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The Musical

Malcolm Prince

The Musical: Breaking The Mould

Breaking the Mould

Breaking The Mould

BBC Radio 2 - The Musical, Breaking The Mould

Actor Michael Ball considers musicals that have dared to be different

West End star Michael Ball considers musicals that have dared to be different including 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Cats', 'Chicago' and 'Oklahoma!'.

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

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.

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

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

A series of documentaries celebrating the most popular and successful form of theatrical entertainment in the world. Each programme is presented by a leading name from the world of musical theatre.

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