Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy (2013)
Is it true what they say in Spamalot (“You won’t make it on Broadway if you don’t have any Jews”)? Tracing Broadway’s Yiddish roots, and exploring back-stories behind many landmark shows from Showboat to Wicked, filmmaker Michael Kantor chronicles the unique role of Jewish musicians in the creation of the modern American musical. This joyful and intelligent documentary features interviews with many theatre artists, rare archival footage and recordings from original Broadway productions, and unforgettable anecdotes (hearing about Ethel Merman’s irreverent behavior at a Passover Seder during the rehearsals for Gypsy will leave you in hysterics).
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Reviews
Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.
(*Lyrics excerpt*) - "They say the lights are always bright on Broadway!"Through stills, archival footage, and interviews with both celebrities and historians - This "Broadway" documentary takes a close-up look at the long history of the Broadway musical as it existed in NYC from the 1930s, through to the 1950s.Going all the way back to the roots of this "Jewish" legacy - The popular musical compositions of such famed songwriters as Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Cole Porter, and Stephen Sondheim are discussed in some depth.All-in-all - This 2-disc documentary has its interesting moments, along with its not-so-interesting moments, too.
Excellent documentary detailing the role of the Jewish composer in Broadway musicals.It was the hope of the composers to be able to assimilate, accommodate and bring music into the lives of audiences. While we can see Jewish liturgy being used in composition, shows were made to highlight the traditions of all people, not only depicting the Jewish experience. In fact, many of the composers went out of their way to write pieces dealing with non-Jewish characters. That is why 1964's "Fiddler on the Roof" was such a break through in the history of the musical theater.Mel Brooks' idea of destroying Hitler through comedy is certainly unique, but as far as I'm concerned is still quite controversial to say the least.Cole Porter claimed that he would be successful in the field by writing Jewish.Ethel Merman disgraced herself by bringing a ham sandwich to a Seder on Passover. Merman lived in fear of being associated with Jewish identity.