On Broadway

Oren Jacoby | US, 2019 | English | Documentary | 82m | DCP | IMDB | Distributor/Sales: Storyville | Festival marketing sample: MJFF 2020

Description: This film presents a comprehensive survey of Broadway theatre history. The glory days when it was the forefront of American popular culture were followed by the decay of the city and the neighbourhood in particular. This was paralleled by a decline in audience numbers from 10m to 4.8m in the 12 years to 1972. During the period many theatres were shuttered. It took new composers and directors with fresh works and new theatre management that were willing to take risks to change that. However the marriage of art and commerce has not been always peaceful. With some theatre seats now commanding $850, Broadway has become a tourist destination that is priced out to most locals. Interviews with Broadway producers and stars are accompanied by clips of broadway shows, film adaptations of these shows and rare archival footage.

Merits: Jacoby’s documentary touches on many issues including inclusion, gentrification and the tensions between art and business. It follows one play, The Nap, from the first reading through to its opening and the many accolades it receives. Unfortunately, undisclosed in the film, the play folded after just seven weeks.

Rating: Suitable for all audiences.

Programming considerations: While many of the artists and entrepreneurs on Broadway are Jewish, there are no specific Jewish themes in this film.