#MusicalTube: 4 Must-Watch Behind-The-Scenes Videos of 2015
As we venture into a bright and shiny new year, we bid a fond farewell to a standout year for Broadway and theatre in general. With shows like Fun Home, Hamilton and Deaf West’s revival of Spring Awakening, musical theatre is slowly developing into a more diverse and accessible community for performers and audiences. Representing voices not often seen, heard or otherwise featured on the Great White Way, 2015 has provided a small glimpse into the future decade of what Broadway could and may become. While we as a community, fans and professionals alike, have a long way to go before this becomes the norm, I think it is important to remember the exciting and culturally innovative year it has been for theatre. That’s why digital time capsules like these videos are so important. Aside from their entertainment value, these behind-the-scenes videos are reminders of what Broadway has the potential to become.
1. Episode 8 – Vlog of Purple Summer: Backstage at Spring Awakening with Andy Mientus
Broadway.com’s Vlog of Purple Summer series is hosted by Deaf West’s Spring Awakening revival cast member Andy Mientus and takes fans inside the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. However, what makes this final video of the series the one to watch is that it’s entirely in American Sign Language. Watching cast members sign about their experience working on this show is emotional and engaging, and it serves as a reminder that ASL needs to become a more prominent form of communication in commercial theatre.
2. Hamilton Opening Night- Cast Perspective
More of a mini documentary/music video than a vlog, the Hamilton “Opening Night- Cast Perspective” is a must-watch for any Broadway enthusiast. From cast members’ commutes to the theatre to the Gypsy Robe ceremony to the afterparty, every moment of the momentous occasion is this captured in this glossy, high-energy and vibrant eight-minute-long film.
3. Behind the Music of Fun Home with Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori
The Tony-winning duo Kron and Tesori walk viewers through the creative process of adapting Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel for the stage. While the video is lengthy (20:46), it’s an important video for artists to watch because Kron and Tesori don’t shy away from discussing the challenges and obstacles of writing the songs and lyrics. It’s a nice reminder that anything worth creating takes time…lots of time – and that you have to scrap a million ideas before you find the right one.
4. Jay Kuo Score for the Broadway musical ALLEGIANCE w/Lea Salonga, George Takei & More
Like the last video, this behind-the-scenes interview with Allegiance’s composer, Jay Kuo, takes audiences through the score of the show. The conversation delves into creative challenges of scoring a show framed around an incredibly underrepresented part of US history.
What are your favorite behind-the-scenes videos of 2015?
We're celebrating musical theatre videos all month long with #MusicalTube! Click here to learn more about how you could win free songbooks by entering the #MusicalTube video contest.
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