GREAT PERFORMANCES: RECORDING THE PRODUCERS: A MUSICAL ROMP WITH MEL BROOKS (TV)
Summary
One in this series of dramatic arts programs. This program features behind-the-scenes footage of the cast recording of the Mel Brooks musical "The Producers," based on the 1968 film of the same name. The recording takes place on March 11th, 2001 at Edison Recording Studio in New York City. Brooks offers commentary throughout about the creation and production of the musical. The idea came about around 1998, when David Geffen convinced Brooks to adapt his film into a musical. Brooks discusses the experience of writing all the songs and lyrics, and his collaboration with "The Producers" co-author Thomas Meehan. The documentary features footage of the orchestra, sound technicians, and directors of the show as well as the actors. Brooks talks about the show's director and choreographer Susan Stroman, and compares musical supervisor Glen Kelly's style to that of film musicians of the 1930's. He discusses writing music for film, such as his opening number in "The Twelve Chairs," and how his wife Anne Bancroft encouraged him to do more of it. Footage is also shown of the actors and production staff either preparing or joking around between takes. The program shows the recording sessions for many of the show's musical numbers, including "The King of Broadway," "We Can Do It," "I Wanna Be a Producer," "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop," "Keep it Gay," "When You've Got It, Flaunt It," "Along Came Bialy," "That Face," "Springtime for Hitler," Heil Myself," "Where Did We Go Right?," Betrayed," and "Till Him."
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: 2001
- RUNNING TIME: 1:28:29
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:75742
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Public affairs/documentaries
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1972-
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Paul Cremo … Executive Producer
- Jac Venza … Executive Producer
- Susan Froemke … Producer, Director
- Peter Gelb … Producer
- Douglas Graves … Co-Producer
- Raymond Foley … Line Producer
- Kathy Dougherty … Director
- Mel Brooks … Guest
- Hugh Fordin … Guest
- Cynthia Daniels … Guest
- Glen Kelly … Guest
- Susan Stroman … Guest
- Doug Besterman … Guest
- Thomas Meehan … Guest
- Patrick S. Brady … Guest
- Nathan Lane … Guest
- Matthew Broderick … Guest
- Brad Oscar … Guest
- Gary Beach … Guest
- Roger Bart … Guest
- Cady Huffman … Guest
- Anne Bancroft
- David Geffen