(Image: http://www.playbill.com/article/the-little-mermaid-live-ratings-how-did-abc-fare-compared-to-nbc-and-foxs-live-musicals)
Just 2 days ago, ABC premiered The Little Mermaid Live! which garnered about 9 million views that night. It featured some pretty famous talent: namely Moana‘s Auli’i Cravalho and Queen Latifah. While I didn’t get see it, it made me think about the importance of live musicals on primetime television. It also made me think of all the reasons I love live TV musicals, even if they’re sometimes poorly done (I’m looking at you, Rent Live!).
First, I love live TV musicals because they increase the visibility and relevance of musicals to the American public. I know major networks have produced already well-known musicals such as The Little Mermaid, Rent, The Sound of Music, etc.; regardless, it still bolsters the influence Broadway has on our culture right now. Many of these musicals have achieved mainstream success in the past, but it’s important to introduce new audiences to these classics while revamping the hype among older fans.
Live TV musicals on these networks also result in some awesome casting choices. NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live! cast music icons John Legend and Sara Bareilles, while their production of Hairspray Live! featured Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, and Broadway-veteran Kristin Chenoweth. Moreover, Fox’s Grease Live! showcased Julliane Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, and Aaron Tveit. Only these big TV networks would have the power to combine this much talent and star power in one production.
In a previous blog post, I had discussed the ethics surrounding the creation and distribution of bootleg musicals. In some ways, I think live TV musicals could help curb some of the desire for accessible musical productions. Live TV musicals are a step between Broadway and productions and movie musicals in my opinion because they are shot with a live audience, which adds something special to the performance. Many times, the actors feed off the crowd’s energy and it comes through. And there’s something so wholesome and exciting about watching an actor have fun with what they’re doing on stage.
November 8, 2019 at 8:53 pm
I think you respond well to the exigence and Kairotic moment of The Little Mermaid Live! in writing this blog post. I think that it could gain the interest of people, as you talk about in the post, who might see this on TV and watch it, but might not necessarily have exposure to the greater Broadway or musical community. In all, you follow the principles of writing for the web well, short paragraphs and including images (I would maybe just try to include a proper citation for the image next time!).