Summary

One in this educational public affairs series that traces the origins and development of the American musical theater and examines the careers and contributions of the creative artists who have made the musical a native American art form. In an informal workshop setting, New York City high school students meet the composers, lyricists, and performers who have shaped the American musical and question them about their work. This edition focuses on the Broadway musical "110 in the Shade" and features its composer Harvey Schmidt, lyricist Tom Jones, and star Inga Swenson. Host Earl Wrightson opens the program by introducing Leon James who, along with conducting the CBS Orchestra in this edition, conducts "110 in the Shade" on Broadway. Schmidt and Jones begin by explaining that they began collaborating on shows in college, and perform "Freshman Song," the first song they ever wrote together. Wrightson then discusses with them the extensive success of another of their shows, "The Fantasticks," and they reminisce about the unusual technique they employed to write songs while in the Army. As an example of the numbers they wrote for Julius Monk's musical revues, they perform "New York Is a Summer Festival," a satiric look at staying in town during the summer months. Next, Wrightson introduces Inga Swenson, who talks about growing up as the daughter of the Swedish consul, and her early dramatic work before entering musical theater. Jones gives a brief synopsis of "110 in the Shade," and Swenson sings two numbers from the show, "Simple Little Things" describing her character's dreams, and "Is It Really Me?" when she realizes her beauty as reflected in her lover's eyes. Commercials deleted.

Cataloging of this program was made possible by The Marc Haas and Helen Hotze Haas Foundation, 1998.