MOON OVER BROADWAY (TV)
Summary
This film chronologically documents the process of putting on the Broadway show "Moon Over Buffalo," from its first rehearsal through its opening night in New York. It features scenes from all aspects of the production including: rehearsals, performances, press conferences and interviews with the media, production staff meetings, and private discussions with cast and crew. In July 1995 rehearsals begin and the play develops in unexpected ways as it is brought to life by actors and adjusted by director Tom Moore and playwright Ken Ludwig. From the beginning, there is tension because Ludwig's and Moore's instincts on how to shape the play are at odds with those of lead actors Carol Burnett and Philip Bosco. In August, dress rehearsals begin at Boston's Colonial Theatre. Ludwig is displeased with the first run-through of the play, and begins a series of rewrites that will continue for the next two months. The actors struggle with the constant changes in script, and Ludwig struggles with the play's structure and humor. Burnett tells a Boston Globe reporter that the process will be more productive and enjoyable when they perform for an audience and get people's reactions.
When the Boston paid preview and opening nights get mixed reviews and audience responses, Ludwig and Moore see it as an opportunity to fine-tune the play before its New York opening. Rewrites and adjustments to the play continue throughout the show's run in Boston. Ludwig, Moore, and producer Jack Viertel discuss the need for more solid humor in the play. Producer Elizabeth Williams considers the possibility of hiring an outside joke writer. In September, "Moon Over Buffalo" moves to the Martin Beck Theatre in New York. At the final dress rehearsal, there is a technical problem mid-production, and Burnett is called to do an impromptu stand-up routine to entertain the audience while they wait. In October, tension mounts as the critics' night and opening night arrive. Ludwig, Moore, and producer Rocco Landesman reminisce about past experiences in theater, and recognize the importance of these two nights in making or breaking a show. However, after all the anticipation, opening night progresses well, the play receives average reviews, and everyone goes about the business of running a show. The film ends with a summary of "Moon Over Buffalo's" Broadway run and its other productions both national and international.
(This film, which first premiered as a feature documentary in early 1998, has not been broadcast on television yet.)
Details
- NETWORK: Bravo
- DATE: November 4, 1999 Thursday 8:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:35:14
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:55027
- GENRE: Arts documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Arts documentaries; Comedy; She Made It Collection (Carol Burnett); Theater
- SERIES RUN: Bravo - TV, 1999
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- For "Moon Over Broadway":
- Wendy Ettinger … Producer
- Frazer Pennebaker … Producer
- Jack Cullen … Associate Producer
- James R. Jundt … Associate Producer
- Carol Burnett … Cast, herself and Charlotte Hay
- Philip Bosco … Cast, himself and George Hay
- Randy Graff … Cast, herself and Rosalind
- Jane Connell … Cast, herself and Ethel
- James Valentine … Cast, himself and Richard Maynard
- Dennis Ryan … Cast, himself and Paul
- Andy Taylor … Cast, himself and Howard
- Kate Miller … Cast, herself and Eileen
- For "Moon Over Buffalo":
- Elizabeth Williams … Producer
- Heidi Landesman … Producer
- Hal Luftig … Producer
- Don Taffner … Producer
- Rocco Landesman … Producer
- Jack Viertel … Producer
- Paul Libin … Producer
- Tom Moore … Director
- Ken Ludwig … Writer