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SHOW BUSINESS: THE ROAD TO BROADWAY Send This Review to a Friend
Theater buffs may find much of value in this documentary that looks behind the scenes of those who aspire toward Broadway success. Director Dori Bernstein casts a documentary eye on the shows “Wicked,” “Avenue Q,” Taboo” and “Caroline, or Change.” The film follows the varying results with a combination of footage involving the shows themselves, their creators, their participants and the world in which they move. There are numerous interviews with notables sandwiched in the mix.
Although the film has value for its revealing trajectory tracing progress and problems, it could benefit from some sharp cutting. The material begins to seem repetitive and one can tire of listening to shop talk ad infinitum.
“Show Business: The Road to Broadway” is best when most active in picking up all that goes into the dream of becoming a hit. Director Bernstein knows her territory. She has been an award winning Broadway producer, and her current show in which she is involved as a producer is “Legally Blonde—the Musical.”
This is her first effort at film directing. Tighter would have been better, but still, anyone interested in the theater will find her film educational and involving. Among the many who turn up in the film are Rosie O’Donnell, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Lithgow, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Tony Kushner, Tonya Pinkins, George C. Wolfe and Boy George. A Regent Releasing and Liberation Entertainment release.
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