Review – Show Business

I’ll admit to a curiosity about what goes into a Broadway show, so perhaps I found this documentary more interesting than some viewers would. I also liked it because it covered a wide range of elements, starting with the beginning of an idea for a new musical and then going through the various steps required to turn a concept into a production. It has some rehearsal footage, sure, but it also shows planning meetings, schmooze sessions with critics, and many other details one wouldn’t think about when watching a show. The picture focuses on four productions – a predictable success (Wicked), an unpredicted success (Avenue Q), a play designed for critical acclaim (Caroline, or Change) and an almost instant flop (Taboo) – providing a range of perspectives on the experience. I would have liked this slightly better if they had included some non-musical shows as well. However, even just the musicals are interesting stuff. Mildly amusing