http://operetta-research-center.org/live-stage-show-boat-dvd-first-time/ The #1 Archive for Musical Theater Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:54:13 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.40 http://operetta-research-center.org/live-stage-show-boat-dvd-first-time/#comment-1221 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 07:38:45 +0000 http://operetta-research-center.org/?p=7670#comment-1221 It is only very recently that there have come to be complete filmed versions of stage musicals in the USA. Unlike Europe and the UK, the film/tv rights are typically hugely restricted. For example, if Warner Bros. bought the film rights to MY FAIR LADY in 1961, they have the exclusive control over ALL other film & tv versions for many, many years. Conventional wisdom is that they would refuse any other film or tv versions, unless they charged an exorbitant sum of money. Hence, no dvd of MY FAIR LADY from Morbisch. So that’s why there are no other SHOW BOATs. But in the last 10 years or so, all of this has started to change. There are now multiple versions of many of the Sondheim titles, FOLLIES and INTO THE WOODS, and many musicals now want to be recorded and broadcast complete and widely available the way rock concerts or movies are. GAME CHANGER!

]]> http://operetta-research-center.org/live-stage-show-boat-dvd-first-time/#comment-1219 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 16:39:23 +0000 http://operetta-research-center.org/?p=7670#comment-1219 I remember seeing Show Boat in London in a very simple “wooden box” production that was highly effective. It made me realize you do not need a large stage spectacle to make this show work; the story is so strong it also weaves its spell when done almost abstract style. If (!) the acting and singing make you forget the missing scenery. A good conductor also helps, obviously.

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