"Great Performances" Broadway's Lost Treasures (2003)

Director:

Chris Cohen

Writers:

Steven Hecht (writer)
Hildy Parks (writer)

TV Series:

"Great Performances" (1972)

Original Air Date:

10 August 2003

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Music | Musical | Romance

Plot:

The golden age of the annual Tony Awards ceremony lasted from 1967 to 1986 -- the period during which 'Alexander H...

Plot Keywords:

Dance | Concert | New York City | Broadway New York City | Broadway Musical

Cast

Julie Andrews	...	(archive footage)
Vivian Blaine	...	(archive footage)
Yul Brynner	...	(archive footage)
Betty Buckley	...	(archive footage)
Carol Channing	...	(archive footage)
Joel Grey	...	Himself (also archive footage)
Bob Gunton	...	(archive footage)
Steven Hack	...	Cats cast (archive footage)
Richard Kiley	...	(opening credits) (archive footage)
Angela Lansbury	...	Herself (also archive footage)
Patti LuPone	...	(archive footage)
Andrea McArdle	...	(archive footage)
Patricia Morison	...	(archive footage)
Zero Mostel	...	(archive footage)
Jerry Orbach	...	Himself (also archive footage)
Mandy Patinkin	...	(archive footage)
Robert Preston	...	(archive footage)
Karen Prunczik	...	Anytime Annie
John Raitt	...	(archive footage)
Wanda Richert	...	(archive footage)
Chita Rivera	...	Herself (also archive footage)
Tommy Tune	...	Himself (also archive footage)
Twiggy	...	(archive footage)
Gwen Verdon	...	(archive footage)

Runtime:

USA:110 min (including DVD bonus material)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Company:

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

Trivia:

After the release of the video and DVD versions was announced, together with all the musical numbers, contract disputes forced the makers of the program to remove the "Man of La Mancha" and "Dreamgirls" sequences and substitute songs from other musicals in their place. This is why another announcer (instead of Jerry Orbach, the host) can be heard just before these numbers. Richard Kiley can be seen and heard singing "The Impossible Dream" on the Ed Sullivan video, "The Best of Broadway Musicals".

Soundtrack:

Hey There

This is a lost treasure

My next review is on a program from the TV show "Great performances". The program is called "Broadways Lost treasures".The program show's you famous and rare clips from Broadway and the tony awards. The clips are divided into acts, so let me give you an overview of the acts and tell you some of the performances you may find.

ACT 1 is called Broadway Divas. This act is hosted by Jerry Orbach and you'll be seeing clips from some famous actresses that performed on Broadway. Patti Lupone sings out her heart in "EVITA", Julie Andrews sings beautifully in "A little night's music" and yes Carol Channing sings "Before the parade passes by" in "Hello Dolly". That act was good but the only performance i didn't think went well was Angela Lansbery's performance in "Sweeney Todd". The reason why is because she poorly lips syncs to her own voice.

ACT 2 is called Leading Men. This Act is hosted by Joel grey and this act shows you some of broadways best leading actors. Zero Mostel shows his comic relief style in "Fiddler on the roof", Robert Preston fast sings in "The Music Man", and yul brunner who won the tony and the Oscar for the same role learns how to dance in "The King and I". Act 2 was was very entertaining but the only problem is they put a bonus performance in this act when it should have been put in the bonus performances.

ACT 3 is called Dancin. This Act is hosted by Tommy tune and yes this act is about the best dancing moments on Broadway. Joel grey who won the Oscar and the tony for the same character, welcomes everybody in "Cabaret", and Chita rivera and Gwen Verdon Dance together in "Chicago". The only think i felt that shouldn't be in this act is that joel greys performance in "Cabaret" should have been in Act 2 but still this act is good.

ACT 4 is called Record breakers. This act is hosted by Chita Rivera and she shows you some of broadways record breakers. Andrea Mcardle sings with spirit in "Annie" and Betty Buckley sings the famous song "Memories" in "Cats". Not that i didn't like this act but i felt it was too short and they only show two Broadway shows. Good act but very short.

Bonus Performances is the final Act on the program. There is no host in this act but its still good. In this act you'll see famous movie star Mickey rooney does a duet with Ann miller in "Sugar Babies" and barbra harris wishes to be a movie star in "The Apple tree". Also in this act you'll see extra performances in "Evita" and "Annie". This last act is very good just wish they put Paul Lyndes act here instead of Act 2.

So do i recommend this to Broadway Lovers, that's a big YES!!!!!! If you're a fan of Broadway then this is a real treat for you.

My rating for this program is a 9/10.