Have Broadway shows ever been video taped, and offered to the public for a price? I’m not referring to movies adapted from the stage, ie. ‘Cabaret’, ‘Chicago’, ‘West Side Story’…I’m referring to original Broadway cast, from opening curtain to conclusion,unlike snippets I saw last night on PBS.
Anyone?
There’s a stunning version of Cats on VHS and DVD.
And don’t miss Sweeney Todd with Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett. Delicious!
Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions, most shows are not sold to the general public. However, yes, every show is recorded and archived at the Library at Lincoln Center.
Judging from your location, you may be in NYC. If you are, just call them up and see if you can make an appointment for a viewing. Basically you go in there and watch the show on headphones and a TV viewing station, like microfiche. I think it’s ostensibly only supposed to be used for “educational purposes”, so you may have to tell them it’s for class or something, but they may not be as stringent in the summer months.
Other than this, the only other way to go is bootlegs.
Right now, the only version of Pirates of Penzance is a filmed Broadway stage version.
“Into the Woods” with Bernadette Peters was broadcast on PBS in the early 90’s.
Would that be the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts?
Why, indeed it is!
I know Pippin has a great video with Ben Vereen. I’m not sure if it’s on DVD.
Joseph & the Amazing, By Jeeves, & Cats all have video releases.
Sorry I wasn’t more clear on that. It’s known around here as the “Lincoln Center Library” even though it technically is the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.