Some fan mail (in alphabetical order)--
It is an exciting idea that your program, which recreates the magic and artistic beauty of the American musical theater and film songs for the listening delight of thousands of people, has been offered the chance to go national. There are now many other musical genres which compete for public interest, including the fast-changing contemporary scene as well as the classic music from past centuries.
Your program is one of the few in the country which attains the highest quality of presentation of theater music. Therefore I believe that inclusion of your programming in that of local public radio stations would enhance their ratings. This body of work has already passed the test of time; it is the superb heritage of twentieth century American musical creativity. Further, the enjoyment of listeners to classical European music now overlaps with those who enjoy American musical masterworks. This is because there is, to quote from one of my father's lyrics, "an elegant legacy" in these songs which speak to human experience in a popular but sophisticated manner which no other genre, including the classical, can match.
I'm so enthusiastic about your project that I'd like to help in any
way I
can to further the goals of Broadway Revisited. -- Ernie Harburg
Ernie Harburg, scholar and
author, is
the son of lyricist Yip Harburg and chair
of the Harburg Foundation.
Since the early part of this century, a wealth of American musical theater songs has been created (and is still being created). But aside from the relatively small group of "standard" songs that remains part of the current repertory, the older treasures tend to be neglected, unknown or unfamiliar to younger audiences.
To hear these gems is to realize how rich in talent is the musical theater in this country. That is why radio programs like Art Hilgart's Broadway Revisited are invaluable. (Would there were more of them!) Besides keeping us abreast of what is being created for today's musical theater, they acquaint young audiences (and re-acquaint older ones) with the astonishing legacy we possess. And as long as there continue to be appreciative, discriminating, knowledgeable audiences, our musical theater will continue to flourish and this golden legacy will continue to grow. -- Sheldon Harnick
Sheldon Harnick
wrote the
lyrics of Fiorello, She Loves Me,
Fiddler on the
Roof, and many others.
I find it very dismaying that despite all the music on the air there is
an
almost complete lack of programing
dedicated to the
rich heritage of theater music, as well as the more recent
contributions to
this exciting art form. Public radio stations should certainly attempt
to fill
this gap, and Broadway Revisited would help
immeasurably. If it
were made available in my area, I, like many others, would be a regular
listener. Mr. Hilgart has my best wishes for a long life for Broadway
Revisited. — Tom
Lehrer
Educator and raconteur Tom Lehrer wrote the words and music for the Cameron Mackintosh production Tomfoolery.
Songwriting is a craft and theater is a business, but the combination has produced art. The music and lyrics of my relatives-- along with those of Kern and Sondheim and many others-- give pleasure long after the shows have closed. I'm glad that Broadway Revisited is bringing the songs and shows to public radio, where they will entertain lovers of the form and bring it to new audiences. -- Mary Rodgers Guettel
Broadway composer Mary Rodgers (Once Upon A Mattress among others) is also co-chair of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization and mother of composer Adam Guettel.
Thanks for contributing to the gaiety of nations. — Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim has written an unbroken string of modern classics.
In New York City, Broadway has just recently begun revisiting the great musicals of the past. What took them so long? Art Hilgart's been doing that every week for years now, on his terrific radio program. Broadway Revisited lets us hear the people who really knew how to write a melody and lyrics -- Kern, the Gershwins, Rogers, Hart, Hammerstein, Berlin, Porter, as well as people who are carrying out their traditions today. The show gives context for the music, sets the scene, introduces the players. And then, best of all, lets us hear them -- again, or, in many cases, for the very first time.
Art Hilgart is a dedicated, congenial guide. And the music.....!!! -- Susan Stamberg
Susan Stamberg is one of the founding geniuses of National Public Radio.