The Musical

The musical is a global entertainment form, but even though you can experience many of the same shows in the theatre districts of the major capitals in the world, for most of us it's still associated with the place where it was born: Broadway - the road that runs the full length of Manhattan and especially that part between 42nd and 53rd Streets that is known as The Great White Way. It's a versatile genre of theatre: there are comedies, dramas and histories, and shows that address social, political and even religious ideas. But whatever the subject matter, one thing is certain, to be a good musical, you need a good story or 'book'.

This opening documentary asks, if the book is so important, why are there so few musicals that have an original story as opposed to being adapted from some other medium?

The 'case studies' for this programme are: 'The Boy Friend', 'A Chorus Line', 'Chess', 'Starlight Express' and 'Sunday In The Park With George'.

Key contributors include: Stephen Sondheim, actors Patti LuPone, John Barrowman, Elaine Stritch, and Maria Friedman. We also hear from the creator of ‘The Boyfriend', Sandy Wilson, actor Victor Spinetti, West End star Ruthie Henshall, writer Don Black, lyricist Tim Rice, actor Donna McKechnie, critic Michael Riedel, choreographer Gillian Lynne, and actor-producer, Elaine Paige. There are additional contributions from writer Richard Stilgoe, composer Marvin Hamlisch, director Michael Grandage and the co-creator of ‘Avenue Q', Robert - Bobby - Lopez.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced for Radio 2 by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010

Dame Sian Phillips asks why so few musicals have an original story?

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Another chance to hear the landmark documentary series celebrating the most popular and successful form of theatrical entertainment in the world: The Musical.

The musical is a global entertainment form, but even though you can experience many of the same shows in the theatre districts of the major capitals in the world, for most of us it's still associated with the place where it was born: Broadway - the road that runs the full length of Manhattan and especially that part between 42nd and 53rd Streets that is known as The Great White Way. It's a versatile genre of theatre: there are comedies, dramas and histories, and shows that address social, political and even religious ideas. But whatever the subject matter, one thing is certain, to be a good musical, you need a good story or 'book'.

This opening documentary asks, if the book is so important, why are there so few musicals that have an original story as opposed to being adapted from some other medium?

The 'case studies' for this programme are: 'The Boy Friend', 'A Chorus Line', 'Chess', 'Starlight Express' and 'Sunday In The Park With George'.

Key contributors include: Stephen Sondheim, actors Patti LuPone, John Barrowman, Elaine Stritch, and Maria Friedman. We also hear from the creator of ‘The Boyfriend', Sandy Wilson, actor Victor Spinetti, West End star Ruthie Henshall, writer Don Black, lyricist Tim Rice, actor Donna McKechnie, critic Michael Riedel, choreographer Gillian Lynne, and actor-producer, Elaine Paige. There are additional contributions from writer Richard Stilgoe, composer Marvin Hamlisch, director Michael Grandage and the co-creator of ‘Avenue Q', Robert - Bobby - Lopez.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced for Radio 2 by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010

Dame Sian Phillips asks why so few musicals have an original story?

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Two: Drawn From Life

It's important for the musical theatre audience to understand the characters on stage and their motivation which is why, as we discovered in our first programme, the story - or, as it is called in the musical, 'the book' is of vital importance. It also probably explains why so many musical stories are not original but are borrowed from other sources such as novels, plays and increasingly these days, films.

Always popular with composers are the life-stories of real people.

Some of them were already famous before becoming characters in musicals, but many were largely unknown - until becoming the subject of a successful show brought them a unique kind of fame!

Featured musicals include: 'Gypsy', 'Evita' and 'The King and I'.

Contributors include: director Hal Prince, Stephen Sondheim, actors Patti LuPone, Ruthie Henshall and Paul Nicholas, creator of ‘Nine The Musical', Maury Yeston, and Elaine Stritch. We also hear from actor-director, Maria Friedman, lyricist Tim Rice, actors Elaine Paige, Liz Robertson and Victor Spinetti, writer Richard Stilgoe, and director Michael Grandage.

Other contributors include actor Joel Grey, critic Michael Riedel, historian John Fricke, and head of The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organisation Ted Chapin.

Presented by actor and director, Daniel Evans.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Actor and director Daniel Evans considers musicals inspired by 'real life' people.

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Two: Drawn From Life

It's important for the musical theatre audience to understand the characters on stage and their motivation which is why, as we discovered in our first programme, the story - or, as it is called in the musical, 'the book' is of vital importance. It also probably explains why so many musical stories are not original but are borrowed from other sources such as novels, plays and increasingly these days, films.

Always popular with composers are the life-stories of real people.

Some of them were already famous before becoming characters in musicals, but many were largely unknown - until becoming the subject of a successful show brought them a unique kind of fame!

Featured musicals include: 'Gypsy', 'Evita' and 'The King and I'.

Contributors include: director Hal Prince, Stephen Sondheim, actors Patti LuPone, Ruthie Henshall and Paul Nicholas, creator of ‘Nine The Musical', Maury Yeston, and Elaine Stritch. We also hear from actor-director, Maria Friedman, lyricist Tim Rice, actors Elaine Paige, Liz Robertson and Victor Spinetti, writer Richard Stilgoe, and director Michael Grandage.

Other contributors include actor Joel Grey, critic Michael Riedel, historian John Fricke, and head of The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organisation Ted Chapin.

Presented by actor and director, Daniel Evans.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Actor and director Daniel Evans considers musicals inspired by 'real life' people.

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Three: Breaking The Mould

Actor Michael Ball looks at shows that have dared to be different.

Perhaps more than any other form of show business, the musical needs to have something new to say - or has to find a new way of saying something old. It's a vulnerable medium in that it's made of so many ingredients - story, words, music, dance, costume and setting - all of which have to come together in a perfect mix if the whole show is to succeed. But one of the constants about musical theatre is its ability to evolve.

Over the years, a number of shows have broken new ground - even smashed the mould of what was or wasn't a musical - and have been rewarded with commercial and critical success, including in this programme: 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Show Boat', 'Cats', 'Chicago' and 'Oklahoma!

Key contributors include: Stephen Sondheim, actor Joel Grey, creator of the musical ‘Nine', Maury Yeston, lyricist Tim Rice, actor Elaine Paige, creator of the musical ‘The Boyfriend', Sandy Wilson, actor Elaine Stritch, producer Cameron Mackintosh, director Michael Grandage, choreographer Gillian Lynne, actor Ruthie Henshall, Head of The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organisation, Ted Chapin, composer Mary Rodgers, and writer Richard Stilgoe.

We also hear from critics Michael Riedel and Frank Rich, choreographer Arlene Phillips, actor Paul Nicholas, co-creator of ‘Avenue Q' Robert Lopez, Head of Disney Theatrical Thomas Schumacher, and historian John Fricke.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Actor Michael Ball considers musicals that have dared to be different

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Three: Breaking The Mould

Actor Michael Ball looks at shows that have dared to be different.

Perhaps more than any other form of show business, the musical needs to have something new to say - or has to find a new way of saying something old. It's a vulnerable medium in that it's made of so many ingredients - story, words, music, dance, costume and setting - all of which have to come together in a perfect mix if the whole show is to succeed. But one of the constants about musical theatre is its ability to evolve.

Over the years, a number of shows have broken new ground - even smashed the mould of what was or wasn't a musical - and have been rewarded with commercial and critical success, including in this programme: 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Show Boat', 'Cats', 'Chicago' and 'Oklahoma!

Key contributors include: Stephen Sondheim, actor Joel Grey, creator of the musical ‘Nine', Maury Yeston, lyricist Tim Rice, actor Elaine Paige, creator of the musical ‘The Boyfriend', Sandy Wilson, actor Elaine Stritch, producer Cameron Mackintosh, director Michael Grandage, choreographer Gillian Lynne, actor Ruthie Henshall, Head of The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organisation, Ted Chapin, composer Mary Rodgers, and writer Richard Stilgoe.

We also hear from critics Michael Riedel and Frank Rich, choreographer Arlene Phillips, actor Paul Nicholas, co-creator of ‘Avenue Q' Robert Lopez, Head of Disney Theatrical Thomas Schumacher, and historian John Fricke.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Actor Michael Ball considers musicals that have dared to be different

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Four: Pushing The Boundaries

The development of musical theatre is an on-going road of discovery and experimentation. Musicals offer an opportunity to push at the boundaries - something they have repeatedly done: not simply in the way that shows are staged but in the subject matter their stories tackle.

This programme considers shows which deal with subjects considered as 'taboo'.

Our case studies are: 'Oh, What A Lovely War!', 'Hair', 'La Cage Aux Folles', 'Cabaret', 'Sweeney Todd' and 'Avenue Q', with interviewees including:

Lyricist, Don Black, Stephen Sondheim, actor Angela Lansbury, director Michael Grandage, writer Richard Stilgoe, actor Liz Robertson, and co-creator of the musical ‘Hair', James Rado.

We also hear from actors Liza Minnelli, Elaine Paige, and Paul Nicholas, creator of the musical ‘La Cage Aux Folles', Jerry Herman, producer Cameron Mackintosh, and actor Douglas Hodge.

There are additional contributions from director, Hal Prince, and actors Joel Grey and John Barrowman.

Presented by theatre producer Bill Kenwright.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Bill Kenwright examines shows which deal with subjects considered as 'taboo'.

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Another chance to hear the landmark documentary series celebrating the most popular and successful form of theatrical entertainment in the world: The Musical.

Programme Four: Pushing The Boundaries

The development of musical theatre is an on-going road of discovery and experimentation. Musicals offer an opportunity to push at the boundaries - something they have repeatedly done: not simply in the way that shows are staged but in the subject matter their stories tackle.

This programme considers shows which deal with subjects considered as 'taboo'.

Our case studies are: 'Oh, What A Lovely War!', 'Hair', 'La Cage Aux Folles', 'Cabaret', 'Sweeney Todd' and 'Avenue Q', with interviewees including:

Lyricist, Don Black, Stephen Sondheim, actor Angela Lansbury, director Michael Grandage, writer Richard Stilgoe, actor Liz Robertson, and co-creator of the musical ‘Hair', James Rado.

We also hear from actors Liza Minnelli, Elaine Paige, and Paul Nicholas, creator of the musical ‘La Cage Aux Folles', Jerry Herman, producer Cameron Mackintosh, and actor Douglas Hodge.

There are additional contributions from director, Hal Prince, and actors Joel Grey and John Barrowman.

Presented by theatre producer Bill Kenwright.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Bill Kenwright examines shows which deal with subjects considered as 'taboo'.

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Whatever your taste in musicals - whether it's the latest, most innovative show or tried and tested favourites from an earlier century, they all make their impact by using music to transform the commonplace into the exceptional. In its early life, the musical was sometimes the product of East Coast Broadway impresarios. And at other times, it was the work of Hollywood's West Coast movie moguls. Inevitably, Broadway started looking to successful film stories, along with plays, as sources of inspiration for plots in musical theatre:

All About Eve' became the musical 'Applause', a musical based on the film 'Ghost' is now in development and there's even a West End show based on a film about a cabaret singer disguised as a nun hiding from the mob in a convent.

In 'Something Borrowed', Whoopi looks at shows inspired by plays and films including 'Sunset Boulevard', 'West Side Story', 'A Little Night Music' and 'Nine'.

With contributions from Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Patti Lupone, Don Black, Michael Grandage, Jerry Herman, Tim Rice, Maury Yeston, Liz Robertson, Gillian Lynne and Richard Stilgoe.

Something Borrowed' is written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

Whoopi Goldberg looks at shows inspired by plays and films including 'Sunset Boulevard

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Six: From Page To Stage

The Musical can take many forms and tell many different kinds of story in a variety of styles; but, before there can be any show, there has to be a story.

In searching for that story, composers have repeatedly turned to the world's greatest literary classics; from Cevantes' 'Don Quixote' to Dickens' 'Oliver Twist'.

In this programme, actors Ron Moody, Jodie Prenger, Elaine Paige with producer Cameron Mackintosh consider Lionel Bart's landmark show, 'Oliver!'.

The co-creators of ‘Les Miserables', Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, illustrate how the genre of the musical knows no national boundaries, and original cast member, Patti LuPone, recalls the challenges of turning Victor Hugo's epic nineteenth century novel into a stage musical.

And later, director Michael Grandage discusses the ever-popular Broadway show 'Guys and Dolls', which was inspired by the work of Damon Runyan.

But even when a musical is based on a famous book, they can fail.

This programme also recalls shows that have flopped including: 'The Baker's Wife' and 'Margueritte' with contributions from Ruthie Henshall, Tim Rice and Don Black.

And Stephen Sondheim explains that even the most highly regarded writers have experienced musicals that haven't found their audiences.

Other contributors include: actor Elaine Stritch, choreographer Arlene Phillips, creator of ‘The Boyfriend', Sandy Wilson, and actor Victor Spinetti.

Presented by Sheila Hancock.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Sheila Hancock considers stage musicals based books including Oliver! and Les Miserables.

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Another chance to hear the landmark documentary series celebrating the most popular and successful form of theatrical entertainment in the world: The Musical.

Programme Six: From Page To Stage

The Musical can take many forms and tell many different kinds of story in a variety of styles; but, before there can be any show, there has to be a story.

In searching for that story, composers have repeatedly turned to the world's greatest literary classics; from Cevantes' 'Don Quixote' to Dickens' 'Oliver Twist'.

In this programme, actors Ron Moody, Jodie Prenger, Elaine Paige with producer Cameron Mackintosh consider Lionel Bart's landmark show, 'Oliver!'.

The co-creators of ‘Les Miserables', Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, illustrate how the genre of the musical knows no national boundaries, and original cast member, Patti LuPone, recalls the challenges of turning Victor Hugo's epic nineteenth century novel into a stage musical.

And later, director Michael Grandage discusses the ever-popular Broadway show 'Guys and Dolls', which was inspired by the work of Damon Runyan.

But even when a musical is based on a famous book, they can fail.

This programme also recalls shows that have flopped including: 'The Baker's Wife' and 'Margueritte' with contributions from Ruthie Henshall, Tim Rice and Don Black.

And Stephen Sondheim explains that even the most highly regarded writers have experienced musicals that haven't found their audiences.

Other contributors include: actor Elaine Stritch, choreographer Arlene Phillips, creator of ‘The Boyfriend', Sandy Wilson, and actor Victor Spinetti.

Presented by Sheila Hancock.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Sheila Hancock considers stage musicals based books including Oliver! and Les Miserables.

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Seven: We're In The Money

Julia McKenzie examines the business of how Broadway sells The Musical and asks how theatrical brands like Disney, David Merrick and Andrew Lloyd Webber have been developed.

Case studies include: 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'The Lion King' and '42nd Street'.

The programme also features alternative performances of classic musicals from the canon of the satirical revue, ‘Forbidden Broadway'.

With contributors: composer, Alan Menken, lyricist, Tim Rice, actors, Ruthie Henshall and Maria Friedman, writer Richard Stilgoe, and actor, Paul Nicholas.

We also hear from actor, Elaine Stritch, New York based critic Mark Riedel, producers, Judy Craymer and Cameron Mackintosh, choreographers Gillian Lynne and Arlene Phillips, and Disney's Thomas Schumacher. This programme features additional contributions from leading men John Barrowman and Jonathan Pryce, and the directors Hal Prince and Nicholas Hytner.

Presented by Julia McKenzie.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

We're In The Money: Julia McKenzie studies the business of how Broadway sells The Musical

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Seven: We're In The Money

Julia McKenzie examines the business of how Broadway sells The Musical and asks how theatrical brands like Disney, David Merrick and Andrew Lloyd Webber have been developed.

Case studies include: 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'The Lion King' and '42nd Street'.

The programme also features alternative performances of classic musicals from the canon of the satirical revue, ‘Forbidden Broadway'.

With contributors: composer, Alan Menken, lyricist, Tim Rice, actors, Ruthie Henshall and Maria Friedman, writer Richard Stilgoe, and actor, Paul Nicholas.

We also hear from actor, Elaine Stritch, New York based critic Mark Riedel, producers, Judy Craymer and Cameron Mackintosh, choreographers Gillian Lynne and Arlene Phillips, and Disney's Thomas Schumacher. This programme features additional contributions from leading men John Barrowman and Jonathan Pryce, and the directors Hal Prince and Nicholas Hytner.

Presented by Julia McKenzie.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

We're In The Money: Julia McKenzie studies the business of how Broadway sells The Musical

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Eight: Back To The Future

In the final programme, actor Ramin Karimloo - who played the titular role in ‘The Phantom of The Opera' sequel 'Love Never Dies' - asks what's next for Broadway and the world of musical theatre.

The programme also considers the impact on the stage musical of TV talent shows like 'I'd Do Anything' and 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria', and also explores the trend of the 'juke-box' show.

Contributors include producer of ‘Mamma Mia!', Judy Craymer, Queen guitarist Brian May, theatrical producer David Ian, and founding members of ABBA Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

The programme features additional interviews with Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber, plus actors Ruthie Henshall, Julia McKenzie, Patti LuPone and Elaine Stritch.

We also hear from actor-director Maria Friedman, writer Richard Stilgoe, lyricist Tim Rice, actor Glenn Carter, TV producer Martin Scott, and actor Liz Robertson.

This week's case studies include 'Mamma Mia!' 'The Jersey Boys' and 'We Will Rock You'.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Actor Ramin Karimloo considers the evolution of the juke-box musical.

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment

Programme Eight: Back To The Future

In the final programme, actor Ramin Karimloo - who played the titular role in ‘The Phantom of The Opera' sequel 'Love Never Dies' - asks what's next for Broadway and the world of musical theatre.

The programme also considers the impact on the stage musical of TV talent shows like 'I'd Do Anything' and 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria', and also explores the trend of the 'juke-box' show.

Contributors include producer of ‘Mamma Mia!', Judy Craymer, Queen guitarist Brian May, theatrical producer David Ian, and founding members of ABBA Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

The programme features additional interviews with Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber, plus actors Ruthie Henshall, Julia McKenzie, Patti LuPone and Elaine Stritch.

We also hear from actor-director Maria Friedman, writer Richard Stilgoe, lyricist Tim Rice, actor Glenn Carter, TV producer Martin Scott, and actor Liz Robertson.

This week's case studies include 'Mamma Mia!' 'The Jersey Boys' and 'We Will Rock You'.

Written by Brian Sibley and produced by Malcolm Prince.

First broadcast in 2010.

Actor Ramin Karimloo considers the evolution of the juke-box musical.

A series of documentaries celebrating the most successful form of theatrical entertainment