Spoiler alert - If you do not want to know the answer to the following interesting questions, don't read the bottom: *1. What is Hal Prince's favorite show? 2. What does he consider the best American musical? 3. What's essential for success? 4. What's the secret for a long running show?
Prince of Broadway is an expansive medley of some of the most famous musical numbers culled from his most successful Broadway productions and a few from the slew of flops. If you think thought Prince only had the Midas touch, you're wrong. Prince had 8 consecutive misses. The titles of which were recited. IT'S A BIRD...IT'S A PLANE...IT'S SUPERMAN (1966) was a hit with the critics but closed just after opening. (Maybe with the Super Hero Craze the days for its revival may be near). I thought the OVERTURE was going to overshadow the show. But, no, my cynicism was pushed aside by the marvelous musical renditions & transitional storytelling by Hal Prince. Prince was portrayed by males young & old, women and color blindness. The unifying feature were ubiquitous specks atop the head. The ensemble cast in multiple roles was outstanding. Special mention must be made for Chuck Cooper's incredible singing & acting. Cooper is a veteran of 14 B'wy shows and it shows. He was especially moving as Tevye "IF I WERE A RICH MAN" & as Joe "OL ' MAN RIVER". Understudy Eric Santagata dazzled with his rhythm tap choreographed number "THE RIGHT GIRL". The transition into FIDDLER was tipsy and some of the props were flops. But there were many more highs than lows. Prince of Broadway is a sure bet for musical theater buffs with enough charm for curmudgeonly critics. Mr. Prince's contributions the Great White Way are monumental. He's collaborated with an enormous list of the utmost echelons of artists. Prince credited many collaborators: dir. George Abbott, composers Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein & Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Time Rice. Intelligent & poignant lyrics are a common thread throughout his numerous shows. Prince worked with the finest choreographers: Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, & Michael Bennett. I recommend this jewel of a biopic Broadway musical and crowning tribute to his colleagues.
*The answers: 1. FOLLIES 2, SHOW BOAT 3. Working with talented people and lots of luck! 4. If he knew, he'd do it every time.
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