Musicals on Television (2011)

As part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, on October 1 and 2, The Paley Center for Media will screen a sampler of beloved musicals adapted for television. This year's selection features different musical "takes" on Cinderella and Peter Pan. Two of these programs made television history; the other two are rarities that have not been seen since their initial broadcasts in the Seventies. Bill Rudman, host of Sirius XM Satellite Radio's "On the Aisle" will introduce the October 2 screenings. 

Saturday, October 1 at 2 p.m.

PETER PAN (1960)

In 1954 Mary Martin created the definitive portrayal of Peter Pan in a Broadway production staged and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with music and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Moose Charlap, and additional music and lyrics by Jule Styne, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green. This 1960 telecast stars Martin and Cyril Ritchard, and features Margalo Gillmore and Sondra Lee. Directed for television by Vincent J. Donehue.

 

Saturday, October 1 at 4 p.m.

HALLMARK HALL OF FAME:  PETER PAN (1976)

This television adaptation of the J.M. Barrie tale includes music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, and stars Mia Farrow and Danny Kaye.  Directed by Dwight Hemion and choreographed by Michael Kidd, and featuring Virginia McKenna, Paula Kelly, and John Gielgud. 

 

Sunday, October 2 at 2 p.m.

CINDERELLA (1957)

The only collaboration for television by composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, this 1957 telecast is a bona fide classic. Starring Julie Andrews, with Edie Adams, Kaye Ballard, Alice Ghostley, Ilka Chase, Jon Cypher, Dorothy Stickney, and Howard Lindsay. Directed by Ralph Nelson and choreographed by Jonathan Lucas.

 

Sunday, October 2 at 4 p.m.

CINDY (1978)

This original musical version of Cinderella—with songs by Stan Daniels—is set in Harlem in 1943. With Charlaine Woodard (in the title role), Clifton Davis (as “Joe Prince”), Mae Mercer, Nell Carter, Alaina Reed, and Clevant Derricks. Directed by William A. Graham and choreographed by Donald McKayle.

Tickets included with General Admission to the Paley Center: $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for children under 14. Free for Paley Center Members.