DVR Alert: Broadway in Your Living Room!

PBS never disappoints when it comes to bringing the magic of live theatre to our living rooms. While my eldest daughter is too young to see Billy Elliot (due to the frequent use of the F-bomb), the taste of Broadway she got from watching Finding Billy Elliot sufficiently awed her.

On May 27th, PBS will broadcast In The Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams, another documentary about a Broadway juggernaut. This film will chronicle the journey of Lin-Manuel Miranda as he chased, and found, his dream: winning the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical. View the trailer here:



Also airing on PBS, last year's concert of Chess filmed at Royal Albert Hall in London, starring Josh Groban and Idina Menzel. The musical, by the dudes from ABBA and prlolific lyricist Tim Rice, didn't have much success after it transferred from London to the States. However, it had a cult following and spawned the Murray Head hit "One Night in Bangkok". PBS will air the concert on June 17th at 9:00pm.



Though it isn't going to air until 2010, PBS has also acquired Spike Lee's film adaptation of the rock musical Passing Strange. I was very disappointed that I missed Stew's run on Broadway when the show ended prematurely. Fortunately, though, someone in Hollywood had the good sense to capture it on film and I simply cannot wait to see it. Initial rumors were that Showtime was going to acquire the property but I, for one, am glad I don't have to re-up my subscription.



Hooray for free television broadcasting live theatre!

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Summer Crowds Passing By Passing Strange

OK - so I'm a little bit of a loser because I haven't seen Passing Strange yet. I purchased the soundtrack on the day it was released and it is currently in heavy rotation on my playlists. However, I've not yet made it to the Belasco. Stupid girl! *she whacks herself on the head with her wireless mouse*

It seems, with 38% attendance, the inevitable is looming. I'm really hoping it hangs on a few more weeks (or months)... Despite the fact the show has received awards and critical acclaim, I'm afraid it has not received the much needed boost in attendance to get through the dog days of summer. Most other shows are playing at 85% and above, so it's looking bleak for Stew and his groundbreaking musical.

Fortunately, Spike Lee is set to film two live performances and one closed performance, so if I don't see it while its running on Broadway at least I will see it through the eyes of someone who is both a talented filmmaker and a fan of the show.

But I'm hoping that it sticks around a little longer because I'd rather deal with the real... for real.