. She has won 2 Emmy Awards, including the Outstanding Classical Music-Dance Program for Sweeney Todd in Concert in 2002 (shared with Iris Merlis and several others). Her filmed live musical credits include Sweeney Todd (1982 and 2001), Candide, Company, Gypsy, and She Loves Me. Krass also produced the 1985 concert production of Follies.
Dione Orrom
Dione Orrom has worked as a producer for film, opera, and live music concerts, with The English National Opera, Cirque du Soleil, The Three Tenors, Tina Turner, Elton John, and Cher among her many credits. Orrom has worked extensively in bringing live theatre to cinema and television. Her filmed live musical credits include the 25th anniversary productions of The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, Billy Elliot, Miss Saigon, and The War of the Worlds.
Iris Merlis
Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1961, New York native Iris Merlis has worked as a stage manager, production consultant, and producer for film, television, and theatre. With credits spanning the ABC, HBO, and PBS, Merlis has been instrumental in producing theatre for television and film. Her filmed live musical credits include Candide, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd. Along with Ellen M. Krass, and several other producers, Merlis won an Emmy for Sweeney Todd in Concert.
Bonnie Comley
Bonnie Comley has worked as an actor, and producer for film, television, and Broadway. Over the past 14 years, Bonnie Comley, along with her husband Stewart F. Lane, has produced over 20 Broadway shows, including A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, and Legally Blonde the Musical. In 2015, Comley and Lane launched BroadwayHD, a subscription-based streaming service for live theatre productions. The site features musicals such as Billy Elliot, Daddy Long Legs, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, and most recently The Wind in the Willows.
I hope women and girls see the work of these tremendous women and are inspired to become producers themselves.
In an earlier post, I took a look at the representation of women in the production teams of filmed live musicals. After costume design, the area where women had the highest representation was producing. In the current database, a total of 53 women have produced 34 filmed live musicals. Many musicals credit companies rather than people as producers, so these numbers may actually be higher.
Four of these women, Ellen M. Krass, Iris Merlis, Dione Orrom, and Bonnie Comley have been instrumental to bringing filmed live musicals to the world. Between them, these women have produced 19 filmed live musicals, which is 55% of all the musicals produced by women, and 15% of all the musicals currently in the database. Many of the musicals were Broadway or West End productions, and, in a fun tidbit related to last week’s post on Sondheim, nearly one-third of female produced musicals were written by Sondheim.
Ellen M. Krass
In a career spanning over 30 years, Ellen M. Krass has been instrumental in bringing theatre to film and television. Krass worked as an executive producer for RKO/Nederlander before forming her own company, EMK Productions. She has won 2 Emmy Awards, including the Outstanding Classical Music-Dance Program for Sweeney Todd in Concert in 2002 (shared with Iris Merlis and several others). Her filmed live musical credits include Sweeney Todd (1982 and 2001), Candide, Company, Gypsy, and She Loves Me. Krass also produced the 1985 concert production of Follies.
Dione Orrom
Dione Orrom has worked as a producer for film, opera, and live music concerts, with The English National Opera, Cirque du Soleil, The Three Tenors, Tina Turner, Elton John, and Cher among her many credits. Orrom has worked extensively in bringing live theatre to cinema and television. Her filmed live musical credits include the 25th anniversary productions of The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, Billy Elliot, Miss Saigon, and The War of the Worlds.
Iris Merlis
Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1961, New York native Iris Merlis has worked as a stage manager, production consultant, and producer for film, television, and theatre. With credits spanning the ABC, HBO, and PBS, Merlis has been instrumental in producing theatre for television and film. Her filmed live musical credits include Candide, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd. Along with Ellen M. Krass, and several other producers, Merlis won an Emmy for Sweeney Todd in Concert.
Bonnie Comley
Bonnie Comley has worked as an actor, and producer for film, television, and Broadway. Over the past 14 years, Bonnie Comley, along with her husband Stewart F. Lane, has produced over 20 Broadway shows, including A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, and Legally Blonde the Musical. In 2015, Comley and Lane launched BroadwayHD, a subscription-based streaming service for live theatre productions. The site features musicals such as Billy Elliot, Daddy Long Legs, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, and most recently The Wind in the Willows.
I hope women and girls see the work of these tremendous women and are inspired to become producers themselves.
Producing this website is a labor of love that requires hours of time, and money to run the site and conduct research. If you enjoy what you find here, please consider becoming a Patron. You will be supporting research into filmed live musicals and allow me to continue growing the database.
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Today we celebrate Stephen Sondheim’s 88th year of being alive.
The 2011 Lincoln Center production of Sondheim’s Company starring Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, and Stephen Colbert, et al., was the inspiration for the Filmed Live Musicals database. During an interview taped for the cinema screening, producer Ellen M. Krass claimed it had been difficult to get funding to film Company because investors had not heard of a filmed live musical.
Who were these people?! Had they not grown up watching the original Broadway production of Into the Woods on VHS or DVD? Were they oblivious to the taping of Sunday in the Park with George? Or Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd?
As a result of watching Company, I wrote my Masters Thesis on filmed live musicals. Several years later, not a day went by when I wasn’t thinking about it. The Filmed Live Musicals was database was born.
With 20 entries spanning 11 different musicals, Stephen Sondheim has more musicals in the Filmed Live Database than any other composer. For comparison’s sake, Gilbert and Sullivan have 8 entries, Dan Coggin has 6 entries for the Nunsense series, and Andrew Lloyd Webber (who is also celebrating his birthday today) has 4 entries.
In the extraordinary interview Face to Face: Stephen Sondheim (available to stream on BroadwayHD), Sondheim stated “I’m very into film technique and its application to the stage.” If I ever get the chance to meet Sondheim, when I’m done losing my mind, I would love to know about his involvement, or encouragement, in the live filming of his musicals.
To honor of Sondheim’s birthday, here are all the musicals he has written, or contributed to, that have legally filmed live for public distribution. Note that the dates refer to the year the production was filmed, not the year the musical was written.
The 2011 Lincoln Center production of Sondheim’s Company starring Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, and Stephen Colbert, et al., was the inspiration for the Filmed Live Musicals database. During an interview taped for the cinema screening, producer Ellen M. Krass claimed it had been difficult to get funding to film Company because investors had not heard of a filmed live musical.
Who were these people?! Had they not grown up watching the original Broadway production of Into the Woods on VHS or DVD? Were they oblivious to the taping of Sunday in the Park with George? Or Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd?
As a result of watching Company, I wrote my Masters Thesis on filmed live musicals. Several years later, not a day went by when I wasn’t thinking about it. The Filmed Live Musicals was database was born.
With 20 entries spanning 11 different musicals, Stephen Sondheim has more musicals in the Filmed Live Database than any other composer. For comparison’s sake, Gilbert and Sullivan have 8 entries, Dan Coggin has 6 entries for the Nunsense series, and Andrew Lloyd Webber (who is also celebrating his birthday today) has 4 entries.
In the extraordinary interview Face to Face: Stephen Sondheim (available to stream on BroadwayHD), Sondheim stated “I’m very into film technique and its application to the stage.” If I ever get the chance to meet Sondheim, when I’m done losing my mind, I would love to know about his involvement, or encouragement, in the live filming of his musicals.
To honor of Sondheim’s birthday, here are all the musicals he has written, or contributed to, that have legally filmed live for public distribution. Note that the dates refer to the year the production was filmed, not the year the musical was written.
Candide
Company
Follies
Gypsy
Into the Woods
Merrily We Roll Along
Pacific Overtures
Passion
Putting it Together
Sunday in the Park with George
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
- 1986 New York City Opera production
- 1988 Scottish Opera production
- 1989 Barbican Theatre production
- 2004 Lincoln Center concert production
Company
Follies
- The 1986 concert version documentary features extensive footage of the show, but is not a capture of the full musical.
- 2013 Opera de Toulon production
- 2017 National Theatre production
Gypsy
Into the Woods
Merrily We Roll Along
Pacific Overtures
Passion
- The original Broadway production was adapted into a TV version, but not filmed in front of a live audience.
- 2005 Lincoln Center production
Putting it Together
Sunday in the Park with George
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Happy birthday Sondheim. May your day be filled with color and light.
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Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the inaugural Women’s Day on Broadway. The day featured 5 panels covering various aspects of the representation of women on Broadway. I live-tweeted the day, and you can catch up here!
Several panelists made reference to the fact that women purchase over 60% of Broadway tickets, yet make up only 17% of the creative teams on Broadway.
With this in mind, I wanted to take a look at the representation of women in the production teams of filmed live musicals. I made a record of the production positions for each musical, including stage director, film director, producer (film only), book writer, composer (music/lyrics), choreographer, lighting design, sound design, scenic design, costume design, orchestrator, musical director, and stage manager.
Several panelists made reference to the fact that women purchase over 60% of Broadway tickets, yet make up only 17% of the creative teams on Broadway.
With this in mind, I wanted to take a look at the representation of women in the production teams of filmed live musicals. I made a record of the production positions for each musical, including stage director, film director, producer (film only), book writer, composer (music/lyrics), choreographer, lighting design, sound design, scenic design, costume design, orchestrator, musical director, and stage manager.
From this record, I made a list of all the women currently in the Filmed Live Musicals database. While the 124 filmed live musicals represent a tiny sample of all musical theatre offerings (and does not yet include musicals in languages other than English), it provides insight into the gender disparity in the industry as a whole.
Over half, 75 of 124, filmed live musicals have at least 1 named woman in the production team. Not a single musical had an entirely female production team, and only one, Bad Girls, could claim half the production team was comprised of women.
Comparing each production position, women were more likely to be the costume designer, producer, or choreographer.
It is worth noting that musicals with female producers also had the highest number of women in key creative positions.
Over half, 75 of 124, filmed live musicals have at least 1 named woman in the production team. Not a single musical had an entirely female production team, and only one, Bad Girls, could claim half the production team was comprised of women.
Comparing each production position, women were more likely to be the costume designer, producer, or choreographer.
- 40 filmed live musicals (30%) had a female costume designer,
- 34 filmed live musicals (27%) were produced by women.
- 25 filmed live musicals (20%) employing a female choreographer.
It is worth noting that musicals with female producers also had the highest number of women in key creative positions.
The musicals with the most number of women in the production team were Bad Girls, Merrily We Roll Along, and Shrek, each with 6 women named in the production credits.
Out of a possible 13 production roles, Bad Girls the Musical had the highest number of women in the most number of roles, with 6 women in 6 different roles. It was directed by Maggie Norris, produced by Kath Gotts and Maggie Norris, written by Ann McManus and Maureen Chadwick, choreographed by Ann Yee, and stage managed by Sheena Linden.
Merrily We Roll Along had 6 women in 5 different roles. The musical was directed by Maria Friedman, and produced by Debbie Bindo, Sondia Friedman, and Tanya Bink. Catherine Jayes was the musical director, and Soutra Gilmour was the scenic and costume designer.
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me had 5 women in 5 different production roles, including director Lisa Peterson, producer Bonnie Comely, lyricist Val Vigoda, costume designer Chelsea Cook, and stage manager Lucy Kennedy.
Out of a possible 13 production roles, Bad Girls the Musical had the highest number of women in the most number of roles, with 6 women in 6 different roles. It was directed by Maggie Norris, produced by Kath Gotts and Maggie Norris, written by Ann McManus and Maureen Chadwick, choreographed by Ann Yee, and stage managed by Sheena Linden.
Merrily We Roll Along had 6 women in 5 different roles. The musical was directed by Maria Friedman, and produced by Debbie Bindo, Sondia Friedman, and Tanya Bink. Catherine Jayes was the musical director, and Soutra Gilmour was the scenic and costume designer.
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me had 5 women in 5 different production roles, including director Lisa Peterson, producer Bonnie Comely, lyricist Val Vigoda, costume designer Chelsea Cook, and stage manager Lucy Kennedy.
Only 6 musicals (0.04%) had both producers and directors who are women, including Legally Blonde, Ernest Shackleton Loves Me, Merrily We Roll Along, When Hell Freezes Over I’ll Skate, Pippin, and Bad Girls.
A tiny total of 10 filmed live musicals (0.08%) had a female stage director, and just 3 musicals (0.02%), had a female film director. Vinnette Carroll was the only female to serve as both film and stage director (for When Hell Freezes Over I’ll Skate).
When it comes to writing the musicals, the representation of women is incredibly low.
The music of filmed live musicals is also lacking in female representation.
Representation of women in the design team is sorely lacking.
A tiny total of 10 filmed live musicals (0.08%) had a female stage director, and just 3 musicals (0.02%), had a female film director. Vinnette Carroll was the only female to serve as both film and stage director (for When Hell Freezes Over I’ll Skate).
When it comes to writing the musicals, the representation of women is incredibly low.
- 7 musicals (0.05%) had lyrics by a woman.
- 7 musicals had their book written by a woman.
- 3 musicals had both book and lyrics both written by women.
- 2 musicals had both music and lyrics by women
- 2 musical had book, music, and lyrics, written by women.
The music of filmed live musicals is also lacking in female representation.
- 7 musicals were composed by women.
- 4 had a female musical director
- 2 musicals were orchestrated by women.
Representation of women in the design team is sorely lacking.
- 12 musicals had a female scenic designer. In 8 of these, the scenic designer also served as the costume designer.
- 3 musicals had a female lighting designer,
- Zero musicals had a female sound designer.
While over half of the filmed live musicals in the database have at least 1 female in a named production position, the above figures show that women do not have equal representation in the production teams.
Just a few days ago, on March 16, 2018, The League of Professional Theatre Women launched an initiative entitled #OneMoreConversation. The initiative aims to encourage theatre decision-makers to have “one more conversation” with a woman before finalizing hiring to try and bring more women in the process.
While the number of women in the Filmed Live Musicals database reflects the low representation of women on Broadway, it is important to note that Broadway musicals only make up a small portion, 17%, of the musicals in the database. It will be interesting to see if the low representation of women changes as more musicals, and more musicals from a wider range of countries, are added to the database.
Let's hope with the continuation of Women's Day on Broadway and #OneMoreConversation, we will see more women in musical theatre production teams, and more of those musicals being filmed live for a wider audience to enjoy.
Just a few days ago, on March 16, 2018, The League of Professional Theatre Women launched an initiative entitled #OneMoreConversation. The initiative aims to encourage theatre decision-makers to have “one more conversation” with a woman before finalizing hiring to try and bring more women in the process.
While the number of women in the Filmed Live Musicals database reflects the low representation of women on Broadway, it is important to note that Broadway musicals only make up a small portion, 17%, of the musicals in the database. It will be interesting to see if the low representation of women changes as more musicals, and more musicals from a wider range of countries, are added to the database.
Let's hope with the continuation of Women's Day on Broadway and #OneMoreConversation, we will see more women in musical theatre production teams, and more of those musicals being filmed live for a wider audience to enjoy.