THAT NIGHT ON THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW By Peter Filichia
On February 9, we’ll celebrate the 60th anniversary of what was then the most-watched event in television history. No fewer than 73,000,000 viewers tuned in to The Ed Sullivan Show that Sunday night in 1964 to see a British sensation. It was OLIVER! – the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ OLIVER TWIST. Yes, Lionel Bart’s […]
MORE THAN ONCE UPON A MATTRESS By Peter Filichia
So, for the first time since the Sarah Jessica Parker revival in 1996, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS was back in the Broadway theater district last week. Although more than a quarter century has passed since the musical’s run at the Broadhurst, here’s betting that most everyone who attended Encores! had already seen at least one […]
THE BEST CONCERT OF THE ‘80S By Peter Filichia
Ever hear of PopDaze? The website, we’re told, is “the place to learn, interact, and relive your youth with other fans, as you explore and play with the music, entertainment, and pop culture of the second half of the 20th Century.” So, PopDaze asked the question, “What was your favorite concert in the 1980s?” Some […]
HELLO, 60TH! By Peter Filichia
So, what does January 16, 2024, mean to musical theater fans? The 60th anniversary of the Broadway opening of HELLO, DOLLY! Let’s celebrate with 60 facts, observations and rumors. 1. DOLLY was ostensibly adapted from Thornton Wilder’s 1955 play THE MATCHMAKER, but its true inspiration was the 1958 film version. Both dispensed with the play’s […]
WHAT COMES FIRST – THE MUSIC OR THE LYRICS? By Peter Filichia
So far, 351 people have given their opinions on a question I asked on Facebook. And, my, have I been surprised with what so many wrote. Let’s start at the very beginning. My beloved Linda approached a well-known lyricist at a party. She said that she adored a certain song of his. Linda even put […]
